Information processing device, network system, and calibration method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device with which it is possible to materialize calibration without increasing a processing load in a vehicle, and without causing the capacity of a storage device on the vehicle side to be tightened by a database.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 is capable of communicating with both a vehicle 30 and a mobile information terminal for registering a digital key of the vehicle 30. The information processing device 10 comprises a processing circuit and a storage device. The storage device stores a database in which a correction value for calibration of distance measurement carried out for the vehicle 30 to determine that the mobile information terminal stays within the working area of the digital key is preliminarily recorded for each type of mobile information terminal. The processing circuit acquires information for identifying the type from the mobile information terminal. Next, the processing circuit extracts a correction value corresponding to the type of the mobile information terminal from the database on the basis of the acquired information. Meanwhile, the processing circuit transmits the extracted correction value to the vehicle 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a network system, and a calibration method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus used for a digital key. The information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 measures the distance between the vehicle and the information processing terminal and the signal strength. Then, based on the measurement results, the information processing apparatus calibrates the BLE connection area for locking and unlocking with the digital key.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above information processing apparatus measures the distance and signal strength in a vehicle to calculate a correction value. Therefore, it is necessary to execute the processes for measurement and calculation of the correction value in each vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Hereinafter, the means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described. The information processing apparatus for solving the above problems is capable of communicating with both a vehicle and a portable information terminal that registers a digital key for the same vehicle. This information processing apparatus includes a processing circuit and a storage device. The storage device stores a database in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed by the vehicle to determine that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal. The processing circuit executes acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal. The processing circuit executes extracting the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the acquired information. The processing circuit executes transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle.

[0006] The network system for solving the above problems has a vehicle, a portable information terminal that registers a digital key for the same vehicle, and an information processing apparatus connected to be communicable with each other. In this network system, the information processing apparatus includes a processing circuit and a storage device. The storage device stores a database in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed by the vehicle to determine that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal. In this network system, the processing circuit of the information processing apparatus executes acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal. In this network system, the processing circuit of the information processing apparatus executes extracting the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the acquired information. In this network system, the processing circuit of the information processing apparatus executes transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle. In this network system, the vehicle performs the distance measurement calibration based on the received correction value.

[0007] The calibration method for solving the above problems is applied to a network system in which a vehicle, a portable information terminal for registering a digital key of the same vehicle, and an information processing apparatus are communicably connected to each other. In the network system, the information processing apparatus includes a processing circuit and a storage device. The storage device stores a database in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed for the vehicle to determine that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal. This calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal. This calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit extracting the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the acquired information. This calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle. This calibration method includes a step of the vehicle performing the distance measurement calibration based on the received correction value.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] The information processing apparatus, the network system, and the calibration method can realize calibration without increasing the processing load in the vehicle or pressing the capacity of the storage device on the vehicle side by the database.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the network system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. <Configuration of Network System 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 100 is composed of an information processing apparatus 10, a portable information terminal 20, and a vehicle 30. The information processing apparatus 10, the portable information terminal 20, and the vehicle 30 are connected to be communicable with each other.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a processing circuit 11 and a storage device 12. A program and a database 13 are stored in the storage device 12. The database 13 will be described later. The processing circuit 11 executes various processes by executing the program stored in the storage device 12. The processing circuit 11 includes a processor.

[0012] A digital key in the vehicle 30 is registered in the portable information terminal 20. Therefore, the owner of the portable information terminal 20 can unlock or lock the vehicle 30 by operating from the portable information terminal 20.

[0013] The portable information terminal 20 has an owner terminal 21 and a friend terminal 23. The owner terminal 21 and the friend terminal 23 are communicable with each other. The owner terminal 21 is the portable information terminal 20 owned by the owner of the vehicle 30. An owner key 22, which is a digital key for the owner, is registered in the owner terminal 21.

[0014] The friend terminal 23 is a portable information terminal 20 owned by another specific user who has been permitted by the owner to use the vehicle 30. A friend key 24, which is a digital key for the specific user, is registered in the friend terminal 23. The friend key 24 is issued when the owner applies to issue the digital key of the vehicle 30 he / she owns for a specific user.

[0015] The owner terminal 21 in which the owner key 22 is registered performs the same functions as a normal smart key. That is, the owner can lock and unlock the vehicle 30 by operating the owner terminal 21. Also, when the owner terminal 21 is present inside the vehicle 30, the driver of the vehicle 30 can start the engine.

[0016] The owner can set restrictions on the functions available on the friend terminal 23 in which the friend key 24 is registered. For example, if the owner of the friend terminal 23 is only permitted by the owner to lock and unlock the vehicle 30, the owner of the friend terminal 23 can only lock and unlock the vehicle 30 by operating the friend terminal 23. Also, for example, if the owner of the friend terminal 23 is permitted by the owner to drive the vehicle 30, the friend terminal 23 can start the engine and drive while it is present inside the vehicle 30.

[0017] <Overview of the operating area of the vehicle 30> An operating area for the digital key is defined in the vehicle 30. The operating area is the range within which the vehicle 30 responds to operations using the digital key. The vehicle 30 responds to operations using the digital key within the range of the operating area to perform locking and unlocking, etc. Also, the vehicle 30 does not start the engine when the portable information terminal 20 in which the digital key is registered is not within the range of the operating area.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the range of the operating area in the vehicle 30. As shown in Figure 2, the operating area includes a first operating area 31 and a second operating area 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the first operation area 31 is set on the side and rear of the vehicle 30. The owner of the portable information terminal 20 in which the digital key is registered can unlock and lock the vehicle 30 by operating the portable information terminal 20 within the first operation area 31.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the second operation area 32 is set around the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of the vehicle 30. When the portable information terminal 20 in which the digital key is registered is not within the second operation area 32, the owner of the portable information terminal 20 cannot start the engine of the vehicle 30.

[0020] The vehicle 30 communicates with the portable information terminal 20 via BLE (Bluetooth low energy) and UWB (Ultra Wideband). The vehicle 30 can perform low-power consumption communication by communicating with the portable information terminal 20 via BLE. On the other hand, the vehicle 30 can perform communication in an ultra-wideband by communicating with the portable information terminal 20 via UWB. The vehicle 30 performs ranging through communication via BLE and UWB in order to determine that the portable information terminal 20 is within the operation area of the digital key. The vehicle 30 determines that the portable information terminal 20 is within the operation area of the digital key when the signal strengths of both the communication via BLE and the communication via UWB are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Or, the vehicle 30 determines that the portable information terminal 20 is within the operation area of the digital key when the signal strength of one of the communications is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0021] <Overview of the database 13 stored in the information processing device 10> The signal strength when the portable information terminal 20 communicates with other devices via BLE and UWB differs for each model of the portable information terminal 20. Therefore, the vehicle 30 performs calibration for ranging through communication via BLE and UWB for each model of the portable information terminal 20 in order to unify the size of the operation area of the digital key.

[0022] The information processing device 10 stores a database 13 in which correction values for distance measurement calibration are recorded in the storage device 12. FIG. 3 shows the database 13 stored in the storage device 12.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, in the database 13, the correction values for distance measurement calibration are grouped for each model of the portable information terminal 20. In FIG. 3, the models of the portable information terminal 20 are represented by symbols such as "A", "B", and "C".

[0024] Also, in the database 13, correction values for communication by BLE and correction values for communication by UWB are recorded for each model of the portable information terminal 20. In FIG. 3, the correction values for communication by BLE are represented by symbols such as "X1", "X2", and "X3". Also, in FIG. 3, the correction values for communication by UWB are represented by symbols such as "Y1", "Y2", and "Y3".

[0025] To create such a database 13, the creator of the database 13 measures the signal strength of communication by BLE and UWB between the portable information terminal 20 and other devices for each model of the portable information terminal 20. Then, the creator of the database 13 sets correction values for each model so that the size of the operation area of the digital key in the vehicle 30 can be unified. The correction values set in this way are recorded in the database 13.

[0026] In the network system 100, the correction value is a correction value for the signal strength of communication between the vehicle 30 and the portable information terminal 20. For example, when the signal strength of communication by BLE when the portable information terminal 20 of model A reaches the outer edge of the operation area is 3 dB higher than the predetermined value, X1, which is the correction value for communication by BLE, becomes -3 dB.

[0027] In the network system 100, the correction value may be a correction value for the activation area of the digital key in the vehicle 30. For example, when the signal strength of the UWB communication between the mobile information terminal 20 of model A and the vehicle 30 reaches a preset value, if the mobile information terminal 20 is within 30 cm inside the activation area, the correction value Y1 for the UWB communication becomes +30 cm.

[0028] In this way, the information processing device 10 stores in the storage device 12 a database 13 in which correction values for ranging calibration are recorded in advance for each model of the mobile information terminal 20. <Communication mode of the network system 100 when registering the owner key 22> FIG. 4 shows the communication flow when the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 register the owner key 22 in the network system 100. After the owner of the owner terminal 21 registers the owner key 22 with both the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 and then activates it, the vehicle 30 can be operated using the owner terminal 21.

[0029] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the information processing device 10 receives an application for registering the owner key 22. The application for registering the owner key 22 is transmitted, for example, from the store where the vehicle 30 owner has contracted for the owner key 22 at the vehicle 30 dealership to the information processing device 10 after the contract. Also, the application for registering the owner key 22 may be transmitted, for example, from the owner terminal 21 to the information processing device 10.

[0030] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 that has received the application for registering the owner key 22 creates the ID of the owner key 22 and the pairing code. The ID of the owner key 22 is an ID created to identify the owner key 22. The pairing code is a code required for the mobile information terminal 20 and the vehicle 30 to perform pairing.

[0031] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 11 transmits the ID of the owner key 22 and the pairing code to the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30. Then, the vehicle 30 that has received the ID of the owner key 22 and the pairing code creates the public key and the secret key of the owner key 22.

[0032] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, the owner terminal 21 transmits the pairing code to the vehicle 30 by the operation of the owner. As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, the vehicle 30 that has received the pairing code from the owner terminal 21 authenticates the pairing code. In the authentication of the pairing code, the vehicle 30 collates the pairing code received from the information processing device 10 in the upper part of FIG. 4 with the pairing code received from the owner terminal 21 in the middle part of FIG. 4. Then, the vehicle 30 confirms that the pairing code received from the information processing device 10 and the pairing code received from the owner terminal 21 match.

[0033] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, the vehicle 30 that has confirmed that the pairing codes match transmits a pairing code authentication completion notice to the owner terminal 21. When the authentication completion notice is transmitted from the vehicle 30, the pairing between the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 is completed.

[0034] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, after the pairing is completed, the vehicle 30 transmits the public key of the owner key 22 and the ID of the owner key 22 to the owner terminal 21. As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, after the owner terminal 21 receives the public key and the like from the vehicle 30, the owner terminal 21 creates the public key and the secret key of the owner key 22. In this way, the owner key 22 is generated at the owner terminal 21.

[0035] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, the owner terminal 21 transmits the created public key to the vehicle 30 together with the ID of the owner key 22. As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, after transmitting the public key of the owner key 22, the owner terminal 21 registers the owner key 22. In the registration of the owner key 22, the owner terminal 21 creates a common key of the owner key 22 from the secret key of the owner key 22 created by itself and the public key received from the vehicle 30. Then, the created common key of the owner key 22 is associated with the ID of the owner key 22 received from the information processing apparatus 10 and stored.

[0036] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, the vehicle 30 registers the owner key 22 in the same manner as the owner terminal 21. The vehicle 30 creates a common key of the owner key 22 from the secret key of the owner key 22 created by itself and the public key received from the owner terminal 21. Then, the vehicle 30 registers the owner key 22 by associating the created common key of the owner key 22 with the ID of the owner key 22 received from the information processing apparatus 10 and storing it.

[0037] The owner key 22 registered in both the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 is activated between the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30. The owner key 22 activated in this way can be used on the owner terminal 21 as a digital key for the vehicle 30.

[0038] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the owner terminal 21 in which the registration of the owner key 22 is completed transmits the ID of the owner key 22 and the model information of the owner terminal 21 to the information processing apparatus 10. In this way, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 executes acquiring information for identifying the model of the owner terminal 21 from the owner terminal 21 which is the portable information terminal 20.

[0039] The processing circuit 11 that has obtained the information for identifying the model of the owner terminal 21 searches the database 13 for the correction value corresponding to the model of the owner terminal 21. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 11 extracts the correction value corresponding to the model of the owner terminal 21 from the database 13.

[0040] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 11 transmits the correction value extracted from the database 13 and the ID of the owner key 22 to the vehicle 30. In this way, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the correction value for BLE communication and the correction value for UWB communication corresponding to the model of the owner terminal 21 to the vehicle 30.

[0041] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the vehicle 30 that has received the correction value performs ranging calibration by applying the received correction value. In this way, after the pairing between the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 is completed, when the owner key 22 is generated and activated on the owner terminal 21, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the correction value for the owner terminal 21 to the vehicle 30.

[0042] <Communication mode of the network system 100 when registering the friend key 24> FIG. 5 shows the communication flow when the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30 register the friend key 24 in the network system 100. After the friend key 24 is registered in both the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30 and then activated, the owner of the friend terminal 23 can operate the vehicle 30 using the friend terminal 23.

[0043] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the friend terminal 23 sends a request to use the friend key 24 to the owner terminal 21. After the owner terminal 21 receives the request to use the friend key 24, when the owner approves the request to use the friend key 24, the owner terminal 21 sends a request to issue the friend key 24 to the information processing device 10 as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5. In this way, the owner applies to issue the digital key of the vehicle 30 he owns for another specific user.

[0044] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, after receiving the use permission information, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 creates the ID of the friend key 24 and the pairing code. The ID of the friend key 24 is an ID created to identify the friend key 24.

[0045] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the processing circuit 11 sends the ID of the friend key 24 and the pairing code to the vehicle 30. Then, the vehicle 30 that has received the ID of the friend key 24 and the pairing code creates the public key and the secret key of the friend key 24.

[0046] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the processing circuit 11 sends the ID of the friend key 24 and the pairing code to the vehicle 30. Then, the friend terminal 23 that has received the ID of the friend key 24 and the pairing code creates the public key and the secret key of the friend key 24. In this way, the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23.

[0047] As shown in the middle part of FIG. 5, the friend terminal 23 that has created the public key and the secret key of the friend key 24 sends the ID of the friend key 24 and the model information of the friend terminal 23 to the information processing device 10. In this way, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 obtains information for identifying the model of the friend terminal 23 from the friend terminal 23 which is the portable information terminal 20.

[0048] The processing circuit 11 that has obtained information for identifying the model of the friend terminal 23 searches the database 13 for a correction value corresponding to the model of the friend terminal 23. Then, as shown in the middle row of FIG. 5, the processing circuit 11 extracts from the database 13 the correction value corresponding to the model of the friend terminal 23.

[0049] As shown in the middle row of FIG. 5, the processing circuit 11 transmits to the vehicle 30 the correction value extracted from the database 13 and the ID of the friend key 24. At this time, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits to the vehicle 30 the correction value for BLE communication and the correction value for UWB communication corresponding to the model of the friend terminal 23. In this way, when the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the correction value for the friend terminal 23 to the vehicle 30.

[0050] As shown in the middle row of FIG. 5, the vehicle 30 that has received the correction value applies the received correction value to perform ranging calibration. As shown in the lower row of FIG. 5, the friend terminal 23 transmits a pairing code toward the vehicle 30 by an operation of the owner of the friend terminal 23.

[0051] As shown in the lower row of FIG. 5, the vehicle 30 that has received the pairing code from the friend terminal 23 authenticates the pairing code. In authenticating the pairing code, the vehicle 30 collates the pairing code received from the information processing apparatus 10 in the upper row of FIG. 5 with the pairing code received from the friend terminal 23 in the lower row of FIG. 5. Then, the vehicle 30 confirms that the pairing code received from the information processing apparatus 10 and the pairing code received from the friend terminal 23 match.

[0052] As shown in the lower row of FIG. 5, the vehicle 30 that has confirmed that the pairing codes match transmits a pairing code authentication completion notification toward the friend terminal 23. When the authentication completion notification is transmitted from the vehicle 30, pairing is completed between the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30.

[0053] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, after the pairing is completed, the vehicle 30 transmits the public key of the friend key 24 and the ID of the friend key 24 to the friend terminal 23. On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, after the pairing is completed, the friend terminal 23 transmits the public key of the friend key 24 and the ID of the friend key 24 to the vehicle 30.

[0054] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, after transmitting the public key of the friend key 24, the friend terminal 23 registers the friend key 24. In registering the friend key 24, the friend terminal 23 creates a common key of the friend key 24 from the secret key of the friend key 24 created by itself and the public key received from the vehicle 30. Then, the created common key of the friend key 24 is associated with the ID of the friend key 24 received from the information processing device 10 and stored.

[0055] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the vehicle 30 registers the friend key 24 in the same manner as the friend terminal 23. The vehicle 30 creates a common key of the friend key 24 from the secret key of the friend key 24 created by itself and the public key received from the friend terminal 23. Then, the vehicle 30 registers the friend key 24 by associating the created common key of the friend key 24 with the ID of the friend key 24 received from the information processing device 10 and storing it.

[0056] The friend key 24 registered in both the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30 is activated between the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30. The friend key 24 activated in this way can be used on the friend terminal 23 as a digital key of the vehicle 30.

[0057] In this way, when the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits a correction value for the friend terminal 23 to the vehicle 30 before activation by pairing between the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30.

[0058] <Operation of this Embodiment> A database 13 storing correction values corresponding to each model is recorded in the storage device 12 of the information processing apparatus 10. Therefore, in each vehicle 30, it is not necessary to measure the distance and the signal strength in order to calculate the correction value. Further, it is not necessary to store the database 13 in the storage device of each vehicle 30.

[0059] <Effects of the present embodiment> (1) The information processing apparatus 10 can achieve calibration without increasing the processing load in the vehicle 30 or squeezing the capacity of the storage device on the vehicle 30 side by the database 13.

[0060] (2) The vehicle 30 performs ranging through communication with the portable information terminal 20 by BLE (Bluetooth low energy). The processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 executes transmitting, as a correction value, a correction value for communication by BLE. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve calibration for ranging through communication by BLE.

[0061] (3) The vehicle 30 performs ranging through communication with the portable information terminal 20 by UWB (Ultra Wideband). The processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 executes transmitting, as a correction value, a correction value for communication by UWB. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 can achieve calibration for ranging through communication by UWB in the vehicle 30.

[0062] (4) In the network system 100, the vehicle 30, the portable information terminal 20 that registers the digital key of the same vehicle 30, and the information processing device 10 are connected to be communicable with each other. In the network system 100, the information processing device 10 includes a processing circuit 11 and a storage device 12. In the storage device 12, a database 13 that pre-records correction values for ranging calibration performed for the vehicle 30 to determine that the portable information terminal 20 is within the operation area of the digital key is stored for each model of the portable information terminal 20. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal 20. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes extracting a correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal 20 from the database 13 based on the acquired information. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle 30. In the network system 100, the vehicle 30 performs ranging calibration based on the received correction value.

[0063] In the network system 100, a database 13 storing correction values corresponding to each model is recorded in the storage device 12 of the information processing device 10. Therefore, in each vehicle 30, it is not necessary to measure the distance and the signal strength to calculate the correction value. Also, it is not necessary to store the database 13 in the storage device of each vehicle 30. That is, according to the above configuration, calibration can be realized without increasing the processing load on the vehicle 30 or squeezing the capacity of the storage device on the vehicle 30 side by the database 13.

[0064] (5) In the network system 100, the vehicle 30 performs ranging through communication with the portable information terminal 20 via BLE (Bluetooth low energy). The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes sending a correction value for communication via BLE as a correction value. Thereby, the network system 100 can realize calibration for ranging through communication via BLE.

[0065] (6) In the network system 100, the vehicle 30 performs ranging through communication with the portable information terminal 20 via UWB (Ultra Wideband). The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes sending a correction value for communication via UWB as a correction value. Thereby, the network system 100 can realize calibration for ranging through communication via UWB.

[0066] (7) In the network system 100, the owner terminal 21 is a portable information terminal 20 owned by the owner of the vehicle 30. In the network system 100, the owner key 22 is a digital key for the owner of the vehicle 30. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 executes sending a correction value for the owner terminal 21 to the vehicle 30 when the pairing between the owner terminal 21 and the vehicle 30 is completed and the owner key 22 is generated and activated on the owner terminal 21.

[0067] In the network system 100, the information processing device 10 sends a correction value to the vehicle 30 at the timing when the owner key 22 is activated. Thereby, the network system 100 can promptly perform calibration when the owner key 22 becomes valid.

[0068] When the owner of the vehicle 30 applies to issue the digital key of the vehicle 30 he owns to another specific user, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 will, when the friend key 24, which is the digital key issued to the friend terminal 23 which is the portable information terminal 20 owned by the specific user, is issued to the friend terminal 23, execute sending the correction value for the friend terminal 23 to the vehicle 30 before activation by pairing between the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30.

[0069] When activating a digital key, the owner of the digital key pairs the vehicle 30 with the portable information terminal 20 for registering the digital key. In the above network system 100, when the friend key 24 is issued, the information processing device 10 sends the correction value to the vehicle 30 without waiting for activation by pairing. Thereby, the network system 100 can perform calibration before pairing the vehicle 30 and the friend terminal 23.

[0070] (9) When the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 in the network system 100 executes sending the correction value for the friend terminal 23 to the vehicle 30. Thereby, the network system 100 can perform calibration promptly after the issuance of the friend key 24.

[0071] (10) The calibration method is applied to a network system 100 in which a vehicle 30 and a portable information terminal 20 for registering a digital key of the same vehicle 30 are communicably connected to an information processing apparatus 10. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a processing circuit 11 and a storage device 12. The storage device 12 stores a database 13 in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed for the vehicle 30 to determine that the portable information terminal 20 is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal 20. The calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit 11 acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal 20. The calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit 11 extracting, based on the acquired information, a correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal 20 from the database 13. The calibration method includes a step of the processing circuit 11 transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle 30. The calibration method includes a step of the vehicle 30 performing distance measurement calibration based on the received correction value.

[0072] The above calibration method utilizes the database 13 recorded in the storage device 12 of the information processing apparatus 10. Therefore, in each vehicle 30, it is not necessary to measure the distance and the signal strength in order to calculate the correction value. Also, it is not necessary to store the database 13 in the storage device of each vehicle 30. That is, according to the above calibration method, calibration can be realized without increasing the processing load in the vehicle 30 or squeezing the capacity of the storage device on the vehicle 30 side by the database 13.

[0073] <Modification Example> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0074] ·In the above-described embodiment, when the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits a correction value to the vehicle 30. On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 10 may transmit the correction value at any timing after the friend key 24 is issued to the friend terminal 23 until activation of pairing between the friend terminal 23 and the vehicle 30 is performed.

[0075] ·In the above-described embodiment, the operation area of the vehicle 30 is composed of a first operation area 31 set toward the side and rear of the vehicle 30 and a second operation area 32 set inside the vehicle. On the other hand, the number, shape, position, and size of the operation area can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the operation area of the vehicle 30 may spread in a circular shape centering on the vehicle 30.

[0076] ·In the above-described embodiment, the friend terminal 23 transmits an application for using the friend key 24 to the owner terminal 21 in the upper row of FIG. 5. On the other hand, the application for using the friend key 24 may be made from outside the friend terminal 23 to which the friend key 24 is registered. For example, an application for using the friend key 24 may be transmitted from a store with which the user of the friend key 24 has a contract. An application for using the friend key 24 may be transmitted from the owner terminal 21. For example, in these cases, an application for use is made by designating the registration destination of the friend key 24.

[0077] ·In the above-described embodiment, the owner terminal 21 creates a public key and a secret key of the owner key 22 after pairing with the vehicle 30 is completed. On the other hand, the owner terminal 21 may create a public key and a secret key of the owner key 22 before pairing with the vehicle 30 is completed. In that case, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 may transmit a correction value corresponding to the owner terminal 21 after the owner terminal 21 creates a public key and a secret key of the owner key 22 and before pairing with the vehicle 30.

[0078] · In the above embodiment, the friend terminal 23 creates the public key and the secret key of the friend key 24 before pairing with the vehicle 30. On the other hand, the friend terminal 23 may create the public key and the secret key of the friend key 24 after the pairing with the vehicle 30 is completed. In that case, after the pairing of the friend terminal 23 with the vehicle 30 is completed and when the friend key 24 is activated, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 may transmit a correction value for the friend terminal 23 to the vehicle 30.

[0079] · In the above embodiment, the friend terminal 23 transmits the model information of the friend terminal 23 to the information processing apparatus 10. On the other hand, the model information of the friend terminal 23 may be transmitted from the owner terminal 21.

[0080] In this case, the owner terminal 21 acquires the model information of the friend terminal 23, for example, by receiving the model information of the friend terminal 23 from the friend terminal 23. The owner terminal 21 may also acquire the model information of the friend terminal 23 by directly inputting the model information of the friend terminal 23 from the owner or the user of the friend terminal 23 or the like.

[0081] The owner terminal 21 that has acquired the model information of the friend terminal 23 in this way transmits the model information of the friend terminal 23 to the information processing apparatus 10, for example, at the timing of transmitting an application for issuing the friend key 24 in the upper part of FIG. 5.

[0082] <Supplementary Note> The technical idea understood from the above embodiment and the modified example will be described. [Appendix 1] A network system in which a vehicle, a portable information terminal for registering a digital key of the same vehicle, and an information processing device are connected to each other so as to be communicable. The information processing device includes a processing circuit and a storage device storing a database in which correction values for ranging calibration performed to determine that the portable information terminal is within an operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal. The processing circuit executes acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal, extracting the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the acquired information, and transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle. The vehicle is a network system that performs ranging calibration based on the received correction value.

[0083] [Appendix 2] The vehicle performs the ranging through communication with the portable information terminal by BLE (Bluetooth low energy). The processing circuit executes transmitting, as the correction value, the correction value for the BLE communication in the network system according to [Appendix 1].

[0084] [Appendix 3] The vehicle performs the ranging through communication with the portable information terminal by UWB (Ultra Wideband). The processing circuit executes transmitting, as the correction value, the correction value for the UWB communication in the network system according to [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2].

[0085] [Appendix 4] The processing circuit executes transmitting the correction value for the owner terminal to the vehicle when pairing between the vehicle and an owner terminal, which is the portable information terminal owned by the owner of the vehicle, is completed and an owner key, which is the digital key for the owner of the vehicle, is generated and activated on the owner terminal in the network system according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3].

[0086] [Appendix 5] When the owner applies to issue the digital key of the vehicle he owns to a specific other user, the processing circuit transmits the correction value for the friend terminal to the vehicle before activating the pairing between the friend terminal and the vehicle when the friend key, which is the digital key issued to the friend terminal owned by the specific user, is issued to the friend terminal. The network system according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4].

[0087] [Appendix 6] When the friend key is issued to the friend terminal, the processing circuit transmits the correction value for the friend terminal to the vehicle. The network system according to [Appendix 5].

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10… Information processing device 11… Processing circuit 12… Storage device 13… Database 20… Portable information terminal 21… Owner terminal 22… Owner key 23… Friend terminal 24… Friend key 30… Vehicle 31… First operation area 32… Second operation area 100… Network system

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with both a vehicle and a portable information terminal that registers a digital key for the same vehicle, a processing circuit, a storage device storing a database in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed to determine by the vehicle that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal, and is provided with, the processing circuit, obtains information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal, extracts the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the obtained information, transmits the extracted correction value to the vehicle, An information processing apparatus that executes.

2. The vehicle performs the distance measurement through communication with the portable information terminal by BLE (Bluetooth low energy), the processing circuit, as the correction value, executes transmitting the correction value for the communication by BLE The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle performs the distance measurement through communication with the portable information terminal by UWB (Ultra Wideband), the processing circuit, as the correction value, executes transmitting the correction value for the communication by UWB The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A network system in which a vehicle, a portable information terminal that registers a digital key for the same vehicle, and an information processing apparatus are communicably connected to each other, the information processing apparatus, a processing circuit, a storage device storing a database in which correction values for distance measurement calibration performed to determine by the vehicle that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal, and is provided with, the processing circuit, obtains information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal, extracts the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the obtained information, transmits the extracted correction value to the vehicle, executes, the vehicle, performs calibration of the distance measurement based on the received correction value A network system.

5. The vehicle, performs the distance measurement through communication with the portable information terminal by BLE (Bluetooth low energy), the processing circuit, as the correction value, Execute transmitting the correction value for the communication by the BLE The network system according to claim 4

6. The vehicle Performs the ranging through communication with the portable information terminal by UWB (Ultra Wideband), The processing circuit As the correction value, Execute transmitting the correction value for the communication by the UWB The network system according to claim 4 or claim 5

7. The processing circuit When the pairing between the vehicle and the owner terminal, which is the portable information terminal owned by the owner of the vehicle, is completed, And when the owner key, which is the digital key for the owner of the vehicle, is generated and activated on the owner terminal, Execute transmitting the correction value for the owner terminal to the vehicle The network system according to claim 4

8. A calibration method applied to a network system in which a vehicle and a portable information terminal for registering a digital key of the same vehicle are communicably connected to an information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus A processing circuit and A storage device storing a database in which correction values for calibration of ranging performed to determine that the portable information terminal is within the operation area of the digital key are recorded in advance for each model of the portable information terminal, A step in which the processing circuit executes acquiring information for identifying the model from the portable information terminal, A step in which the processing circuit executes extracting the correction value corresponding to the model of the portable information terminal from the database based on the acquired information, A step in which the processing circuit executes transmitting the extracted correction value to the vehicle, A step in which the vehicle performs calibration of the ranging based on the received correction value, Including Calibration method

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