Program, method, and information processing device

Abstract

To facilitate reduction of the operation burden of a rider when initiating a drive unit of a motorcycle through a rotary switch while conducting biometric authentication of the rider, and to facilitate appropriate starting of the motorcycle.SOLUTION: A program for causing a computer to perform: acquiring biometric information of a rider of a motorcycle through an authentication device installed in the motorcycle; determining, according to the biometric information, whether or not the rider is an authenticated rider; determining whether a start signal representing an operation to start a drive unit of the motorcycle has been obtained; starting the drive unit of the motorcycle when the start signal is obtained and the rider is the authenticated rider; and performing control to stop the motorcycle in response to an input of a rotational operation to a rotary momentary switch that receives a rotational operation for stopping the drive unit of the motorcycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a method, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In automobiles, unlocking control is performed using an electronic key to prevent vehicle theft. Patent Document 1 describes an electronic key system for preventing theft damage caused by, for example, a relay attack. Patent Document 1 attempts to reduce the risk of theft by transmitting an unlock permission signal to a control device to unlock the vehicle doors when face authentication is successful. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-46741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Because motorcycles do not have doors, theft prevention requires preventing the motorcycle from starting at all. The vehicle's control system is activated by operating the main switch. It is conceivable to use biometric authentication, such as facial recognition, to prevent the motorcycle from starting. However, due to technical standards for motorcycles, stopping the drive unit requires rotating a mechanical key or switch counterclockwise. Until now, no biometric authentication method has been available that is compatible with a rotary switch used as the main switch.

[0005] Furthermore, motorcycles require two operations: a main switch operation to start the motorcycle, and a starter switch operation to activate the drive unit. Therefore, starting the drive unit requires multiple operations, placing an operational burden on the rider. If starting the motorcycle and starting the drive unit were made possible by operating only the starter switch to reduce the operational burden, for example, the motorcycle and the drive unit could be started even when the main switch is off, potentially resulting in a contradiction between the state of the main switch and the state of the motorcycle. It is desirable to avoid such a situation.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, method, and information processing device that can biometrically authenticate the rider while reducing the operational burden on the rider when starting the drive unit of a motorcycle that uses a rotary switch, and enable the motorcycle to be started appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire biometric information of a rider of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle, determine whether the rider is an authenticated rider based on the biometric information, determine whether a start signal indicating an operation to start the drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired, and if the start signal has been acquired and the rider is an authenticated rider, start the drive unit of the motorcycle, and control the motorcycle to stop based on input of a rotational operation to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotational operation to stop the drive unit of the motorcycle is input.

[0008] According to this aspect, the drive unit of the motorcycle is started when a start signal is received and the rider is an authenticated rider. Therefore, the rider can start the drive unit simply by operating an operating device that outputs a start signal, for example. Furthermore, stopping the motorcycle based on input to the momentary switch prevents a contradiction between the switch state and the motorcycle state, which can occur when using an alternate switch that takes one of two states: a state that starts the motorcycle (ON) and a state that stops the motorcycle (OFF). Furthermore, using a rotary momentary switch also satisfies technical standards. This reduces the operational burden on the rider when starting the drive unit of a motorcycle using a rotary switch, enabling the motorcycle to be started appropriately while biometrically authenticating the rider.

[0009] In the above aspect, starting the drive unit of the motorcycle may include starting the drive unit when a start signal is acquired for a predetermined period of time.

[0010] According to this aspect, the driver is required to receive the start signal for a predetermined period of time, so that start of the drive unit due to an erroneous input can be prevented.

[0011] In the above aspect, determining whether the driver is an authenticated driver may include determining whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on biometric information and the biometric information of the authenticated driver stored in a memory unit of the computer.

[0012] According to this aspect, the authenticated driver is determined based on the biometric information stored in the storage unit of the computer that controls the motorcycle, thereby improving security.

[0013] In the above aspect, acquiring the biometric information may include acquiring the biometric information from an authentication device included in an operation device that is provided on the motorcycle and outputs a start signal in response to an operation by the rider.

[0014] According to this aspect, the acquisition of biological information and the acquisition of the start signal can be performed by operating an integrated device, thereby reducing the operational burden on the driver.

[0015] In the above aspect, the operating device may be provided on a steering handle of the motorcycle.

[0016] In the above aspect, the biometric information may be fingerprint information of the driver.

[0017] A method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a computer acquiring biometric information of a rider of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle, determining whether the rider is an authenticated rider based on the biometric information, determining whether a start signal indicating an operation to start the drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired, and if the start signal has been acquired and the rider is an authenticated rider, starting the drive unit of the motorcycle, and controlling the motorcycle to stop based on input of a rotational operation to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotational operation to stop the drive unit of the motorcycle is input.

[0018] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a rider of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle; a biometric information determination unit that determines whether the rider is an authenticated rider based on the biometric information; a start signal determination unit that determines whether a start signal indicating an operation to start the drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired; a drive processing unit that starts the drive unit of the motorcycle when the start signal has been acquired and the rider is an authenticated rider; and a stop control unit that controls the motorcycle to stop based on input of a rotational operation to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotational operation to stop the drive unit of the motorcycle is input. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, method, and information processing device that can biometrically authenticate the driver while reducing the operational burden on the driver when starting the drive unit of a motorcycle that uses a rotary switch, and can properly start the motorcycle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a rotary momentary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control process performed by a control unit according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] This embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the configuration of a motorcycle 10 according to this embodiment. The motorcycle 10 has a drive unit 101, an operation input unit 102, a storage unit 103, and a control unit 104. Note that this embodiment will describe the control of the motorcycle 10, and therefore a detailed description of the vehicle body configuration of the motorcycle 10 will be omitted.

[0022] The drive unit 101 includes a device for driving the motorcycle 10. The drive unit 101 has an engine 1011 and a starter motor 1012 (drive device). The engine 1011 is an internal combustion engine that burns fuel and generates power for rotating the wheels of the motorcycle 10. The starter motor 1012 is a motor driven by a battery (not shown) and is connected to the crankshaft of the engine 1011 so that power can be transmitted. The starter motor 1012 performs rotational motion in response to a start signal, which will be described later, and causes the engine 1011 to perform rotational motion for starting the engine 1011. Note that the drive unit 101 may not be an engine and starter motor, but may instead be a motor for driving the motorcycle. In other words, the motorcycle 10 may be a vehicle that runs on electricity.

[0023] The operation input unit 102 is a device that is held by the rider when operating the motorcycle 10, and provides steering functions for the motorcycle 10. The operation input unit 102 has a main switch 1021, a rotation lock mechanism 10211, a starter switch 1022, and an authentication device 10221. Fig. 2 shows, as an example, a portion of a vehicle body having an instrument unit M, the main switch 1021, the handle unit 103, and the starter switch 1022.

[0024] The main switch 1021 is a switch for activating electronic devices such as a control unit (described later) provided on the motorcycle 10. The main switch 1021 is a rotary switch that enables the motorcycle 10 to be started when the rider applies an operational input, such as a rotation operation, to the main switch 1021. The main switch 1021 is a rotary momentary switch as shown in FIG. 3. The main switch 1021 enables the rider to start (ON) the motorcycle 10 or stop (OFF) the drive unit by, for example, pinching the knob 301 and rotating it in the ON direction (A1) or the OFF direction (A2). Because the main switch 1021 is a momentary switch, when the rider releases his or her finger from the knob, the knob 301 returns to the neutral position.

[0025] The rotation lock mechanism 10211 is a device that controls the lock state of the rotation operation of the main switch 1021. The rotation lock mechanism 10211 switches between a locked state in which the main switch 1021 cannot be rotated in the on direction and an unlocked state in which the main switch 1021 can be rotated in the on direction, in response to a control signal from the control unit 104. In the locked state, the main switch 1021 cannot be rotated, so the main switch of the motorcycle 10 does not turn on and the motorcycle 10 does not start. Furthermore, when the motorcycle 10 is not started, the initial state of the rotation lock mechanism 10211 for rotation operation in the on direction is the locked state. When the motorcycle 10 is not started, the rotation lock mechanism 10211 does not lock rotation operation in the off direction. Alternatively, the rotation lock mechanism 10211 may be configured to lock rotation in the off direction when the drive unit of the motorcycle 10 is not started, and unlock rotation in the off direction when the drive unit is started, provided that the drive unit is started.

[0026] The starter switch 1022 (operation device) is a switch that controls the operation of the starter motor 1012 and receives an input from the rider to start the engine. When the rider applies an operational input to the starter switch 1022 by pressing it, for example, the starter switch 1022 generates a start signal, which is processed in the control unit 104. This enables the starter motor 1012 to perform a driving operation to start the engine 1011. The engine of the motorcycle 10 starts when the starter motor 1012 is driven.

[0027] The starter switch 1022 may be provided with an authentication device 10221 for acquiring biometric information of the driver. The biometric information may be, for example, fingerprint information, vein information, or voiceprint information of the driver. In the motorcycle 10, the control unit 104 determines whether to unlock the operation input unit 102 and whether to start the engine based on the information acquired by the authentication device 10221.

[0028] The main switch 1021 and the starter switch 1022 may be provided on the motorcycle 10 as a single input unit that combines the functions of both. Such an input unit may be provided on the handlebar 103, for example. The starter switch 1022 may also be provided in a location other than the handlebar 103 of the motorcycle 10. The starter switch 1022 may be located near a display device provided on the vehicle, for example.

[0029] The storage unit 103 stores information and programs necessary for information processing in the motorcycle 10. The storage unit 103 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory. The programs stored in the storage unit 103 are read out by the control unit 104 described below, and information processing is executed. The storage unit 103 stores biometric information 1031. The biometric information 1031 is, for example, fingerprint information, vein information, voiceprint information, etc.

[0030] The control unit 104 is a processor that executes information processing in the motorcycle 10. The control unit 104 has a biometric information acquisition unit 1041, a biometric information determination unit 1042, a start signal determination unit 1043, a drive processing unit 1044, a stop control unit 1045, and a lock control unit 1046.

[0031] The biometric information acquisition unit 1041 acquires biometric information of the rider of the motorcycle 10 from the authentication device 10221 .

[0032] The biometric information determination unit 1042 determines whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information. For example, the biometric information determination unit 1042 compares the biometric information stored in the storage unit 103 with the acquired biometric information to determine whether the driver is an authenticated driver.

[0033] The start signal determination unit 1043 determines whether or not a start signal indicating an operation to start the drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired. The start signal determination unit 1043 determines whether or not a start signal has been acquired from the starter switch 1022.

[0034] When the start signal is acquired and the driver is an authenticated driver, the drive processing unit 1044 outputs a signal to start the drive unit of the motorcycle to the starter 1012. Alternatively, if the motorcycle is electrically powered, the drive processing unit 1044 outputs a signal to start the motor. Furthermore, the drive processing unit 1044 starts the drive unit when the start signal is acquired for a predetermined period of time. To prevent erroneous input, the drive processing unit 1044 may start the starter 1012 when the starter switch 1022 is operated for a certain period of time or more, for example, when it is pressed and held down. The drive processing unit 1044 transmits the starter signal to the starter 1012 for the period of time that the starter signal is continuously acquired. When the start signal is input, the starter 1012 rotates. Based on the rotational movement of the starter 1012, an operation for starting the engine 1011 is performed.

[0035] The stop control unit 1045 controls the motorcycle to stop based on a rotational operation input to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotational operation for stopping the drive unit of the motorcycle is input. Specifically, the stop control unit 1045 transmits a control signal for stopping the control system of the motorcycle 10 to the control device of the motorcycle 10 based on a rotational operation input to the main switch 1021 in the OFF direction for stopping the motorcycle (turning the ignition off). Alternatively, the stop control unit 1045 may stop the control system of the motorcycle 10 by supplying a predetermined current to the control device of the motorcycle 10 or by isolating an electrical connection. In this way, the method for stopping the control system by the stop control unit 1045 is not limited.

[0036] If the driver is an authenticated driver, the lock control unit 1046 transmits a control signal to activate a rotary momentary switch to which a rotation operation for stopping the drive unit of the motorcycle is input. Specifically, if the biometric information verification is successful, the lock control unit 1046 transmits a control signal to the operation input unit 102 to release the rotation lock mechanism 10211 in order to enable the rotation operation of the main switch 1021.

[0037] The lock control process and stop control process in the motorcycle 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In step S401, the biometric information acquisition unit 1041 acquires biometric information from the authentication device 10221.

[0038] In step S402 , the biometric information determination unit 1042 compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information 1031 already stored in the storage unit 103 .

[0039] In step S403, the biometric information determination unit 1042 determines whether the acquired biometric information matches the stored biometric information. If a negative determination is made in step S403, the processing from step S401 is repeated.

[0040] If the determination in step S403 is affirmative, in step S404, the lock control unit 1046 sends a control signal to the operation input unit 102 to change the rotation lock mechanism 10211 from the locked state to the released state. When the rotation lock mechanism 10211 is in the released state, operation input becomes possible.

[0041] In step S405, the biological information determination unit 1042 starts the motorcycle 10, and makes it possible to input a start signal to the drive unit.

[0042] In step S406, the start signal determination unit 1043 acquires a start signal based on an operation input to the starter switch 1022, and determines whether the start signal based on an operation input to the starter switch has been acquired for a predetermined period of time.

[0043] If the determination in step S406 is affirmative, then in step S407, the drive processing unit 1044 transmits a start signal to the starter motor 1012 to drive the starter motor 1012, thereby driving the starter motor 1012. When the starter motor 1012 is driven, the engine 1011 starts.

[0044] By this processing, the drive unit of the motorcycle 10 can be driven by a single operation. Specifically, it is assumed that the starter switch 1022 is a push-down switch, and the authentication device 10221, which is a fingerprint authentication device, is provided at a location where the rider's finger touches. In this case, the rider can supply the control unit 104 with the biometric information and a start signal via the starter switch 1022 by simply placing his / her finger on the biometric information detection surface of the authentication device 10221 of the starter switch 1022 and pressing the starter switch 1022. This reduces the operational burden on the rider.

[0045] In step S408, the stop control unit 1045 determines whether a rotation operation for stopping the motorcycle, i.e., a rotation operation in the OFF direction, has been input to the main switch 1021. If the determination in step S408 is affirmative, in step S409 the stop control unit 1045 performs control for stopping the motorcycle. In this way, by stopping the motorcycle based on an input to the main switch 1021, which is a momentary switch, it is possible to prevent a contradiction between the switch state and the motorcycle state, which can occur when an alternate type switch is used. Furthermore, because the main switch 1021 is a rotary type, it is also possible to meet the requirements of technical standards.

[0046] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and may be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10...motorcycle, 101...drive unit, 1011...engine, 1012...starter motor, 1021...main switch, 10211...rotation lock mechanism, 1022...starter switch, 10221...authentication device, 103...storage unit, 104...control unit, 1041...biometric information acquisition unit, 1042...biometric information determination unit, 1043...start signal determination unit, 1044...drive processing unit, 1045...stop control unit, 1046...lock control unit

Claims

1. On the computer, acquiring biometric information of a driver of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle; determining whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information; determining whether a start signal indicating an operation to start a drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired; starting a drive unit of the motorcycle when the start signal is acquired and the driver is the authenticated driver; and controlling the motorcycle to stop based on a rotation operation input to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotation operation for stopping the drive unit of the motorcycle is input.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein starting the drive unit of the motorcycle includes starting the drive unit when the start signal is acquired for a predetermined period of time.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, Determining whether the driver is a certified driver includes: determining whether the driver is the authenticated driver based on the biometric information and the biometric information of the authenticated driver stored in a memory unit of the computer.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein acquiring the biometric information includes acquiring the biometric information from the authentication device included in an operation device provided on the motorcycle and outputting the start signal in response to operation by a rider.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, The operating device is provided on a steering handle of the motorcycle.

6. 6. The program according to claim 1, The biometric information is fingerprint information of the driver.

7. The computer acquiring biometric information of a driver of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle; determining whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information; determining whether a start signal indicating an operation to start a drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired; starting a drive unit of the motorcycle when the start signal is acquired and the driver is the authenticated driver; and controlling the motorcycle to stop based on input of a rotational operation to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotational operation for stopping a drive unit of the motorcycle is input.

8. a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a driver of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle; a biometric information determination unit that determines whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information; a start signal determination unit that determines whether a start signal indicating an operation to start a drive unit of the motorcycle has been acquired; a drive processing unit that starts a drive unit of the motorcycle when the start signal is acquired and the rider is the authenticated rider; a stop control unit that controls the motorcycle to stop based on a rotation operation input to a rotary momentary switch to which a rotation operation for stopping a drive unit of the motorcycle is input.

Images