Program, method, and information processing device

Abstract

To reduce the operation burden of a rider when starting an engine of a motorcycle.SOLUTION: A program for causing a computer to perform: acquiring a start signal instructing starting of an engine of a motorcycle; transmitting, to a drive unit, a drive signal for operating the drive unit to start the engine of the motorcycle on the basis of the start signal; acquiring an operation signal indicating an operation state of the engine; and transmitting, to the drive unit, a stop signal for stopping the drive unit when the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started.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 motorcycles, a drive device such as a starter motor is used to generate rotational motion for starting the engine. The drive device operates in response to a driver's input to an operating device, which is called, for example, a starter switch or a starter switch. When the driver continues to provide input to the operating device, the drive device generates rotational motion. Patent Document 1 discloses an engine unit that can reduce inconvenience during starting, even if the operating device is operated for a short period of time and the operation of the operating device is released before the engine starts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-152147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Motorcycles, for example, require two steps: first turning the ignition on with a key and then inputting information into an operating device to start the engine. It is conceivable to perform these actions in a single operation. However, even in such a case, the rider must continue to provide input to the operating device and rotate the drive unit until the engine starts. Even after the engine starts, input continues to be provided to the operating device, causing the drive unit to continue rotating. Continuing to rotate the drive unit after the engine starts can cause inconveniences, such as a breakdown of the drive unit or a shortage of the battery used to operate the drive unit. Therefore, once the rider knows that the engine has started, they must stop inputting information into the operating device. This requires the rider to continually monitor the engine status and determine whether input is necessary into the operating device, which places a burden on the rider's operations when starting the engine.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a program, a method, and an information processing device that reduce the operational burden on the rider when starting the engine of a motorcycle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to acquire a start signal instructing the engine of a motorcycle to start, transmit a drive signal to the drive device based on the start signal to operate the drive device to start the engine of the motorcycle, acquire an operation signal indicating the operating state of the engine, and, if the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started, transmit a stop signal to the drive device to stop the drive device.

[0007] According to this aspect, even if the start signal continues to be received, if the engine is running, the drive unit can be stopped. Therefore, the drive unit is stopped without any operation by the rider, reducing the operational burden on the rider when starting the motorcycle engine.

[0008] In the above aspect, transmitting a stop signal to the drive device may include transmitting a stop signal to the drive device when the drive signal indicates that the drive device has been operating for more than a predetermined time.

[0009] According to this aspect, the drive device is stopped even if the engine has not been started even though the drive device has been operating for a certain period of time, thereby making it possible to avoid, for example, a breakdown of the drive device caused by continuing to rotate the drive device when the engine has not started smoothly.

[0010] In the above aspect, the computer may further be configured to acquire biometric information of the motorcycle driver obtained through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle, determine whether the driver is an authenticated driver who is an official driver based on the biometric information, and, if the driver is an authenticated driver, start the motorcycle so that a start signal can be acquired.

[0011] Biometric information of the driver is acquired, and it is determined whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information. If the driver is an authenticated driver, the motorcycle is started and a start signal can be acquired, thereby preventing the engine from being started by anyone other than the owner of the motorcycle.

[0012] 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 the computer's memory unit.

[0013] By storing biometric information in the motorcycle and then performing authentication, the motorcycle can authenticate the driver without the need for external communication. This makes it possible to authenticate the driver even when communication with an external information processing device is not possible, for example.

[0014] In the above aspect, the biometric information may be fingerprint information of the driver.

[0015] In the above aspect, obtaining the start signal may include obtaining the start signal from an operating device provided on the motorcycle, and the authentication device may be provided on the operating device.

[0016] According to this aspect, authentication information can be obtained through an operating device for obtaining a start signal, so the driver can input the start signal and authentication information simply by operating the start switch, thereby reducing the operational burden.

[0017] In the above aspect, obtaining the start signal may include obtaining the start signal from an operating device provided on the motorcycle.

[0018] In the above aspect, obtaining the start signal may include obtaining the start signal from an operating device provided on a steering handle of the motorcycle.

[0019] According to this aspect, the driver can apply an operation input to the operation device in addition to gripping the steering wheel, thereby reducing the operational burden on the driver.

[0020] In the above aspect, the acquisition of the start signal may be performed by acquiring the start signal from an operating device that functions as a start input unit for the motorcycle.

[0021] According to this aspect, the rider can start the engine and stop the control device at an appropriate timing simply by operating the start input unit of the motorcycle, thereby reducing the operational burden on the rider.

[0022] A method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a computer acquiring a start signal instructing the starting of an engine of a motorcycle, transmitting a drive signal to the drive device based on the start signal to rotate the drive device to start the engine of the motorcycle, acquiring an operation signal indicating an operating state of the engine, and, if the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started, transmitting a stop signal to the drive device to stop the drive device.

[0023] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a start signal acquisition unit that acquires a start signal that instructs the starting of an engine of a motorcycle; a drive signal transmission unit that transmits a drive signal to a drive unit that rotates the drive unit to start the engine of the motorcycle based on the start signal; an operation signal acquisition unit that acquires an operation signal that indicates the operating state of the engine; and a stop signal transmission unit that transmits a stop signal to the drive unit to stop the drive unit when the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, a method, and an information processing device that reduce the operational burden on a rider when starting the engine of a motorcycle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [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] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a control process of the drive device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] 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, a start input unit 102, a handle unit 103, a memory unit 104, and a control unit 105. Since this embodiment focuses on the control of the motorcycle 10, a detailed description of the vehicle body configuration of the motorcycle 10 will be omitted. As an example, Fig. 2 shows a portion of the vehicle body having an instrument unit M, a start input unit 1021, and the handle unit 103.

[0027] 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 that is 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 drive signal, which will be described later, and causes the engine 1011 to perform rotational motion for starting the engine 1011.

[0028] The start input unit 102 is a device that receives an input from the rider to start electronic devices such as a control unit (described later) that are provided on the motorcycle 10. The start input unit receives an input, for example, when the rider inserts a mechanical key and turns it clockwise. Alternatively, the start input unit 102 may be a switch (main switch) that receives input such as a rotation from the rider. When the start input unit 102 receives an input, it becomes possible to start the engine by operating a starter switch 1031 (described later).

[0029] The start input unit 102 may be provided with an authentication device 1021 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 105 determines whether or not to start the motorcycle 10 based on the information acquired by the authentication device 1021. The start input unit 102 may acquire the biometric information along with a signal (start signal) that accepts input from the driver for starting electronic devices such as a control unit.

[0030] The handle portion 103 is a device that is gripped by the rider when the rider operates the motorcycle 10, and provides a steering function for the motorcycle 10. The handle portion 103 has a starter switch 1031.

[0031] The starter switch 1031 (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, such as pressing, to the starter switch 1031, the starter switch 1031 generates a start signal, which is processed in the control unit 105. This enables the starter motor 1012 to perform a driving operation to start the engine 1011. The driving operation of the starter motor 1012 starts the engine of the motorcycle 10.

[0032] The start input unit 102 and the start switch 1031 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 unit 103, for example. The start switch 1031 may also be provided in a location other than the handlebar unit 103 of the motorcycle 10. The start switch 1031 may be located near a display device provided on the vehicle, for example.

[0033] The storage unit 104 stores information and programs necessary for information processing in the motorcycle 10. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory. The programs stored in the storage unit 104 are read out by the control unit 105, which will be described later, and information processing is executed. The storage unit 104 stores biometric information 1041. The biometric information 1041 is, for example, fingerprint information, vein information, voiceprint information, etc.

[0034] The control unit 105 is a processor that executes information processing in the motorcycle 10. The control unit 105 has a start signal acquisition unit 1051, a drive signal transmission unit 1052, an operation signal acquisition unit 1053, a stop signal transmission unit 1054, a biological information acquisition unit 1055, and a startup processing unit 1056.

[0035] The start signal acquisition unit 1051 acquires the start signal generated by the start switch 1031 when the start switch 1031 receives an operation input.

[0036] Based on the start signal, the drive signal transmission unit 1052 transmits a drive signal to the starter 1012 to operate the starter 1012. The drive signal transmission unit 1052 transmits the drive signal to the starter 1012 for the period during which the start signal is continuously acquired. When the drive signal is input, the starter 1012 performs rotational motion. Based on the rotational motion of the starter 1012, an operation for starting the engine 1011 is performed.

[0037] The operation signal acquisition unit 1053 acquires an operation signal indicating the operation state of the engine 1011. For example, the operation signal acquisition unit 1053 acquires the rotation speed of the engine 1011 from a sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the engine 1011 as the operation signal.

[0038] If the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine 1011 has started, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 transmits a stop signal to the starter motor 1012 to stop the starter motor 1012. If the operation signal of the engine 1011 satisfies a predetermined condition, such as the number of rotations being equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 determines that the engine 1011 has started.

[0039] The biometric information acquisition unit 1055 acquires the biometric information of the driver from the authentication device 1021 of the activation input unit 102.

[0040] The activation processing unit 1056 determines whether the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information. An authenticated driver is an official driver who is permitted to drive the motorcycle 10 (for example, the owner of the motorcycle 10). The activation processing unit 1056 compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information 1041 stored in the memory unit 104, and determines whether the driver is an authenticated driver. If the driver is an authenticated driver, the activation processing unit 1056 activates the motorcycle 10. When the motorcycle 10 is activated, the activation signal acquisition unit 1051 can acquire a activation signal.

[0041] Signal processing in the motorcycle 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In step S301, the biometric information acquisition unit 1055 acquires biometric information of the rider from the authentication device 1021. The acquisition of the biometric information is performed, for example, in response to an operation on the activation input unit 102 by the rider.

[0042] In step S302, the activation processing unit 1056 compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information 1041 already stored in the storage unit 104.

[0043] In step S303, the activation processing unit 1056 determines whether the two pieces of biometric information match. If a negative determination is made in step S303, the processing from step S301 is repeated. If a negative determination is made a predetermined number of times or more, the activation processing unit 1056 may lock the activation of the motorcycle 10.

[0044] If a positive determination is made in step S303, the process proceeds to step S304 to start the motorcycle 10. Once the motorcycle 10 is started, it becomes possible to acquire a start signal.

[0045] In step S305, the start signal acquisition unit 1051 acquires a start signal based on an operational input to the starter switch 1031. The start signal acquisition unit 1051 continues to acquire the start signal while an operational input is continuously given to the starter switch 1031, for example, by continuously pressing the starter switch 1031.

[0046] In step S306, the drive signal transmitting unit 1052 transmits a drive signal to the starter motor 1012 to drive the starter motor 1012. When the starter motor 1012 is driven, the engine starts to operate.

[0047] In step S307, the operation signal acquisition unit 1053 acquires an operation signal indicating the operation of the engine 1011. The operation signal is, for example, a signal indicating the rotation speed of the engine 1011 measured by a sensor.

[0048] In step S308, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 determines whether the start signal is continuously acquired and whether the operation signal indicates that the engine 1011 has started. Specifically, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 determines whether the start signal acquiring unit 1051 is continuously acquiring the start signal and whether the engine 1011 has started based on a predetermined condition (for example, a condition regarding the number of revolutions).

[0049] If the determination in step S308 is affirmative, it is determined that the engine 1011 has started normally, and therefore in step S309, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 transmits a stop signal to the starter switch 1031 to stop the rotation of the starter switch 1031. This causes the rotation of the starter motor 1012 to stop.

[0050] If a negative determination is made in step S308, in step S310, the stop signal transmitting unit 1054 determines whether or not the starter switch 1031 has been operating for a predetermined time or longer.

[0051] If the determination in step S310 is affirmative, that is, if the engine 1011 has not started and the starter 1012 continues to rotate due to continued input of operational input, then in step S311 the stop signal transmitter 1054 transmits a stop signal to the starter 1012. This stops the rotation of the starter 1012. If the determination in step S310 is negative, that is, if no operational input is being made to the starter switch 1031 and the starter 1012 has stopped rotating, then there is no need to stop the rotation, and the process ends.

[0052] The motorcycle 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. In the motorcycle 10, even if a start signal continues to be received, for example, because the starter switch 1031 continues to be pressed, the starter motor 1012 can be stopped if the engine 1011 is running. Therefore, the starter motor 1012 automatically stops in response to the start of the engine 1011 without any operation by the rider, reducing the operational burden on the rider when starting the engine 1011 of the motorcycle 10.

[0053] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which biometric information is acquired by the authentication device 1021 provided in the start input unit 102, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the motorcycle 10, and control of the starter 1012 is performed. Authentication using biometric information may be performed when the motorcycle 10 is started, as described above, or when the starter 1012 is in operation. For example, the authentication device may be provided in the starter switch 1031, and the start signal acquisition unit 1051 may acquire a start signal containing the driver's biometric information from the starter switch 1031. Furthermore, the drive signal transmission unit 1052 determines whether or not the driver is an authenticated driver based on the biometric information included in the start signal acquired by the start signal acquisition unit 1051. The authenticated driver is an official driver who is authorized to operate the motorcycle 10 (e.g., the owner of the motorcycle 10). The drive signal transmission unit 1052 may compare the acquired biometric information with the biometric information 1041 stored in the storage unit 104 to determine whether or not the driver is an authenticated driver. The drive signal transmitting unit 1052 can transmit a drive signal to the starter motor 1012 to drive the starter motor 1012 when the driver is an authenticated driver.

[0054] 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]

[0055] 10...motorcycle, 101...drive unit, 1011...engine, 1012...starter motor, 103...storage unit, 105...control unit, 1051...start signal acquisition unit, 1052...drive signal transmission unit, 1053...operation signal acquisition unit, 1054...stop signal transmission unit

Claims

1. On the computer, Obtaining a start signal instructing a start of an engine of a motorcycle; transmitting a drive signal to a drive device to operate the drive device to start the engine of the motorcycle based on the start signal; obtaining an operating signal indicative of an operating state of the engine; If the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started, sending a stop signal to the drive device to stop the drive device.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein sending the stop signal to the drive device includes sending the stop signal to the drive device when the drive signal indicates that the drive device has been operating for more than a predetermined time.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, The computer, acquiring biometric information of a rider of the motorcycle through an authentication device provided on the motorcycle; determining whether the driver is an authenticated driver who is an authorized driver based on the biometric information, and starting the motorcycle so that the start signal can be acquired if the driver is the authenticated driver; Further execution of the program.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, 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.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, The biometric information is fingerprint information of the driver.

6. 5. The program according to claim 4, acquiring the start signal includes acquiring the start signal from an operating device provided on the motorcycle; The authentication device is a program provided in the operation device.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, The program, wherein acquiring the start signal includes acquiring the start signal from an operating device provided on the motorcycle.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, The program includes acquiring the start signal from the operation device provided on a steering handle of the motorcycle.

9. 8. The program according to claim 7, The program includes acquiring the start signal from the operation device that functions as a start input unit for the motorcycle.

10. The computer Obtaining a start signal instructing a start of an engine of a motorcycle; transmitting a drive signal to a drive device to rotate the drive device, which starts the engine of the motorcycle, based on the start signal; obtaining an operating signal indicative of an operating state of the engine; and if the start signal continues to be acquired and the operating signal indicates that the engine has started, sending a stop signal to the drive unit to stop the drive unit.

11. a start signal acquisition unit that acquires a start signal that instructs starting an engine of the motorcycle; a drive signal transmitting unit that transmits a drive signal to a drive device to rotate the drive device, which starts the engine of the motorcycle, based on the start signal; an operation signal acquisition unit that acquires an operation signal indicating an operation state of the engine; and a stop signal transmitting unit that transmits a stop signal to the drive device to stop the drive device when the start signal continues to be acquired and the operation signal indicates that the engine has started.

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