Parking support method

Abstract

To provide a parking support method which can easily start the remote control of an own vehicle.SOLUTION: A parking support method includes a loading method where an own vehicle is remotely controlled to carry in the own vehicle to a parking spot and / or an unloading method where the own vehicle is delivered from the parking spot through operating a portable information terminal at a first state in which a prescribed first operation screen is displayed by activating a prescribed remote-control software in a specified mode. The parking support method includes a second image display step which displays, when the portable information terminal is positioned within a specified region and the portable information terminal is at a state different from the first state, a second operation screen on the portable information terminal to make the portable information terminal transit to the first state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking assistance method including an entry method for remotely controlling a vehicle to enter a parking spot and / or an exit method for remotely controlling a vehicle to exit a parking spot. [Background technology]

[0002] A parking assistance method has been proposed, including an entry method for remotely controlling a vehicle to enter a parking spot and / or an exit method for remotely controlling a vehicle to exit a parking spot (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In the parking assistance method of Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional method"), a mobile information terminal (a smartphone or a tablet computer) is used as a device for remotely controlling the vehicle (a remote control device). By activating predetermined remote control software installed on the mobile information terminal, remote control images (buttons, dials, etc.) are displayed on the display device of the mobile information terminal. In this state, when a user taps or swipes these remote control images, a predetermined command is transmitted from the mobile information terminal to the ECU of the vehicle via a wireless communication line. In response to the command, the ECU controls the drive system, braking system, and steering system of the vehicle to move the vehicle along a target route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-114501 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, mobile information terminals have not only remote control software but also multiple other software programs installed, and various functions are realized by running these software programs. It is possible that software programs other than the remote control software are running in the foreground, while the remote control software is running in the background. In this case, to start remotely controlling the vehicle, the user must display the basic screen of the mobile information terminal or a list (thumbnails) of multiple running software programs, find and tap the icon or thumbnail of the remote control software, and run the remote control software in the foreground (transition to a state where the remote control image is displayed). Thus, the operation (preparation operation) to transition the vehicle to a state where it can be remotely controlled is relatively cumbersome. For example, the user may find the preparation operation cumbersome when carrying heavy or large luggage.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a parking assistance method that allows remote control of the vehicle to be easily initiated.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the parking assistance method of the present invention includes a parking entry method for remotely operating a vehicle into a parking spot (PS) and / or a parking exit method for remotely operating a vehicle by operating a mobile information terminal (60) in a predetermined manner, the mobile information terminal being in a first state in which predetermined remote operation software is activated and a predetermined first operation image (G1) is displayed. The parking assistance method also includes a second image display step for displaying a second operation image (G2) on the mobile information terminal to transition the mobile information terminal to the first state when the mobile information terminal is located within a specific area (Rb) and is in a state different from the first state.

[0007] When a mobile information terminal to which the present invention is applied is located in a specific area (e.g., at home or a frequently used store), a second operation image is displayed on the mobile information terminal. In this state, the user can display the first operation image by operating the mobile information terminal in a predetermined manner (e.g., tapping the second operation image). In other words, the user can easily transition the state of the mobile information terminal to a state in which the user can remotely control the user's vehicle. Furthermore, the second operation image is displayed only within the specific area. By setting an area in which the user is likely to remotely control the user's vehicle as the specific area, the second operation image is prevented from being displayed in areas other than the specific area (areas in which the user is unlikely to remotely control the user's vehicle).

[0008] In a parking assistance method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second image display step includes a first position information transmission step of causing the mobile information terminal to acquire first position information (SP) representing the current location of the mobile information terminal based on a GPS signal and transmit the first position information to a predetermined server computer (70); a second position information transmission step of causing a processor (10) provided in the vehicle to acquire second position information (VP) representing the current location of the vehicle based on a GPS signal and transmit the second position information to the server computer; a map information transmission step of causing the server computer to transmit map information (MD[SP,VP]) including the first position information and the second position information to the mobile information terminal; and a determination step of causing the mobile information terminal to determine whether the mobile information terminal and the vehicle are located within the specific area based on the map information.

[0009] This allows the mobile information terminal to obtain the current location of the vehicle via the server computer.

[0010] In a parking assistance method according to another aspect of the present invention, the second image display step includes a first position information transmission step of causing the mobile information terminal to acquire first position information representing the current location of the mobile information terminal based on a GPS signal and transmit the first position information to a predetermined server computer; a second position information transmission step of causing a processor provided in the host vehicle to acquire second position information representing the current location of the host vehicle based on a GPS signal and transmit the second position information to the server computer; and an image display command step of causing the server computer to determine whether the mobile information terminal and the host vehicle are located within the specific area based on the first position information and the second position information, and if it is determined that the mobile information terminal and the host vehicle are located within the specific area, transmitting an image display command from the server computer to the mobile information terminal to display the second operation image.

[0011] According to this, the server computer executes the process of determining whether the mobile information terminal and the vehicle are located within the specific area, thereby reducing the processing load on the mobile information terminal compared to when this process is executed by the mobile information terminal.

[0012] In a parking assistance method according to another aspect of the present invention, when the distance between the user remotely operating the vehicle and the vehicle is equal to or less than a threshold, the mobile information terminal is caused to execute the second image display step.

[0013] This allows the second operation image to be displayed only when the user is positioned within an area where the vehicle can be remotely controlled while paying attention to the safety of the surrounding area.

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the parking assistance method of the present invention includes an entry method for remotely operating a vehicle to enter a parking spot and / or an exit method for remotely operating a vehicle by operating, in a predetermined manner, a mobile information terminal that is in a first state in which predetermined remote operation software is activated and a predetermined first operation image is displayed. This parking assistance method includes a second image display step of, when the mobile information terminal is in a state different from the first state during a specific time period, displaying on the mobile information terminal a second operation image for transitioning the mobile information terminal to the first state.

[0015] According to the present invention, the second operation image is displayed on the mobile information terminal during a specific time period (e.g., work hours). In this state, the user can display the first image by operating the mobile information terminal in a predetermined manner (e.g., tapping the second operation image). In other words, the user can easily transition the state of the mobile information terminal to a state in which the user can remotely control the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a parking assistance system for implementing a parking assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a scene (A) in which the vehicle is remotely controlled to enter a parking spot, and a scene (B) in which the vehicle is remotely controlled to leave the parking spot. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an example of an image used to remotely control the vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of an image used to run remote control software in the foreground. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a program executed by the CPU of the smartphone to realize the easy start function (a function that causes the image shown in FIG. 3 to be displayed on the display device of the smartphone when a predetermined condition is met). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] (Outline) As shown in Fig. 1, a parking assistance system 1 for implementing a parking assistance method according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a vehicle V0 (hereinafter referred to as "host vehicle") equipped with an automatic driving function. The parking assistance system 1 is equipped with parking assistance functions including an entry function for remotely operating the host vehicle to enter a parking spot PS and an exit function for remotely operating the host vehicle to exit the parking spot PS when the automatic driving function is disabled (when the driver is performing driving operations).

[0018] (Specific Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the parking assistance system 1 includes an ECU 10, an on-board sensor 20, a drive device 30, a braking device 40, a steering device 50, a smartphone 60, a server computer 70, and a smart key 80.

[0019] The ECU 10 is a processor mounted on the vehicle and includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 10a, a ROM 10b, a RAM 10c, etc. The ECU 10 further includes a communication device 10d for communicating with a smartphone 60 (described later) and a predetermined server computer 70 via various wireless communication lines (Bluetooth (registered trademark), the Internet, etc.).

[0020] The ECU 10 is connected to other ECUs (for example, ECUs for a drive device 30, a braking device 40, a steering device 50, etc., which will be described later) via a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0021] The on-board sensor 20 includes a surrounding sensor that acquires information about targets present around the host vehicle. For example, the on-board sensor 20 includes an ultrasonic sensor 21 and a camera 22 as surrounding sensors.

[0022] The ultrasonic sensor 21 intermittently emits ultrasonic waves into the area surrounding the vehicle and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by a three-dimensional object (reflected waves). The ultrasonic sensor 21 recognizes the distance between the vehicle and the three-dimensional object, the relative position (direction) of the three-dimensional object with respect to the vehicle, etc. based on the time from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted until when the reflected waves are received, and transmits the recognition result to the ECU 10.

[0023] The camera 22 includes an imaging device and an image analysis device. The imaging device incorporates, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CIS (CMOS image sensor) imaging element. The imaging devices are installed at the front, rear, left side, and right side of the host vehicle. The imaging devices capture images of the surrounding area of ​​the host vehicle at a predetermined frame rate and acquire image data. The imaging device transmits each image data to the image analysis device. The image analysis device analyzes the acquired image data and acquires information about targets present around the host vehicle from the images. For example, the image analysis device recognizes parking spots PS based on walls, fences, frame lines drawn on the road surface, and the like around the host vehicle, and transmits the recognition results to the ECU 10.

[0024] Furthermore, the on-board sensor 20 includes a switch 23. The switch 23 is an operating device that allows the user to remotely operate the vehicle and request various devices to execute control to park the vehicle in the parking spot PS. The switch 23 includes, for example, a push-button type normally open switch device. The ECU 10 monitors the on / off state of the switch 23.

[0025] Additionally, the on-board sensor 20 includes a navigation system 24. The navigation system 24 acquires position information VP representing the current location (longitude and latitude) of the vehicle based on a GPS signal. The navigation system 24 transmits the position information VP to the ECU 10.

[0026] The drive unit 30 applies drive force to the drive wheels (left front wheel, right front wheel, left rear wheel, and right rear wheel). The drive unit 30 includes an engine ECU, an internal combustion engine, a transmission, a drive force transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force to the wheels, and the like. The internal combustion engine includes an actuator that drives a throttle valve. The engine ECU obtains a target value for drive force from another ECU (ECU 10) and drives the actuator of the internal combustion engine so that the drive force generated by the internal combustion engine matches the target value. The drive force generated by the internal combustion engine is transmitted to the drive wheels via the transmission and the drive force transmission mechanism.

[0027] If the vehicle to which the parking assistance system 1 is applied is a hybrid vehicle (HEV), the engine ECU can control the driving force of the vehicle generated by either or both of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor as the vehicle driving source. Also, if the vehicle to which the parking assistance system 1 is applied is an electric vehicle (BEV), an electric motor ECU can be used instead of the engine ECU to control the driving force of the vehicle generated by an electric motor as the vehicle driving source.

[0028] The braking device 40 applies braking force to the wheels (brake discs). The braking device 40 includes a brake ECU, a brake caliper, etc. The brake caliper includes an actuator that presses brake pads against the brake disc. The brake ECU acquires a target value of braking force from another ECU, and drives the actuator of the brake caliper so that the braking force applied to the wheels matches the target value.

[0029] The steering device 50 controls the steering angle of the steered wheels (left front wheel and right front wheel). The steering device 50 includes a steering ECU, a steering mechanism, etc. The steering device 50 further includes an actuator that drives the steering mechanism to change the steering angle. The steering ECU obtains a target value for the steering angle from another ECU, and drives the actuator so that the actual steering angle matches the target value.

[0030] The smartphone 60 executes a predetermined remote control program (remote control software) to function as a remote control device that remotely controls the vehicle. That is, the smartphone 60 transmits a signal (progress permission signal S1) for remotely controlling the vehicle in response to a user's operation. The signal is transmitted to the ECU 10 via a predetermined wireless communication line (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)). The smartphone 60 also has a GPS function. That is, the smartphone 60 acquires position information SP indicating the current location (latitude and longitude) based on a GPS signal. The smartphone 60 sequentially transmits the position information SP to a server computer 70 (described later) via a predetermined wireless communication line (e.g., the Internet). Note that the position information SP is sequentially transmitted to the server computer 70 when the remote control software is running in either the foreground or background.

[0031] The server computer 70 acquires the position information SP and the position information VP from the smartphone 60 and the ECU 10, respectively. The server computer 70 also stores map information MD in its storage device. The map information MD includes information describing roads as well as information describing the premises of houses and shops along the roads. Based on the position information SP, VP and the map information MD, the server computer 70 adds (plots) the current location of the smartphone 60 and the current location of the vehicle to the map information, and provides the map information MD[SP, VP] to the smartphone 60.

[0032] The smart key 80 transmits a signal (LF radio wave) containing a predetermined authentication code. The ECU 10 receives the signal transmitted from the smart key 80, and if the authentication code contained in the signal matches a code previously assigned to the vehicle, it activates various functions (door unlock function, parking assistance function, etc.). The ECU 10 can also detect the distance Δd between the smart key 80 (the user carrying the smart key 80) and the vehicle based on the strength of the signal received from the smart key 80. If the distance Δd is equal to or less than a threshold Δdth, the ECU 10 determines that the vehicle is located within an area Ra in which the user can remotely operate the vehicle while paying attention to the safety of the surrounding area.

[0033] (Parking Function) The driver temporarily stops the vehicle near the parking spot PS where the vehicle is to be parked and presses the switch 23. When the ECU 10 detects that the switch 23 has been pressed, it acquires information about targets present around the vehicle from the ultrasonic sensor 21 and the camera 22. Based on this information, the ECU 10 identifies parking spots where the vehicle can be parked and obstacles in the vicinity thereof, and generates the map M1 shown in FIG. 2(A). The map M1 is a plan view showing the position and attitude of the vehicle relative to the parking spot PS. The ECU 10 may also acquire location information about parking spots where the vehicle can be parked from the server computer 70. In this case, the server computer 70 may acquire information about the availability of parking spots from sensors installed in the parking lot (e.g., surveillance cameras), the ECUs of other vehicles located in the parking lot, etc.

[0034] Next, the ECU 10 sets a target position TP where the host vehicle will be parked in the parking spot PS based on the map M1. The target position TP is the position of the center of gravity of the host vehicle when it is assumed that the host vehicle is parked in the parking spot PS with a space of at least a predetermined width around the host vehicle. Next, the ECU 10 sets (calculates) a route R (a target trajectory of the host vehicle's center of gravity) that allows the host vehicle to move to the target position TP while avoiding obstacles. Next, the ECU 10 sets a control signal pattern (time-series data of various target values ​​to be supplied to the drive device 30, the braking device 40, and the steering device 50, respectively) for moving the host vehicle along the route R.

[0035] The ECU 10 reflects the target position TP and the route R in the map M1. The ECU 10 displays the map M1 on an in-vehicle display device (not shown). The user checks that there are no problems with the displayed route R, target position TP, etc.

[0036] Next, the user runs the remote control software pre-installed on the smartphone 60 in the foreground. This connects the smartphone 60 and the ECU 10 via a wireless communication line (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)). An authentication process (pairing) for the connection is executed. Next, the smartphone 60 displays the image G1 (first operation image of the present invention) shown in FIG. 3. The image G1 includes a dial D used to operate the vehicle to proceed along the route R, and an end button TB, which is an image for ending the automatic parking control.

[0037] The user, carrying the smartphone 60 and smart key 80, gets out of the vehicle and operates the smartphone 60. When the user rotates the dial D within the area Ra (Δd≦Δdth), the smartphone 60 transmits a proceeding permission signal S1, indicating that the vehicle is to proceed along the route R. The proceeding permission signal S1 is transmitted to the ECU 10 via a wireless communication line established between the smartphone 60 and the ECU 10 or via the server computer 70. The proceeding permission signal S1 is transmitted while the user is rotating the dial D. When the user stops rotating the dial D, the proceeding permission signal S1 is no longer transmitted. When the ECU 10 receives the proceeding permission signal S1 transmitted from the smartphone 60, the ECU 10 controls the vehicle according to the control signal pattern described above. As a result, the vehicle gradually proceeds along the route R. When the ECU 10 does not receive the proceeding permission signal S1, the ECU 10 temporarily stops the vehicle. For example, when a pedestrian, a cyclist, or the like is approaching the vehicle, the user can temporarily stop the vehicle by stopping the dial D. While the ECU 10 is moving the host vehicle along the route R, the ECU 10 sequentially acquires recognition results of targets existing around the host vehicle from the ultrasonic sensor 21 and the camera 22. If the ECU 10 detects an obstacle that may impede the movement of the host vehicle based on the recognition results, the ECU 10 temporarily stops the host vehicle. In this case, the ECU 10 displays an image indicating the presence of the obstacle on the smartphone 60. In this situation, the ECU 10 is unable to receive the proceeding permission signal S1. Therefore, even if the user operates the dial D, the host vehicle will not move. When the obstacle moves away from the host vehicle and the host vehicle is able to move, the ECU 10 becomes able to receive the proceeding permission signal S1. If the duration of the state in which the obstacle does not move and the host vehicle cannot move along the route R exceeds a threshold, the ECU 10 determines whether a new route R that allows the host vehicle to reach the target position TP while avoiding the obstacle can be set. If a new route R can be set, the ECU 10 temporarily displays the new route R on the smartphone 60. Then, the ECU 10 becomes able to receive the proceed permission signal S1.By operating the dial D, the user can move the vehicle along the new route R. The direction of rotation of the dial D (clockwise or counterclockwise) does not matter. In other words, when the user rotates the dial D clockwise or counterclockwise, the ECU 10 controls the drive device and the like in accordance with the control signal pattern.

[0038] When the vehicle reaches the target position TP, the ECU 10 stops the vehicle. Furthermore, the ECU 10 shifts the shift position to the parking position, activates the parking brake, and then shifts the ignition switch to the off state. In this way, the vehicle is remotely parked in the parking spot PS.

[0039] (Exit Function) When the host vehicle is parked (the ignition switch is off), the user can operate the smartphone 60 (for example, by rotating the dial D) within the area Ra to transition the host vehicle's ignition switch from the off state to the on state. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the ECU 10 sets a position within the area near the parking spot PS where the host vehicle can be temporarily stopped as a target position TP based on information acquired from the on-board sensor 20, and also sets a route R leading to the target position TP. Thereafter, the ECU 10 executes the same processing as that executed when the host vehicle is pulled into a parking lot. That is, the ECU 10 executes control (exit control) to move the host vehicle along the route R in accordance with the mode of remote operation of the smartphone 60 by the user (progress permission signal). When the host vehicle reaches the target position TP, the ECU 10 temporarily stops the host vehicle.

[0040] The parking assistance system 1 terminates the execution of control of the vehicle in accordance with the control signal pattern when a predetermined termination condition is met during remote operation of the vehicle. For example, the termination condition is met when the user taps the termination button TB. The termination condition is also met when the user gets into the vehicle and starts driving the vehicle. The termination condition is also met when the duration of a state in which communication between the ECU 10 and the smartphone 60 is interrupted (a state in which the user does not operate the smartphone 60) exceeds a threshold.

[0041] (Easy Start Function) As described above, generally, multiple pieces of software other than the remote control software may be installed on the smartphone 60. When the remote control software is running in the background, the user needs to perform an operation (preparatory operation) to transition the state to one in which the remote control software is running in the foreground (a state in which the vehicle can be remotely controlled (FIG. 3)), but the user may find this preparatory operation troublesome. Therefore, the parking assistance system 1 has the easy start function described below as a function to simplify the preparatory operation.

[0042] When the remote control software is running in the background on the smartphone 60, the smartphone 60 successively transmits position information SP to the server computer 70. Each time the server computer 70 receives position information SP from the smartphone 60, it receives position information VP from the ECU 10. Based on the position information SP, VP and the map information MD, the server computer 70 generates map information MD[SP, VP] representing a map on which the current locations of the vehicle and the smartphone 60 are plotted, and transmits the map information MD[SP, VP] to the smartphone 60. Furthermore, based on the strength of the signal received from the smart key 80, the ECU 10 determines whether the user is located within area Ra (an area in which the user can remotely control the vehicle while paying attention to the safety of the surrounding area), and transmits the determination result to the smartphone 60.

[0043] The smartphone 60 determines whether the following conditions X and Y are met based on the information acquired from the server computer 70. Condition X: The user and the vehicle are located within the region Rb. Condition Y: The user is located within the area Ra.

[0044] Here, the area Rb is an area specified in advance by the user. For example, the user can set a frequently used store as the area Rb. The remote control software includes a function (setting software) for setting the area Rb. With the setting software running, the smartphone 60 acquires map information MD from the server computer 70 and displays a map based on the map information MD. The user can set a desired area of ​​the map (for example, the site of a store) as the area Rb. The smartphone 60 stores information for identifying the area Rb (for example, multiple coordinates (coordinates of corners of the site)).

[0045] When the smartphone 60 determines that the condition X is satisfied and the condition Y is satisfied, the smartphone 60 displays the image G2 (the second operation image (button) of the present invention) shown in FIG. 4. When the smartphone 60 detects that the image G2 has been tapped, the smartphone 60 runs the remote control software in the foreground. That is, the smartphone 60 transitions to a state in which the image G1 for remote control is displayed (the first state of the present invention).

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain in detail the processing (program PR1 among the multiple programs that make up the remote control software) executed by the CPU of the smartphone 60 (hereinafter simply referred to as "CPU") to realize the above-mentioned easy start function.

[0047] The CPU executes the program PR1 at a predetermined cycle when the remote control software is running in the background. The CPU starts execution of the program PR1 from step 100 and proceeds to step 101.

[0048] In step 101, the CPU acquires location information SP indicating the current location of the smartphone 60 based on the GPS signal, and transmits the location information SP to the server computer 70. Next, the CPU proceeds to step .

[0049] In step 102, the CPU acquires map information MD[SP,VP] on which the current locations of the smartphone 60 and the vehicle are plotted from the server computer 70. Next, the CPU proceeds to step 103.

[0050] In step 103, the CPU determines whether the user and the vehicle are located within the specific region Rb (whether condition X is met) based on the map information MD[SP,VP]. If the CPU determines that condition X is met (103: Yes), the CPU proceeds to step 104. On the other hand, if the CPU does not determine that condition X is met (103: No), the CPU proceeds to step 106.

[0051] In step 104, the CPU acquires from the ECU 10 a determination result (whether condition Y is satisfied) as to whether or not the user is located within the area Ra. If the CPU acquires a determination result indicating that condition Y is satisfied (104: Yes), the CPU proceeds to step 105. On the other hand, if the CPU does not acquire a determination result indicating that condition Y is satisfied (104: No), the CPU proceeds to step 106.

[0052] In step 105, the CPU causes the image G2 to be displayed on the display device of the smartphone 60, and proceeds to step 107, where it ends the execution of the program PR1.

[0053] In step 106, the CPU proceeds to step 107 without displaying image G2 on the display device of the smartphone 60, and ends execution of program PR1 in step 107. If image G2 is being displayed when the CPU proceeds to step 106, the CPU erases image G2.

[0054] (Effect) The smartphone 60 displays image G2 when the user and their vehicle are located within the specific area Rb and the user is located within area Ra. The user can display image G1 by tapping image G2. In other words, the user can easily transition the smartphone 60 to a state in which the user's vehicle can be remotely controlled. Furthermore, image G2 is displayed only within the specific area Rb. By setting an area where the user is likely to remotely control the user's vehicle as the specific area Rb, the user can prevent image G2 from being displayed in areas other than area Rb (areas where the user is unlikely to remotely control the user's vehicle).

[0055] <Modification 1> In the above embodiment, the smartphone 60 displays the image G2 when the condition X and the condition Y are satisfied. Alternatively, the smartphone 60 may display the image G2 when the following condition Z and condition Y are satisfied. Condition Z: The current time belongs to a specific time period T. For example, the user can set the time period during which he or she goes to work as a specific time period T.

[0056] <Modification 2> The map information MD may include information identifying the area occupied by buildings (houses, stores, etc.) and the area occupied by parking lots. In this case, the map information MD may also include location information of building entrances and exits. For example, in a scene in which the user remotely controls the vehicle to leave a parking lot, the smartphone 60 may display image G2 when the user is located near the building entrance (specific area Rb1) and the vehicle is located in the parking lot adjacent to the building (specific area Rb2).

[0057] <Modification 3> The server computer 70 may acquire and store setting information for a specific area Rb from the smartphone 60. In this case, when the server computer 70 determines that the user and the vehicle are located within the area Rb based on the position information SP, the position information VP, and the setting information for the area Rb, the server computer 70 may send a command (push notification) to the smartphone 60 to display the image G2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...Parking assistance system, 10...ECU, 20...In-vehicle sensor, 60...Smartphone, 70...Server computer, 80...Smart key

Claims

1. A parking assistance method including an entry method for remotely operating a vehicle to enter a parking spot and / or an exit method for remotely operating a vehicle to exit a parking spot by operating, in a predetermined manner, a mobile information terminal that is in a first state in which predetermined remote operation software is activated and a predetermined first operation image is displayed, A parking assistance method including a second image display step of displaying, on the mobile information terminal, a second operation image for transitioning the mobile information terminal to the first state when the mobile information terminal is located within a specific area and is in a state different from the first state.

2. The parking assistance method according to claim 1, The second image display step includes: a first location information transmission step of causing the mobile information terminal to acquire first location information representing a current location of the mobile information terminal based on a GPS signal and transmit the first location information to a predetermined server computer; a second position information transmission step of causing a processor included in the vehicle to acquire second position information representing a current location of the vehicle based on a GPS signal and transmit the second position information to the server computer; a map information transmitting step of causing the server computer to transmit map information including the first location information and the second location information to the mobile information terminal; a determination step of causing the mobile information terminal to determine whether or not the mobile information terminal and the vehicle are located within the specific area based on the map information; A parking assistance method comprising:

3. The parking assistance method according to claim 1, The second image display step includes: a first location information transmission step of causing the mobile information terminal to acquire first location information representing a current location of the mobile information terminal based on a GPS signal and transmit the first location information to a predetermined server computer; a second position information transmission step of causing a processor included in the vehicle to acquire second position information representing a current location of the vehicle based on a GPS signal and transmit the second position information to the server computer; an image display command step of causing the server computer to determine whether the mobile information terminal and the host vehicle are located within the specific area based on the first position information and the second position information, and, when it is determined that the mobile information terminal and the host vehicle are located within the specific area, causing the server computer to send an image display command to the mobile information terminal to display the second operation image; A parking assistance method comprising:

4. The parking assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The parking assistance method causes the mobile information terminal to execute the second image display step when the distance between the user remotely operating the vehicle and the vehicle is equal to or less than a threshold.

5. A parking assistance method including an entry method for remotely operating a vehicle to enter a parking spot and / or an exit method for remotely operating a vehicle to exit a parking spot by operating, in a predetermined manner, a mobile information terminal that is in a first state in which predetermined remote operation software is activated and a predetermined first operation image is displayed, A parking assistance method including a second image display step of displaying, on the mobile information terminal, a second operation image for transitioning the mobile information terminal to the first state when the mobile information terminal is in a state different from the first state during a specific time period.

Images