Information management system

Abstract

To provide an information management system capable of performing use registration of a predetermined service by a simple procedure while suppressing unauthorized use registration.SOLUTION: The information management system 1 is a system that manages registration for use of a vehicle-related service, and includes the vehicles 2, the in-vehicle device 2a mounted in each of the vehicles 2, and the management server 3. the management server 3 communicates with the communication mobile terminal 4, and the communication unit 3c of the management server 3 receives the first information and the second information transmitted from the communication mobile terminal 4. The first information includes the vehicle identification information input by the user and the user identification information, the second information includes the vehicle identification information received from the in-vehicle device 2a and the user identification information, the management server 3 stores the received first information in the storage unit 3b, and the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 collates the first information with the received second information, and permits the use registration of the vehicle-related service on condition that the collation result is a match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system for managing registration for use of predetermined services related to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are systems that provide predetermined vehicle-related services to vehicle users. In this type of system, information is transmitted and received between a communication mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, used by the user and a server of the system. The communication mobile terminal accesses the server, allowing the user to receive the predetermined services (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109816 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the use of a predetermined service is managed by a data center (server). Specifically, when the server receives a user ID and a vehicle ID from a mobile information terminal, the server refers to various tables stored in a storage unit. The server extracts license information linked to the user ID and vehicle ID and transmits the information to the mobile information terminal. In this way, the use of the service on the mobile information terminal is managed.

[0005] However, it is conceivable that users of a given service may change, for example, when the owner of a vehicle changes. In such cases, the registration information must be updated on the server side, but allowing changes to the registration information based on the vehicle ID creates security issues. For example, if a vehicle ID is obtained illegally or coincidentally matches a vehicle ID, an unauthorized person may be able to register to use the service, which could result in problems such as legitimate users being unable to use the service. Furthermore, there is a risk of information within the service being leaked.

[0006] To prevent fraudulent registration, for example, when registering for a service, a vehicle salesperson or other person may verify the user's identity using a vehicle inspection certificate or other means, or when applying for a service, a code storing information necessary for registration may be attached to a license certificate or other document, and the user's ownership of the vehicle may be confirmed by reading the code at the time of registration. However, doing so is undesirable because it makes the service registration procedure cumbersome. As this type of service becomes more widespread, it is expected that different owners of the same vehicle will continue to use the service, so it is desirable to be able to efficiently register for the service while preventing fraudulent registration.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to realize an information management system for managing registration for use of specified vehicle-related services, which allows registration for use of services through simple procedures while avoiding fraudulent registration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The information management system of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an information management system for managing registration for use of a specified service related to a vehicle, and is characterized in that it comprises a vehicle, an on-board device mounted on the vehicle, and a server, and the server comprises a processing unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit, and the server communicates with a communication mobile terminal device used by a user of the specified service via an external vehicle network, the communication unit of the server receives first information and second information transmitted from the communication mobile terminal device, the first information includes first vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle input by the user and user identification information unique to the user, and the second information includes second vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle received from the on-board device at a specified trigger and the user identification information, the server stores the first information received via the communication unit in the memory, and the processing unit of the server compares the first information stored in the memory with the second information received via the communication unit and permits registration for use of the specified service on the condition that the comparison results in a match.

[0009] In the information management system of the present invention, a processing unit of a server compares first information stored in a storage unit of the server with second information transmitted from a communication portable terminal device, and permits registration for a predetermined service on the condition that the comparison results match. The first information includes first vehicle identification information and user identification information input by a user, and the second information includes second vehicle identification information and user identification information transmitted from an in-vehicle device at a predetermined trigger. Here, the second vehicle identification information in the second information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device. In other words, even if a vehicle identification number (first vehicle identification information) is obtained fraudulently, the information management system of the present invention prevents registration for a predetermined service by those who have difficulty obtaining information from an in-vehicle device (e.g., fraudulent registrants). Furthermore, because registration for a predetermined service is not permitted unless the user identification information in the first information and the user identification information in the second information match, the information management system of the present invention further prevents fraudulent registration. Furthermore, since registration for use of a predetermined service is possible by inputting the first vehicle identification information into the communication portable terminal device, the information management system of the present invention allows registration for use of a predetermined service through a simple procedure.

[0010] (2) The predetermined trigger may include the vehicle being started, and the vehicle being started may be based on an operation performed by the user inside or near the vehicle.

[0011] In this way, the information management system of the present invention cannot acquire the second vehicle identification information unless the vehicle is started inside or near the vehicle. Since starting the vehicle requires the operation of a vehicle key held by the vehicle owner, it is difficult for anyone other than the vehicle owner to register for a specific service. Therefore, the information management system of the present invention can prevent a person other than the authorized user from registering for a specific service away from the vehicle.

[0012] (3) The processing unit may receive the second vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted unit to the communication portable terminal device via wired communication or short-range wireless communication from the communication portable terminal device via the communication unit.

[0013] In this way, the information management system of the present invention cannot obtain the second vehicle identification information unless the user is inside or near the vehicle, thereby preventing a person other than the authorized user from registering to use a specified service while away from the vehicle.

[0014] (4) The processing unit may determine whether or not there has been a registration for use of the specified service in the past based on the first vehicle identification information included in the first information, and may perform the matching on the condition that there has been a registration for use in the past.

[0015] In this way, the information management system of the present invention can determine that a user has previously registered for a predetermined service based on the fact that the first vehicle identification information has already been stored in the storage unit of the server.

[0016] (5) The processing unit may determine whether or not there has been a registration for use of the specified service in the past based on the first vehicle identification information included in the first information, and may not perform the matching if there has been no registration for use in the past.

[0017] In this way, the information management system of the present invention can register for use of a specified service without comparing the first information with the second information if there has been no previous registration for use of the specified service, thereby reducing the processing load on the server related to registration for use of the specified service.

[0018] (6) The processing unit (processing unit 3a of the management server 3) may receive the first vehicle identification information from the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4) via the communication unit 3c, the first vehicle identification information being input by reading a code (barcode, QR code (registered trademark), etc.) storing the first vehicle identification information using a code reading unit (camera) of the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4).

[0019] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention can simplify the task of the user inputting the first vehicle identification information.

[0020] (7) The user identification information may be transmitted from the portable communication terminal device without being input to the portable communication terminal device.

[0021] In this way, the information management system of the present invention allows, for example, a user who registers for a predetermined service to register for use of the predetermined service without knowing the user identification information. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the user identification information to be leaked, and fraudulent registration can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the information management system of the present invention allows a user to register for use of the predetermined service without entering user identification information, it is possible to simplify the registration procedure for use of the predetermined service.

[0022] (8) The information management method of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problem, is an information management method for managing registration for use of a predetermined service related to a vehicle, and includes a first information storage step of receiving, by a receiving unit of a server, first information transmitted from a communication portable terminal device used by a user of the predetermined service and storing the first information in a memory unit of the server; a second information receiving step of receiving, by the receiving unit of the server, second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal device; and a processing unit of the server determining whether or not to register for use of the predetermined service based on the first information stored in the memory unit and the second information received via the receiving unit. and a registration approval / disapproval decision step, wherein the first information includes first vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle input by the user and user identification information unique to the user, the second information includes second vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle received by the communication portable terminal device from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle and the user identification information, and the second vehicle identification information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the communication portable terminal device at a predetermined opportunity, and the processing unit of the server compares the first information with the second information and permits registration for use of the predetermined service on the condition that the comparison results are a match.

[0023] In the information management method described above, in the registration permission / prohibition determining step, the processing unit of the server determines whether or not to permit registration for a predetermined service based on the first information stored in the storage unit of the server and the second information received via the receiving unit. The first information includes first vehicle identification information and user identification information input by the user, and the second information includes second vehicle identification information and user identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device at a predetermined trigger. Here, the second vehicle identification information in the second information is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device. In other words, the information management method of the present invention can prevent fraudulent registration because even if a vehicle identification number (first vehicle identification information) is obtained fraudulently, registration for the predetermined service is not permitted unless the vehicle identification number (second vehicle identification information) transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device is obtained. Furthermore, if the user identification information in the first information and the second information do not match, registration for the predetermined service is not permitted, so the information management method of the present invention can further prevent fraudulent registration. Furthermore, since registration for the predetermined service is possible by inputting the first vehicle identification information into the communication portable terminal device, the information management method of the present invention allows registration for the predetermined service through a simple procedure.

[0024] (9) A program of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems is a program for causing a computer to implement the information management method described in (8).

[0025] The program of the present invention can realize the processing related to the above-mentioned information management method on the program, so that it is possible to prevent fraudulent registration for use of a specified service and to register for use of a specified service through a simple procedure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information management system and an information management method that enable users to register for a predetermined service through a simple procedure while suppressing fraudulent registrations. Furthermore, the present invention can provide a program that can easily realize the information management method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of service registration processing (initial registration) executed in the information management system of FIG. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of service registration processing (second and subsequent registrations) executed in the information management system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An information management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] The information management system 1 of this embodiment manages registration for use of predetermined services related to the vehicle 2. The predetermined services (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle-related services") include, for example, a service that provides support when the vehicle 2 breaks down or has an accident, a service that notifies the vehicle 2 of its location information, and a service that provides guidance on vehicle inspections, maintenance, and checks. In the information management system 1, the management server 3 and the communication mobile terminal 4 are configured to be able to send and receive information to and from each other. The communication mobile terminal 4 is also capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 2a and acquires from the vehicle-mounted device 2a a unique identification number (vehicle identification number) assigned to the vehicle 2. The management server 3 receives from the communication mobile terminal 4 the ID (application user ID) of a user who uses an application for providing vehicle-related services and the vehicle identification number, and determines whether or not to register for the vehicle-related services based on this information. In this way, the information management system 1 manages registration for use of the vehicle-related services. The configuration of the information management system 1 will be described below.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the information management system 1 includes a vehicle 2, an in-vehicle device 2a mounted on the vehicle 2, and a management server 3.

[0031] The vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires information related to the vehicle identification number (vehicle identification information) from the vehicle 2 and transmits the vehicle identification information to a communication mobile terminal 4 used by a user of a vehicle-related service. The vehicle-mounted device 2a is mounted on the vehicle 2 and includes a control unit 2a1 and a communication unit 2a2. The vehicle-mounted device 2a can be, for example, a display audio (DA).

[0032] The control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires information related to a unique identification number (vehicle identification information) from the vehicle 2 at a predetermined opportunity. Specifically, the vehicle-mounted device 2a is connected to an ECU that performs various controls of the vehicle via a Controller Area Network (CAN), which is an in-vehicle network of the vehicle 2. The control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires the vehicle identification number (vehicle identification information) from a predetermined ECU of the vehicle 2 via CAN communication at a predetermined opportunity.

[0033] The vehicle identification number is a unique identification number assigned to the vehicle 2, and may be, for example, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a transmits the vehicle identification information acquired from the ECU of the vehicle 2 to the communication mobile terminal 4 via the communication unit 2a2. The communication between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication mobile terminal 4 may be, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

[0034] The control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a controls pairing when communicating with the communication portable terminal 4 for the first time. Furthermore, the control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a automatically performs pairing (automatic connection) when communicating with the communication portable terminal 4 for the second or subsequent time. Note that communication between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication portable terminal 4 is not limited to short-range wireless communication, and wired communication is also possible.

[0035] As described above, the vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires the vehicle identification information at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing may be, for example, when the vehicle 2 is started (for example, when the ignition switch is turned on). Another predetermined timing may be after the vehicle 2 is started and a connection between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication portable terminal 4 is established.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a transmits the acquired vehicle identification information to the communication portable terminal 4 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a timing after the vehicle 2 is started, a connection is established between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication portable terminal 4, and the vehicle-mounted device 2a subsequently acquires the vehicle identification information from a predetermined ECU of the vehicle 2.

[0037] The communication portable terminal 4 is used by a user of the vehicle-related service and may be, for example, a smartphone. The communication portable terminal 4 is capable of providing the vehicle-related service to the user by wirelessly communicating with the management server 3. The communication portable terminal 4 includes a control unit 4a, a storage unit 4b, a communication unit 4c, an operation unit 4d, and a display unit 4e.

[0038] The control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 performs various controls when providing vehicle-related services on an application.

[0039] Prior to providing a vehicle-related service, the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 transmits first information required for registration to use the service to the management server 3 via the communication unit 4c. The first information includes, for example, information related to the vehicle's unique identification number (e.g., VIN) input from the registration screen of the application for the vehicle-related service (vehicle identification number) and the user's unique identification number (user identification information).

[0040] The vehicle identification number can be input by, for example, the user operating the operation unit 4d. The operation unit 4d and the display unit 4e function as an interface when the user operates the communication portable terminal 4. The operation unit 4d is, for example, made up of a push-button type operation switch, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 4a. Note that, if the display unit 4e is configured as a touch panel, the input can be performed by touching the display unit 4e.

[0041] The vehicle identification number (vehicle identification information) can also be entered using a camera provided in the communication mobile terminal 4. Specifically, when applying for a vehicle-related service, a dealer of the vehicle 2, a used car dealer, or the like issues a code (for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark)) that stores the vehicle identification information. The user reads the code with the camera of the communication mobile terminal 4 on a usage registration screen in the application for the vehicle-related service. This allows the communication mobile terminal 4 to obtain the vehicle identification information without the user having to enter it manually.

[0042] The control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 transmits second information required for registration of the vehicle-related service to the management server 3 via the communication unit 4c, on the condition that the vehicle 2 has been registered for use of the service in the past. The second information is transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 to the management server 3 at a predetermined opportunity. The communication portable terminal 4 can determine whether or not the vehicle has been registered for use of the vehicle-related service in the past, for example, by determining whether or not a predetermined request signal has been received from the management server 3 after transmitting the first information to the management server 3. The predetermined request signal will be described later.

[0043] The second information includes vehicle identification information (e.g., VIN) transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 2a via Bluetooth (registered trademark) and user identification information. The user identification information included in the second information is the same as the user identification information included in the first information described above.

[0044] The user identification information may be, for example, an application user ID assigned by the management server 3 when an application program for a vehicle-related service is downloaded to the communication portable terminal 4. The user ID is transmitted from the management server 3 to the communication portable terminal 4 and stored in the storage unit 4b of the communication portable terminal 4 that received the user ID. Furthermore, the user identification information is automatically transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 to the management server 3 without being input by the user both when transmitting the first information and when transmitting the second information.

[0045] The predetermined timing for transmitting the second information from the communication portable terminal 4 to the management server 3 is after the vehicle 2 is started (such as starting the engine). As will be described later, if the management server 3 determines that a registration for use of a vehicle-related service has been made in the past, a signal requesting that a vehicle start-up request screen be displayed on the display unit 4e is transmitted from the management server 3 to the communication portable terminal 4. Here, the vehicle start-up request screen is a screen requesting that the vehicle 2 be started and that the in-vehicle device 2a and the communication portable terminal 4 be connected via Bluetooth.

[0046] When the user starts the vehicle 2 in accordance with the vehicle start-up request screen and Bluetooth communication is established between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication mobile terminal 4, the control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires vehicle identification information from the ECU inside the vehicle and transmits the vehicle identification information to the communication mobile terminal 4 via the communication unit 2a2.

[0047] When the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 receives the vehicle identification information via the communication unit 4c, it transmits second information to the management server 3. As described above, the second information includes the vehicle identification information acquired by the vehicle-mounted device 2a from the ECU in the vehicle.

[0048] The control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 also performs various controls related to the application of the vehicle-related service. For example, the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 performs controls related to downloading the application of the vehicle-related service, controls to display a usage registration screen while the application is running, and controls to display a vehicle start-up request screen (described later) while the application is running.

[0049] The memory unit 4b of the communication mobile terminal 4 can store application programs for vehicle-related services sent from the management server 3, user identification information (app user ID) sent from the management server 3, vehicle identification information sent from the vehicle-mounted device 2a, and various display screens of applications.

[0050] The management server 3 manages registration of vehicle-related services, and includes a processing unit 3a, a storage unit 3b, and a communication unit 3c.

[0051] The processing unit 3a of the management server 3 comprehensively controls the operation of the management server 3. In response to a request from the communication mobile terminal 4, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 transmits various information related to the provision of vehicle-related services to the communication mobile terminal 4 via the communication unit 3c.

[0052] Furthermore, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 transmits an application program for a vehicle-related service to the communication mobile terminal 4 via the communication unit 3c in response to a request from the communication mobile terminal 4. At that time, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 can also transmit information related to an application user ID assigned to each application program to be transmitted to the communication mobile terminal 4.

[0053] Furthermore, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 manages the registration of use of the vehicle-related service prior to providing the service. At this time, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 manages the registration of use of the vehicle-related service while ensuring security so that unauthorized users cannot register for use.

[0054] Specifically, when the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 receives various information (first information) entered into the usage registration screen of the application of the communication portable terminal 4 via the communication unit 3c, the processing unit 3a temporarily stores the information in the storage unit 3b. Furthermore, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 references the usage registration database 3b1 stored in the storage unit 3b, and determines whether or not the usage registration database 3b1 contains vehicle identification information that matches the vehicle identification information (vehicle identification information included in the first information) temporarily stored in the storage unit 3b. Note that the storage area in the storage unit 3b where the first information is stored is a different area from the storage area where the usage registration database 3b1 is stored.

[0055] If the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 does not have the same vehicle identification information as the vehicle identification information included in the first information transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 in the usage registration database 3b1, the processing unit 3a stores the temporarily stored first information as a new usage registration in the usage registration database 3b1 of the storage unit 3b (initial usage registration). At this time, the user identification information and the vehicle identification information are stored in association with each other in the usage registration database 3b1.

[0056] The first information may include, for example, information such as the model of the vehicle 2 and the user name in addition to the vehicle identification information and user identification information input by the user.

[0057] If the usage registration database 3b1 contains vehicle identification information that is the same as the vehicle identification information included in the first information transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4, at least the following cases (i) to (iv) are assumed. (i) After the primary user of Vehicle 2 registers for the use of vehicle-related services, the ownership of Vehicle 2 is transferred to another user (secondary user), and the secondary user again registers for the use of vehicle-related services. (ii) Cases where an unauthorized user fraudulently obtains a vehicle identification number (vehicle identification information) and registers it for use. (iii) A case where an unauthorized user entered a random vehicle identification number (vehicle identification information) on the user registration screen in order to fraudulently register, and the vehicle identification number coincided with that of a legitimate user. (iv) A registered user of a vehicle-related service enters incorrect vehicle identification information, which happens to match the vehicle identification information of a legitimate user.

[0058] In a case like (i), it is necessary to approve the registration for use, which is expected when purchasing a used car, whereas in cases like (ii) to (iv), if the registration for use is approved, there is a risk that the authorized user will not be able to receive the vehicle-related services or that data in the services will be leaked. Therefore, in this embodiment, in cases like (ii) to (iv), security is ensured by not allowing the registration for use of the vehicle-related services.

[0059] Specifically, when the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 determines that the vehicle identification information contained in the first information sent from the communication mobile terminal 4 is found in the usage registration database 3b1, it sends a signal to the communication mobile terminal 4 via the communication unit 3c requesting that the communication mobile terminal 4 display the above-mentioned vehicle start-up request screen.

[0060] When the user follows the vehicle activation request screen, second information is transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 to the management server 3. When the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 receives the second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 via the communication unit 3c, the processing unit 3a compares the second information with the first information temporarily stored in the storage unit 3b. If the comparison results in a match between the first information and the second information, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 reflects the temporarily stored first information in the usage registration database 3b1 (permits usage registration). At this time, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 rewrites the user identification information that was stored in association with the previously registered vehicle identification information with new user identification information (user identification information included in the first information) and re-registers it. This cancels the vehicle-related services for the previously registered user.

[0061] If the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 determines that the first information does not match the second information as a result of comparing the first information with the second information, it does not reflect the first information stored in the memory unit 3b in the usage registration database 3b1, and instead sends a signal to the communication mobile terminal 4, for example, via the communication unit 3c, requesting that an error be displayed.

[0062] The control unit 2a1 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a, the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4, and the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 can each be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 4b of the communication portable terminal 4 and the memory unit 3b of the management server 3 can each be configured with a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication unit 2a2 of the vehicle-mounted device 2a, the communication unit 4c of the communication portable terminal 4, and the communication unit 3c of the management server 3 can each be configured with a communication circuit.

[0063] The above is the configuration of the information management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, the flow of the registration process for using vehicle-related services executed in this system will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] Below, the flow of the first registration for vehicle-related services will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and then the flow of the second and subsequent registrations will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] (First time registration) First, a user of a vehicle-related service downloads an application program for the service from the management server 3 to the communication portable terminal 4.

[0066] The user starts an application for a vehicle-related service on the communication portable terminal 4 (step S1). When the application starts and the user performs an operation to display a vehicle registration screen (step S2), a vehicle registration screen (usage registration screen) is displayed on the display unit 4e of the communication portable terminal 4 (step S3).

[0067] When the user inputs the vehicle identification number (VIN: vehicle identification information) into the vehicle identification number input field on the vehicle registration screen (step S4) and performs a transmission operation, first information is transmitted from the communication mobile terminal 4 to the management server 3 (step S5). The first information includes the vehicle identification information input in step S4 and the application user ID (user identification information) stored in the storage unit 4b.

[0068] When the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 receives the first information via the communication unit 3c, the processing unit 3a temporarily stores the first information in the storage unit 3b. Furthermore, when the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 receives the first information, the processing unit 3a refers to the usage registration database 3b1 and determines whether or not the usage registration database 3b1 contains vehicle identification information that matches the vehicle identification information included in the first information (step S6).

[0069] In the case of an initial registration, the registration database 3b1 does not contain data that matches the vehicle identification information included in the first information. In this case, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 determines that the received first information is related to an initial registration, and adds the first information to the registration database 3b1 in step S7 (permission of registration).

[0070] (Registration for second or subsequent users) Next, the flow of second and subsequent usage registrations will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that steps S11 to S16 in Fig. 3 are the same processes as steps S1 to S6 in Fig. 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In the case of the second or subsequent registration, the vehicle identification information (VIN) included in the first information is registered in the registration database 3b1. Therefore, in the case of the second or subsequent registration, in step S16, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 determines that the vehicle identification information included in the received first information matches the vehicle identification information in the registration database 3b1. In this case, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 transmits a signal to the communication portable terminal 4 requesting that the display unit 4e of the communication portable terminal 4 display a vehicle activation request screen (step S17).

[0072] When the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 receives the request signal, the control unit 4a causes the display unit 4e to display a vehicle start request screen (step S18).

[0073] When the user operates the vehicle 2 (for example, turns on the ignition switch) in accordance with the display of the vehicle activation request screen (step S19), the system of the vehicle 2 is activated and the in-vehicle device 2a is also activated (step S20).

[0074] When the vehicle-mounted device 2a is started up, an automatic Bluetooth communication connection is established with the communication portable terminal 4 (step S21). Next, the vehicle-mounted device 2a acquires vehicle identification information (VIN) from the ECU in the vehicle via CAN communication (step S22), and transmits the acquired vehicle identification information to the communication portable terminal 4 on the condition that Bluetooth communication with the communication portable terminal 4 is established (step S23).

[0075] When the control unit 4a of the communication portable terminal 4 receives the vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 2a, it transmits the second information to the management server 3 (step S24).

[0076] When the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 receives the second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4, the processing unit 3a collates the second information with the first information temporarily stored in the storage unit 4b (step S25).

[0077] If the collation result indicates a match, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 rewrites the information in the usage registration database 3b1 based on the first information (step S26). That is, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 rewrites the user identification information stored in association with the vehicle identification information previously registered for use with the user identification information included in the first information (permission of use registration). This ends the process of the second and subsequent use registrations.

[0078] On the other hand, in step S25, if the comparison result is not a match, the processing unit 3a of the management server 3 does not rewrite the information in the usage registration database 3b1, and sends a signal to the communication mobile terminal 4 requesting the display of an error display screen.

[0079] (Action and effect) The above is one embodiment of the information management system 1 of the present invention. Next, the effects achieved by the information management system 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0080] The above-described information management system 1 has the following characteristic configuration: Therefore, the information management system 1 can achieve the following unique effects that cannot be achieved by conventional techniques.

[0081] (a) The information management system 1 of the present invention is an information management system 1 for managing registration of use of a predetermined service related to a vehicle, and includes a vehicle 2, an in-vehicle device 2a mounted on the vehicle 2, and a server (management server 3). The server (management server 3) includes a processing unit 3a, a storage unit 3b, and a communication unit 3c. The server (management server 3) communicates with a communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4) used by a user of the predetermined service (vehicle-related service) via an external vehicle network. The communication unit 3c of the server (management server 3) receives first information and second information transmitted from the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4), and The first information includes the first vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle 2 input by the user and the user identification information unique to the user, and the second information includes the second vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle 2 received from the vehicle-mounted device 2a at a predetermined trigger and the user identification information, the server (management server 3) stores the first information received via the communication unit 3c in the memory unit 3b, and the processing unit 3a of the server (management server 3) compares the first information stored in the memory unit 3b with the second information received via the communication unit 3c and permits registration for use of the specified service on the condition that the comparison results match.

[0082] In the information management system 1 of the present invention configured as described above, the processing unit 3a of the server (management server 3) compares the first information stored in the storage unit 3b of the server (management server 3) with the second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4), and permits registration for use of a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) on the condition that the comparison results in a match. The first information includes first vehicle identification information (vehicle identification information: VIN) and user identification information (application user ID) input by the user, and the second information includes second vehicle identification information (vehicle identification information: VIN) and user identification information (application user ID) transmitted from the in-vehicle device 2a upon a predetermined trigger (starting of the vehicle 2). Here, the second vehicle identification information (vehicle identification information: VIN) of the second information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 2a. In other words, the information management system 1 of the present invention can prevent registration for a predetermined service by a person who has difficulty obtaining information from the vehicle-mounted device 2a (for example, a fraudulent registrant) because even if the vehicle identification number (first vehicle identification information) is obtained fraudulently, registration for a predetermined service cannot be made unless the vehicle identification number (second vehicle identification information) transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 2a is obtained. Furthermore, unless the user identification information in the first information and the second information match, registration for a predetermined service is not permitted, so the information management system 1 of the present invention can further prevent fraudulent registration for a predetermined service.

[0083] Furthermore, since registration for use of a predetermined service is possible by inputting the first vehicle identification information into the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4), the information management system 1 of the present invention allows registration for use of a predetermined service through a simple procedure. Furthermore, since the information management system 1 uses the communication portable terminal 4 used by the user to transmit the vehicle identification information acquired from the vehicle 2 to the management server 3, there is no need to provide a vehicle-specific communication device such as a DCM (Data Communication Module) in the vehicle 2. Therefore, the information management system 1 of the present invention can be realized with an inexpensive configuration.

[0084] (b) The specified trigger may include the vehicle 2 being started, and the starting of the vehicle 2 may be based on an operation performed by the user inside the vehicle 2 or in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0085] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention cannot acquire the second vehicle identification information unless the vehicle 2 is started inside the vehicle or near the vehicle 2. Here, starting the vehicle 2 requires operating a vehicle key held by the owner of the vehicle 2, so it is difficult for anyone other than the vehicle owner to register for use of vehicle-related services. Therefore, the information management system 1 of the present invention can prevent a person other than the authorized user from registering for use of a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) away from the vehicle 2.

[0086] (c) The processing unit (processing unit 3a of the management server 3) may receive the second vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 2a to the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) via wired communication or short-range wireless communication from the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) via the communication unit 3c.

[0087] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention cannot obtain the second vehicle identification information unless the user is inside the vehicle or near the vehicle 2, thereby preventing a person other than the authorized user from registering to use a specified service (vehicle-related service) away from the vehicle 2.

[0088] (d) The processing unit (processing unit 3a of the management server 3) determines whether or not there has been a registration for use of the specified service (vehicle-related service) in the past based on the first vehicle identification information included in the first information, and performs the matching on the condition that there has been a registration for use in the past.

[0089] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention can determine that a user has previously registered for a specified service based on the fact that the first vehicle identification information is already stored in the memory unit 3b of the server (management server 3).

[0090] (e) The processing unit (processing unit 3a of the management server 3) determines whether or not there has been a registration for use of the specified service (vehicle-related service) in the past based on the first vehicle identification information included in the first information, and may not perform the matching if there has been no registration for use in the past.

[0091] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention can register for use of a specified service (vehicle-related service) without comparing the first information with the second information when there has been no previous registration for use of the specified service (vehicle-related service), thereby reducing the processing load on the server (management server 3) involved in registering for use of the specified service (vehicle-related service).

[0092] (f) The processing unit (processing unit 3a of the management server 3) may receive the first vehicle identification information from the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4) via the communication unit 3c, the first vehicle identification information being input when a code storing the first vehicle identification information is read by a code reading unit (camera) of the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4).

[0093] In this way, the information management system 1 of the present invention can simplify the task of the user inputting the first vehicle identification information.

[0094] (g) The user identification information may be transmitted from the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) without being input to the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4).

[0095] The user identification information (application user ID) in the information management system 1 of the present invention is information assigned by the management server 3. Furthermore, when the first information and the second information are transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 to the management server 3, the information is automatically transmitted from the communication portable terminal 4 that stores the information in the storage unit 4b without the user's involvement. In other words, the information management system 1 of the present invention enables a user who registers to use a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) to register for the service without knowing the user identification information. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the user identification information to be leaked, and fraudulent registration can be suppressed. Furthermore, the information management system 1 of the present invention does not require the user to input user identification information, thereby simplifying the registration procedure for the predetermined service.

[0096] (h) The information management method of the present invention, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an information management method for managing registration for use of a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) related to a vehicle 2, and includes a first information storage step of receiving, by a receiving unit (communication unit 3c) of a server (management server 3), first information transmitted from a communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) used by a user of the predetermined service (vehicle-related service) and storing the first information in a memory unit 3b of the server (management server 3); a second information receiving step of receiving, by the receiving unit (communication unit 3c) of the server (management server 3), second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4); and a processing unit 3a of the server (management server 3) performing a first information storage step based on the first information stored in the memory unit 3b and the second information received via the receiving unit (communication unit 3c). and a registration possibility determination step for determining whether or not to allow registration for the specified service (vehicle-related service), wherein the first information includes first vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle 2 input by the user and user identification information unique to the user, the second information includes second vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle 2 received by the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) from an in-vehicle device 2a mounted on the vehicle 2 and the user identification information, and the second vehicle identification information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 2a to the communication portable terminal device (communication portable terminal 4) at a specified trigger, and the processing unit 3a of the server (management server 3) compares the first information with the second information and permits registration for the specified service (vehicle-related service) on the condition that the comparison results are a match.

[0097] In this way, in the above-described information management method, in a usage registration permission determining step (step S25 in FIG. 3), the processing unit 3a of the server (management server 3) determines whether or not to permit usage registration for a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) based on the first information stored in the storage unit 3b of the server (management server 3) and the second information received via the receiving unit (communication unit 3c). The first information includes first vehicle identification information and user identification information input by the user in step S14 in FIG. 4, and the second information includes second vehicle identification information and user identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 2a in step S23 in FIG. 4. Here, the second vehicle identification information of the second information is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 2a, and the timing of transmission of the second vehicle identification information is when the vehicle 2 starts up and a Bluetooth connection is established between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication portable terminal 4 in steps S20 to S21 in FIG. 4. In other words, the information management method of the present invention can prevent fraudulent registration because even if a vehicle identification number (first vehicle identification information) is obtained fraudulently, registration for use of a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) is not possible unless the vehicle 2 is started and the vehicle identification number (second vehicle identification information) is obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 2a. Furthermore, if the user identification information in the first information and the second information does not match, registration for use of the predetermined service (vehicle-related service) is not permitted, so the information management method of the present invention can further prevent fraudulent registration. Furthermore, because registration for use of a predetermined service is possible by inputting the first vehicle identification information into the communication mobile terminal device (communication mobile terminal 4), the information management method of the present invention allows registration for use of a predetermined service (vehicle-related service) through a simple procedure.

[0098] (i) Furthermore, the program of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems is a program for causing a computer to implement the information management method described in (g).

[0099] In this way, the program of the present invention can realize the processing related to the above-mentioned information management method on the program, thereby preventing fraudulent registration for use of specified services (vehicle-related services) and enabling registration for use of specified services (vehicle-related services) through simple procedures.

[0100] The above are the effects of the information management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, but the information management system 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified in various ways. That is, the above-described information management system 1 merely illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration can be appropriately changed, omitted, or added as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the information management system 1 can be one that does not include some or all of the configurations according to (a) to (i) above, one that includes other configurations, or one that realizes the configurations according to (a) to (i) above differently from those exemplified in the above embodiment, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the communication portable terminal 4 and the vehicle-mounted device 2a are connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection has been described, but other short-range wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi or infrared communication may also be used. In particular, when Wi-Fi is used, a password must be entered when connecting the communication portable terminal 4 and the vehicle-mounted device 2a, making it difficult to illegally obtain vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 2a.

[0102] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the timing for transmitting vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 2a to the communication mobile terminal 4 is set to the timing after the vehicle 2 is started and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection is established between the vehicle-mounted device 2a and the communication mobile terminal 4, but the transmission timing can be set arbitrarily between the time the vehicle 2 is started and the time the start-up is stopped.

[0103] The user identification information is not limited to the application user ID assigned by the management server 3, but may also be, for example, an email address of the communication mobile terminal 4 or a login ID for an application of a vehicle-related service.

[0104] In the above embodiment, if the registration database 3b1 stored in the storage unit 3b of the management server 3 does not contain the same vehicle identification information (VIN) as that contained in the first information, the registration is permitted without waiting for the transmission of the second information. However, even if the registration database 3b1 does not contain the same vehicle identification information (VIN) as that contained in the first information, the second information may be transmitted from the communication mobile terminal 4, and if the comparison result between the first information and the second information matches, the registration for the vehicle-related service may be permitted. In this way, the information management system 1 can improve security during initial registration.

[0105] The above are embodiments and variations of the information management system 1 according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the examples given in the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims and the teachings and spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The present invention can be suitably used in general information management systems for managing registration of use of predetermined vehicle-related services. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1: Information Management System 2: Vehicle 2a: Onboard equipment 3: Management Server (Server) 3a: Processing section 3b: Storage section 3c:Communication Department 4: Communication mobile terminal (communication mobile terminal device)

Claims

1. An information management system for managing registration of a predetermined service related to a vehicle, Vehicles and an on-board device mounted on the vehicle; A server; Equipped with the server includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit; the server communicates with a communication portable terminal device used by a user of the predetermined service via an external vehicle network; the communication unit of the server receives the first information and the second information transmitted from the communication portable terminal device; the first information includes first vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle input by the user and user identification information unique to the user; the second information includes second vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle and the user identification information received from the vehicle-mounted device at a predetermined opportunity; the server stores the first information received via the communication unit in the storage unit; an information management system characterized in that the processing unit of the server compares the first information stored in the memory unit with the second information received via the communication unit, and permits registration for use of the specified service on the condition that the comparison results match.

2. the predetermined trigger includes the vehicle being started, The information management system according to claim 1 , wherein the activation of the vehicle is based on an operation performed by the user inside or near the vehicle.

3. 3. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit receives the second vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device to the communication portable terminal device via wired communication or short-range wireless communication from the communication portable terminal device via the communication unit.

4. The information management system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing unit determines whether or not there has been a previous registration for use of the specified service based on the first vehicle identification information included in the first information, and performs the matching on the condition that there has been a previous registration for use.

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