Lock control method for movable body, program, and lock control system for movable body

Abstract

To provide a lock control method or the like of a moving body capable of suppressing an increase in waiting time when a user unlocks a lock device of the moving body.SOLUTION: A lock control method for a moving body uses a terminal 10 that wirelessly communicates with a communication device 30 mounted on the moving body, and a lock device 20 that is mounted on the moving body and is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by an instruction output from the communication device 30. In a case where a first region that surrounds a periphery of the mobile body and a second region that is smaller than the first region, is surrounded by the first region, and includes the periphery of the mobile body are set, when the terminal 10 is present in the first region or the second region, the terminal 10 and the communication device 30 perform wireless communication, so that the terminal 10 authenticates connection with the communication device 30, when the connection is successfully authenticated and the terminal 10 is present in the second area, the terminal 10 and the communication device 30 wirelessly communicate with each other, so that the communication device 30 outputs a state shift instruction to the locking device 20 to shift the locking device 20 to the unlockable state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lock control method, a program, and a lock control system for a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a locking system for an electric bicycle that is equipped with a main body communication unit that communicates with an unlocking device, a power button that turns power supply from the battery on and off, and an unlocking control unit. When the power button is turned on, power is supplied from the battery to the drive unit, main body communication unit, and unlocking control unit, allowing driving force for traveling to be added. Furthermore, the unlocking control unit unlocks the locking device when it receives an unlocking signal from the unlocking device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-039291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned electric bicycle locking system has the problem that there is an increased waiting time between the user pressing the power button, when the unlocking device and the main body communication unit start communication, when an unlocking signal containing unique identification information corresponding to the electric bicycle is received, and when the locking device is unlocked.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock control method for a mobile body that can suppress an increase in waiting time when a user unlocks a lock device of a mobile body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lock control method for a mobile body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure uses a terminal device that communicates wirelessly with a communication device mounted on the mobile body, and a lock device that is mounted on the mobile body and switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device, wherein when a first area surrounding the mobile body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the mobile body are set, when the terminal device is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, causing the terminal device to perform connection authentication with the communication device, and when the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device is present in the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, causing the communication device to output a state transition instruction to the lock device, causing the lock device to transition to an unlockable state.

[0007] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute a lock control method for a mobile object.

[0008] In addition, a lock control system for a mobile body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device that communicates wirelessly with a communication device mounted on the mobile body, and a lock device mounted on the mobile body that switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device.When a first area surrounding the mobile body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the mobile body are set, when the terminal device is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, causing the terminal device to perform connection authentication with the communication device.When the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device is present in the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, causing the communication device to output a state transition instruction to the lock device, and the lock device transitions to an unlockable state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the lock control method for a mobile body of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in waiting time when a user unlocks a lock device of a mobile body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lock control system for a mobile object according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the first region and the second region. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a terminal device carried by a user enters the first area or the second area and unlocks the locking device of the mobile object. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the lock device of a mobile body from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body having a remote key operation function. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the lock device of a mobile body is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body having an automatic lock operation function. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how a locking device of a mobile body switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body having an automatic lock operation function. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first area, the second area, and the unlocking-prohibited area. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a case in which, in a lock control system for a mobile body having an automatic key operation function, the lock device moves from the second area to the unlocking-prohibited area after being set to a locked state, and a case in which the lock device moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the second area to set to an unlocked state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the lock device of a mobile body from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body having an automatic lock operation function. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a lock control system for a mobile object in the second modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the locking device of a mobile object from an unlocked state to a locked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, the configuration of a lock control system 1 for a mobile object will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Hereinafter, this may be simply referred to as the lock control system 1.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lock control system 1 for a mobile object according to an embodiment.

[0016] The lock control system 1 is used in a mobile object and has the function of remotely operating and unlocking the lock device 20 mounted on the mobile object without the user of the mobile object having to directly touch the lock device 20 using a key. Mobile objects include specific small motorized bicycles such as electric kick scooters, and electric bicycles with an electric motor and battery. The specific small motorized bicycles may be motorized bicycles or vehicles with bicycle-type self-propelled functions.

[0017] The lock control system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a communication device 30, and a lock device 20.

[0018] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a smart key.

[0019] The terminal device 10 is configured to remotely operate and unlock the locking device 20 attached to the mobile object by communicating with a communication device 30 mounted on the mobile object. For example, the terminal device 10 is configured to switch the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state via the communication device 30 by transmitting an unlocking signal.

[0020] The terminal device 10 includes an input unit 11 , a terminal control unit 13 , a terminal communication unit 12 , a terminal battery 14 , and a terminal storage unit 15 .

[0021] The input unit 11 is an input interface that accepts input from a user. For example, when a user of a mobile object remotely operates the locking device 20 mounted on the mobile object to put the locking device 20 into an unlocked state, the user inputs an instruction into the input unit 11. The input unit 11 is a dedicated button, touch panel device, or the like for putting the locking device 20 into an unlocked state.

[0022] The terminal-side control unit 13 is configured to, when a user inputs an instruction to the input unit 11, control the terminal-side communication unit 12 to cause the input instruction to be transmitted to the communication device 30 as an unlock signal. For example, when a user inputs an instruction to unlock the lock device 20 to the input unit 11, the terminal-side control unit 13 is configured to control the terminal-side communication unit 12 to cause the unlock signal to be transmitted to the communication device 30. In this way, the lock control system 1 has a remote key operation function.

[0023] The terminal-side communication unit 12 is a wireless communication module that has the function of wirelessly communicating with a communication device 30 mounted on a mobile object. For example, when a user operates the input unit 11 to input an instruction to put the locking device 20 into an unlocked state, the terminal-side communication unit 12 is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the communication device 30. The wireless communication is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication. Note that the wireless communication may also use a known communication technology other than BLE.

[0024] The terminal-side battery 14 is a battery such as a button cell, and is a primary or secondary battery that supplies power to the terminal-side control unit 13 and the terminal-side communication unit 12 .

[0025] The communication device 30 is a wireless communication module that has the function of communicating wirelessly with the terminal device 10. The communication device 30 is also connected to the locking device 20 so as to be able to communicate via wire. For example, the communication device 30 is configured to output the received unlocking signal to the locking device 20 when it receives the unlocking signal transmitted by the terminal communication unit 12.

[0026] The terminal-side storage unit 15 holds an authentication ID for the terminal device 10 to perform connection authentication with the communication device 30. The terminal-side storage unit 15 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like. Here, connection authentication is a process of establishing communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 and confirming that the terminal device 10 has legitimate authority to switch the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0027] The locking device 20 is configured to switch to an unlocked state in response to a signal (unlock signal) output from the communication device 30. In other words, the locking device 20 is configured to switch to an unlocked state when it receives an unlock signal from the communication device 30.

[0028] The locking device 20 is also configured to transition to an unlockable state in response to a state transition signal received via the communication device 30 in order to enter the unlocked state. Here, the unlockable state is a state in which connection authentication has been successful, and when the locking device 20 receives an unlock signal, the locking device 20 is able to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Connection authentication is successful when the authentication ID held by the terminal device 10 matches the authentication ID held by the locking device 20.

[0029] For example, the lock device 20 is a C-shaped or U-shaped ring lock. For example, if the mobile object is an electric bicycle, the lock device 20 is mounted on the electric bicycle so as to prevent the front wheel or rear wheel of the electric bicycle from rotating.

[0030] Specifically, the lock device 20 includes a latch 25, a lock control unit 21, a drive motor 22, a processing unit 23, and a memory unit 24.

[0031] The latch 25 is configured to be displaced to an unlocked position that releases the prevention of rotation of the front or rear wheel of the electric bicycle, or to be displaced to a locked position that prevents rotation of the front or rear wheel by passing between a plurality of spokes provided on the front or rear wheel of the electric bicycle.

[0032] The latch 25 is automatically driven by a drive motor 22, which is an electric drive source, and is thereby switched between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0033] The lock control unit 21 is configured to be able to control the drive motor 22. For example, when the lock control unit 21 receives an unlock signal from the communication device 30, it controls the drive motor 22 to displace the latch 25 to the unlock position.

[0034] The drive motor 22 is configured to be controlled by the lock control unit 21 to displace the latch 25 to an unlocked position or to displace the latch 25 to a locked position.

[0035] The processing unit 23 has a function of performing connection authentication, which is a process for the locking device 20 to transition to an unlockable state by wireless communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30. The unlockable state and connection authentication will be described in detail later.

[0036] The storage unit 24 holds an authentication ID for performing connection authentication. The storage unit is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0037] Although the above description has been given of a configuration in which the locking device 20 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by operating the terminal device 10, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mobile object may be equipped with a hand switch. In this case, after automatic connection authentication is performed by wireless communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30, if the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the locking device 20 can transition to the unlocked state. The locking device 20 may also be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by the user operating a button on the hand switch equipped on the mobile object. In this case, the user can transition the locking device 20 to the unlocked state by approaching the mobile object with the terminal device 10 in a bag, pocket, or the like and operating the button on the hand switch. This is expected to improve user convenience when switching the locking device 20 to the unlocked state.

[0038] Next, the functions of the lock control system 1 for a mobile object will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the first area and the second area. In Fig. 2, the first area and the second area that are in contact with the ground are indicated by hatching with dots. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the terminal device 10 carried by the user enters the first area or the second area and unlocks the locking device 20 of the mobile object. Note that, hereinafter, the entry of the terminal device 10 carried by the user into an area may be simply expressed as the terminal device 10 entering an area.

[0040] Fig. 3(a) shows a state in which a terminal device 10 having a remote key operation function moves from an external area toward a first area. Fig. 3(b) shows a state in which the terminal device 10 that has entered the first area starts connection authentication with the communication device 30. Fig. 3(c) shows a state in which connection authentication between the terminal device 10 that has entered the first area and the communication device 30 has been successful. Fig. 3(d) shows a state in which a user operates the terminal device 10 that has entered the second area from the first area to set the lock device 20 to an unlocked state.

[0041] 2, in the lock control system 1 of this embodiment, the terminal device 10 sets a first area and a second area in which the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 can communicate wirelessly. The range of the first area and the range of the second area can be adjusted by the terminal device 10. For example, the user may adjust the range of the first area and the range of the second area by operating the input unit 11 of the terminal device 10 to adjust the receiving sensitivity between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 or the radio wave intensity between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30.

[0042] The first area and the second area are areas surrounding the periphery of the mobile body. The first area is located on the outer periphery of the second area and surrounds the periphery of the second area. The first area is, for example, a range of several meters to several tens of meters or less centered on the communication device 30. The second area is smaller than the first area and is an area surrounded by the first area. For example, from the viewpoint of preventing theft of the mobile body, it is preferable that the second area be a range of several meters or less centered on the communication device 30.

[0043] The first and second regions can be determined by the receiving sensitivity between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30, or the radio wave strength between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30. For example, in the first and second regions, connection authentication may be initiated at a first receiving sensitivity or higher or a first radio wave strength or higher. In addition, in the second region, a transition to an unlockable state may be made at a second receiving sensitivity or higher that is stronger than the first receiving sensitivity, or a second radio wave strength or higher that is stronger than the first radio wave strength, and the locking device 20 may be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by an unlocking signal.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in (a) to (c) of Figure 3, when the terminal device 10 is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, and the terminal device 10 performs connection authentication with the communication device 30.

[0045] For example, as shown in (b) to (d) of FIG. 3, when the terminal device 10 enters the first area or the second area, the terminal-side control unit 13 controls the terminal-side communication unit 12 to transmit the unique authentication ID stored in the terminal-side memory unit 15 to the communication device 30. The processing unit 23 of the locking device 20 compares the unique authentication ID acquired via the communication device 30 with the authentication ID stored in the memory unit 24 of the locking device 20. If the unique authentication ID acquired via the communication device 30 and stored in the terminal-side memory unit 15 matches the authentication ID stored in the memory unit 24 of the locking device 20, the processing unit 23 determines that the connection authentication has been successful.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in (d) of Figure 3, when connection authentication is performed and the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, and the locking device 20 transitions to an unlockable state by a state transition signal output by the communication device 30 to the locking device 20.

[0047] For example, when the terminal device 10 enters the second area after successful connection authentication, the terminal control unit 13 of the terminal device 10 controls the terminal communication unit 12 to send a state transition signal to the communication device 30. The locking device 20 receives the state transition signal via the communication device 30 and transitions to an unlockable state. Note that if the locking device 20 is not in an unlockable state, it will not switch from the locked state to the unlocked state even if it receives an unlock signal.

[0048] When the terminal device 10 is present in the first area, the terminal device 10 is simply authenticated for connection with the communication device 30, and the locking device 20 is not set to an unlocked state.

[0049] Furthermore, when the locking device 20 has transitioned to an unlockable state, the communication device 30 transmits an unlock signal to the locking device 20 to switch the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state. In other words, when the locking device 20 has transitioned to an unlockable state, the locking device 20 can switch from the locked state to the unlocked state upon receiving the unlock signal.

[0050] <Example of operation> Next, an example of the operation of the lock control system 1 etc. for a mobile body will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the locking device 20 of a mobile body from a locked state to an unlocked state in the lock control system 1 for a mobile body having a remote key operation function. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the locking device 20 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by the user operating the input unit 11 of the terminal device 10.

[0052] First, a user carrying the terminal device 10 approaches a mobile object to set the locking device 20 to an unlocked state. When the terminal device 10 enters the first area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the processing unit 23 to perform connection authentication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 and determine whether the connection authentication is successful (S11). Specifically, the terminal-side control unit 13 controls the terminal-side communication unit 12 to transmit a unique authentication ID stored in the terminal-side storage unit 15 to the communication device 30. If the unique authentication ID previously held by the terminal device 10 and acquired via the communication device 30 matches the authentication ID stored in the storage unit 24, the processing unit 23 determines that the connection authentication is successful (YES in S11). The processing unit 23 then transmits a result of the successful connection authentication to the terminal device 10.

[0053] On the other hand, if the processing unit 23 determines that the unique authentication ID previously held by the terminal device 10 obtained via the communication device 30 does not match the authentication ID stored in the memory unit 24, it determines that the connection authentication has failed (NO in S11) and returns the processing to step S11.

[0054] This connection authentication may be performed automatically without the user having to perform any operation on the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the connection authentication is performed at predetermined intervals while the terminal device 10 is present in the first area or the second area.

[0055] Next, if the connection authentication is successful, when the user carrying the terminal device 10 approaches the mobile object further and the terminal device 10 enters the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, and the locking device 20 transitions to an unlockable state in response to a state transition signal output by the communication device 30 to the locking device 20 (S12). Specifically, when the terminal device 10 enters the second area, the terminal-side control unit 13 controls the terminal-side communication unit 12 to send a state transition signal to the communication device 30. As a result, the locking device 20 acquires the state transition signal via the communication device 30 and transitions to an unlockable state.

[0056] Next, when the terminal device 10 is entering the second area, the user inputs an unlocking instruction to the input unit 11 of the terminal device 10, and the terminal side control unit 13 controls the terminal side communication unit 12 to transmit an unlocking signal, which is the instruction input by operation, to the communication device 30 (S13).

[0057] Next, the locking device 20, which has transitioned to the unlockable state, receives an unlock signal via the communication device 30, and the lock control unit 21 controls the drive motor 22 to displace the latch 25 to the unlocked position, thereby switching the locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state (S14).

[0058] Thus, the operation example of the lock control system 1 for a mobile body in the operation example is completed.

[0059] <Variation 1> In the above description, the locking device 20 is set to an unlocked state by the user operating the terminal device 10, but the above embodiment is not limited to this. As in this modified example, which is part of the above embodiment, the above embodiment may also include a configuration and function in which the terminal device 10 can automatically switch the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state by remote control, without the user having to operate the terminal device 10. Note that the lock control system 1 of this modified example has the same configuration as the lock control system 1 in FIG. 1, and therefore will be described using FIG. 1. Note that in this modified example, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] First, an overview of the first modification will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how a locking device of a mobile body is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body having an automatic lock operation function. Fig. 5(a) shows how a terminal device having an automatic lock operation function moves from an external area toward a first area. Fig. 5(b) shows how a terminal device that has entered the first area authenticates connection with a communication device. Fig. 5(c) shows how a terminal device that has entered the second area from the first area switches the locking device to an unlocked state.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing how a locking device of a mobile body switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in a lock control system for a mobile body with an automatic lock operation function. Fig. 6(a) shows how a terminal device with an automatic lock operation function locks the locking device. Fig. 6(b) shows how the lock control system starts the unlocking process after a user in the second area locks the locking device. Fig. 6(c) shows how the locking device automatically switches from a locked state to an unlocked state even when the terminal device locks the locking device.

[0063] If the lock control system has the function of automatically unlocking the terminal device without the user having to operate it, as shown in (a) to (c) of Figure 5, when a user approaches the lock device while holding the terminal device, the lock control system can automatically unlock the lock device when the terminal device enters the second area.

[0064] After that, when the terminal device leaves the mobile object, the terminal device switches the locking device from the unlocked state to the locked state to prevent the mobile object from being stolen, as shown in (a) of Figure 6. If the terminal device is in the second area after the locking device has switched to the locked state, as shown in (b) of Figure 6, the lock control system starts the unlocking process. That is, the terminal device and the communication device perform connection authentication, and the locking device transitions to an unlockable state. Then, as shown in (c) of Figure 6, the lock control unit controls the drive motor to displace the latch to the unlocked position.

[0065] Therefore, in this modification, the configuration of the lock control system 1 etc. having the following automatic key operation function will be described.

[0066] The terminal device 10 of this modified example does not need to have the input unit 11, and may only have the terminal-side communication unit 12, the terminal-side control unit 13, the terminal-side battery 14, and the terminal-side storage unit 15. Note that the terminal device 10 of this modified example can also adopt a configuration having the input unit 11, as shown in Fig. 1. For this reason, this modified example will be described using Fig. 1.

[0067] In this modification, the terminal control unit 13 may be configured to control the terminal communication unit 12 to cause the communication device 30 to transmit an unlock signal.

[0068] For example, when a user carrying the terminal device 10 approaches a moving object, the terminal control unit 13 may be configured to control the terminal communication unit 12 to transmit an unlock signal to the communication device 30. For example, when the terminal device 10 moves from a first area to a second area, the locking device 20 transitions to an unlockable state, and the terminal control unit 13 may control the terminal communication unit 12 to transmit an unlock signal to the communication device 30. As a result, the locking device 20 may automatically switch from a locked state to an unlocked state by receiving the unlock signal via the communication device 30.

[0069] Next, the functions of the lock control system 1 for a mobile object will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0070] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the first area, the second area, and the unlocking prohibited area. In Fig. 2, the first area, the second area, and the unlocking prohibited area that are in contact with the ground are indicated by dotted hatching.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the locking device 20 moves from the second area to the unlocking-prohibited area after being set to a locked state in the lock control system 1 for a mobile object having an automatic key operation function, and a case in which the locking device 20 moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the second area to set the locking device 20 to an unlocked state. (a) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the locking device 20 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. (b) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the locking device 20 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, and the terminal device 10 moves from the second area to the unlocking-prohibited area to move away from the mobile object. (c) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the locking device 20 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, and the terminal device 10 moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the first area to move away from the mobile object. (d) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which, when the locking device 20 is in the locked state, the user of the terminal device 10 moves from the first area to the second area to bring the terminal device 10 closer to the mobile object. Fig. 8(e) shows a case where the user who owns the terminal device 10 moves from the first area to the second area so that the terminal device 10 approaches the moving object when the locking device 20 is in the locked state. Fig. 8(f) shows a state where the terminal device 10 enters the second area from the first area and automatically sets the locking device 20 to the unlocked state.

[0072] In this modification, as shown in (a) to (c) of FIGS. 7 and 8, the terminal device 10 sets an unlocking-prohibited area around the moving object when the locking device 20 is in the locked state so that the locking device 20 does not automatically switch from the locked state to the unlocked state after switching the locking device 20 from the unlocked state to the locked state. The unlocking-prohibited area may be an area set between the first area and the second area, and may be an area that does not accept an unlocking signal for switching the locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state. In other words, connection authentication can be performed in the unlocking-prohibited area. When the unlocking-prohibited area is set, even if the locking device 20 transitions to the unlockable state and receives an unlocking signal from the terminal device 10 via the communication device 30, the unlocking signal can be prevented from being accepted if the terminal device 10 is present in the unlocking-prohibited area.

[0073] Furthermore, there may be cases where the user continues to stay in the second area even after the locking device 20 has switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Even in this case, the unlockable state of the second area may be disabled when the locking device 20 is in the locked state so that the locking device 20 does not automatically switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. The disabling of the unlockable state of the second area may be performed automatically when the locking device 20 is in the locked state, or may be performed by the locking device 20 in response to a disabling instruction output from the terminal device 10 to the locking device 20 via the communication device 30.

[0074] When the unlockable state of the second area is disabled, the second area may be disabled for a certain period of time after the unlockable state is disabled.

[0075] The unlocking-prohibited area may be an area surrounded by the first area and set to include the second area. In this case, after the unlocking-prohibited area is set, the second area may not receive an unlocking signal to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state. Therefore, even if the user continues to stay in the second area, the terminal device 10 is present in the unlocking-prohibited area, and therefore the unlocking signal can be prevented from being received.

[0076] Furthermore, if the user leaves the mobile object after locking the locking device 20, when the terminal device 10 moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the first area, the terminal device 10 may cancel the unlocking-prohibited area set between the first area and the second area.

[0077] In this case, in a lock control system 1 having an automatic key operation function, when the locking device 20, which is in the locked state in (c) of Fig. 8, is switched to the unlocked state, as shown in (d) of Fig. 8, when the terminal device 10 enters the first area, the unlocking-prohibited area is released with connection authentication completed. As shown in (e) of Fig. 8, when a user carrying the terminal device 10 in the first area approaches the second area, and the terminal device 10 enters the second area as shown in (f) of Fig. 8, the locking device 20 transitions to the unlockable state, and the terminal device 10 can automatically switch the locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Note that when the terminal device 10 leaves the first area from the state shown in (e) of Fig. 8 and enters an external area, the connection authentication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 is released.

[0078] In this way, in a lock control system 1 having an automatic key operation function, when the locking device 20 is set to the locked state, an unlocking-prohibited area is set, which prevents the locking device 20 from switching from the locked state to the unlocked state against the user's will, and also prevents the moving object from being stolen when the locking device 20 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state without the user noticing.

[0079] Next, an example of the operation of the lock control system 1 for a mobile body will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the same processes as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the lock device 20 of a mobile body from a locked state to an unlocked state in the lock control system 1 of a mobile body having an automatic lock operation function.

[0081] First, a user carrying the terminal device 10 approaches a moving object, and after steps S11 and S12, when the terminal device 10 enters the second area, the terminal side control unit 13 controls the terminal side communication unit 12 to automatically send an unlocking signal to the communication device 30 (S13a).

[0082] Next, the lock device 20 receives the unlock signal via the communication device 30, and the lock control unit 21 controls the drive motor 22 to displace the latch 25 to the unlock position, thereby switching the lock device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state (S14).

[0083] Thus, the operation example of the lock control system 1 for a mobile object is completed.

[0084] <Variation 2> In this modification, the configuration and functions of a lock control system 1a for a mobile object and the like will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a lock control system 1a for a mobile object in the second modification.

[0086] The lock control system 1a described above includes a terminal device 10, a communication device 30, and a lock device 20, but the lock control system 1a of this modified example may further include a communication frequency setting device 40. As in this modified example, a configuration further including a communication frequency setting device 40 may also be included in the above-described embodiment. Note that the terminal device 10 of this modified example may also be configured to further include an input unit 11, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0087] In this modification, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment and modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] The communication frequency setting device 40 of this modified example can set the communication frequency between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30. The communication frequency setting device 40 can detect that the terminal device 10 has moved from the first area to an external area based on the radio wave intensity acquired from the terminal device 10 or the communication device 30. For this reason, when the locking device 20 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state and the terminal device 10 has left the mobile object and moved from the first area to the external area, the communication frequency setting device 40 may set the communication frequency to be lower than when the terminal device 10 is in the first area.

[0089] When the locking device 20 is in the unlocked state, the frequency of communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 may be reduced compared to when the locking device 20 is in the locked state. Also, the user may be able to change the communication frequency setting by operating the terminal device 10, or the communication frequency may be changed automatically. In either case, an increase in the power consumption of the battery of the mobile object can be suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 exists in the first area or the second area, the communication frequency setting device 40 may uniformly set the communication frequency between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30. Furthermore, the communication frequency setting device 40 may set the communication frequency between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 to be higher when the terminal device 10 exists in the second area than when the terminal device 10 exists in the first area.

[0091] The external area is the area outside the first area and also the area outside the second area. Naturally, when the unlocking prohibited area of ​​the first modification example is set, the external area is also the area outside the unlocking prohibited area.

[0092] The communication frequency setting device 40 may be mounted on the terminal device 10, the communication device 30, or may be a device separate and independent from the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30, for example.

[0093] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the lock control systems 1, 1a, etc. for mobile objects will be described.

[0094] As described above, the lock control method for a mobile body of technology 1 relating to this embodiment is a lock control method for a mobile body that uses a terminal device 10 that communicates wirelessly with a communication device 30 mounted on the mobile body, and a locking device 20 that is mounted on the mobile body and switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device 30.When a first area surrounding the mobile body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the mobile body are set, when the terminal device 10 is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the terminal device 10 to perform connection authentication with the communication device 30.When the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the communication device 30 to output a state transition instruction to the locking device 20 and transition the locking device 20 to an unlockable state.

[0095] According to this, when the terminal device 10 approaches the mobile body and is present in the first area, the terminal device 10 can perform connection authentication with the communication device 30. If the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device 10 approaches the mobile body and is present in the second area, the locking device 20 can be transitioned to an unlockable state. Therefore, a user carrying the terminal device 10 can switch the locking device 20, which has entered the unlockable state, from a locked state to an unlocked state while moving through the second area.

[0096] Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in waiting time when a user unlocks the locking device 20 of a mobile body.

[0097] In particular, in this embodiment, the second area is set to be smaller than the first area, and the second area is set to be closer to the mobile object than the first area, so that the locking device 20 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state in the second area, which is closer to the mobile object than when the terminal device 10 is located in the first area. In other words, the locking device 20 switches from a locked state to an unlocked state near the user, which can prevent theft of the mobile object.

[0098] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body of Technology 2 according to this embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technology 1. In this case, the unlockable state is a state in which the lock device 20 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0099] According to this, for example, if the lock control method of the mobile body has a remote key operation function, when the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the user can switch the lock device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state by operating the terminal device 10.

[0100] Furthermore, if the lock control method for the mobile body has an automatic key operation function, when the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the lock device 20 can be automatically switched from a locked state to an unlocked state without the user having to operate the terminal device 10.

[0101] In these cases, it is possible to prevent the lock device 20 from being unlocked illegally by a third party who does not know the unlocking method.

[0102] In addition, since the locking device 20 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state in the second area, which is closer to the mobile object than when the terminal device 10 is in the first area, theft of the mobile object can also be suppressed.

[0103] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body of Technology 3 according to this embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technology 2. In this case, when the locking device 20 has transitioned to an unlockable state, the communication device 30 outputs an unlocking signal to the locking device 20 to switch the locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0104] According to this, when the mobile object has transitioned to an unlockable state, if the lock control method has a remote key operation function, the user can switch the lock device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state simply by operating the terminal device 10, as the lock device 20 will receive an unlock signal from the communication device 30. Therefore, if the user operates the terminal device 10 while approaching the mobile object, the lock device 20 will be in the unlocked state when the user approaches the mobile object, and the user will be able to use the mobile object immediately.

[0105] Furthermore, if the lock control method of the mobile object has an automatic key operation function when the mobile object has transitioned to an unlockable state, the locking device 20 automatically receives an unlock signal from the communication device 30, so the locking device 20 can automatically switch from the locked state to the unlocked state without the user having to perform any special operation on the mobile object. Therefore, when the user approaches the mobile object, the locking device 20 is automatically in the unlocked state, so the user can immediately use the mobile object.

[0106] Furthermore, since the locking device 20 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state only when the locking device 20 has transitioned to the unlockable state, it is possible to prevent the locking device 20 from being illegally unlocked by a third party when the locking device 20 has not transitioned to the unlockable state.

[0107] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body of Technology 4 according to this embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3. In this case, when the locking device 20 is in a locked state, an unlocking-prohibited area is set around the moving body and does not accept an unlocking signal for switching the locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0108] According to this, when the lock control method for a mobile object has an automatic lock operation function, if the terminal device 10 carried by the user is in an unlocking-prohibited area when the locking device 20 is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 will perform connection authentication again, causing the locking device 20 to transition to an unlockable state again, thereby preventing the locking device 20 from switching from a locked state to an unlocked state. This makes it possible to prevent the locking device 20 from entering an unlocked state against the user's will.

[0109] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body according to Technique 5 of the present embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technique 4. In this case, when the lock device 20 is in the locked state, the unlockable state of the second area is disabled.

[0110] According to this, even if a user stays in the second area after the locking device 20 is in the locked state, the unlockable state of the second area is disabled, thereby preventing the locking device 20 from switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0111] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body according to Technology 6 of this embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technology 4. In this case, the unlocking-prohibited area is an area surrounded by the first area and set to include the second area, and after the unlocking-prohibited area is set, the second area does not accept an unlocking signal for switching the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0112] According to this, even if a user stays in the second area after the locking device 20 is in the locked state, the locking device 20 will not accept an unlocking signal from the terminal device 10 present in the second area, thereby preventing the locking device 20 from switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0113] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body of Technology 7 according to this embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technology 5. In this case, the unlocking-prohibited area is an area set between the first area and the second area, and when the terminal device 10 moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the first area, the set unlocking-prohibited area is released.

[0114] According to this, when the user leaves the mobile body and the terminal device 10 reaches the first area, the transition to the unlockable state again is prevented, so that even if the communication device 30 receives an unlocking signal from the terminal device 10, the locking device 20 can be prevented from switching from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0115] Furthermore, the lock control method for a moving body of Technology 8 according to the present embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body described in Technology 6. In this case, when the terminal device 10 moves from the unlocking-prohibited area to the first area, the set unlocking-prohibited area is released.

[0116] According to this, when the user leaves the mobile body and the terminal device 10 reaches the first area, the transition to the unlockable state again is prevented, so that even if the communication device 30 receives an unlocking signal from the terminal device 10, the locking device 20 can be prevented from switching from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0117] Furthermore, the lock control method for a mobile body according to Technology 8 of this embodiment is the lock control method for a mobile body described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7. In this case, the frequency of communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 is set, and when the locking device 20 is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state and the terminal device 10 leaves the mobile body and moves from the first area to an external area, the communication frequency is reduced compared to when the terminal device 10 is in the first area.

[0118] This reduces the frequency of communication compared to when the terminal device 10 is in the first area, thereby suppressing the increase in power consumption of the terminal side battery 14 installed in the terminal device 10 and the battery of the mobile body that supplies power to the communication device 30.

[0119] Furthermore, if the terminal device 10 is present in an external area outside the first area, this means that the terminal device 10 is far away from the mobile object, and therefore connection authentication for communication connection between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 is not performed. Therefore, even if the frequency of communication between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 is reduced, it does not have any significant effect on the lock control method of the mobile object.

[0120] Furthermore, a lock control method for a mobile object according to Technique 9 of the present embodiment is the lock control method for a mobile object described in any one of Techniques 1 to 8. In this case, the terminal device 10 is a device used by a user who uses the mobile object, and the wireless communication is BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication.

[0121] According to this, if wireless communication is BLE communication, it is expected that power consumption can be reduced.

[0122] Furthermore, a method for controlling a lock of a moving object according to Technique 10 of the present embodiment is the method for controlling a lock of a moving object according to any one of Techniques 1 to 9. In this case, the range of the first area and the range of the second area can be adjusted by the terminal device 10.

[0123] This allows the ranges of the first and second regions to be adjusted using the terminal device 10 carried by the user. For example, when the user is near the mobile object and has the terminal device 10 at the entrance of the house, the locking device 20 can be prevented from being unlocked or the terminal device 10 can be prevented from always being in the first region, resulting in increased communication frequency. In this case, the locking device 20 can be prevented from being unlocked against the user's will, thereby preventing the mobile object from being stolen. Furthermore, the increase in power consumption of the terminal battery 14 and the mobile object's battery, which would otherwise occur if communication frequency between the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 were to increase, can be prevented.

[0124] If the second area is large and the locking device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state when the user is located tens of meters away from the mobile object, the mobile object may be stolen. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the second area is adjusted to be as small as possible, for example, to a size that allows the user to approach the mobile object, the locking device 20 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state when the user is near the mobile object, which is expected to reduce the theft of the mobile object.

[0125] Moreover, a lock control method for a moving body according to Technique 11 of the present embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body according to any one of Techniques 1 to 10. In this case, the moving body is an electric bicycle.

[0126] This lock control method can be suitably applied to electric bicycles, thereby preventing the user from having to wait too long to unlock the locking device 20 of the electric bicycle. In particular, since electric bicycles are more expensive than, for example, city bicycles, this method is expected to help prevent theft of electric bicycles.

[0127] Moreover, a lock control method for a moving body according to Technical 12 of the present embodiment is the lock control method for a moving body according to any one of Technical 1 to 10. In this case, the moving body is a specified small motor-driven bicycle.

[0128] This lock control method can be suitably applied to specified small motorized bicycles, thereby reducing the waiting time required for a user to unlock the locking device 20 of the specified small motorized bicycle. In particular, since specified small motorized bicycles are more expensive than, for example, city bicycles, this method is expected to reduce theft of specified small motorized bicycles.

[0129] Furthermore, the program for a moving body of Technique 13 according to the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the lock control method for a moving body according to any one of Techniques 1 to 12.

[0130] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0131] In addition, the lock control system 1, 1a for a mobile body of technology 14 relating to this embodiment comprises a terminal device 10 that communicates wirelessly with a communication device 30 mounted on the mobile body, and a locking device 20 that is mounted on the mobile body and switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device 30.When a first area surrounding the mobile body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the mobile body are set, when the terminal device 10 is present in the first or second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the terminal device 10 to perform connection authentication with the communication device 30.If the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device 10 is present in the second area, the terminal device 10 and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the communication device 30 to output a state transition instruction to the locking device 20, and the locking device 20 transitions to an unlockable state.

[0132] The lock control systems 1 and 1a for mobile bodies also have the same effects as those described above.

[0133] (Other variations) While the method for controlling the lock of a moving object according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 10 may have the authority to drive an electric motor mounted on a mobile object. In this case, the mobile object may be configured such that if the authentication ID of the terminal device 10 does not match the authentication ID pre-registered in the memory of the mobile object, the electric motor of the mobile object cannot be driven, even if the mobile object is stolen by a third party. In other words, only the authentication ID of the terminal device 10 that matches the authentication ID pre-registered in the memory of the mobile object may be able to drive the electric motor of the mobile object.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the user may set the first area and the second area by operating the terminal device 10. Specifically, the terminal device 10 may have an area setting function. With the area setting function, the user carrying the terminal device 10 may set the first area by operating the terminal device 10 while the user is a desired distance away from the communication device 30. Furthermore, the user carrying the terminal device 10 may set the second area by approaching the communication device 30 and operating the terminal device 10 while the user is a desired distance away. Furthermore, it may also be possible to set an unlocking-prohibited area in the same way.

[0136] In addition, the above-described embodiments are useful for sharing a mobile object when there is a limit to the time that a user can use the mobile object, or when the user pays a usage fee according to the period of use of the mobile object.

[0137] For example, such sharing of mobile objects may be managed by a management system. When a user reserves a mobile object to be used from a reservation terminal, the management system may acquire an authentication ID from the terminal device 10 in advance for connection authentication with the communication device 30 and transmit the authentication ID to the reservation terminal when the reservation terminal makes a reservation. This authentication ID may have a usage period set so that connection authentication is only possible during the reservation period. After the reservation, when the reservation terminal is located in the first or second area around the reserved mobile object, the reservation terminal and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, transmitting the authentication ID to the communication device 30, thereby causing the terminal device 10 to perform connection authentication with the communication device 30. After successful connection authentication, when the reservation terminal is located in the second area, the reservation terminal and the communication device 30 communicate wirelessly, causing the communication device 30 to output a state transition instruction to the locking device 20, transitioning the locking device 20 to an unlockable state. Then, the reservation terminal transmits an unlock signal, thereby switching the locking device 20 from a locked state to an unlocked state via the communication device 30. This allows the user to easily use the reserved mobile object. In this case, the time when the user operates the reservation terminal to send an unlocking signal or the time when the locking device 20 changes from a locked state to an unlocked state is treated as the time when the user started using the mobile object, and by identifying the time when the user finished using the mobile object, the period during which the user actually used the mobile object can be determined.

[0138] In the above-described embodiments, the lock control system 1 may have a function as shown in FIG.

[0139] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching the locking device 20 of a mobile object from an unlocked state to a locked state. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the user switches the locking device 20 from an unlocked state to a locked state by operating the input unit 11 of the terminal device 10.

[0140] For example, when a user stops a mobile object and moves away from the mobile object, the user may lock the locking device 20 mounted on the mobile object to prevent the mobile object from being stolen. In this case, when the terminal device 10 enters the second area, the user inputs a locking instruction to the input unit 11 of the terminal device 10. This causes the terminal-side control unit 13 to control the terminal-side communication unit 12 to transmit a locking signal, which is the input instruction, to the communication device 30 (S21).

[0141] Next, the locking device 20 receives the locking signal via the communication device 30, and the lock control unit 21 controls the drive motor 22 to displace the latch 25 to the locked position, thereby switching the locking device 20 from the unlocked state to the locked state (S22).

[0142] Thus, the operation example of the lock control system 1 etc. for the mobile body in FIG. 11 is completed.

[0143] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, all or part of the components such as the lock control unit, the terminal control unit, and the processing unit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory.

[0144] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0145] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0146] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1, 1a Lock Control System 10 Terminal Equipment 20 Locking Device 30 Communication Device

Claims

1. A lock control method for a mobile body using a terminal device that wirelessly communicates with a communication device mounted on the mobile body, and a lock device that is mounted on the mobile body and switches from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device, comprising: When a first area surrounding the periphery of the moving body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the moving body are set, When the terminal device is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, whereby the terminal device performs connection authentication with the communication device; When the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device is present in the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, and the communication device outputs a state transition instruction to the lock device, transitioning the lock device to an unlockable state. A method for controlling locks on a mobile object.

2. The unlockable state is a state in which the locking device can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. The lock control method for a mobile object according to claim 1.

3. When the locking device has transitioned to the unlockable state, the communication device outputs an unlocking signal to the locking device to switch the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state. The lock control method for a mobile body according to claim 2.

4. When the locking device is in the locked state, an unlocking-prohibited area is set around the moving body, and an unlocking signal for switching the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state is not accepted. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the locking device is in the locked state, the unlockable state of the second area is disabled. The lock control method for a mobile body according to claim 4.

6. The unlocking-prohibited area is an area surrounded by the first area and set to include the second area, In the second area, after the unlocking-prohibited area is set, an unlocking signal for switching the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state is not accepted. The lock control method for a mobile body according to claim 4.

7. The unlocking-prohibited area is an area set between the first area and the second area, When the terminal device moves from the unlocking prohibited area to the first area, the set unlocking prohibited area is released. The lock control method for a mobile body according to claim 5.

8. When the terminal device moves from the unlocking prohibited area to the first area, the set unlocking prohibited area is released. The lock control method for a mobile body according to claim 6.

9. setting a frequency of communication between the terminal device and the communication device; When the locking device is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state and the terminal device leaves the mobile body and moves from the first area to an external area, the communication frequency is reduced compared to when the terminal device is present in the first area. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. the terminal device is a device used by a user who uses the mobile object, The wireless communication is BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The range of the first area and the range of the second area are adjustable by the terminal device. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The moving object is an electric bicycle. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The moving body is a specific small motorized bicycle. The lock control method for a mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The lock control method for a mobile object according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is executed by a computer. program.

15. a terminal device that wirelessly communicates with a communication device mounted on a mobile object; a locking device mounted on the moving body and switched from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to an instruction output from the communication device; When a first area surrounding the periphery of the moving body and a second area that is smaller than the first area and surrounded by the first area and includes the periphery of the moving body are set, When the terminal device is present in the first area or the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, whereby the terminal device performs connection authentication with the communication device; When the connection authentication is successful and the terminal device is present in the second area, the terminal device and the communication device communicate wirelessly, and the communication device outputs a state transition instruction to the locking device, causing the locking device to transition to an unlockable state. Mobile lock control system.

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