Vehicle control system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device that can achieve both the minimum necessary use of the vehicle by the user and the preservation of the owner's claims. [Solution] The vehicle control device activates the engine start lock of the vehicle when the processor meets the predetermined requirements for engine start lock. After activating the engine start lock, in response to a request to release the engine start lock from a vehicle user other than the vehicle owner, the device determines, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock. If it determines that the release of the engine start lock should be permitted, the device releases the engine start lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an individual or a corporation other than the user of a vehicle (for example, the vehicle owner, etc.) performs engine start lock for reasons such as preservation of claims and safety.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, after the vehicle owner activates the engine start lock, when the user has to use the vehicle for daily life such as commuting or going to the hospital, the engine start lock may be released. This is because if the minimum use of the vehicle by the user in daily life is not recognized, the user's debt repayment will become more and more delayed, which is also disadvantageous for the owner.

[0005] However, if the engine start lock is unconditionally released after it is activated, the purpose of the owner such as preservation of claims cannot be achieved. Therefore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in achieving both the minimum use of the vehicle by the user and the preservation of claims by the owner.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle control device capable of achieving both the minimum use of the vehicle by the user and the preservation of claims by the owner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The vehicle control device according to this disclosure activates the engine start lock of a vehicle when the processor meets predetermined requirements for the engine start lock, and after activating the engine start lock, in response to a request for release of the engine start lock from a user of the vehicle who is different from the owner of the vehicle, it determines whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock based on predetermined conditions, and if it determines that the release of the engine start lock should be permitted, it releases the engine start lock. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to achieve both the minimum use of the vehicle by the user and the preservation of the owner's claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system including a vehicle control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information exchange between the unlock request device, the debt collection server, the vehicle information server, and the vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in a debt collection server that functions as a vehicle control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which vehicle information is transmitted from the vehicle information server to the debt collection server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for enabling the engine start lock on the vehicle information server. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for releasing the engine start lock on the vehicle information server. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which vehicle information is transmitted to a vehicle information server. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for activating the engine start lock in a vehicle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for releasing the engine start lock on the vehicle server. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for releasing the engine start lock using the lock release request device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A vehicle control device according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable or substantially identical to those that are replaceable by a person skilled in the art.

[0011] (Vehicle control system) A vehicle control system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle control system includes a debt collection server 1, a debt management server 2, a vehicle information server 3, a vehicle 4, and a lock release request device 5. The debt collection server 1, the debt management server 2, the vehicle information server 3, the vehicle 4, and the lock release request device 5 are all equipped with communication functions and are configured to communicate with each other and exchange various information through a network N. This network N is composed of, for example, a public network such as an internet network or a mobile phone network. In addition, among the vehicle control system according to this embodiment, the debt collection server 1 functions as a vehicle control device that controls the operation of the vehicle 4 (particularly the engine start lock).

[0012] (Debt collection server) The debt collection server 1 remotely controls vehicle 4 in order to collect debts related to vehicle 4. In this embodiment, "debts" include, for example, debts related to installment payment contracts at the time of vehicle purchase, debts related to lease agreements for vehicle 4, debts related to subscription agreements for vehicle 4, and debts related to rental car agreements for vehicle 4.

[0013] In addition, the creditor in the present embodiment is, for example, the owner of the vehicle 4. Examples of the creditor include the dealer of the vehicle 4, a credit sales company, etc. Further, the debtor in the present embodiment is, for example, the user of the vehicle 4. Examples of the debtor include the purchaser of the vehicle 4, the contractor of a lease contract, etc.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the debt collection server 1 includes a control unit 11, a vehicle history DB 12, a display device 13, an input device 14, a communication unit 15, and a learning device 16.

[0015] The control unit 11 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage unit) such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). When the vehicle 4 satisfies the requirements for engine start lock (hereinafter referred to as "engine start lock requirements") determined in advance, the control unit 11 enables the engine start lock of the vehicle 4.

[0016] Examples of the "engine start lock requirements" include a case where the user of the vehicle 4 is in default (payment delay). The determination of whether or not the engine start lock requirements are satisfied is performed, for example, in the credit management server 2. When there is a vehicle 4 that satisfies the engine start lock requirements, information for identifying the vehicle 4 (for example, vehicle identification number (VIN number), etc.) is transmitted from the credit management server 2 to the debt collection server 1.

[0017] Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires information regarding the vehicle 4 that satisfies the engine start lock requirements from the credit management system 21 of the credit management server 2. Subsequently, the control unit 11 enables the engine start lock by controlling the immobilizer 42 of the vehicle 4 through the vehicle information server 3.

[0018] Furthermore, after activating the engine start lock, the control unit 11, in response to a request to release the engine start lock from a user of vehicle 4 who is not the owner of vehicle 4, determines, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock of vehicle 4. If the control unit 11 determines that it is permissible to release the engine start lock, it releases the engine start lock by controlling the immobilizer 42 of vehicle 4 through the vehicle information server 3.

[0019] Here, the request to release the engine start lock may be obtained, for example, from an information processing terminal used by the owner of vehicle 4. This refers to cases such as when, while the engine start lock is active, the user of vehicle 4 requests the owner to use vehicle 4, and the owner requests the release of the engine start lock through their own information processing terminal.

[0020] In this case, "information processing terminals" include, for example, the debt collection server 1 and the lock release application device 5. Note that when the information processing terminal is the debt collection server 1, it means that the activation and deactivation of the engine start lock are performed at the same terminal (the same person is responsible for both activation and deactivation). Furthermore, when the information processing terminal is the lock release application device 5, it means that the activation and deactivation of the engine start lock are performed at separate terminals (different persons are responsible for activation and deactivation).

[0021] Furthermore, the request to release the engine start lock may be obtained from an information processing terminal used by the user of vehicle 4. This refers to cases such as when the user of vehicle 4 requests the release of the engine start lock through their own information processing terminal while the engine start lock is engaged. Examples of the "information processing terminal" in this case include the lock release request device 5.

[0022] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock include, for example, the time taken to release the engine start lock, the position and path of vehicle 4 when releasing the engine start lock, and the number of times the engine start lock has been released.

[0023] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock may include conditions regarding the time or period for releasing the engine start lock. In this case, if the time or period for releasing the engine start lock is within the predetermined time, the control unit 11 permits the release of the engine start lock and releases the engine start lock through the vehicle information server 3.

[0024] Examples of cases where "the time to release the engine start lock is within a specified time frame" include the following: (1) When the time it takes for the control unit 11 to receive a request for engine start lock release from the lock release request device 5 is within the predetermined time period. (2) When the control unit 11 receives a request to release the engine start lock from the lock release request device 5, it also receives information regarding the "time at which the engine start lock should be released", and if this time is within the predetermined time period

[0025] Furthermore, "specified time" refers to the time during which the user habitually uses vehicle 4, for example, the following: (1) The time from leaving home until arriving at work (for example, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) (2) The time from leaving the company until returning home (for example, from 5 PM to 7 PM) (3) The time it takes to leave home for work and return home (for example, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) (4) Time from leaving home to arriving at the hospital (5) Time from leaving the hospital until arriving home (6) Time taken to travel from home to the hospital and return home

[0026] "When the period for releasing the engine start lock is within a specified time frame" refers, for example, to a case where the request for releasing the engine start lock includes information about "the period for which the engine start lock should be released," and this period is within a specified time frame.

[0027] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock may include conditions related to the location of the vehicle 4. In this case, the control unit 11 permits the release of the engine start lock if the location of the vehicle 4 is the predetermined location, and releases the engine start lock through the vehicle information server 3. The "predetermined location" is the location where the user of the vehicle 4 habitually parks the vehicle 4, such as their home, workplace, or hospital.

[0028] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock may include information about the route from the vehicle 4's current location to the destination. "The route from the vehicle 4's current location to the destination" could be, for example, the outward or return journey from home to work or a hospital in daily life. In this case, when the control unit 11 receives a request to release the engine start lock from, for example, the unlock request device 5, it also simultaneously receives information about "the route from the vehicle 4's current location to the destination." Then, if the vehicle 4 travels outside the predetermined range of the above route after the engine start lock has been released, the control unit 11 reactivates the engine start lock through the vehicle information server 3. In other words, if the vehicle 4 deviates significantly from the route to the destination, the control unit 11 determines that it is being used for purposes other than intended and reactivates the engine start lock.

[0029] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock may include information regarding the time required from the vehicle 4's current location to the destination. In this case, when the control unit 11 receives a request to release the engine start lock from, for example, the unlock request device 5, it also simultaneously receives information regarding the "time required from the vehicle 4's current location to the destination." After the engine start lock is released, if the vehicle 4 travels for more than the predetermined time required, the control unit 11 reactivates the engine start lock through the vehicle information server 3. In other words, if the vehicle deviates significantly from the time required to the destination, the control unit 11 determines that it is being used for purposes other than intended and reactivates the engine start lock.

[0030] The predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock may include information regarding the number of times the engine start lock has been released. In this case, the control unit 11 permits the release of the engine start lock if the number of times the engine start lock has been released within a predetermined period is within a predetermined number of times, and releases the engine start lock through the vehicle information server 3. Examples of the "predetermined number of times" include once a day, twice a day, etc.

[0031] In the control unit 11, determining whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock based on predetermined conditions may include using machine learning techniques to determine whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock.

[0032] In this case, the learning device 16 learns in advance information about vehicle 4 stored in the vehicle history DB 12 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle information"). Examples of "history information" include the following: (1) Current or past parking location of vehicle 4 (2) Current or past travel route of vehicle 4 (3) The time or period in which the engine start lock of vehicle 4 was released in the past. (4) The number of times the engine start lock of vehicle 4 has been released in the past (number of times per day)

[0033] The learning device 16 generates a machine learning model (training phase) by training it with at least the time or period for releasing the engine start lock (see (3) above) as a feature and information regarding whether or not to allow the engine start lock to be released as the ground truth label.

[0034] Furthermore, the learning device 16 may generate a machine learning model by training it with (1), (2), and (4) above as features and information regarding whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock as the correct label, in addition to (3) above. In this case, the learning device 16 may be trained with at least one of (1) to (4) above as a feature, or in addition to (3) above, it may be trained with at least one of (1), (2), and (4) above as a feature. The machine learning method used by the learning device 16 is not particularly limited, and various methods such as deep learning using neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, and k-nearest neighbors can be used.

[0035] Next, the control unit 11 inputs the time or period for releasing the engine start lock into the machine learning model generated as described above, and determines whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock (prediction phase).

[0036] Vehicle History DB12 is a database that stores the above vehicle information.

[0037] The display device 13 is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. The input device 14 is implemented by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc.

[0038] The communication unit 15 consists of, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The communication unit 15 exchanges information with the debt management server 2, the vehicle information server 3, and the lock release application device 5 via communication over the network N.

[0039] (Debt management server) The debt management server 2 is for managing debts related to vehicle 4. As shown in Figure 1, the debt management server 2 includes a debt management system 21, a debt management database 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0040] If the debt management system 21 finds a vehicle 4 among those managed by the debt management DB 22 that meets the engine start lock requirement, it sends information to identify that vehicle 4 (for example, the vehicle identification number (VIN number), etc.) to the debt collection server 1.

[0041] The debt management DB22 stores information for identifying vehicle 4 (e.g., vehicle identification number (VIN number), etc.) and information regarding debts related to vehicle 4 (e.g., loan receivables, lease receivables, etc.).

[0042] The communication unit 23 consists of, for example, a LAN interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, etc. The communication unit 23 exchanges information with the debt collection server 1 via communication over the network N.

[0043] (Vehicle information server) The vehicle information server 3 comprises a control unit 31, a vehicle information database 32, and a communication unit 33.

[0044] The control unit 31 is implemented by a processor, such as a CPU, and a memory (main memory) such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 31 sends a request to activate the engine start lock to the vehicle 4 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1. The control unit 31 also sends a request for vehicle information to the vehicle 4 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1. The control unit 31 also sends a request to release the engine start lock to the vehicle 4 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1.

[0045] The vehicle information DB32 stores vehicle information obtained from vehicle 4. The vehicle information DB32 transmits the vehicle information to the debt collection server 1 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1.

[0046] The communication unit 33 consists of, for example, a LAN interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The communication unit 33 exchanges information with the debt collection server 1, the debt management server 2 and the vehicle 4 via communication over the network N.

[0047] (vehicle) Vehicle 4 is, for example, a conventional engine vehicle (convection vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. Vehicle 4 may also be, for example, a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), etc. Vehicle 4 is equipped with an ECU 41, an immobilizer 42, a positioning unit 43, and a communication unit 44.

[0048] The ECU41 is an electronic control unit whose main components are a microcomputer consisting of, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ECU41 transmits vehicle information, including at least vehicle location information, to the vehicle information server 3 in accordance with a request from the vehicle information server 3.

[0049] The immobilizer 42 enables or deactivates the engine start lock based on the control of the vehicle information server 3.

[0050] The positioning unit 43 detects the current position of the vehicle 4 by receiving radio waves from, for example, GPS satellites. The method for detecting the current position of the vehicle 4 is not limited to using GPS satellites; for example, a method combining LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) and a 3D map may also be used.

[0051] The communication unit 44 is composed of, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The communication unit 44 exchanges information with the vehicle information server 3 via communication over the network N.

[0052] (Lock release request device) The unlock request device 5 is used to request the debt collection server 1 to release the engine start lock. Examples of the unlock request device 5 include an information processing terminal (personal computer, smartphone, etc.) owned by the user or owner of the vehicle 4.

[0053] When the unlock request device 5 sends a request to the debt collection server 1 to unlock the engine start lock, it may include the following information entered by the user of the vehicle 4 in the request to unlock the engine start lock. (1) Desired time for unlocking the engine start lock (2) Route from the current location of vehicle 4 to the destination (3) Estimated time from the current location of vehicle 4 to the destination

[0054] (Lock release request device, debt collection server, vehicle information server, information exchange within vehicles) An example of information exchange between the unlock request device 5, the debt collection server 1, the vehicle information server 3, and the vehicle 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0055] Debt collection server 1, for example, triggered by the fulfillment of the engine start lock requirement, sends a request to vehicle information server 3 to activate the engine start lock. Subsequently, vehicle information server 3 forwards the received engine start lock activation request to vehicle 4. In response, vehicle 4 activates the engine start lock and sends success / failure information of the engine start lock activation to vehicle information server 3. Subsequently, vehicle information server 3 forwards the received success / failure information of the engine start lock activation to debt collection server 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the unlock request device 5 sends a request to the debt collection server 1 to unlock the engine start lock, for example, in response to an operation by the user of vehicle 4. In response, the debt collection server 1 sends a request for vehicle information to the vehicle information server 3. Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 forwards the received request for vehicle information to vehicle 4. In response, vehicle 4 sends vehicle information to the vehicle information server 3. Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 forwards the received vehicle information to the debt collection server 1.

[0057] If the debt collection server 1 determines, based on the received vehicle information, that it is permissible to release the engine start lock, it sends a request to release the engine start lock to the vehicle information server 3. Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 forwards the received request to release the engine start lock to the vehicle 4. In response, the vehicle 4 performs the engine start lock release and sends information on whether the engine start lock release was successful or not to the vehicle information server 3. Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 forwards the received information on whether the engine start lock release was successful or not to the debt collection server 1. Subsequently, the debt collection server 1 forwards the received information on whether the engine start lock release was successful or not to the lock release request device 5.

[0058] (Processing on the debt collection server) An example of the processing flow in debt collection server 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The following explanation assumes that the engine start lock requirements (e.g., default by the user) are met at the start of processing.

[0059] First, the control unit 11 sends a request to the vehicle information server 3 to enable the engine start lock (step S1). As a result, the request to enable the engine start lock is forwarded from the vehicle information server 3 to the immobilizer 42.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 obtains success / failure information for activating the engine start lock from the vehicle information server 3 (step S2). Subsequently, the control unit 11 obtains a request to release the engine start lock from the lock release request device 5 (step S3).

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 acquires vehicle information from the vehicle information server 3 (step S4). Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines, based on the acquired vehicle information, whether or not predetermined conditions for releasing the engine start lock are met (step S5).

[0062] In step S5, if it is determined that a predetermined condition is met (Yes in step S5), the control unit 11 permits the release of the engine start lock (step S6) and sends a request for engine start lock release to the vehicle information server 3 (step S7). As a result, the request for engine start lock release is forwarded from the vehicle information server 3 to the immobilizer 42.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 obtains success / failure information for engine start lock release from the vehicle information server 3 (step S8). Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the engine start lock release was successful based on the success / failure information obtained in step S8 (step S9).

[0064] In step S9, if it is determined that the engine start lock release was successful (Yes in step S9), the control unit 11 completes this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the engine start lock release failed (No in step S9), the control unit 11 returns to the process in step S4. Examples of cases where the engine start lock release fails include, for example, when the request for engine start lock release could not be sent from the vehicle information server 3 to the immobilizer 42 due to a communication failure, or when a malfunction occurs in the immobilizer 42.

[0065] If, in step S5, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not met (No in step S5), the control unit 11 refuses to release the engine start lock (step S10) and completes this process.

[0066] (Processing 1 in the vehicle information server) An example of the process by which vehicle information is transmitted from vehicle information server 3 to debt collection server 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0067] First, the control unit 31 obtains a request for vehicle information from the debt collection server 1 (step S21). Next, the control unit 31 transmits the received request for vehicle information to vehicle 4 (step S22). Next, the control unit 31 obtains vehicle information from vehicle 4 (step S23). Finally, the control unit 31 transmits the obtained vehicle information to the debt collection server 1 (step S24), completing the process.

[0068] (Processing in the vehicle information server 2) An example of the process for enabling the engine start lock for vehicle 4 in vehicle information server 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0069] First, the control unit 31 receives a request to activate the engine start lock from the debt collection server 1 (step S31). Next, the control unit 31 transmits the received request to activate the engine start lock to the vehicle 4 (step S32). Subsequently, the control unit 31 receives success / failure information for activating the engine start lock from the vehicle 4 (step S33). Finally, the control unit 31 transmits the acquired success / failure information for activating the engine start lock to the debt collection server 1 (step S34), completing this process.

[0070] (Processing 3 in the vehicle information server) An example of the process for unlocking the engine start lock of vehicle 4 in vehicle information server 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0071] First, the control unit 31 receives a request to release the engine start lock from the debt collection server 1 (step S41). Next, the control unit 31 transmits the received request to release the engine start lock to the vehicle 4 (step S42). Next, the control unit 31 receives success / failure information for the engine start lock release from the vehicle 4 (step S43). Finally, the control unit 31 transmits the acquired success / failure information for the engine start lock release to the debt collection server 1 (step S44), completing this process.

[0072] (Processing in the vehicle 1) An example of the process for transmitting vehicle information to the vehicle information server 3 in vehicle 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0073] First, the ECU 41 obtains a request for vehicle information from the vehicle information server 3 (step S51). Next, the ECU 41 obtains vehicle information from the positioning unit 43 (step S52). Then, the ECU 41 transmits the obtained vehicle information to the vehicle information server 3 (step S53), completing this process.

[0074] (Processing in the vehicle 2) An example of the procedure for activating the engine start lock in vehicle 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0075] First, the ECU 41 receives a request from the vehicle information server 3 to activate the engine start lock (step S61). Next, the ECU 41 controls the immobilizer 42 to activate the engine start lock (step S62). Subsequently, the ECU 41 determines whether the engine start lock activation was successful or not, for example, based on the operating status of the immobilizer 42, and sends the success or failure information of the engine start lock activation to the vehicle information server 3 (step S63), thereby completing this process.

[0076] (Processing in the vehicle 3) An example of the procedure for unlocking the engine start lock in vehicle 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0077] First, the ECU 41 receives a request from the vehicle information server 3 to release the engine start lock (step S71). Next, the ECU 41 controls the immobilizer 42 to release the engine start lock (step S72). Subsequently, the ECU 41 determines whether the engine start lock release was successful or not, for example, based on the operating status of the immobilizer 42, and sends the success or failure information of the engine start lock release to the vehicle information server 3 (step S73), thereby completing this process.

[0078] (Processing in the unlock request device) An example of the procedure for releasing the engine start lock using the lock release request device 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0079] First, the unlock request device 5 sends a request to the debt collection server 1 to release the engine start lock (step S81). Next, the unlock request device 5 obtains success or failure information for the engine start lock release from the debt collection server 1 (step S82) and completes this process.

[0080] In the vehicle control device according to the embodiment described above, when the owner and user of vehicle 4 are different, the owner activates the engine start lock, and then temporarily allows the user to release the engine start lock only in emergency situations. This makes it possible to achieve both the minimum use of vehicle 4 by the user and the preservation of the owner's claim.

[0081] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0082] For example, in this embodiment, the description was based on the premise that the debt collection server 1 functions as a vehicle control device, but the vehicle 4 itself may also function as a vehicle control device. In this case, the vehicle 4 may be equipped with the functions of the control unit 11 and the vehicle history DB 12 of the debt collection server 1. Furthermore, in the vehicle control device according to this embodiment, the vehicle 4 may be responsible for some of the processing of the debt collection server 1 and the vehicle information server 3.

[0083] For example, all of the following (1) to (3) may be performed by the debt collection server 1, or by the vehicle 4, or (1) and (3) may be performed by the vehicle 4 and (2) may be performed by the debt collection server 1. (1) Request to activate engine start lock (2) Request to release the engine start lock (3) Determination of whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock.

[0084] Furthermore, although the debt collection server 1, debt management server 2, and vehicle information server 3 were described as separate devices in this embodiment, the debt collection server 1, debt management server 2, and vehicle information server 3 may be composed of one, two, or four or more devices.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the generation of the machine learning model (training phase) and the determination of whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock (prediction phase) were performed by a single device (debt collection server 1), but either one of these may be performed by a separate device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1. Debt collection server 11 Control Unit 12 Vehicle History Database 13 Display device 14 Input devices 15 Communications Department 16 Learning device 2. Debt Management Server 21. Accounts Receivable Management System 22 Accounts Receivable Management Database 23 Communications Department 3. Vehicle Information Server 31 Control Unit 32 Vehicle Information Database 33 Communications Department 4 vehicles 41 ECU 42 Immobilizer 43 Positioning Unit 44 Communications Department 5. Lock release request device N Network

Claims

1. The processor, If the predetermined requirements for engine start lock are met, the vehicle's engine start lock will be activated. After activating the engine start lock, in response to a request to release the engine start lock from a user of the vehicle other than the vehicle owner, a determination is made, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not to permit the release of the engine start lock. If it is determined that the release of the engine start lock is permitted, the engine start lock is released. Vehicle control system.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition relating to the time or period for releasing the engine start lock.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines that it permits the release of the engine start lock if the time or period for releasing the engine start lock is within a predetermined time.

4. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include information regarding the route from the vehicle's current location to the destination. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor enables the engine start lock if the vehicle travels outside a predetermined range from the path after the engine start lock has been released.

5. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include information regarding the time required from the vehicle's current location to the destination. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor activates the engine start lock if the vehicle has traveled for a predetermined time beyond the required time after the engine start lock has been released.

6. The predetermined conditions include information regarding the number of times the engine start lock has been released. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines that it is permitted to release the engine start lock if the number of times the engine start lock is released is within a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the request to release the engine start lock is obtained from the owner's information processing terminal.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the request to release the engine start lock is obtained from the user's information processing terminal.

9. Determining whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock based on the predetermined conditions is: This includes inputting the time or period for releasing the engine start lock into a machine learning model, which is trained using the time or period for releasing the engine start lock as a feature and information regarding whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock as a ground truth label, to determine whether or not to allow the release of the engine start lock. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

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