Vehicle control system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device that can determine whether to activate the engine start lock while ensuring the safety of the vehicle user. [Solution] The vehicle control device has a processor that acquires vehicle status information indicating multiple states in the target vehicle for which the engine start lock is to be activated. Based on the vehicle status information, the processor determines the state of the target vehicle by comparing the multiple states in the target vehicle with the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order, and activates the engine start lock of the target vehicle if the multiple states satisfy the conditions in a predetermined order.

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 (such as a vehicle owner) other than the user of a vehicle performs an engine start lock for reasons of debt preservation or safety. In this engine start lock, in order to ensure the safety of the user, for example, when the current position of the vehicle is a specific location or when the vehicle is not in motion, etc. are set as conditions for enabling the engine start lock.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the vehicle is in a state of not being used and perform an engine start lock, and there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring the safety of the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle control device that can perform engine start lock activation while ensuring the safety of the vehicle user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle control device relating to this disclosure is a debt collection server equipped with a processor, wherein the processor acquires vehicle status information indicating a plurality of states in a target vehicle for which the engine start lock is to be activated, determines the state of the target vehicle by comparing the plurality of states in the target vehicle with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order based on the vehicle status information, and activates the engine start lock of the target vehicle if the plurality of states satisfy the conditions in the predetermined order. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to activate the engine start lock while ensuring the safety of the vehicle user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information exchange between the debt collection server, vehicle information server, and vehicle in a vehicle control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by a debt collection server according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by a vehicle information server according to one embodiment when it transmits vehicle status information to a debt collection server 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the overview of the process performed by a vehicle information server according to one embodiment when enabling the engine start lock of vehicle 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which a vehicle according to one embodiment transmits vehicle status information to the vehicle information server 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of activating the engine start lock, which is performed by a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a debt management server according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the components in the following embodiment include those that are easily replaceable or substantially identical to those that a person skilled in the art can replace.

[0010] [Vehicle control system] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system according to one embodiment. The vehicle control system shown in Figure 1 comprises a debt collection server 1, a debt management server 2, a vehicle information server 3, and a vehicle 4. The debt collection server 1, the debt management server 2, the vehicle information server 3, and the vehicle 4 are all equipped with communication functions and are configured to communicate with each other and exchange various information via a network N. This network N is composed of a public network such as an internet network or a mobile phone network. In addition, in the vehicle control system according to one 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).

[0011] [Debt collection server] First, let's explain the functional configuration of debt collection server 1. The debt collection server 1 remotely controls vehicle 4 in order to collect debts related to vehicle 4. In one embodiment, "debts" include, for example, debts related to installment payment contracts at the time of vehicle purchase, debts related to lease contracts for vehicle 4, debts related to subscription contracts for vehicle 4, and debts related to rental car contracts for vehicle 4.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the creditor is, for example, the owner of vehicle 4. Specifically, creditors include, for example, the dealer that sold vehicle 4, the credit company, and the bank. Also, in one embodiment, the debtor is, for example, the user of vehicle 4. Specifically, debtors include, for example, the purchaser of vehicle 4, the contractor of a lease agreement, etc., and the business company.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the debt collection server 1 comprises a control unit 11, a vehicle history database 12, a display device 13, an input device 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0014] The control unit 11 is implemented by a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and memory (main memory), such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). When the vehicle 4 meets the predetermined requirements for engine start locking (hereinafter referred to as "engine start locking requirements"), the control unit 11 obtains predetermined information from the vehicle history DB 12 and the vehicle information server 3, determines whether or not to activate the engine start lock based on this information, and activates the engine start lock of the vehicle 4 according to the result of this determination.

[0015] An "engine start lock requirement" is, for example, when the user of vehicle 4 is in default (delayed payment). The determination of whether or not this engine start lock requirement is met is made, for example, by debt collection server 1. If there is a vehicle 4 (target vehicle) that meets the engine start lock requirement, information to identify that vehicle 4 (for example, the vehicle identification number (VIN number), etc.) is sent from debt management server 2 to debt collection server 1.

[0016] Specifically, the control unit 11 obtains vehicle status information from the vehicle 4 (target vehicle) via the vehicle information server 3, indicating multiple states in the vehicle 4 (target vehicle) for which the engine start lock is to be activated. Subsequently, based on the vehicle status information of the vehicle 4 (target vehicle), the control unit 11 determines the state of the vehicle 4 by comparing the multiple states in the vehicle 4 with the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order. Then, if the multiple states in the vehicle 4 satisfy the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order, the control unit 11 sends a request to the vehicle 4 via the vehicle information server 3 to activate the engine start lock for the vehicle 4.

[0017] Here, the plurality of states include at least two of the ignition state of the vehicle 4, the state where the elapsed time from the off state (IG-OFF state) of the ignition of the vehicle 4 is a predetermined time or more (for example, 5 minutes or more), the lighting state of the lamp provided in the vehicle 4, the charging state of the vehicle 4, and the state where the smart key for locking and unlocking the vehicle 4 is inside or outside the vehicle 4.

[0018] For example, when the control unit 11 determines the state of the vehicle 4 by comparing a plurality of states in the vehicle 4 with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order, the plurality of states in the vehicle 4 are compared with at least two corresponding conditions including whether the ignition of the vehicle 4 is in the off state, whether the elapsed time from the off state of the ignition of the vehicle 4 is a predetermined time or more, whether the lighting state of the lamp provided in the vehicle 4 is the off state, whether the charging state of the vehicle 4 is in the charging state, and whether the smart key for locking and unlocking the vehicle 4 is outside the vehicle 4, in a predetermined order for determination. For example, the control unit 11 compares and determines with each of the following conditions: (1) whether the ignition of the vehicle 4 is in the off state, (2) whether the elapsed time from the off state of the ignition of the vehicle 4 is a predetermined time or more, (3) whether the lighting state of the lamp provided in the vehicle 4 is the off state, (4) whether the charging state of the vehicle 4 is in the charging state, (5) whether the smart key for locking and unlocking the vehicle 4 is outside the vehicle 4, and in the order of the above (1) to (5) conditions as long as each of these conditions is satisfied. That is, the predetermined order is the order of the above (1) to (5). In one embodiment, it is not necessary to satisfy all of the above (1) to (5) conditions, and it is sufficient that at least two states are satisfied.

[0019] In this way, the debt collection server 1 acquires predetermined information from the vehicle history DB 12 or the vehicle information server 3, determines whether to activate the engine start lock based on this information, and remotely activates the engine start lock of the vehicle 4 according to the determination result. Thereby, the determination of activating the engine start lock of the vehicle 4 can be performed more safely. When the control unit 11 activates the engine start lock of the vehicle 4 (target vehicle), the control unit 11 may display information regarding the vehicle 4 (target vehicle) on the display device 13, and transmit a request for activating the engine start lock for activating the engine start lock to the vehicle 4 according to an instruction signal input in response to an operation of the input device 14 by an operator who operates the debt collection server 1. Thereby, by asking the operator for a final judgment on activating the engine start lock, the operator can give a prior notice of activating the engine start lock to the debtor of the vehicle 4.

[0020] The vehicle history DB 12 is a database configured using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and stores various information regarding the vehicle 4. The vehicle history DB 12 acquires, for example, vehicle state information from the vehicle information server 3 and stores it in association with a vehicle identification number (VIN number) or the like. Further, the vehicle history DB 12 creates stationary parking position information based on the vehicle state information stored in the vehicle history DB 12.

[0021] The display device 13 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display (OLED), or the like. The display device 13 displays various information under the control of the control unit 11.

[0022] The input device 14 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The input device 14 receives inputs of various operations by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to the received operation to the control unit 11.

[0023] The communication unit 15 consists of, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. Under the control of the control unit 11, the communication unit 15 exchanges information with the debt management server 2 and the vehicle information server 3 via communication over the network N.

[0024] [Debt Management Server] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the debt management server 2. The debt management server 2 is for managing debts related to vehicle 4. The debt management server 2 includes a debt management system 21, a debt management database 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0025] If the debt management system 21 finds a vehicle 4 (target vehicle) among the multiple vehicles 4 managed in 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.

[0026] The debt management DB22 manages information to identify each vehicle 4 and information related to the debt of that vehicle 4, linking them together. Here, the information to identify each vehicle 4 is, for example, the vehicle identification number (VIN number). The information related to the debt of that vehicle 4 is, for example, loan receivables and lease receivables.

[0027] 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.

[0028] <Vehicle Information Server> Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the vehicle information server 3. The vehicle information server 3 acquires vehicle status information from the vehicle 4 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1 and transmits the acquired vehicle status information to the debt collection server 1. The vehicle information server 3 comprises a control unit 31, a vehicle information database 32, and a communication unit 33.

[0029] The control unit 31 is implemented by a processor, such as a CPU, and memory (main memory) such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 31 acquires vehicle status information from the vehicle 4 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1 and transmits the acquired vehicle status information to the debt collection server 1.

[0030] The vehicle information DB32 stores vehicle status information obtained from vehicle 4 (the target vehicle) in association with information to identify vehicle 4 (for example, the vehicle identification number (VIN number), etc.). The vehicle information DB32 transmits the vehicle status information to the debt collection server 1 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 〔vehicle〕 Next, we will explain the functional configuration of vehicle 4. 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, a detection unit 44, and a communication unit 45.

[0033] 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 status information to the debt collection server 1 via the vehicle information server 3 in accordance with a request from the debt collection server 1. The ECU41 also acquires vehicle status information of vehicle 4 detected by the positioning unit 43 and the detection unit 44, respectively, and transmits it to the debt collection server 1 via the vehicle information server 3. Furthermore, the ECU41 activates the engine start lock of vehicle 4 in response to an instruction signal to activate the engine start lock transmitted from the debt collection server 1 via the vehicle information server 3. That is, even if the debtor presses the ignition switch to start the engine of vehicle 4, the ECU41 will not start the engine of vehicle 4. In this case, the ECU41 may display information on a monitor (not shown) indicating that the engine start lock has been activated due to a delay in debt payment, or it may display contact information for the creditor.

[0034] The immobilizer 42 enables or deactivates the engine start lock based on the control of the vehicle information server 3.

[0035] The positioning unit 43 detects the current position of the vehicle 4 by receiving radio waves from, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) 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.

[0036] The detection unit 44 detects the state of the ignition switch on the vehicle 4, the elapsed time since the ignition was turned off, the illumination status of the lamps on the vehicle 4, the charging status of the vehicle 4, the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle 4, and whether the smart key is outside or inside the vehicle 4. The detection unit 44 is composed of a timer, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, an on / off switch detection sensor, a wireless receiver, and the like.

[0037] The communication unit 45 is composed of, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The communication unit 45 exchanges information with the vehicle information server 3 via communication over the network N.

[0038] [Debt collection server, vehicle information server, information exchange within vehicles] Next, we will explain the exchange of information between the debt collection server 1, the vehicle information server 3, and the vehicle 4. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information exchange between the debt collection server 1, the vehicle information server 3, and the vehicle 4. In the following process, we will explain the process using the example of performing the operation on vehicle 4, which is used by a debtor who has delayed payment of their debt.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, first, the control unit 11 of the debt collection server 1 requests vehicle status information from the vehicle information server 3, for example, at regular intervals (step S1). Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 requests vehicle status information from vehicle 4 based on the request for vehicle status information received from the debt collection server 1 (step S2). In response, vehicle 4 transmits the vehicle status information detected by the positioning unit 43 and the detection unit 44 to the vehicle information server 3 (step S3). Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 transmits the vehicle status information received from vehicle 4 to the debt collection server 1 (step S4). In this case, the debt collection server 1 associates the vehicle status information of vehicle 4 received from the vehicle information server 3 with the vehicle identification number (VIN number) of vehicle 4 and stores it in the vehicle history DB 12.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the debt collection server 1 requests an engine start lock from the vehicle information server 3, triggered by the fulfillment of the engine start lock requirement, if multiple states included in the vehicle status information of the target vehicle 4 meet the corresponding conditions described later in a predetermined order (step S5). Subsequently, the vehicle information server 3 requests the engine start lock requirement from vehicle 4 based on the engine start lock requirement request received from the debt collection server 1 (step S6). In response, vehicle 4 performs an engine start lock and responds to the vehicle information server 3 with the engine lock success status (step S7). After that, the vehicle information server 3 transmits the lock success status response received from vehicle 4 to the debt collection server 1 (step S8). In this case, the debt collection server 1 associates the lock success status of vehicle 4 received from the vehicle information server 3 with the vehicle identification number (VIN number) of vehicle 4 and stores it in the vehicle history DB 12.

[0041] [Processing on the debt collection server] Next, we will explain the processes performed by debt collection server 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes performed by debt collection server 1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 requests vehicle status information of vehicle 4 via the vehicle information server 3 (step S101) and obtains the vehicle status information transmitted from vehicle 4 (step S102).

[0043] Next, the control unit 11 compares the multiple states included in the vehicle state information of the vehicle 4 with the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order (step S103). Specifically, the control unit 11 compares and determines the following conditions in the order of (1) to (4) above, as long as each of these conditions is met: (1) whether the ignition of the vehicle 4 is in the off state, (2) whether the elapsed time since the ignition of the vehicle 4 was in the off state is greater than a predetermined time, (3) whether the lamps on the vehicle 4 are in the off state, and (4) whether the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle 4 is outside the vehicle 4. The control unit 11, when determining whether the vehicle 4 is a BEV or a PHEV, compares and determines the following conditions in the order of (1) to (5) above, as long as each of these conditions is met: (1) whether the ignition of the vehicle 4 is off, (2) whether the elapsed time since the ignition of the vehicle 4 was off is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, (3) whether the lamps on the vehicle 4 are off, (4) whether the vehicle 4 is charging, and (5) whether the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle 4 is outside the vehicle 4.

[0044] Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether all of the conditions corresponding to the multiple states included in the vehicle status information of vehicle 4 are met in a predetermined order (step S104). If all of the conditions corresponding to the multiple states included in the vehicle status information of vehicle 4 are met in a predetermined order (step S104: Yes), the control unit 11 permits the activation of the engine start lock of vehicle 4 (step S105) and requests vehicle 4 to activate the engine start lock via the vehicle information server 3 (step S107). As a result, the request to activate the engine start lock is transferred from the vehicle information server 3 to the immobilizer 42 of vehicle 4.

[0045] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a response from the vehicle 4 via the vehicle information server 3 regarding the success status of the engine start lock (step S108). If it has received a response from the vehicle 4 via the vehicle information server 3 regarding the success status of the engine start lock (step S108: Yes), the control unit 11 terminates this process. On the other hand, if it has not received a response from the vehicle 4 via the vehicle information server 3 regarding the success status of the engine start lock (step S108: No), the control unit 11 returns to step S101. Examples of failures in engine start lock activation include, for example, when the request for engine start lock activation could not be sent from the vehicle information server 3 to the immobilizer 42 of the vehicle 4 due to a communication failure, when the immobilizer 42 of the vehicle 4 malfunctions, or when the vehicle status information of the vehicle 4 changes immediately after the request for engine start lock activation.

[0046] In step S104, if the multiple states included in the vehicle status information of vehicle 4 do not satisfy the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order (step S104: No), the control unit 11 prohibits enabling the engine start lock for vehicle 4 (step S106). This allows the control unit 11 to terminate the determination when the multiple states included in the vehicle status information of vehicle 4 do not satisfy the corresponding conditions in a predetermined order, thereby reducing the processing load and communication load. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can more safely determine whether to enable the engine start lock for vehicle 4. After step S106, the control unit 11 returns to step S101.

[0047] [Vehicle information server processing 1] Next, we will explain the overview of the process by which the vehicle information server 3 transmits vehicle status information to the debt collection server 1. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the overview of the process by which the vehicle information server 3 transmits vehicle status information to the debt collection server 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, first, the control unit 31 receives a request for vehicle status information from the debt collection server 1 (step S201), and transmits the received request for vehicle status information to the vehicle 4 (step S202).

[0049] Next, the control unit 31 acquires vehicle status information from the vehicle 4 (step S203), transmits the vehicle status information acquired from the vehicle 4 to the debt collection server 1 (step S204), and completes this process.

[0050] [Vehicle information server processing 2] Next, we will describe the overview of the process performed by the vehicle information server 3 when enabling the engine start lock for vehicle 4. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the overview of the process performed by the vehicle information server 3 when enabling the engine start lock for vehicle 4.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, first, the control unit 31 receives a request from the debt collection server 1 to activate the engine start lock (step S301), and then transmits the engine start lock activation request received from the debt collection server 1 to the vehicle 4 (step S302).

[0052] Next, the control unit 31 receives information from the vehicle 4 regarding the success or failure of activating the engine start lock (step S303), transmits the information received from the vehicle 4 regarding the success or failure of activating the engine start lock to the debt collection server 1 (step S304), and completes this process.

[0053] [Vehicle Processing 1] Next, we will explain the overview of the process by which vehicle 4 transmits vehicle status information to the vehicle information server 3. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the overview of the process by which vehicle 4 transmits vehicle status information to the vehicle information server 3.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, first, the ECU 41 receives a request for vehicle status information from the vehicle information server 3 (step S401), and obtains vehicle status information for vehicle 4 from the positioning unit 43 and the detection unit 44 (step S402). Subsequently, the ECU 41 transmits the vehicle status information for vehicle 4 to the vehicle information server 3 (step S403), completing this process.

[0055] [Vehicle Processing 2] Next, we will describe the overview of the process performed by vehicle 4 when it activates the engine start lock. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the overview of the process performed by vehicle 4 when it activates the engine start lock.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, first, the ECU 41 receives a request from the vehicle information server 3 to activate the engine start lock (step S501). It then controls the immobilizer 42 to activate the engine start lock (step S502). 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 S503), thereby completing this process.

[0057] According to the embodiment described above, the debt collection server 1 obtains predetermined information from the vehicle history DB 12 or the vehicle information server 3, determines whether or not to activate the engine start lock based on this information, and remotely activates the engine start lock of vehicle 4 according to the result of this determination. This allows for the safe activation of the engine start lock of vehicle 4.

[0058] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when the debt collection server 1 determines the status of the vehicle 4, it determines multiple states in a predetermined order, but terminates the determination when the conditions are not met, thereby reducing processing and communication load.

[0059] 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.

[0060] For example, in one embodiment, the explanation was based on the premise of a debt collection server 1, but the vehicle 4 itself may also have the necessary functions. 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 one embodiment, the vehicle 4 may be responsible for some of the processing of the debt collection server 1 and the vehicle information server 3.

[0061] 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.

[0062] For example, all of the following (1) to (5) may be performed by the debt collection server 1, or by the vehicle 4, or (1) to (4) may be performed by the vehicle 4 and (5) may be performed by the debt collection server 1. (1) Determining whether the ignition of vehicle 4 is in the off state. (2) Determination of whether the elapsed time since the ignition of vehicle 4 was turned off is greater than or equal to a predetermined time. (3) Determination of whether the lamps on vehicle 4 are lit or not. (4) Determination of whether the vehicle 4 is charging or not. (5) Determination of whether the smart key used to lock and unlock vehicle 4 is located outside vehicle 4.

[0063] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Debt collection server 11 Control Unit 12 Vehicle History Database 13 Display device 14 Input devices 15 Communications Department 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 Detection Unit 45 Communications Department N Network

Claims

1. A vehicle control device equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Obtain vehicle status information indicating multiple states for the target vehicle for which the engine start lock is to be activated. Based on the vehicle status information, the status of the target vehicle is determined by comparing multiple states of the target vehicle with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order. If the conditions are met in the predetermined order of the aforementioned multiple states, the engine start lock of the target vehicle is activated. Vehicle control system.

2. A vehicle control device according to claim 1, The aforementioned multiple states are, The ignition status of the vehicle in question, the time elapsed since the ignition of the vehicle in question was turned off, the illumination status of the lamps on the vehicle in question, the charging status of the vehicle in question, and the status of the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle in question being inside or outside the vehicle in question. These are at least two states, Vehicle control system.

3. A vehicle control device according to claim 1, Determining the state of the target vehicle by comparing multiple states of the target vehicle with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order is: Multiple states in the aforementioned target vehicle are, corresponding to, Is the ignition of the aforementioned vehicle turned off? Whether the time elapsed since the ignition of the aforementioned vehicle was turned off is longer than a predetermined time, Whether the lamps on the aforementioned vehicle are in the off state, Whether the charging status of the aforementioned vehicle is charging, Is the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle in question located outside the vehicle? At least two of the above conditions are compared in the predetermined order, Vehicle control system.

4. A vehicle control device according to claim 1, Determining the state of the target vehicle by comparing multiple states of the target vehicle with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order is: Multiple states in the aforementioned target vehicle are, corresponding to, (1) Whether the ignition of the vehicle in question is in the off state, (2) Whether the time elapsed since the ignition of the vehicle in question was turned off is longer than a predetermined time, (3) Whether the lamps on the vehicle in question are in the off state, (4) Whether the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle is located outside the vehicle, Each of the above conditions is compared in the order of (1) to (4) above, provided that each of the above conditions is met. Vehicle control system.

5. A vehicle control device according to claim 1, The aforementioned vehicles are It is either a BEV or a PHEV. Determining the state of the target vehicle by comparing multiple states of the target vehicle with corresponding conditions in a predetermined order is: Multiple states in the aforementioned target vehicle are, corresponding to, (1) Whether the ignition of the vehicle in question is in the off state, (2) Whether the time elapsed since the ignition of the vehicle in question was turned off is longer than a predetermined time, (3) Whether the lamps on the vehicle in question are in the off state, (4) Whether the charging status of the vehicle in question is charging, (5) Whether the smart key used to lock and unlock the vehicle is located outside the vehicle, Each of the above conditions is compared in the order of (1) to (5) above, provided that each of the above conditions is met. Vehicle control system.

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