Vehicle electronic key system

Abstract

This system allows passengers to easily determine whether or not their mobile device is capable of performing operations based on key permissions. [Solution] The electronic key system 1 comprises a portable terminal M that outputs a key operation signal corresponding to the key authority of the digital key, and a controller 101 that controls the operation of electrical components installed in the vehicle based on the command of the key operation signal. The portable terminal M accepts operation by the passenger and has a screen area set to display operation buttons that prompt the output of a key operation signal from the portable terminal M. The display of the screen area is made different depending on whether the portable terminal M is within a first area (starting area) up to a first distance from the vehicle or outside the first area, and operation buttons are displayed on the screen area when it is within the first area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key system for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology that displays a button for locking or unlocking a door on the screen of a smartphone with a digital key, and locks or unlocks the door according to a button operation by a passenger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the release of the immobilizer function by a smartphone, it is required by regulations to prohibit the release from a position more than a predetermined distance away from the vehicle. Here, it is desirable for the user of the smartphone, that is, the passenger, to be able to easily recognize whether their own smartphone is in a position where the immobilizer function can be released.

[0005] In view of such a situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic key system for a vehicle that enables a passenger to easily determine whether a mobile terminal is in a situation where an operation based on the authority given to a digital key can be performed, contributing to an improvement in the convenience of the digital key.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, an electronic key system for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a portable terminal that outputs a key operation signal corresponding to the key authority of a digital key, and a controller that controls the operation of electrical components installed in the vehicle based on the command of the key operation signal, wherein the portable terminal has a screen area that can display operation buttons that accept operation by a passenger and prompt the output of the key operation signal from the portable terminal, and the display of the screen area differs depending on whether the portable terminal is within a first area up to a first distance from the vehicle or outside the first area, and the operation buttons are displayed in the screen area when the portable terminal is within the first area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display of the screen area is made different depending on whether the mobile terminal is inside or outside the first area. When the mobile terminal is inside the first area, operation buttons are displayed in the screen area, and the output of signals (key operation signals) corresponding to operations based on key authority is permitted. This makes it possible for the passenger to easily recognize whether or not the mobile terminal is in a state where it can operate the electrical components by the display of the screen area including the operation buttons. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic key system for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the calculation unit of the electronic key system. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the screen switching process performed by a mobile device in relation to digital key control. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the driver approval acquisition determination process performed by a mobile device regarding digital key control. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process by which a mobile device determines whether to deactivate driver authorization in relation to digital key control. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device (connection area A1, activation area A2). [Figure 7] This is a state transition diagram that conceptually illustrates the switching of the home screen. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the initial screen. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing home screens 1 and 2. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing home screen 3 (before startup and after startup). [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the power warning screen. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the usage confirmation screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the following explanation, "passenger" refers to the passenger sitting in the driver's seat (hereinafter referred to as "driver") and passengers sitting in seats other than the driver's seat, and passengers sitting in seats other than the driver's seat are referred to as "passengers." Seats other than the driver's seat include the seat next to the driver's seat and the seats behind the driver's seat, and the seat next to the driver's seat is sometimes referred to as the "passenger seat," and the seat behind the driver's seat is sometimes referred to as the "rear seat." In other words, passengers include passengers sitting in the passenger seat and passengers sitting in the rear seats.

[0011] (Overall configuration of the electronic key system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic key system 1 for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as the "electronic key system"). The electronic key system 1 constitutes a so-called keyless entry system that does not rely on a physical key inserted into a keyhole.

[0012] The electronic key system 1 comprises, as its main components, a mobile terminal M, a vehicle key R, an in-vehicle controller (hereinafter simply referred to as "controller") 101, and a power switch 201.

[0013] In addition to the above, the electronic key system 1 includes a brake switch 202 as a component attached thereto.

[0014] The mobile terminal M constitutes an input unit of the electronic key system 1 together with the vehicle key R and the power switch 201. The mobile terminal M can operate as a digital key and outputs a key operation signal according to the key authority of the digital key.

[0015] As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the passenger can operate the buttons displayed on the screen provided in the mobile terminal M to operate the door lock and unlock of the vehicle, the power on and off, and the start and stop of the vehicle. At this time, the mobile terminal M outputs a key operation signal corresponding to the button operation performed by the passenger to the controller 101.

[0016] The mobile terminal M downloads a computer program of an application (hereinafter referred to as "digital key application") related to the setting or granting of a digital key from a remote server not shown and installs the digital key application, thereby becoming operable as a digital key.

[0017] Here, the term "digital key" refers to the function given to the mobile terminal M. However, in the following description, the mobile terminal M in which the digital key application is installed and is in an operable state as a digital key may be referred to as a "digital key" for convenience.

[0018] In this embodiment, a plurality of authorities can be set as the key authorities of the digital key in the mobile terminal M.

[0019] The permissions set on the mobile terminal M include door locking permissions for locking and unlocking the vehicle's doors (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "doors"), power transition permissions for starting and stopping the power supply unit installed in the vehicle, i.e., power on and off permissions, and vehicle starting permissions for starting and stopping the drive unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "drive unit") which is involved in generating the vehicle's driving force.

[0020] Door lock authority, power transition authority, and vehicle start authority are sometimes referred to as "first key authority," "second key authority," and "third key authority," respectively.

[0021] In this case, if there are multiple mobile devices M, it is possible to set different permissions for each mobile device M as key permissions.

[0022] Specifically, it is possible to set door lock authority on all of these multiple mobile devices M, while setting power transition authority and vehicle start authority on only one or some of the mobile devices M.

[0023] For example, among multiple passengers, door lock authority could be set on the mobile device M held by the driver and all passengers, while power transition authority and vehicle start authority could be set only on the mobile device M held by the driver or some passengers. In other words, the mobile device M held by the driver or some passengers could be treated as a digital key with all key authority set, while the mobile device M held by other passengers could be treated as a digital key with only door lock authority set.

[0024] The mobile terminal M has a screen capable of displaying operation buttons related to key-authorized operations. The screen of the mobile terminal M is divided into multiple areas, and each of these areas (each of the divided screens hereinafter referred to as a "screen area") can display operation buttons corresponding to key authority. The screen of the mobile terminal M is, for example, a touchscreen display, and the mobile terminal M outputs a key operation signal when the passenger operates (for example, taps) the operation buttons displayed in the screen area with their fingertip or the like.

[0025] A smartphone can be used as the mobile device M.

[0026] The vehicle key R is a remote key that can be carried by the occupant and is equipped with buttons for operating the doors for locking and unlocking. The occupant (e.g., the driver) who has the vehicle key R can lock the doors by pressing the door lock button on the vehicle key R, and unlock the doors (i.e., unlock the doors) by pressing the door unlock button.

[0027] The vehicle key R also has an authentication function related to the vehicle's power transition or starting.

[0028] In addition to a remote key, a smart key or keyless key can be used as the vehicle key (R).

[0029] In this embodiment, a smart key refers to an electronic key that does not have physical buttons used to lock and unlock the doors, and allows the passenger to unlock the doors by touching or pulling the door handle while possessing the key. A keyless key refers to a key that has both buttons for operating the doors to lock and unlock, and a physical key that is inserted into the keyhole when the vehicle's power is switched on or started.

[0030] The power switch 201 is located within reach of the driver while seated in the driver's seat, for example, near the steering column. The power switch 201 has a button that can be operated by the driver, and when the driver presses this button, it outputs an ON signal to the controller 101. In this embodiment, the power switch 201 is a push-start switch.

[0031] The brake switch 202 is installed on the brake pedal or an attached movable part, and is normally in the off state. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake switch 202 switches to the on state and outputs an on signal to the controller 101.

[0032] The controller 101 constitutes the calculation unit of the electronic key system 1. The controller 101 receives output signals from the mobile terminal M, the vehicle key R, the power switch 201, and the brake switch 202, processes these signals according to a pre-stored control program, and outputs the resulting command signals to the power unit 301, the drive unit 401, and the door lock unit 501, respectively. The internal configuration of the controller 101 will be described in detail later.

[0033] In this embodiment, the vehicle is provided with an accessory power unit 301a and a system power unit 301b as the power supply unit 301 (Figure 2). The accessory power unit 301a provides power to car audio such as a radio, the navigation system, and the instruments located on the instrument panel. The system power unit 301b, also called the on-power unit, provides power to the drive unit 401.

[0034] The driver can turn on the accessory power unit 301a by pressing the power switch 201 while holding the digital key (mobile terminal M) or vehicle key R, without pressing the brake pedal. At this time, the controller 101 outputs an ON signal as a command signal to the accessory power unit 301a.

[0035] In contrast, the driver, while holding the digital key or vehicle key R, can turn on both the accessory power unit 301a and the system power unit 301b, and start the drive unit 401, by pressing the power switch 201 while pressing the brake pedal. At this time, the controller 101 outputs an ON signal as a command signal to each of the accessory power unit 301a and the system power unit 301b, and also outputs a start signal to the drive unit 401. By turning on the system power unit 301b, the drive unit 401 is started, and the vehicle can be started.

[0036] Furthermore, when the controller 101 receives an output signal from the mobile terminal M or the vehicle key R to command the door lock, it outputs a door lock signal as a command signal to the door lock unit 501. On the other hand, when it receives an output signal to command the door unlock, it outputs a door unlock signal as a command signal to the door lock unit 501.

[0037] The door lock unit 501 is equipped with a door lock actuator. When it receives a door lock signal, it operates the door lock actuator in the door lock direction to lock the door. When it receives a door unlock signal, it operates the door lock actuator in the door unlock direction to unlock the door.

[0038] Here, the power supply unit 301, the drive unit 401, and the door lock unit 501 constitute the "electrical components" according to this embodiment.

[0039] (Internal configuration of the processing unit) In this embodiment, the calculation unit of the electronic key system 1 is composed of a mobile terminal M and a controller 101.

[0040] The controller 101 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), input / output interfaces, and various storage devices such as ROM and RAM, and is mounted in the vehicle as an electronic control unit.

[0041] The electronic key system 1 comprises, as elements constituting the calculation unit, a door lock control unit B111, a power transition unit B112, a start control unit B113, a key authentication unit B114, a driver approval registration unit B115, an operation button control unit B121, an area determination unit B122, and a driver approval determination unit B123. The functions of each of these units are realized by software, when a mobile terminal M or controller 101 reads a control program that has been stored in advance and operates according to the instructions indicated by the control program.

[0042] In this embodiment, the door lock control unit B111, power transition unit B112, start control unit B113, key authentication unit B114, and driver approval registration unit B115 are provided in the controller 101, and the operation button control unit B121, area determination unit B122, and driver approval determination unit B123 are provided in the mobile terminal M.

[0043] When the door lock control unit B111 receives a key operation signal based on door lock authority from the mobile terminal M, specifically a key operation signal ordering the door to be locked or unlocked, it outputs a door lock signal or a door unlock signal to the door lock unit 501.

[0044] Furthermore, when the door lock control unit B111 receives an output signal from the vehicle key R that commands the door to be locked or unlocked, it outputs a door lock signal or a door unlock signal as a command signal to the door lock unit 501.

[0045] The power transition unit B112 receives a key operation signal from the mobile terminal M or an output signal from the power switch 201. When it receives a key operation signal or output signal that commands the power to be turned on, it outputs an ON signal to either only the accessory power unit 301a or both of the accessory power unit 301b.

[0046] The output of the ON signal from the power transition unit B112 is possible by operating the power switch 201 under authentication of the digital key (mobile terminal M). In other words, it is possible when the driver presses the power switch 201 with the mobile terminal M placed in the tray (smartphone tray).

[0047] The power transition unit B112 can also output an ON signal by operating the power switch 201 under authentication of the vehicle key R. When the driver presses the power switch 201 while possessing the vehicle key R, the ON signal is output.

[0048] Authentication of the vehicle key R or digital key is performed by the key authentication unit B114, which will be described later.

[0049] The start control unit B113 receives key operation signals from the mobile terminal M or output signals from the power switch 201, and outputs an ON signal to the drive unit 401 when it receives a key operation signal or output signal that commands the drive unit 401 to start. The start control unit B113 also outputs an ON signal when the driver operates the mobile terminal M while pressing the brake pedal or when the power switch 201 is pressed.

[0050] When the key authentication unit B114 receives a key operation signal or output signal from the mobile terminal M or power switch 201 to command the power to be turned on, it grants authentication to the vehicle key R or digital key according to the following procedure.

[0051] For example, a vehicle key R is equipped with a receiver and a transmitter. When the receiver detects a weak radio wave emitted from the controller 101, the transmitter sends a response radio wave back. The controller 101 receives this response radio wave and determines whether or not the registration of the vehicle key R is complete. If registration is complete, it grants authentication to the vehicle key R. Authentication for a digital key can also be granted using a similar procedure.

[0052] The driver approval registration unit B115 stores the driver approval setting status for the digital key (mobile terminal M) and notifies the mobile terminal M of the current setting status in response to inquiries regarding driver approval. The driver approval setting status includes, for example, whether or not a digital key (mobile terminal M) has obtained driver approval and the identifier of that mobile terminal M.

[0053] The operation button control unit B121 controls the screen of the mobile terminal M to which a digital key has been assigned, and displays operation buttons according to the key authority for each screen area.

[0054] The operation button control unit B121 switches the screen of the mobile terminal M according to the distance of the mobile terminal M from the vehicle, in other words, the relative position of the mobile terminal M with respect to the vehicle. In this embodiment, multiple areas (connectable area A1, starting area A2) are set based on the vehicle, and the area where the mobile terminal M is located is determined. Then, the display of the screen area is switched according to the determined area.

[0055] The control button control unit B121 further generates and outputs various key operation signals according to the key authority, in response to the passenger's operation of the control buttons.

[0056] The key operation signals output by the operation button control unit B121 include a first key operation signal that commands the door lock or unlock, a second key operation signal that commands the power to be turned on or off, and a third key operation signal that commands the drive unit 401 to be started or stopped. The first key operation signal is output to the door lock control unit B111, the second key operation signal is output to the power transition unit B112, and the third key operation signal is output to the start control unit B113.

[0057] The area determination unit B122 determines the area in which the mobile terminal M is located. In this embodiment, a connectable area A1 and a starting area A2, which is smaller than the connectable area A1, are set based on the vehicle. The area determination unit B122 determines whether the mobile terminal M is located outside the connectable area A1, inside the connectable area A1 (excluding the starting area A2), or inside the starting area A2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the area where the mobile terminal M is located is determined based on the received signal strength (hereinafter referred to as "radio wave strength") Sr of radio waves emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a wireless communication device C (Figure 6), and the mobile terminal M receives radio waves emitted from the wireless communication device C. The area determination unit B122 detects the signal strength of the received radio waves (i.e., radio wave strength Sr) and determines the area where the mobile terminal M is located based on the detected radio wave strength Sr.

[0059] Specifically, two threshold intensities (first threshold intensity Sr1, second threshold intensity Sr2) are set with respect to the radio wave intensity Sr.

[0060] When the radio wave intensity Sr received by the mobile terminal M is less than a relatively small first threshold intensity Sr1 (Sr < Sr1), the area determination unit B122 determines that the mobile terminal M is outside the connectable area A1. When the radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the first threshold intensity Sr1 and less than a second threshold intensity Sr2 greater than the first threshold intensity Sr1 (Sr1 ≤ Sr < Sr2), the mobile terminal M is determined to be inside the connectable area A1 (excluding the start area A2). Further, when the radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the second threshold intensity Sr2 (Sr2 ≤ Sr), the mobile terminal M is determined to be inside the start area A2.

[0061] In this embodiment, the start area A2 corresponds to the "first area", and the connectable area A1 corresponds to the "second area".

[0062] Furthermore, the wireless communication device C constitutes the "signal transmitter" according to this embodiment and also has the function of a "receiver" that receives a key operation signal.

[0063] The driver approval determination unit B123 determines whether a condition (hereinafter referred to as the "driver approval acquisition condition") predetermined regarding the acquisition of driver approval is satisfied. If this is satisfied, the driver approval is acquired.

[0064] The driver approval determination unit B123 further determines whether a condition (hereinafter referred to as the "driver approval cancellation condition") predetermined regarding the cancellation of driver approval is satisfied after the acquisition of driver approval. If this is satisfied, the acquired driver approval is cancelled.

[0065] In conjunction with this, when the digital key (mobile terminal M) acquires driver approval, the driver approval determination unit B123 transmits information indicating the acquisition of driver approval (hereinafter referred to as the "driver approval acquisition information") to the driver approval registration unit B115 in association with the identifier of the mobile terminal M. And when the acquired driver approval is cancelled, information indicating the cancellation of driver approval (hereinafter referred to as the "driver approval cancellation information") is transmitted to the driver approval registration unit B115 in association with the identifier of the mobile terminal M.

[0066] Here, we will explain the conditions for obtaining and revoking driver approval.

[0067] In this embodiment, the driver approval acquisition condition is met when all of the following detailed conditions a1 to a4 are satisfied, assuming that none of the digital keys (mobile terminal M) have obtained driver approval. a1) The power is turned off. a2) The door lock was released by operating the digital key. a3) No digital key has been approved for driver use, or if one exists, that digital key is outside the communication range of the controller 101. a4) Power transition authority is set on the digital key.

[0068] On the other hand, the driver authorization deactivation condition is met when both of the following subconditions b1 and b2 are satisfied. b1) The power is turned off. b2) The doors were locked using the digital key or vehicle key R.

[0069] Thus, in this embodiment, among multiple key privileges, driver approval is granted to a digital key (mobile terminal M) that has power transition privileges set, on the condition that it outputs a key operation signal commanding the unlocking of the doors. Granting driver approval enables the exercise of power transition privileges and vehicle start privileges, and operations corresponding to these privileges can be performed. As a result, in this embodiment, among multiple mobile terminals M, only one mobile terminal M is capable of obtaining driver approval and performing operations to turn on the power and start the vehicle as a digital key.

[0070] (Mobile device screen and switching between screens) The home screen displayed on the mobile device M upon launching the digital key application, and how to switch between them, will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 12.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device M, and Figure 7 is a state transition diagram conceptually illustrating the switching of the home screen.

[0072] In this embodiment, the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile terminal M is set starting from the wireless communication device C installed in the vehicle and includes a connectable area A1 defined as a circular area with a relatively large radius r1 from the wireless communication device C, and a starting area A2 defined as a circular area with a radius r2 smaller than radius r1 from the wireless communication device C.

[0073] The wireless communication device C is positioned in close proximity to a wireless charger (not shown) located inside the vehicle, for example, next to the driver's seat. The wireless communication device C and the wireless charger can be positioned close to each other in a smartphone tray located in the console box inside the vehicle.

[0074] The wireless communication device C can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal M, for example, via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connectable area A1 is set to an area with a radius r1 of approximately 6m from the wireless communication device C, and the starting area A2 is set to an area with a radius r2 of approximately 2m from the wireless communication device C.

[0076] When a driver with a mobile device M activates the digital key application in an area outside the connectivity area A1 (hereinafter referred to as the "non-connection area") upon boarding, the initial screen is displayed on the mobile device M. Figure 8 shows an example of the initial screen.

[0077] The initial screen does not display any operation buttons related to key-based operations. In other words, in areas outside the connection zone, the output of key operation signals from the mobile terminal M is prohibited, and the driver cannot perform any operations based on key authority. In this embodiment, the appearance or type of vehicle using the digital key (mobile terminal M) is displayed in area Dupp, which is set in the upper half of the initial screen facing screen D.

[0078] After the digital key application is launched, when the driver approaches the vehicle and the mobile terminal M enters the connectivity area A1, the home screen 1 is displayed on the mobile terminal M. Figure 9(a) shows an example of the home screen 1.

[0079] On home screen 1, in the lower half of the area Dlow towards screen D, the left-hand area Da displays operation buttons related to door lock permissions, namely operation buttons Ba1 and Ba2 related to locking and unlocking the door, while the right-hand area Db displays operation buttons Bb1 and Bb2 related to opening and closing the window.

[0080] The driver can lock the doors by operating the door lock button Ba1 displayed at the bottom of area Da, and unlock the doors by operating the door unlock button Ba2 displayed at the top.

[0081] The driver can also open the window of their seat, i.e., the driver's seat, by operating the window open button Bb1, which is displayed in area Db with a downward-pointing arrow, and close the driver's seat window by operating the window close button Bb2, which is displayed with an upward-pointing arrow.

[0082] The operation the driver performs on these various buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2 is, for example, tapping the screen.

[0083] When the driver operates the door unlock button Ba2 and unlocks the doors, the screen displayed on the mobile device M switches from home screen 1 to home screen 2. Figure 9(b) shows an example of home screen 2.

[0084] At this point, unlocking the doors allows the mobile device M to obtain driver authorization and exercise power transition and vehicle start-up authority.

[0085] On home screen 2, the lower half of the area Dlow, that is, areas Da and Db, displays the same operation buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2 as on home screen 1. In addition to this, on home screen 2, the upper half of the area Dupp displays the following message instead of displaying the vehicle's appearance or model, prompting the user to bring the mobile terminal M closer to the wireless communication device C. "Please bring it close to the wireless charger."

[0086] When the driver opens the door and gets into the car, the mobile device M enters the starting area A2, and the screen displayed on the mobile device M switches from home screen 2 to home screen 3. Figure 10(a) shows home screen 3 as an example.

[0087] On home screen 3, in addition to various operation buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2, the upper half area Dupp, facing screen D, displays operation buttons related to operations based on power transition authority and vehicle starting authority, namely, operation buttons related to turning the power on and off and starting the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "power buttons") Bc.

[0088] As mentioned earlier, the driver can activate the accessory power unit 301a by operating the power button Bc without pressing the brake pedal (for example, by tapping it), and by operating the power button Bc while pressing the brake pedal, they can activate both the accessory power unit 301a and the system power unit 301b, as well as the drive unit 401, and start the vehicle.

[0089] When the driver operates the power button Bc to turn on the power, the home screen 3 displayed on the mobile terminal M switches from the state before power-on shown in Figure 10(a) to the state after power-on shown in Figure 10(b).

[0090] After the power is turned on, the power button Bc' is switched to a visually more prominent display compared to before the power was turned on. This display change is achieved, for example, by changing the color or illumination of the power button Bc' compared to before the power was turned on.

[0091] Subsequently, the driver can turn off the power and stop the vehicle by operating the power button Bc' on the home screen 3 shown in Figure 10(b) again. When the power is turned off, the display on screen D switches to the home screen 3 shown in Figure 10(a).

[0092] After the power is turned off, when the driver gets out of the vehicle and operates the door lock button Ba1, driver authorization is released and the display on screen D switches to home screen 1 as shown in Figure 9(a).

[0093] If the driver does not turn off the power and leaves the vehicle with the power on, and operates the door lock button Ba1 or leaves the starting area A2, the screen displayed on the mobile terminal M will switch from the home screen 3 to the power warning screen. Figure 11 shows an example of the power warning screen.

[0094] The power warning screen does not display operation buttons such as the door lock button Ba1, and instead displays the following message to prompt the driver or other passengers with a mobile device M to be aware that the power remains on. "The power is still on."

[0095] In addition to the above, in this embodiment, when the driver activates the digital key application upon boarding the vehicle, and then unlocks the doors by pressing a button on the vehicle key R, a usage confirmation screen is displayed on the mobile terminal M. Figure 12 shows an example of the usage confirmation screen.

[0096] The usage confirmation screen does not display operation buttons such as the door lock button Ba1, and instead displays a message prompting the driver to obtain driver approval, as follows: "Do you want to use it as a driver?"

[0097] The usage confirmation screen also displays a pair of buttons, Bd1 and Bd2, for the driver to enter their response to the message. If the driver presses the first button Bd1, which indicates their intention to obtain driver approval, the digital key (mobile terminal M) obtains driver approval. If the driver presses the other button, Bd2, the digital key suspends obtaining driver approval.

[0098] If the digital key obtains driver authorization, the display on screen D will switch to home screen 2 shown in Figure 9(b) or home screen 3 shown in Figure 10(a). If authorization is postponed, the display on screen D will switch to home screen 1 shown in Figure 9(a).

[0099] In this embodiment, within screen D, the area Da where the door lock button Ba1 and door unlock button Ba2 are displayed, the area Db where the window open button Bb1 and window close button Bb2 are displayed, and the area Dupp where the power button Bc is displayed correspond to the "screen area," respectively. The power button Bc corresponds to the "first operation button," and the door lock button Ba1 and door unlock button Ba2 correspond to the "second operation button."

[0100] (Digital key control) The digital key control will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 to 5. In this embodiment, the digital key control is performed by the mobile terminal M and the controller 101. Figures 3 to 5 show the contents of the processing performed by the mobile terminal M.

[0101] The flowchart in Figure 3 controls the switching of screens displayed on the mobile terminal M (screen switching process). The flowchart in Figure 4 determines whether the driver approval acquisition conditions are met (driver approval acquisition determination process), and the flowchart in Figure 5 determines whether the driver approval deactivation conditions are met (driver approval deactivation determination process).

[0102] In this embodiment, the screen switching process is performed at predetermined intervals as background processing for the driver approval acquisition determination process and the driver approval cancellation determination process.

[0103] In this embodiment, the driver approval acquisition condition is met when all of the detailed conditions a1 to a4 listed above are satisfied, and the driver approval deactivation condition is met when both of the detailed conditions b1 and b2 listed above are satisfied.

[0104] In the screen switching process (Figure 3), step S111 detects the signal strength of the radio waves emitted from the wireless communication device C, i.e., the radio wave strength Sr.

[0105] In S112, it is determined whether the mobile terminal M is within the connectable area A1 based on the detected radio wave intensity Sr. If the radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the first threshold intensity Sr1 (Sr1 ≤ Sr), it is determined that the mobile terminal M is within the connectable area A1. If the mobile terminal M is within the connectable area A1, the process proceeds to S113; otherwise, the process proceeds to S116.

[0106] In S113, it is determined whether the mobile terminal M is within the activation area A2 based on the detected radio wave intensity Sr. If the radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the second threshold intensity Sr2 (Sr2 ≤ Sr), it is determined that the mobile terminal M is within the activation area A2. If the mobile terminal M is within the activation area A2, the process proceeds to S114; otherwise, the process proceeds to S117.

[0107] In S114, it is determined whether or not driver approval has been obtained. Driver approval is obtained through the driver approval determination process described later. If driver approval has been obtained, proceed to S115; otherwise, proceed to S120.

[0108] In S115, it is determined whether the detected radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the proximity determination intensity Srn, which is greater than the second threshold intensity Sr2. If the radio wave intensity Sr is greater than or equal to the proximity determination intensity Srn, the process proceeds to S119; otherwise, the process proceeds to S118.

[0109] In S116, the initial screen (Figure 8) is displayed on the mobile terminal M.

[0110] In S117, the home screen 1 (Figure 9(a)) is displayed on the mobile device M.

[0111] In S118, home screen 2 (Figure 9(b)) is displayed on the mobile device M.

[0112] In S119, the home screen 3 (Figure 10(a)) is displayed on the mobile terminal M.

[0113] In S120, a usage confirmation screen (Figure 12) is displayed on the mobile terminal M.

[0114] In the driver approval acquisition determination process (Figure 4), S121 determines whether a key operation signal ordering the release of the door locks has been output, in other words, whether the door locks have been released by the digital key (mobile terminal M). If a key operation signal ordering the release of the door locks has been output, the process proceeds to S122. Otherwise, specifically, if the door locks have been released but this was done by the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S131 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0115] In S122, vehicle information is obtained from the controller 101. The vehicle information includes information on whether the power is on or off, information on the status of driver approval, and information on the communication status of the mobile terminal M to which the digital key is attached to the controller 101.

[0116] In S123, it is determined whether the vehicle's power is off or not. If it is off, proceed to S124; if it is on, proceed to S131 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0117] In S124, it is determined whether any of the mobile terminals M to which a digital key has been assigned have obtained driver approval. Whether or not a mobile terminal M has obtained driver approval can be determined based on the vehicle information obtained from the controller 101, specifically, the information regarding the status of driver approval. If none of the mobile terminals M have obtained driver approval, in other words, if there are no mobile terminals M that have obtained driver approval, the process proceeds to S126. Otherwise, that is, if there are mobile terminals M that have obtained driver approval, the process proceeds to S125.

[0118] In S125, it is determined whether the mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "approved terminal") is outside the communication range of the controller 101, or in other words, whether communication between the approved terminal M and the controller 101 is interrupted. If the approved terminal M is outside the communication range of the controller 101, the process proceeds to S126. If it is within the communication range, it is determined that there is another mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval, and the current control is terminated.

[0119] In S126, it is determined whether the mobile terminal M has power transition authority. If it has power transition authority, the process proceeds to S127; otherwise, the process proceeds to S131 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0120] The reason for determining the presence or absence of power transition authority here is based on the fact that turning on the power is a prerequisite for starting the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, power transition authority is the authority to start at least the system power unit 301b, out of the accessory power unit 301a and the system power unit 301b.

[0121] In S126, instead of determining whether only the power transition authority exists, the condition for proceeding to S127 may be that both the power transition authority and the vehicle start authority exist. Furthermore, instead of determining the power transition authority, the condition for proceeding to S127 may be to determine whether the vehicle start authority exists, and if the vehicle start authority exists, the system may proceed to S127. This makes it possible, for example, to withhold obtaining driver approval when the driver operates the power button Bc without pressing the brake pedal, that is, when only the accessory power unit 301a is activated, and to leave an opportunity for the passenger's mobile terminal M to obtain driver approval.

[0122] In S127, driver authorization is obtained via a mobile terminal M that outputs a key operation signal instructing the unlocking of the doors.

[0123] Thus, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal M that obtains driver approval is the mobile terminal M that outputs a key operation signal commanding the release of the door lock, and obtaining driver approval is conditional on all of the following being met: the power is off (S123), there is no mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval (S124), there is another terminal M that has obtained approval, but that terminal M is outside the communication range with the controller 101 (S125), and the terminal has power transition authority (S126).

[0124] In S128, information (driver approval information) indicating that driver approval has been obtained by the mobile terminal M is sent to the controller 101.

[0125] In the driver authorization release determination process (Figure 5), S131 determines whether the doors have been locked using the vehicle key R. If the doors have been locked using the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S134. Otherwise, specifically, if the doors have not been locked, or if they have been locked but done using a digital key, the process proceeds to S132.

[0126] In S132, it is determined whether or not a key operation signal ordering the door lock has been output, in other words, whether or not the door lock has been performed by the digital key (mobile terminal M). If a key operation signal ordering the door lock has been output, the process proceeds to S133. Otherwise, that is, if the door lock has not been performed and the door lock remains unlocked, the process returns to the flowchart in Figure 4 and the current control is terminated.

[0127] In S133, it is determined whether or not driver approval has been obtained. If driver approval has been obtained, the process proceeds to S134; otherwise, the process returns to the flowchart in Figure 4 and terminates the current control.

[0128] In S134, it is determined whether the power is off or not. Whether the power is off or not can be determined based on vehicle information obtained from the controller 101, specifically information regarding whether the power is on or off. If the power is off, proceed to S135; if it is on, proceed to S137.

[0129] In S135, the acquired driver authorization is revoked. This returns all mobile devices M to a state where they do not have driver authorization.

[0130] In S136, information (driver authorization revocation information) indicating that the driver authorization acquired by the mobile terminal M has been revoked is sent to the controller 101.

[0131] In S137, a display prompting the driver to recognize that the power is still on is implemented. For example, if the driver leaves the vehicle without turning off the power and locks the doors using the digital key (mobile terminal M) or vehicle key R, a power warning screen (Figure 11) is displayed on the mobile terminal M screen to prompt the driver to turn off the power.

[0132] On the other hand, the controller 101 registers the status of driver approval acquisition and notifies the mobile terminal M of the current status of driver approval acquisition in response to inquiries regarding the acquisition status.

[0133] In this embodiment, the controller 101 has a storage device in which a storage area for driver approval registration is set, and records the status of driver approval acquisition in this storage area.

[0134] When the controller 101 receives driver approval acquisition information from the mobile terminal M, it performs driver approval acquisition registration, and when it receives driver approval deactivation information, it performs driver approval acquisition deactivation registration.

[0135] Driver approval acquisition registration is a registration that mobile terminal M has obtained driver approval, and controller 101 changes the driver approval acquisition status to "Registered with mobile terminal M".

[0136] The driver approval acquisition cancellation registration is a registration to cancel the driver approval acquired by the mobile terminal M, and the controller 101 changes the driver approval acquisition status to "not registered".

[0137] (Explanation of action and effects) The electronic key system 1 according to this embodiment has the above configuration. The effects obtained by this embodiment will be described below.

[0138] Firstly, a screen area is set on the mobile terminal M to which a digital key has been assigned, which displays a button for key operation based on key authority (for example, the power button Bc). The display of the screen area is then made different depending on whether the mobile terminal M is within the starting area A2 (a distance from the vehicle, up to a second distance r2) or outside the starting area A2, and when the mobile terminal is within the starting area A2, the output of a key operation signal based on the operation of the power button Bc is permitted.

[0139] This makes it easy for the passenger to recognize, through the display of the screen area including the operation buttons, whether the mobile terminal M is within the starting area A2 and whether it is possible to operate the electrical components using the mobile terminal M.

[0140] Secondly, when the mobile device M is within the startup area A2, the operation buttons (power button Bc) are displayed on the screen, and when it is outside the startup area A2, the display of the operation buttons on the screen is stopped.

[0141] This makes it easy for the passenger to determine whether or not the mobile device M is in the starting area A2, and also makes it possible to reliably suppress the output of key operation signals outside of the starting area A2.

[0142] Thirdly, the display of the screen area is switched depending on whether the mobile terminal M is within the starting area A2 up to a distance r2 from the vehicle or within the connectable area A1 (excluding the starting area A2) up to a distance r1 (>r2) from the vehicle. Of the operation buttons related to locking and unlocking the doors (door lock button Ba1, door unlock button Ba2) and the operation buttons related to turning the power on and off (power button Bc), if the terminal is within the connectable area A1, only the operation buttons related to locking and unlocking the doors are displayed, and if the terminal is within the starting area A2, both of these are displayed.

[0143] This makes it easy for passengers to recognize, through a screen display change, that the mobile device M has crossed the boundary between the connectivity area A1 and the activation area A2, for example, that it has entered the activation area A2 from the connectivity area A1.

[0144] Furthermore, it becomes possible to easily and clearly switch the operations permitted for mobile device M based on key permissions, depending on whether the mobile device M is in the activation area A2 or the connection area A1.

[0145] Here, when the mobile device M moves from outside the connectivity area A1 to inside the connectivity area A1, the screen display switches from the initial screen shown in Figure 8 to the home screen 1 shown in Figure 9(a). Specifically, by switching the display of home screen 1 from the background to the foreground, the passenger can clearly recognize that they are in the connectivity area A1 and can unlock the doors.

[0146] Fourth, the mobile terminal M is configured to output key operation signals corresponding to power transition permissions, subject to driver approval related to turning the power on or off. After obtaining driver approval, if the mobile terminal M is outside the startup area A2, the display of the operation buttons (i.e., the power button Bc) in the screen area is stopped.

[0147] This allows passengers to easily recognize whether their mobile device M has obtained driver authorization and is capable of performing operations based on power transition permissions, through the display or deactivation of the control buttons.

[0148] Furthermore, this makes it possible to avoid situations where the display of operation buttons on mobile devices M that have not obtained driver approval is unnecessarily disabled, and to improve the effectiveness of the control that disables the display.

[0149] Fifth, if mobile device M is within the starting area A2 but has not obtained driver approval, a message prompting the passenger to obtain driver approval will be displayed (usage confirmation screen), and once driver approval is obtained, operation buttons will be displayed in the screen area.

[0150] This allows the passenger to be aware that their mobile device M is in a state where it can obtain driver approval, and if driver approval is obtained, the operation buttons will be displayed to further alert the passenger that their mobile device M has obtained driver approval and is within the starting area A2.

[0151] Sixth, a signal transmitter (in this embodiment, a wireless communication device C) is mounted on the vehicle, and it is determined whether or not the mobile terminal M is within the starting area A2 based on the received signal strength Sr emitted from the signal transmitter.

[0152] This makes it possible to determine appropriately and easily whether or not the mobile device M is within the activation area A2.

[0153] Furthermore, variations in the signal reception strength Sr can help prevent situations that could affect the passenger's ability to determine whether or not they are able to operate the electrical components using their mobile device M.

[0154] For example, if the determination of whether or not a mobile device M is within the starting area A2 is made by comparing the received signal strength Sr with the threshold signal strength Sr2, even if the steering wheel or other obstruction causes the received signal strength Sr to decrease, and the boundary between the inside and outside of the starting area A2—that is, the position determined to be the outer edge of the starting area A2—closer to the vehicle than the set position, the passenger can easily determine from the display on the screen whether or not the mobile device M is in a condition to properly operate the electrical components.

[0155] Seventh, after obtaining driver approval, if the mobile device M is outside the starting area A2, a message will be displayed prompting the passenger to bring the mobile device M closer to the wireless communication device C (Home screen 2).

[0156] This prevents situations where key operation signals are output from the mobile terminal M when there are variations in the signal reception strength Sr, or when the radio waves are weak and the reception strength Sr is low, making it possible to accurately and reliably operate the electrical components in response to the key operation signals.

[0157] In addition to determining whether a mobile device M is located in areas A1 or A2 based on the radio wave reception strength Sr, it is also possible to detect the radio wave's Time of Flight (TOF) or Channel Sounding (CS) and make the determination based on the TOF or CS.

[0158] In the above explanation, the mobile terminal M, to which a digital key has been assigned, is configured to receive vehicle information from the controller 101, understand the status of driver approval acquisition, and then acquire driver approval. However, the acquisition of driver approval is not limited to this configuration; it is also possible to configure the system so that the controller 101 grants approval to the mobile terminal M.

[0159] For example, in a situation where there is no mobile terminal M with driver authorization and all doors are locked, the controller 101 sends a signal to the mobile terminal M that first outputs a key operation signal commanding the unlocking of the doors to grant driver authorization.

[0160] When the door lock is unlocked by the mobile terminal M, the controller 101 may make a decision on whether to obtain driver approval. The controller 101 is, for example, an in-vehicle ECU, and an example of an in-vehicle ECU applicable to the controller 101 is a BCM (Body Control Module). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 1...Electronic key system, 101...In-car controller (controller), M...Smartphone (mobile device), R...Remote key (vehicle key), 201...Power switch, 202...Brake switch, 301...Power unit, 301a...Accessory power unit, 301b...System power unit, 401...Drive unit, 501...Door lock unit.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal that outputs key operation signals according to the key authority of the digital key, The system includes a controller that controls the operation of electrical components in the vehicle based on the command of the key operation signal, The aforementioned mobile terminal is It has a screen area configured to display operation buttons that accept operations from the passenger and prompt the output of the aforementioned key operation signals from the mobile terminal, The display of the screen area is made different depending on whether the mobile terminal is within a first area up to a first distance from the vehicle or outside the first area. An electronic key system for a vehicle, which displays the operation buttons on the screen area when the mobile terminal is within the first area.

2. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the display of the operation buttons in the screen area is stopped when the mobile terminal is outside the first area.

3. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component is an electrical component that is involved in turning the power of the vehicle on or off.

4. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to start the vehicle when the power is turned on.

5. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The aforementioned operation buttons can display a first operation button that prompts the output of the key operation signal related to turning the power of the vehicle on or off, and a second operation button that prompts the output of the key operation signal related to the operation of electrical components other than the power supply. The display of the screen area is switched depending on whether the mobile device is within the first area or within the second area, which is outside the first area but within a second distance longer than the first distance from the vehicle. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein both the first and second operation buttons are displayed when the vehicle is in the first area, and only the second operation button is displayed when the vehicle is in the second area.

6. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 5, wherein when the mobile terminal moves from outside the second area into the second area, the display of the screen area including the second operation button is switched to the foreground.

7. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the electrical components other than the power supply include a door lock actuator involved in locking or unlocking the vehicle's doors.

8. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The system is further configured to obtain approval for the operation of the aforementioned electrical components and to enable the output of the key operation signal with the approval obtained. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the display of the operation buttons in the screen area is stopped when the aforementioned approval has been obtained and the location is outside the first area.

9. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The system is further configured to obtain approval for the operation of the aforementioned electrical components and to enable the output of the key operation signal with the approval obtained. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein, in the first area, if approval has not been obtained, a display prompting the passenger to obtain approval is shown, and when approval is obtained, the operation buttons are displayed in the screen area.

10. The aforementioned vehicle is A receiver that receives the aforementioned key operation signal, Equipped with a signal transmitter, The vehicle electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to detect the received strength of a signal emitted from the signal transmitter, and determines whether or not it is within the first area based on the detected received strength.

11. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The system is further configured to obtain approval for the operation of the aforementioned electrical components and to enable the output of the key operation signal with the approval obtained. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 10, wherein, after obtaining the aforementioned approval, if the mobile terminal is outside the first area, a display prompting the passenger to bring the mobile terminal closer to the receiver is displayed.

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