Vehicle electronic key system

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle electronic key system that contributes to improved safety by preventing the power from being turned off or on at times unintended by the driver. [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, a vehicle key R that can be carried by the driver, a power switch 201 located in the driver's seat and configured to perform power transition operations on the vehicle under authentication of the digital key or the vehicle key R, and a controller 101 that turns the vehicle's power on or off in response to a power transition operation or in response to a key operation signal. When the driver turns on the power using the power switch 201, the portable terminal M is prohibited from turning the power on or off.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology in which buttons for locking or unlocking a door are displayed on the screen of a smartphone with a digital key, and the door is locked or unlocked according to the 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] Assume a situation where a driver with a vehicle key such as a remote control key and a passenger with a smartphone with a digital key are present in the vehicle. In this case, if the passenger can cut off the power by the authority of the digital key after the driver starts the vehicle based on authentication of the vehicle key, this cut-off will be at a timing unintended by the driver, and there are safety concerns.

[0005] In view of such a situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic key system for a vehicle that suppresses a situation where the power is turned off or on at an unintended timing by the driver and contributes to an improvement in safety.

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; a vehicle key that can be carried by the driver; a power switch provided in the driver's seat and configured to perform a power transition operation on the vehicle under authentication of the digital key or the vehicle key; and a controller that turns the power of the vehicle on or off in response to the power transition operation or in response to the key operation signal, wherein the system prohibits the portable terminal from turning the power on or off when the driver turns the power on using the power switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a mobile terminal equipped with a digital key and a vehicle key are present inside the vehicle, the mobile terminal is prohibited from turning the power on or off when the driver turns on the vehicle's power using the power switch. This makes it possible to prevent situations in which the power is turned off or on against the driver's will or at an unintended time by a passenger operating the mobile terminal and sending a key operation signal while the vehicle is in motion. [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 processing unit (controller) of the electronic key system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the flow of digital key control (when the power is on). [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of digital key control (when the power is off). [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device (connection area A1, activation area A2). [Figure 6] This is a state transition diagram that conceptually illustrates the switching of the home screen. [Figure 7]This is a schematic diagram showing home screens 1 and 2. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing home screen 3 (before startup and after startup). [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the power warning screen and the authorization stop 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, a digital key controller (hereinafter simply referred to as "controller") 101, and a power switch 201.

[0013] The electronic key system 1 also includes a brake switch 202 as an additional component besides those mentioned above.

[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 is operable as a digital key and outputs a key operation signal according to the key authority of the digital key.

[0015] Although it will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, a passenger having the mobile terminal M can operate buttons displayed on a screen provided in the mobile terminal M to lock and unlock the vehicle door, turn on and off the power, and start and stop 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 a 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 authorities set in the mobile terminal M include a door lock authority regarding locking and unlocking of the vehicle door (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "door"), a power transition authority regarding starting and stopping of a power unit mounted in the vehicle, that is, turning on and off the power, and a vehicle start authority regarding starting and stopping of a drive unit (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "drive unit") related to the formation of the driving force of the vehicle.

[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 operation buttons corresponding to key authorizations can be displayed in each of these areas. 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) an operation button displayed in a predetermined area on the screen 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.

[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] (Internal configuration of the controller) 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.

[0039] The controller 101 includes a power transition unit B111, a start control unit B112, a key authentication unit B113, a driver approval setting unit B114, and a door lock control unit B115. The functions of each of these units are implemented in software by the controller 101 reading a control program stored in a memory device and operating according to the instructions indicated by the control program.

[0040] The power transition unit B111 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.

[0041] The ON signal output from the power transition unit B111 can be activated by operating the power switch 201 under authentication of the vehicle key R, or by operating the power switch 201 under authentication of the digital key (mobile terminal M). In other words, it can be activated by the driver pressing the power switch 201 while either possessing the vehicle key R or placing the mobile terminal M in the tray (smartphone tray). Furthermore, as a function based on the power transition authority of the digital key, it can also be activated through operation via the screen of the mobile terminal M.

[0042] Authentication of the vehicle key R or digital key is performed by the key authentication unit B113, which will be described later.

[0043] The start control unit B112 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 B112 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.

[0044] When the key authentication unit B113 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The driver approval setting unit B114 grants driver approval to mobile terminals M that meet predetermined conditions.

[0047] In this embodiment, driver authorization is granted to a mobile terminal M that outputs a key operation signal ordering the unlocking of the doors, provided that the power transition authorization and vehicle start authorization are set among multiple key authorizations. Granting driver authorization enables the exercise of power transition authorization and vehicle start authorization, allowing operations corresponding to these authorizations to be performed. As a result, in this embodiment, only one mobile terminal M among multiple mobile terminals M is granted driver authorization and is capable of turning on the power and starting the vehicle as a digital key.

[0048] When the door lock control unit B115 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.

[0049] Furthermore, when the door lock control unit B115 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.

[0050] (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 5 to 9.

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device M, and Figure 6 is a state transition diagram conceptually illustrating the switching of the home screen.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The wireless communication device C can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal M, for example, via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection.

[0055] In this embodiment, the connectable area A1 is set to an area with a radius R1 of several meters from the wireless communication device C, and the starting area A2 is set to an area with a radius R2 of approximately 1 meter from the wireless communication device C.

[0056] When a driver with a mobile device M approaches the vehicle from outside the radio wave reception area and the mobile device M enters the connectable area A1, the home screen 1 is displayed on the mobile device M. Figure 7(a) shows an example of the home screen 1.

[0057] On home screen 1, the first area Da, located on the lower left half of screen D, displays operation buttons related to door lock permissions, namely, operation buttons Ba1 and Ba2 related to locking and unlocking the door. The second area Db, located on the right, displays operation buttons Bb1 and Bb2 related to opening and closing the window.

[0058] The driver can lock the doors by operating the door lock button Ba1 displayed on the lower side of the first area Da, and unlock the doors by operating the door unlock button Ba2 displayed on the upper side.

[0059] 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 the second 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.

[0060] The operation the driver performs on these various buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2 is, for example, tapping the screen.

[0061] 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 7(b) shows an example of home screen 2.

[0062] At this point, unlocking the doors allows the mobile device M to obtain driver authorization and exercise power transition and vehicle start-up authority.

[0063] Home screen 2 displays the same operation buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2 as home screen 1 in the lower half of the area facing screen D, i.e., the first and second areas Da and Db. In addition to this, home screen 2 displays the following message in the upper half of the area, requesting that the mobile terminal M be brought closer to the wireless communication device C. "Please bring it close to the wireless charger."

[0064] 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 8(a) shows home screen 3 as an example.

[0065] Home screen 3 displays various operation buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2, as well as operation buttons related to power transition authority and vehicle starting authority, namely, operation buttons for turning the power on and off and starting the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "power buttons") Bc, in the upper half of the area facing screen D.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 8(a) to the state after power-on shown in Figure 8(b).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 8(b) again. When the power is turned off, the display on screen D switches to the home screen 3 shown in Figure 8(a).

[0070] After the power is turned off, when the driver gets out of the vehicle and operates the door lock button Ba1, driver authorization is canceled and the display on screen D switches to home screen 1 as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0071] If the driver does not turn off the power and leaves the vehicle while the power is still 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 9 shows an example of the power warning screen.

[0072] The power warning screen displays the following message to remind the driver and other passengers with a mobile device M that the power remains on: "The power is still on."

[0073] On the other hand, if the driver operates the power switch 201 and turns on the power under authentication with the digital key or vehicle key R, the screen displayed on the mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval switches from the home screen 3 to the approval suspension screen. Figure 9(b) shows an example of the approval suspension screen. Switching to the approval suspension screen prohibits the output of key operation signals based on power transition authority and vehicle start authority.

[0074] Switching to the approval suspension screen may involve removing the display of power button Bc from screen D and making power button Bc inoperable, or it may involve leaving the display of power button Bc on screen D while disabling operation on power button Bc.

[0075] As an example of the former, the display of the power button Bc could be removed from screen D and switched to another display, or the upper half of screen D where the power button Bc is displayed, or the entire screen D, could be switched to a gray display. As an example of the latter, as shown in Figure 9(b), the display could be switched to one in which only the outline of the power button Bc remains faint enough to be visually recognized.

[0076] The prohibition of key operation signal output may be implemented only when the driver operates the power button Bc while pressing the brake pedal, that is, when the vehicle is started, not just the power is turned on. If the driver operates the power button Bc without pressing the brake pedal, that is, when only the accessory power unit 301a is activated, the key operation signal output itself is not prohibited, and the vehicle remains in a state where it can be started by the digital key.

[0077] (Digital key control) The digital key control is described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the control when the power is on, and Figure 4 shows the control when the power is off.

[0078] In this embodiment, digital key control is performed by the mobile terminal M. However, digital key control can also be performed by the mobile terminal M and the controller 101.

[0079] (Control when the power is turned on) In the flowchart shown in Figure 3, step S111 determines whether or not a key operation signal ordering the release of the door locks has been output to the controller 101. In other words, it determines whether or not 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 S112. Otherwise, specifically, if the door locks have been released by the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S121 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0080] In S112, driver approval is obtained. As mentioned earlier, the mobile terminal M that obtains driver approval is the mobile terminal M that outputs a key operation signal commanding the unlocking of the doors. Obtaining driver approval is conditional on, for example, receiving vehicle information including information on the status of driver approval from the controller 101 and confirming that there are no other mobile terminals M that have obtained driver approval.

[0081] In S113, the display on screen D of the mobile device M is switched to the home screen 3 shown in Figure 8(a), and the power button Bc is displayed on screen D.

[0082] In S114, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has been started. This determination can also be made by extracting information regarding the operating status of the drive unit 401 from the vehicle information. If the vehicle has been started, the process proceeds to S115; otherwise, it returns to S113, and the processes of S113 and S114 are repeated until the vehicle is started.

[0083] In S115, it is determined whether the vehicle is started by the power switch 201, or in other words, by authentication using the digital key or the vehicle key R. If the vehicle is started by the power switch 201, proceed to S117; otherwise, specifically if the vehicle is started by the digital key (mobile terminal M), proceed to S116.

[0084] In S116, it is determined whether the power has been turned off. In this case, the power can be turned off not only by the power switch 201 but also by the digital key (mobile terminal M). If the power has been turned off, the process proceeds to S124 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4. If the power has not been turned off, the process waits until the power is turned off.

[0085] In S117, the driver authorization obtained through the processing in S112 is temporarily suspended.

[0086] In S118, the display of the operation button related to the output of the key operation signal that commands the power on or off, in this embodiment, the operable power button Bc, is removed from screen D. Specifically, the display on screen D is switched to the approval stop screen shown in Figure 9(b). The display of the power button Bc itself may also be switched to another display.

[0087] (Control when the power is off) In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, step S121 determines whether the power has been turned off. Similar to step S116, the power can be turned off using either the power switch 201 or the digital key (mobile terminal M). If the power is turned off, the process proceeds to step S122; otherwise, the process waits until the power is turned off.

[0088] In S122, the driver authorization suspension is lifted.

[0089] In S123, the power button Bc, which was erased by the process in S118, is displayed again on screen D, and the power button Bc is made operable again. As a result, the mobile terminal M can once again output key operation signals to command the power on or off.

[0090] In S124, it is determined whether the doors have been locked or not. In this case, the doors may be locked using a digital key (mobile terminal M) or a vehicle key R. If the doors have been unlocked, proceed to S126; otherwise, proceed to S125.

[0091] In S125, it is determined whether the vehicle has been restarted. If it has been restarted, the process proceeds to S115 in the flowchart shown in Figure 3. If it has not been restarted, that is, if the vehicle remains stopped, the process returns to S124, and steps S124 to S125 are repeated until the doors are locked or the vehicle is restarted.

[0092] In S126, the driver authorization is revoked. This returns all mobile devices M to a state where they do not have driver authorization.

[0093] In S127, the display of the power button Bc is removed from screen D. In this embodiment, the display on screen D of the mobile terminal M is switched to the home screen 1 shown in Figure 7(a).

[0094] (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.

[0095] Firstly, when a mobile terminal M with a digital key and a vehicle key R are inside the vehicle, and the driver turns on the vehicle's power using the power switch 201, the output of a key operation signal to turn the mobile terminal M on or off is prohibited.

[0096] This makes it possible to prevent situations where a passenger operates their mobile device M while the vehicle is in motion, causing the power to be turned off against the driver's will or at an unintended time.

[0097] Secondly, the mobile terminal M is capable of obtaining driver approval for turning the power on and off and starting the vehicle, and only when the mobile terminal M has driver approval can it output a key operation signal to turn the power on or off.

[0098] This makes it possible to prevent confusion and problems that can occur when digital keys are assigned to multiple mobile devices M, due to the key operation signals output from these multiple mobile devices M becoming intertwined.

[0099] Thirdly, when the driver turns on the power using the power switch 201, the driver authorization granted to the mobile terminal M is temporarily deactivated, thereby preventing the mobile terminal M from outputting key operation signals to turn the power on or off.

[0100] This makes it possible to disable the output of key operation signals with a simple configuration.

[0101] Fourth, when the controller 101 receives a key operation signal from the mobile terminal M to unlock the vehicle door, that is, a key operation signal commanding the door to be unlocked, it unlocks the door and grants driver authorization to the mobile terminal M that output the key operation signal.

[0102] This makes it possible to assign driver authorization to only one appropriate mobile device M when a digital key is assigned to multiple mobile devices M, thereby effectively preventing the power from being turned on, off, or the vehicle from starting at times unintended by the driver.

[0103] Fifth, in the controller 101, if the doors are locked using the digital key (mobile terminal M) or vehicle key R after the power has been turned off, the driver authorization granted to the mobile terminal M is released.

[0104] This makes it possible to grant driver authorization to the appropriate passenger the next time the vehicle is used (i.e., the next time the vehicle is driven), and to prevent the power from being turned on, off, or started at times unintended by the driver.

[0105] Sixth, when the driver turns on the power using the power switch 201, the display of a screen related to turning off the power is prohibited on the mobile terminal M.

[0106] This makes it easy for the driver or passenger, who possesses the digital key (mobile device M), to recognize when the vehicle cannot be turned off using the digital key.

[0107] Seventh, the power switch 201 is configured as a push-start switch, and when the vehicle is started using the power switch 201, if both the digital key (mobile terminal M) and the vehicle key R are within the key detection range for authentication, the output of a key operation signal from the mobile terminal M is prohibited.

[0108] This allows the system to anticipate the driver's intention to turn the power on or off using the push-start switch, and to prevent the power from being cut off at an unintended time by prohibiting the use of the digital key.

[0109] Eighth, after the power is turned on, if the driver turns off the power using the power switch 201, the output of key operation signals from the mobile terminal M is permitted.

[0110] This makes it possible to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the continued prohibition of outputting a key operation signal to turn the power on from the digital key (mobile terminal M) after the power has been turned off.

[0111] Furthermore, passengers with a mobile device M can either turn the power back on or restart the vehicle using the power switch 201 or a digital key.

[0112] For example, when a driver with a vehicle key R takes over driving from a passenger with a mobile device M, the passenger (i.e., the new driver) can turn on the power using their mobile device M, eliminating the need to hand over the vehicle key R and allowing for a smoother handover.

[0113] 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.

[0114] For example, in a situation where there is no mobile terminal M with driver approval and all doors are locked, that is, the vehicle is in a door-locked state, the controller 101 sends a signal to grant driver approval to the mobile terminal M that first outputs a key operation signal to command the unlocking of the doors when getting into the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1...Electronic key system, 101...Digital key 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, A vehicle key that can be carried by the driver, A power switch located in the driver's seat, configured to perform power transition operations on the vehicle under authentication of the digital key or the vehicle key, A controller that turns the power of the vehicle on or off in response to the power transition operation or in response to the key operation signal, An electronic key system for a vehicle that prohibits the mobile terminal from turning the power on or off when the driver turns the power on using the power switch.

2. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, which prevents the mobile terminal from turning the power on or off by prohibiting the output of the key operation signal for turning the power on or off from the mobile terminal or prohibiting the controller from receiving the key operation signal.

3. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The system is configured to obtain approval for turning the power on or off, The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 2, configured to output the key operation signal for turning the power on or off only if the aforementioned approval has been obtained.

4. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to prohibit the output of the key operation signal by deactivating the approval when the driver turns on the power using the power switch after obtaining the approval.

5. The aforementioned mobile terminal is The vehicle is further configured to output the key operation signal for unlocking or locking the vehicle's doors, The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 3, which obtains the approval when it outputs the key operation signal for unlocking the door.

6. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 5, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to release the authorization by locking the door after the power is turned off.

7. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to enable the vehicle to be started when the power is turned on.

8. The aforementioned mobile terminal is A screen for key operations is displayed, and the system is configured to output key operation signals in response to operations on the screen. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein when the driver turns on the power using the power switch, the display of the screen related to turning off the power is prohibited.

9. The aforementioned power switch is a push-start switch, The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle is pushed to start using the power switch, the mobile terminal is prohibited from turning the power on or off if both the mobile terminal and the vehicle key are within the key detection range related to authentication.

10. An electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, after the power has been turned on, the driver turns off the power using the power switch, and the mobile terminal is permitted to turn the power on or off.

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