Vehicle electronic key system

Abstract

This prevents situations where the vehicle is operated by a digital key at a time unintended by the driver. [Solution] The electronic key system 1 comprises a plurality of portable terminals M, each outputting a key operation signal corresponding to the key authority of the digital key, and a controller 101 that receives the key operation signal and turns the vehicle's power on or off. The portable terminals M allow the vehicle's occupant to perform vehicle operations that prompt the operation of electrical components installed in the vehicle via the portable terminals M, and when the occupant performs a vehicle operation via the portable terminals M, driver approval related to turning the power on or off is obtained. The electronic key system 1 prohibits obtaining driver approval from any portable terminal M other than the one that has obtained driver approval from the plurality of portable terminals M.

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 provided with a digital key, and the door is locked or unlocked 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] Here, assume a case where there are a plurality of smartphones provided with digital keys. If all of these plurality of smartphones maintain a state where they can operate as digital keys, and after the driver starts the vehicle, another passenger (i.e., a co-rider) turns off the power with their own smartphone and stops the vehicle, such an operation by the co-rider would be an operation at an unintended timing 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 avoids a situation where the operation of the vehicle by a digital key occurs 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 plurality of portable terminals, each outputting a key operation signal corresponding to the key authority of the digital key, and a controller that receives the key operation signal and turns the vehicle's power on or off. The portable terminals are configured such that a passenger in the vehicle can perform vehicle operations, which are operations that prompt the operation of electrical components mounted in the vehicle, via the portable terminal, and when the passenger performs the vehicle operation via the portable terminal, the portable terminal obtains approval related to turning the power on or off, and can output the key operation signal with the approval. The electronic key system further prohibits any portable terminal other than the one that has obtained the approval from obtaining the approval. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a passenger operates the vehicle via a mobile device, the system allows the mobile device to obtain approval and output a key operation signal, while prohibiting the acquisition of approval by other mobile devices. This makes it possible to prevent situations in which the power is turned on or off against the driver's will or at an unintended time due to key operation signals from other mobile devices. [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 processing flow performed by a mobile device regarding digital key control. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing flow performed by a mobile device regarding digital key control. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing flow performed by the in-vehicle controller regarding digital key control. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows the processing flow performed by the in-vehicle controller regarding digital key control. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device (connection area A1, activation area A2). [Figure 8] This is a state transition diagram that conceptually illustrates the switching of the home 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 approval suspension 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 mainly includes 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 an accessory component.

[0014] The mobile terminal M, together with the vehicle key R and the power switch 201, constitutes the input part of the electronic key system 1. 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 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 digital keys 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 "digital key" for convenience.

[0018] In this embodiment, multiple 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 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] Here, the door lock unit 501 constitutes an "electrical component" 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, and a driver approval determination unit B122. 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 and driver approval determination unit B122 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, to display operation buttons according to the key authority, and generates and outputs various key operation signals according to the passenger's operation of the operation buttons, according to the key authority.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The driver approval determination unit B122 determines whether predetermined conditions for obtaining driver approval (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval acquisition conditions") have been met, and if these conditions are met, it obtains driver approval.

[0056] The driver approval determination unit B122 further determines, after obtaining driver approval, whether predetermined conditions for revoking driver approval (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval revocation conditions") have been met, and if these conditions are met, it revokes the acquired driver approval.

[0057] In conjunction with this, when the digital key (mobile terminal M) obtains driver approval, the driver approval determination unit B122 transmits information indicating the acquisition of driver approval (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval acquisition information") to the driver approval registration unit B115, associating it with the identifier of the mobile terminal M. Then, when the acquired driver approval is revoked, it transmits information indicating the revocation of driver approval (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval revocation information") to the driver approval registration unit B115, associating it with the identifier of the mobile terminal M.

[0058] Here, we will explain the conditions for obtaining and revoking driver approval.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (Mobile device screen and switching between screens) The home screen displayed on the mobile device M when the digital key application is launched, and how to switch between them, will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the radio wave reception area of ​​the mobile device M, and Figure 8 is a state transition diagram conceptually illustrating the switching of the home screen.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The wireless communication device C can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal M, for example, via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 9(a) shows an example of the home screen 1.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The operation the driver performs on these various buttons Ba1, Ba2, Bb1, and Bb2 is, for example, tapping the screen.

[0073] 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.

[0074] At this point, unlocking the doors allows the mobile device M to obtain driver authorization and exercise power transition and vehicle start-up authority.

[0075] In other words, in this embodiment, the operation of unlocking the door lock using a digital key (mobile terminal M), specifically the operation of tapping the door unlock button Ba2 when the door is locked, corresponds to "vehicle operation".

[0076] 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."

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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."

[0086] On the other hand, if there are multiple mobile terminals M to which digital keys have been assigned, in other words, if there are multiple passengers who have digital keys (mobile terminals M), and a passenger enters the vehicle while the doors are locked, and performs a vehicle operation based on key authority using their mobile terminal M, specifically, an operation to unlock the doors, then obtaining driver authorization by other digital keys (mobile terminals M) is prohibited. As a result, mobile terminals M other than the one that obtained driver authorization are prohibited from transitioning from home screen 1 to other home screens, in this embodiment, home screens 2 and 3.

[0087] Preventing transitions to other home screens can be achieved, for example, by switching the display on mobile device M to the approval suspension screen and fixing the display on screen D to this screen. Figure 12 illustrates the approval suspension screen.

[0088] The approval suspension screen is displayed almost identically to home screen 1, but the power button Bc is not displayed, thus prohibiting operations based on power transition authority and vehicle start authority. In other words, the output of key operation signals corresponding to power transition authority and vehicle start authority from the mobile terminal M that is subject to screen transition prohibition is prohibited.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the active display of the door lock button Ba1 and the door unlock button Ba2 is disabled. For example, the display of the door lock button Ba1 and the door unlock button Ba2 is removed from screen D, rendering the buttons Ba1 and Ba2 inoperable, or the display of the door lock button Ba1 and the door unlock button Ba2 is left on screen D, while operations on the buttons Ba1 and Ba2 are disabled. The approval disabled screen shown in Figure 12 is an example of the latter.

[0090] Preventing transitions to other home screens can also be achieved by switching the entire screen D of the mobile device M to a gray display.

[0091] (Digital key control) The digital key control will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 to 6. In this embodiment, the digital key control is performed by the mobile terminal M and the controller 101. Figures 3 and 4 show the processing performed by the mobile terminal M, and Figures 5 and 6 show the processing performed by the controller 101.

[0092] (Processing via mobile device) The flowchart shown in Figure 3 determines whether the driver approval conditions are met. In this embodiment, the driver approval conditions are met when all of the detailed conditions a1 to a4 listed above are satisfied.

[0093] In S111, it is determined whether or not a key operation signal ordering the door lock to be released has been output, in other words, whether or not the door lock has been released by the digital key (mobile terminal M). If a key operation signal ordering the door lock to be released has been output, the process proceeds to S112. Otherwise, specifically, if the door lock has been released but this was done by the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S121 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0094] In S112, 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.

[0095] In S113, it is determined whether the vehicle's power is off or not. If it is off, proceed to S114; if it is on, proceed to S121 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0096] In S114, 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 there are any mobile terminals M that have obtained driver approval can be determined based on the vehicle information obtained from the controller 101, specifically, the information regarding the status of obtaining 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 S116. Otherwise, that is, if there are mobile terminals M that have obtained driver approval, the process proceeds to S115.

[0097] In S115, 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 S116. 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.

[0098] In S116, it is determined whether the mobile terminal M has power transition authority. If it has power transition authority, the process proceeds to S117; otherwise, the process proceeds to S121 in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In S116, instead of determining whether only the power transition authority exists, the condition for proceeding to S117 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 S117 may be to determine whether the vehicle start authority exists, and if the vehicle start authority exists, the system may proceed to S117. 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.

[0101] In the S117, driver authorization is obtained via a mobile terminal M that outputs a key operation signal instructing the unlocking of the doors.

[0102] 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 (S113), there is no mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval (S114), there is another terminal M that has obtained approval, but that terminal M is outside the communication range with the controller 101 (S115), and the terminal has power transition authority (S116).

[0103] In S118, information (driver approval information) indicating that driver approval has been obtained by the mobile terminal M is sent to the controller 101.

[0104] The flowchart shown in Figure 4 determines whether the driver authorization release condition is met. In this embodiment, the driver authorization release condition is met when both of the detailed conditions b1 and b2 listed above are satisfied.

[0105] In S121, it is determined whether the doors were locked using the vehicle key R. If the doors were locked using the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S124. Otherwise, specifically, if the doors were not locked, or if they were locked but done using a digital key, the process proceeds to S122.

[0106] In S122, 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 S123. 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 3 and the current control is terminated.

[0107] In S123, it is determined whether or not driver approval has been obtained. If driver approval has been obtained, the process proceeds to S124; otherwise, the process returns to the flowchart in Figure 3 and terminates the current control.

[0108] In S124, 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 S125; if it is on, proceed to S127.

[0109] In S125, the acquired driver authorization is revoked. This returns all mobile devices M to a state where they do not have driver authorization.

[0110] In S126, 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.

[0111] In S127, 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.

[0112] The flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6 register the status of driver approval acquisition. Figure 5 shows the process for registering driver approval acquisition (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval acquisition registration"), and Figure 6 shows the process for canceling driver approval acquisition registration (hereinafter referred to as "driver approval acquisition cancellation registration").

[0113] In this embodiment, driver approval acquisition registration and driver approval acquisition cancellation registration are performed by the controller 101. A storage area for driver approval registration is set in the storage device of the controller 101, and the status of driver approval acquisition is recorded in this storage area.

[0114] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, step S211 determines whether or not a key operation signal ordering the door lock to be released has been received from the mobile terminal M. If a key operation signal ordering the door lock to be released is received, the process proceeds to S212; otherwise, the process proceeds to S221 in the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0115] In S212, vehicle information is transmitted to the mobile terminal M, which is the source of the received key operation signal.

[0116] In S213, the status of driver approval is referenced to determine whether or not driver approval has been registered, in other words, whether or not a digital key (mobile terminal M) for which driver approval has been obtained exists. If driver approval has been registered, the process proceeds to S221 in the flowchart shown in Figure 6; otherwise, the process proceeds to S214.

[0117] In S214, it is determined whether or not driver approval information has been received from the mobile terminal M. If driver approval information has been received, the process proceeds to S215; otherwise, the process proceeds to S221 in the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0118] In S215, the system registers that mobile device M has obtained driver approval. In other words, it changes the driver approval status to "Registered with mobile device M".

[0119] In the flowchart shown in Figure 6, step S221 determines whether the power is off or not. The power can be turned off using the power switch 201 or a digital key (mobile terminal M). If the power is off, the process proceeds to S222; if it is on, the process returns to the flowchart shown in Figure 5 and terminates the current control. In other words, the driver approval status is maintained as is until the power is turned off.

[0120] In S222, it is determined whether the doors were locked using the vehicle key R. If the doors were locked using the vehicle key R, the process proceeds to S225. If the doors were not locked, or if the doors were unlocked using the digital key (mobile terminal M), the process proceeds to S223.

[0121] In S223, it is determined whether or not a key operation signal to lock the doors has been received from the mobile terminal M. If a key operation signal to lock the doors has been received, the process proceeds to S224. If no signal has been received, meaning the doors have not been locked and remain unlocked, the process returns to the flowchart in Figure 5 and terminates the current control. In this case, the mobile terminal M switches to the power warning screen.

[0122] In S224, it is determined whether or not driver authorization deactivation information has been received from the mobile terminal M. If driver authorization deactivation information has been received, the process proceeds to S225; otherwise, the process returns to the flowchart shown in Figure 5 and terminates this control.

[0123] In S225, the registration that mobile device M has obtained driver approval is deleted. In other words, the driver approval status is changed to "not registered".

[0124] (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.

[0125] Firstly, the vehicle's occupant can perform vehicle operations (in this embodiment, the operation of the door unlock button Ba2 displayed on the mobile terminal M) via the mobile terminal M, which are operations that prompt the operation of electrical components installed in the vehicle. When the occupant performs this operation via the mobile terminal M, the mobile terminal M obtains authorization related to turning the power on or off (i.e., driver authorization). Based on this authorization, the mobile terminal M can output key operation signals corresponding to power transition authority and vehicle start authority, while prohibiting other mobile terminals M from obtaining driver authorization.

[0126] This prevents key operation signals from being output to the controller 101 from mobile terminals M other than the terminal M that has obtained driver approval, and prevents situations where key operation signals are output from multiple mobile terminals M, causing confusion in the controller 101.

[0127] For example, if the driver operates the vehicle using their own mobile device M, a key operation signal may be output from a mobile device M held by a passenger other than the driver. This can prevent situations where the power is turned on against the driver's will or at an unintended time, causing the vehicle to start or the power to be turned off while the vehicle is in motion.

[0128] Secondly, the system is configured so that electrical components other than the power supply are the targets of vehicle operation, and when a passenger performs an operation via the mobile terminal M to prompt the operation of an electrical component, the mobile terminal M obtains driver approval.

[0129] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent situations where a mobile device M other than the one that performed the vehicle operation obtains driver approval, causing the power to be turned on or the vehicle to start at a time unintended by the driver.

[0130] Thirdly, driver approval can only be obtained using the mobile device M that initially performed the vehicle operation when starting the vehicle.

[0131] This limits the number of mobile terminals M that can obtain driver approval to just one, making it possible to more reliably suppress the interference of key operation signals in the controller 101 and the output of key operation signals at times unintended by the driver.

[0132] Fourthly, the mobile terminal M is able to obtain approval if there are no other terminals M that have driver approval, or if there are other terminals M that have driver approval but they are outside the communication range of the controller 101.

[0133] This effectively limits the number of mobile terminals M that can communicate with the controller 101 and have valid driver authorization to just one, making it possible to avoid the controller 101 receiving key operation signals from other terminals M.

[0134] Furthermore, if another terminal M with driver approval exists and is outside the communication range of the controller 101, it becomes possible to avoid a situation where the target mobile terminal M is prevented from obtaining driver approval, making it impossible to turn the power on or off using the digital key.

[0135] Fifth, the operation to unlock the doors (door unlock operation) is set as a vehicle operation, and the mobile terminal M is configured to obtain approval when a passenger performs the door unlock operation while the power is off.

[0136] In this context, unlocking the doors is an operation that is frequently performed when getting into a vehicle, and is also an operation that the driver is likely to perform.

[0137] Therefore, it becomes possible to encourage the driver to obtain driver approval using their mobile device M, and to suppress the output of key operation signals from passengers' mobile devices M, thereby improving safety.

[0138] Sixth, if there are multiple mobile terminals M to which a digital key has been assigned, after one of them obtains driver approval, the acquisition of driver approval by other terminals M is prohibited until a predetermined condition is met and that approval is revoked.

[0139] This makes it possible to effectively suppress the confusion of key operation signals in the controller 101 and the output of key operation signals at times unintended by the driver.

[0140] Furthermore, by setting conditions for revoking driver approval once it has been acquired, it becomes possible to grant driver approval to the appropriate passenger's mobile device M during subsequent rides.

[0141] Furthermore, by limiting the number of mobile terminals M that can obtain driver approval and output key operation signals to only one mobile terminal M at a time, the rules for obtaining approval become simpler, and passengers can easily recognize which mobile terminal M has obtained driver approval.

[0142] Seventh, when a mobile terminal M obtains driver approval, a display prompting the passenger to acknowledge that driver approval has been obtained is implemented. In this embodiment, the display on screen D of the mobile terminal M that has obtained driver approval is switched from home screen 1 to home screen 3, while the display on screen D of other mobile terminals M is fixed to home screen 1, and switching to other displays is prohibited.

[0143] This makes it easy for passengers to recognize which mobile device M has obtained driver approval, and whether their own mobile device M has driver approval.

[0144] Eighth, the display prompting the passenger to recognize the acquisition of driver approval is made by displaying the operation buttons related to the output of key operation signals, and the passenger is prompted to recognize the acquisition of driver approval by displaying the screen D on the mobile terminal M. In this embodiment, the power button Bc is displayed on the screen D (home screen 3) after switching.

[0145] This simplifies the display on screen D on the mobile device M, and allows passengers to intuitively recognize that their mobile device M has driver authorization.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 instructing the door lock to be released, granting driver authorization.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above explanation, when a passenger unlocks the door using the mobile terminal M, that is, when the passenger performs a key operation on the mobile terminal M based on the door lock authority of the digital key, and the mobile terminal M outputs a corresponding key operation signal, the mobile terminal M receives vehicle information (specifically, information regarding the acquisition status of driver approval) from the controller 101, and based on this, it determines that there are no other digital keys (mobile terminal M) that have acquired driver approval. Based on the determination that there are no other digital keys that have acquired driver approval, it acquires driver approval and transmits driver approval acquisition information to the controller 101.

[0149] Thus, in this embodiment, the decision of whether or not to obtain driver approval was made by the mobile terminal M. The controller 101 may make the decision to obtain driver approval when the door lock is unlocked by the mobile terminal M. The controller 101 is, for example, an in-vehicle ECU, and a BCM (Body Control Module) can be exemplified as an in-vehicle ECU applicable to the controller 101.

[0150] The decision of whether or not to obtain driver approval is not limited to this procedure. When the door lock is released by the mobile terminal M, the mobile terminal M may send driver approval acquisition information to the controller 101 in conjunction with the output of a key operation signal based on door lock authority. Upon receiving this, the controller 101 performs driver approval acquisition registration. The controller 101 then sends a registration completion notification regarding driver approval to the mobile terminal M, and driver approval may be obtained when the mobile terminal M confirms receipt of this notification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 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. Multiple mobile terminals, each outputting a key operation signal corresponding to the key authority of the digital key, The system includes a controller that receives the aforementioned key operation signal and turns the vehicle's power on or off, The aforementioned mobile terminal is The vehicle's occupant can perform vehicle operations, which are operations that prompt the operation of electrical components mounted on the vehicle, via the mobile terminal. The system is further configured to obtain approval related to turning the power on or off when the passenger operates the vehicle via the mobile terminal, and to output the key operation signal with the approval. An electronic key system for a vehicle that prohibits obtaining the approval using any of the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals other than the terminal that has obtained the approval.

2. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component is an electrical component other than the power supply.

3. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 1, configured to allow the approval to be obtained only by the mobile terminal that first performed the vehicle operation before the vehicle was started.

4. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal obtains the approval when no other terminal having the approval exists or when other terminals having the approval exist but are outside the communication range to the controller.

5. 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.

6. The aforementioned vehicle operation is the operation of unlocking the doors of the vehicle. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal obtains the approval when the passenger performs the vehicle operation while the power is off.

7. The aforementioned approval can be obtained by only one mobile terminal at a time in relation to the controller. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to be able to revoke the acquired approval upon fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

8. The electronic key system for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the operation to revoke the authorization is an operation to restore the operation that occurred in the electrical component due to the vehicle operation.

9. The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to display a display prompting the passenger to recognize the acquisition of the approval when the approval is obtained.

10. The aforementioned display is a display of operation buttons on the screen of the mobile device, The vehicle electronic key system according to claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to output the key operation signal when the passenger operates the operation button.

11. Multiple portable terminals, each configured to perform multiple key operations based on the key authority of a digital key, and outputting signals corresponding to the said key operations, The system includes a controller that receives the signal from each of the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals and performs control on the vehicle's electrical components in accordance with the received key operation, The aforementioned key operation includes a power transition operation that turns the power supply of the electrical component on or off. An electronic key system for a vehicle, wherein, among the plurality of mobile terminals, the system allows the first mobile terminal that first performed the key operation when boarding the vehicle with the doors locked to perform the power transition operation after the operation, while prohibiting the second mobile terminal other than the first mobile terminal from performing the power transition operation after the operation.

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