Control device and control system

Abstract

To prevent vehicle theft without incurring significant costs. [Solution] In a control system 100 according to one embodiment, the drive unit 2 of the vehicle 1 is configured to be able to be started by performing a start operation when predetermined conditions are met, and the control device 10 is configured to be able to start the drive unit 2 or not, and the application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal 20, and when the switch is pressed it sends a control signal to the control device 10, and the control device 10 switches the setting of whether or not to start the drive unit 2 according to the control signal, and the control device 10 is configured to switch whether or not to start the drive unit 2 when authentication of the communication terminal 20 is successful.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a control device and a control system. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, a function (immobilizer) is known in which the engine does not start unless the ID set on the vehicle side matches the ID set on the key side (see, for example, Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-095212 【Summary of the Invention】 【0004】 However, in a vehicle equipped with the above-described function, if the ID on the vehicle side is rewritten with a device called an immobil cutter, there is a problem that the engine can be started by registering the rewritten ID in an unauthorized key. 【0005】 Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device and a control system that can prevent theft of a vehicle without spending too much cost. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 One embodiment of the control system is a control system comprising a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used on a communication terminal, wherein the vehicle's drive system is configured to be started when a start operation is performed when predetermined conditions are met, the control device is configured to be set to either enable or disable the start of the drive system, the application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, and when the switch is pressed, it transmits a control signal to the control device, the control device switches the setting to enable or disable the start of the drive system according to the control signal, and the control device is configured to switch the setting to enable or disable the start of the drive system when authentication of the communication terminal is successful. 【0007】 One embodiment of the control system comprises a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used on a communication terminal, wherein the vehicle's drive system is configured to be started by an activation operation when predetermined conditions are met, the control device is configured to be set to either enable or disable the activation of the drive system, the application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, the control device sets the activation of the drive system to disable when the communication terminal moves beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle, and transmits a signal to the communication terminal indicating this, and the communication terminal, in response to the signal, switches the display of the switch to indicate to the application that the activation of the drive system is disabled. 【0008】 One embodiment of the control system comprises a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used on a communication terminal, wherein the vehicle's drive system is configured to be started by an activation operation when predetermined conditions are met, the control device is configured to be set to either enable or disable the activation of the drive system, the application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, the control device sets the activation of the drive system to disable after a certain period of time has elapsed since the drive system stopped, and transmits a signal to the communication terminal indicating this, and the communication terminal, in response to the signal, switches the display of the switch to indicate to the application that the activation of the drive system is disabled. [Effects of the Invention] 【0009】 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device and control system that can prevent vehicle theft without incurring significant costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0010】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 1 equipped with the control device 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a display by an application installed on the communication terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 1 equipped with the control device 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the behavior of an application that displays a pop-up. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the behavior of an application that displays a pop-up. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the behavior of an application that displays a pop-up. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to modification example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0011】 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions, etc., may differ from those of reality. Therefore, specific dimensions, etc., should be determined by referring to the following description. Furthermore, there may be parts in the drawings where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ from those of other parts. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustration. 【0012】 (First Embodiment) The control system 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The control system 100 according to this embodiment is configured for the purpose of preventing the theft of vehicle 1. 【0013】 Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system 100 according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 1 in which a control device 10 according to one embodiment is installed; Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display by an application installed on a communication terminal 20 according to one embodiment; and Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a control system 100 according to the first embodiment. 【0014】 As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 10 mounted on a vehicle 1, a communication terminal 20, and a server 30. 【0015】 In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 may be a vehicle having an engine (internal combustion engine), or may be any type of vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), or FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle). 【0016】 Further, the vehicle 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle that can be driven by wheels, caterpillars, etc. (including, for example, construction machines and agricultural machines). In addition to ordinary four-wheeled vehicles, for example, two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and six-wheeled vehicles may also be applicable. 【0017】 Further, the vehicle 1 may include a vehicle capable of autonomous driving by remote operation (Level 4: fully autonomous driving under specific conditions, Level 5: fully autonomous driving). 【0018】 As the communication terminal 20, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone is assumed. Although the configuration of the communication terminal 20 is not specifically illustrated, for example, it has a CPU that executes an application downloaded from the server 30 or controls communication via short-range communication, WiFi, mobile phone line communication, etc., a screen on which the execution content of the application is displayed, a GPS that detects position information, an input unit that receives user input, a speaker that outputs sound, and the like. 【0019】 As shown in FIG. 1, a drive device 2 and a control device 10 are mounted on the vehicle 1. In addition, the vehicle 1 is equipped with other electrical devices such as headlights, car stereos, and air conditioners, electronic devices such as various ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and TCUs (Telematics Control Units), and various harnesses. 【0020】 The drive unit 2 is configured to be started when a start operation is performed when predetermined conditions are met. 【0021】 Here, the drive unit 2 may be the engine described above, or in the case of EVs, HEVs, PHVs, FCVs, etc., it may be a motor. 【0022】 For example, predetermined conditions may include the shift lever being in the parking range or the brake being pressed. Furthermore, predetermined conditions may also include the matching of the encryption key held by the in-vehicle unit 10A (described later) with the encryption key within the application (described later), the presence of the communication terminal 20 within the vehicle 1, and the distance between the vehicle 1 and the communication terminal 20 being within a certain range. 【0023】 Furthermore, possible startup actions include the driver inserting and rotating a key, pressing a start switch, or pressing a button on an application (digital key) installed on a smartphone acting as a communication terminal 20. 【0024】 The control device 10 includes a control unit 11 that can be set to either enable or disable the starting of the drive unit 2. 【0025】 Here, the control device 10 may be an on-board unit 10A mounted on the vehicle 1, as shown in Figure 2, or it may be built into the ECU 10B, as shown in Figure 5 for illustrating the second embodiment described later. 【0026】 In this embodiment, the control device 10 is an in-vehicle unit 10A mounted on the vehicle 1. 【0027】 The in-vehicle unit 10A is an electronic device installed in the vehicle 1 and is equipped with communication functions for communicating with a server 30, a communication terminal 20, etc., via a wireless network. 【0028】 For example, one on-board unit 10A is installed in one vehicle 1. The installation location of the on-board unit 10A in vehicle 1 does not matter as long as it is possible to control vehicle 1 by the on-board unit 10A. 【0029】 If the on-board unit 10A is retrofitted, it can be placed in an easily accessible location, such as inside the instrument panel. Furthermore, from a theft prevention standpoint, the on-board unit 10A can be placed in a location that is difficult to remove, such as the underside of the engine compartment. Additionally, the on-board unit 10A can be pre-installed during the manufacturing of the vehicle 1. 【0030】 The in-vehicle unit 10A is configured to collect vehicle information of the vehicle 1 on which it is installed. 【0031】 Here, vehicle information should preferably include the position of the shift lever, detection information indicating whether or not the brake is pressed, and vehicle location information obtained via GPS. 【0032】 The in-vehicle unit 10A may be configured to transmit collected vehicle information to the server 30 via a wireless network and to receive control signals from the server 30 via a wireless network. 【0033】 Furthermore, the on-board unit 10A is configured to control the vehicle 1 based on such control signals. For example, the on-board unit 10A has a control function that performs starting control of the drive unit 2 (engine, motor, etc.) based on such control signals. 【0034】 As shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle unit 10A includes a harness 11A as a control unit 11 that can be set to either enable or disable the starting of the drive unit 2. 【0035】 As shown in Figure 2, the harness 11A is connected to a signal line S1 indicating a predetermined condition, a signal line S2 indicating a startup operation, and a signal line S3 indicating whether startup is possible or not. 【0036】 Here, harness 11A receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating whether or not a predetermined condition is met. 【0037】 Furthermore, harness 11A receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a startup operation has been performed. 【0038】 Furthermore, the harness 11A can be set to either enable or disable the activation of the drive unit 2 depending on the signal received via the signal line S3. Here, the signal line S3 is connected to the communication function described above. The signal received via the signal line S3 is a remote control signal sent by the communication terminal 20 or server 30. 【0039】 The harness 11A is configured to prevent the start of the drive unit 2, even if a start operation is performed under predetermined conditions, if the drive unit 2 is set to not be able to start. 【0040】 In other words, even if harness 11A receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that a predetermined condition has been met, and also receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a start operation has been performed, if the start operation of the drive unit 2 is set to be impossible, it is configured to prevent the start unit 3 from transmitting at least one of the signal indicating that a predetermined condition has been met and the signal indicating that a start operation has been performed. For example, such transmission prevention may be achieved by a relay or the like. Here, the relay may be a mechanical relay or an electronic relay. As a result, the start unit 3 cannot start the drive unit 2. 【0041】 On the other hand, harness 11A is configured to receive a signal via signal line S1 indicating that predetermined conditions are met, and a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a start operation has been performed, and if the drive unit 2 is set to be able to be started, it transmits a signal to the start unit 3 indicating that predetermined conditions are met and a signal indicating that a start operation has been performed. In such a case, the start unit 3 is configured to start the drive unit 2 based on the signal indicating that predetermined conditions are met and the signal indicating that a start operation has been performed. 【0042】 Furthermore, the harness 11A is configured to receive a signal via signal line S1 indicating that a predetermined condition is not met, and a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a start operation has been performed, and if the drive unit 2 is set to be able to be started, it transmits a signal to the start unit 3 indicating that a predetermined condition is not met and a signal indicating that a start operation has been performed. In such a case, even if the start unit 3 receives a signal indicating that a start operation has been performed in response to a signal indicating that a predetermined condition is not met, it cannot start the drive unit 2. 【0043】 As shown in Figure 3, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display installed applications. 【0044】 For example, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display a message as shown in Figure 3(a) if the application is not monitoring vehicle 1, and to display a message as shown in Figure 3(b) if the application is monitoring vehicle 1. 【0045】 In other words, the application is configured to display the message shown in Figure 3(a) to the communication terminal 20 if the drive unit 2 can be started, and to display the message shown in Figure 3(b) to the communication terminal 20 if the drive unit 2 cannot be started. 【0046】 When the user of the communication terminal 20 presses the "remote control switch" while the display shown in Figure 3(a) is displayed, the application sends a control signal to the control device 10 via the communication terminal 20, and the control unit 11 of the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 to be unable to start in accordance with the control signal received via the signal line S3. 【0047】 In other words, the control unit 11 may be configured to switch the setting of whether or not to start the drive unit 2 in response to a control signal from the communication terminal 20. 【0048】 Furthermore, when the user presses the "remote control switch," the application recognizes the user's press and may, for example, make the "remote control switch" blink or display a pop-up message such as "Startup disabled." This allows the user to confirm that "startup disabled" has been set by their own action. 【0049】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may automatically disable the activation of the drive unit 2 when the communication terminal 20 moves beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle 1. 【0050】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may set the timing for switching the drive unit 2 to disabled to a certain elapsed time. 【0051】 For example, the control unit 11 may automatically switch off the starting of the drive unit 2 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the communication terminal 20 left the vehicle, or after a certain period of time has elapsed since the key was locked, or after a certain period of time has elapsed since the engine was turned off, or after a certain period of time has elapsed since the user left the seat. 【0052】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured not to automatically switch the drive unit 2 to disabled mode when the drive unit 2 is ON, even if the communication terminal 20 moves beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle. This prevents the drive unit 2 from becoming disabled when the driver temporarily leaves the vehicle. 【0053】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to automatically switch to enabling the activation of the drive unit 2 when the communication terminal 20 approaches the vehicle 1 within a predetermined distance, even if the drive unit 2 is set to be disabled. 【0054】 Furthermore, if a car loan or lease payment for vehicle 1 is delayed, the server 30 may be configured to send the aforementioned control signal to the in-vehicle unit 10A to prevent the drive of the drive unit 2, and to enable the drive of the drive unit 2 by the aforementioned control signal once such payment is confirmed. 【0055】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to prioritize the control signal transmitted by the server 30 when there is a conflict between a control signal transmitted by the communication terminal 20 based on user operation and a control signal transmitted by the server 30. 【0056】 For example, if the control unit 11 has set the drive unit 2 to be disabled for startup based on a control signal sent by the server 30 because the car loan or lease payments for the vehicle are delayed (i.e., the display shown in Figure 3(b)) then the application may be configured to ignore any user operation to enable the startup of the drive unit 2 (i.e., pressing "Disable"). In such a case, the application may be configured to display a pop-up message "Startup disabled." indicating that the server 30 has set the drive unit 2 to be disabled for startup. 【0057】 Furthermore, the application may be configured so that the user cannot press "Cancel" when the activation of the drive unit 2 is set to be disabled (i.e., when the display shown in Figure 3(b)) is displayed. 【0058】 When the control device 10 has completed the change in settings, it sends a signal to the communication terminal 20 indicating that the change has been completed. In response to this signal, the communication terminal 20 switches from the display shown in Figure 3(a) to the display shown in Figure 3(b). 【0059】 The application may also be configured to start monitoring vehicle 1 at that time. 【0060】 On the other hand, if the user of the communication terminal 20 presses "Cancel" while the display shown in Figure 3(b) is displayed, the application sends a signal to the control device 10 via the communication terminal 20, and the control unit 11 of the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 to be able to start up in response to the signal received via the signal line S3. 【0061】 In other words, the control unit 11 may be configured to switch the setting of whether or not to start the drive unit 2 in response to a control signal from the communication terminal 20. 【0062】 When the control device 10 has completed the change in settings, it sends a signal to the communication terminal 20 indicating that the change has been completed. In response to this signal, the communication terminal 20 switches from the display shown in Figure 3(b) to the display shown in Figure 3(a). 【0063】 The application may also be configured to terminate monitoring of vehicle 1 at such a time. 【0064】 In other words, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started in response to a signal from the control device 10. 【0065】 In the example shown in Figure 3, the communication terminal 20 is configured to indicate whether the drive unit 2 can be started or not by using a display method (e.g., color) for "remote control switch" and "cancel". 【0066】 Furthermore, the communication terminal 20 may be configured to indicate whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started by means of an alarm or vibration. 【0067】 Furthermore, if there is a change in the setting on the control device 10 regarding whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started, the control device 10 sends a signal indicating such change to the communication terminal 20, and the communication terminal 20 is configured to display whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started in response to the signal from the control device 10. 【0068】 With the above configuration, the user can check whether the drive unit 2 can be started by looking at the display on the communication terminal 20. As a result, the user can easily check if they have forgotten to monitor vehicle 1 when they are away from it. 【0069】 Furthermore, with the above configuration, the user can easily switch the setting on whether or not to start the drive unit 2 using the communication terminal 20. 【0070】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to disable the activation of the drive unit 2 if it detects that the communication terminal 20 is located outside a predetermined area. 【0071】 For example, when the application is monitoring vehicle 1 (the state shown in Figure 3(b)), it may be configured to monitor the distance between vehicle 1 (control device 10) and communication terminal 20, and if it detects that the communication terminal 20 is outside a predetermined area, it may notify the control device 10 of this fact via the communication terminal 20. 【0072】 Here, for example, the designated area could be the parking lot of one's home, a designated and registered location, or a place that has been visited several times or more. 【0073】 For example, such an application may detect that the communication terminal 20 is outside a predetermined area when it moves outside the range of short-range wireless communication between the vehicle 1 and the communication terminal 20, or when the distance between the GPS location information of the vehicle 1 and the GPS location information of the communication terminal 20 exceeds a predetermined distance. 【0074】 With this configuration, even if the user forgets to set the drive unit 2 to be disabled when leaving vehicle 1, the drive unit 2 can be automatically set to be disabled, thus making it more effective in preventing theft of vehicle 1. 【0075】 Furthermore, the application may be configured to constantly monitor the distance between the vehicle 1 (control device 10) and the communication terminal 20, and to automatically set the drive unit 2 to be unable to start, as described above. 【0076】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 when it detects vibration. 【0077】 In such a case, when the application is monitoring vehicle 1 (the state shown in Figure 3(b)), it may be configured to notify the user of such notification by a predetermined method (such as an alarm notification, flashing display, or pop-up display on the communication terminal 20). 【0078】 With this configuration, the user can immediately detect when a window is broken, when the vehicle is about to be stolen by a tow truck or other transport vehicle, or when the control device 10 installed in the vehicle 1 is about to be removed, and can easily contact a security company or the like by pressing the "emergency call button". 【0079】 The control unit 11 may also be configured to detect changes in voltage, etc., that can be detected by the control device 10, and to notify the communication terminal 20 if such voltage exceeds a predetermined range. 【0080】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 if an abnormality is detected in the image captured by the security camera. 【0081】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 if the drive unit 2 is activated or the doors of the vehicle 1 are unlocked after receiving a monitoring signal from the communication terminal 20 (i.e., after the application has transitioned to a state where it is monitoring the vehicle 1). 【0082】 In such cases, the application may be configured to notify the user of such notification by a predetermined method (such as an alarm notification, flashing display, or pop-up display on the communication terminal 20) when it receives such notification. 【0083】 Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the user of the above-mentioned detection by generating a warning sound in the vehicle 1 or by illuminating a lamp in the vehicle 1. 【0084】 With this configuration, the user can immediately detect when vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, and can easily contact a security company or other relevant party by pressing the "emergency call button". 【0085】 Alternatively, if the control device 10 detects that vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, it may notify the user via the communication terminal 20 and automatically send a notification to at least one of the security company and the vehicle recovery company via the server 30. 【0086】 In such a case, the control device 10 may be configured to communicate, via the server 30, at least one of the location information, time information, and type (vehicle type) of the vehicle 1 together with at least one of the security company and the vehicle recovery company. 【0087】 Furthermore, when the user is notified that vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, the server 30 may instruct the control device 10 to return to a non-startable state. Alternatively, the user who receives the notification may instruct the control device 10 to return to a non-startable state through the operation of an application on the communication terminal 20. 【0088】 The user can also press "Monitoring Time Settings" to start and stop monitoring of Vehicle 1 at specific times each day. Alternatively, the application may be configured to start monitoring Vehicle 1 after a set time has elapsed since the drive unit 2 stopped. 【0089】 The application may be configured to instruct the control device 10 to prevent the drive unit 2 from starting if, while monitoring vehicle 1, the drive unit 2 is activated in some way and stolen, and subsequently the drive unit 2 stops. 【0090】 An example of the operation of the control system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 4. 【0091】 As shown in Figure 4, in step S1001, the communication terminal 20 measures the distance to the vehicle 1 and transmits the measurement result to the server 30. 【0092】 In step S1002, the server 30 identifies the vehicle 1 corresponding to the communication terminal 20. 【0093】 In step S1003, if the distance between the communication terminal 20 and the vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the server 30 transmits a control signal to the control device 10 instructing it not to start. 【0094】 The control device 10 sets the drive unit 2 to be unable to start in response to such a control signal. 【0095】 As shown in Figure 4, in step S2001, when the user of the communication terminal 20 performs an operation to switch the activation of the drive unit 2 from disabled to enabled, the communication terminal 10 sends a signal to the server 30 indicating this. 【0096】 In step S2002, the server 30 verifies the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20. Here, the server 30 may verify the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20. 【0097】 In step S2003, once the server 30 has confirmed this legitimacy, it sends a control signal to the control device 10 instructing it to start up. 【0098】 The control device 10 sets the drive unit 2 to be able to start up in response to such control signal. 【0099】 According to the control system 1 and control device 10 of this embodiment, the theft of vehicle 1 can be prevented without incurring significant costs. 【0100】 (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 5, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above. 【0101】 In this embodiment, the control device 10 is built into the ECU 10B. 【0102】 The ECU10B is configured to communicate with a predetermined server via a TCU or the like. The ECU10B is configured to collect vehicle information of the vehicle 1 described above. Here, the TCU may be configured to communicate directly with the communication terminal 20 via short-range communication. 【0103】 The ECU10B may be configured to transmit collected vehicle information to a predetermined server via a wireless network and to receive control signals from the predetermined server via the wireless network. 【0104】 Furthermore, the ECU 10B may be configured to directly transmit the collected vehicle information to the communication terminal 20 via short-range communication, and to receive control signals from the communication terminal 20 via short-range communication. 【0105】 Furthermore, the ECU10B is configured to control the vehicle 1 based on such control signals. For example, the ECU10B has a control function that performs starting control of the drive unit 2 (engine, motor, etc.) based on such control signals. 【0106】 As shown in Figure 3, the ECU 10B includes a starting unit 11B, which is a control unit 11 that can be set to either enable or disable the starting of the drive unit 2. 【0107】 As shown in Figure 3, the startup unit 11B is connected to a signal line S1 indicating predetermined conditions, a signal line S2 indicating a startup operation, and a signal line S3 indicating whether startup is possible or not. 【0108】 Here, the startup unit 11B receives a signal via the signal line S1 indicating whether or not a predetermined condition is met. 【0109】 Furthermore, the startup unit 11B receives a signal via the signal line S2 indicating that a startup operation has been performed. 【0110】 Furthermore, the starting unit 11B can be set to either enable or disable the starting of the drive unit 2 in response to a signal received via the signal line S3. 【0111】 The starting unit 11B is configured to prevent the starting of the drive unit 2, even if a starting operation is performed under predetermined conditions, if the starting of the drive unit 2 is set to be impossible. 【0112】 In other words, even if the starting unit 11B receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that predetermined conditions are met, and also receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a starting operation has been performed, it is configured not to start the drive unit 2 if it is set not to start the drive unit 2. 【0113】 On the other hand, the starting unit 11B is configured to start the drive unit 2 if it receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that predetermined conditions are met, and also receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a starting operation has been performed, and if it is set that the drive unit 2 can be started. 【0114】 Furthermore, the starting unit 11B is configured to be unable to start the drive unit 2 if it receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that a predetermined condition is not met, and also receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a starting operation has been performed, and if the drive unit 2 is set to be able to be started. 【0115】 In this case, if the signal line S1 receives input indicating that the encryption key held by the in-vehicle unit 10A matches the encryption key in the aforementioned application, and the signal line S2 receives input indicating that the button in the aforementioned application is pressed, then even if the encryption key is intentionally changed for the purpose of theft, the control unit 11 can prevent the drive unit 2 from starting. 【0116】 (Example of change 1) Hereinafter, a modified example 1 of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above. 【0117】 In Example 1 of the changes, the application may be configured to display a pop-up message indicating "Payment is overdue. Please make the payment" in response to instructions from the server 30 if the payment due date for a car loan or lease related to a vehicle has arrived but such payment has not been made. 【0118】 When a user makes a car loan or lease payment for a vehicle (for example, by making an online payment using the communication terminal 20), the application, in response to instructions from the server 30, enables the user to activate the drive unit 2 (i.e., by pressing the "Deactivate" button). In such a case, the application may be configured to display a pop-up message indicating that the car loan or lease payment procedure (payment procedure) for the vehicle has been completed, stating "Deactivating the disabled setting." 【0119】 Here, the application may be configured to also display the contact information of the management center (such as a phone number or email address) in the pop-up display described above. The control unit 11 may be configured to allow the server 30 to start the drive unit 2 when the user contacts the management center (by making a phone call or sending an email, etc.) in case of an emergency. 【0120】 (Popup displayed) The following describes an example of how the application displays the aforementioned popup, referring to the flowcharts in Figures 6 to 8. 【0121】 Firstly, as shown in Figure 6, in step S101, when the payment due date for a car loan or lease related to the vehicle arrives, if such payment has not been made in step S102, the operation proceeds to step S103. If such payment has been made, the operation terminates. 【0122】 In step S103, the application receives a signal from the server 30, and in step S104, in response to this signal, displays a pop-up message saying, "Payment is outstanding. Please proceed with the payment." (a pop-up message indicating that the prescribed payment has not been made and the payment deadline has passed). At this point, the control device 10 sets the startup of the drive unit 2 to disabled. 【0123】 Subsequently, in step S103, the application may display a pop-up message (a pop-up message showing contact information) that reads, "(In case of emergency) Please contact Server 30 (Company). Phone number: xxx-xxxx." The application may display this pop-up at all times, or it may display it only when the driver initiates the activation process. 【0124】 Secondly, as shown in Figure 7, if the driver performs a start operation in step S201 when predetermined conditions are met, in step S202 the application determines whether the drive unit 2 can be started or not. Here, the application makes this determination based on a signal from the server 30. 【0125】 If it is determined that the drive unit 2 can be started, this operation ends. If it is determined that the drive unit 2 cannot be started, this operation proceeds to step S203. 【0126】 In step S203, the application displays a pop-up message that says, "Startup disabled." (A pop-up message indicating that the drive unit 2 is disabled from starting.) 【0127】 Subsequently, in step S204, the application may display a pop-up message that reads, "(In case of emergency) Please contact the server (company). Phone number: xxx-xxxx." The application may display this pop-up at all times, or it may display it only when the driver initiates the activation process. 【0128】 Thirdly, as shown in Figure 8, when the payment due date for a car loan or lease related to the vehicle arrives, and such payment has not been made, the drive unit 2 is set to be unable to start. If such payment is made in step S301, this operation proceeds to step S302. If such payment has not been made, this operation terminates. 【0129】 In step S302, the application receives a signal from the server 30, and in step S303, in response to this signal, displays a pop-up message that says "Removing the disabled setting" (a pop-up message indicating that the drive unit 2 has been set to be able to start). At this point, the control device 10 sets the drive unit 2 to be able to start. 【0130】 Subsequently, in step S304, the application may display a pop-up message that reads, "(In case of emergency) Please contact the server (company). Phone number: xxx-xxxx." The application may display this pop-up at all times, or it may display it only when the driver initiates the activation process. 【0131】 (Example of change 2) Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 9, a modified example 2 of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above. 【0132】 As shown in Figure 9, in step S3001, when the user of the communication terminal 20 performs an operation to switch the activation of the drive unit 2 from disabled to enabled, in step S3002, the communication terminal 10 transmits a signal to the control unit 10 indicating this. Such a signal may be the control signal that instructs activation to be enabled as described above. 【0133】 In step S3003, the control device 10 works with the communication terminal 20 to verify the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20. Here, the control device 10 and the communication terminal 20 may verify the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20. 【0134】 In step S3003, the control device 10 may, in cooperation with the server 30, verify the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20. In this case, the control device 10 and the server 30 may verify the legitimacy of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20. 【0135】 In step S3004, once the validity is confirmed, the control device 10 sets the drive unit 2 to be able to start. 【0136】 Although the present invention has been described in detail using the embodiments described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way to the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0137】 100... Control System 1…Vehicle 2…Drive unit 3…Engine starter 10...Control device 10A…Onboard device 10B…ECU 11…Control Unit 11A...Harness 20…Communication terminals 30… Server

Claims

[Claim 1] A control system consisting of a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used in a communication terminal, The vehicle's drive system is configured to be started when a start operation is performed under predetermined conditions. The control device is configured to allow or disallow the starting of the drive device. The application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, and when the switch is pressed, it sends a control signal to the control device. The control device switches the setting of whether or not to start the drive device according to the control signal, The control device is configured to switch whether or not to start the drive device when the authentication of the communication terminal is successful. [Claim 2] The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to notify the communication terminal when it detects vibration of the vehicle or unlocking of the door lock when the switch indicates that the drive device cannot be started. [Claim 3] A control system consisting of a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used in a communication terminal, The vehicle's drive system is configured to be started when a start operation is performed under predetermined conditions. The control device is configured to allow or disallow the starting of the drive device. The application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, The control device, when the communication terminal moves beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle, sets the drive unit to be disabled and transmits a signal to the communication terminal indicating this. The communication terminal is a control system that, in response to the signal, switches the display of the switch to indicate to the application that the drive device cannot be started. [Claim 4] When the switch indicates that the starting device cannot be started, the control device sets the drive device to enable starting when the communication terminal approaches the vehicle within a predetermined distance, and transmits a signal to the communication terminal indicating this. The control system according to claim 3, wherein the communication terminal switches the display of the switch to indicate to the application that the drive device can be started. [Claim 5] The control system according to claim 3, wherein the control device is configured to notify the communication terminal when it detects vibration of the vehicle or unlocking of the door lock when the switch indicates that the drive device cannot be started. [Claim 6] A control system consisting of a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used in a communication terminal, The vehicle's drive system is configured to be started when a start operation is performed under predetermined conditions. The control device is configured to allow or disallow the starting of the drive device. The application displays a switch on the screen of the communication terminal, When a certain period of time has elapsed since the drive unit stopped, the control device sets the drive unit to be unable to start and transmits a signal to the communication terminal indicating this. The communication terminal is a control system that, in response to the signal, switches the display of the switch to indicate to the application that the drive device cannot be started. [Claim 7] The control system according to claim 6, wherein the control device is configured to notify the communication terminal when it detects vibration of the vehicle or unlocking of the door lock when the switch indicates that the drive device cannot be started.

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