System, terminal device, and method

Abstract

To improve user convenience during user authentication. [Solution] The terminal device includes a storage unit that stores first identification information to identify a user, a communication unit that communicates with a smart key held by the user, which corresponds to the user's vehicle and is equipped with an NFC tag that stores second identification information to identify the user, and a control unit that reads the second identification information from the NFC tag via the communication unit, determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticates the user if they match.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system, a terminal device, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies for user authentication. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile device as an intermediary between a card key and an authentication unit that reads a card key and cooperates with an authentication unit of a vehicle for authentication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, authentication cannot be performed when the vehicle is not nearby. There is room for improvement in the convenience of the user during user authentication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The terminal device according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit that communicates with a smart key corresponding to the user's vehicle and including an NFC tag that stores second identification information for identifying the user, reads the second identification information from the NFC tag via the communication unit, and a control unit that determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticates the user when they match.

[0006] The method according to the present disclosure A method performed by a terminal device comprising a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit, and a control unit, The aforementioned terminal device The smart key, which corresponds to the user's vehicle and is held by the user, and which is equipped with an NFC tag storing second identification information that identifies the user, communicates via the communication unit with the smart key. Reading the second identification information from the aforementioned NFC tag and This includes determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticating the user if they match. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure makes it possible to improve user convenience during user authentication. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. System 1 comprises a terminal device 10, a smart key 20, and an information processing device 30. The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network 40, including, for example, the Internet. The terminal device 10 is connected to the smart key 20 so as to be able to communicate, as will be described below.

[0011] Terminal device 10 is used by the user. Terminal device 10 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. Terminal device 10 stores first identification information. Second identification information, described below, can be received from smart key 20 via near-field wireless communication. Near-field wireless communication includes communication according to standards such as NFC and Bluetooth®. "NFC" is an abbreviation for Near Field Communication.

[0012] The smart key 20 connects wirelessly to the vehicle in which the user is riding and performs actions such as locking and unlocking the vehicle's doors. The smart key 20 includes an NFC tag that stores second identification information to identify the user. The NFC tag includes a memory that stores the second identification information and an antenna. In addition to the second identification information, the smart key 20 may also store vehicle identification information to identify the vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline car, diesel car, hydrogen car, HEV, PHEV, BEV, or FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle may be driven by a driver or the driving may be automated to any level. The level of automation may be one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification, for example. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle may also be a vehicle specifically for MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service. The vehicle is equipped with a control unit that controls the operation of each part, a positioning unit that determines the vehicle's position, a communication unit that communicates with external devices, an output unit that displays information, an onboard camera that photographs at least one of the surroundings and the interior of the vehicle, and various sensors that detect the status of each part of the vehicle.

[0014] The information processing device 30 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0015] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0016] First, the outline of this embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. The terminal device 10 stores first identification information for identifying a user. The terminal device 10 corresponds to the user's vehicle and communicates with a smart key that is a smart key held by the user and includes an NFC tag storing second identification information for identifying the user. The terminal device 10 reads the second identification information from the NFC tag, determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticates the user when they match.

[0017] The first identification information and the second identification information are information that can uniquely identify the user and include national identification information. Not limited to this, the first identification information and the second identification information may be an insurance certificate number or a driver's license number, etc. According to this embodiment, since user authentication is performed simply by holding the terminal device 10 over the smart key 20, the labor of the user such as the operation of entering a password for starting an application can be saved. Since it is rare for both the smart key 20 and the terminal device 10 to be owned by someone other than the owner, highly reliable authentication can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user at the time of user authentication.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The terminal device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, and a positioning unit 16.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. While controlling each part of the terminal device 10, the control unit 11 executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 10.

[0020] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Information used for the operation of the terminal device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the terminal device 10 are stored in the storage unit 12.

[0021] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet® or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the terminal device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used for the operation of the terminal device 10 via the network 40 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the terminal device 10.

[0022] The input unit 14 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, a camera, or a microphone. The input unit 14 accepts operations to input data used for the operation of the terminal device 10. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 10, the input unit 14 may be connected to the terminal device 10 as an external input device. As the connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0023] The output unit 15 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 15 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 10. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 10, the output unit 15 may be connected to the terminal device 10 as an external output device. As the connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI, or Bluetooth can be used.

[0024] The positioning unit 16 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS, QZSS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 16 includes a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor. The positioning unit 16 can detect the position of the terminal device 10. The information indicating the position of the terminal device 10 detected by the positioning unit 16 is acquired by the control unit 11 as terminal position information.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the information processing device 30 according to this embodiment will be described. The information processing device 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33.

[0026] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 31 controls each part of the information processing device 30 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 30.

[0027] The storage unit 32 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 32 functions, for example, as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used for the operation of the information processing device 30 and information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 30.

[0028] The communication unit 33 includes at least one communication interface, which is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 33 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 30 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 30.

[0029] The functions of the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 11 or control unit 31. In other words, the functions of the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30, thereby causing the computer to function as the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30. That is, the computer functions as the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30 by performing the operations of the terminal device 10 or information processing device 30 according to the program.

[0030] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable mediums include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0031] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0032] Some or all of the functions of the terminal device 10 or the information processing device 30 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or dedicated circuit as the control unit 11 or the control unit 31. In other words, some or all of the functions of the terminal device 10 or the information processing device 30 may be implemented by hardware.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the operation of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Of the operations in Figure 2, the operation of the terminal device 10 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. In the following, communication between the terminal device 10 and external devices will be performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 40. In the following, communication between the information processing device 30 and external devices will be performed via the communication unit 33 and the network 40.

[0034] In S101, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 reads the first identification information from the NFC tag of the smart key 20 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 may also read the vehicle identification information from the NFC tag of the smart key 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0035] The control unit 11 may further communicate with other smart keys different from the smart key 20 and read third identification information stored in the NFC tag of the other smart key. The other smart key is held by the user in addition to the smart key 20. The other smart key connects to the vehicle wirelessly, just like the smart key 20, and performs functions such as locking and unlocking the vehicle's doors. The third identification information is information that identifies the user. The third identification information may include, for example, a national identification number.

[0036] In S102, the control unit 11 compares the second identification information it has read with the first identification information stored in the memory unit 12 to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information match. If they match, in S103 the control unit 11 determines that authentication using the smart key 20 has been successful, and the operation of system 1 proceeds to S105. If they do not match, in S104 the control unit 11 determines that authentication using the smart key 20 has not been successful, and the operation of system 1 returns to S101. After the control unit 11 determines in S103 that authentication using the smart key 20 has been successful, the operation of system 1 proceeds to S109, and the control unit 11 may start an application related to the vehicle corresponding to the smart key 20.

[0037] If the control unit 11 reads a third identification information from another smart key in S101, it may further compare the first identification information with the third identification information. If the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the first identification information and the third identification information match, in S103 the control unit 11 determines that authentication using the smart key 20 and the other smart key has been successful, and the operation of system 1 proceeds to S105. If the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, or if the first identification information and the third identification information do not match, in S104 the control unit 11 determines that authentication using the smart key 20 and the other smart key has not been successful, and the operation of system 1 returns to S101. After the control unit 11 determines in S103 that authentication using the smart key 20 and the other smart key has been successful, the operation of system 1 proceeds to S109, and the control unit 11 may start an application related to the vehicle corresponding to the smart key 20 and the other smart key.

[0038] In S105, the control unit 31 of the information processing device 30 acquires video information indicating the image in which the user is reflected.

[0039] For example, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 first sends a user instruction to the vehicle to send video to the information processing device 30. The vehicle's control unit receives the user instruction and controls the vehicle's onboard camera to capture video and send it to the information processing device 30. However, the video information showing the user in the image may also be sent to the information processing device 30 from, for example, a camera at the store where the vehicle is parked.

[0040] In S106, the control unit 31 determines whether authentication was successful based on the video information. If it determines that authentication was successful, the system 1 proceeds to S107. If it determines that authentication was unsuccessful, the system 1 returns to S101.

[0041] For example, the control unit 31 obtains feature information indicating the user's actions by extracting feature quantities of the user's actions from the video information using an arbitrary image analysis method. The feature information includes feature quantities of speed, acceleration, angle, direction, or trajectory of the user's hand or foot movements. User actions include, for example, the way the user walks, how they open and close vehicle doors, how they sit in the vehicle seat, how they grip the steering wheel, and how they adjust the vehicle mirrors. The control unit 31 identifies the user's feature quantities from a database stored in advance in the memory unit 32, which contains feature quantities of various actions for each user, and determines whether the identified feature quantities match the feature quantities indicated by the feature information. If they match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication based on the video information was successful. If they do not match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication based on the video information was unsuccessful.

[0042] In S107, the control unit 31 transmits authentication result information to the terminal device 10 indicating that the user has been authenticated.

[0043] In S108, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 receives authentication result information.

[0044] In S109, the control unit 11 starts an application related to the vehicle that corresponds to the smart key 20. The application may have been downloaded in advance and stored in the memory unit 12. After that, the operation of system 1 ends.

[0045] The application is, for example, an application for registering various user information as the owner of a vehicle. In S101, if the control unit 11 reads the vehicle identification information stored in the NFC tag of the smart key 20, the control unit 11 may register the vehicle identification number as user information in the application. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle identification information to the server providing the application via the communication unit 13. The control unit of the server records the vehicle identification information and the user identifier in a database. This server may be the same as the information processing device 30 or it may be a different server.

[0046] The application may be an application for controlling various parts of the vehicle. Specifically, the control of these parts may include unlocking or locking the vehicle doors, turning the air conditioning system on or off, or adjusting the position of the seats. The control unit 11 receives user input on the application and transmits control instructions to the vehicle via the communication unit 13. The vehicle's control unit receives these instructions and controls the various parts. For example, the vehicle's control unit may unlock or lock the doors, turn the air conditioning system on or off, or adjust the position of the seats.

[0047] The application may be an application for displaying the status of the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle status may include the vehicle's fuel level or remaining driving range. The control unit 11 receives user input for a status acquisition instruction on the application and transmits the status acquisition instruction to the vehicle via the communication unit 13. The vehicle's control unit receives the instruction, acquires information about the vehicle's status from each sensor, and transmits it to the terminal device 10. The control unit 11 receives this information and can display it on the output unit 15.

[0048] According to this embodiment, in addition to authentication by the smart key 20 and the terminal device 10, the information processing device 30 can perform authentication based on user-specific actions, thereby further improving the accuracy of authentication.

[0049] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The configuration of System 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so its description will be omitted.

[0050] The operation of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Of the operations in Figure 3, the operation of the terminal device 10 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. In the following, communication between the terminal device 10 and external devices will be performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 40. In the following, communication between the information processing device 30 and external devices will be performed via the communication unit 33 and the network 40.

[0051] Steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104 in Figure 2 of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted. After the control unit 11 determines in S203 that authentication using the smart key 20, or authentication using the smart key 20 and other smart keys, has been successful, the operation of the system 1 proceeds to S210, and the control unit 11 may start an application related to the vehicle corresponding to the smart key 20.

[0052] In S205, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 transmits authentication information to the information processing device 30.

[0053] The authentication information may include code information indicating a code displayed on the vehicle's output unit. In this case, the control unit 11 reads the code displayed on the vehicle's output unit using the camera, which acts as the input unit 14. The control unit 11 transmits the authentication information, including the code information indicating the read code, to the information processing device 30. The vehicle's control unit can, for example, receive an instruction from the information processing device 30 to display a code via the communication unit and display the code on its output unit.

[0054] The vehicle's control unit may display a code on the output unit when it detects both the smart key 20, which is within a predetermined range from the vehicle's position, and another smart key different from the smart key 20, and determines that the engine has been started. The predetermined range may be pre-set and stored in the vehicle's memory unit. The vehicle's control unit and communication unit may detect the smart key 20 and the other smart key using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The engine may be started by the smart key 20, another smart key, or by a master key held by an employee of the dealership selling the vehicle. The vehicle's control unit may determine that the engine has been started based, for example, on information detected by a crank angle sensor.

[0055] The authentication information may include purchase information related to the user's vehicle purchase. The purchase information may include the user's credit card number, the purchase receipt number, etc. For example, the control unit 11 receives user input of purchase information via the input unit 14 and transmits the authentication information, including the purchase information, to the information processing device 30 via the communication unit 13.

[0056] Authentication information may include the user's biometric information. The control unit 11 receives user input of user-specific physical characteristics such as face, retina, iris, fingerprints, and voiceprints via the input unit 14, and acquires biometric information by extracting feature quantities of the physical characteristics using any image analysis method or voice analysis method. The control unit 11 transmits the authentication information, including the biometric information, to the information processing device 30 via the communication unit 13. The biometric information may include, in place of or in addition to feature quantities, the image itself showing the user's face, etc., captured by the camera as the input unit 14, or the voice itself showing the user's voice, etc., detected by the microphone as the input unit 14.

[0057] Authentication information may include user location information indicating the user's location. In this case, the control unit 11 transmits authentication information, which includes the terminal location information acquired by the positioning unit 16 as user location information, to the information processing device 30.

[0058] The authentication information may include password information indicating the user's password. For example, the control unit 11 receives user input of password information via the input unit 14 and transmits the authentication information including the password information to the information processing device 30 via the communication unit 13.

[0059] In S206, the control unit 31 of the information processing device 30 receives authentication information.

[0060] In S207, the control unit 31 determines whether authentication was successful based on the authentication information. If it determines that authentication was successful, the system 1 proceeds to S208. If it determines that authentication was unsuccessful, the system 1 returns to S201.

[0061] If the authentication information includes code information, the control unit 31 determines whether the code instructed to be displayed on the vehicle matches the code indicated by the code information. If they match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was successful. If they do not match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was unsuccessful.

[0062] If the authentication information includes purchase information, the control unit 31 identifies the user's purchase information from the database stored in the storage unit 32, which stores each user's purchase information, and determines whether the identified purchase information matches the purchase information included in the authentication information. If they match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was successful. If they do not match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was unsuccessful.

[0063] If the authentication information includes biometric information, the control unit 31 identifies the user's biometric information from the database stored in the storage unit 32, which stores each user's biometric information, and determines whether the identified biometric information matches the biometric information included in the authentication information. If they match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was successful. If they do not match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was unsuccessful. If the biometric information includes an image of the user's face, etc., or audio information of the user's voice, etc., the control unit 31 may extract feature quantities from the image or audio using any image analysis method or audio analysis method, and determine whether the feature quantities match the user's feature quantities stored in the database.

[0064] If the authentication information includes user location information, the control unit 31 first receives vehicle location information from the vehicle via the communication unit 33. The vehicle location information is acquired by the vehicle's positioning unit and transmitted by the vehicle's control unit to the information processing device 30 via the communication unit. The control unit 31 determines that authentication is successful if the user's location indicated by the user location information and the vehicle's location indicated by the vehicle location information are within a predetermined distance. The control unit 31 determines that authentication is unsuccessful if the user's location and the vehicle's location are not within the predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0065] If the authentication information includes password information, the control unit 31 identifies the user's password information from the database stored in the storage unit 32, which stores each user's password information, and determines whether the identified password information matches the password information included in the authentication information. If they match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was successful. If they do not match, the control unit 31 determines that authentication was unsuccessful.

[0066] Since steps S208 to S210 are the same as steps S107 to S109 in Figure 2 of the first embodiment described above, their explanation will be omitted.

[0067] According to this embodiment, by using authentication information, authentication can be performed not only in the terminal device 10 but also in the information processing device 30, thereby further improving the accuracy of authentication.

[0068] In determining the success or failure of authentication in System 1, the methods described above according to the first and second embodiments may be freely combined and employed.

[0069] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0070] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] A terminal device comprising a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit that corresponds to the user's vehicle and communicates with a smart key held by the user, and a control unit, The smart key, comprising an NFC tag storing a second identification information for identifying the user, A system equipped with, The control unit of the terminal device is The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A system that determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, authenticates the user if they match, and launches an application related to the vehicle. [Note 2] A storage unit that stores first identification information to identify the user, A communication unit that communicates with a smart key, which corresponds to the user's vehicle and is held by the user, and which is equipped with an NFC tag that stores second identification information to identify the user, The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A terminal device comprising a control unit that determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticates the user if they match. [Note 3] The terminal device described in Appendix 2, The control unit is a terminal device that, upon authenticating the user, launches an application related to the vehicle. [Note 4] A terminal device as described in Appendix 2 or 3, A terminal device in which each of the first identification information and the second identification information includes a national identification number. [Note 5] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 4, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the terminal device receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the user has been authenticated based on characteristic information showing the user's actions captured in the video footage taken by a camera installed in the vehicle. [Note 6] The terminal device described in Appendix 5, A terminal device in which the user's actions include at least one of the user's walking, the opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, the sitting position in the vehicle's seat, the grip on the vehicle's steering wheel, and the adjustment of the vehicle's mirrors. [Note 7] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 6, It also includes an input section that includes a camera, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The camera reads the code displayed on the output unit of the vehicle. The code information indicating the read code is transmitted to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the code information is received from the information processing device. [Note 8] The terminal device described in Appendix 7, The code is displayed on the output unit of the vehicle when the vehicle detects both the smart key which is within a predetermined range from the vehicle's position and another smart key which is different from the smart key but corresponds to the vehicle and is further held by the user, and determines that the engine has been started. [Note 9] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 8, The communication unit further communicates with another smart key, different from the smart key, that corresponds to the vehicle and is further held by the user. The aforementioned other smart key is equipped with an NFC tag that stores a third identification information that identifies the user, The control unit, The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates the user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the first identification information and the third identification information match. [Note 10] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 9, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The information processing device transmits terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the terminal device receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the location of the vehicle and the location of the terminal device. [Note 11] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 10, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The information processing device transmits purchase information regarding the purchase of the vehicle via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates a user when it receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information match and the user has been authenticated based on the purchase information. [Note 12] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 11, It further includes an input section, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit receives user input of the user's biometric information via the input unit and transmits the biometric information to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when it receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information match and the user has been authenticated based on the biometric information. [Note 13] The terminal device described in Appendix 12, The aforementioned biometric information includes a terminal device containing an image of the user's face. [Note 14] A terminal device as described in any of the appendices 2 to 13, It further includes an input section, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit receives user input of a password via the input unit and transmits password information indicating the password to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when it receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information match and the user has been authenticated based on the password information. [Note 15] A method performed by a terminal device comprising a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit, and a control unit, The aforementioned terminal device The smart key, which corresponds to the user's vehicle and is held by the user, and which is equipped with an NFC tag storing second identification information that identifies the user, communicates via the communication unit with the smart key. Reading the second identification information from the aforementioned NFC tag and A method comprising determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticating the user if they match. [Note 16] The method described in Appendix 15, A method further comprising launching an application relating to the vehicle when the terminal device authenticates the user. [Note 17] The method described in Appendix 15 or 16, A method wherein each of the first identification information and the second identification information includes a national identification number. [Note 18] A method described in any of the appendices 15 to 17, The aforementioned terminal device Further communication with the information processing device, A method further comprising authenticating a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated is received from the information processing device based on characteristic information showing the user's actions captured in the video footage taken by a camera installed in the vehicle. [Note 19] The method described in Appendix 18, A terminal device in which the user's actions include at least one of the user's walking, the opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, the sitting position in the vehicle's seat, the grip on the vehicle's steering wheel, and the adjustment of the vehicle's mirrors. [Note 20] A method described in any of the appendices 15 to 19, The terminal device further includes an input unit including a camera. The aforementioned terminal device Further communication with the information processing device, The code displayed on the output unit of the vehicle is read via the camera, Transmitting code information indicating the read code to the information processing device, A method further comprising authenticating a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the code information is received from the information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 Onboard equipment 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Output section 16 Positioning Unit 20 Smart Key 30 Information Processing Devices 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 40 Networks

Claims

1. A terminal device comprising a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit that corresponds to the user's vehicle and communicates with a smart key held by the user, and a control unit, The smart key, comprising an NFC tag storing second identification information for identifying the user, A system equipped with, The control unit of the terminal device is The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A system that determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, authenticates the user if they match, and launches an application related to the vehicle.

2. A storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying the user, A communication unit that communicates with a smart key that corresponds to the user's vehicle and is held by the user, and which is equipped with an NFC tag that stores second identification information to identify the user, The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A terminal device comprising a control unit that determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticates the user if they match.

3. A terminal device according to claim 2, The control unit is a terminal device that, upon authenticating the user, launches an application related to the vehicle.

4. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, A terminal device in which the first identification information and the second identification information each include a national identification number.

5. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the terminal device receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the user has been authenticated based on characteristic information showing the user's actions captured in the video footage taken by a camera installed in the vehicle.

6. The terminal device according to claim 5, A terminal device in which the user's actions include at least one of the user's walking, the opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, the sitting position in the vehicle's seat, the gripping of the vehicle's steering wheel, and the adjustment of the vehicle's mirrors.

7. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, It also includes an input section that includes a camera, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The camera reads the code displayed on the output unit of the vehicle. The code information indicating the read code is transmitted to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the code information is received from the information processing device.

8. A terminal device according to claim 7, The code is displayed on the output unit of the vehicle when the vehicle detects both the smart key which is within a predetermined range from the vehicle's position and another smart key which is different from the smart key but corresponds to the vehicle and is further held by the user, and determines that the engine has been started.

9. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, The communication unit further communicates with another smart key, different from the smart key, that corresponds to the vehicle and is further held by the user. The aforementioned other smart key is equipped with an NFC tag that stores third identification information to identify the user, The control unit, The second identification information is read from the NFC tag via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates the user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the first identification information and the third identification information match.

10. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The information processing device transmits terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and the terminal device receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the location of the vehicle and the location of the terminal device.

11. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit, The information processing device transmits purchase information regarding the purchase of the vehicle via the communication unit. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the purchase information is received from the information processing device.

12. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, It further includes an input section, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit receives user input of the user's biometric information via the input unit and transmits the biometric information to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the biometric information is received from the information processing device.

13. A terminal device according to claim 12, The aforementioned biometric information includes a terminal device containing an image of the user's face.

14. A terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, It further includes an input section, The aforementioned communication unit further communicates with the information processing device, The control unit receives user input of a password via the input unit and transmits password information indicating the password to the information processing device. A terminal device that authenticates a user when it receives authentication result information from the information processing device indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information match and the user has been authenticated based on the password information.

15. A method executed by a terminal device comprising a storage unit that stores first identification information for identifying a user, a communication unit, and a control unit, The aforementioned terminal device The smart key, which corresponds to the user's vehicle and is held by the user, and which is equipped with an NFC tag storing second identification information that identifies the user, communicates via the communication unit with the smart key. Reading the second identification information from the NFC tag A method comprising determining whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authenticating the user if they match.

16. The method according to claim 15, A method further comprising launching an application relating to the vehicle when the terminal device authenticates the user.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, A method wherein each of the first identification information and the second identification information includes a national identification number.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, The aforementioned terminal device Further communication with the information processing device, A method further comprising authenticating a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match, and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated is received from the information processing device based on characteristic information showing the user's actions captured in the video footage taken by a camera installed in the vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 18, The user's actions include at least one of the user's walking, the vehicle's doors opening and closing, the vehicle's seats, the vehicle's steering wheel, and the vehicle's mirrors.

20. The method according to claim 15 or 16, The terminal device further includes an input unit including a camera. The aforementioned terminal device Further communication with the information processing device, The code displayed on the output unit of the vehicle is read via the camera, Transmitting code information indicating the read code to the information processing device, A method further comprising authenticating a user when the first identification information and the second identification information match and authentication result information indicating that the user has been authenticated based on the code information is received from the information processing device.

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