Vehicle locking / unlocking control device

Abstract

The vehicle can be locked even when the occupants leave the vehicle while external devices are being powered, improving both security and convenience. [Solution] When a locking operation is received from outside the vehicle 10 while the external device 400 is being powered, it is determined whether predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle 10 (no occupants inside the vehicle 10, the charge level of the battery 102 is above a predetermined value, and the portable terminal 500 held by the occupants is not inside the vehicle 10) are met based on the acquired in-vehicle information, and if the predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle 10 is locked.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking and unlocking control device for a vehicle. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles including a battery capable of supplying power to external devices have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an occupant of the vehicle supplies power via an outlet, after the occupant connects a plug to the outlet and the plug is detected, the driving battery and the outlet are connected via a DC-AC inverter, and power supply from the outlet is performed. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-213407 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] However, in the above-described vehicle, it is premised that an occupant is inside or around the vehicle while power is supplied to an external device, so the vehicle cannot be locked when the occupant leaves the vehicle while power is supplied to an external device. In this case, if the occupant leaves the vehicle while power is supplied to an external device that requires power supply for a certain period of time, such as a refrigerator or a water heater, there is a risk of suffering damage such as vehicle break-in or theft. Therefore, in order to lock the vehicle when the occupant leaves the vehicle, the power supply to the external device must be stopped once before locking, which impairs usability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a locking and unlocking control device for a vehicle, which can lock the vehicle even when an occupant leaves the vehicle while power is supplied to an external device, provides consideration for crime prevention, and improves convenience. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention is a locking / unlocking control device for a vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, comprising: a power supply control unit that supplies power stored in the battery to an external device; an operation reception unit that receives a locking operation from outside the vehicle; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires in-vehicle information, which is information about the inside of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle are met based on the in-vehicle information; and a locking / unlocking control unit that locks the vehicle when the locking operation is received while power is being supplied to the external device and the predetermined conditions are met.

[0007] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes the condition that there are no occupants inside the vehicle, and the locking / unlocking control unit, when it receives the locking operation while supplying power to the external device, locks the vehicle if there are no occupants inside the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle information acquisition unit has an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information of the interior of the vehicle, which is the in-vehicle information, and the determination unit determines whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle based on the image information.

[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the image information acquisition unit acquires pre-exit image information, which is the image information when the ignition switch is turned off, and post-exit image information, which is the image information when the locking operation is received, and the determination unit determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle by comparing the pre-exit image information and the post-exit image information.

[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition further includes that the charge state value of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a charge state acquisition unit that acquires the charge state value which is the in-vehicle information, the determination unit further determines whether the charge state value of the battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined value based on the charge state value, and the lock / unlock control unit locks the vehicle when it receives the lock operation while supplying power to the external device, and there are no occupants inside the vehicle and the charge state value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition further includes the condition that a portable terminal carried by an occupant is not inside the vehicle, the vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the portable terminal, which is the in-vehicle information, the determination unit further determines whether or not the portable terminal is inside the vehicle based on the location information, and the locking / unlocking control unit, when it receives the locking operation while supplying power to the external device, locks the vehicle if there is no occupant inside the vehicle, the charge state value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the portable terminal is not inside the vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a communication unit that transmits a warning to the mobile terminal indicating that the charge status value is decreasing when the charge status value is less than the predetermined value.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the locking / unlocking control unit, after locking the vehicle, unlocks the vehicle from the locked state to the unlocked state if the charge state value falls below a predetermined value, and the communication unit transmits a notification to the mobile terminal that the vehicle has been unlocked from the locked state.

[0014] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further includes a charging state prediction unit that predicts the time when the charging state value will fall below a predetermined value based on the current charging state value and the power consumption of the battery, and the communication unit transmits the predicted time when the charging state value will fall below the predetermined value to the mobile terminal a predetermined time before the predicted time.

[0015] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle information acquisition unit further comprises a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires internal temperature information of the vehicle, the determination unit further determines, after locking the vehicle, whether the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time based on the temperature information, the locking / unlocking control unit unlocks the vehicle from the locked state to the unlocked state if the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, and the power supply control unit stops supplying power to the external device if the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle information acquisition unit further comprises a vibration information acquisition unit that acquires vibration information indicating the vibration of the vehicle, the determination unit further determines whether the vibration of the vehicle is less than a predetermined value based on the vibration information after the vehicle has been locked, the locking / unlocking control unit unlocks the vehicle from the locked state to the unlocked state if the vibration of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined value, and the power supply control unit stops supplying power to the external device if the vibration of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a locking operation is received from outside the vehicle while power is being supplied to an external device, it is determined whether predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle are met based on the acquired in-vehicle information, and if the predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle is locked. Therefore, even if the occupants leave the vehicle while power is being supplied to an external device, the vehicle can be locked if the predetermined conditions are met, which is advantageous in terms of security and convenience.

[0018] Furthermore, if the predetermined conditions include the absence of occupants inside the vehicle, and the system is configured to lock the vehicle when a locking operation is received while power is being supplied to an external device, and there are no occupants inside the vehicle, this is advantageous in avoiding locking the vehicle while occupants are left inside.

[0019] Furthermore, if the system acquires image information of the vehicle's interior as in-vehicle information and determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle based on this image information, it is advantageous for determining whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle with a simple configuration. Additionally, if the system determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle by comparing image information taken before exiting the vehicle when the ignition switch is off with image information taken after exiting the vehicle when the locking operation is accepted, it is advantageous for determining whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle more accurately.

[0020] Furthermore, if the predetermined conditions include the battery's State of Charge (SOC) being above a predetermined value, and the system acquires the SOC value as in-vehicle information, and locks the vehicle when it is determined that the SOC value is above a predetermined value based on that information, it is advantageous in avoiding the consumption of all the power accumulated while the occupants are away from the vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, if the predetermined conditions include the absence of a mobile device carried by the occupant inside the vehicle, and the system acquires the location information of the mobile device as in-vehicle information, and if it is determined that there is no mobile device inside the vehicle based on the location information, the system locks the vehicle, then it is possible to confirm whether there is an occupant inside the vehicle through the presence or absence of a mobile device. In addition, if the system is configured to send a warning to the mobile device that the charge level is low when the charge level is below a predetermined value, then even if the occupant is away from the vehicle, they can be notified of the low charge level, which is advantageous in avoiding problems during power supply.

[0022] Further, if the configuration is such that when the state of charge value becomes less than a predetermined value after the vehicle is locked, the vehicle is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, and a notification indicating that the vehicle has been switched from the locked state to the unlocked state is transmitted to the mobile terminal, when a problem occurs due to a decrease in the state of charge value, valuables, external devices and the like can be immediately taken out from the vehicle, which is advantageous in improving convenience.

[0023] Further, if the configuration is such that the time when the state of charge value becomes less than the predetermined value is predicted, and the predicted time at which the state of charge value will become less than the predetermined value is transmitted to the mobile terminal a predetermined time before the predicted time, the state of charge value can be grasped even when the user is away from the vehicle, which is advantageous in supplying power to external devices while securing the electric power necessary for subsequent driving.

[0024] Further, if the configuration is such that temperature information inside the vehicle is acquired, and after the vehicle is locked, when it is determined based on the temperature information that the temperature inside the vehicle has continuously been equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, the vehicle is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state and power supply to external devices is stopped, the trouble of unlocking the vehicle and stopping power supply to external devices can be omitted, which is advantageous in avoiding problems caused by the temperature inside the vehicle continuously being equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature for the predetermined period of time.

[0025] Further, if the configuration is such that vibration information indicating vibration of the vehicle is acquired, and after the vehicle is locked, when it is determined based on the vibration information that the vibration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state and power supply to external devices is stopped, the trouble of unlocking the vehicle and stopping power supply to external devices can be omitted, which is advantageous in avoiding problems caused by the vibration of the vehicle being equal to or greater than the predetermined value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the locking and unlocking control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3]This flowchart shows the flow of the vehicle locking process using the locking / unlocking control device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the flow of the unlocking process based on the vehicle's charge status value by the locking / unlocking control device of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the flow of the unlocking process based on the temperature rise inside the vehicle by the locking / unlocking control device of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the flow of the unlocking process based on vehicle vibration by the locking / unlocking control device of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment has a drive motor 101, a battery 102, a generator 103, and an engine 104, and further comprises a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200, an MCU (Motor Control Unit) 201, a BCU (Battery Control Unit) 202, a GCU (Generator Control Unit) 203, and an engine (ENG) ECU 204 as their control system. In Figure 1, solid lines indicate power lines and dashed lines indicate communication lines, and a circuit consisting of an inverter and a DC-DC converter is configured between the battery 102, the drive motor 101, and the generator 103, but this is omitted here. The vehicle 10 of this embodiment may also be a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) equipped with external charging for external power charging and external power supply for external power supply. In the following description, there are no particular limitations on the drive source. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment may be an electric vehicle (BEV) that does not have an engine 104.

[0028] The drive motor 101 operates using electricity to rotate the drive wheels of the vehicle 10 and drive the vehicle 10. It also performs regenerative power generation when the vehicle 10 is decelerating, generating regenerative braking force. The battery 102 stores the electricity to operate the drive motor 101 and is rechargeable and dischargeable. The electricity stored in the battery 102 can be, for example, electricity generated by the generator 103 (described later), electricity generated by regenerative power generation of the drive motor 101, or electricity supplied by an external power source connected via a charging mechanism (not shown). If the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle without an engine 104, electricity is stored in the battery 102 using electricity generated by regenerative power generation of the drive motor 101 and electricity supplied by an external power source connected via a charging mechanism (not shown).

[0029] The generator 103 is driven by the engine 104 and generates electricity for use with the drive motor 101 and other components. Any surplus electricity generated by the generator 103 that is not used by the drive motor 101 and other components is stored in the battery 102. The generator 103 also generates electricity for storage in the battery 102 when the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 102 becomes low. The engine 104 is an internal combustion engine that operates by burning fuel and is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator 103 to drive the generator 103.

[0030] The vehicle ECU200 is connected to the MCU201, BCU202, GCU203, and engine ECU204, and controls the entire vehicle as the control unit for vehicle 10. In addition, various sensors are connected to the vehicle ECU200, such as an accelerator pedal sensor that detects the amount of accelerator pedal operation, a brake pedal sensor that detects the amount of brake pedal operation, and a vehicle speed sensor that detects the driving speed of vehicle 10.

[0031] The MCU201 controls the drive motor 101, the BCU202 controls the battery 102, the GCU203 controls the generator 103, and the engine ECU204 controls the engine 104. The BCU202 outputs the charge status (SOC) of the battery 102 to the vehicle ECU200.

[0032] The vehicle ECU 200 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-only memory) that stores control programs executed by the processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working area for the control program, and an interface section for peripheral circuits, etc. In this embodiment, the vehicle ECU 200 functions as a lock / unlock control device 300 by executing a program on the processor.

[0033] Next, the locking / unlocking control device 300 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The locking / unlocking control device 300 of this embodiment will lock the vehicle 10 even if the occupant leaves the vehicle 10 while power is being supplied to the external device 400, provided that predetermined conditions described later are met.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the lock / unlock control device 300 is connected to an imaging camera 302, a temperature sensor 304, and a vibration sensor 306, and includes a battery 102, a power supply control unit 310, an operation reception unit 312, a communication unit 314, a vehicle information acquisition unit 316, a determination unit 318, a lock / unlock control unit 320, and a charge state prediction unit 322. The vehicle information acquisition unit 316 further includes an image information acquisition unit 350, a charge state acquisition unit 352, a terminal information acquisition unit 354, a temperature information acquisition unit 356, and a vibration information acquisition unit 358.

[0035] The imaging camera 302 is installed inside the vehicle 10 and captures images of the inside of the vehicle 10 to generate image information. Conventional imaging cameras such as CCD cameras can be used. In addition, there may be one imaging camera 302 or multiple cameras.

[0036] The temperature sensor 304 is installed inside the vehicle 10 and detects the temperature (air temperature) inside the vehicle 10 to generate temperature information. Conventional temperature sensors such as thermistors and infrared sensors can be used.

[0037] The vibration sensor 306 is installed in the vehicle 10 and detects vibrations of the vehicle 10 to generate vibration information. Conventional known vibration sensors such as piezoelectric vibration sensors, gyro sensors, and acceleration sensors can be used.

[0038] As described above, the battery 102 stores power and is connected to an outlet 102A that can supply power to external devices 400. The outlet 102A is not specified for installation within the vehicle 10, and in this embodiment, for example, it is provided on the instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle 10.

[0039] The power supply control unit 310 controls the supply of power stored in the battery 102 to external devices 400 connected to the outlet 102A. In this embodiment, when the plug of the external device 400 is connected to the outlet 102A, the power supply control unit 310 starts supplying power to the external device 400 using the power stored in the battery 102, and stops supplying power to the external device 400 when the connection is disconnected. Furthermore, while supplying power to the external device 400, the power supply control unit 310 stops supplying power to the external device 400 even if the connection has not been disconnected if the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 remains above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or if the vibration of the vehicle 10 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0040] The operation reception unit 312 receives various operations on the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 312 receives locking and unlocking operations for the doors from outside the vehicle 10. For example, an occupant carrying a smart key (not shown) presses a lock / unlock button (not shown) provided on the door handle of the vehicle 10 to receive the locking and unlocking operation.

[0041] The communication unit 314 communicates with various external terminals, such as the mobile terminal 500. In this embodiment, if the State of Charge (SOC) is below a predetermined value, the communication unit 314 sends a warning to the mobile terminal 500 indicating that the State of Charge is low. Furthermore, even if the operation reception unit 312 receives a locking operation, if the vehicle 10 cannot be locked due to not meeting predetermined conditions described later, the communication unit 314 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 indicating that the vehicle 10 cannot be locked.

[0042] Furthermore, if the communication unit 314 changes the vehicle 10 from a locked state to an unlocked state regardless of the occupant's will, it sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle 10 has been changed from a locked state to an unlocked state. Also, if the communication unit 314 stops supplying power to the external device 400 regardless of the occupant's will, it sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the power supply has been stopped.

[0043] Furthermore, if the charging state prediction unit 322, described later, predicts that the charging state value will fall below a predetermined value, the communication unit 314 transmits the predicted time to the mobile terminal 500 a predetermined time before the predicted time (for example, 20 minutes before). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned warnings, notifications, and predicted times are displayed on the display unit 510 of the mobile terminal 500 to inform the occupant, but the occupant may also be notified by voice, vibration, or other means.

[0044] The vehicle information acquisition unit 316 acquires information about the interior of the vehicle 10, such as in-vehicle information. In this embodiment, the vehicle information acquisition unit 316 acquires in-vehicle information when the operation reception unit 312 receives a locking operation from outside the vehicle 10 while the external device 400 is being powered. The vehicle information acquisition unit 316 is further configured to include an image information acquisition unit 350, a charging status acquisition unit 352, a terminal information acquisition unit 354, a temperature information acquisition unit 356, and a vibration information acquisition unit 358.

[0045] The image information acquisition unit 350 acquires image information of the interior of the vehicle 10 captured by the imaging camera 302 as the in-vehicle information mentioned above. The image information acquisition unit 350 also acquires pre-exit image information, which is image information when the ignition switch is turned off, and post-exit image information, which is image information when the locking operation is accepted.

[0046] The charge status acquisition unit 352 acquires the charge status value (SOC) of the battery 102 as the in-vehicle information described above. The charge status value SOC indicates the charge rate and remaining capacity of the battery 102, and is expressed as a percentage such as 60%, for example, if a fully charged state is 100% and a completely discharged state is 50%.

[0047] The terminal information acquisition unit 354 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 500 as the in-vehicle information mentioned above. For example, the terminal information acquisition unit 354 acquires location information by receiving signals transmitted from the mobile terminal 500 or by determining the position of the mobile terminal 500 based on positioning signals received from positioning satellites.

[0048] Furthermore, the temperature information acquisition unit 356 acquires internal temperature information of the vehicle 10 generated by the temperature sensor 304. The vibration information acquisition unit 358 acquires vibration information indicating the vibration of the vehicle 10 generated by the vibration sensor 306.

[0049] The determination unit 318 performs various determinations when locking or unlocking the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the determination unit 318 determines whether predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle 10 are met based on the in-vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 316. The predetermined conditions are those that allow power supply to continue even if the occupant leaves the vehicle 10 while power is being supplied to the external device 400.

[0050] In this embodiment, the following three predetermined conditions are provided. Condition 1: There are no occupants inside vehicle 10. Prescribed condition 2: The state of charge (SOC) of battery 102 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Condition 3: The personal terminal 500 carried by the crew is not inside the vehicle 10.

[0051] For predetermined condition 1, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle 10 based on the image information of the vehicle's interior acquired by the image information acquisition unit 350. For example, if multiple imaging cameras 302 are installed inside the vehicle 10 so as not to create blind spots, and the operation reception unit 312 receives a locking operation from outside the vehicle 10, the camera will capture images of the vehicle's interior and generate multiple image information. The determination unit 318 performs image analysis of the acquired multiple image information to determine whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle 10 by judging whether there are moving objects in the images, whether there are objects with a similar shape to a person, etc.

[0052] Alternatively, the determination unit 318 may determine whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 by comparing the pre-exit image information and post-exit image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 350. For example, similarly to the above, multiple imaging cameras 302 are installed, and when the operation reception unit 312 receives an occupant's ignition switch off operation and when the vehicle 10 is locked from outside, the interior of the vehicle 10 is imaged to generate multiple pre-exit image information and multiple post-exit image information. The determination unit 318 then performs image analysis of the acquired multiple pre-exit image information and multiple post-exit image information to detect differences in the corresponding image information, and determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 by determining, based on the detected differences, whether or not an occupant who was captured in the pre-exit image information is no longer present in the post-exit image information.

[0053] In this embodiment, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle 10 based on image information of the inside of the vehicle 10, but the determination may also be made using conventionally known methods other than cameras. For example, the system may be configured to determine whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle 10 using radio waves or thermography.

[0054] For predetermined condition 2, the determination unit 318 determines whether the charge state value of the battery 102 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, based on the charge state value of the battery 102 acquired by the charge state acquisition unit 352. The predetermined value of the charge state value is, for example, a value that defines the amount of electrical energy that guarantees the ability to start the engine, or, in the case of an EV (electric vehicle), a value that defines the amount of electrical energy that guarantees the ability to travel a certain distance (for example, 60 km for 1 hour).

[0055] For predetermined condition 3, the determination unit 318 determines whether the mobile terminal 500 is inside the vehicle 10 based on the location information acquired by the terminal information acquisition unit 354. For example, the determination unit 318 calculates the distance to the mobile terminal 500 based on the signal (location information) transmitted from the mobile terminal 500 and determines whether the mobile terminal 500 is inside the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the determination unit 318 compares the position information (location information) based on the positioning of the mobile terminal 500 with the position information of the vehicle 10 to determine whether the mobile terminal 500 is inside the vehicle 10.

[0056] Furthermore, after locking the vehicle 10, the determination unit 318 determines, based on temperature information, whether the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 has remained above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined temperature and predetermined period are the temperature and time at which the external equipment 400 is assumed to be in a high-temperature state that could cause a fire. For example, the determination unit 318 determines whether the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 has remained above 30°C (predetermined temperature) for 30 minutes (predetermined period of time).

[0057] Furthermore, after locking the vehicle 10, the determination unit 318 determines, based on vibration information, whether the vibration of the vehicle 10 is above a predetermined value. The predetermined value is the vibration value of the vehicle 10 that would be considered a disaster such as a large earthquake or strong winds.

[0058] The lock / unlock control unit 320 controls the vehicle 10 to either a locked or unlocked state. When the lock / unlock control unit 320 receives a lock operation from the operation reception unit 312, it locks the vehicle 10, and when the unlock operation is received from the operation reception unit 312, it unlocks the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, when the lock / unlock control unit 320 receives a lock operation from the operation reception unit 312 while supplying power to the external device 400, if the predetermined conditions described above (no occupants inside the vehicle 10, the state of charge (SOC) is above a predetermined value, and there is no mobile terminal 500 inside the vehicle 10) are met, it locks the vehicle 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the locking / unlocking control unit 320 will unlock the vehicle 10 after it has been locked while the external device 400 is being powered, if the charge status value falls below a predetermined value. Also, the locking / unlocking control unit 320 will unlock the vehicle 10 after it has been locked while the external device 400 is being powered, if it has not received an unlocking operation for the vehicle 10 even at the predicted time (described later) when the charge status value will fall below a predetermined value.

[0060] Furthermore, the locking / unlocking control unit 320 will unlock the vehicle 10 after it has been locked while the external device 400 is being powered, if the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 remains above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. Also, the locking / unlocking control unit 320 will unlock the vehicle 10 after it has been locked while the external device 400 is being powered, if the vibration of the vehicle 10 exceeds the predetermined value.

[0061] The charging state prediction unit 322, after locking the vehicle 10 while supplying power to the external device 400, predicts the time (predicted time) when the charging state value will fall below a predetermined value, based on the current charging state value acquired by the charging state acquisition unit 352 and the current power consumption of the battery 102.

[0062] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the flow of the locking process of the vehicle 10 by the locking / unlocking control device 300 of this embodiment will be described. First, when the plug of the external device 400 is connected to the outlet 102A (step S10), the power supply control unit 310 starts supplying power to the external device 400 (step S12).

[0063] Next, when the operation reception unit 312 receives a locking operation from outside the vehicle 10 (step S14), the image information acquisition unit 350 acquires image information of the inside of the vehicle 10 (step S16). Based on the acquired image information of the inside of the vehicle 10, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 (step S18).

[0064] If there are no occupants inside the vehicle 10 (step S18: NO), the charge state acquisition unit 352 acquires the charge state value (SOC) of the battery 102 (step S20). Based on the acquired charge state value of the battery 102, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not the charge state value of the battery 102 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S22).

[0065] If the charge level of the battery 102 is above a predetermined value (step S22: YES), the terminal information acquisition unit 354 acquires the location information of the mobile terminal 500 (step S24). Based on the acquired location information, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 500 is inside the vehicle 10 (step S26).

[0066] If the mobile terminal 500 is not inside the vehicle 10 (step S26: NO), the lock / unlock control unit 320 locks the vehicle 10 (step S28). In other words, when the lock / unlock control unit 320 receives a lock operation from the operation reception unit 312 while supplying power to the external device 400, it locks the vehicle 10 if various predetermined conditions are met.

[0067] On the other hand, if there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 in step S18 (step S18: YES), and if the mobile terminal 500 is inside the vehicle 10 in step S26 (step S26: YES), the lock / unlock control unit 320 cannot lock the vehicle 10, and the communication unit 314 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle 10 cannot be locked (step S30).

[0068] Furthermore, in step S22, if the charge level of the battery 102 is below a predetermined value (step S22: NO), the lock / unlock control unit 320 cannot lock the vehicle 10, and the communication unit 314 sends a warning to the mobile terminal 500 that the charge level has decreased (step S32).

[0069] Next, referring to Figure 4, the flow of the unlocking process based on the charge state value of the vehicle 10 by the lock / unlock control device 300 of this embodiment will be described. After the vehicle 10 is locked while power is being supplied to the external device 400, the charge state acquisition unit 352 acquires the charge state value (SOC) of the battery 102 (step S40). The determination unit 318 determines whether the acquired charge state value of the battery 102 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S42).

[0070] If the charge status value is above a predetermined value (step S42: YES), the charge status prediction unit 322 predicts the time when the charge status value will fall below the predetermined value based on the current charge status value and the current power consumption of the battery 102 (step S44). The communication unit 314 transmits the predicted time to the mobile terminal 500 a predetermined time before the predicted time (step S46).

[0071] Then, if the predicted time has not yet arrived (step S48: NO), the lock / unlock control unit 320 determines whether or not an unlocking operation has been received by the operation reception unit 312 (step S50). If an unlocking operation has been received (step S50: YES), the vehicle 10 is set to the unlocked state (step S52). On the other hand, if an unlocking operation has not been received (step S50: NO), the process returns to step S48 and is repeated.

[0072] Furthermore, if the charge status value is less than a predetermined value in step S42 (step S42: NO), or if the predicted time arrives before the unlocking operation is accepted in step S48 (step S48: YES), the lock / unlock control unit 320 unlocks the vehicle 10 (step S54), and the communication unit 314 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle 10 has been changed from the locked state to the unlocked state (step S56).

[0073] In step S54, the vehicle 10 may be unlocked from the locked state and at the same time the power supply to the external device 400 may be stopped. This prevents all the power accumulated while the occupants are away from the vehicle 10 from being consumed. If the power supply to the external device 400 is stopped, in step S56, the communication unit 314 may send a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle has been unlocked from the locked state, along with a notification that the power supply to the external device 400 has been stopped.

[0074] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the flow of the unlocking process based on the temperature rise inside the vehicle 10 by the locking / unlocking control device 300 of this embodiment will be described. The temperature rise inside the vehicle 10 can be caused, for example, by parking the vehicle 10 in a place exposed to direct sunlight or in the scorching heat of midsummer, or by the release of heat from external equipment 400 that has been powered for a long time.

[0075] After locking the vehicle 10 while supplying power to the external device 400, the temperature information acquisition unit 356 acquires internal temperature information of the vehicle 10 generated by the temperature sensor 304 (step S60). Based on the temperature information, the determination unit 318 determines whether the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 has remained above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time (steps S62, 64).

[0076] If the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 is above a predetermined temperature (step S62: YES) and this continues for a predetermined time (step S64: YES), the locking / unlocking control unit 320 unlocks the vehicle 10 from the locked state (step S66), and the power supply control unit 310 stops supplying power to the external device 400 (step S68). Then, the communication unit 314 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle 10 has been unlocked from the locked state and that the power supply to the external device 400 has been stopped (step S70).

[0077] On the other hand, in steps S62 and S64, if the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 is below a predetermined temperature (step S62: NO), or if the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 is above the predetermined temperature but does not remain so for a predetermined time (step S64: NO), the process returns to step S60 and is repeated.

[0078] In Figure 4, the vehicle 10 was locked while the external device 400 was being powered, and then the predicted time when the charge level would fall below a predetermined value was transmitted to the mobile terminal 500. However, even if the vehicle 10 is not locked while the external device 400 is being powered and an occupant is inside or near the vehicle 10, the predicted time when the charge level would fall below a predetermined value may still be transmitted to the mobile terminal 500.

[0079] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the flow of the unlocking process based on vibrations of the vehicle 10 by the locking / unlocking control device 300 of this embodiment will be described. Vibrations of the vehicle 10 can be caused by, for example, an earthquake or strong winds such as a typhoon.

[0080] After locking the vehicle 10 while power is being supplied to the external device 400, the vibration information acquisition unit 358 acquires vibration information indicating the vibration of the vehicle 10 generated by the vibration sensor 306 (step S80). Based on the vibration information, the determination unit 318 determines whether or not the vibration of the vehicle 10 is above a predetermined value (step S82).

[0081] If the vibration of the vehicle 10 exceeds a predetermined value (step S82: YES), the locking / unlocking control unit 320 unlocks the vehicle 10 from the locked state (step S84), and the power supply control unit 310 stops supplying power to the external device 400 (step S86). Then, the communication unit 314 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 500 that the vehicle 10 has been unlocked from the locked state and that the power supply to the external device 400 has been stopped (step S88).

[0082] On the other hand, if the vibration of the vehicle 10 is less than a predetermined value in step S82 (step S82: NO), the process returns to step S80 and is repeated.

[0083] Thus, according to this embodiment, when a locking operation is received from outside the vehicle 10 while the external device 400 is being powered, it is determined whether predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle 10 are met based on the acquired in-vehicle information, and if the predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle 10 is locked. Therefore, even if the occupants leave the vehicle 10 while the external device 400 is being powered, the vehicle 10 can be locked if the predetermined conditions are met, which is advantageous in terms of security and improving convenience.

[0084] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions include the absence of occupants inside the vehicle 10. When a locking operation is received while power is being supplied to the external equipment 400, if there are no occupants inside the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 is locked. This configuration is advantageous in avoiding the vehicle 10 being locked while occupants are left inside. For example, if the vehicle 10 is locked when the external equipment 400 supplying power malfunctions and a fire occurs, occupants left inside the vehicle 10 will have difficulty evacuating. Therefore, to prevent damage caused by the malfunction of the external equipment 400, the vehicle 10 is locked on the premise that there are no occupants inside the vehicle 10.

[0085] Furthermore, since the system acquires image information of the interior of the vehicle 10 as in-vehicle information and determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 based on the image information, it is advantageous for determining whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 with a simple configuration. In addition, since the system determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 by comparing the image information before exiting the vehicle when the ignition switch is turned off with the image information after exiting the vehicle when the locking operation is accepted, it is advantageous for determining whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10 more accurately.

[0086] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions also include the battery's state of charge (SOC) being above a predetermined value. The system acquires the SOC as in-vehicle information, and if it is determined that the SOC is above a predetermined value based on the SOC value, the vehicle 10 is locked. This configuration is advantageous in preventing the consumption of all the power accumulated while the occupants are away from the vehicle 10. For example, if the occupants leave the vehicle when the SOC is low, the power consumption from supplying power to the external device 400 may cause a sudden power cut, potentially overloading the internal electronic components of the external device 400 and causing it to malfunction. Therefore, to avoid the malfunction of the external device 400, the vehicle 10 is not locked if the SOC is below a predetermined value.

[0087] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions include the absence of a mobile terminal 500 carried by the occupant inside the vehicle 10. The system acquires location information of the mobile terminal 500 as in-vehicle information, and if it is determined that the mobile terminal 500 is not inside the vehicle 10 based on the location information, the vehicle 10 is locked. This allows the system to confirm whether an occupant is inside the vehicle 10 through the presence or absence of the mobile terminal 500. In addition, if the charge level is below a predetermined value, a warning is sent to the mobile terminal 500 indicating that the charge level is low. This allows the system to notify the occupant of the low charge level even when they are away from the vehicle 10, which is advantageous in avoiding problems during power supply.

[0088] Furthermore, if the vehicle 10 is locked and the charge level falls below a predetermined value, the vehicle 10 is unlocked, and a notification that the vehicle 10 has been unlocked is sent to the mobile terminal 500. This configuration allows for the immediate retrieval of valuables and external devices from the vehicle in the event of problems caused by a decrease in the charge level, thus improving convenience.

[0089] Furthermore, the system is configured to predict the time when the charge level will fall below a predetermined value and to transmit the predicted time when the charge level will fall below the predetermined value to the mobile terminal 500 a predetermined time before the predicted time. This allows the charge level to be monitored even when away from the vehicle 10, which is advantageous for supplying power to the external device 400 while ensuring the power necessary for subsequent operation.

[0090] Furthermore, the system is configured to acquire internal temperature information of the vehicle 10, and if, after locking the vehicle 10, it is determined based on the temperature information that the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 has remained above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, the vehicle 10 is unlocked and the power supply to the external device 400 is stopped. This eliminates the need to unlock the vehicle 10 and stop the power supply to the external device 400, and is advantageous in avoiding problems that may arise from the internal temperature of the vehicle 10 remaining above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0091] Furthermore, the system acquires vibration information indicating the vibration of the vehicle 10, and after locking the vehicle 10, if it is determined based on the vibration information that the vibration of the vehicle 10 is above a predetermined value, the system unlocks the vehicle 10 and stops the power supply to the external device 400. This eliminates the need to unlock the vehicle 10 and stop the power supply to the external device 400, and is advantageous in avoiding problems that may arise due to the vibration of the vehicle 10 being above a predetermined value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10 vehicles 101 Drive motor 102 batteries 102A outlet 103 Generator 104 Engine 200 Vehicle ECUs 201 MCU 202 BCU 203 GCU 204 ENG ECU 300 Locking / unlocking control device 302 Imaging Camera 304 Temperature Sensor 306 Vibration Sensor 310 Power supply control unit 312 Operation Reception Unit 314 Communications Department 316 Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 318 Judgment section 320 Locking / Unlocking Control Unit 322 Charging state prediction unit 350 Image Information Acquisition Unit 352 Charging status acquisition unit 354 Terminal Information Acquisition Unit 356 Temperature information acquisition section 358 Vibration Information Acquisition Unit 400 External equipment 500 mobile devices 510 Display section SOC charge status value

Claims

1. A locking / unlocking control device for a vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, A power supply control unit that supplies power stored in the battery to an external device, An operation receiving unit that receives locking operations from outside the vehicle, A vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires in-vehicle information, which is information about the inside of the vehicle, A determination unit that determines whether or not predetermined conditions for locking the vehicle are met based on the in-vehicle information, When the locking operation is received while the external device is being powered, and the predetermined conditions are met, the locking / unlocking control unit puts the vehicle into the locked state, A vehicle locking / unlocking control device characterized by comprising the following:

2. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include the fact that there are no occupants inside the vehicle, When the locking operation is received by the locking control unit while power is being supplied to the external device, if there are no occupants inside the vehicle, the vehicle will be locked. A vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle information acquisition unit includes an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information of the interior of the vehicle, which is the in-vehicle information. The determination unit determines, based on the image information, whether or not there are occupants inside the vehicle. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 2.

4. The image information acquisition unit acquires the image information before disembarking, which is the image information when the ignition switch is turned off, and the image information after disembarking, which is the image information when the locking operation is received. The determination unit determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle by comparing the pre-disembarkation image information and the post-disembarkation image information. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned predetermined condition further includes that the charge state value of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a charging state acquisition unit that acquires the charging state value, which is the in-vehicle information. The determination unit further determines, based on the charge state value, whether the charge state value of the battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. When the locking operation is received by the locking control unit while power is being supplied to the external device, if there is no occupant inside the vehicle and the charge state value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the locking control unit will put the vehicle into the locked state. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned predetermined condition further includes that the occupant's personal device is not located inside the vehicle. The vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the mobile terminal, which is in-vehicle information. The determination unit further determines, based on the location information, whether or not the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle. When the locking operation is received by the locking control unit while power is being supplied to the external device, if there is no occupant inside the vehicle, the charge status value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the mobile terminal is not inside the vehicle, the vehicle is locked. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 5.

7. The system further includes a communication unit that, when the charge status value is below a predetermined value, transmits a warning to the mobile terminal indicating that the charge status value has decreased. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 6.

8. The locking / unlocking control unit, after locking the vehicle, if the charge state value falls below the predetermined value, will unlock the vehicle from the locked state. The communication unit transmits a notification to the mobile terminal indicating that the vehicle has been changed from the locked state to the unlocked state. The vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 7.

9. The system further includes a charge state prediction unit that predicts the time when the charge state value will fall below a predetermined value, based on the current charge state value and the power consumption of the battery. The communication unit transmits to the mobile terminal the predicted time when the charge status value will fall below the predetermined value, a predetermined time before the predicted time. A vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is a vehicle locking / unlocking control device.

10. The vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature information inside the vehicle. After locking the vehicle, the determination unit further determines, based on the temperature information, whether the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above the predetermined temperature for the predetermined time. The locking / unlocking control unit, if the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above the predetermined temperature for the predetermined time, will move the vehicle from the locked state to the unlocked state. The power supply control unit stops supplying power to the external equipment if the internal temperature of the vehicle remains above the predetermined temperature for the predetermined period of time. A vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 1.

11. The vehicle information acquisition unit further includes a vibration information acquisition unit that acquires vibration information indicating the vibration of the vehicle, After the vehicle is locked, the determination unit further determines, based on the vibration information, whether the vibration of the vehicle is less than the predetermined value. The locking / unlocking control unit, when the vibration of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined value, moves the vehicle from the locked state to the unlocked state. The power supply control unit stops supplying power to the external equipment when the vibration of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined value. A vehicle locking / unlocking control device according to claim 1.

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