Vehicles and vehicle lock management methods

Abstract

To enable authorized users who do not have a vehicle unlocking or locking key to unlock or lock a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes a transmission type screen, an information input unit configured to enable entry of key information from outside the vehicle, and a processing unit configured to unlock or lock the vehicle when the key information meets authorized user authentication conditions. The processing unit causes the screen to display information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, a vehicle lock management system, and a vehicle lock management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a car sharing management system that includes vehicles used in car sharing, a station that manages the vehicles, and a management server that manages the vehicles and the station. The station includes an authentication unit that authenticates users, a communication control unit that performs short-range communication, and a network interface that exchanges information with the management server via a communication network. The vehicle includes an on-board device that performs short-range communication with the communication control unit. The station transmits a request to unlock the vehicle's doors to the management server. When the management server permits the door to be unlocked based on the user's authentication information, it unlocks the door via the station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-191563 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle, a vehicle lock management system, and a vehicle lock management method that enable a legitimate user who does not have a key for unlocking or locking the vehicle to unlock or lock the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a vehicle locking and unlocking system that includes a transmissive screen, an information input unit that can input key information from outside the vehicle, and a processing unit that unlocks or locks the vehicle when the key information satisfies a normal user authentication condition, the processing unit comprising: When the distance between the vehicle and a device owned by the user of the vehicle other than the physical key is within a predetermined distance, or when it is detected that a person is approaching the vehicle,A vehicle is provided in which the screen displays information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a vehicle locking and unlocking device that includes a transmission screen, an information input unit that can input key information from outside the vehicle, and a processing unit that unlocks or locks the vehicle when the key information satisfies a normal user authentication condition, the processing unit comprising: When the distance between the vehicle and a device owned by the user of the vehicle other than the physical key is within a predetermined distance, or when it is detected that a person is approaching the vehicle, A vehicle lock management system is provided that displays information related to the unlocking or locking of the vehicle on the screen.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a transparent screen provided in a vehicle, When the distance between the vehicle and a device owned by the user of the vehicle other than the physical key is within a predetermined distance, A vehicle lock management method is provided which displays information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle, accepts input of key information from outside the vehicle, and unlocks or locks the vehicle if the key information satisfies normal user authentication conditions.

[0008] Furthermore, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle, a vehicle lock management system, and a vehicle lock management method that enable a legitimate user who does not have a key for unlocking or locking the vehicle to unlock or lock the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second conceptual diagram showing a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the screen 13 attached to the side window of the vehicle 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system 500. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a key information creation process performed by the management server 2. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of a vehicle lock management process performed by the vehicle 1. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a login process performed by the user terminal 3. [Figure 8] 1 is a first example of information displayed on the screen 13 when unlocking the vehicle 1. [Figure 9] 2. Second information display example on screen 13 when unlocking vehicle 1 [Figure 10] A third example of information displayed on the screen 13 when unlocking the vehicle 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Background to this disclosure) Conventionally, a vehicle user has used a physical key to unlock or lock the vehicle when using the vehicle. The vehicle user holds the physical key when using the vehicle. The user inserts the physical key into the vehicle's keyhole to unlock or lock the vehicle.

[0013] If the physical key is a remote key, the user unlocks or locks the vehicle by pressing an unlock button (UNLOCK button) or a lock button (LOCK button) on the physical key while in close proximity to the vehicle. If the physical key is a smart key, the user locks or unlocks the vehicle by placing their hand close to the door handle or pulling the door handle while keeping the physical key in their clothing pocket or bag.

[0014] The above-mentioned methods of unlocking or locking are all based on the assumption that the user has a physical key.

[0015] For example, in a car sharing service, an IC card with an IC chip may be used instead of a physical key as a key for unlocking or locking a vehicle. In this case, security information for identifying a user who can use the vehicle is written in the IC card. For example, the vehicle is unlocked or locked by the user holding the IC card over an IC card reader installed near the side window or rear window of the vehicle.

[0016] However, the physical key and the above-mentioned IC card have security problems in the event of loss or theft.

[0017] A user who loses a physical key or whose physical key has been stolen cannot use the vehicle. In addition, someone who obtains the physical key illegally through theft or other means may illegally use the vehicle. Like physical keys, IC cards with built-in IC chips also have the above-mentioned security problems due to loss or theft.

[0018] Therefore, in this disclosure, embodiments of a vehicle, a vehicle lock management system, and a vehicle lock management method are described that allow an authorized user who does not have a key for unlocking or locking the vehicle to unlock or lock the vehicle.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, key information is distributed to an authorized user, instead of a physical key or an IC card. The vehicle also includes an information input unit that allows key information to be input from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle is displayed on a transmissive screen provided in the vehicle. The user inputs the key information into the information input unit of the vehicle by utilizing the information displayed on the transmissive screen. This allows the authorized user to unlock or lock the vehicle without using a physical key or an IC card.

[0020] What is distributed to a legitimate user is not a physical key or an IC card, but key information. Therefore, even if the user loses or has stolen a smartphone or other device in which the key information is stored, the user can obtain the key information again from another terminal. Therefore, even if the legitimate user loses or has stolen a smartphone or other device in which the key information is stored, the user can continue to unlock or lock the vehicle.

[0021] (Example of vehicle 1 configuration) Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a second conceptual diagram showing a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a screen 13 is attached to a side window of the vehicle 1. The components of the vehicle 1 and the transmissive screen 13 and the like provided on the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0022] In this embodiment, vehicle 1 includes projector 11, touch panel 12, transmissive screen 13, camera 14, and door 15. A user of vehicle 1 unlocks door 15 and gets into vehicle 1. After getting out of vehicle 1, the user locks door 15.

[0023] In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a transmissive screen 13. Typically, the screen 13 is provided on the side window on the driver's seat side (see FIG. 1). This makes it easy for a user of the vehicle 1 to unlock the vehicle 1 via the screen 13 and then enter the driver's seat. The transmissive screen 13 transmits at least a portion of light, so providing such a screen 13 does not impair the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle 1.

[0024] The screen 13 may be provided at a location other than the side window on the driver's seat side of the vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the screen 13 may be provided at a side window on the rear seat side of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the screen 13 may be provided at a side window on the passenger's seat side of the vehicle 1, the front window, or the back window, etc.

[0025] The screen 13 has a function of displaying information, as will be described later.

[0026] Unlike a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, the screen 13 may have no opaque frame around its periphery. Moreover, the screen 13 may not have a light source (e.g., an LED element or an organic EL element) itself, and may display an image projected from the projector 11. This makes the screen 13 cheaper and lighter than a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0027] 3, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with a projector 11. In this example, the projector 11 is attached to the ceiling of the vehicle. However, the position of the projector 11 is not limited to this, and it may be in any position where the projector 11 can irradiate light onto the screen 13.

[0028] Furthermore, the projector 11 does not need to directly irradiate the light onto the screen 13. For example, a mirror 17 may be disposed inside the vehicle 1, and the projector 11 may irradiate the light onto the screen 13 through the mirror 17, as shown in FIG.

[0029] In addition to the above-mentioned screen 13, the vehicle 1 may be provided with a touch panel 12. The touch panel 12 is an example of an information input unit that allows key information, which will be described later, to be input from outside the vehicle 1. The touch panel 12 may be arranged so as to overlap an area of ​​the vehicle 1 where the screen 13 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the screen 13 may be attached to the inside of a side window, for example, and the touch panel 12 may be arranged so as to be able to receive input from the outside of the side window, for example. The touch panel 12 may be built into the window of the vehicle 1.

[0030] A user of the vehicle 1 can view the information displayed on the screen 13 and can input information into the touch panel 12.

[0031] The screen 13 is of a transmissive type. The screen 13 may be, for example, a portable transmissive device in which a high-contrast light control film is enclosed between two pieces of glass. The screen 13 is, for example, opaque when no voltage is applied, and the transparency increases as the applied voltage is increased. Conversely, the screen 13 may be transparent when no voltage is applied, and the transparency decreases as the applied voltage is increased. In either case, the degree to which the screen 13 transmits light (i.e., the transparency) may be variably controlled.

[0032] Since the screen 13 is a transparent type, the vehicle 1 can also receive information input from outside the vehicle 1 by means other than the above-mentioned touch panel 12. For example, a camera (not shown) is installed inside the vehicle 1 near the ceiling. When a user touches the side window from outside the vehicle 1, the camera captures an image of the user's finger movement. The vehicle 1 can acquire the user's input information based on the image captured by the camera. The user's input information may be key information, which will be described later. In other words, a camera installed on the ceiling or the like of the vehicle 1 is an example of an information input unit that can input key information from outside the vehicle 1.

[0033] 1, the vehicle 1 may include a camera 14 that captures an image of the outside of the vehicle 1. The camera 14 is also an example of an information input unit that can input key information from outside the vehicle 1.

[0034] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system 500. The vehicle management system 500 includes a vehicle 1, a management server 2, and a user terminal 3. Note that the car sharing operator may manage the management server 2.

[0035] The vehicle 1 includes a processing unit 10, a projector 11, a touch panel 12, a screen 13, a camera 14, a door 15, and a communication unit 16. The vehicle 1 may include other components such as a memory.

[0036] The processing unit 10 is configured using, for example, a CPU or FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with a memory (not shown). The processing unit 10 may be configured using one or more ECUs. Specifically, the processing unit 10 refers to a program stored in the memory and executes the program to functionally realize a key information matching unit 101 and an authentication processing unit 102.

[0037] The projector 11, touch panel 12, screen 13, camera 14, and door 15 are similar to those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. The communication unit 16 is connected to the management server 2 and the user terminal 3 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0038] The key information matching unit 101 matches the vehicle key information KA described later with the user key information KB described later. The vehicle 1 acquires the key information KA from the management server 2 via the communication unit 16 and stores it in a memory or the like (not shown). The key information KB is input from the information input unit by the user of the vehicle 1. The information input unit is, for example, the touch panel 12, the camera 14, the communication unit 16, or a camera or microphone (not shown). The algorithm used to match the key information may be a conventional technique, and will not be described here. If the matching between the key information KA and the key information KB is successful, the processing unit 10 unlocks or locks the door 15 of the vehicle 1, assuming that the key information KB satisfies the normal user authentication conditions.

[0039] The authentication processing unit 102 performs user authentication processing using information other than the key information KA and KB. The user authentication processing performed by the authentication processing unit 102 may be based on information indicating the physical characteristics of the user of the vehicle 1. The user authentication processing performed by the authentication processing unit 102 may be based on the user's biometric information acquired by a camera (such as the camera 14 or a camera installed on the ceiling of the vehicle 1) equipped in the vehicle 1. The user authentication processing may be, for example, face authentication based on the user's face information acquired by a camera equipped in the vehicle 1, iris authentication based on the user's iris information, vein authentication based on the user's vein information, or fingerprint authentication based on the user's fingerprint information. The user authentication processing performed by the authentication processing unit 102 may be based on information such as the user's voice acquired by a microphone (not shown) equipped in the vehicle 1. The user authentication processing may be, for example, voice authentication.

[0040] The user authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit 102 may be based on information indicating a communication connection state between the vehicle 1 and a user terminal 3, which is a device owned by the user of the vehicle 1. The communication connection state between the user terminal 3 and the vehicle 1 may be information indicating whether or not a communication connection such as Wifi (registered trademark) is established with a communication quality equal to or higher than a predetermined level between the processing unit 10 and the user terminal 3. The communication connection state between the user terminal 3 and the vehicle 1 may be information indicating whether or not an interconnection relationship such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing is established. Note that the connection setting such as Wifi (registered trademark) between the processing unit 10 and the user terminal 3 and the pairing setting of Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be performed in advance or when the user gets into the vehicle 1 the previous time.

[0041] The processing unit 10 may execute both an authentication process based on key information performed by the key information matching unit 101 and an authentication process based on information other than the key information performed by the authentication processing unit 102. That is, the processing unit 10 may lock or unlock the vehicle 1 based on the key information KB input to the information input unit and information indicating physical characteristics of the user of the vehicle 1. To give a more specific example, when the key information matching unit 101 authenticates the user of the vehicle 1 as a legitimate user through authentication process based on the key information KB for the user and the authentication processing unit 102 authenticates the user of the vehicle 1 as a legitimate user through authentication process based on the information indicating the user's physical characteristics, the door 15 of the vehicle 1 is unlocked or locked.

[0042] Furthermore, the processing unit 10 may lock or unlock the vehicle 1 based on the key information KB input to the information input unit and information indicating a communication connection state between the vehicle 1 and a user terminal 3, which is a device owned by the user of the vehicle 1. To give a more specific example, the door 15 of the vehicle 1 is unlocked or locked when the key information matching unit 101 authenticates the user of the vehicle 1 as a legitimate user through authentication processing based on the user's key information KB and when a connection is established between the processing unit 10 and the user terminal 3 by Wifi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like with a predetermined communication quality.

[0043] The management server 2 includes a processing unit 20 and a communication unit 21. The management server 2 may include other components such as a memory. The memory may include a large-capacity storage device.

[0044] The processing unit 20 is configured using, for example, a CPU or FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with a memory (not shown). The processing unit 20 may be configured using one or more GPUs. Specifically, the processing unit 20 refers to a program stored in the memory and executes the program to functionally realize an information registration unit 201, a key information creation unit 202, and a key information matching unit 203.

[0045] The communication unit 21 is connected to the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 3 so as to be able to communicate data therebetween.

[0046] The information registration unit 201 registers information on the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 3 managed by the vehicle management system 500. This information registration process may be performed by a human operator using an input device (not shown) connected to the management server 2. The input device is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 or the user terminal 3 may transmit the necessary registration information to the management server 2, which then receives the registration information and performs the information registration process. The information registration process may be performed using conventional technology, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The key information creation unit 202 creates a pair of key information based on the registration information registered by the information registration process. The pair of key information includes key information KA for the vehicle and key information KB for the user. As already described, the processing unit 10 of the vehicle 1 collates the key information KA with the key information KB to authenticate whether the user of the vehicle 1 is a legitimate user.

[0048] The management server 2 transmits the key information KA created by the key information creation unit 202 to the vehicle 1, and transmits the key information KB created by the key information creation unit 202 to the user terminal 3. The user holding the user terminal 3 inputs the key information KB into an information input unit of the vehicle 1. When this key information KB is input, the vehicle 1 has acquired both the key information KA and the key information KB, and the processing unit 10 (specifically, the key information matching unit 101) can perform a matching process between the key information KA and the key information KB.

[0049] In addition, when the vehicle 1 is parked inside a building, the network connection between the vehicle 1 and the management server 2 may be interrupted, and the vehicle 1 may not be able to receive the key information KA from the management server 2. In such a case, one or more devices that relay data communication may be interposed between the management server 2 and the vehicle 1, so that the vehicle 1 may receive the key information KA. For example, another vehicle may be interposed in the data communication between the management server 2 and the vehicle 1. The other vehicle is in a position where it can communicate with the management server 2. In addition, data communication may be performed between the other vehicle and the vehicle 1 by a communication means such as Wifi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, data is transmitted from the management server 2 to the other vehicle, and the data is further transmitted from the other vehicle to the vehicle 1. Conversely, data is transmitted from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle, and the data is transmitted from the other vehicle to the management server 2. As in this example, by interposing another vehicle between the vehicle 1 and the management server 2, the vehicle 1 can receive the key information KA from the management server 2. The vehicle between the management server 2 and the vehicle 1 is not limited to one vehicle, and may be multiple vehicles. Furthermore, devices other than vehicles that are capable of communicating, such as mobile terminals, may be present between the management server 2 and the vehicle 1. In any case, data communication is performed while ensuring security. Existing communication technology may be used to ensure this security.

[0050] The key information matching unit 203 performs the same process as the key information matching unit 101 of the vehicle 1. The key information KA and key information KB required for matching may be obtained from the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 3, respectively.

[0051] Furthermore, the management server 2 may be a cloud server implemented on a cloud, and it is sufficient that functions similar to those of the above-mentioned management server 2 are implemented on the cloud.

[0052] The user terminal 3 is a terminal held by a user, and may typically be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc. However, the type of the user terminal 3 is not limited to these. The user terminal 3 may be a mobile phone other than a smartphone, for example, a feature phone.

[0053] The user terminal 3 includes a processing unit 30, a storage unit 31, a camera 32, and a communication unit 33.

[0054] The processing unit 30 is configured using, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the storage unit 31. The processing unit 30 refers to a program held in the storage unit 31 and executes the program. The program may be stored in the storage unit 31 as an application.

[0055] The storage unit 31 may include, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory used when executing the processing of the processing unit 30, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program that defines the processing of the processing unit 30. Furthermore, the storage unit 31 may store a program used for the lock management of the present disclosure as a dedicated application.

[0056] The camera 32 can capture an image, and the captured image is stored in the storage unit 31 or the like. The image may be a moving image or a still image. The camera 32 may have a function of image recognition of a two-dimensional code described later.

[0057] The communication unit 33 is connected to the vehicle 1 and the management server 2 so as to be able to communicate data therebetween.

[0058] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, key information KB for the user is transmitted from the management server 2 to the user terminal 3. The transmission of the key information KB may be performed using, for example, a function of email, SMS, an app, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, if the user terminal 3 is a feature phone, the key information KB may be transmitted by voice communication using a telephone function. A user having a feature phone can also obtain the key information KB by listening to the contents of the key information KB read out aloud. The user who has obtained the key information KB can input the key information into the information input unit of the vehicle 1.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a key information creation process performed by the management server 2. The process example will be described on the assumption that information on the vehicle 1 that the user can use has been registered in advance in the management server 2. The processing unit 20 acquires user information from the user terminal 3 (St101). The user information may include personal information such as the user's name, address, and place of work. The information registration unit 201 registers the user information in the management server 2. Specifically, the information registration unit 201 registers the user information in a memory or the like (not shown) of the management server 2.

[0060] The key information creation unit 202 creates key information KA for the vehicle and key information KB for the user (St102) (see FIG. 4). Next, the processing unit 20 transmits the created key information KA for the vehicle to the vehicle 1 (St103). Note that the key information KB for the user is transmitted from the management server 2 to the user terminal 3 after the user has successfully logged in to the dedicated application 311 of the user terminal 3 (see FIG. 7). This is to ensure that only the authorized user can use the vehicle 1.

[0061] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle lock management processing performed by vehicle 1. In this example, a description will be given on the premise that a user who is located away from vehicle 1 unlocks door 15 of vehicle 1 while approaching vehicle 1. In the case where a user who has exited vehicle 1 locks door 15 of vehicle 1 (hereinafter, "when locking"), changes to the processing will be described as appropriate.

[0062] The processing unit 10 judges whether or not the distance between the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 3 is within a certain distance (St201). If this distance is within the predetermined distance (St201: YES), the process proceeds to step St202. If this distance is greater than the predetermined distance (St201: NO), the process returns to step St201. Note that step St201 is not performed when the door is locked.

[0063] In step St202, the processing unit 10 causes the screen 13 to display a welcome message to welcome the user of the vehicle 1. An example of this welcome message is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, "Welcome, Tanaka-san" is displayed on the screen 13. A person skilled in the art can appropriately set what kind of message should be displayed on the screen 13 as the welcome message. Note that step St202 is not performed when the vehicle 1 is locked.

[0064] In step St203, the processing unit 10 displays, on the screen 13, information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. The information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle 1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures.

[0065] Next, the processing unit 10 judges whether or not the key information KB for the user is input to the information input unit (St204). If the key information KB is input, the process proceeds to step St205. If the key information KB is not input, the process returns to step St204.

[0066] In step St205, the processing unit 10 (specifically, the key information matching unit 101) matches the vehicle key information KA with the user key information KB. This matching process may be performed by the key information matching unit 203 of the management server 2 after transmitting necessary information to the management server 2.

[0067] Next, the processing unit 10 judges whether or not the above-mentioned matching of the key information is successful (St206). If the matching of the key information is successful (St206: YES), the process proceeds to step St207. If the matching of the key information is unsuccessful (St206: NO), the process proceeds to step St209.

[0068] In step St209, the processing unit 10 displays an error message such as "Authentication failed" on the screen 13, and the process returns to step St203.

[0069] In step St207, the processing unit 10 controls the door 15 (see FIG. 4) to unlock or lock the door 15.

[0070] In step St208, the processing unit notifies the management server 2 that the door 15 has been unlocked or locked.

[0071] In addition, when the door is locked, an additional display process may be performed after step St207. In the additional display process, the processing unit 10 may display messages such as "Thank you for driving" and "We look forward to seeing you again" on the screen 13.

[0072] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a login process performed by the user terminal 3. This example will be described on the assumption that the user terminal 3 is a smartphone.

[0073] First, the user operates the user terminal 3 to start up the dedicated application 311 (St301).

[0074] The user inputs login information into an input box displayed on the screen of the user terminal 3 (St302). The login information may typically be a character string indicating a user account and a password. The type of login information and the algorithm related to the login may be based on conventional technology.

[0075] The processing unit 30 judges whether the login is successful or not (St303). If the login is successful (St303: YES), the process proceeds to step St304. If the login is unsuccessful (St303: NO), the process returns to step St302.

[0076] If the login is successful (St303: YES), the processing unit 30 enables the use of various functions of the dedicated application 311. These various functions may include functions that only a legitimate user is allowed to execute, such as a function to obtain key information KB for the user and a function to display the contents of the key information KB on the screen of the user terminal 3.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a first information display example on the screen 13 when unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. In the display example shown in Fig. 8, the processing unit 10 displays an input frame for key information KB for the user on the screen 13 as information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. Note that the same applies when the vehicle 1 is locked, so in this example, the case of unlocking the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0078] In the display state 1, the screen 13 displays information indicating options for which unlocking method the user of the vehicle 1 can use. In this example, options that allow the user to select either a digit number (a string of decimal numbers) or a two-dimensional code are displayed on the screen 13. Note that instead of a digit number, an alphabetic character string code or the like may be used as the unlocking method.

[0079] When the user selects a digit number, in display state 2, an input box for the digit number, which is the key information KB, is displayed on the screen 13.

[0080] The user operates the user terminal 3 to start the dedicated application 311 (St301). After logging in to the dedicated application 311 (St304), the user terminal 3 (processing unit 30) acquires key information KB for the user from the management server 2. The key information KB may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 3, or the user may be notified of the key information KB by voice.

[0081] When the user touches an input frame (display state 2) on the screen 13, a numeric keypad for inputting a digit code is displayed on the screen 13 (display state 3). The user's input to the screen 13 may be detected, for example, by the touch panel 12. The user touches the displayed numeric keypad to input, for example, a six-digit digit code.

[0082] When the input of the digit code, which is the key information KB, is completed, the processing unit 10 (specifically, the key information matching unit 101), which has acquired this key information KB via an information input unit (in this example, the touch panel 12), matches the already acquired key information KA with the newly acquired key information KB (St205).

[0083] If the verification is successful, the processing unit 10 unlocks the door 15 (St207), and information indicating that the door has been unlocked is displayed on the screen 13 (display state 4).

[0084] FIG. 9 is a second information display example on the screen 13 when unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. In the display example shown in FIG. 9, the processing unit 10 displays information for aligning the key information KB for the user on the screen 13 as information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. The key information KB may be a two-dimensional code. However, the key information KB may be information other than the two-dimensional code, such as a barcode or a numeric string. The information for aligning the key information KB may be, for example, an image of a frame indicating where on the screen 13 the two-dimensional code should be held. Note that the same applies to the case of locking the vehicle 1, so in this example, the case of unlocking the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0085] In the display state 1, the screen 13 displays information indicating options for which unlocking method the user of the vehicle 1 can use. In this example, options that allow the user to select either a digit number (a string of decimal numbers) or a two-dimensional code are displayed on the screen 13. Note that instead of a digit number, an alphabetic character string code or the like may be used as the unlocking method.

[0086] When the user selects the two-dimensional code, in display state 2, the screen 13 displays an image of a frame for aligning the two-dimensional code, which is the user's key information KB.

[0087] The user operates the user terminal 3 to start the dedicated application 311 (St301). After logging in to the dedicated application 311 (St304), the user terminal 3 (processing unit 30) acquires key information KB for the user from the management server 2. In this example, the key information KB is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 3 as a two-dimensional code.

[0088] The user holds the user terminal 3, on which the two-dimensional code is displayed, over the screen 13. At this time, the user adjusts the position of the user terminal 3 so that the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen of the user terminal 3 matches the position of the frame displayed on the screen 13.

[0089] A camera (not shown) disposed inside vehicle 1, which serves as an information input unit, reads the two-dimensional code. Because screen 13 is a transparent type, the camera can read the two-dimensional code through screen 13. While this reading is taking place, information indicating that the two-dimensional code is being read is displayed on screen 13 (display state 3).

[0090] When reading of the two-dimensional code, which is the key information KB, is completed, the processing unit 10 (key information matching unit 101), which has acquired this key information KB via an information input unit (in this example, a camera installed in the vehicle 1), matches the already acquired key information KA with the newly acquired key information KB (St205).

[0091] If the verification is successful, the processing unit 10 unlocks the door 15 (St207), and information indicating that the door has been unlocked is displayed on the screen 13 (display state 4).

[0092] 1 is used as the information input unit, the user holds the user terminal 3 in front of the camera 14. In this case, as information for aligning the key information KB, for example, message information such as "Please hold your smartphone over the lower left camera" may be displayed on the screen 13.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a third example of information displayed on the screen 13 when unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. In the display example shown in FIG. 10, the processing unit 10 displays information constituting at least a part of the key information KB on the screen 13 as information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle 1. The information constituting at least a part of the key information KB may be a two-dimensional code. However, the information constituting at least a part of the key information KB may be information other than a two-dimensional code, such as a barcode or a numeric string. Note that the same applies when the vehicle 1 is locked, so in this example, the case of unlocking the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0094] In the display state 1, the screen 13 displays information indicating options for which unlocking method the user of the vehicle 1 can use. In this example, options that allow the user to select either a digit number (a string of decimal numbers) or a two-dimensional code are displayed on the screen 13. Note that instead of a digit number, an alphabetic character string code or the like may be used as the unlocking method.

[0095] When the user selects the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the screen 13 in the display state 2. This two-dimensional code is information that constitutes at least a part of the key information KB for the user.

[0096] The user operates the user terminal 3 to start the dedicated application 311 (St301). After logging in to the dedicated application 311 (St304), the user terminal 3 (processing unit 30) starts the camera 32. The user holds the user terminal 3 over the screen 13. The camera 32 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen 13.

[0097] The processing unit 30 generates key information KB for the user using a predetermined algorithm based on the information included in the read two-dimensional code. The predetermined algorithm may be, for example, a challenge-response algorithm in which the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen 13 is used as a challenge and the key information KB is used as a response. The predetermined algorithm is not particularly limited, as it may be any conventional technology.

[0098] The user terminal 3 (processing unit 30) transmits the generated key information KB to the vehicle 1. The processing unit 10 of the vehicle 1 acquires (receives) the key information KB via an information input unit (in this example, the communication unit 16). While this key information is being acquired, information indicating that the key information is being received is displayed on the screen 13 (display state 3).

[0099] When reading of the two-dimensional code, which is the key information KB, is completed, the processing unit 10 (specifically, the key information matching unit 101), which has acquired this key information KB via an information input unit (in this example, the communication unit 16), matches the already acquired key information KA with the newly acquired key information KB (St205).

[0100] If the verification is successful, the processing unit 10 unlocks the door 15 (St207), and information indicating that the door has been unlocked is displayed on the screen 13 (display state 4).

[0101] In the above, an example has been described in which the communication unit 16 functions as the information input unit. However, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the touch panel 12 or the camera may function as the information input unit. In these cases, the key information KB is input to the vehicle 1 by the user touching a side window of the vehicle 1, holding the user terminal 3 in front of the camera 14, or the like.

[0102] (Modification) As shown in FIG. 3, the transmissive screen 13 can display information by irradiating it with light from the projector 11. Instead of providing the projector 11, it is possible to project light from a light source such as an LED onto the screen 13 to display information. For example, by sandwiching an object in the shape of a letter between the light source and the screen 13, it is possible to display information without the projector 11. It is preferable that the shape of the letter is deformable. As another means, it is possible to display information without the projector 11 by projecting light onto the screen 13 from an LED board that can be switched between light-emitting and non-light-emitting areas. By using these means, the projector 11 becomes unnecessary, and information can be displayed on the screen 13 more inexpensively.

[0103] Kerberos authentication may be used as an authentication method for the vehicle 1 to authenticate the user terminal 3 using key information. For example, the management server 2 functions as both an authentication server AS (Authentication Server) and a ticket granting server TGS (Ticket Granting Server). The user terminal 3 is authenticated by the management server 2 using a user ID and password, and obtains a ticket from the management server 2 serving as the ticket granting server TGS. The user terminal 3 inputs the ticket as key information KB into an information input unit of the vehicle 1, and is authenticated by the vehicle 1. Having authenticated the user terminal 3, the vehicle 1 unlocks or locks the door 15.

[0104] As described above, the vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a transmissive screen, an information input unit that can input key information from outside the vehicle, and a processing unit that unlocks or locks the vehicle when the key information satisfies the authorized user authentication conditions, and the processing unit displays information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle on the screen, thereby allowing an authorized user who does not have a key for unlocking or locking the vehicle to unlock or lock the vehicle.

[0105] The processing unit displays an input frame for key information on the screen, which allows the user to input key information such as a digit code from outside the vehicle.

[0106] The processing unit displays information for aligning the key information on the screen. The key information may be a two-dimensional code. This allows the user to input the key information displayed in the form of a two-dimensional code or the like from outside the vehicle.

[0107] The processing unit displays information constituting at least a part of the key information on the screen. The information constituting at least a part of the key information may be a two-dimensional code. This allows a user to read the information such as the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen with a user terminal and generate key information based on this information.

[0108] The screen is provided on a vehicle window, whereby the transparent screen does not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the window and information can be displayed on the window.

[0109] A screen is provided on the driver's side window of the vehicle, making it easier for the driver user to unlock or lock the door.

[0110] The processing unit causes the screen to display a welcome message to welcome the user of the vehicle. This makes it possible to welcome the user who is about to use the vehicle and to guide the user to a place where the vehicle lock is to be unlocked.

[0111] The processing unit causes the screen to display a welcome message to welcome the user of the vehicle on the basis of the relative distance between the device owned by the user of the vehicle and the vehicle. This allows the welcome message to be displayed when the user approaches the vehicle, for example, and also allows the user who approaches the vehicle to be guided to a location where the lock is to be unlocked.

[0112] The processing unit unlocks or locks the vehicle based on the key information input to the information input unit and the information indicating the physical characteristics of the vehicle user. This allows authentication based on the key information and authentication based on the information indicating the physical characteristics to be used together, making vehicle lock management safer.

[0113] The processing unit unlocks or locks the vehicle based on the key information input to the information input unit and information indicating the communication connection state between the device owned by the vehicle user and the vehicle. This makes it possible to use both authentication based on the key information and authentication based on the information indicating the communication connection state between the user terminal and the vehicle, making vehicle lock management safer.

[0114] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful for a vehicle, a vehicle lock management system, and a vehicle lock management method that enable an authorized user who does not have a key for unlocking or locking the vehicle to unlock or lock the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 vehicle 2 Management Server 3. User terminal 10 Processing section 11 Projector 12 Touch Panel 13 Screens 14 Camera 15 Doors 16 Communications Department 17. Mirror 20 Processing section 21 Communications Department 30 Processing section 31 Storage section 311 Dedicated App 32 Camera 33 Communications Department 101 Key information matching unit 102 Authentication processing unit 201 Information Registration Department 202 Key Information Creation Department 203 Key information matching unit 500 Vehicle Management System

Claims

1. A transparent screen, an information input unit capable of inputting user key information from outside the vehicle; a processing unit that unlocks or locks the vehicle when the user key information satisfies a normal user authentication condition, Vehicle key information and information constituting at least a part of the user key information are transmitted from a management server to the vehicle; When a distance between the vehicle and a device owned by a user of the vehicle other than a physical key is within a predetermined distance, the processing unit displays, on the screen, information constituting at least a part of the user key information as information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle, the information input unit receives, from the device owned by the user of the vehicle, the user key information generated based on information constituting at least a part of the user key information displayed on the screen, the processing unit compares the vehicle key information with the user key information input to the information input unit, and when the normal user authentication condition is satisfied, unlocks or locks the vehicle. vehicle.

2. The information constituting at least a part of the user key information to be displayed is a two-dimensional code.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

3. The screen and the touch panel are provided on a window of the vehicle, a camera is mounted on the vehicle's framework near the window; A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The screen and the touch panel are provided on a driver's seat side window of the vehicle, A camera is mounted on the vehicle framework near the driver's side window.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The processing unit causes the screen to display a welcome message to welcome the user of the vehicle. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When a distance between the vehicle and a device owned by the user of the vehicle other than a physical key is within a predetermined distance, or when the processing unit detects that a person has approached the vehicle, the processing unit causes the screen to display a welcome message welcoming the user of the vehicle to board the vehicle.

6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5.

7. The processing unit locks or unlocks the vehicle based on the user key information input to the information input unit and information indicating physical characteristics of the user of the vehicle, The information indicating the physical characteristics of the user of the vehicle is at least one of information such as face information of the user, iris information of the user, vein information of the user, fingerprint information of the user, and a real voice of the user. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The processing unit includes: The user key information input to the information input unit; information indicating a communication connection state between the device owned by the user of the vehicle and the vehicle, the device being different from a physical key; and unlocking or locking the vehicle based on the A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The information indicating a communication connection state between the device owned by the user of the vehicle other than the physical key and the vehicle is information indicating whether a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication connection has been established between the vehicle and the device, or information indicating whether a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interconnection relationship has been established between the vehicle and the device.

9. The vehicle of claim 8.

10. A management server transmits vehicle key information and information constituting at least a part of user key information to a vehicle, When a distance between the vehicle and a device owned by a user of the vehicle other than a physical key is within a predetermined distance, information constituting at least a part of the user key information is displayed on a transparent screen equipped in the vehicle as information related to unlocking or locking the vehicle; The vehicle receives, from the device owned by the user of the vehicle, the user key information generated based on information constituting at least a part of the user key information displayed on the screen of the device, the vehicle compares the vehicle key information with the user key information input from the device, and unlocks or locks the vehicle if a proper user authentication condition is met; How to manage vehicle locks.

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