Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and program

Abstract

To avoid a situation where traveling of a vehicle is started while unlocking of steering is insufficient.SOLUTION: A vehicle control device 10 includes a vehicle start control unit 26 which: executes unlock processing for causing a steering lock control unit 22 to actuate a steering lock mechanism to attain a steering unlock state when operation for starting traveling of a vehicle 1 is recognized in a non-travelable mode; causes the vehicle 1 to transition to a travelable mode allowing traveling when a steering unlock recognition unit 23 recognizes that the steering unlock state is attained by execution of the unlock processing; and prohibits transition to the travelable mode to maintain the vehicle 1 in the non-travelable mode when the steering unlock recognition unit 23 does not recognize that the steering unlock state is attained, although the unlock processing is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with a steering lock mechanism for theft prevention, and a configuration has been proposed to deal with erroneous detection of an unlocked state in which a lock member of the steering lock mechanism is in an unlocked position. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a configuration that prevents erroneous detection due to the generation of a unipolar (north or south pole) electromagnetic field from the outside by providing a first magnetic detection element that switches from an ON state to an OFF state when the locking member moves to the unlocked position, and a second magnetic detection element that switches from an OFF state to an ON state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-248899 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-025269 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the steering wheel is locked by the steering lock mechanism and a user in the vehicle starts the vehicle, it is necessary to unlock the steering wheel to enable driving the vehicle. However, the inventors of the present application have found that when the steering lock mechanism is operated to unlock the steering wheel, the steering wheel may not be fully unlocked. In this way, when the steering wheel is not fully unlocked, it is necessary to prevent the vehicle from starting to move. Therefore, an object of the present application is to prevent the vehicle from starting to move in a state in which the steering lock is not fully released. The present application aims to improve safety in order to solve the above problems, and by extension, to further improve traffic safety and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As a first aspect for achieving the above object, a vehicle control device is provided that is mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, the vehicle control device comprising: a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated; a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is unlocked; a running start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle; and a vehicle start control unit that, in a running disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be run, executes an unlock process that activates the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit to set the vehicle in the steering unlocked state when an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle is recognized by the running start operation recognition unit, transitions the vehicle to a running enabled mode in which the vehicle can be run when the steering unlock recognition unit recognizes that the steering has been unlocked as a result of the execution of the unlock process, and, when the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has been unlocked despite the execution of the unlock process, prohibits transition to the running enabled mode and maintains the vehicle in the running disabled mode. and a remote operation receiving unit that receives a remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal, wherein the vehicle start control unit executes a remote start process that maintains the driving disabled mode and sets a drive source provided in the vehicle to an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is received by the remote operation receiving unit in the driving disabled mode. Examples include vehicle control devices.

[0007] In the above vehicle control device, the vehicle start control unit may be configured to, when the driving disabled mode is maintained by the remote start processing and the drive source is in an operating state, issue a notification via an alarm unit provided in the vehicle to prompt the user to perform an operation to start driving the vehicle.

[0008] The above vehicle control device may be configured to include a driving end operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation to end the driving of the vehicle, and the vehicle start control unit may be configured to maintain the vehicle in the driving enabled mode after transitioning from the non-driving mode to the driving enabled mode until an operation to end the driving of the vehicle is recognized by the driving end operation recognition unit.

[0009] In the above vehicle control device, the vehicle start-up control unit may be configured to, when the unlocking process is executed but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has been unlocked, issue a notification via a notification unit provided in the vehicle to prompt the user to perform an operation to unlock the steering.

[0010] In the above vehicle control device, a user authentication unit is provided which authenticates whether or not a registered specific user is in the vehicle, and the vehicle start control unit may be configured to execute a process to unlock the steering when the user authentication unit authenticates that the specific user is in the vehicle in a case where the unlocking process has been executed but the steering unlock recognition unit has not recognized that the steering has become unlocked.

[0011] As a second aspect for achieving the above object, there is provided a method for controlling a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, which is executed by a computer, comprising: a steering lock control step of activating the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated; a steering unlock recognition step of recognizing that the steering is unlocked; a running start operation recognition step of recognizing an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle; and a vehicle startup control step of executing an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism in order to set the vehicle in the steering unlocked state when an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle is recognized in the running start operation recognition step in a running disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be run, transitioning the vehicle to a running enabled mode in which the vehicle can be run when it is recognized in the steering unlock recognition step that the steering has been unlocked as a result of the execution of the unlock process, and, when the steering unlock recognition step has not recognized that the steering has been unlocked despite the execution of the unlock process, prohibiting transition to the running enabled mode and maintaining the vehicle in the running disabled mode. and a remote operation receiving step of receiving a remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal, wherein the vehicle start control step executes a remote start process for maintaining the traveling disabled mode and setting a drive source provided in the vehicle to an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is received in the traveling disabled mode by the remote operation receiving step. A vehicle control method is also provided.

[0012] As a third aspect for achieving the above object, a computer mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism includes a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated, a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is in the unlocked state, and a running start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle, and a vehicle start control unit that executes an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit to set the steering in the unlocked state when an operation of the vehicle to start running of the vehicle is recognized by the running start operation recognition unit in a running disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be run, transitions the vehicle to a running enabled mode in which the vehicle can be run, and when the steering unlock recognition unit has executed the unlock process but has not recognized that the steering unlocked state has been entered, prohibits transition to the running enabled mode and maintains the vehicle in the running disabled mode. a remote operation receiving unit that receives a remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal; , functioning as The vehicle start control unit executes a remote start process for maintaining the driving disabled mode and putting a drive source provided in the vehicle into an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is accepted by the remote operation acceptance unit in the driving disabled mode. Programs include: Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the above vehicle control device, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from starting to travel in a state in which the steering is not fully unlocked. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle control device and a vehicle on which the vehicle control device is mounted. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a first flowchart of the vehicle startup response process. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a second flowchart of the vehicle startup response process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart when the steering unlock process is completed normally. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart for when the steering unlock process is not completed normally. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] [1. Configuration of the vehicle control device] The configuration of a vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle control device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 and controls the operation of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control device 10 is connected to a communication unit 40, a display unit 41, an in-vehicle camera 42, an SS switch (start-stop switch) 43, a drive source 50, an air conditioner 51, an ESL (Electrical Steering Lock) 70, and a steering sensor 61, which are provided in the vehicle.

[0016] The vehicle control device 10 wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal 90 used by a user U of the vehicle 1 through the communication unit 40. The wireless communication is performed, for example, according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication standard. The communication terminal 90 is a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet terminal on which a remote control app (application program) for the vehicle 1 is installed, or a portable key (FOB key) having a function for remotely controlling the vehicle 1, or the like.

[0017] The display unit 41 is, for example, a touch panel. The in-vehicle camera 42 photographs the interior of the vehicle 1. The SS switch 43 is an operation switch for instructing the starting (IG (ignition) on, power on) and stopping (IG off, power off) of the vehicle 1. The drive source 50 is an engine if the vehicle 1 is an engine vehicle, and is a battery if the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle. Also, it is an engine and a battery if the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle. The air conditioner 51 conditions the air in the interior of the vehicle 1. The steering sensor 61 detects the amount of operation of the steering wheel 60.

[0018] An image captured by the in-vehicle camera 42, an operation signal SSs of the SS switch 43, and a detection signal of the steering sensor 61 are input to the vehicle control device 10. In addition, the operation of the drive source 50 and the air conditioner 51 is controlled by a control signal output from the vehicle control device 10.

[0019] The ESL unit 70 has a steering lock mechanism that displaces a lock member (not shown) by an electric motor 71 to set the steering locked state in which operation of the steering wheel 60 is disabled. The ESL unit 70 includes a first motor power supply circuit 76 for operating the electric motor 71, a second motor power supply circuit 77, an unlock circuit 72, a lock circuit 73, and a CPU 78.

[0020] In response to input of a lock instruction signal Rc1 from the CPU 78, the lock circuit 73 sets, by a relay circuit (not shown), the direction of current supply to the electric motor 71 in a direction in which the lock member is displaced by operation of the electric motor 71 toward a position where the steering 60 is locked by the electric motor 71. In response to input of an unlock instruction signal Rc2 from the CPU 78, the unlock circuit 72 sets, by a relay circuit (not shown), the direction of current supply to the electric motor 71 in a direction in which the lock member is displaced by operation of the electric motor 71 toward a position where the steering 60 is unlocked by the electric motor 71.

[0021] The first motor power supply circuit 76 switches the connection between the motor power supply Vb and the lock circuit 73 between a conductive state and a cut-off state depending on whether or not an IG control signal IGc is input from the vehicle control device 10. When the IG control signal IGc is input, the first motor power supply circuit 76 cuts off the connection between the motor power supply Vb and the lock circuit 73. This prohibits the lock circuit 73 from entering a steering lock state. On the other hand, when the IG control signal IGc is not input, the first motor power supply circuit 76 places the connection between the motor power supply Vb and the lock circuit 73 in a conductive state, enabling the steering to be locked.

[0022] The second motor power supply circuit 77 switches the connection between the unlock circuit 72 and the lock circuit 73 and ground (the negative potential part of the motor power supply Vb) between a conductive state and a cut-off state depending on whether or not a motor control signal MTc is input from the vehicle control device 10. When the motor control signal MTc is input, the second motor power supply circuit 77 sets the connection between the unlock circuit 72 and the lock circuit 73 and ground to a conductive state, enabling the electric motor 71 to operate. On the other hand, when the motor control signal MTc is not input, the second motor power supply circuit 77 sets the connection between the unlock circuit 72 and the lock circuit 73 and ground to a cut-off state, disabling the operation of the electric motor 71.

[0023] When a lock request signal LKc is input from the vehicle control device 10, the CPU 78 inputs a lock instruction signal Rc1 to the lock circuit 73 to operate the electric motor 71, thereby establishing a steering lock state. When an unlock request signal UKc is input from the vehicle control device 10, the CPU 78 inputs an unlock instruction signal Rc2 to the unlock circuit 72 to operate the electric motor 71, thereby establishing a steering unlock state.

[0024] Furthermore, the ESL unit 70 includes an unlock sensor 74 which detects that the lock member has been displaced to the unlock position to enter a steering unlocked state and outputs a detection signal Ms1 to the CPU 78, and a lock sensor 75 which detects that the lock member has been displaced to the locked position to enter a steering locked state and outputs a detection signal Ms2 to the CPU 78. When the detection signal Ms1 from the unlock sensor 74 is input, the CPU 78 inputs an unlock detection signal UKs to the vehicle control device 10, and when the detection signal Ms2 from the lock sensor 75 is input, the CPU 78 inputs a lock detection signal LKs to the vehicle control device 10.

[0025] In this way, basically, the steering 60 is switched to a steering locked state or a steering unlocked state by the ESL unit 70. However, when the locking member is displaced to the unlocked position by the electric motor 71, the displacement of the locking member may be hindered due to interference between the locking member and other members, etc., and the locking member may enter an indefinite state where it stops halfway between the locked and unlocked positions. In this case, neither the detection signal Ms1 of the unlock sensor 74 nor the detection signal Ms2 of the lock sensor 75 is output (indefinite state).

[0026] The vehicle control device 10 is a control unit including a processor 20, a memory 30, an interface circuit (not shown), and the like. The processor 20 corresponds to the computer of the present disclosure. A program 31 for controlling the vehicle control device 10 is stored in the memory 30. The program 31 may be transmitted to the vehicle 1 from an external server and stored in the memory 30 by the vehicle control device 10. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 10 may read the program 31 stored in a non-transitory recording medium (magnetic disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, flash memory, etc.) and store it in the memory 30.

[0027] The processor 20 reads and executes the program 31 to function as a remote operation reception unit 21, a steering lock control unit 22, a steering unlock recognition unit 23, a driving start operation recognition unit 24, a driving end operation recognition unit 25, a vehicle start control unit 26, and a user authentication unit 27. The process executed by the steering lock control unit 22 corresponds to a steering control step in the vehicle control method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the steering unlock recognition unit 23 corresponds to a steering unlock recognition step in the vehicle control method of the present disclosure. The process executed by the driving start operation recognition unit 24 corresponds to a driving start operation recognition step in the vehicle control method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the vehicle start control unit 26 corresponds to a vehicle start control step in the vehicle control method of the present disclosure.

[0028] The remote operation reception unit 21 receives operation instruction information for the vehicle 1 transmitted from the communication terminal 90 via the communication unit 40, thereby receiving remote operation of the vehicle 1 by the user U. The user U can remotely issue instructions for starting the vehicle 1, operating the air conditioner 51, etc.

[0029] The steering lock control unit 22 switches between a steering locked state and a steering unlocked state by controlling the output of an IG control signal IGc, a motor control signal MTc, a lock request signal LKc, and an unlock request signal UKc to the ESL unit 70. The steering unlock recognizing unit 23 recognizes the steering unlocked state based on an unlock detection signal UKs output from the ESL unit 70, and recognizes the steering locked state based on a lock detection signal LKs output from the ESL unit 70.

[0030] The travel start operation recognition unit 24 recognizes the travel start operation by the SS switch 43 based on the operation signal of the SS switch 43, and the travel end operation recognition unit 25 recognizes the travel end operation by the SS switch 43 based on the operation signal SSs of the SS switch 43. The vehicle start control unit 26 executes processing related to the start of the vehicle 1 in response to the start instruction of the vehicle 1 from the remote operation acceptance unit 21 and the driving start operation by the SS switch 43 recognized by the travel start operation recognition unit 24.

[0031] The user authentication unit 27 verifies that the user U who has boarded the vehicle 1 is a specific user registered in association with the vehicle 1 by comparing the identification information transmitted from the communication terminal 90 with the registration information of the user of the vehicle 1 stored in the memory 30. Alternatively, the user authentication unit 27 verifies that the user U is specific by comparing a facial image of the user U who has boarded the vehicle 1, taken by the in-vehicle camera 42, with the facial image of the specific user stored in the memory 30.

[0032] [2. Vehicle startup response processing] The vehicle startup response process executed by the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0033] Due to the loop of steps S1 and S2 in Figure 2, when the steering unlock recognition unit 23 recognizes that the steering is locked (the vehicle is in a driving disabled mode) in step S1 and the remote operation reception unit 21 receives an operation to start the vehicle 1 by the communication terminal 90 in step S2, the vehicle start control unit 26 advances the process to step S3.

[0034] In step S3, the vehicle start control unit 26 starts the driving source 50, and puts the vehicle 1 into an IG on state (remotely started state) by the communication terminal 90. In the IG on state by the communication terminal 90, the vehicle start control unit 26 turns on the power supply of the vehicle 1, and starts the engine if the driving source 50 is an engine. In the IG on state by the communication terminal 90, the user U can operate the communication terminal 90 to instruct the air conditioner 51 to start and stop, etc.

[0035] In the next step S4, the user authentication unit 27 determines whether the user U who boarded the vehicle 1 is a specific user, and proceeds to step S5 when the user U is authenticated as a specific user. In step S5, the vehicle start control unit 26 displays on the display 41 a screen notifying the user that the IG is on by the communication terminal 90, as shown in balloon B1, and prompting the user to switch to the normal IG on state by operating the SS switch 43.

[0036] In the next step S6, when the driving start operation recognition unit 24 recognizes the operation of the SS switch 43 (driving start operation), the vehicle start control unit 26 advances the process to step S7. In step S7, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs an unlock request signal LKc to the ESL unit 70 to request switching to the unlocked state. In the following step S8, the vehicle start control unit 26 starts an operation determination timer.

[0037] By the loop of the next steps S9 and S20, the vehicle start control unit 26 determines in S9 whether or not the steering unlock recognizing unit 23 recognizes that the steering has been unlocked before the operation determination timer expires in S20. Then, when the steering unlock recognizing unit 23 recognizes in S9 that the steering has been locked, the vehicle start control unit 26 advances the process to S10.

[0038] In step S10, the vehicle start control unit 26 transitions the vehicle 1 from the non-traveling mode to the travelling mode, making it possible for the user U to drive the vehicle 1. In the travelling mode, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs an IG control signal IGc to the ESL unit 70 to prohibit the steering from being locked. Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 stops traveling and the operation of the SS switch 43 (travel end instruction operation) is recognized by the travel end operation recognition unit 25, the vehicle start control unit 26 ends the output of the IG control signal IGc to the ESL unit 70. Then, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs a lock request signal LKc to the ESL unit 70 to lock the steering, and transitions the vehicle 1 from the travelling mode to the non-travelling mode.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing, on the time axis t, the timing of the IG on operation by the communication terminal 90, the IG on operation by the SS switch 43, the transition between the IG on state and the IG off state, and the transition between the locked state and the unlocked state of the steering wheel 60 by the ESL unit 70, in a situation in which switching from the steering locked state to the steering unlocked state is completed normally and the vehicle 1 transitions from the non-driving mode to the driving mode.

[0040] 4, when the IG ON operation by the communication terminal 90 is recognized by the remote operation reception unit 21, the vehicle start control unit 26 switches the vehicle 1 from the IG OFF state to the IG ON state by the communication terminal. After that, when the IG ON operation by the SS switch 43 is recognized by the driving start operation recognition unit 24 at t12, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs an unlock request signal UKc to the ESL unit 70.

[0041] In the ESL unit 70 to which the unlock request signal UKc has been input, the electric motor 71 starts to displace the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position (denoted as "operating" in FIG. 4), and at t13, the steering unlock recognizing unit 23 recognizes that the locking member has been displaced to the unlocked position and has entered the steering unlocked state. This normally completes the transition from the steering state to the steering unlocked state, and the vehicle 1 transitions from the non-traveling mode to the traveling mode.

[0042] On the other hand, when the activation determination timer times out in step S20, that is, when the steering unlock recognition unit 23 does not recognize that the lock member has been displaced to the unlock position and entered the unlocked state before the set time of the activation determination timer has elapsed, the vehicle start control unit 26 proceeds to step S21 in Figure 3.

[0043] In step S21, the vehicle start control unit 26 sets the vehicle 1 to the IG off state. In the next step S22, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs a lock request signal LKc to the ESL unit 70 to set the steering lock state, and in the following step S23, the vehicle 1 is maintained in the driving disabled mode. This prevents the vehicle 1 from starting to drive without being able to recognize that the steering has been unlocked.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing, on the time axis t, the timing of the IG on operation by the communication terminal 90, the IG on operation by the SS switch 43, the transition between the IG on state and the IG off state, and the transition between the locked state and the unlocked state of the steering wheel 60 in a situation where the steering wheel is maintained in a locked state because it was not possible to recognize that the steering wheel had become unlocked.

[0045] 5, when the IG ON operation by the communication terminal 90 is recognized by the remote operation acceptance unit 21, the vehicle start control unit 26 switches the vehicle 1 from the IG OFF state to the IG ON state by the communication terminal. After that, when the IG ON operation by the SS switch 43 is recognized by the driving start operation recognition unit 24 at t22, the vehicle start control unit 26 outputs an unlock request signal UKc to the ESL unit 70.

[0046] In the ESL unit 70 to which the unlock request signal UKc has been input, the electric motor 71 starts to move the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position (denoted as "operating" in FIG. 5), but an indeterminate state continues in which the steering unlock recognition unit 23 does not recognize that the lock member has reached the unlocked position. Therefore, the vehicle start control unit 26 puts the vehicle 1 into the IG off state at t23, and inputs a lock request signal LKc to the ESL unit 70 at t24.

[0047] In the ESL unit 70 to which the lock request signal LKc has been input, the electric motor 71 starts to displace the lock member to the locked position (indicated as "operating" in FIG. 5), and at t25, the steering unlock recognition unit 23 recognizes that the lock member has reached the locked position. This causes the vehicle to enter a driving disabled mode in which the user U cannot operate the steering wheel 60, and prevents the vehicle 1 from starting to drive in a state in which it cannot be recognized that the steering wheel 60 is unlocked.

[0048] 3, the vehicle start control unit 26 causes the display unit 41 to display a screen that prompts the user to move the steering wheel 60 left or right, as shown in speech bubble B2. In response to this notification, the user U moves the steering wheel 60 left or right, which is expected to resolve the interference between the locking member and other members and return the locking member to a state in which it can be displaced to the unlocked position.

[0049] In the following step S25, when the vehicle start control unit 26 recognizes the operation of the steering wheel 60 based on the detection signal STs of the steering sensor 61, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. 2 and executes the process of unlocking the steering wheel 60 again.

[0050] 3. Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the driving start operation recognition unit 24 recognizes the driving start operation by the user U based on the operation signal SSs of the SS switch 43. In other embodiments, the driving start operation may be recognized by recognizing the operation of an operation unit such as the steering wheel 60 provided in the vehicle 1, a shift lever (not shown), an accelerator pedal, or a brake pedal, a voice command from the user U, or a command gesture from the user U.

[0051] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle start control unit 26 is unable to recognize that the steering wheel 60 has been unlocked in the processing of steps S9 and S20 in FIG. 2, the vehicle start control unit 26 places the vehicle 1 in the IG off state in step S21 in FIG. 3, and then sends a lock request to the ESL unit 70 in step S22. However, the processing of placing the vehicle 1 in the IG off state in step S21 may be omitted.

[0052] In the above embodiment, if the unlocking of the steering wheel 60 is not recognized in the processing of steps S9 and S20 in Fig. 3, a notification is given to the user U in steps S23 and S24 in Fig. 4 to prompt the user U to perform an operation to unlock the steering wheel 60. As another embodiment, the vehicle start control unit 26 may execute processing to unlock the steering wheel 60 on the condition that the user U is authenticated as a specific user in step S4 in Fig. 2. As the processing to unlock the steering wheel 60, for example, an unlock request signal UKc may be input to the ESL unit 70 to cause the ESL unit 70 to execute the unlocking processing again.

[0053] Alternatively, the vehicle start control unit 26 may automatically execute the process of locking and unlocking the steering wheel 60 by the ESL unit 70, and may retry unlocking the steering wheel 60. In addition, the vehicle start control unit 26 may execute the process of locking and unlocking the steering wheel 60 by the ESL unit 70 when the IG is turned on by operating the SS switch 43 again after the IG is turned off by operating the SS switch 43.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the IG ON operation by the communication terminal 90 is accepted by the remote operation acceptance unit 21, and the vehicle 1 is put into the IG ON state by the vehicle start control unit 26. As another embodiment, even if the user U gets into the vehicle 1 without performing the IG ON operation by the communication terminal 90, and performs the IG ON operation by the SS switch 43, by executing the process from step S7 in Fig. 2, it is possible to prevent the vehicle 1 from starting to travel in a situation in which it cannot be confirmed that the steering wheel 60 is in the unlocked state.

[0055] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle control device 10 divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the vehicle control device 10 may be divided in other ways. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing of each component shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 may be executed by one program or by multiple programs.

[0056] [4. Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment is a specific example of the following configuration.

[0057] (Configuration 1) A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, the vehicle control device comprising: a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated; a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is in the unlocked state; a driving start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation of the vehicle to start driving of the vehicle; and a vehicle start control unit that, when in a driving disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be driven, recognizes an operation of the vehicle to start driving of the vehicle by the driving start operation recognition unit, executes an unlock process that activates the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit to bring the vehicle into the steering unlocked state, and when the steering unlock recognition unit recognizes that the steering unlocked state has been entered as a result of the execution of the unlock process, transitions the vehicle to a driving enabled mode in which driving is possible, and when the unlock process has been executed but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering unlocked state has been entered, prohibits transition to the driving enabled mode and maintains the vehicle in the driving disabled mode. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 1, in a situation where the steering unlocked state is not recognized and the steering lock is not fully released, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from transitioning from a non-driving mode to a driving mode and starting to drive.

[0058] (Configuration 2) A vehicle control device as described in Configuration 1, comprising a remote operation receiving unit that receives remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal, and when a start operation of the vehicle is received by the remote operation receiving unit in the non-driving mode, the vehicle start control unit executes a remote start process that maintains the non-driving mode and brings a driving source provided in the vehicle into an operating state. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 2, the drive source of the vehicle is activated by remote control, and when the user who performed the remote control is away from the vehicle, the steering of the vehicle is kept locked, thereby preventing the vehicle from being stolen.

[0059] (Configuration 3) A vehicle control device as described in Configuration 2, wherein the vehicle start control unit, when the driving disabled mode is maintained by the remote start processing and the driving source is in an operating state, issues a notification via an alarm unit provided in the vehicle to prompt the user to perform an operation to start driving the vehicle. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 3, a user who is in a vehicle in a non-driving mode and whose drive source is in an operating state can be prompted to perform an operation to start driving the vehicle, thereby making the vehicle capable of being driven.

[0060] (Configuration 4) A vehicle control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a driving end operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation to end the driving of the vehicle, and the vehicle start control unit maintains the vehicle in the driving enabled mode after transitioning from the driving disabled mode to the driving enabled mode until an operation to end the driving of the vehicle is recognized by the driving end operation recognition unit. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 4, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being switched to the driving disabled mode while the vehicle is driving.

[0061] (Configuration 5) A vehicle control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle start control unit, when the unlocking process is executed but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has become unlocked, issues a notification via an alarm unit provided in the vehicle to prompt the user to perform an operation to unlock the steering. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 5, if the steering lock is not released by the unlocking process, the vehicle user can be prompted to perform a manual operation or the like to release the steering lock, thereby unlocking the steering lock.

[0062] (Configuration 6) A vehicle control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a user authentication unit that authenticates whether or not a registered specific user is in the vehicle, and when the vehicle start control unit executes the unlocking process but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has become unlocked, and when the user authentication unit authenticates that the specific user is in the vehicle, it executes a process to unlock the steering. According to the vehicle control device of configuration 6, when it is authenticated that a specific user is in the vehicle and it is determined that there is no risk of the vehicle being stolen, a process for unlocking the steering wheel is executed, thereby eliminating the need for the specific user to perform manual operations, etc., to unlock the steering wheel, thereby reducing the burden on the specific user.

[0063] (Configuration 7) A control method for a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism executed by a computer, the vehicle control method including: a steering lock control step of activating the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated; a steering unlock recognition step of recognizing that the steering is unlocked; a driving start operation recognition step of recognizing an operation of the vehicle to start driving of the vehicle; and a vehicle startup control step of executing an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism in order to bring the vehicle into the steering unlocked state when an operation of the vehicle to start driving of the vehicle is recognized by the driving start operation recognition step in a driving disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be driven, transitioning the vehicle to a driving enabled mode in which driving is enabled when it is recognized by the steering unlock recognition step that the steering has been unlocked as a result of execution of the unlock process, transitioning the vehicle to a driving enabled mode in which driving is enabled, and, when the unlock process has been executed but the steering unlock recognition step does not recognize that the steering has been unlocked, prohibiting transition to the driving enabled mode and maintaining the vehicle in the driving disabled mode. By executing the vehicle control method of aspect 7 by a computer, the same effects as those of the vehicle control device of aspect 1 can be obtained.

[0064] (Configuration 8) A program to cause a computer mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism to function as a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which the steering provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering can be operated, a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is in the unlocked state, a driving start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation to start driving of the vehicle, and a vehicle start control unit that executes an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit to put the vehicle in the unlocked state when an operation to start driving of the vehicle is recognized by the driving start operation recognition unit in a driving disabled mode in which the vehicle cannot be driven, transitions the vehicle to a driving enabled mode in which driving is enabled when the steering unlock recognition unit recognizes that the steering has become in the unlocked state as a result of the execution of the unlock process, and prohibits transition to the driving enabled mode and maintains the vehicle in the driving disabled mode when the unlock process has been executed but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has become in the unlocked state. The vehicle control device of configuration 1 can be realized by executing the program of configuration 8 by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1...vehicle, 10...vehicle control device, 20...processor, 21...remote operation reception unit, 22...steering lock control unit, 23...steering unlock recognition unit, 24...driving start operation recognition unit, 25...driving end operation recognition unit, 26...vehicle start control unit, 27...user authentication unit, 30...memory, 31...program, 40...communication unit, 41...display unit, 42...in-vehicle camera, 43...SS switch, 50...driving source, 51...air conditioning unit, 60...steering, 61...steering sensor, 70...ESL unit, 74...lock sensor, 75...unlock sensor, 90...communication terminal, U...user.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering wheel provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering wheel can be operated; a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is unlocked; a running start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation for starting running of the vehicle in the vehicle; a vehicle start control unit that, when in a non-traveling mode in which the vehicle is unable to travel, and when an operation for starting travel of the vehicle is recognized by the travel start operation recognition unit, executes an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit in order to bring the vehicle into the steering unlocked state, and when the steering unlock recognition unit recognizes that the steering has become the steering unlocked state as a result of the execution of the unlock process, transitions the vehicle to a travelable mode in which the vehicle is able to travel, and prohibits transition to the travelable mode and maintains the vehicle in the non-traveling mode, when the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has become the steering unlocked state despite the execution of the unlock process; a remote operation reception unit that receives a remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal, The vehicle start control unit executes a remote start process for maintaining the driving disabled mode and putting a drive source provided in the vehicle into an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is accepted by the remote operation acceptance unit in the driving disabled mode. Vehicle control device.

2. The vehicle start control unit issues a notification, by a notification unit provided in the vehicle, to prompt an operation for starting the vehicle from running when the driving disabled mode is maintained by the remote start process and the driving source is in an operating state. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

3. A driving end operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation for ending driving of the vehicle in the vehicle, After transitioning the vehicle from the non-traveling mode to the travelling mode, the vehicle start control unit maintains the vehicle in the travelling mode until an operation for terminating the travel of the vehicle is recognized by the travel termination operation recognition unit. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the unlock process is executed but the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering is in the unlocked state, the vehicle start control unit issues a notification to prompt an operation to unlock the steering by a notification unit provided in the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a user authentication unit that authenticates whether a registered specific user is riding in the vehicle; When the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering unlock state has been entered even though the unlock process has been executed, the vehicle start control unit executes a process for unlocking the steering when the user authentication unit authenticates that the specific user is in the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. 1. A method for controlling a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, the method comprising: a steering lock control step of operating the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering wheel provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering wheel can be operated; a steering unlock recognition step of recognizing that the steering is unlocked; a running start operation recognition step of recognizing an operation for starting running of the vehicle in the vehicle; a vehicle startup control step of executing an unlock process for operating the steering lock mechanism in the steering lock control step in order to set the steering to the unlocked state when an operation for starting the vehicle to travel is recognized in the travel start operation recognition step in a non-traveling mode in which the vehicle is unable to travel, and transitioning the vehicle to a travelable mode in which the vehicle is able to travel when the steering unlock recognition step recognizes that the steering has been unlocked as a result of the execution of the unlock process, and prohibiting transition to the travelable mode and maintaining the vehicle in the non-traveling mode when the steering unlock recognition step does not recognize that the steering has been unlocked despite the execution of the unlock process; and a remote operation receiving step of receiving a remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal, The vehicle start control step executes a remote start process for maintaining the traveling disabled mode and putting a drive source provided in the vehicle into an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is accepted in the traveling disabled mode by the remote operation acceptance step. A vehicle control method.

7. A computer mounted on a vehicle having a steering lock mechanism, a steering lock control unit that activates the steering lock mechanism to switch between a steering locked state in which a steering wheel provided in the vehicle cannot be operated and a steering unlocked state in which the steering wheel can be operated; a steering unlock recognition unit that recognizes that the steering is unlocked; a running start operation recognition unit that recognizes an operation for starting running of the vehicle in the vehicle; a vehicle start control unit that, when in a non-traveling mode in which the vehicle is unable to travel, and when an operation for starting travel of the vehicle is recognized by the travel start operation recognition unit, executes an unlock process to activate the steering lock mechanism by the steering lock control unit in order to bring the vehicle into the steering unlocked state, and when the steering unlock recognition unit recognizes that the steering has become the steering unlocked state as a result of the execution of the unlock process, transitions the vehicle to a travelable mode in which the vehicle is able to travel, and prohibits transition to the travelable mode and maintains the vehicle in the non-traveling mode, when the steering unlock recognition unit does not recognize that the steering has become the steering unlocked state despite the execution of the unlock process; a remote operation receiving unit that receives remote operation of the vehicle through communication with a communication terminal; The vehicle start control unit executes a remote start process for maintaining the driving disabled mode and putting a drive source provided in the vehicle into an operating state when a start operation of the vehicle is accepted by the remote operation acceptance unit in the driving disabled mode. program.

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