In-vehicle device, car sharing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle device, or the like, for controlling opening / closing of doors of a vehicle with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle together with a mobile unit which is an accessory of the vehicle for car-sharing includes: a communication unit for communicating with an external device; a control unit which generates control signals on the basis of an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit; and a pressing unit which presses an operation button arranged in the mobile unit on the basis of the control signals generated by the control unit. The mobile unit is to control opening / closing of doors of the vehicle. On receipt of the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit outputs the control signals in accordance with the input signal to the pressing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an in-vehicle device, a car sharing system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a car sharing system in which a vehicle is shared by multiple members, and each member can use the vehicle at a reserved time. In a car sharing system, a member who wishes to use a vehicle opens the door of the vehicle by holding a mobile phone or a driver's license having the member's identification ID over a dedicated device mounted on the vehicle. In addition, the member unlocks a key box installed in the vehicle and removes a smart key. The member can then use the vehicle by using the removed smart key (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-237842 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the car sharing system described in Patent Document 1 requires specialized modifications to the vehicle, such as installing a dedicated device for controlling the opening and closing of the vehicle door using a mobile phone or the like having a member's ID, and a key box inside the vehicle that opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the vehicle door, etc. This makes the installation of the car sharing system complicated, and there are problems in that introducing the car sharing system requires a large initial cost.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle device or the like that can control the opening and closing of a vehicle door with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device that is mounted inside a vehicle for car sharing together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, and is equipped with a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a press-down unit that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, wherein the portable device controls the opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the press-down unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle device can control the opening and closing of a vehicle door with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a car sharing system S including an in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle device, etc.; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle device, etc.; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting use of a vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for ending use of a vehicle. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a power supply process executed by an in-vehicle device. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a pressing operation process of a door lock unit or a door unlock unit executed by an in-vehicle device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0010] (1) An in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device that is mounted in a vehicle together with a portable device that is an accessory of a car sharing vehicle, and includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a depression unit that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, wherein the portable device controls opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the depression unit.

[0011] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device used in the car sharing system is mounted in the vehicle together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle for car sharing. The in-vehicle device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle door using the function of the portable device by pressing an operation button of the portable device. That is, the in-vehicle device does not have a specific opening and closing function in itself, but uses the opening and closing function that the portable device associated with the vehicle has in advance to control the opening and closing of the vehicle door via the portable device. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be easily installed in the vehicle without requiring specialized modifications to the vehicle or transportation of the vehicle for modifications, and the introduction and installation costs of the in-vehicle device are reduced. In addition, since the in-vehicle device can be used in any vehicle that is provided with a portable device in advance as an accessory, it can be applied to a variety of vehicles without limiting the vehicle model. In this way, the in-vehicle device executes control regarding the opening and closing of the vehicle door with a simple configuration.

[0012] (2) In one embodiment of the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure, when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it performs an authentication process related to the input signal, and outputs the control signal to the press section when the input signal is authenticated.

[0013] In this aspect, the in-vehicle device performs authentication processing on the input signal received from the external device owned by the user of the car sharing system, and outputs a control signal related to a press operation of the portable device when the input signal is authenticated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized opening and closing of the door caused by operating the portable device based on an unauthorized input signal that has not been authenticated.

[0014] (3) An in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power supply unit that supplies power to a power receiving unit provided on the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit, and when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit outputs the control signal to the power supply unit, and the power supply unit supplies power to the power receiving unit based on the control signal output by the control unit.

[0015] In this aspect, the in-vehicle device supplies power to the power receiving unit of the portable device when triggered by receiving an input signal from an external device. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can control the power supply to the portable device. The portable device can execute a door opening and closing function by receiving power, and by the in-vehicle device controlling the power supply to the portable device, the opening and closing function of the portable device can be executed under the control of the in-vehicle device.

[0016] (4) In an in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal, and outputs the control signal to the power supply unit when the input signal is authenticated.

[0017] In this aspect, the in-vehicle device performs authentication processing on the input signal received from the external device, and supplies power to the power receiving unit of the portable device when the input signal is authenticated. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized opening and closing of the door caused by operating the portable device based on an unauthorized input signal that has not been authenticated.

[0018] (5) In the in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when mutual communication with the external device is disconnected, the control unit outputs a control signal to the power feeding unit to stop power feeding to the power receiving unit.

[0019] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device stops supplying power to the power receiving unit when the mutual communication with the external device is cut off. Therefore, when the external device leaves the communication range, that is, when the user leaves the vehicle, the power supply to the portable device is stopped, thereby preventing unauthorized opening and closing of the door.

[0020] (6) In an in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power receiving unit is provided in a housing corresponding to the shape of a button battery, and the power supply unit includes a secondary coil having the shape of the button battery housed in the housing, and a primary coil that transmits power to the secondary coil, and supplies power to the power receiving unit by a contactless power supply method.

[0021] In this embodiment, the power supply unit realizes power supply by a non-contact power supply method using a primary coil and a secondary coil. The secondary coil has a button battery shape and can be stored in a storage unit formed in advance in the portable device. The power supply unit can supply power to the power receiving unit mounted on the portable device 2 without laying out a power supply line. Therefore, specialized modifications, etc. are not required for the portable device attached to the vehicle.

[0022] (7) A car sharing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle for car sharing, a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device that is mounted in the vehicle together with the portable device, the in-vehicle device including a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a push-down unit that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, the portable device controls opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the push-down unit.

[0023] In this aspect, the car sharing system can control the opening and closing of the vehicle doors with a simple configuration by using the functions of a portable device that is an accessory of the car sharing vehicle.

[0024] (8) An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method for causing a computer installed in a car sharing vehicle to execute the information processing method together with a portable device that is an accessory to the vehicle, wherein the portable device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, receives an input signal from an external device, generates a control signal for opening and closing the vehicle's doors based on the received input signal, and outputs the generated control signal to a depression portion that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal.

[0025] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the vehicle door can be controlled with a simple configuration.

[0026] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of in-vehicle devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a car sharing system S including an in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0028] The car sharing system S includes a vehicle C used in the car sharing system S, an in-vehicle device 1 and a portable device 2 mounted on the vehicle C, and an external device 3. The external device 3 and an external communication device 51 mounted on the vehicle C are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a car sharing system server 4 via an external network N such as the Internet or a public line network.

[0029] The in-vehicle device 1 includes a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 is housed in a housing 101 that forms the outer shell of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 performs wireless communication with the external device 3 via an antenna 15. The in-vehicle device 1 is installed, for example, inside an instrument panel, a trunk room, or the like of the vehicle C.

[0030] The portable device 2 controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C, and is, for example, a frequency operated button (FOB) key. The portable device 2 is provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the vehicle C as an accessory of the vehicle C together with the vehicle C. The portable device 2 includes a door lock unit 22 for locking the door and a door unlock unit 23 for unlocking the door (see FIG. 3 ). The portable device 2 includes a function for opening and closing the door 55, and is configured in advance to control the opening and closing of the door 55 of the vehicle C by outputting a signal corresponding to the operation content to the vehicle C when the door lock unit 22 or the door unlock unit 23 is operated. Examples of the function for opening and closing the door 55 included in the portable device 2 include, for example, a keyless entry system function and a smart key system function.

[0031] The external device 3 is a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The external device 3 is carried by a user who actually rides in a vehicle C using the car sharing system S, i.e., a driver or a passenger of the vehicle C. The user applies to use the car sharing system, for example, on a car sharing system service site on the Internet. When an application is made, a reservation record is added to the car sharing system server 4 based on the application, and a virtual key associated with the reservation record is generated. The external device 3 obtains the virtual key from the car sharing system server 4.

[0032] The car sharing system server 4 is a computer such as a server connected to an external network N such as the Internet or a public line network. The car sharing system server 4 stores various information related to the car sharing system service, including reservation records and virtual keys.

[0033] In the car sharing system S, when a user uses a vehicle C, the user operates a portable device 2 installed inside the vehicle C using an in-vehicle device 1, and the door of the vehicle C is unlocked or locked using the functions of the portable device 2. A user of the car sharing system obtains a virtual key for the vehicle C from a car sharing system server 4 using an external device 3. When opening or closing the door of the vehicle C, the user transmits the virtual key to the in-vehicle device 1 mounted on the vehicle C using the external device 3. The in-vehicle device 1 determines the validity of the transmitted virtual key, and if it is valid, transmits an operation signal to the portable device 2 for unlocking or locking the door. The portable device 2 executes a predetermined function based on the operation signal, thereby unlocking or locking the door of the vehicle C, and the door can be opened or closed.

[0034] The vehicle C is equipped with an external communication device 51, a relay device 52, a BCM (Body Control Module) 53, an engine ECU 54, and the like in addition to the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2. The external communication device 51 and the relay device 52 are communicatively connected to each other via a harness such as a serial cable. The relay device 52 is communicatively connected to the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, the engine ECU 54, and the like via an in-vehicle LAN that is constituted by an in-vehicle communication line compatible with a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0035] The exterior communication device 51 includes an exterior communication unit 511 and an input / output I / F 512. The exterior communication device 51 is a communication device for wireless communication using a mobile communication protocol such as 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi. The exterior communication device 51 transmits and receives data to and from the car sharing system server 4 via an antenna 513 connected to the exterior communication unit 511. The communication between the exterior communication device 51 and the car sharing system server 4 is performed via an exterior network N such as a public line network or the Internet.

[0036] The input / output I / F 512 is a communication interface for, for example, serial communication with the relay device 52. The exterior communication device 51 and the relay device 52 communicate with each other via the input / output I / F 512 and a harness such as a serial cable connected to the input / output I / F 512. In this embodiment, the exterior communication device 51 is a device separate from the relay device 52, and these devices are communicatively connected by the input / output I / F 512 or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. The exterior communication device 51 may be built into the relay device 52 as one component of the relay device 52.

[0037] The relay device 52 is, for example, a gateway, and relays communication between the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, and the engine ECU 54 mounted on the vehicle C. The relay device 52 communicates with each of the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, and the engine ECU 54 connected to the in-vehicle LAN using a communication protocol such as CAN or Ethernet. The relay device 52 may be configured as one functional part of a body ECU that controls the entire vehicle C.

[0038] Doors 55, 55 provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle C, an ignition switch 56, a display device 57, and the like are communicatively connected to the BCM 53 via a wire harness such as a serial cable, and the BCM 53 controls these accessories. The BCM 53 performs wireless communication using LF (Low Frequency) signals and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signals with the portable device 2 via an antenna, and opens and closes the door 55 of the vehicle C based on an operation signal from the portable device 2.

[0039] The IG switch 56 is a switch for starting and stopping the vehicle C. When the IG switch 56 is turned on or off, the BCM 53 acquires a signal output from the IG switch 56. Based on the acquired signal, the BCM 53 transmits information relating to whether the IG switch 56 is on or off (an IG on signal or an IG off signal) to the engine ECU 54. The engine ECU 54 acquires the information relating to whether the IG switch 56 is on or off transmitted from the BCM 53, and performs a predetermined operation based on the acquired information.

[0040] The display device 57 is, for example, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device such as a display of a car navigation system, etc. The display device 57 displays data or information output from the processing unit of the BCM 53 via the input / output I / F.

[0041] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle device 1 and the like. The in-vehicle device 1 has an outer shell formed by a housing 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 101 includes an outer box having an opening on one side, and a lid that covers the opening of the outer box. The housing 101 is mounted in the vehicle C with the lid facing upward. Inside the housing 101, a circuit board 100, a storage section 102, a push-down section 16, and a power supply section 17 are provided.

[0042] The circuit board 100 is made of a resin material such as BT resin (bismaleimide triazine resin) or glass epoxy resin. The circuit board 100 is connected to the push-down section and the power supply section via a connection line 6. The connection line 6 is, for example, a wire harness such as a serial cable. When an input signal is acquired from the external device 3, a control signal is output to the push-down section and the power supply section via the connection line 6.

[0043] The top of the storage section 102 is partially or entirely open, and the portable device 2 is stored inside. The storage section 102 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of partition plates 103 and grooves 104 for fixing the partition plates 103, and is configured so that the storage area can be changed by changing the fixing position of the partition plates 103. By changing the storage area according to the size and shape of the portable device 2, it is possible to fix the portable device 2 at an appropriate position according to a non-contact power supply method described later. The partition plate 103 may be pressed by an elastic member 105 provided on the inner wall of the storage section 102 to hold the portable device 2 more firmly.

[0044] The portable device 2 is an FOB key as described above, and includes a board 201 on which various processing elements are mounted, and a cover member 202 forming the exterior of the board 201. The portable device 2 includes a door lock unit 22 that receives an operation for locking a door 55 provided on the vehicle C, and a door unlock unit 23 that receives an operation for unlocking the door 55 provided on the vehicle C. Furthermore, a storage unit 203 is provided inside the portable device 2. The storage unit 203 includes a positive terminal (power terminal) 204 and a negative terminal (power terminal) 205, and is provided with a storage space for storing a power source such as a button battery.

[0045] The door lock unit 22 includes a door lock button (operation button) 221 and a switching element 222. The door unlock unit 23 includes a door unlock button (operation button) 231 and a switching element 232. A part of the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 protrudes outside the cover member 202 and accepts a pressing operation from the outside. When the door lock button 221 is pressed, the switching element 222 is switched on and a current flows. Similarly, when the door unlock button 231 is pressed, the switching element 232 is switched on and a current flows. The portable device 2 may also include other operation buttons for accepting a sliding door operation, a trunk operation, etc.

[0046] The pressing part 16 includes a first pressing part 161 for pressing the door lock button 221 and a second pressing part 162 for pressing the door unlock button 231. The first pressing part 161 and the second pressing part 162 each include a rod-shaped pressing member 163 and a driving body 164 for moving the pressing member 163 in the up and down direction. The driving body 164 is, for example, a stepping motor having a rotor. The pressing part 16 is fixed by holding the driving body 164 on a rib or the like (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the cover of the housing 101. The first pressing part 161 is disposed above the door lock button 221. The second pressing part 162 is disposed above the door unlock button 231.

[0047] When the drivers 164, 164 are driven to rotate the rotor, the presser member 163 is moved in the longitudinal direction via a cam attached to the rotor. When the presser member 163 is moved downward, it presses the door lock button 221 or the door unlock button 231 located below the presser member 163. When the presser member 163 is moved upward, it stops pressing the door lock button 221 or the door unlock button 231. In other words, when the drivers 164, 164 rotate forward or backward, the presser member 163 is moved up and down.

[0048] The above-mentioned up-down direction is based on the premise that the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 of the portable device 2 are stored in the storage section 102 facing the upper side of the vehicle C. In the case where the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 are stored facing the left or right side of the vehicle C, the push-down section 16 may be provided on a side wall of the housing 101 or the like, and the push-down operation may be performed by the push-down member 163 moving in the left-right direction.

[0049] The power supply unit 17 includes a power transmission unit 172 including a primary coil 171, and a power receiving unit 174 including a secondary coil 173, and supplies power to the portable device 2 in a non-contact manner. The power transmission unit 172 includes the primary coil 171, which is a power transmission coil, and a power transmission circuit (not shown) that supplies an AC voltage to the primary coil 171. The primary coil 171 is connected to an output side of the power transmission circuit. The circuit board 100 is connected to an input side of the power transmission circuit via a connection line 6 and a switching element 7. The circuit board 100 applies a DC voltage to the power transmission circuit via the connection line 6. The power transmission circuit converts the DC voltage supplied from the circuit board 100 into an AC voltage and applies it to the primary coil 171.

[0050] The power receiving unit 174 has, for example, a button battery shape and is housed in the housing section 203. The power receiving unit 174 may be configured to have a size and shape such that it can be housed in the housing space of the housing section 203 that is provided in advance in the portable device 2. The power receiving unit 174 includes a secondary coil 173 that is a power receiving coil, and a power receiving circuit (not shown). The secondary coil 173 is disposed to face the primary coil 174, and generates an electromotive force according to the magnetic field generated by the primary coil 174. The AC voltage output from the secondary coil 173 is converted to a DC voltage by the power receiving circuit, and is applied to the substrate 201 via the positive terminal 204 and the negative terminal 205. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic induction method has been described as an example of a non-contact power supply method, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a magnetic resonance method or the like may be used.

[0051] As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 is configured to include the power supply unit 17 including the secondary coil 173 having a shape that can be accommodated in the accommodation unit 203 of the portable device 2, and the depression unit 16 for pressing an operation button of the portable device 2 from outside, and to execute an operation on the portable device 2. That is, the in-vehicle device 1 realizes the operation related to opening and closing and the power supply control by using the configuration and functions of the portable device 2 without making any modifications to the portable device 2 provided in association with the vehicle C.

[0052] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a first communication unit 12, a second communication unit 13, an input / output I / F 14, a press unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. The control unit 10 may be configured as a single piece of hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) that integrates a processor, a memory, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0053] The control unit 10 is configured using an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 can perform various processes related to the control of the doors of the vehicle C using the functions of the portable device 2 by reading and executing programs and data including the program 1P stored in the storage unit 11.

[0054] The storage unit 11 is configured using a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 11 stores a program 1P executed by the control unit 10 and data referenced during processing.

[0055] The above-mentioned program 1P stored in the storage unit 11 may be a program 1P read from a recording medium 1A readable by the in-vehicle device 1. Alternatively, the program 1P may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 11.

[0056] The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface for wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol, and transmits and receives data to and from the external device 3 via an antenna 15 connected to the first communication unit 12. The first communication unit 12 may perform wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard other than Bluetooth, such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark).

[0057] The second communication unit 13 is an input / output interface using a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The control unit 10 communicates with a relay device 52 connected to an in-vehicle LAN via the second communication unit 13. The control unit 10 communicates with the car sharing system server 4 via the relay device 52 and the external communication device 51, and executes processing related to authentication of the external device 3.

[0058] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to being communicatively connected to the relay device 52 via the second communication unit 13. For example, the in-vehicle device 1 may include a communication interface for wireless communication using a communication protocol such as 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi as the second communication unit 13. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 transmits and receives data directly to and from the car sharing system server 4 via an external network N such as a public line network or the Internet.

[0059] The input / output I / F 14 is a communication interface for, for example, serial communication with the push-down section 16 and the power supply section 17. The input / output I / F 14 is connected to the push-down section 16 via a connection line 6. The input / output I / F 14 is connected to the power supply section 17 via a switching element 7 and a connection line 6. The control section 10 outputs a control signal according to an input signal acquired from the external device 3 via the input / output I / F 14.

[0060] The push-down section 16 uses a push-down member 163 and a driver 164 to push down the door lock section 22 and the door unlock section 23 of the portable device 2, respectively. The control section 10 outputs a control signal related to the push-down operation to the push-down section 16 via the input / output I / F 14.

[0061] Power supply unit 17 supplies power to portable device 2 in a contactless manner using power transmission unit 172 including primary coil 171 and power receiving unit 174 including secondary coil 173. Control unit 10 outputs a control signal that controls power supply by opening and closing switching element 7 via input / output I / F 14. When switching element 7 is switched on in response to the control signal, power is supplied to power supply unit 17 via connection line 6. In response to the supplied power, power is transmitted from power transmission unit 172 to power receiving unit 174 by electromagnetic induction. The power supplied to power receiving unit 174 is output to power receiving unit 24.

[0062] The in-vehicle device 1 may further include a communication I / F for wired communication using a communication cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus / registered trademark) cable. For example, when a user gets into a vehicle C and the external device 3 is located inside the vehicle C, it is possible to constantly check the communication state with the external device 3 by communicating via the communication cable. In addition, by transmitting power from the in-vehicle device 1 to the external device 3 via the communication cable, it is possible to suppress power consumption of the external device 3 and maintain a stable communication state.

[0063] The above-mentioned in-vehicle device 1 is connected to an electric wiring box (junction box) such as a fuse box mounted on the vehicle C, and a driving voltage is applied from the electric wiring box. The in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to being connected to an electric wiring box of the vehicle C, and may be connected to, for example, an external diagnostic device mounted on the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to being connected to the vehicle C to receive a driving voltage, and may be provided with a power source such as a dry cell inside the in-vehicle device 1, and a driving voltage may be applied from the power source. In this way, the in-vehicle device 1 can be used by placing it on the vehicle C and supplying power thereto, and therefore can be easily installed in the vehicle C without the need for modifying the vehicle C or for complex wiring.

[0064] The portable device 2 includes various processing elements that realize opening and closing functions of a keyless entry system, etc., including a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a door lock unit 22, a door unlock unit 23, a power receiving unit 24, an LF receiving unit 25, a UHF transmitting unit 26, etc.

[0065] The control unit 20 is configured using an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 20 can perform processing related to the control of opening and closing the doors of the vehicle C by reading and executing programs and data stored in the storage unit 21.

[0066] The storage unit 21 is configured using a volatile memory element such as a RAM, or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory. The storage unit 21 stores various programs executed by the control unit 20 and data referenced during processing.

[0067] The door lock unit 22 accepts an operation for locking a door 55 provided on the vehicle C. The door lock unit 22 is configured using a door lock button 221 and a switching element 222. When the switching element 222 is switched on based on a pressing operation of the pressing member 163 of the first pressing portion 161, the door lock unit 22 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 20. Specifically, the door lock unit 22 applies a voltage to the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 receives the operation signal output from the door lock unit 22, it transmits a predetermined signal to the BCM 53. The BCM 53 locks the door 55 based on the received signal.

[0068] The door unlock unit 23 accepts an operation for unlocking a door 55 provided on the vehicle C. The door unlock unit 23 is configured using a door unlock button 231 and a switching element 232, similar to the door lock unit 22. When the switching element 232 is switched on based on a pressing operation of the pressing member 163 of the second pressing portion 162, the door unlock unit 23 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 20. Specifically, the door unlock unit 23 applies a voltage to the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 receives the operation signal output from the door unlock unit 23, it transmits a predetermined signal to the BCM 53. The BCM 53 unlocks the door 55 based on the received signal.

[0069] The power receiving unit 24 is configured using a positive terminal 204 and a negative terminal 205 for receiving power. When the control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 instructs the start of power supply, power is supplied from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 24. The power receiving unit 24 transmits the supplied power to each element mounted on the substrate 201 of the portable device 2.

[0070] The LF receiving unit 25 includes an LF receiving antenna and a receiving signal processing unit, both not shown. The LF receiving unit receives the LF signal transmitted from the BCM 53 via the LF receiving antenna. The UHF transmitting unit 26 includes a UHF transmitting antenna and a transmitting signal processing unit, both not shown. The UHF transmitting unit transmits the UHF signal generated by the transmitting signal processing unit to the BCM 53 via the UHF transmitting antenna. The control unit 20 controls the LF receiving unit 25 and the UHF transmitting unit 26 to wirelessly communicate with the BCM 53 and transmit and receive signals and information to and from the BCM 53. Note that the communication between the portable device 2 and the BCM 53 is not limited to the use of both the LF signal and the UHF signal. The portable device 2 may communicate with the BCM 53 using either one of them (for example, the UHF signal).

[0071] The process executed in the car sharing system S having such a hardware configuration will be described below. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the utilization start process of the vehicle C.

[0072] When using the car sharing system S, a user of the car sharing system S makes a reservation for use of the car sharing system S by inputting the user's contact information, the vehicle C to be used, the planned start time and end time of use, etc., in advance on a car sharing system service site or the like. The car sharing system server 4 adds a reservation record based on the reservation for use and generates a virtual key associated with the reservation record. The virtual key includes information such as a reservation number, a usage time, and an authentication code. The authentication code is a value that is different each time a reservation for use, such as a one-time password, and is desirably a value that is valid only for a predetermined period of time, such as a few minutes before the start time of use to a few minutes after the end time. Such a virtual key including an authentication code may be generated as a code encrypted with a predetermined encryption key.

[0073] Before starting to use the car sharing system S, the user uses the external device 3 to launch a predetermined car sharing system application or the like and access the car sharing system server 4. The external device 3 communicates with the car sharing system server 4 and transmits the reserved usage details to obtain a virtual key generated in accordance with the usage reservation (step S11).

[0074] The external device 3 transmits a communication establishment request to the in-car device 1 by wireless communication using a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Bluetooth) (step S12). In this case, the external device 3 transmits the communication establishment request together with information of the virtual key. The in-car device 1 receives a signal from the external device 3 and acquires the communication establishment request and the virtual key of the external device 3 (step S13). That is, the in-car device 1 detects the approach of the external device 3 to the vehicle C. The in-car device 1 transmits a response signal to the external device 3, and mutual communication is established with the external device 3 (step S14). In this manner, pairing between the in-car device 1 and the external device 3 is performed. After mutual communication is established, for example, polling is performed to constantly transmit data related to the communication state from the in-car device 1 to the external device 3, and the communication state is maintained.

[0075] The in-vehicle device 1 executes authentication processing of the acquired virtual key (step S15) and judges whether the authentication code of the acquired virtual key is correct. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 may decrypt the received virtual key by an encryption key as necessary. The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication inquiry as to whether the acquired authentication code is correct by, for example, communicating with the car sharing system server 4.

[0076] If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-car device 1 starts a process of supplying power to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2 (step S16). When power is supplied to the power receiving unit 24, the portable device 2 becomes capable of performing a predetermined operation according to the connection state of the door lock unit 22 and the door unlock unit 23.

[0077] Next, the user opens and closes the door of the vehicle C. In the car sharing system S, when the user opens or closes the door of the vehicle C, the user uses the external device 3 to transmit an unlocking operation request for the door 55 to the in-vehicle device 1 (step S17). In this case, the external device 3 transmits the unlocking operation request together with information on the virtual key. The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process for the virtual key based on the received unlocking operation request and virtual key (step S18). The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process similar to that in step S15, and determines whether the authentication code of the virtual key is appropriate.

[0078] If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-vehicle device 1 operates the door unlocking unit 23 (step S19). Specifically, the second depression unit 162 of the in-vehicle device 1 depresses the door unlocking unit 23 of the portable device 2 based on the control signal. The door unlocking unit 23 outputs an operation signal indicating an ON operation of the switching element 232 based on the depressing operation. The portable device 2 executes an unlocking function included in a predetermined keyless system function in response to the output operation signal (step S20).

[0079] The portable device 2 transmits a UHF signal related to the operation of the door unlock unit 23 to the BCM 53 using the unlocking function. The BCM 53 receives the UHF signal from the portable device 2 and controls the locking and unlocking of the door 55 based on the received UHF signal. This unlocks the door 55 and makes it possible to open and close the door. These processes are executed by a predetermined keyless system function provided in the portable device 2, which is an accessory of the vehicle C.

[0080] The user opens and closes the door 55 to get into the vehicle C. Thereafter, the driver turns on the IG switch 56. When the BCM 53 acquires an IG-on signal, it executes a predetermined start function (step S21). The BCM 53 executes ID matching by performing LF-UHF communication with the portable device 2. When matching is successful, the BCM 53 transmits information regarding the IG switch 56 being on to the engine ECU 54. The engine ECU 54 acquires the information regarding the IG switch 56 being on transmitted from the BCM 53, and performs operations related to starting the engine based on the acquired information.

[0081] In this way, when starting the engine, communication is performed between the BCM 53 and the portable device 2. Since the portable device 2 is constantly powered by the in-vehicle device 1 while mutual communication with the in-vehicle device 1 is established, the LF receiving unit 25 and the UHF transmitting unit 26 are in operation and LF-UHF communication is performed with the BCM 53. In other words, when the portable device 2 is not powered by the in-vehicle device 1, LF-UHF communication is not performed, and therefore the start function of the vehicle C is not executed and the engine does not start.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for ending use of the vehicle C.

[0083] The user turns off the IG switch 56 and stops the engine of vehicle C. The user opens and closes the door of vehicle C to get out of vehicle C. After getting out of vehicle C, the user uses the external device 3 to transmit a request to lock the door 55 to the in-vehicle device 1 (step S31). In this case, the external device 3 transmits the locking request together with information on the virtual key. The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process for the virtual key based on the received locking request and virtual key (step S32). The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process similar to step S15 in FIG. 4 and determines whether the authentication code of the virtual key is appropriate.

[0084] If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-vehicle device 1 operates the door lock unit 22 (step S33). Specifically, the first depression unit 161 of the in-vehicle device 1 presses down the door lock unit 22 of the portable device 2 based on the control signal. The door lock unit 22 outputs an operation signal indicating an ON operation of the switching element 222 based on the pressing operation. The portable device 2 executes a locking function included in a predetermined keyless system function in response to the operation signal (step S34).

[0085] The portable device 2 transmits a UHF signal related to the operation of the door lock unit 22 to the BCM 53 using a locking function. The BCM 53 receives the UHF signal from the portable device 2 and controls the locking and unlocking of the door 55 based on the received UHF signal. As a result, the door 55 is locked. These processes are executed by a predetermined keyless system function provided in the portable device 2, which is an accessory of the vehicle C.

[0086] The user ends the use of the vehicle C. The user disconnects the communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1, for example, by inputting a selection to end use (cancelling pairing) using the external device 3. Note that the user may disconnect the communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1 by moving a predetermined distance or more away from the vehicle C (in-vehicle device 1) while carrying the external device 3, without inputting a selection to end use. In other words, the mutual communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1 is disconnected when the external device 3 carried by the user leaves the communication range with the in-vehicle device 1.

[0087] After starting power supply, the in-vehicle device 1 executes polling to constantly check the communication state with the external device 3. When the in-vehicle device 1 detects that the mutual communication with the external device 3 has been cut off by not receiving a response from the external device 3 (step S35), it stops the power supply process to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2 (step S36). This prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle C from the portable device 2 when the external device 3 moves out of the communication range.

[0088] In the present embodiment, an example in which a smartphone is used as the external device 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the external device 3 may include a portable ID card using NFC (near field communication) and a reader for the ID card mounted on the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 acquires information on the ID card via the reader. The ID card includes an ID code that corresponds to an authentication code for the virtual key, for example, and the in-vehicle device 1 executes authentication processing based on the ID code. When the virtual key generated by the smartphone is not authenticated or when the smartphone runs out of battery, the user can use the ID card instead.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the power supply process executed by the in-vehicle device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0090] The control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 detects an input signal from the external device 3 by the first communication unit 12, and acquires a communication establishment request and a virtual key (step S41). The control unit 10 transmits a response signal to the acquired communication establishment request to the external device 3, and establishes mutual communication with the external device 3 (step S42). In the above, the control unit 10 may acquire the communication establishment request and the virtual key in different steps. In other words, the virtual key may be transmitted without being attached to the communication establishment request. In this case, the control unit 10 receives the communication establishment request, establishes mutual communication with the external device 3, and then receives the virtual key.

[0091] The control unit 10 executes authentication processing to determine whether or not the authentication code of the acquired virtual key is appropriate (step S43). The control unit 10 communicates with the car sharing system server 4 via, for example, the relay device 52 and the external vehicle communication device 51, and transmits an inquiry as to whether or not the acquired authentication code is appropriate. The car sharing system server 4 executes authentication code determination processing and transmits the determination result to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 receives the determination result as to whether or not the acquired authentication code is appropriate from the car sharing system server 4.

[0092] When the control unit 10 receives a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect and determines that the authentication code is incorrect (step S43: NO), the control unit 10 transmits, for example, a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect to the external device 3, and ends the process. When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect, the control unit 10 may disconnect the mutual communication with the external device 3. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may perform a loop process that returns the process to step S41 when the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect. By performing the loop process, the control unit 10 maintains a standby state in which it waits for a communication establishment request.

[0093] When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is proper by receiving a determination result that the authentication code is proper (step S43: YES), the control unit 10 switches on the switching element 7, and outputs a control signal to the power supply unit 17 to instruct power supply (step S44). The control signal is input to the power supply unit 17 via the switching element 7 and the connection line 6. The power supply unit 17 generates power by a contactless power supply method based on the input control signal, thereby supplying power to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2.

[0094] After starting power supply, the control unit 10 constantly transmits data related to the communication state to the external device 3 and determines whether the mutual communication has been disconnected (step S45). When the control unit 10 determines that the mutual communication with the external device 3 has not been disconnected by receiving a response from the external device 3 (step S45: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S45 and continues polling.

[0095] For example, when the user inputs a selection to end use (cancel pairing) using the external device 3, or when the external device 3 and the in-car device 1 are separated by a predetermined distance or more, the external device 3 ends communication with the in-car device 1 and does not transmit a response. When it is determined that mutual communication with the external device 3 is disconnected by not receiving a response from the external device 3 (step S45: YES), the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to stop power supply (step S46). The control unit 10 switches off the switching element 7 to stop application of voltage to the power supply unit 17. As the application of voltage is stopped, power supply from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 24 is stopped.

[0096] The above-mentioned process of stopping the power supply is not limited to when the use of the vehicle C is finished, but is executed from time to time even during the use of the vehicle C. For example, when the battery of the external device 3 is exhausted, the mutual communication between the in-vehicle device 1 and the external device 3 is cut off. When the in-vehicle device 1 detects that the mutual communication with the external device 3 is cut off because the mutual communication with the external device 3 is not possible, the in-vehicle device 1 stops the power supply to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2. When the power supply is stopped during the use of the vehicle C, it is preferable that the in-vehicle device 1 displays screen information or the like notifying the user that the power supply will be stopped via, for example, the BMC 53 and the display device 57. The user can check the communication state of the portable device 2 by the notification screen information to avoid an unexpected power supply stop.

[0097] In the authentication process of step S43 described above, the control unit 10 is not limited to determining whether the authentication code is appropriate by communicating with the car sharing system server 4. The control unit 10 may store a verification program for determining whether the authentication code is appropriate in advance in the storage unit 11, read out the verification program, and execute the process of determining whether the authentication code is appropriate. Furthermore, if the virtual key is encrypted data, the control unit 10 may decrypt the received virtual key using an encryption key. By using a multi-stage authentication process, the security of the virtual key can be improved and unauthorized use can be prevented.

[0098] In addition, in the above-mentioned step S43, the control unit 10 may calculate an estimated value of the distance between the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2, and switch whether or not to perform the power supply process depending on the calculated estimated value of the distance. The control unit 10 calculates an estimated value of the distance between the control unit 10 and the portable device 2 by measuring the radio wave intensity of a received signal related to the virtual key received from the portable device 2. A known method may be used to calculate the distance based on the radio wave intensity. The control unit 10 starts the power supply process when the calculated estimated value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 3 m). In this way, by switching whether or not to perform the power supply process depending on the distance between the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2, it is possible to avoid power supply based on an unauthorized communication connection between the vehicle C and the portable device 2 located far away, and prevent unauthorized operation of the portable device 2.

[0099] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the pressing operation process of the door lock unit 22 or the door unlock unit 23 executed by the in-vehicle device 1. The process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7 is performed by the control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 after the power supply process in step S44 in Fig. 6 has been executed, for example. The control unit 10 may execute the process in the flowchart of Fig. 7 in parallel with the process in step S45 in Fig. 6.

[0100] The control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 receives an input signal including an operation request for locking or unlocking and a virtual key from the external device 3 through the first communication unit 12 (step S51). The control unit 10 executes an authentication process to determine whether or not the authentication code of the received virtual key is correct (step S52). The control unit 10 may execute the same authentication process as step S43 in FIG. 6.

[0101] When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code of the virtual key is incorrect by receiving a determination result that the authentication code is incorrect from the car sharing system server 4 (step S52: NO), the control unit 10 transmits, for example, a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect to the external device 3, and ends the process. When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect, the control unit 10 may perform a loop process that returns the process to step S51. By performing the loop process, the control unit 10 maintains a standby state in which it waits for an input signal.

[0102] When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is valid by receiving a determination result that the authentication code is valid from the car sharing system server 4 (step S52: YES), the control unit 10 outputs a control signal corresponding to the input signal to the push unit 16 (step S53). Specifically, when the control unit 10 receives an unlocking operation request as an input signal, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to the second push unit 162 via the connection line 6. Alternatively, when the control unit 10 receives a locking operation request as an input signal, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to the first push unit 161 via the connection line 6.

[0103] The pressing unit 16 drives the driver 164 based on the acquired operation request to operate the pressing member 163. The pressing member 163 presses the door lock button (operation button) 221 or the door unlock button (operation button) 231 of the portable device 2, and ends the process. The portable device 2 executes a predetermined door opening / closing function in response to the operation of the operation button.

[0104] As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 of the car sharing system S has a simple configuration and controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C using an opening and closing function provided in the vehicle C by supplying power to and operating the portable device 2 in response to an input signal from the external device 3. The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process for the input signal to prevent operations on the portable device 2 based on signals from unauthorized users, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the door 55 of the vehicle C and preventing unauthorized use.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] S Car Sharing System C Vehicle N External network 1 In-vehicle device 100 Circuit Board 101 Case 102 Storage section 103 Partition 104 Groove 105 Elastic member 10 Control section 11 Storage section 12 First Communications Department 13 2nd Communications Department 14 Input / Output Interface 15 Antenna 16 Pressing section 161 1st push part 162 2nd push part 163 Push-down member 164 Driver 17 Power supply unit 171 Primary coil 172 Power Transmission Unit 173 Secondary coil 174 Power receiving unit 1P Program 1A Recording medium 2. Portable Devices 201 Substrate 202 Cover member 203 Storage Unit 204 Positive terminal 205 Negative terminal 20 Control section 21 Memory section 22 Door lock section 221 Door lock button (operation button) 222 Switching element 23 Door unlock section 231 Door unlock button (operation button) 232 Switching element 24 Power receiving section 25 LF receiver 26 UHF transmitter 3 External device 4. Car sharing system server 51 External communication device 511 External communication unit 512 Input / Output Interface 513 Antenna 52 Relay Device 53 BCM 54 Engine ECU 55 Doors 56 IG Switch 57 Display device (HMI device) 6 Connecting wires 7 Switching elements

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device that is an accessory of a car sharing vehicle and is mounted in the vehicle together with a portable device that controls opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, A communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit; a pressing unit configured to press an operation button provided on the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to the portable device in a non-contact manner under the control of the control unit, the power supply unit includes a power receiving unit that is covered by a cover member of the portable device and has a size and shape that can be accommodated in a power supply accommodating portion of the portable device; The control unit is When an input signal is received from the external device via the communication unit, the control signal corresponding to the input signal is output to the depression unit. In-vehicle device.

2. When the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal; When the input signal is authenticated, the pressing unit is caused to press the operation button. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 .

3. When the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal; When the input signal is authenticated, the power supply unit is caused to supply power to the portable device. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit stops power supply to the portable device when mutual communication with the external device is disconnected. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the portable device includes a power receiving unit provided in the housing, The power supply unit includes a power transmission unit that transmits power to the power receiving unit, and supplies power from the power transmission unit to the power receiving unit through the power receiving unit. The vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The housing portion corresponds to the shape of a button battery, the power receiving unit is a secondary coil having the shape of the button battery, The power transmission unit is a primary coil that transmits power to the secondary coil. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5 .

7. A car sharing system includes a vehicle for car sharing, a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle and controls opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device that is mounted in the vehicle together with the portable device, The in-vehicle device includes: A communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit; a pressing unit configured to press an operation button provided on the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to the portable device in a non-contact manner under the control of the control unit, the power supply unit includes a power receiving unit that is covered by a cover member of the portable device and has a size and shape that can be accommodated in a power supply accommodating portion of the portable device; The control unit is When an input signal is received from the external device via the communication unit, the control signal corresponding to the input signal is output to the depression unit. Car sharing system.

8. An information processing method for causing a computer installed in a car for car sharing to execute the information processing method together with a portable device that is an accessory of the car sharing vehicle and controls opening and closing of the doors of the vehicle, the method comprising: receiving an input signal from an external device via wireless communication; generating a control signal for opening and closing a door of the vehicle based on the received input signal; outputting the generated control signal to a pressing unit which presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal; Based on the received input signal, an instruction to wirelessly supply power to the portable device is output to a power supply unit that is covered with a cover member of the portable device and includes a power receiving unit having a size and shape that can be accommodated in an accommodating portion of a power source of the portable device. Information processing methods.

Images