Parking assistance device and mobile terminal

Abstract

To provide a parking support device and a portable terminal which inform a user of a vehicle that the vehicle is not switched off to prevent the vehicle from being left in an on-state of power.SOLUTION: A parking ECU performs a parking support control including a power off control where power of a vehicle is automatically switched, when satisfying an arrival condition that vehicle arrives at a target parking position, from on state to off state. When the parking ECU does not become a non-operation state after a prescribed off extension period elapses since the power off control starts, an abnormality notification is performed to notify a user of the vehicle that an off error occurs where the power is not switched to the off state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking assistance device that switches the power supply of a vehicle from an on state to an off state when the vehicle reaches a target parking position, and a mobile terminal that establishes communication with a vehicle configured to switch the power supply from an on state to an off state when the vehicle reaches a target parking position. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, parking assistance devices that perform automatic parking control to automatically drive a vehicle to a target parking position have been known. For example, the parking assistance device described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional device") starts to determine whether the driver of the vehicle has exited the vehicle when the vehicle reaches the target parking position, and switches the vehicle's power supply to an off state when it is determined that the driver has exited the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-120403 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, there are cases where the power cannot be switched off due to a failure of the ECU that controls the power state, an abnormality in the CAN, etc. If the power cannot be switched off after the driver gets off the vehicle, the vehicle will be left with the power on. In this case, there is a possibility that the vehicle will be stolen and the power stored in the vehicle battery will be used up.

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems. That is, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a parking assistance device and a mobile terminal that notify a vehicle user that the vehicle power has not been switched off, and prevent the vehicle from being left with the power on.

[0006] The driving assistance device of the present invention comprises: A power source (36) configured to be able to supply power to equipment mounted on the vehicle; a first control unit (20) configured to be in an operating state when the power source is in an on state and to be in a non-operating state when the power source is in an off state and the supply of power from the power source is stopped; Equipped with The first control unit is When the arrival condition that the vehicle has traveled and reached a preset target parking position is satisfied (522, step 1050 "Yes"), a parking assistance control including a power-off control (530, step 1070) for automatically switching the power supply from the on state to the off state is executed; When an off abnormality condition is satisfied that the vehicle does not enter the inoperative state during a period from when the power off control is started until a predetermined off grace time (Toff) has elapsed (702, step 1115 "Yes"), an abnormality is notified to notify the user of the vehicle that an off abnormality has occurred in which the power does not switch to the off state (step 1120, step 1125). It is structured as follows.

[0007] When the power supply is turned off, the first control unit is in an inactive state. If the first control unit is in an inactive state even after the off grace time has elapsed since the vehicle reached the target parking position and started power off control (i.e., the off abnormality condition is established), it is highly likely that an off abnormality has occurred in which the power supply does not switch to the off state due to some cause. In this case, the support device issues an abnormality notification. This allows the user to know that an off abnormality has occurred, and prevents the vehicle from being left with the power on.

[0008] In one aspect of the driving assistance device, The first control unit is In response to a command signal transmitted to the vehicle from a mobile terminal carried by the user and capable of establishing a communication connection capable of exchanging data with the vehicle (518, step 1010 “Yes”), the parking assistance control further includes an automatic parking control for automatically driving the vehicle to the target parking position and stopping the vehicle at the target parking position (520, steps 1035 and 1045); When the off abnormality condition is satisfied, an abnormality signal is sent to the mobile terminal to cause the mobile terminal to display an abnormality screen for notifying the user that the off abnormality has occurred (704, step 1120), thereby notifying the user of the abnormality. It is structured as follows.

[0009] According to this aspect, when the off abnormality condition is satisfied, an abnormality signal for displaying an abnormality screen is transmitted to the mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal receives the abnormality signal, the mobile terminal displays the abnormality screen. Even when the user operates the mobile terminal outside the vehicle to transmit a command signal to the vehicle, the user can be notified that an off abnormality has occurred.

[0010] In the above aspect, If the arrival condition is met (522, step 1050 ``Yes''), the first control unit is configured to transmit an arrival signal to the mobile terminal (526, step 1060) to cause the mobile terminal to display an arrival screen (Figure 4B) to notify the user that the vehicle has reached the target parking position.

[0011] According to this aspect, when the arrival condition is satisfied, an arrival signal is transmitted to the mobile device. When the mobile device receives the arrival signal, it displays an arrival screen. This notifies the user that the vehicle has reached the target parking position.

[0012] In the above aspect, The first control unit is Identifying the cause of the off abnormality (step 1415, step 1435, step 1115), In order to cause the mobile terminal to display the abnormality screen in a manner that allows the cause of the off abnormality to be identified, the abnormality signal including information that allows the cause of the off abnormality to be identified is transmitted to the mobile terminal (steps 1425, 1445, 1620, 1630, and 1120); It is structured as follows.

[0013] According to this aspect, the abnormality screen is displayed on the mobile terminal in a manner that allows the user to identify the cause of the off abnormality, so that the user can know not only the occurrence of the off abnormality but also the cause of the off abnormality, thereby enabling the user to take appropriate measures depending on the cause of the off abnormality.

[0014] In the above aspect, a second control unit (30) configured to switch the state of the power supply between the on state and the off state; A third control unit (40, 50, 60, 70, 80); Further comprising: The first control unit, the second control unit, and the third control unit are They are connected to each other via the in-vehicle network (CAN) so that they can exchange data with each other. Transmitting a normal operation signal via the in-vehicle network every time a predetermined transmission time has elapsed; It is configured as follows: The first control unit is If the normal operation signal is not received from the second control unit and the normal operation signal is received from the third control unit (step 1415 “Yes”), the cause of the off abnormality is determined to be an abnormality in the second control unit; If the normal operation signal is not received from either the second control unit or the third control unit (step 1435 “Yes”), the cause of the off abnormality is determined to be an abnormality in the in-vehicle network; If the off abnormality condition is satisfied despite the normal operation signal being received from both the second control unit and the third control unit (step 1115 “Yes”), the cause of the off abnormality is identified as an abnormality in the power supply. It is structured as follows.

[0015] When the normal operation signal is not received from the second control unit and is received from the third control unit, it is highly likely that no abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle network and that the second control unit is unable to transmit the normal operation signal due to an abnormality occurring in the second control unit. In this case, in this embodiment, it is determined that the cause of the off abnormality is the abnormality in the second control unit.

[0016] When the normal operation signal is not received from the second control unit and the third control unit, it is highly likely that an abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle network, making it impossible to receive the normal operation signal. In this case, in this embodiment, the cause of the off abnormality is determined to be an abnormality in the in-vehicle network.

[0017] If the off abnormality condition is satisfied even though the normal operation signal is received from the second control unit and the third control unit, there is a high possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply since no abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle network, the second control unit, or the third control unit. In this case, in this embodiment, the cause of the off abnormality is identified as an abnormality in the power supply.

[0018] In this aspect, since the cause of the off abnormality is identified by the above-mentioned identification method, the cause of the off abnormality can be accurately identified.

[0019] In the above aspect, When the first control unit identifies an abnormality in the second control unit or an abnormality in the in-vehicle network (step 1415 ``Yes'', step 1435 ``Yes''), it is configured to issue the abnormality alert (step 1425, step 1445, step 1620, step 1630) before the off abnormality condition is established.

[0020] Since the abnormality of the second control unit and the in-vehicle network is identified based on the normal operation signal, it can be identified even before a predetermined off grace period has elapsed since the start of the power off control (before the off abnormality condition is established). Therefore, in this embodiment, when an abnormality of the second control unit or the in-vehicle network is identified, an abnormality is notified before the off abnormality condition is established. Therefore, the user can quickly know that an off abnormality has occurred.

[0021] In the above aspect, The first control unit is configured to, when the arrival condition is satisfied (522, step 1050 “Yes”), transmit to the mobile terminal an arrival signal for causing the mobile terminal to display an arrival screen (FIG. 4B) for notifying the user that the vehicle has reached the target parking position (526, step 1060); When the power supply is switched to the off state, the communication connection is disconnected (534); If the communication connection is not disconnected within a period from when the mobile terminal receives the arrival signal until a predetermined disconnection grace period (Tdcn) has elapsed (804, step 1325 "Yes"), the mobile terminal displays the abnormality screen (806, step 1330), The first control unit is configured to preset the turn-off grace time to be shorter than the cut-off grace time.

[0022] It takes a time from when the first control unit transmits the abnormality signal until the mobile terminal receives the abnormality signal, which is the delay time in the communication connection. In this embodiment, the off grace period is set to be shorter than the disconnection grace period. This makes it possible to prevent the off grace period from elapsed before the mobile terminal receives the "abnormality signal transmitted from the first control unit" even though the first control unit transmits the abnormality signal. Furthermore, if the abnormality signal contains information that can identify the cause of the off abnormality, it is possible to increase the possibility that the abnormality screen can be displayed in a manner that can identify the cause of the off abnormality.

[0023] The mobile terminal of the present invention comprises: Establish a communication connection capable of exchanging data with a vehicle that executes parking assistance control including an automatic parking control (520, steps 1035 and 1045) for driving the vehicle to a predetermined target parking position in an on state in which a power source (36) of the vehicle supplies power to a device mounted on the vehicle, and a power off control (530, step 1070) for switching the power source from the on state to an off state in which the power is not supplied to the device when a reaching condition that the vehicle has reached the target parking position is satisfied, Transmitting a command signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to execute the automatic parking control (518); It is structured as follows: When the power supply switches from the on state to the off state, the communication connection is disconnected (534); If the communication connection is not disconnected within a period from when the arrival signal transmitted by the vehicle is received when the arrival condition is satisfied until a predetermined disconnection grace period (Tdcn) has elapsed (804, step 1325 "Yes"), an abnormality screen is displayed (1330) to inform the user of the vehicle that an off abnormality has occurred in which the power supply does not switch to the off state. It is structured as follows.

[0024] According to the present invention, the mobile terminal can detect the occurrence of an off abnormality in which the power does not switch to the off state even when the vehicle reaches the target parking position, and can notify the user of the occurrence of the off abnormality. This allows the user to know that an off abnormality has occurred, and prevents the vehicle from being left with the power in the on state.

[0025] In one aspect of the above portable device, If the arrival signal is received (526, step 1210 "Yes"), an arrival screen is displayed (528, step 1220) to inform the user that the vehicle has reached the target parking position.

[0026] According to this aspect, the mobile terminal displays the arrival screen when the vehicle reaches the target parking position, so that the user can be informed that the vehicle has reached the target parking position.

[0027] In one aspect of the above portable device, If the communication connection is disconnected during the period from when the arrival signal is received until the disconnection grace time has elapsed (534, step 1315 "Yes"), a normal completion screen is displayed (536, step 1340) to inform the user that the parking assistance control has been completed normally.

[0028] If the communication connection is cut off during the period from when the arrival signal is received until the cutoff grace period has elapsed, the power supply of the vehicle is switched off after the vehicle reaches the target parking position. According to this aspect, a normal completion screen is displayed in this case, so that the user can be informed that the parking assist control has been normally completed without the occurrence of an off abnormality.

[0029] In one aspect of the above mobile terminal, If the power supply does not switch to the off state within a period from when the power supply off control is started until a predetermined off grace time (Toff) has elapsed (702), and if an abnormality signal transmitted by the vehicle is received (704, step 1310 "Yes"), the abnormality screen is displayed (706, step 1330).

[0030] According to this aspect, even if an off abnormality is detected on the vehicle side, in which the power supply does not switch to the off state, the mobile terminal can display the abnormality screen. As a result, even if an off abnormality is detected on the vehicle side, the user can be notified of the off abnormality.

[0031] In the above aspect, The power-off grace period is preset to be longer than the power-off grace period.

[0032] Since it takes time for the vehicle to transmit an abnormality signal and for the mobile terminal to receive the abnormality signal equal to the delay time in the communication connection, in this embodiment, the disconnection grace period is set to be longer than the off grace period.

[0033] In the above description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the names and / or symbols used in the embodiments described below are added in parentheses to the configurations of the invention corresponding to those embodiments. However, each component of the invention is not limited to the embodiments defined by the names and / or symbols. Other objects, other features, and associated advantages of the present invention will be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a parking assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of an abnormality screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of an arrival screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a first operation example of the parking assistance device and the mobile terminal. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a setting screen displayed on a display device of a vehicle. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a confirmation screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of a normal completion screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation example of the parking assistance device and the mobile terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example of the parking assistance device and the mobile terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a start determination routine executed by the CPU of the parking ECU shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an automatic parking control routine executed by the CPU of the parking ECU shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an off abnormality determination routine executed by the CPU of the parking ECU shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a reception determination routine executed by the CPU of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a disconnection abnormality determination routine executed by the CPU of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a cause identification routine executed by the CPU of the parking ECU according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of a first abnormality screen displayed on a mobile terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of a second abnormality screen displayed on the mobile terminal according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a part of an automatic parking control routine executed by the CPU of the parking ECU according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of a reception determination routine executed by the CPU of the mobile terminal according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram of a first abnormality arrival screen displayed on a mobile terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18B]FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram of a second abnormality arrival screen displayed on the mobile terminal according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram of an abnormality screen displayed on a mobile terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram of an abnormality screen displayed on the mobile terminal according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] A parking assistance device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this assistance device") is mounted on a vehicle VA. As shown in FIG. 1, the parking assistance device 10 includes a parking ECU 20, a verification ECU 30, a drive ECU 40, a brake ECU 50, an EPB (electric parking brake) ECU 60, a steering ECU 70, and a shift ECU 80. These ECUs are connected to each other via a controller area network (CAN) so as to be able to exchange data (communicate). The CAN may also be referred to as an "in-vehicle network."

[0036] ECU is an abbreviation of Electronic Control Unit, and is an electronic control circuit having as its main components a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an interface (I / F). The ECU may also be called a "control unit," "controller," or "computer." The CPU realizes various functions by executing instructions (routines) stored in the memory (ROM). All or some of the above ECUs 20 to 80 may be integrated into one ECU.

[0037] The parking ECU 20 may be referred to as a “first control unit,” and the verification ECU 30 may be referred to as a “second control unit.” Furthermore, at least one of the drive ECU 40, the brake ECU 50, the EPBECU 60, the steering ECU 70, and the shift ECU 80 may be referred to as a “third control unit.”

[0038] The parking ECU 20 is connected to a plurality of wheel speed sensors 21, a plurality of clearance sonars 22, a plurality of cameras 23, a communication interface (I / F) 24, a display device 25, and a speaker 26 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0039] The wheel speed sensor 21 is provided for each wheel of the vehicle VA, and generates one pulse signal each time the corresponding wheel rotates a predetermined angle. The parking ECU 20 measures the number of pulses per unit time of the pulse signal generated by each wheel speed sensor 21, and obtains the rotation speed (wheel speed) of each wheel based on the measured number of pulses. The parking ECU 20 obtains a vehicle speed Vs indicating the speed of the vehicle VA based on the rotation speed of each wheel. As an example, the parking ECU 20 obtains the average value of the rotation speeds of the four wheels as the vehicle speed Vs.

[0040] Four clearance sonars 22 are disposed at the front end of the vehicle VA, and four clearance sonars 22 are disposed at the rear end of the vehicle VA. The clearance sonars 22 detect stationary objects such as walls using ultrasonic waves and transmit the detection results to the parking ECU 20. The parking ECU 20 detects stationary objects in front of the vehicle VA based on the detection results of the clearance sonars 22 disposed at the front end of the vehicle VA, and detects stationary objects behind the vehicle VA based on the detection results of the clearance sonars 22 disposed at the rear end of the vehicle VA.

[0041] The vehicle VA is equipped with four cameras 23. In detail, one camera 23 is disposed near the center of the front grille of the vehicle VA in the vehicle width direction, and this camera 23 photographs the area in front of the vehicle VA. Another camera 23 is disposed near the center of the back door of the vehicle VA in the vehicle width direction, and this camera 23 photographs the area behind the vehicle VA. Another camera 23 is disposed on the left side mirror of the vehicle VA, and this camera photographs the area on the left side of the vehicle VA. Another camera 23 is disposed on the right side mirror of the vehicle VA, and this camera photographs the area on the right side of the vehicle VA.

[0042] Each camera 23 transmits image data acquired by photographing each area to the parking ECU 20. The parking ECU 20 generates image data of the area around the vehicle VA by synthesizing each image data.

[0043] The communication I / F 24 is an interface for establishing a wireless communication connection with a device that is a connection destination set in advance, and performing wireless communication. In this example, a mobile terminal 90 of a user (driver or passenger) of the vehicle VA is set in advance as the connection destination device.

[0044] The mobile terminal 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet, and has a display device 92. For example, the display device 92 is a touch panel type display device. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the mobile terminal 90 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface (I / F), a communication interface (I / F), and the like. This communication I / F is an interface for establishing a wireless communication connection with a device that is a connection destination set in advance, and performing wireless communication.

[0045] Hereinafter, the CPU of the parking ECU 20 may be referred to as a "first CPU," and the CPU of the mobile terminal 90 may be referred to as a "second CPU."

[0046] The display device 25 is a multimedia display disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle VA. The display device 25 is a touch panel type display device. When an abnormality occurs in the vehicle VA, the display device 25 displays a warning message and a setting screen (see FIG. 6A) described later. The speaker 26 issues a buzzer sound when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle VA.

[0047] The verification ECU 30 is connected to an ignition (IG) switch 32 and an ignition (IG) relay 34 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0048] The IG switch 32 is also called a "start switch" or a "ready switch." When a user operates the IG switch 32 in the OFF position, the IG switch 32 is changed from the OFF position to the ON position. When a user operates the IG switch 32 in the ON position, the IG switch 32 is changed from the ON position to the OFF position.

[0049] The IG relay 34 is a relay circuit connected to an ignition (IG) power supply 36. The IG relay 34 can be in a non-energized state or an energized state. The non-energized state is a state in which the IG power supply 36 is electrically disconnected from the ECUs (20, 40 to 80) other than the verification ECU 30, and is a state in which the power required for the vehicle VA to run is not supplied. Note that the verification ECU 30 is supplied with power from a +B power supply (not shown), and is operational even when the IG power supply 36 is in a non-energized state. The energized state is a state in which the IG power supply 36 and the ECUs (20, 40 to 80) are electrically connected to each other and the electric power required for the vehicle VA to run is supplied to the IG power supply 36 and the ECUs (20, 40 to 80). Hereinafter, the state of the IG power supply 36 when the IG relay 34 is in a non-energized state will be referred to as the "off state," and the state of the IG power supply 36 when the IG relay 34 is in a conductive state will be referred to as the "on state."

[0050] When the IG switch 32 is changed from the OFF position to the ON position, the verification ECU 30 switches the state of the IG relay 34 from a non-energized state to a powered state, and switches the IG power supply 36 from an OFF state to an ON state. On the other hand, when the IG switch 32 is changed from the ON position to the OFF position, the verification ECU 30 switches the state of the IG relay 34 from a powered state to a non-energized state, and switches the IG power supply 36 from an ON state to an OFF state.

[0051] Furthermore, when the verification ECU 30 receives an OFF command from the parking ECU 20, it switches the state of the IG relay 34 from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0052] The drive ECU 40 is connected to an accelerator pedal operation amount sensor 42 and a drive source actuator 44 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0053] The accelerator pedal operation amount sensor 42 detects an accelerator pedal operation amount AP, which is the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 42a, and generates a signal indicative of the accelerator pedal operation amount AP. The drive ECU 40 obtains the accelerator pedal operation amount AP based on the signal generated by the accelerator pedal operation amount sensor 42.

[0054] The drive source actuator 44 is connected to a drive source (such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine) 44a that generates a drive force applied to the vehicle VA. The drive ECU 40 controls the drive source actuator 44 to change the operating state of the drive source 44a, thereby adjusting the drive force applied to the vehicle VA. The drive ECU 40 controls the drive source actuator 44 so that the drive force applied to the vehicle VA increases as the accelerator pedal operation amount AP increases.

[0055] When the IG switch 32 is operated while the driving source 44a is in a non-operating state, the driving source 44a starts and becomes in an operating state. On the other hand, when the IG switch 32 is operated while the driving source 44a is in an operating state, the driving source 44a becomes in an inoperating state.

[0056] The brake ECU 50 is connected to a brake pedal operation amount sensor 52 and a brake actuator 54 .

[0057] The brake pedal operation amount sensor 52 detects the brake pedal operation amount BP, which is the amount of operation of the brake pedal 52a, and generates a signal indicative of the brake pedal operation amount BP. The brake ECU 50 obtains the brake pedal operation amount BP based on the signal generated by the brake pedal operation amount sensor 52.

[0058] The brake actuator 54 is an actuator that controls the friction brake mechanism 56, and includes a known hydraulic circuit. The friction brake mechanism 56 includes a brake disc 56a fixed to a wheel and a brake caliper 56b fixed to the vehicle body. The brake actuator 54 adjusts the hydraulic pressure supplied to a wheel cylinder built into the brake caliper 56b in response to an instruction from the brake ECU 50, and uses the hydraulic pressure to press the brake pad against the brake disc 56a to generate a friction braking force. Therefore, the brake ECU 50 can control the braking force of the vehicle VA by controlling the brake actuator 54.

[0059] The EPB ECU 60 is connected to a parking brake actuator (hereinafter referred to as "PKB actuator") 62 so as to be able to exchange data. The PKB actuator 62 generates a frictional braking force by pressing a brake pad against the brake disc 56a or, in the case of a drum brake, pressing a shoe against a drum that rotates together with the wheel. The EPB ECU 60 can apply a parking brake force to the wheel using the PKB actuator 62 to keep the vehicle VA stopped. Hereinafter, the braking of the vehicle VA by operating the PKB actuator 62 will be simply referred to as "EPB."

[0060] The steering ECU 70 is connected to a steering angle sensor 72, a steering torque sensor 74, and a steering motor 76 so as to be able to exchange data with them.

[0061] The steering angle sensor 72 detects the rotation angle of the steering wheel 72a from the neutral position as the steering angle θs, and generates a signal indicative of the steering angle θs. The steering ECU 70 obtains the steering angle θs based on the signal generated by the steering angle sensor 72.

[0062] The steering torque sensor 74 detects a steering torque Tr that represents a torque acting on a steering shaft 74a connected to the steering wheel 72a, and generates a signal that represents the steering torque Tr. The steering ECU 70 obtains the steering torque Tr based on the signal generated by the steering torque sensor 74.

[0063] The steering motor 76 is incorporated so as to be able to transmit torque to a "steering mechanism 76a including a steering wheel 72a, a steering shaft 74a, a steering gear mechanism, etc." of the vehicle VA. The steering motor 76 generates torque according to the power supplied from a vehicle battery (not shown). The direction, magnitude, etc. of this power are controlled by the steering ECU 70. The torque generated by the steering motor 76 generates a steering assist torque and steers (turns) the left and right wheels.

[0064] The steering ECU 70 normally controls the steering motor 76 so as to generate a steering assist torque corresponding to the steering torque Tr.

[0065] The shift ECU 80 is connected to a shift position sensor 82. The shift position sensor 82 detects the position of a shift lever 82a (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "shift position SP"). In this example, the positions of the shift lever 82a are a park position (P), a forward position (D), and a reverse position (R). The shift ECU 80 receives the position of the shift lever 82a from the shift position sensor 82, and controls a transmission (not shown) of the vehicle VA based on that position.

[0066] More specifically, when the shift lever 82a is in the "P" position, the shift ECU 80 controls the transmission so that driving force is not transmitted to the drive wheels and the vehicle VA is mechanically locked in a stop position. When the shift lever 82a is in the "D" position, the shift ECU 80 controls the transmission so that driving force for moving the vehicle VA forward is transmitted to the drive wheels. When the shift lever 82a is in the "R" position, the shift ECU 80 controls the transmission so that driving force for moving the vehicle VA backward is transmitted to the drive wheels.

[0067] Furthermore, when the shift ECU 80 receives a shift switching command from the parking ECU 20, it moves the position of the shift lever 82a to a position according to the shift switching command, and controls the transmission according to the shift switching command.

[0068] (Overview of operation) An overview of the operation of the parking assistance device 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. The parking ECU 20 of the parking assistance device 10 performs automatic parking control (remote automatic parking control) to drive the vehicle VA to a predetermined target parking position Ptgt and stop the vehicle VA at the target parking position Ptgt, based on operations performed on the mobile terminal 90 by a user outside the vehicle.

[0069] When the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt, the parking ECU 20 performs power-off control. The power-off control is a control for switching the IG power supply 36 from an on state to an off state. When the IG power supply 36 is in the off state, power is no longer supplied to the ECUs (20, 40 to 80). Therefore, these ECUs are in an inoperative state (non-operating state).

[0070] When the off abnormality condition is satisfied that the parking ECU 20 is still operating (still in an operating state) even after a predetermined off grace time Toff has elapsed since the start of the power off control, the parking ECU 20 determines that an off abnormality has occurred in which the IG power supply 36 does not switch to the off state. Then, the parking ECU 20 transmits an abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90.

[0071] When the mobile terminal 90 receives the abnormality signal, it displays the abnormality screen shown in Fig. 4A on the display device 92. The abnormality screen displays a message indicating that the IG power supply 36 does not switch to the off state. Specifically, the abnormality screen displays the message "Failed to turn off the vehicle power supply. Please check the vehicle directly."

[0072] A user outside the vehicle can know that an off abnormality has occurred by viewing the abnormality screen while still outside the vehicle. The user who knows that an off abnormality has occurred can get into the vehicle VA and take appropriate action. The parking assistance device 10 can reduce the possibility that the user will leave the vehicle VA with the IG power supply 36 in the on state even though the IG power supply 36 is in the on state.

[0073] Next, an overview of the operation of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. When the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt, the parking ECU 20 transmits an arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90. When the mobile terminal 90 receives the arrival signal, the arrival screen shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the display device 92. The arrival screen displays a message indicating that the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt. Specifically, the arrival screen displays a message stating "The target parking position has been reached."

[0074] When the IG power supply 36 is switched to the off state, the "wireless communication connection established between the mobile terminal 90 and the vehicle VA" is disconnected. In light of this, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the off abnormality has occurred when a disconnection abnormality condition is met in which the wireless communication connection is not disconnected even after a predetermined disconnection grace time Tdcn has elapsed since the arrival signal was received. Then, the mobile terminal 90 displays the abnormality screen shown in FIG. 4A on the display device 92.

[0075] As a result, even if the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive the abnormality signal, it is possible to inform the user that an off abnormality has occurred.

[0076] (Example of operation) First, with reference to FIG. 5, an example will be described in which the IG power supply 36 is normally turned off and the wireless communication connection is disconnected before the disconnection grace time Tdcn has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal.

[0077] When the user stops the vehicle VA near a position where the user wants to park the vehicle VA (502) and operates a parking switch (not shown) (504), the parking assistance device 10 displays the setting screen shown in Fig. 6A on the display device 25 (506). The parking switch is disposed near the steering wheel 72a.

[0078] The setting screen displays an overhead image of the scenery with the vehicle VA at the center as seen from directly above the vehicle VA. This overhead image is generated based on image data acquired by the camera 23. In the overhead image, a parking space P in which the vehicle VA can be parked is displayed, and a target parking frame 602 (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6A) is displayed so as to surround the parking space P. Furthermore, the setting screen also displays a setting completion button 604. When the vehicle speed Vs becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold vehicle speed Vsth, the parking assistance device 10 searches for a space in which parking can be performed based on the image data acquired by the camera 23 and the positions of stationary objects detected by the clearance sonar 22.

[0079] When there are multiple parking spaces P, the target parking frame 602 is displayed so as to surround the parking space P closest to the vehicle VA. The user can move the target parking frame 602 to any position by pressing and holding the target parking frame 602. When the user confirms that the target parking frame 602 is at a position where the user wants to park the vehicle VA, the user operates the setting completion button 604. When the setting completion button 604 is operated, the parking assistance device 10 sets the position corresponding to the target parking frame 602 as the target parking position Ptgt (507).

[0080] After operating the setting completion button 604, the user moves outside the vehicle with the mobile terminal 90 (508) and starts the automatic parking application installed in the mobile terminal 90 (510). When the automatic parking application is started, the mobile terminal 90 communicates with the parking assistance device 10 and acquires parking position information including "the overhead image and the target parking position Ptgt". Then, the mobile terminal 90 displays the confirmation screen shown in Fig. 6B on the display device 92 based on the parking position information (512).

[0081] On the confirmation screen, "the target parking position Ptgt set by the parking assistance device 10" is displayed on the overhead image. Furthermore, on the confirmation screen, a long press button 606 is displayed.

[0082] When the user agrees to parking the vehicle VA at the target parking position Ptgt, the user long-presses the long-press button 606 displayed on the setting screen. When the long-press button 606 is long-pressed, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a parking agreement signal to the parking assistance device 10 (514), and displays the operation screen shown in Fig. 6C on the display device 92 (516).

[0083] On the operation screen, an operation area 608 and a "message encouraging an operation on the operation area 608" are displayed. When the touch position in the operation area 608 is continuously changing as the user continues to trace the operation area 608 with his / her finger, the mobile terminal 90 continues to transmit an operation signal to the parking assistance device 10 (518). Note that the operation signal may be referred to as a "command signal."

[0084] On the other hand, when the parking assistance device 10 receives the parking agreement signal transmitted by the mobile terminal 90, it acquires a target route to the target parking position Ptgt based on the image data and the positions of the stationary objects, and starts automatic parking control (516).

[0085] Once the parking assistance device 10 starts the automatic parking control, it continues to drive the vehicle VA along the target route until the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt as long as it receives an operation signal. When the vehicle VA reaches a deceleration start position, which is a position a predetermined distance ahead of the target parking position Ptgt along the target route, the parking assistance device 10 starts to decelerate the vehicle VA and stops the vehicle VA at the target parking position Ptgt (522).

[0086] When the vehicle VA stops at the target parking position Ptgt, the parking assistant 10 places the shift position SP in "P" and activates the EPB (524). Next, the parking assistant 10 transmits an arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90 (526). Upon receiving the arrival signal, the mobile terminal 90 displays the arrival screen shown in Fig. 4B on the display device 92 (528).

[0087] After transmitting the arrival signal, the parking assistance device 10 transmits an OFF command to the verification ECU 30 to switch the IG power supply 36 to the OFF state (in other words, starts the power supply OFF control) (530).

[0088] The parking ECU 20 is in an inoperative state (532) and the wireless communication connection is disconnected (534) between the transmission of the OFF command and the elapse of the OFF grace period Toff. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the wireless communication connection is disconnected before the disconnection grace period Tdcn has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal, so the mobile terminal 90 displays the normal completion screen shown in Fig. 6D on the display device 92 (536). The normal completion screen displays a message indicating that the automatic parking control has been completed normally (a message stating "Automatic parking is now finished").

[0089] Next, an example in which the parking ECU 20 is in an operating state when the off grace time Toff has elapsed since the off command was sent to the verification ECU 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 7, the same processes as those in the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] After the parking ECU 20 transmits an OFF command to the verification ECU 30 (530 in FIG. 7), when the OFF grace period Toff has elapsed, the parking ECU 20 transmits an abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90 (704) because the parking ECU 20 itself is in an operating state (702). When the mobile terminal 90 receives the abnormality signal, it displays the abnormality screen shown in FIG. 4A on the display device 92 (706).

[0091] Next, an example in which the wireless communication connection is not disconnected even after the disconnection grace time Tdcn has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 8, the same processes as those in the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] When the off grace period Toff has elapsed since the parking ECU 20 transmitted an off command to the verification ECU 30 (530 in FIG. 8), the parking ECU 20 is in an operating state (802). However, there are cases where the parking ECU 20 cannot transmit an abnormality signal because some abnormality has occurred. In this case, even if the mobile terminal 90 does not receive an abnormality signal, if the wireless communication connection has not been disconnected when the disconnection grace period Tdcn has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal (804), the mobile terminal 90 displays the abnormality screen shown in FIG. 4A on the display device 92 (806).

[0093] (Specific operation) <Start Judgment Routine> The CPU of the parking ECU 20 (hereinafter, when referred to as the "first CPU", unless otherwise specified, refers to the CPU of the parking ECU 20) executes a routine (start determination routine) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0094] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the first CPU starts the process from step 900 in FIG. 9, and proceeds to step 905, where it is determined whether the value of the execution flag Xexe is "0" or not. The value of the execution flag Xexe is set to "1" when the first CPU receives the parking agreement signal transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 (see step 915), and is set to "0" when the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt (see step 1055 shown in FIG. 10). Furthermore, in the initial routine executed by the first CPU when the IG switch 32 is changed from the OFF position to the ON position, the value of the execution flag Xexe is set to "0."

[0095] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "0", the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 905 and proceeds to step 910. In step 910, the first CPU determines whether or not the parking agreement signal transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 has been received.

[0096] If the first CPU has not received the parking consent signal, the first CPU determines "No" in step 910, proceeds to step 995, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0097] If the first CPU has received the parking agreement signal, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 910 and proceeds to step 915. In step 915, the first CPU sets the value of the execution flag Xexe to "1", proceeds to step 995, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0098] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "1" when the first CPU proceeds to step 905, the first CPU determines "No" in step 905, proceeds to step 995, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0099] <Automatic parking control routine> The first CPU executes a routine (automatic parking control routine) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0100] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the first CPU starts the process from step 1000 in FIG. 10, proceeds to step 1005, and determines whether the value of the execution flag Xexe is "1" or not.

[0101] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "0", the first CPU determines "No" in step 1005, proceeds to step 1095, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0102] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "1", the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1005, and proceeds to step 1010. In step 1010, the first CPU determines whether or not an operation signal transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 has been received.

[0103] If the first CPU has not received the operation signal, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1010 and transmits "an acceleration / deceleration command including a preset no-operation acceleration Gnt (<0) as a target acceleration Gtgt" to the drive ECU 40 and the brake ECU 50. After that, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0104] When the drive ECU 40 receives an acceleration / deceleration command, it controls the drive source actuator 44 so that the acceleration G of the vehicle VA coincides with the target acceleration Gtgt included in the acceleration / deceleration command. Similarly, when the brake ECU 50 receives an acceleration / deceleration command, it controls the brake actuator 54 so that the acceleration G coincides with the target acceleration Gtgt. The acceleration G is obtained by differentiating the vehicle speed Vs with respect to time.

[0105] If the first CPU has received an operation signal, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1010, and executes steps 1020 and 1025 in this order.

[0106] Step 1020: The first CPU acquires a target route to the target parking position Ptgt. In addition, in this step 1020, the first CPU also acquires a deceleration start position, which is a position a predetermined distance ahead of the target parking position Ptgt along the target route. Step 1025: The first CPU judges whether the value of the deceleration flag Xdec is "0" or not.

[0107] The value of the deceleration flag Xdec is set to "1" when the vehicle VA reaches the deceleration start position (see step 1040), and is set to "0" when the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt (see step 1055). The value of the deceleration flag Xdec is set to "0" in the initial routine.

[0108] If the value of the deceleration flag Xdec is "0", the first CPU judges "Yes" in step 1025 and proceeds to step 1030. In step 1030, the first CPU judges whether the vehicle VA has reached the deceleration start position based on the image data and the detection signal from the wheel speed sensor 21. In detail, the first CPU acquires the travel distance traveled by the vehicle VA during the period from the previous execution of this routine to the current execution of this routine based on the detection signal acquired during the period. Furthermore, the first CPU acquires the remaining distance to the deceleration start position acquired based on the image data. If the travel distance matches the remaining distance acquired when the routine was executed, the first CPU judges that the vehicle VA has reached the deceleration start position.

[0109] If the vehicle VA has not reached the deceleration start position, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1030 and proceeds to step 1035. In step 1035, the first CPU executes travel control so that the vehicle VA travels along the target route at a preset target vehicle speed Vst. Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0110] The driving control will be specifically described. The first CPU calculates a target acceleration Gtgt for making the vehicle speed Vs coincide with a predetermined target vehicle speed Vst. The first CPU transmits an acceleration / deceleration command including the target acceleration Gtgt to the drive ECU 40 and the brake ECU 50. Furthermore, the first CPU calculates a target steering angle θtgt for the vehicle VA to travel along a target route, and transmits a steering command including the target steering angle θtgt to the steering ECU 70. The steering ECU 70 controls the steering motor 76 so that the steering angle θs coincides with the "target steering angle θtgt included in the received steering command."

[0111] If the vehicle VA has reached the deceleration start position when the first CPU proceeds to step 1030, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1030 and executes steps 1040 and 1045 in this order.

[0112] Step 1040: The first CPU sets the value of the deceleration flag Xdec to “1”. Step 1045: The first CPU executes the vehicle stop deceleration control for stopping the vehicle VA at the target stopping position. After that, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 and ends this routine.

[0113] The vehicle stop deceleration control will be specifically described. The first CPU transmits "an acceleration / deceleration command including a preset vehicle stop acceleration Gst (<0) as a target acceleration Gtgt" to the drive ECU 40 and the brake ECU 50. Note that in the vehicle stop deceleration control, the first CPU also transmits a steering command including a target steering angle θtgt for the vehicle VA to travel along the target route to the steering ECU 60.

[0114] If the value of the deceleration flag Xdec is "1" when the first CPU proceeds to step 1025, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1025 and proceeds to step 1050. In step 1050, the first CPU determines whether the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt. Note that the determination of whether the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt may be performed using the same method as the determination of whether the vehicle VA has reached the deceleration start position.

[0115] If the vehicle VA has not reached the target parking position Ptgt, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1050, and proceeds to step 1045 to execute vehicle stop deceleration control. After that, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 to temporarily end this routine.

[0116] When the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1050, and executes steps 1055 to 1075 in order.

[0117] Step 1055: The first CPU sets the values ​​of the execution flag Xexe and the deceleration flag Xdec to “0”. Step 1060 : The first CPU transmits an arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90 . Step 1065: The first CPU activates the EPB and changes the position of the shift lever 82a to "P."

[0118] Step 1070 : The first CPU transmits an OFF command to the verification ECU 30 . When the verification ECU 30 receives the OFF command, it changes the IG relay 34 to a non-energized state, thereby changing the IG power supply 36 to an OFF state.

[0119] Step 1075: The first CPU sets the value of the OFF determination flag Xoff to “1,” and sets the OFF determination timer TMoff to “0.” After that, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0120] The value of the off determination flag Xoff is set to "1" when the first CPU transmits an off command, and is set to "0" in the initial routine. The off-determination timer TMoff is a timer for counting the time that has elapsed since the first CPU transmitted an off command.

[0121] Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0122] <Off abnormality judgment routine> The first CPU executes a routine (off abnormality determination routine) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0123] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the first CPU starts the process from step 1100 in FIG. 11, proceeds to step 1105, and determines whether the value of the off determination flag Xoff is "1".

[0124] If the value of the OFF determination flag Xoff is "0", the first CPU determines "No" in step 1105, proceeds to step 1195, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0125] If the value of the OFF determination flag Xoff is "1", the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1105 and executes steps 1110 and 1115 in this order. Step 1110: The first CPU adds "1" to the off determination timer TMoff. Step 1115: The first CPU judges whether the off-determination timer TMoff is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value TM1th. The threshold value TM1th is preset so that the value of the off-determination timer TMoff reaches the threshold value TM1th when the off grace period Toff has elapsed since the transmission of the off command.

[0126] If the off determination timer TMoff is less than the threshold value TM1th, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1115, proceeds to step 1195, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0127] If the off determination timer TMoff is equal to or greater than the threshold value TM1th, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1115 and executes steps 1120 and 1125 in this order. Step 1120 : The first CPU transmits an abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90 . Step 1125: The first CPU displays an image on the display device 25 indicating that an OFF abnormality has occurred, and causes the speaker 26 to sound a buzzer sound. Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1195 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0128] <Reception determination routine> The CPU of the mobile terminal 90 (hereinafter, when referred to as the "second CPU", unless otherwise specified, refers to the CPU of the mobile terminal 90) executes a routine (reception determination routine) shown in the flowchart in FIG. 12 every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0129] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the second CPU starts the process from step 1200 in FIG. 12, proceeds to step 1205, and determines whether the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "0" or not. The value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is set to "1" when the mobile terminal 90 receives an arrival signal (see step 1215), and is set to "0" when an abnormality screen or a normal completion screen is displayed (see step 1335 shown in FIG. 13). Note that the second CPU sets the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn to "0" when the automatic parking application is started.

[0130] When the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "0", the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1205, and proceeds to step 1210. In step 1210, the second CPU determines whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received an arrival signal.

[0131] If the mobile terminal 90 has not received the arrival signal, the second CPU determines "No" in step 1210, proceeds to step 1295, and ends this routine for the time being.

[0132] If the mobile terminal 90 receives the arrival signal, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1210, and executes steps 1215 and 1220 in this order. Step 1215: The second CPU sets the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn to "1" and sets the value of the disconnection determination timer TMdcn to "0." The disconnection determination timer TMdcn is a timer for counting the time that has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal.

[0133] Step 1220: The second CPU displays the arrival screen on the display device 92. Thereafter, the second CPU proceeds to step 1295 and terminates this routine.

[0134] <Disconnection abnormality judgment routine> The CPU of the mobile terminal 90 (hereinafter, when referred to as the "second CPU", unless otherwise specified, refers to the CPU of the mobile terminal 90) executes a routine (disconnection abnormality determination routine) shown in the flowchart in FIG. 13 every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0135] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the second CPU starts the process from step 1300 in FIG. 13, proceeds to step 1305, and determines whether the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "1".

[0136] When the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "0", the second CPU determines "No" in step 1305, proceeds to step 1395, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0137] If the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "1", the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1305 and proceeds to step 1310. It is determined whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received an abnormality signal.

[0138] If the portable terminal 90 has not received the abnormality signal, the second CPU determines “No” in step 1310, and proceeds to step 1315. In step 1315, the second CPU determines whether the wireless communication connection established between the vehicle VA and the portable terminal 90 has been disconnected.

[0139] Step 1315 will now be described in detail. After the wireless communication connection is established, the vehicle VA and the portable terminal 90 transmit a normal operation signal to each other via the wireless communication connection every time a predetermined time elapses. The second CPU determines that the wireless communication connection has been disconnected when the time during which the normal operation signal has not been received from the vehicle VA is equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold disconnection time.

[0140] If the wireless communication is not disconnected, the second CPU determines "No" in step 1315 and executes steps 1320 and 1325 in this order. Step 1315: The second CPU adds "1" to the disconnection determination timer TMdcn. Step 1320: The second CPU determines whether or not the disconnection determination timer TMdcn is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value TM2th. The threshold value TM2th is preset to a value larger than the threshold value TM1th such that the value of the disconnection determination timer TMdcn reaches the threshold value TM2th when the disconnection allowance time Tdcn has elapsed since the arrival signal was received.

[0141] If the disconnection determination timer TMdcn is less than the threshold value TM2th, the second CPU determines "No" in step 1325, proceeds to step 1395, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0142] If the disconnection determination timer TMdcn is equal to or greater than the threshold value TM2th, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1325 and executes steps 1330 and 1335 in this order.

[0143] Step 1330: The second CPU displays an abnormality screen on the display device 92. Step 1335: The second CPU sets the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn to "0", and sets the value of the disconnection determination timer TMdcn to "0". Thereafter, the second CPU proceeds to step 1395 and terminates this routine.

[0144] On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 90 has received an abnormality signal when the second CPU proceeds to step 1310, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1310, proceeds to step 1330 to display an abnormality screen, and executes step 1335. After that, the second CPU proceeds to step 1395 to temporarily end this routine.

[0145] On the other hand, if the wireless communication connection is disconnected when the second CPU proceeds to step 1315, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1315 and proceeds to step 1340. In step 1340, the second CPU displays a normal completion screen on the display device 92, proceeds to step 1395, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0146] According to this embodiment, if the parking ECU 20 is still operating when the off grace time Toff has elapsed since the parking ECU 20 transmitted the off command to the verification ECU 30, the mobile terminal 90 displays an abnormality screen. This makes it possible to inform the user outside the vehicle that an off abnormality has occurred.

[0147] Furthermore, if the wireless communication connection is not disconnected even after the disconnection grace time Tdcn has elapsed since the mobile terminal 90 received the arrival signal, the mobile terminal 90 displays an abnormality screen. This makes it possible to inform the user outside the vehicle that an off abnormality has occurred, even if the parking ECU 20 cannot transmit an abnormality signal due to an abnormality that has occurred in the parking ECU 20.

[0148] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications of the present invention can be adopted.

[0149] (First Modification) In this modification, the parking ECU 20 identifies the cause of the off abnormality and transmits an abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90 in a manner that allows the cause of the off abnormality to be identified. When the mobile terminal 90 receives the abnormality signal, it displays an abnormality screen in a manner that allows the cause of the off abnormality to be identified. According to this modification, the user can know the cause of the off abnormality as well as that an off abnormality has occurred. This allows the user to take action according to the cause of the off abnormality.

[0150] In this modification, the parking ECU 20 identifies the following first to third causes. First cause: Abnormality in verification ECU 30 Second cause: CAN abnormality Third cause: Abnormality in IG power supply system

[0151] Each of the ECUs 20 to 80 transmits a normal operation signal via the CAN every time a predetermined transmission time has elapsed. When the parking ECU 20 determines that an off abnormality of the first cause has occurred when a "first abnormality condition is met in which a normal operation signal is received from any of the ECUs 40 to 80 other than the matching ECU 30, and a normal operation signal is not received from the matching ECU 30," the parking ECU 20 determines that an off abnormality of the first cause has occurred. When the "second abnormality condition that normal operation signals are not received from the plurality of ECUs 30 to 80 including the verification ECU 30" is satisfied, the parking ECU 20 determines that an off abnormality of a second cause has occurred. The parking ECU 20 determines that an off abnormality due to a third cause has occurred when "a third abnormality condition is met that the parking ECU 20 is operating even after the off grace time Toff has elapsed since the off command was transmitted, despite the normal operation signal being received from the ECUs 30 to 80." An abnormality in the IG power supply system is an abnormality that has occurred in at least one of the IG relay 34 and the IG power supply 36.

[0152] The first CPU of this modification executes a start determination routine shown in Fig. 9, an automatic parking control routine (see Fig. 16) which is partially different from the automatic parking control shown in Fig. 10, and an off abnormality determination routine shown in Fig. 11. Furthermore, the first CPU executes a cause identification routine shown in Fig. 14.

[0153] The second CPU of this modification executes the reception determination routine shown in FIG. 17 instead of the reception determination routine shown in FIG. 12, and executes the disconnection abnormality determination routine shown in FIG.

[0154] <Cause Identification Routine> The first CPU of this modified example executes a routine (cause identification routine) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0155] Therefore, at a predetermined timing, the first CPU starts the process from step 1400 in Fig. 14, and proceeds to step 1405. In step 1405, the first CPU determines whether or not the value of the execution flag Xexe is "1".

[0156] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "0", the first CPU determines "No" in step 1405, proceeds to step 1495, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0157] If the value of the execution flag Xexe is "1", the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1405 and executes steps 1410 and 1415 in this order. Step 1410: The first CPU identifies the ECU that is the source of the normal operation signal that the parking ECU 20 has received during the period from the previous execution of this routine to the current execution of this routine. Step 1415: The first CPU determines whether or not the first abnormal condition is satisfied.

[0158] If the first condition is met, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1415, and executes steps 1420 to 1430 in order.

[0159] Step 1420: The first CPU sets the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 to “1”. The value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is set to "1" when the first abnormality condition is satisfied, and is set to "0" when the initial routine or a predetermined special operation is performed. For example, this special operation is performed by a repairman when repairing the vehicle VA.

[0160] Step 1425: The first CPU transmits a first abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90. The first abnormality signal includes information capable of identifying that an abnormality having a first cause has occurred. Step 1430: The first CPU displays the abnormality and causes the speaker 26 to emit a buzzer sound. Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1495 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0161] If the first abnormal condition is not satisfied when the first CPU proceeds to step 1415, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1415 and proceeds to step 1435. In step 1435, the first CPU determines whether the second abnormal condition is satisfied.

[0162] If the second abnormal condition is not satisfied, the first CPU makes a "No" determination in step 1435, proceeds to step 1495, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0163] If the second abnormal condition is met, the first CPU determines "Yes" in step 1435 and executes steps 1440 and 1445 in this order. Step 1440: The first CPU sets the value of the second abnormality flag Xerr2 to “1”. The value of the second abnormality flag Xerr2 is set to "1" when the second abnormality condition is established, and is set to "0" when the initial routine or the above-mentioned special operation is performed. Step 1445: The first CPU transmits a second abnormality signal to the mobile terminal 90. Note that the second abnormality signal includes information capable of identifying the occurrence of an abnormality having a second cause. Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1495 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0164] When the mobile terminal 90 receives the first abnormality signal, the second CPU displays the first abnormality screen shown in Fig. 15A on the display device 92. The first abnormality screen displays a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the verification ECU 30. Specifically, the first abnormality screen displays a message stating "An abnormality has occurred in the verification ECU. Vehicle power cannot be turned off. Please check after stopping the vehicle."

[0165] When the mobile terminal 90 receives the second abnormality signal, the second CPU displays the second abnormality screen shown in Fig. 15B on the display device 92. The second abnormality screen displays a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the CAN. Specifically, the second abnormality screen displays a message stating "An abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle network. Vehicle power cannot be turned off. Please check after stopping the vehicle."

[0166] <Automatic parking control routine> The automatic parking control routine executed by the first CPU of this embodiment will be described. In this automatic parking control routine, steps 1005 to 1055 shown in Fig. 10 are executed. After executing step 1055, the first CPU proceeds to step 1605 shown in Fig. 16.

[0167] In step 1605, the first CPU determines whether the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is "0" and the value of the second abnormality flag Xerr2 is "0".

[0168] If the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is “0” and the value of the second abnormality flag Xerr2 is “0”, the first CPU determines “Yes” in step 1605 and proceeds to step 1610.

[0169] In step 1610, the first CPU transmits a normal arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90. This normal arrival signal is the same signal as the arrival signal transmitted in step 1060 shown in Fig. 10. Thereafter, the first CPU sequentially executes steps 1065 to 1075 shown in Fig. 16, and proceeds to step 1095 shown in Fig. 10 to temporarily end this routine.

[0170] When the value of at least one of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 and the second abnormality flag Xerr2 is “1”, the first CPU determines “No” in step 1605 and proceeds to step 1615.

[0171] In step 1615, the first CPU determines whether the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is "1" or not.

[0172] If the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is "1", the first CPU judges "Yes" in step 1615 and executes steps 1620 and 1625 in this order. Step 1620: The first CPU transmits a first abnormality arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90. Step 1625: The first CPU activates the EPB and changes the position of the shift lever 82a to "P". Thereafter, the first CPU proceeds to step 1095 shown in FIG. 10 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0173] If the value of the first abnormality flag Xerr1 is "0" when the first CPU proceeds to step 1615, the value of the second abnormality flag Xerr2 is "1" because the determination in step 1605 is "No." In this case, the first CPU determines "No" in step 1615, proceeds to step 1630, and transmits a second abnormality arrival signal to the mobile terminal 90. After executing step 1630, the first CPU executes step 1625, proceeds to step 1095 shown in FIG. 10, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0174] <Reception determination routine> The second CPU of this modification executes a routine (reception determination routine) shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. In Fig. 17, steps that perform the same processes as the steps shown in Fig. 12 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Fig. 12, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0175] At a predetermined timing, the second CPU starts the process from step 1700 in Fig. 17, and proceeds to step 1205 shown in Fig. 17. If the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is "1", the second CPU determines "No" in step 1205 shown in Fig. 17, proceeds to step 1795, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0176] When the value of the disconnection determination flag Xdcn is “0”, the second CPU determines “Yes” in step 1205 shown in Fig. 17, and proceeds to step 1705. In step 1705, the second CPU determines whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received a normal arrival signal.

[0177] If the mobile terminal 90 receives the normal arrival signal, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1705 and sequentially executes step 1215 and step 1220 shown in Fig. 17. After that, the second CPU proceeds to step 1795 and temporarily ends this routine.

[0178] If the mobile terminal 90 has not received a normal arrival signal, the second CPU determines “No” in step 1705, and proceeds to step 1710. In step 1710, the second CPU determines whether the mobile terminal 90 has received a first abnormal arrival signal.

[0179] If the mobile terminal 90 has received the first abnormality arrival signal, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1710, and proceeds to step 1715. In step 1715, the second CPU displays the first abnormality arrival screen shown in Fig. 18A on the display device 92, and proceeds to step 1795 to temporarily end this routine.

[0180] The first abnormality arrival screen displays a message indicating that the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt and that the IG power supply 36 will not be switched off due to an abnormality occurring in the verification ECU 30. Specifically, the first abnormality arrival screen displays a message saying "Target parking position reached. An abnormality has occurred in the verification ECU. Vehicle power cannot be turned off."

[0181] If the mobile terminal 90 has not received the first abnormal arrival signal, the second CPU determines “No” in step 1710, and proceeds to step 1720. In step 1720, the second CPU determines whether the mobile terminal 90 has received the second abnormal arrival signal.

[0182] If the mobile terminal 90 has not received the second abnormal arrival signal, the second CPU makes a "No" determination in step 1720, proceeds to step 1795, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0183] If the mobile terminal 90 has received the second abnormality arrival signal, the second CPU determines "Yes" in step 1720, and proceeds to step 1725. In step 1725, the second CPU displays the second abnormality arrival screen shown in Fig. 18B on the display device 92, and proceeds to step 1795 to temporarily end this routine.

[0184] The second abnormality arrival screen displays a message indicating that the vehicle VA has reached the target parking position Ptgt and that the IG power supply 36 will not be switched off due to an abnormality occurring in the CAN. Specifically, the second abnormality arrival screen displays a message saying "Target parking position has been reached. An abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle network. Vehicle power cannot be turned off."

[0185] When the mobile terminal 90 receives an abnormality signal (step 1310 "Yes" shown in FIG. 13), the second CPU displays the abnormality screen shown in FIG. 19A in step 1330.

[0186] 19A displays a message indicating that the IG power supply 36 will not switch to the off state due to an abnormality in the IG power supply system. Specifically, this abnormality screen displays the message "Failed to turn off the vehicle power supply. An abnormality has occurred in the IG power supply system."

[0187] Furthermore, if the wireless communication connection is not disconnected even after the disconnection grace period Tdcn has elapsed since receiving the arrival signal (step 1325 ``Yes'' shown in Figure 13), the second CPU displays the abnormality screen shown in Figure 19B in step 1330.

[0188] 19B displays a message indicating that the IG power supply 36 will not switch to the OFF state due to an abnormality occurring in the parking ECU 20. Specifically, this abnormality screen displays the message "Failed to turn off the vehicle power supply. An abnormality has occurred in the parking ECU."

[0189] Even though the IG power supply 36 does not switch to the off state, the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the abnormality signal, which is likely due to an abnormality occurring in the parking ECU 20, causing the parking ECU 20 to be unable to transmit the abnormality signal. For this reason, the abnormality screen shown in Fig. 19B notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the parking ECU 20.

[0190] In this modification, the first CPU does not need to execute step 1425 and step 1440 shown in Fig. 14. In this case, the first abnormality screen shown in Fig. 15A and the abnormality screen shown in Fig. 15B are not displayed on the display device 92. When the first abnormality condition or the second abnormality condition is satisfied, the first abnormality arrival screen or the second abnormality arrival screen shown in Fig. 15A is displayed when the vehicle VA reaches the target parking position Ptgt. The user can know the abnormality in which the IG power supply cannot be switched to the off state and the cause of the abnormality without waiting for the off grace time Toff to elapse after the transmission of the off command.

[0191] Furthermore, an ECU other than the parking ECU 20 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality based on the normal operation signal, and notify the parking ECU 20 of the determination result.

[0192] (Second Modification) The number of clearance sonars 22 and the number of cameras 23 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the numbers described in the above embodiment.

[0193] (Third Modification) The parking assistance device 10 can be mounted on vehicles such as an engine vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), and an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle).

[0194] The present invention can also be understood as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a program for implementing the functions of the parking assistance device 10 is stored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 10... parking assistance device, 20... parking ECU, 30... verification ECU, 34... IG relay, 36... IG power supply, 90... portable terminal, 92... display device

Claims

1. A power source configured to be able to supply power to a device mounted on the vehicle; a first control unit configured to be in an operating state when the power source is in an on state and to be in a non-operating state when the power source is in an off state and to be in a non-operating state when the power source stops supplying power; Equipped with The first control unit is execute parking assistance control including a power-off control for automatically switching the power source from the on state to the off state when a reaching condition that the vehicle has traveled and reached a preset target parking position is satisfied; When an off abnormality condition is satisfied that the vehicle itself does not enter the inoperative state during a period from when the power off control is started until a predetermined off grace time has elapsed, an abnormality notification is performed to notify a user of the vehicle that an off abnormality has occurred in which the power source does not switch to the off state. It was configured as follows: Parking assistance device.

2. 2. The parking assistance device according to claim 1, The first control unit is Executing the parking assistance control further including an automatic parking control for automatically driving the vehicle to the target parking position and stopping the vehicle at the target parking position in response to a command signal transmitted to the vehicle by a mobile terminal carried by the user and capable of establishing a communication connection capable of exchanging data with the vehicle; When the off abnormality condition is satisfied, an abnormality signal is sent to the mobile terminal to cause the mobile terminal to display an abnormality screen for notifying the user that the off abnormality has occurred, thereby notifying the user of the abnormality. It was configured as follows: Parking assistance device.

3. 3. The parking assistance device according to claim 2, The first control unit is configured to transmit an arrival signal to the mobile terminal to cause the mobile terminal to display an arrival screen for notifying the user that the vehicle has reached the target parking position when the arrival condition is satisfied. Parking assistance device.

4. 3. The parking assistance device according to claim 2, The first control unit is Identifying the cause of the off abnormality; transmitting the abnormality signal including information capable of identifying a cause of the off abnormality to the mobile terminal so as to cause the mobile terminal to display the abnormality screen in a manner capable of identifying a cause of the off abnormality; It was configured as follows: Parking assistance device.

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