Vehicle Door Lock Control Device and Vehicle Door Lock Control Method

Abstract

To prevent a door from being released by strangers who might hurt passengers of a vehicle and reassure safety of the passengers.SOLUTION: A door lock control device 3 for a vehicle comprises: an approaching object detection unit 12 for detecting the approaching object approaching to a vehicle 1 on the basis of a change of a distance between objects present around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 in the state where the vehicle 1 is determined to be stopped; a face detection unit 13 for detecting a face image in a prescribed area image including at least the image of the approaching object among images around the vehicle 1 and determining that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching to the vehicle 1 when the face image is detected; a face authentication unit 14 for determining whether the face image of the approaching person matches with the face image stored beforehand or not; and a door lock control unit 15 for controlling the door lock of the door to actuate when the door of the vehicle 1 is in an unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match with the face images stored beforehand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door lock control device and a vehicle door lock control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an automatic door lock device for a vehicle that locks the vehicle door when an object approaching the vehicle is detected is known (Patent Document 1). When the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects an object approaching from the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is parked, it activates a child-proof mechanism that prevents the vehicle door from being opened from inside the vehicle. This prevents the vehicle occupants from opening the door without noticing other vehicles approaching from the rear of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the automatic door lock device for a vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 can open the door from outside the vehicle even when an object approaching the vehicle is detected. Therefore, there is a possibility that the door of the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be opened by a person who may pose a danger to the vehicle occupants while the vehicle is parked.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to prevent the door from being unlocked by a person who may pose a danger to the vehicle occupants and to protect the safety of the occupants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides a vehicle door lock control device including: a vehicle speed determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is stopped; a proximity object detection unit that, in a state where it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, acquires the distance between an object existing around the vehicle and the vehicle, and detects a proximity object approaching the vehicle based on a change in the distance; a face detection unit that acquires an image around the vehicle and detects a face image in a predetermined region image including at least an image of the proximity object among the images around the vehicle, and determines that the proximity object is a proximity person approaching the vehicle when a face image is detected in the predetermined region image; a face authentication unit that acquires a pre-stored face image and determines whether the face image of the proximity person matches the pre-stored face image; and a door lock control unit that controls to activate the door lock of the door when the door of the vehicle is in an unlocked state and the face image of the proximity person does not match the pre-stored face image.

[0007] The present invention provides a vehicle door lock control method including: determining whether the vehicle is stopped; in a state where it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, acquiring the distance between an object existing around the vehicle and the vehicle, and detecting a proximity object approaching the vehicle based on a change in the distance; acquiring an image around the vehicle, and detecting a face image in a predetermined region image including at least an image of the proximity object among the images around the vehicle; determining that the proximity object is a proximity person approaching the vehicle when a face image is detected in the predetermined region image; acquiring a pre-stored face image and determining whether the face image of the proximity person matches the pre-stored face image; and controlling to activate the door lock of the door when the door of the vehicle is in an unlocked state and the face image of the proximity person does not match the pre-stored face image.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the door from being released by a person other than the vehicle occupant who may pose a danger to the vehicle occupant, and protect the safety of the occupant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and the description thereof is omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) [Configuration of Vehicle Door Lock Control Device 3] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the vehicle door lock control device 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. The vehicle door lock control device 3 is a device that prevents the door from being unlocked by others who may pose a danger to the occupants of the vehicle 1 and protects the safety of the occupants.

[0012] The vehicle door lock control device 3 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The vehicle door lock control device 3 is constituted by a control unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 10 includes a vehicle speed determination unit 11, a proximity object detection unit 12, a face detection unit 13, a face authentication unit 14, and a door lock control unit 15. The vehicle door lock control device 3 acquires necessary information from each of a distance measurement unit 20, an imaging unit 30, and a storage unit 40, and controls the door lock mechanism 51 of the vehicle to operate. In this embodiment, the vehicle door lock control device 3 is constituted by the control unit 10, but may also include the distance measurement unit 20, the imaging unit 30, and the storage unit 40.

[0013] First, the distance measurement unit 20, the imaging unit 30, and the storage unit 40 from which the control unit 10 acquires information will be described.

[0014] The distance measurement unit 20 detects an object existing around the vehicle 1, and measures the distance between the object and the vehicle 1 and the position of the object with respect to the vehicle 1. For example, the distance measurement unit 20 is configured using an object detection sensor that detects an object such as a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, or a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The object detection sensor can measure the distance between the object and the vehicle 1 and the position (relative position) of the object with respect to the vehicle 1.

[0015] The distance measurement unit 20 is installed at a position where it can detect an object existing around the vehicle 1. Specifically, the distance measurement unit 20 is installed in front of, on the left and right sides, and behind the vehicle 1 respectively. Note that the installation position of the distance measurement unit 20 is not limited to this. For example, the distance measurement unit 20 may be configured as one unit that detects the front, the left and right sides, and the rear, and installed on the roof of the vehicle 1. Thereby, the distance measurement unit 20 can detect an object existing around the vehicle 1. The distance measurement unit 20 continuously measures the distance between the object existing around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 and the position of the object existing around the vehicle 1 with respect to the vehicle 1 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "position") at a predetermined period, and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 10. Note that the predetermined period is, for example, 0.5 seconds.

[0016] The imaging unit 30 captures the surroundings of the vehicle 1 to obtain an image of the surroundings of the vehicle 1. For example, the imaging unit 30 is configured by using a camera including an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and is installed at a position where the surroundings of the vehicle 1 can be imaged.

[0017] The imaging unit 30 may be installed in front of, on the left and right sides, and at the rear of the vehicle 1, respectively, in the same installation position as that of the distance measuring unit 20, or an imaging unit 30 configured by using a 360-degree camera capable of imaging 360 degrees at a time may be installed on the roof of the vehicle 1. The imaging unit 30 continuously acquires images of the surroundings of the vehicle 1 at a predetermined cycle, and transmits the acquired images to the control unit 10.

[0018] The storage unit 40 is configured by an information storage device including an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 40 stores in advance the face images of the persons who are the passengers of the vehicle 1 received from the control unit 10. The storage unit 40 may be mounted on the vehicle 1 or may be mounted in the vehicle door lock control device 3.

[0019] Next, the door lock mechanism 51 provided in the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0020] The door lock mechanism 51 is a mechanism for locking or unlocking the door of the vehicle 1. When the door lock mechanism 51 is in the locked state, the door cannot be opened even if the door handle is operated, and when it is in the unlocked state, the door can be opened with the door handle. Note that the door lock mechanism 51 is controlled by a BCM (Body Control Module) (not shown).

[0021] The door lock mechanism 51 performs a locking or unlocking operation when an occupant of the vehicle 1 manually operates a lock knob provided on the door. Further, the door lock mechanism 51 performs a locking or unlocking operation by operating an actuator based on an operation of an operation switch by an occupant of the vehicle 1. The door lock mechanism 51 can also set each door to a locked state or an unlocked state simultaneously by operating the actuator.

[0022] Next, the control unit 10 included in the vehicle door lock control device 3 will be described. The control unit 10 is a general-purpose microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an input / output unit. A computer program for causing the microcomputer to function as the vehicle door lock control device 3 is installed in the microcomputer. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer functions as a plurality of information processing circuits (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) included in the vehicle door lock control device 3.

[0023] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of information processing circuits (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) included in the vehicle door lock control device 3 are realized by software. However, it is also possible to prepare dedicated hardware for executing each information process to configure the information processing circuit. Further, the plurality of information processing circuits may be configured by individual hardware.

[0024] The control unit 10 determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped. In a state where it is determined that the vehicle 1 is stopped, the control unit 10 acquires from the distance measuring unit 20 the distance between an object existing around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1, and detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 based on the change in the distance. The control unit 10 acquires from the imaging unit 30 an image around the vehicle 1, detects a face image within a predetermined region image including at least an image of the approaching object among the images around the vehicle 1, and when a face image is detected within the predetermined region image, determines that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1. Then, the control unit 10 acquires from the storage unit 40 a face image stored in advance, and determines whether the face image of the approaching person matches the face image stored in advance. When the door of the vehicle 1 is in an unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image stored in advance, the control unit 10 controls the door lock mechanism 51 to activate the door lock of the door.

[0025] The control unit 10 acquires a face image for determining whether the face image of an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1 matches the face image stored in the storage unit 40 in advance. The control unit 10 may acquire the face image, for example, via a USB port and an SD card slot provided as an input unit (not shown) in the control unit 10, or may be provided with a wireless communication unit and acquire it through wireless communication with a smartphone. The control unit 10 transmits the acquired face image to the storage unit 40. As a result, the face image is stored in the storage unit 40. The stored face image is the face image of a person boarding the vehicle 1, that is, a person who will be a passenger of the vehicle 1. Therefore, by storing in advance the face images of persons who are planned to board the vehicle 1 in the future, such as family members and friends, it is possible to prevent the door lock from being activated when family members, friends, etc. board the vehicle 1.

[0026] Next, the plurality of information processing circuits included in the control unit 10 will be specifically described.

[0027] The control unit 10 includes a vehicle speed determination unit 11, an approaching object detection unit 12, a face detection unit 13, a face authentication unit 14, and a door lock control unit 15.

[0028] The vehicle speed determination unit 11 calculates the speed of the vehicle 1 and determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped. For example, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 detects that the speed of the vehicle 1 has become 3 km / h or less, it determines that the vehicle has stopped. Further, the vehicle speed determination unit 11 calculates the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 1 in addition to the speed of the vehicle 1. Note that the speed of the vehicle 1 at which it is determined that the vehicle 1 has stopped can be set as appropriate.

[0029] The vehicle speed determination unit 11 acquires the vehicle speed pulses output from the wheel speed sensors provided on each wheel of the vehicle 1, and calculates the rotational speed of each wheel of the vehicle 1 by measuring the number of pulses output per unit time or the time interval between pulses. Thereby, the vehicle speed determination unit 11 can calculate the speed of the vehicle 1 based on the rotational speed of each wheel, and can calculate the acceleration and deceleration from the change in the speed of the vehicle 1.

[0030] The approaching object detection unit 12 acquires, from the distance measurement unit 20, the distance between the object and the vehicle 1 in a state where the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped. The approaching object detection unit 12 detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 based on the change in the distance between the acquired object and the vehicle 1.

[0031] More specifically, the approaching object detection unit 12 continuously acquires, at a predetermined period, the distance between the object existing around the vehicle 1 measured by the distance measurement unit 20 and the vehicle 1 in a state where the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped. Thereby, the approaching object detection unit 12 can calculate the change in the distance between the object existing around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1. Thereby, the approaching object detection unit 12 can detect an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1.

[0032] The approaching object detection unit 12 sets, as a calculation area for calculating the change in the distance between the object existing around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1, for example, within a radius of 6 m from the center position of the vehicle 1. Note that the calculation area can be set as appropriate according to the size of the vehicle 1.

[0033] Furthermore, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped, the approaching object detection unit 12 acquires the positions of the objects existing around the vehicle 1 from the distance measurement unit 20, and specifies the direction of the approaching object based on the change in the positions of the objects existing around the vehicle 1.

[0034] More specifically, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped, the approaching object detection unit 12 continuously acquires, at a predetermined period, the positions of the objects existing around the vehicle 1 measured by the distance measurement unit 20. Thereby, the approaching object detection unit 12 can calculate the amount of change in the position of the approaching object approaching the vehicle 1, and can specify the direction of the approaching object based on the amount of change.

[0035] The approaching object detection unit 12 transmits the position and direction of the approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 to the face detection unit 13.

[0036] The face detection unit 13 acquires an image around the vehicle 1 from the imaging unit 30. The face detection unit 13 detects a face image in a predetermined region image including at least an image of the approaching object among the acquired images around the vehicle 1, and when a face image is detected in the predetermined region image, determines that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1.

[0037] Specifically, the face detection unit 13 determines whether or not the direction of the approaching object is a direction of entering a predetermined region 2 around the vehicle 1. When the direction of the approaching object is a direction of entering the predetermined region 2, the face detection unit 13 detects a face image in a predetermined region including the approaching object. Note that the predetermined region 2 of the vehicle 1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0038] First, when the face detection unit 13 determines that the direction of the approaching object is a direction of entering the predetermined region 2, the face detection unit 13 acquires an image around the vehicle 1 from the imaging unit 30 and acquires the position of the approaching object from the approaching object detection unit 12. Thereby, the face detection unit 13 can acquire a predetermined region image including the image of the approaching object from the image around the vehicle 1 based on the position of the approaching object.

[0039] More specifically, the position coordinates of the objects around the vehicle 1 output by the distance measurement unit 20 and the pixel positions of the images around the vehicle 1 acquired by the imaging unit 30 are synchronized in advance. Therefore, the face detection unit 13 can select the pixel positions of the images around the vehicle 1 corresponding to the positions of the objects detected by the distance measurement unit 20. Thereby, the face detection unit 13 can extract the images corresponding to the approaching objects from the images around the vehicle 1 acquired from the imaging unit 30.

[0040] The predetermined region image may be, for example, an image of the upper half region of the vertical length in the image of the approaching object, or a region image that is larger than the image of the approaching object by a predetermined range. The region image that is larger than the image of the approaching object by a predetermined range is, for example, a rectangular or elliptical region image set to include up to a region 10 cm away from the image of the approaching object.

[0041] Next, the face detection unit 13 detects a face image from within the predetermined region image. The face detection unit 13 can detect a person's face from the predetermined region image by using a known face detection function. The face detection function functions by an algorithm that detects a skin-colored portion within the predetermined region image and detects the portion as a face, or detects portions within the predetermined region image where characteristic points related to facial parts, such as typical model shapes and positional relationships of eyes, nose, mouth, etc., are similar and detects the portions as a face.

[0042] When a face image is detected within the predetermined region image, the face detection unit 13 determines that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1. Thereby, a face image of the approaching person is detected.

[0043] The face authentication unit 14 acquires a face image stored in advance from the storage unit 40 and determines whether the face image of the approaching person matches the face image stored in advance.

[0044] The face authentication unit 14 can determine whether the face image of an approaching person matches the face image stored in advance by using known face recognition technology. For example, the face authentication unit 14 extracts features such as the relative positions, sizes, eyes, nose, and jaw shapes of the facial parts from the face image, and calculates the degree of match of the extracted features, thereby determining whether the face image of the approaching person matches the face image stored in advance in the storage unit 40.

[0045] The face authentication unit 14 transmits the determination result as to whether the face image of the approaching person matches the face image stored in advance in the storage unit 40 to the door lock control unit 15.

[0046] When the door is in the unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image stored in advance in the storage unit 40, the door lock control unit 15 controls to activate the door lock of the door.

[0047] For example, when the door is in the unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image stored in advance in the storage unit 40, the door lock control unit 15 transmits a door lock activation signal instructing the BCM provided in the vehicle 1 to activate the door lock mechanism 51. Note that the door lock control unit 15 can determine whether the door is in the locked state or the unlocked state by acquiring information indicating the door lock state transmitted from the BCM.

[0048] The BCM that has received the door lock activation signal controls the door lock mechanism 51 to activate the door lock. Note that the method of activating the door lock is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 and the door lock mechanism 51 may be electrically connected, and the control unit 10 may be configured to directly activate the door lock. Even when the door lock is activated by the door lock control unit 15, the door lock can be released from the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0049] When it is determined that the deceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined deceleration, or when it is determined that the airbag of the vehicle 1 has been activated, the door lock control unit 15 prohibits controlling to activate the door lock of the door.

[0050] The door lock control unit 15 can determine whether the deceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined deceleration by obtaining the deceleration of the vehicle 1 from the vehicle speed determination unit 11. The predetermined deceleration is the deceleration that occurs when the vehicle 1 collides with an object due to an accident. The predetermined deceleration is, for example, minus 1.5G.

[0051] The door lock control unit 15 can determine whether the airbag has been activated by receiving a signal indicating whether the airbag has been activated from an airbag ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown).

[0052] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, in a state where the vehicle 1 is stopped, the process from when the approaching object detection unit 12 detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 to the process of determining whether the direction of the approaching object enters a predetermined area 2 will be schematically described.

[0053] FIG. 2 depicts an object A and an object B that exist around the vehicle 1 and approach the stopped vehicle 1. Object A(t1) and object B(t1) are the positions of object A and B at time t1, and object A(t2) and object B(t2) are the positions of object A and object B at time t2. Note that object A and object B are people.

[0054] The approaching object detection unit 12 continuously obtains the distance between object A and the vehicle 1 and the distance between object B and the vehicle 1 from the distance measurement unit 20 at a predetermined period. Specifically, the approaching object detection unit 12 obtains the distance between object A(t1) and the vehicle 1 and the distance between object B(t1) and the vehicle 1 at time t1, and obtains the distance between object A(t2) and the vehicle 1 and the distance between object B(t2) and the vehicle 1 at time t2.

[0055] The approaching object detection unit 12 calculates the change in the distance between the vehicle 1 and the object A and the change in the distance between the vehicle 1 and the object B from time t1 to time t2. The approaching object detection unit 12 determines whether the distances between the vehicle 1 and the object A and between the vehicle 1 and the object B are decreasing based on the change in the distance between the vehicle 1 and the object A and the change in the distance between the vehicle 1 and the object B.

[0056] The objects A and B are objects approaching the vehicle 1, and the distances between the object A and the vehicle 1 and between the object B and the vehicle 1 are decreasing. Therefore, the object detection unit 12 detects the objects A and B as the approaching objects A and B approaching the vehicle 1. Note that the distance between the object to be measured and the vehicle 1 is the straight-line distance from the center position of the vehicle 1 to the center position of the object.

[0057] The approaching object detection unit 12 calculates the amount of change in the positions of the approaching object A and the approaching object B, and specifies the direction Ad of the approaching object A and the direction Bd of the approaching object B.

[0058] The approaching object detection unit 12 determines whether the direction Ad of the approaching object A and the direction Bd of the approaching object B are directions for entering the predetermined area 2.

[0059] The predetermined area 2 is an area set to surround the vehicle 1, and the areas on the right and left sides of the vehicle 1 are set wide. The maximum distance from the center position of the vehicle 1 to the predetermined area 2 on the left and right sides of the vehicle 1 is, for example, 2 m.

[0060] The direction Ad of the approaching object A does not enter the predetermined area 2, and the direction Bd of the approaching object B is a direction for entering the predetermined area 2. Therefore, the approaching object detection unit 12 determines that the direction Bd of the approaching object B is a direction for entering the predetermined area 2.

[0061] [Vehicle Door Lock Control Method] Next, referring to FIG. 3, an example of the processing of the vehicle door lock control device 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The operation of the vehicle door lock control device 3 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 starts simultaneously when the accessory switch of the vehicle 1 is turned ON, and the processing ends when the accessory switch of the vehicle 1 is turned OFF.

[0062] In step S10, the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped. For example, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 detects that the speed of the vehicle 1 has become 3 km / h or less, it determines that the vehicle 1 has stopped.

[0063] In step S10, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is not stopped (NO in step S10), the processing proceeds to step S110.

[0064] In step S10, when the vehicle speed determination unit 11 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped (YES in step S10), the processing proceeds to step S20.

[0065] In step S20, the approaching object detection unit 12 acquires the distance between the object existing around the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 from the distance measurement unit 20, and the processing proceeds to step S30.

[0066] In step S30, the approaching object detection unit 12 acquires the position (relative position) of the object existing around the vehicle 1 with respect to the vehicle 1 from the distance measurement unit 20, and the processing proceeds to step S40.

[0067] In step S40, the face detection unit 13 acquires the image around the vehicle 1 from the imaging unit 30, and the processing proceeds to step S50.

[0068] In step S50, the approaching object detection unit 12 detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 based on the change in the distance between the object and the vehicle 1. Also, in step S50, the approaching object detection unit 12 specifies the direction of the approaching object by calculating the amount of change in the position of the approaching object approaching the vehicle 1.

[0069] In step S50, when the approaching object detection unit 12 detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 (YES in step S50), the process proceeds to step S60.

[0070] In step S50, when the approaching object detection unit 12 does not detect an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 (NO in step S50), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0071] In step S60, the face detection unit 13 detects a face image from within a predetermined region image including at least an image of the approaching object among the images around the vehicle 1 that has been acquired.

[0072] More specifically, the face detection unit 13 determines, based on the change in the position of the approaching object, whether the direction of the approaching object is a direction in which it enters a predetermined region 2 around the vehicle 1. When the direction of the approaching object is a direction in which it enters the predetermined region 2, the face detection unit 13 detects a face image from within the predetermined region including the approaching object.

[0073] In step S60, when the face detection unit 13 fails to detect a face image from within the predetermined region image (NO in step S60), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0074] In step S60, when the face detection unit 13 detects a face image from within the predetermined region image (YES in step S60), the process proceeds to step S70.

[0075] In step S70, the face detection unit 13 determines that the approaching object from which a face image has been detected within the predetermined region image is an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1.

[0076] In step S80, the face authentication unit 14 acquires a pre-stored face image from the storage unit 40 and determines whether the face image of the approaching person matches the pre-stored face image.

[0077] In step S80, when the face authentication unit 14 determines that the face image of the approaching person matches the face image pre-stored in the storage unit 40 (NO in step S80), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0078] In step S80, when the face authentication unit 14 determines that the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image pre-stored in the storage unit 40 (YES in step S80), the process proceeds to step S90.

[0079] In step S90, the door lock control unit 15 determines whether the door is in an unlocked state.

[0080] In step S90, when the door lock control unit 15 determines that the door is in a locked state (NO in step S90), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0081] In step S90, when the door lock control unit 15 determines that the door is in an unlocked state (YES in step S90), the process proceeds to step S100.

[0082] In step S100, the door lock control unit 15 controls to activate the door lock of the door. Specifically, the door lock control unit 15 transmits a door lock activation signal instructing the BCM provided in the vehicle 1 to activate the door lock mechanism 51, activates the door lock, and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0083] In step S110, a power supply control unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 10 acquires the state of the accessory switch and determines the state of the accessory switch. When the power supply control unit determines that the state of the accessory switch is ON (NO in step S110), the process returns to step S10. When the power supply control unit determines that the state of the accessory switch is OFF (YES in step S110), shutdown processing is performed and the process ends.

[0084] [Operational Effects] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0085] The vehicle door lock control device 3 determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped, and in a state where it is determined that the vehicle 1 is stopped, it detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 based on a change in the distance between the object and the vehicle 1. The vehicle door lock control device 3 detects a face image within a predetermined region image including at least an image of the approaching object among the images around the vehicle 1, and when a face image is detected within the predetermined region image, determines that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1.

[0086] Thereby, the vehicle door lock control device 3 can detect an approaching object approaching the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is stopped, and can identify an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1 from among the approaching objects.

[0087] The vehicle door lock control device 3 determines whether the face image of the approaching person matches a pre-stored face image, and when the door of the vehicle 1 is in an unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the pre-stored face image, controls to activate the door lock of the door.

[0088] Thereby, the vehicle door lock control device 3 can determine whether an approaching person approaching the vehicle 1 is a person boarding the vehicle 1, and when the approaching person is a person other than the one boarding the vehicle 1 and the door is in an unlocked state, can lock the door of the vehicle 1. That is, it is possible to prevent the door of the vehicle 1 from being released by a person other than the one boarding the vehicle 1 who may pose a danger to the passengers of the vehicle 1, and to protect the safety of the passengers.

[0089] The vehicle door lock control device 3 measures the position of an object existing around the vehicle 1, and specifies the direction of the approaching object based on a change in the position of the object existing around the vehicle 1. The vehicle door lock control device 3 detects a face image within a predetermined region image including an image of the approaching object when the direction of the approaching object is a direction entering a predetermined region 2 around the vehicle 1.

[0090] As a result, the vehicle door lock control device 3 can more accurately detect an approaching object approaching the door of the vehicle 1. Further, the vehicle door lock control device 3 can reduce the process of detecting the face image of an object that does not enter the predetermined area 2 around the vehicle 1, and can reduce the processing load on the control unit 10.

[0091] When the vehicle door lock control device 3 determines that the deceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined deceleration, or when it determines that the airbag of the vehicle 1 has been activated, the vehicle door lock control device 3 prohibits the activation of the door lock of the vehicle 1. As a result, when an accident occurs in the vehicle 1, the vehicle door lock control device 3 enables a person outside the vehicle to promptly rescue the occupants of the vehicle 1.

[0092] (Second Embodiment) [Configuration of Vehicle Door Lock Control Device 3] Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the vehicle door lock control device 3 according to the second embodiment will be described. The difference from the first embodiment is that it further includes a window control unit 16 that controls to close the window of the vehicle 1. Therefore, only this difference will be described, and the description of other common configurations will be omitted.

[0093] When the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image previously stored in the storage unit 40, the window control unit 16 activates the window opening / closing mechanism 52 provided in the vehicle 1 to close the window of the vehicle 1. Note that the window opening / closing mechanism 52 is controlled by the BCM.

[0094] Specifically, the window control unit 16 transmits a window closing instruction signal instructing the BCM provided in the vehicle 1 to activate the window opening / closing mechanism. The BCM that has received the window closing instruction signal activates the window opening / closing mechanism 52 and controls to close the window. Note that the control method of the window opening / closing mechanism 52 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 and the window opening / closing mechanism 52 may be electrically connected, and the control unit 10 may be configured to directly activate the window opening / closing mechanism 52.

[0095] [Vehicle Door Lock Control Method] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the processing of the vehicle door lock control device 3 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The difference from the first embodiment is that it further includes step S105. Therefore, only the difference will be described, and the description of other common configurations will be omitted.

[0096] In step S105, the window control unit 16 operates the window opening / closing mechanism 52 provided in the vehicle 1 to close the window. Specifically, a window closing instruction signal for instructing the BCM to close the window is transmitted, and the window opening / closing mechanism 52 is operated to close the window.

[0097] [Function and Effect] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following function and effect can be obtained.

[0098] When the face image of the approaching person does not match the face image stored in advance, the vehicle door lock control device 3 controls to close the window of the vehicle 1. Thereby, the vehicle door lock control device 3 can prevent the approaching person from being harmed through the window by a person other than the person boarding the vehicle 1, and can protect the safety of the occupant.

[0099] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should not be understood that the discussions and drawings forming part of this disclosure limit this invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1 Vehicle 2 Predetermined Area 3 Vehicle Door Lock Control Device 10 Control Unit 11 Vehicle Speed Determination Unit 12 Approaching Object Detection Unit 13 Face Detection Unit 14 Face Authentication Unit 15 Door Lock Control Unit 16 Window Control Unit 20 Distance Measurement Unit 30 Imaging Unit 40 Storage Unit 51 Door lock mechanism 52 Window opening / closing mechanism

Claims

1. A vehicle speed determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is stopped; An approaching object detection unit that, in a state where it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, acquires the distance between an object existing around the vehicle and the vehicle, and detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle based on the change in the distance; An image around the vehicle is acquired, and based on the pixel position corresponding to the position of the approaching object, a face image is detected from the upper half region of the vertical length within a predetermined region image including at least the image of the approaching object among the images around the vehicle. When a face image is detected in the upper half region of the vertical length within the predetermined region image, the face detection unit determines that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle; A face authentication unit that acquires a pre-stored face image and determines whether the face image of the approaching person matches the pre-stored face image; A door lock control unit that controls to operate the door lock of the door when the door of the vehicle is in an unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the pre-stored face image. A vehicle door lock control device.

2. The approaching object detection unit acquires the position of an object existing around the vehicle, specifies the direction of the approaching object based on the change in the position of the object, When the direction of the approaching object is a direction entering a predetermined region around the vehicle, the face detection unit detects a face image within the predetermined region image including the image of the approaching object. The vehicle door lock control device according to claim 1.

3. When it is determined that the deceleration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined deceleration, or when it is determined that the airbag of the vehicle has been activated, the door lock control unit prohibits operating the door lock of the vehicle. The vehicle door lock control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle door lock control device further includes a window control unit that controls to close the window of the vehicle, When the face image of the approaching person does not match the pre-stored face image, the window control unit controls to close the window of the vehicle. The vehicle door lock control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Determines whether the vehicle is stopped; In a state where it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, acquires the distance between an object existing around the vehicle and the vehicle, and detects an approaching object approaching the vehicle based on the change in the distance. Obtain an image around the vehicle, and based on the pixel position corresponding to the position of the approaching object, detect a face image from an upper half region of the vertical length within a predetermined region image including at least the image of the approaching object among the images around the vehicle. When a face image is detected in the upper half region of the vertical length within the predetermined region image, determine that the approaching object is an approaching person approaching the vehicle. Obtain a pre-stored face image, and determine whether the face image of the approaching person matches the pre-stored face image. When the door of the vehicle is in an unlocked state and the face image of the approaching person does not match the pre-stored face image, control to activate the door lock of the door. A vehicle door lock control method.

Images