Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

To suppress the malfunction of an information processing device used to control a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a reception unit 110 that receives, from a user, a setting process for setting a time period for suppressing vehicle control using an information processing device, and a transmission unit 112 that transmits a second signal for permitting the control of the vehicle according to the vibration or movement of the information processing device when a first signal is received from the vehicle at a time different from the time when the control of the vehicle is suppressed, and does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing device is vibrating or moving when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time period during which control of the vehicle is suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic key system that rejects a collation request from a vehicle when vibration of a smart key is not detected. In this electronic key system, since it is a condition for successful authentication that the portable device has not stopped for a certain period of time, it is possible to prevent malfunction of an unintended operation by the user when the portable device is not moved for a long time, such as during storage of the vehicle and the portable device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a smartphone in which a digital key is registered has a similar function, there is a concern that since the smartphone may be frequently used even at home, an effect of preventing malfunction equivalent to that of a smart key cannot be obtained.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to suppress malfunction of an information processing apparatus used for controlling a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus, and includes a reception unit that receives from a user a setting process for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus, and a transmission unit that, when receiving a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, transmits a second signal for enabling control of the vehicle according to vibration or movement of the information processing apparatus, and does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving when receiving the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle.

[0007] In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the reception unit receives from the user a setting process for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus. Then, when the transmission unit receives a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, it transmits a second signal for enabling control of the vehicle according to vibration or movement of the information processing apparatus. When the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, it does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving. Here, "control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus" refers to functions for controlling a vehicle by operations using the information processing apparatus, such as locking and unlocking an opening / closing part, turning on the power, and starting the engine. According to the information processing apparatus, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, it transmits a third signal for suppressing control of the vehicle according to non - vibration or non - movement of the information processing apparatus.

[0009] In the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, when the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the information processing apparatus transmits a third signal for suppressing the control of the vehicle in response to the fact that the information processing apparatus is not vibrating or moving. According to the information processing apparatus, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be effectively suppressed.

[0010] The vehicle according to claim 3 is the vehicle according to claim 2, wherein when the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the transmission unit transmits a third signal for suppressing the control of the vehicle regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving.

[0011] In the vehicle according to claim 3, when the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the transmission unit transmits a third signal for suppressing the control of the vehicle regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving. According to the information processing apparatus, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be effectively suppressed.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a notification unit that notifies that it is within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle.

[0013] In the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, when the notification unit receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the notification unit notifies that it is within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle. According to the information processing apparatus, the user who attempts to control the vehicle using the vehicle information apparatus can be notified that it is within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle.

[0014] The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is an information processing apparatus, and includes a display unit that displays a screen for causing a user to perform setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus, and a reception unit that receives a setting by the setting processing from the user.

[0015] In the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, the display unit displays a screen for causing a user to perform setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus. The reception unit receives a setting by the setting processing from the user. According to the information processing apparatus, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0016] The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the setting processing is for setting either activation or deactivation of a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus, and a start time and an end time of the suppressing time.

[0017] The information processing method according to claim 7 is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, wherein a reception unit receives, from a user, setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus, and a transmission unit, when receiving a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, transmits a second signal for allowing control of the vehicle according to vibration or movement of the information processing apparatus, and when receiving the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving.

[0018] In the information processing method according to claim 7, a reception unit receives, from a user, setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus. When the transmission unit receives a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, the transmission unit transmits a second signal for enabling control of the vehicle in response to the information processing apparatus vibrating or moving. Further, when the transmission unit receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, the transmission unit does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving. According to this information processing method, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0019] The information processing method according to claim 8 is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, in which a display unit displays a screen for causing a user to perform setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus, and a reception unit receives the setting by the setting processing from the user.

[0020] In the information processing method according to claim 8, a display unit displays a screen for causing a user to perform setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus. Then, a reception unit receives the setting by the setting processing from the user. According to this information processing method, malfunction of the information processing apparatus used for controlling the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0021] The program according to claim 9 causes a computer included in an information processing apparatus to receive, from a user, setting processing for setting a time for suppressing control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus, transmit a second signal for enabling control of the vehicle in response to the information processing apparatus vibrating or moving when receiving a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, and not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving when receiving the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle.

[0022] In the program according to claim 9, the computer receives from the user a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device. And when the computer receives a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the computer transmits a second signal for enabling the control of the vehicle in response to the information processing device vibrating or moving. Also, when the computer receives the first signal from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the computer does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing device is vibrating or moving. According to this program, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the information processing device used for controlling the vehicle.

[0023] The program according to claim 10 is a program for causing a computer included in an information processing device to display a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device, and for executing receiving the setting by the setting process from the user.

[0024] In the program according to claim 10, the computer displays a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device. And the computer receives the setting by the setting process from the user. According to this program, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the information processing device used for controlling the vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the information processing device used for controlling the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0028] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] (Overall Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 12 and a smartphone 14 as an information processing device for controlling the vehicle 12.

[0030] The vehicle 12 is configured to be able to directly receive local communication not via the network from the smartphone 14. This communication includes wireless communication and infrared communication.

[0031] The door lock device 28 mounted on the vehicle 12 locks and unlocks the driver's door, the front passenger door, the rear doors, and the back door. The door lock device 28 can lock and unlock each door by an operation in which a user holding the smartphone 14 touches the door handle 13 and an operation on the smartphone 14.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle device 11 mounted on the vehicle 12 includes a control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20, a digital key control ECU 21, an engine ECU 25, and a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit 26.

[0033] The engine ECU 25 performs various engine controls including starting and stopping the engine.

[0034] The BLE communication unit 26 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates with a BLE communication unit 14C described later.

[0035] The vehicle 12 is equipped with an engine switch (SW) 27. The engine SW 27 is a switch for instructing the start and stop of the engine.

[0036] The control ECU 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C, and an input / output I / F (Inter Face) 20D. The CPU 20A, the ROM 20B, the RAM 20C, and the input / output I / F 20D are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown).

[0037] The CPU 20A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 20A reads a program from the ROM 20B and executes the program using the RAM 20C as a working area.

[0038] The ROM 20B stores various programs and various data.

[0039] The RAM 20C temporarily stores a program or data as a working area. The input / output I / F 20D is an interface for communicating with each of the engine ECU 25, the engine SW 27, and the door lock device 28.

[0040] Note that the control ECU 20 may include a storage as a storage unit in addition to or instead of the ROM 20B. This storage is constituted by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0041] When the collation of the smartphone 14 is successful by the CPU 20A executing a program, the control ECU 20 performs vehicle control including door locking and unlocking of the door lock device 28, power-on of the vehicle 12, and engine start by the engine ECU 25.

[0042] The digital key control ECU 21 includes a CPU 21A, a ROM 21B, a RAM 21C, and an input / output I / F 21D. The CPU 21A, the ROM 21B, the RAM 21C, and the input / output I / F 21D are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown).

[0043] The functions of the CPU 21A, the ROM 21B, the RAM 21C, and the input / output I / F 21D are the same as those of the CPU 20A, the ROM 20B, the RAM 20C, and the input / output I / F 20D described above.

[0044] The input / output I / F 21D is an interface for communicating with the BLE communication unit 26.

[0045] Note that the digital key control ECU 21 may include a storage as a storage unit in addition to or instead of the ROM 21B. This storage is composed of, for example, an HDD or an SSD.

[0046] The digital key control ECU 21 performs authentication processing of the digital key by collating the ID of the digital key registered in the smartphone 14 with the pre-registered ID information based on the wireless communication with the smartphone 14 in the BLE communication unit 26. When the authentication of the digital key is successful, the digital key control ECU 21 transmits a message indicating that fact to the control ECU 20.

[0047] (Smartphone) The smartphone 14 is a communication terminal possessed by the user. When the verification of the registered digital key is successful through communication with the in-vehicle device 11, the smartphone 14 of the present embodiment is configured to accept user operations for locking and unlocking the door of the door lock device 28, turning on the power of the vehicle 12, and starting the engine, and to enable locking and unlocking the door of the door lock device 28, turning on the power of the vehicle 12, and starting the engine. As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 14 includes a control device 70, a touch panel 14A, a communication unit 14B, a BLE communication unit 14C, and a vibration sensor 14D.

[0048] The control device 70 includes a CPU 72, a ROM 73, a RAM 74, a storage 75, and an input / output I / F 76, which are examples of a processor in hardware. The CPU 72, ROM 73, RAM 74, storage 75, and input / output I / F 76 are interconnected via a bus 78.

[0049] The functions of the CPU 72, ROM 73, RAM 74, and input / output I / F 76 are the same as those of the CPU 20A, ROM 20B, RAM 20C, and input / output I / F 20D described above. Note that as the storage 75 of the present embodiment, in addition to the storage inside the smartphone 14, a micro SD card is applicable.

[0050] Stored in the ROM 73 is an information processing program 73A, which is an application program for performing vehicle control by a user operation using the digital key 140.

[0051] The CPU 72 reads the information processing program 73A from the ROM 73 and executes the information processing program 73A using the RAM 74 as a work area. In the present embodiment, the digital key 140 is registered in the storage 75.

[0052] In the control device 70 of the present embodiment, a touch panel 14A, a communication unit 14B, a BLE communication unit 14C, and a vibration sensor 14D are connected via an input / output I / F 76. Note that the touch panel 14A, the communication unit 14B, the BLE communication unit 14C, and the vibration sensor 14D may be directly connected to the bus 78.

[0053] When the information processing program 73A is executed, the CPU 72 causes icons for locking the door of the door lock device 28, unlocking the door, turning on the power of the vehicle 12, and starting the engine to be displayed on the touch panel 14A. When the user operates the icon, a signal for instructing vehicle control (locking the door of the door lock device 28, unlocking the door, turning on the power of the vehicle 12, or starting the engine) corresponding to the operated icon is transmitted by the BLE communication unit 14C to the BLE communication unit 26 of the in-vehicle unit 11.

[0054] There is a known method called relay attack that relays radio waves from a vehicle to cause a smart key in the house to malfunction. Most cases occur at the home parking lot at night, and conventional smart keys have prevented relay attacks by detecting vibrations with a vibration sensor.

[0055] Although it is conceivable that a smartphone with a registered digital key has the same function, in the case of a smartphone, there is a concern that it may be constantly used even inside the house, and the same effect as a smart key cannot be obtained. This is because the time spent using the smartphone inside the house is long.

[0056] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set a digital key operation prohibition time, and when it is outside the operation prohibition time, a signal that can permit vehicle control in response to the smartphone vibrating is transmitted, and when it is within the operation prohibition time, the signal is not transmitted regardless of whether the smartphone is vibrating or not. Also, the digital key operation prohibition time can be set.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 72 functions as a reception unit 110, a transmission unit 112, and a notification unit 114 by executing an information processing program 73A.

[0058] The reception unit 110 receives from the user a setting process for setting a digital key operation prohibition time. Specifically, the reception unit 110 causes the touch panel 14A to display a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting a digital key operation prohibition time.

[0059] For example, the setting screen 141 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the touch panel 14A, and either one of enabling and disabling the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time, and the start time and end time of the digital key operation prohibition time are received. The setting screen 141 in FIG. 5 includes a button 142 for switching to either one of enabling and disabling the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time, a box 144 for setting the start time of the digital key operation prohibition time, and a box 146 for setting the end time.

[0060] When the transmission unit 112 receives, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 at a time different from the digital key operation prohibition time, in response to the smartphone 14 vibrating, the transmission unit 112 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a collation result and a signal indicating vibration present to the vehicle 12 so as to permit control of the vehicle. Note that the signal indicating the collation request is an example of a first signal. The collation result and the signal indicating vibration present are examples of a second signal.

[0061] For example, when the user attempts to unlock the door by touching the door handle 13 at a time different from the digital key operation prohibition time, and the BLE communication unit 14C receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12, if the amount of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 14D within a certain period in the past is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the BLE communication unit 14C transmits a collation result and a signal indicating vibration to the vehicle 12 so as to permit vehicle control. On the other hand, if the amount of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 14D is less than the threshold value, the BLE communication unit 14C transmits a collation result and a signal indicating no vibration to the vehicle 12. Note that the signal indicating the collation result and no vibration is an example of the third signal.

[0062] Also, when the BLE communication unit 14C receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 within the digital key operation prohibition time, the transmission unit 112 does not transmit a signal indicating the collation result and no vibration regardless of whether the smartphone 14 is vibrating.

[0063] For example, when the user attempts to unlock the door by touching the door handle 13 within the digital key operation prohibition time, and the BLE communication unit 14C receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12, the BLE communication unit 14C transmits a signal indicating the collation result and no vibration to the vehicle 12.

[0064] When the notification unit 114 receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle within the digital key operation prohibition time, the notification unit 114 notifies, via the touch panel 14A, a message indicating that it is within the digital key operation prohibition time.

[0065] For example, when the user tries to unlock the door by touching the door handle 13 during the digital key operation prohibition time, a message indicating that it is within the digital key operation prohibition time is displayed on the touch panel 14A. Then, the user invalidates the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time on the setting screen 141 shown in FIG. 5 above, and again, the user touches the door handle 13 to unlock the door.

[0066] (Processing flow) Next, the processing flow in the vehicle system 10 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 7.

[0067] First, when the BLE communication unit 26 of the vehicle 12 and the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14 are in a communicable state and the vehicle 12 receives an operation by the user, the CPU 21A of the digital key control ECU 21 of the in-vehicle device 11 executes a program to perform the digital key vehicle control process shown in FIG. 6. Hereinafter, the case where the user tries to unlock the door by touching the door handle 13 will be described as an example.

[0068] First, in step S100, the CPU 21A transmits a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 to the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14 through the BLE communication unit 26. Here, the signal indicating the collation request for the digital key 140 includes ID information indicating the ID of the digital key 140 registered in advance on the vehicle 12 side.

[0069] Then, when the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14 receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140, the CPU 72 of the control device 70 of the smartphone 14 executes the information processing program 73A to perform the digital key collation process shown in FIG. 7. It is assumed that the reception unit 110 has received a setting process for setting the digital key operation prohibition time from the user in advance. Also, hereinafter, the case where the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time is valid will be described as an example.

[0070] In step S110, as the transmission unit 112, the CPU 72 determines whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time. If the current time is within the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 proceeds to step S112.

[0071] In step S112, as the transmission unit 112, the CPU 72 acquires the time-series data of the vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 14D within a certain period in the past.

[0072] In step S114, as the transmission unit 112, the CPU 72 determines whether there was vibration of the smartphone 14 based on the time-series data of the vibration information acquired in step S112 above. For example, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information includes vibration information representing vibration of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that there was vibration of the smartphone 14, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information does not include vibration information representing vibration of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that there was no vibration of the smartphone 14, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S116.

[0073] In step S116, as the transmission unit 112, the CPU 72 transmits a signal indicating the collation result and no vibration to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and ends the digital key collation process. Here, if the ID information included in the signal indicating the collation request of the digital key 140 received from the vehicle 12 matches the ID of the digital key 140 registered in the smartphone 14, a signal indicating a successful collation result is transmitted to the vehicle 12. On the other hand, if the ID information included in the signal indicating the collation request of the digital key 140 received from the vehicle 12 does not match the ID of the digital key 140 registered in the smartphone 14, a signal indicating a failed collation result is transmitted to the vehicle 12.

[0074] In step S118, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, transmits a signal indicating the same matching result and vibration as described above to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and ends the digital key matching process.

[0075] Then, in step S102 of the digital key vehicle control device shown in FIG. 6 above, the CPU 21A determines whether the matching was successful based on the matching result received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26. If the matching result received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26 indicates that the matching was successful, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the matching result received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26 indicates that the matching failed, the digital key vehicle control process ends.

[0076] In step S104, the CPU 21A determines whether a signal indicating vibration has been received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26. If a signal indicating vibration has been received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if a signal indicating no vibration has been received from the smartphone 14 via the BLE communication unit 26, the digital key vehicle control process ends.

[0077] In step S106, the CPU 21A requests the control ECU 20 to unlock the door, and ends the digital key vehicle control process. Then, the control ECU 20 controls the door lock device 28 to lock each door.

[0078] Next, an example of the processing flow when the above digital key vehicle control process and digital key matching process are executed will be described using the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8, as an operation to unlock the door of the vehicle 12, an operation in which a user outside the vehicle 12 touches the door handle 13 is performed, and a case where the current time is within the digital key operation prohibited time and there is no vibration of the smartphone 14 will be described as an example.

[0079] First, in step S120, the digital key control ECU 21 accepts an operation in which a user outside the vehicle 12 touches the door handle 13 as an operation to unlock the door of the vehicle 12.

[0080] Then, in step S122, the digital key control ECU 21 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 26, a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 to the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14.

[0081] Then, in step S124, the smartphone 14 determines that the current time is within the digital key operation prohibition time.

[0082] Then, in step S126, the smartphone 14 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating the collation result of the digital key 140 and no vibration to the vehicle 12. Then, the digital key control ECU 21 determines that there is no vibration of the smartphone 14 and does not unlock the door of the vehicle 12.

[0083] Also, in FIG. 9, as an operation to unlock the door of the vehicle 12, a case where a user outside the vehicle 12 touches the door handle 13 and the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time will be described as an example. Note that the same processing as in FIG. 8 above is denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0084] First, in step S120, the digital key control ECU 21 accepts an operation in which a user outside the vehicle 12 touches the door handle 13 as an operation to unlock the door of the vehicle 12.

[0085] Then, in step S122, the digital key control ECU 21 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 26, a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 to the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14.

[0086] Then, in step S124, the smartphone 14 determines that the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time.

[0087] Then, in step S130, the smartphone 14 determines whether there is vibration of the smartphone 14 based on the time-series data of the vibration information acquired from the vibration sensor 14D.

[0088] Then, in step S132, the smartphone 14 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating the collation result of the digital key 140 and the vibration information to the vehicle 12. And when the vibration information indicates that there is no vibration of the smartphone 14, the digital key control ECU 21 does not unlock the door of the vehicle 12. On the other hand, when the digital key control ECU 21 determines that the vibration information indicates that there is vibration of the smartphone 14, the digital key control ECU 21 unlocks the door of the vehicle 12.

[0089] (Summary of the First Embodiment) The smartphone 14 of the present embodiment enables setting of a digital key operation prohibition time, and when a collation request for the digital key is received from the vehicle 12 within the digital key operation prohibition time, the smartphone 14 does not transmit a signal for enabling control of the vehicle regardless of whether the smartphone is vibrating. Thereby, malfunction (for example, relay attack) of the smartphone used for controlling the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0090] Also, from the viewpoint of security and suppression of malfunction, for a smartphone in which a digital key is registered, it is possible not to permit control of the vehicle using the smartphone during an arbitrary time zone set by the user.

[0091] Also, when the digital key operation prohibition time is set on the smartphone, at the time of a collation request from the digital key control ECU 21, if it is within the digital key operation prohibition time, it is possible to prevent unlocking of the vehicle with the digital key by always returning a signal indicating no vibration.

[0092] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when the smartphone was within the digital key operation prohibition time, regardless of whether the smartphone 14 was vibrating, the smartphone transmitted a signal indicating the collation result and no vibration to the vehicle. In contrast, in the second embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that no signal is transmitted to the vehicle 12 when it is within the digital key operation prohibition time or when the smartphone 14 is not vibrating. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Note that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] (Smartphone) As shown in FIG. 4 above, the CPU 72 of the control device 70 of the smartphone 14 functions as a reception unit 110, a transmission unit 112, and a notification unit 114 by executing the information processing program 73A.

[0094] When the transmission unit 112 receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C, it does not transmit a signal to the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C in response to the fact that the smartphone 14 is not vibrating. As a result, a signal indicating the collation result and vibration information is not transmitted to the vehicle 12.

[0095] Also, when the transmission unit 112 receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C during the digital key operation prohibition time, regardless of whether the smartphone 14 is vibrating, it does not transmit a signal to the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C. As a result, a signal indicating the collation result and vibration information is not transmitted to the vehicle 12.

[0096] When the transmission unit 112 receives a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C at a time different from the digital key operation prohibition time, it transmits a signal indicating the collation result and vibration (to enable vehicle control) to the vehicle 12 by the BLE communication unit 14C in response to the fact that the smartphone 14 is vibrating.

[0097] (Processing Flow) Next, the processing flow in the vehicle system 10 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 10. For the same processing as in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted.

[0098] First, when the BLE communication unit 26 of the vehicle 12 and the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14 are in a communicable state and an operation on the vehicle 12 by the user is received, the CPU 21A of the digital key control ECU 21 of the in-vehicle device 11 executes a program to perform the digital key vehicle control process shown in FIG. 6 above.

[0099] Then, when a signal indicating a verification request for the digital key 140 is received by the BLE communication unit 14C of the smartphone 14, the CPU 72 of the control device 70 of the smartphone 14 executes the information processing program 73A to perform the digital key verification process shown in FIG. 10. It is assumed that the reception unit 110 has previously received a setting process for setting the digital key operation prohibition time from the user. Also, hereinafter, the case where the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time is enabled will be described as an example.

[0100] First, in step S112, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, acquires time-series data of vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 14D within a certain period in the past.

[0101] In step S114, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, determines whether the smartphone 14 has vibrated based on the time-series data of the vibration information acquired in step S112 above. For example, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information includes vibration information representing a vibration of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that the smartphone 14 has vibrated, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information does not include vibration information representing a vibration of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that the smartphone 14 has not vibrated, and the CPU 72 ends the digital key verification process without transmitting any signal to the vehicle 12.

[0102] In step S110, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, determines whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time. If the current time is within the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 terminates the digital key verification process without transmitting any signal to the vehicle 12. On the other hand, if the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 proceeds to step S118.

[0103] In step S118, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, transmits a signal indicating the verification result and vibration to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and terminates the digital key verification process.

[0104] (Summary of the Second Embodiment) The smartphone 14 of this embodiment enables the setting of the digital key operation prohibition time. When a digital key verification request is received from the vehicle 12 within the digital key operation prohibition time, regardless of whether the smartphone 14 is vibrating, no signal is transmitted that would allow vehicle control. This can prevent malfunction of the smartphone used for vehicle control.

[0105] (Modification) In this embodiment, in the digital key verification process, the case where it is determined whether there is vibration of the smartphone 14 and then whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. In the digital key verification process, it may be determined whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time and then whether there is vibration of the smartphone 14.

[0106] For example, the CPU 72 of the control device 70 of the smartphone 14 performs the digital key verification process shown in FIG. 11 by executing the information processing program 73A. For the same processes as in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0107] First, in step S110, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, determines whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time. If the current time is within the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 ends the digital key verification process without transmitting any signal to the vehicle 12. On the other hand, if the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 proceeds to step S112.

[0108] In step S112, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, acquires the time-series data of the vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 14D within a certain period in the past.

[0109] In step S114, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, determines whether there was vibration of the smartphone 14 based on the time-series data of the vibration information acquired in step S112 above. For example, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information includes vibration information representing vibrations of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that there was vibration of the smartphone 14, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information does not include vibration information representing vibrations of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that there was no vibration of the smartphone 14, and the CPU 72 ends the digital key verification process without transmitting any signal to the vehicle 12.

[0110] In step S118, the CPU 72, acting as the transmission unit 112, transmits a signal indicating the verification result and the presence of vibration to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and ends the digital key verification process.

[0111] Also, in this embodiment, in the digital key verification process, the case where no signal is transmitted to the vehicle 12 when it is within the digital key operation prohibition time or when there is no vibration of the smartphone 14 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. In the digital key verification process, in either the case where it is within the digital key operation prohibition time or the case where there is no vibration of the smartphone 14, no signal may be sent to the vehicle 12, and in the other case, a signal indicating the verification result and the absence of vibration may be transmitted.

[0112] For example, the CPU 72 of the control device 70 of the smartphone 14 performs the digital key verification process shown in FIG. 12 by executing the information processing program 73A.

[0113] First, in step S110, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, determines whether it is within the digital key operation prohibition time. If the current time is within the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 ends the digital key verification process without transmitting any signal to the vehicle 12. On the other hand, if the current time is outside the digital key operation prohibition time, the CPU 72 proceeds to step S112.

[0114] In step S112, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, acquires the time-series data of the vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 14D within a certain period in the past.

[0115] In step S114, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, determines whether the smartphone 14 has vibrated based on the time-series data of the vibration information acquired in step S112 above. For example, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information includes vibration information representing vibrations of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that the smartphone 14 has vibrated, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if the acquired time-series data of the vibration information does not include vibration information representing vibrations of a certain magnitude or more, it is determined that the smartphone 14 has not vibrated, and the CPU 72 proceeds to step S116.

[0116] In step S116, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, transmits a signal indicating the verification result and no vibration to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and ends the digital key verification process.

[0117] In step S118, the CPU 72, as the transmission unit 112, transmits a signal indicating the verification result and vibration to the vehicle 12 via the BLE communication unit 14C, and ends the digital key verification process.

[0118] In FIG. 12 above, in the digital key verification process, when it is within the digital key operation prohibition time and there is no vibration of the smartphone 14, a case where a signal is not sent to the vehicle 12 and a signal indicating the verification result and no vibration is transmitted was described as an example. However, the reverse may also be true. That is, when it is within the digital key operation prohibition time, a signal indicating the verification result and no vibration may be transmitted, and when there is no vibration of the smartphone 14, a signal may not be sent to the vehicle 12.

[0119] [Remarks] In each of the above embodiments, the case of setting the digital key operation prohibition time was described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a digital key operation permission time may be set. In this case, when the transmission unit 112 receives, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating a verification request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 within the digital key operation permission time, in response to the smartphone 14 vibrating, the transmission unit 112 transmits, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating the verification result and vibration present to the vehicle 12 in order to permit vehicle control.

[0120] Also, when the transmission unit 112 receives, via the BLE communication unit 14C, a signal indicating a verification request for the digital key 140 from the vehicle 12 outside the digital key operation permission time, the transmission unit 112 does not transmit a signal indicating the verification result and vibration present regardless of whether the smartphone 14 is vibrating.

[0121] Also, the reception unit 110 receives a setting process for setting the digital key operation permission time from the user. Specifically, the reception unit 110 causes the touch panel 14A to display a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting the digital key operation permission time.

[0122] For example, the setting screen 240 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel 14A, and either enabling or disabling the setting of the digital key operation permission time, and the start time and end time of the digital key operation permission time are accepted. The setting screen 240 in FIG. 13 includes a button 242 for switching to either enabling or disabling the setting of the digital key operation permission time, a box 244 for setting the start time of the digital key operation permission time, and a box 246 for setting the end time.

[0123] Also, in this embodiment, the case where the smartphone 14 transmits a collation result and a signal indicating vibration to the vehicle 12 to allow control of the vehicle in response to the smartphone 14 vibrating outside the digital key operation prohibited time has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the smartphone 14 may transmit a collation result and a signal indicating movement to the vehicle 12 to allow control of the vehicle in response to the smartphone 14 moving outside the digital key operation prohibited time. For example, when the amount of change in the radio wave intensity transmitted from the vehicle 12 to the smartphone 14 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is considered that the smartphone 14 is moving. On the other hand, when the amount of change in the radio wave intensity transmitted from the vehicle 12 to the smartphone 14 is less than the threshold value, it is considered that the smartphone 14 is not moving. Also, regardless of whether the smartphone 14 is moving or not within the digital key operation prohibited time, a collation result and a signal indicating movement for allowing control of the vehicle are not transmitted to the vehicle 12.

[0124] Also, in this embodiment, the case where the vehicle 12 transmits a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 to the smartphone 14 when the user tries to unlock the door by an operation of touching the door handle 13 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when the user tries to start the engine by an operation on the engine switch 27, the vehicle 12 may transmit a signal indicating a collation request for the digital key 140 to the smartphone 14.

[0125] In each of the above embodiments, the information processing device in which the digital key is registered is the smartphone 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital key 140 may be registered in a device having a communication function such as a tablet computer and a wearable computer.

[0126] In each of the embodiments, the case where the smartphone 14 performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 11 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the smartphone 14 may perform wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 11 using NFC or UWB.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicle 12 is a vehicle that operates and drives an engine using gasoline as power has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The vehicle 12 may be an electric vehicle such as an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), or a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).

[0128] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the various processes executed by the CPU 72 by reading software (program) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration dedicated to executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Further, the various processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electric circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, each program has been described in a mode where it is pre-stored (installed) in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. For example, in the smartphone 14, the information processing program 73A is pre-stored in the ROM 73. However, it is not limited to this, and each program may be provided in a form recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Further, each program may be in a form downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0130] The flow of the processes described in the above-described embodiment is also merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of the processes may be changed within a range not departing from the gist.

[0131] In addition, the configurations of each in-vehicle device, smartphone, physical key, and management server described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be changed according to the situation within the scope not departing from the gist.

Explanation of Signs

[0132] 10 Vehicle system 11 In-vehicle device 12 Vehicle 13 Door handle 14 Smartphone (information processing device) 14A Touch panel (display unit) 14C BLE communication unit 14D Vibration sensor 21 Digital key control ECU 26 BLE communication unit 27 Engine switch 28 Door lock device 70 Control device 72 CPU 73A Information processing program (program) 110 Reception unit 112 Transmission unit 114 Notification unit 140 Digital key 141, 240 Setting screen

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, a reception unit that receives from a user a setting process for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus; when a first signal is received from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle, a second signal for enabling the information processing apparatus to permit control of the vehicle in response to vibration or movement of the information processing apparatus is transmitted; a transmission unit that does not transmit the second signal regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle; comprising the transmission unit transmits a third signal for suppressing control of the vehicle regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle. The information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits a third signal for suppressing control of the vehicle in response to the information processing apparatus not vibrating or moving when the first signal is received from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing control of the vehicle.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that it is within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle.

4. An information processing apparatus, a display unit that displays a screen for causing a user to perform a setting process for setting a time for suppressing control of a vehicle using the information processing apparatus; a reception unit that receives a setting by the setting process from the user; a notification unit that notifies that it is within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle when the vehicle corresponding to a digital key registered in the information processing apparatus is operated within the time for suppressing control of the vehicle; including The notification unit further performs a notification that prompts the display of a screen for causing the user to perform the setting process when the vehicle corresponding to the digital key registered in the information processing device is operated within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle. An information processing device.

5. The setting process is for setting either activation or deactivation of the setting of the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device, and the start time and end time of the suppressing time. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, A reception unit receives a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device from the user, When the transmission unit receives a first signal from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, the information processing device can permit the control of the vehicle according to vibration or movement of the information processing device. Transmit a second signal for When the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, regardless of whether the information processing device is vibrating or moving, the second signal is not transmitted, and a third signal for suppressing the control of the vehicle is transmitted. An information processing method.

7. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, A display unit displays a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing device, A reception unit receives the setting by the setting process from the user, A notification unit notifies that it is within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle when the vehicle corresponding to the digital key registered in the information processing device is operated within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle. including An information processing method in which the notification unit further performs a notification prompting to display a screen for causing the user to perform the setting process when the vehicle corresponding to the digital key registered in the information processing apparatus is operated within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle.

8. In a computer included in an information processing apparatus, receive a setting process from the user for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus, when a first signal is received from the vehicle at a time different from the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, transmit a second signal for allowing the control of the vehicle according to the vibration or movement of the information processing apparatus, when the first signal is received from the vehicle within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, regardless of whether the information processing apparatus is vibrating or moving, do not transmit the second signal and transmit a third signal for suppressing the control of the vehicle A program for causing the above to be executed.

9. In a computer included in an information processing apparatus, display a screen for causing the user to perform a setting process for setting a time for suppressing the control of the vehicle using the information processing apparatus, receive the setting by the setting process from the user when the vehicle corresponding to the digital key registered in the information processing apparatus is operated within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle, notify that it is within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle A program for causing the above to be executed, wherein the computer further executes a program for performing a notification prompting to display a screen for causing the user to perform the setting process when the vehicle corresponding to the digital key registered in the information processing apparatus is operated within the time for suppressing the control of the vehicle.

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