Mobile body setting system, mobile body setting method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mobile object setting system, a mobile object setting method, and a program capable of improving manipulability related to automatic adjustment in relation to a vehicle control system that automatically adjusts a driving environment of a vehicle in conjunction with an in-vehicle device having a user management function.SOLUTION: A mobile object setting system includes: a setting device for equipment of a mobile object; and a plurality of terminal devices capable of communicating with the setting device. The setting device includes: a storage unit configured to manage setting information of the equipment in association with a user of the mobile object; an identification unit configured to identify the user on the basis of a result of communicating with the plurality of terminal devices; and a setting unit configured to set the equipment on the basis of the setting information of the equipment in association with the identified user. The plurality of terminal devices instructs the setting device to change the setting of the equipment by transmitting the terminal information stored therein to the setting device. The storage unit can store a plurality of setting information items for each piece of the equipment when the number of users registered in the setting device is one.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile body setting system, a mobile body setting method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a so-called smart entry function that can lock and unlock a vehicle door without taking out a mobile device by collating a key ID (mobile device unique information), which is unique information for each mobile device such as an electronic key. Regarding such a smart entry function, personal information stored in the user's electronic key is transmitted to a vehicle-side device by wireless communication, the vehicle-side device reads setting information associated with the received personal information, and the driving environment of the vehicle (such as seat position) is automatically adjusted based on the setting information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Among conventional smart entry functions, there are also those that can associate different setting information with a plurality of electronic keys. In recent years, as a technology for automatically adjusting the driving environment of a vehicle, a technology has been developed in which user management is performed by an in-vehicle device connected to a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and the driving environment is automatically adjusted based on the setting information of the logged-in user. In this case, the user can flexibly change the setting content of the driving environment by changing the logged-in user, so the convenience of the vehicle is improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when using the automatic adjustment function of an in-vehicle device, the user needs to operate the operating system of the in-vehicle device to perform user registration work. Therefore, in the automatic adjustment function of the in-vehicle device, for users who are sufficient with the settings of the driving environment associated with the conventional electronic key and users who find the operation of the in-vehicle device troublesome, the usability may deteriorate.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and relates to a vehicle control system that automatically adjusts the driving environment of a vehicle in conjunction with an in-vehicle device having a user management function, and aims to provide a mobile body setting system, a mobile body setting method, and a program that can improve the operability related to the automatic adjustment. And, by extension, it contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system by further improving traffic safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1): A mobile body setting system according to an aspect of the present invention is a mobile body setting system including a setting device that sets devices of a mobile body and a plurality of terminal devices that can communicate with the setting device. The setting device includes a storage unit that stores setting information of the devices, the storage unit manages the setting information in association with a user of the mobile body, a specifying unit that specifies the user of the mobile body based on the result of communication with the plurality of terminal devices, and a setting unit that acquires the setting information of the devices associated with the user specified by the specifying unit from the storage unit and performs the setting of the devices based on the acquired setting information. The plurality of terminal devices each transmit the terminal information stored therein to the setting device to instruct the setting device to change the setting of the devices. When there is only one user registered in the setting device, the storage unit can store a plurality of setting information for each device.

[0007] (2): In the aspect of (1) above, when the plurality of terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device, there is one user registered in the setting device, and first setting information and second setting information are stored in the storage unit as the setting information of the device, the storage unit stores the first setting information in association with the first terminal device and stores the second setting information in association with the second terminal device.

[0008] (3): In the aspect of (1) or (2) above, a first user ID and a second user ID are registered in the setting device for the one user, the first user ID is associated with the first terminal device, and the second user ID is associated with the second terminal device.

[0009] (4): In any of the aspects of (1) to (3) above, when the plurality of terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device, a first user and a second user are registered in the setting device, and first setting information and second setting information are stored in the storage unit as the setting information of the device, the storage unit stores the first setting information in association with the first terminal device and stores the second setting information in association with the second terminal device.

[0010] (5): In the aspect of (4) above, when a third user is further registered in the setting device and the third user is selected in the setting device after the setting device acquires first terminal information from the first terminal device or the second terminal device, the terminal device that transmitted the first terminal information to the setting device replaces the first terminal information stored by itself with second terminal information stored in the setting device in association with the third user.

[0011] (6) The mobile body setting method according to one aspect of the present invention is a mobile body setting system including a setting device that sets devices of a mobile body, and a plurality of terminal devices communicable with the setting device. The setting device manages the setting information of the devices in association with the user of the mobile body, identifies the user of the mobile body based on the result of communication with the plurality of terminal devices, and performs the setting of the devices based on the setting information of the devices associated with the identified user. The plurality of terminal devices transmit the terminal information stored in each of them to the setting device, thereby instructing the setting device to change the setting of the devices. When there is one user registered in the setting device, the setting device can store a plurality of pieces of setting information for each device.

[0012] (7) A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a mobile body setting system including a setting device that sets devices of a mobile body, and a plurality of terminal devices communicable with the setting device. The plurality of terminal devices transmit the terminal information stored in each of them to the setting device, thereby instructing the setting device to change the setting of the devices. In the system, the setting device is caused to manage the setting information of the devices in association with the user of the mobile body, identify the user of the mobile body based on the result of communication with the plurality of terminal devices, and perform the setting of the devices based on the setting information of the devices associated with the identified user. When there is one user registered in the setting device, it is a program for causing the setting device to manage a plurality of pieces of setting information for each device.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] (1) to (7) According to the present invention, regarding a vehicle control system that automatically adjusts the driving environment of a vehicle in conjunction with an in-vehicle device having a user management function, the operability regarding the automatic adjustment can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mobile object setting system, a mobile object setting method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [1. Overall configuration of vehicle control system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system 1 according to an embodiment. The vehicle control system 1 includes a plurality of portable wireless terminals 10 and an in-vehicle device 30 mounted on a vehicle to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as "own vehicle"). The portable wireless terminal 10 is an example of an "electronic key" for a vehicle. The portable wireless terminal 10 and the in-vehicle device 30 can communicate with each other by wireless communication, and the in-vehicle device 30 causes the own vehicle to perform a predetermined operation upon communication with the portable wireless terminal 10. With this mechanism, a user can use the portable wireless terminal 10 to cause the own vehicle to perform operations such as unlocking the door lock and starting the engine. The vehicle control system 1 is an example of a "mobile body setting system," and the in-vehicle device 30 is an example of a "setting device." The own vehicle is an example of a mobile body, and the setting target in the mobile body setting system may be a mobile body other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0017] The mobile wireless terminals 10A and 10B are examples of a plurality of mobile wireless terminals 10 and have the same functional configuration. Here, two mobile wireless terminals 10 are exemplified assuming a main key and a spare key, but the number of mobile wireless terminals 10 may be one or three or more. Hereinafter, when not particularly distinguished, the mobile wireless terminals 10A and 10B are collectively referred to as the mobile wireless terminal 10. Also, hereinafter, when it is necessary to separately explain the mobile wireless terminals 10A and 10B regarding the same functional configuration as above, the symbols of each functional unit may be distinguished by adding "A" or "B". For example, "communication unit 12A" shall mean the communication unit 12 of the mobile wireless terminal 10A. The mobile wireless terminal 10 is an example of a "terminal device". The mobile wireless terminal 10A is an example of a "first terminal device", and the mobile wireless terminal 10B is an example of a "second terminal device".

[0018] [2. Configuration of Mobile Wireless Terminal] The mobile wireless terminal 10 is, for example, a so-called FOB key (key fob) or a thin card key. These mobile wireless terminals 10 are, for example, sized to fit in a wallet. The mobile wireless terminal 10 is, for example, about several cm to 10 cm in length, several cm to 10 cm in width, and several mm to several cm in thickness. In the following embodiments, the mobile wireless terminal 10 is described as an FOB key as an example, but it may be other electronic keys. Also, the mobile wireless terminal 10 may be a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal with an application program installed thereon to provide the above-described functions.

[0019] The mobile wireless terminal 10 houses, for example, a communication unit 12, a control unit 14 including an integrated circuit, etc., a storage unit 16, a power receiving unit 18, a power source 20, and a mechanical key 22 in a housing 11. The communication unit 12 performs predetermined processing such as amplification and demodulation on the received radio waves, or generates radio waves to be transmitted. The storage unit 16 stores in advance a terminal ID which is identification information of the mobile wireless terminal 10. The terminal ID is an example of "terminal information".

[0020] The control unit 14 usually controls the mobile wireless terminal 10 to enter a sleep state, which is a power-saving state. When the control unit 14 receives a request signal from the in-vehicle device 30, it controls the mobile wireless terminal 10 to transition from the sleep state to the active state. The control unit 14 causes the communication unit 12 to transmit a (vehicle exterior or interior) response signal, which is a response signal corresponding to the reception of the request signal (vehicle exterior or interior) transmitted from the in-vehicle device 30.

[0021] The power source 20 is, for example, a button battery. The mobile wireless terminal 10 operates using the power supplied from the power source 20. When the amount of power stored in the power source 20 (remaining battery power) is insufficient, the mobile wireless terminal 10 does not operate. In this case, the user needs to replace the button battery, for example. The power source 20 may be a battery that can be charged by USB (Universal Serial Bus) power supply, for example.

[0022] The mechanical key 22 is a key for mechanically unlocking or locking the door lock. When the user inserts the mechanical key 22 into the keyhole of the vehicle door and performs a predetermined operation, the vehicle door lock transitions to the unlocked or locked state.

[0023] [3. Configuration of In-Vehicle Device] The in-vehicle device 30 is mounted on the host vehicle. The in-vehicle device 30 can control each part of the host vehicle to perform a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is an operation for adjusting the driving environment of the host vehicle according to the user. In the present embodiment, as an example of adjusting the driving environment, adjustment of the seat position will be described. The in-vehicle device 30 has a user account management function (user management function) and can switch the operation environment for each user account. The in-vehicle device 30 adjusts the seat position based on the setting information of the designated user account when the user uses the host vehicle. For example, the user management function is realized by an operating system. Also, the automatic seat position adjustment function may be realized as a function of the operating system or as a function of an application program operating on the operating system.

[0024] The host vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 30 is mounted is, for example, a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, including an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, an electric vehicle powered by an electric motor, a hybrid vehicle having both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, etc. Also, the above-mentioned electric vehicle is driven, for example, using electric power discharged by a battery such as a secondary battery, a hydrogen fuel cell, a metal fuel cell, or an alcohol fuel cell.

[0025] The in-vehicle device 30 includes, for example, an engine switch unit 32, a power supply unit 34, an information output unit 36, a door lock control unit 38, a door sensor 40, a seat control unit 42, an outside-vehicle communication unit 50, an inside-vehicle communication unit 60, a control unit 70, an engine ECU 82, and an in-vehicle storage unit 90.

[0026] The engine switch unit 32 is, for example, a switch provided at a position operable by the user of the host vehicle. The engine switch unit 32 is, for example, a mechanical switch. When operated by the user, the engine switch unit 32 outputs an operation signal indicating that it has been operated to the control unit 70.

[0027] The power supply unit 34 is provided, for example, near the engine switch unit 32. When the engine switch unit 32 is operated, the power supply unit 34 supplies power to the mobile wireless terminal 10 existing within a predetermined range from the engine switch unit 32 based on the control of the control unit 70. For example, the power supply unit 34 and the power receiving unit 18 of the mobile wireless terminal 10 transmit and receive power using the principle of electromagnetic induction.

[0028] The information output unit 36 outputs predetermined information according to the instruction of the control unit 70. The information output unit 36 is an indicator or a display unit that displays information as an image. The display unit is, for example, the display unit of an instrument panel that displays the state (such as speed) of the host vehicle. Further, the display unit may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display device, etc. The display unit may be a head-up display that reflects an image on the window of the host vehicle, or a display unit provided in a navigation device, etc. Further, the information output unit 36 may be a speaker that outputs sound.

[0029] The door lock control unit 38 and the seat control unit 42 are realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program. The door lock control unit 38 is connected to a door lock actuator (not shown), a door sensor 40, and the control unit 70. When the door lock control unit 38 receives a signal instructing the locking or unlocking of the door lock of the host vehicle from the control unit 70, for example, it controls the door lock actuator and executes the locking or unlocking of the door lock. The door lock actuator controls the door lock to an open state or a closed state by driving the lock mechanism of the door provided in the host vehicle. Note that the door lock control unit 38 may be a part of the control unit 70.

[0030] The door sensor 40 is, for example, a capacitance change type touch sensor whose capacitance changes when a user touches the door handle. The door sensor 40 is normally in an off state. When the user touches the door handle and the capacitance changes to a predetermined value or more, the door sensor 40 turns on and outputs an instruction signal for unlocking the door lock to the control unit 70 via the door lock control unit 38.

[0031] The seat control unit 42 is connected to a seat driving actuator (not shown) and the control unit 70. For example, when the seat control unit 42 receives a signal instructing a change in the position of the seat in the host vehicle from the control unit 70, the seat control unit 42 controls the seat driving actuator to move the seat forward and backward. The control target of the seat control unit 42 is typically the driver's seat and / or the front passenger seat, but other seats may also be controlled if they are electrically controllable. The seat driving actuator drives a slide mechanism provided in the host vehicle to move the seat forward and backward, thereby moving the seat to a designated position. When the seat is an electrically controllable reclining seat, the seat control unit 42 may be configured to control the inclination of the seat in addition to the seat position. Note that the seat control unit 42 may be a part of the control unit 70.

[0032] The vehicle exterior communication unit 50 includes a vehicle exterior antenna 52 and a vehicle exterior communication section 54 electrically connected to the vehicle exterior antenna 52. The vehicle exterior antenna 52 is provided, for example, on a door mirror on the driver's seat side of the own vehicle, or on a door handle or the like. The vehicle exterior communication section 54 is provided, for example, under the surface of the instrument panel. The vehicle exterior communication unit 50 transmits a vehicle exterior request signal that requests transmission of a terminal ID to the mobile wireless terminal 10 outside the vehicle in response to receiving an instruction signal to unlock the door lock or an instruction signal to lock the door lock from the control unit 70. The vehicle exterior antenna 52 receives the vehicle exterior response signal transmitted from the mobile wireless terminal 10. The vehicle exterior communication section 54 acquires the vehicle exterior response signal received by the vehicle exterior antenna 52, performs processes such as amplification and decoding on the acquired vehicle exterior response signal, and outputs the information included in the vehicle exterior response signal to the control unit 70.

[0033] The vehicle interior communication unit 60 is provided, for example, under the surface of the instrument panel. The vehicle interior communication unit 60 includes a vehicle interior antenna 62 and a vehicle interior communication section 64 electrically connected to the vehicle interior antenna 62. The vehicle interior antenna 62 transmits a vehicle interior request signal to the mobile wireless terminal 10 inside the vehicle. The vehicle interior antenna 62 receives the vehicle interior response signal from the mobile wireless terminal 10 inside the vehicle. The vehicle interior communication section 64 acquires the vehicle interior response signal received by the vehicle interior antenna 62, performs processes such as amplification and decoding on the acquired vehicle interior signal, and outputs the information included in the vehicle interior response signal to the control unit 70.

[0034] The control unit 70 includes, for example, a power supply control unit 72, a communication control unit 74, a usage permission unit 76, and a user management unit 78. The power supply control unit 72, the communication control unit 74, the usage permission unit 76, and the user management unit 78 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). The program may be implemented, for example, as a vehicle operating system having a control function of the host vehicle, or as an application program operating on the vehicle operating system. Also, some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including a circuit unit; circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. The in-vehicle storage unit 90 is realized, for example, by a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a register.

[0035] The power supply control unit 72 controls the power supply unit 34 to supply power to the portable wireless terminal 10, enabling the portable wireless terminal 10 to transmit the terminal ID to the host vehicle using the supplied power.

[0036] The communication control unit 74 controls the outdoor vehicle communication unit 50 or the indoor vehicle communication unit 60 to communicate with the mobile wireless terminal 10. When the power supply unit 34 supplies power to the mobile wireless terminal 10 by electromagnetic induction and the usage permission unit 76 permits the start of the own vehicle, the communication control unit 74 causes the indoor vehicle communication unit 60 to transmit an in-vehicle request signal to the inside of the vehicle, and detects an in-vehicle response signal that is a response of the mobile wireless terminal 10 to the transmitted in-vehicle request signal.

[0037] The usage permission unit 76 determines whether to permit or not permit the use of the own vehicle by the user. The permission to use the own vehicle here means, for example, permitting the unlocking of the door lock of the own vehicle or permitting the start of the own vehicle. For example, the usage permission unit 76 collates the terminal ID received from the mobile wireless terminal 10 using the outdoor vehicle communication unit 50 with the terminal ID registered in advance in the in-vehicle storage unit 90, and permits the unlocking of the door lock of the own vehicle based on the collation result. For example, the usage permission unit 76 permits the unlocking of the vehicle door lock when the received terminal ID matches the terminal ID registered in advance in the in-vehicle storage unit 90. This terminal ID is included in the outdoor vehicle response signal.

[0038] Also, for example, the usage permission unit 76 collates the terminal ID received from the mobile wireless terminal 10 using the indoor vehicle communication unit 60 with the terminal ID registered in advance in the in-vehicle storage unit 90, and permits the start of the vehicle based on the collation result. The usage permission unit 76 permits the start of the vehicle when the received terminal ID matches the terminal ID registered in advance in the in-vehicle storage unit 90. This terminal ID is included in the in-vehicle response signal. Also, the in-vehicle response signal includes information indicating the remaining battery power of the power supply 20. Permitting the start of the vehicle means permitting control to any state such as starting the engine, starting the motor, or releasing the lock of the steering wheel.

[0039] The user management unit 78 manages user accounts registered in the in-vehicle device 30 for the users of the own vehicle. Setting information for automatic adjustment of the seat position (hereinafter referred to as "seat position setting information") is associated with the user accounts. The user accounts do not necessarily have to correspond one-to-one with the users. For example, a user may create a plurality of user accounts with different setting contents for the seat position setting information and use them appropriately according to the usage situation, purpose, etc. Hereinafter, for simplicity, it is assumed that one user account is registered in the in-vehicle device 30 for each user. The management information of the user accounts (hereinafter referred to as "account management information") is stored, for example, in the in-vehicle storage unit 90.

[0040] The user management unit 78 performs automatic adjustment of the seat position according to the user account designated as the setting target (hereinafter referred to as "target account"). More specifically, the user management unit 78 refers to the account management information to acquire the seat position setting information of the target user account, and performs automatic adjustment of the seat position based on the acquired seat position setting information. Note that the target account may be designated by the user performing an operation of selecting a user account to be used as the target account from among the user accounts registered in the in-vehicle device 30. Further, the target account may be mechanically determined by being associated with the mobile wireless terminal 10 when the terminal ID is transmitted from the mobile wireless terminal 10. The user management unit 78 is an example of the "specifying unit" and the "setting unit".

[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of account management information. The account management information 92 is managed, for example, as a table in which a corresponding terminal ID and sheet position setting information are associated with a user ID. The user ID is identification information of a user account. The corresponding terminal ID represents the association between the user account and the mobile wireless terminal 10, and stores the identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile wireless terminal 10 associated with the corresponding user account. The example of FIG. 2 shows a case where the mobile wireless terminal 10A (here, terminal ID “1”) is associated with “default user #1” and the mobile wireless terminal 10B (here, terminal ID “2”) is associated with “default user #2”. “Default user #1” is an example of “first user ID”, and “default user #2” is an example of “second user ID”.

[0042] The sheet position setting information is represented, for example, by a pair of identification information of a sheet to be controlled and information on a target sheet position (for example, displacement amount from a reference position). In the example of FIG. 2, the sheet position setting information of “default user #1” represents controlling the sheet identified by “S1” to the sheet position “aaa”. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the sheet position setting information of “default user #2” represents controlling the sheet identified by “S1” to the sheet position “bbb” and controlling the sheet identified by “S2” to the sheet position “ccc”. Thus, the sheet position setting information may include setting information of a plurality of sheets.

[0043] Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the sheet position setting information of “general user #1” represents a case where a plurality of setting patterns (here, patterns 1 to 4) are registered. Note that the sheet position setting information of the above-mentioned “default user #1” and “default user #2” are both examples of cases where one setting pattern is registered. Which of the plurality of setting patterns to adopt may be determined by a default value or by a selection operation of the user. Also, the plurality of setting patterns may be changed by a switching operation of the user, or may be automatically carried over to the previously used one.

[0044] In addition, "Default User #1" and "Default User #2" in the example of FIG. 2 are default user accounts pre-registered in the in-vehicle device 30 in the initial state, and are user accounts associated with the user's mobile wireless terminal 10. Here, assuming two mobile wireless terminals 10A and 10B, two default user accounts are created. For example, the default user account is registered in the in-vehicle device 30 by the manufacturer of the own vehicle, the manufacturer of the in-vehicle device, the car dealer that sells the own vehicle or the in-vehicle device, and the like. Also, the seat position setting information set in the default user account may be uniformly determined by the registrant (for example, the manufacturer or the car dealer, etc.), or may be determined by the registrant so as to reflect the user's request.

[0045] For example, when there is only one user of the own vehicle, only default user accounts associated with a plurality of mobile wireless terminals 10 may be registered in the in-vehicle device 30 in the initial state. In this case, when the user uses the own vehicle using any one of the mobile wireless terminals 10, the user account associated with the used mobile wireless terminal 10 is selected, and the seat position is automatically adjusted according to the seat position setting information associated with the user account. In this way, when there is only one user of the own vehicle, by providing the user with the in-vehicle device 30 in a state where the default user account associated with the mobile wireless terminal 10 is pre-registered, the user can use the automatic seat position adjustment function when using the own vehicle without performing the registration work or setting work of the user account for the in-vehicle device 30.

[0046] On the other hand, for example, when there are multiple users of the vehicle, in addition to the default user account, user accounts corresponding to multiple users may be registered in the in-vehicle device 30 in the initial state. In this case, at least one of the plurality of mobile wireless terminals 10 is associated with the default user account, and the other mobile wireless terminals 10 are associated with accounts other than the default user account. In this case, a default user (for example, the owner of the vehicle) among the plurality of users uses the vehicle by using the mobile wireless terminal 10 associated with the default user account, so that the user account associated with the used mobile wireless terminal 10 is selected, and the seat position is automatically adjusted according to the seat position setting information associated with the user account. Also, in this case, a user other than the default user among the plurality of users uses the vehicle by using the mobile wireless terminal 10 not associated with the default user account, so that the user account (user account other than the default user account) associated with the used mobile wireless terminal 10 is selected, and the seat position is automatically adjusted according to the seat position setting information associated with the user account. In this way, when there are multiple users of the vehicle, by providing the in-vehicle device 30 in a state where the plurality of mobile wireless terminals 10 are associated with the user accounts of different users to the users, the plurality of mobile wireless terminals 10 can be properly used by multiple users, and multiple users can use the automatic seat position adjustment function with their respective seat position setting information.

[0047] [Processing when boarding and starting the vehicle] [4.1. Processing when boarding the vehicle; when the door lock is unlocked by communication] When the user boards the vehicle, the following processing is performed. For example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the control unit 70 acquires an instruction signal for unlocking the door lock), the communication control unit 74 of the control unit 70 causes the vehicle exterior communication unit 50 to transmit a vehicle exterior request signal.

[0048] When the mobile wireless terminal 10 receives an outdoor vehicle request signal, it transmits an outdoor vehicle response signal, which is a response to the outdoor vehicle request signal, to the outdoor vehicle communication unit 50.

[0049] The user management unit 78 of the control unit 70 determines whether the user ID included in the outdoor vehicle response signal received by the outdoor vehicle communication unit 50 matches the user ID stored in the in-vehicle storage unit 90. When the user IDs match, the user management unit 78 causes the door lock control unit 38 to unlock the door of the own vehicle. Thereby, the user can board the own vehicle.

[0050] [4.2. Processing when starting; Normal processing] For example, as described above, when the door lock is unlocked by communication and the engine start operation is performed, the communication control unit 74 causes the in-vehicle communication unit 60 to transmit an in-vehicle request signal. The engine start operation is, for example, an operation in which the engine switch unit 32 is pressed while the brake pedal is depressed. When the mobile wireless terminal 10 receives the in-vehicle request signal, it transmits an in-vehicle response signal, which is a response to the in-vehicle request signal, to the in-vehicle communication unit 60.

[0051] The user management unit 78 of the control unit 70 determines whether the user ID included in the in-vehicle response signal received by the in-vehicle communication unit 60 matches the user ID stored in the in-vehicle storage unit 90. When the user IDs match, the user management unit 78 causes the engine ECU 82 to operate the engine. Thereby, the user can start the engine of the own vehicle.

[0052] [5. Automatic seat position adjustment function] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by in-vehicle device 30 for automatic adjustment of the seat position when a user uses the vehicle. First, in-vehicle device 30 receives a terminal ID from mobile wireless terminal 10 (S101). Subsequently, in-vehicle device 30 collates the received terminal ID with the terminal ID registered in advance in in-vehicle storage unit 90 (S102), and permits the use of the vehicle (unlocking of the door lock or starting of the vehicle) when both match (S103). Subsequently, in-vehicle device 30 specifies the target account by referring to account management information 92 based on the received terminal ID (S104). Subsequently, in-vehicle device 30 automatically adjusts the seat position based on the seat position setting information of the specified target account (S105).

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when in-vehicle device 30 automatically adjusts the seat position when there is one user of the vehicle. As described above, in-vehicle device 30 is provided to the user in a state where at least a default user account associated with mobile wireless terminal 10 is registered (initial state). The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where only "default user #1" and "default user #2" are registered as user accounts, and mobile wireless terminal 10A (terminal ID "1") is associated with "default user #1" and mobile wireless terminal 10B (terminal ID "2") is associated with "default user #2". Further, the example of FIG. 4 shows a case where four setting patterns are registered in the seat position setting information of "default user #1" and "default user #2", respectively. In this case, one user can selectively use different seat position setting information for the same seat by selectively using mobile wireless terminals 10A and 10B, that is, by selectively using "default user #1" and "default user #2".

[0054] In this example, Pattern 1 represents the setting content of the driver's seat position, and Pattern 2 represents the setting content of the passenger seat position. Also, in this example, Pattern 3 may represent the seat position corresponding to the so-called seat memory function. The seat memory function is a function that saves the seat position manually or automatically by the user and restores the saved seat position as needed. When the in-vehicle device 30 has the seat memory function, the saved seat position may be registered in the seat position setting information of the target account. Also, in this example, Pattern 4 may represent the seat position corresponding to the so-called easy entry function. The easy entry function is a function that controls the vehicle interior environment (including the seat position) to a state where it is easy for the user to get in the vehicle when the user gets in the vehicle. When the in-vehicle device 30 has the easy entry function, the seat position to be realized by the function may be registered in the seat position information of the default user account.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a case where Pattern 1 is selected as the default value among these four setting patterns. In this case, when the user has the mobile wireless terminal 10A, Pattern 1 of the seat position setting information IF1 of "default user #1" is applied to the automatic adjustment of the seat position. Similarly, when the user has the mobile wireless terminal 10B, Pattern 1 of the seat position setting information IF2 of "default user #2" is applied to the automatic adjustment of the seat position.

[0056] In contrast, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation example when the in-vehicle device 30 automatically adjusts the seat position when there are multiple users of the host vehicle. The example of FIG. 5 shows a case where "default user #1", "default user #2", "general user #1", "general user #2", "general user #3", "general user #4", and "guest user" are registered in the in-vehicle device 30 in the initial state. In the example of FIG. 4, both the portable wireless terminals 10A and 10B are associated with "default user #1" and "default user #2", whereas in the example of FIG. 5, the portable wireless terminal 10A is associated with "default user #1" and the portable wireless terminal 10B is associated with "general user #1". In this case, a default user (e.g., the owner of the host vehicle) can use the portable wireless terminal 10A himself / herself and let other users use the portable wireless terminal 10B.

[0057] In this case, when the default user uses the portable wireless terminal 10A, pattern 1 of the seat position setting information IF1 of "default user #1" will be applied to the automatic adjustment of the seat position. On the other hand, when another user uses the portable wireless terminal 10B, pattern 1 of the seat position setting information IF3 of "general user #1" will be applied to the automatic adjustment of the seat position.

[0058] In this way, when there are multiple users of the host vehicle, the in-vehicle device 30 is provided to the users with a plurality of portable wireless terminals 10 associated with different user accounts, so that the portable wireless terminals 10 can be properly used by multiple users, and multiple users can use the automatic seat position adjustment function with their respective seat position setting information.

[0059] Note that the configuration of the in-vehicle device 30 when there are multiple users of the host vehicle may also be realized by an operation of a default user on the in-vehicle device 30. For example, when changing the configuration from that of FIG. 4 to that of FIG. 5, the default user may perform the following operations. (1) Create "general user #1", "general user #2", "general user #3", "general user #4", and "guest user #1". (2) Register the sheet position setting information in each user account. If the user is responsible for setting the sheet position, this operation may be omitted. (3) Change the association of the corresponding terminal ID. Specifically, change the association with the mobile wireless terminal 10B (terminal ID "2") from "default user #2" to "general user #1".

[0060] Note that the change in the association between the mobile wireless terminal 10 and the user account can also be achieved by changing the terminal ID stored in the mobile wireless terminal 10 instead of changing the account management information 92 in (3) above. For example, in the account management information 92, manage the association between the user ID and the sheet position setting information, and in the mobile wireless terminal 10, store one of the registered user accounts' user IDs instead of the terminal ID. In such a method, the mobile wireless terminal 10 can be associated with any user account, so similarly to the above, the automatic seat position adjustment function can be activated. In this case, when the in-vehicle device 30 uses the mobile wireless terminal 10 and the host vehicle is operated (for example, a door unlock operation), the in-vehicle device 30 may be configured to accept a selection operation of the destination user account and change the association with the mobile wireless terminal 10 to the selected user account. Also, in this case, the in-vehicle device 30 may be configured to accept a selection operation of the destination user account until a predetermined time has elapsed after the host vehicle is operated using the mobile wireless terminal 10.

[0061] According to the vehicle control system 1 of the embodiment described above, regarding the vehicle control system 1 that automatically adjusts the driving environment of the host vehicle in conjunction with the in-vehicle device 30 having a user management function, the operability regarding the automatic adjustment can be improved.

[0062] As described above, the in-vehicle device 30 of the embodiment has a user management function and can manage the automatic adjustment of the driving environment for each user account. However, in a vehicle equipped with a conventional in-vehicle device that does not have such a function, the automatic adjustment of the driving environment was managed by associating it with a portable wireless terminal. Among the users of such conventional vehicles, there are quite a few who prefer the operation feeling and operability of the conventional method for the automatic adjustment of the driving environment. On the other hand, information devices are becoming more advanced, and it is also assumed that in-vehicle devices such as the in-vehicle device 30 of the embodiment will generally have a user management function in the future and can manage various settings related to the vehicle for each user account. According to the in-vehicle device 30 of the embodiment, while corresponding to the advancement of such in-vehicle devices, it is possible to realize the same operation feeling and operability as the conventional method for the automatic adjustment of the driving environment.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the case where the user management unit 78 adjusts the seat position as an example of the driving environment has been described, but the driving environment to be adjusted is not limited to this. For example, the user management unit 78 may be configured to control the angle of the fender mirror, the tilt of the seat, the position and angle of the steering wheel, etc. Even in such a case, by managing each control setting information in association with the user account, it can be realized in the same way as the automatic adjustment of the seat position.

[0064] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the permission to use the own vehicle by the use permission unit 76 is executed independently of the user management function has been described, but the use permission unit 76 may be configured to perform the permission to use the own vehicle in cooperation with the user management function. For example, the terminal ID registered in the in-vehicle storage unit 90 may be managed by the account management information 92. In this case, the use permission unit 76 may be configured to recognize the target account and the corresponding terminal ID by referring to the account management information 92 and performing collation of the terminal ID. In this case, the use permission unit 76 may be configured to perform the automatic adjustment process of the driving environment following the permission to use the own vehicle.

[0065] In addition, the user management unit 78 of the in-vehicle device 30 may perform a login process for the user account. For example, the user management unit 78 manages passwords for each user ID, and may be configured to transition to a logged-in state when the user ID and password entered by the user match those managed by the in-vehicle device 30. In this case, the automatic adjustment of the driving environment may be performed as part of the process of transitioning to the logged-in state.

[0066] In addition, the user management unit 78 may be configured to switch the setting pattern of the seat position setting information according to an operation on an input device such as a switch or a button. For example, such an input device may be realized as a door switch. For example, a number of door switches corresponding to each setting pattern may be provided, and the setting pattern associated with the operated door switch may be selected. Further, the user management unit 78 may perform automatic adjustment of the driving environment according to this selection. Also, instead of providing a plurality of door switches, the user management unit 78 may be provided with one door switch and configured to switch the setting pattern each time there is an operation, or recognize the setting pattern to be selected based on the mode of the operation (e.g., the number of button operations or the length of button presses).

[0067] As described above, the embodiments for implementing the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1... Vehicle control system, 10, 10A, 10B... Portable wireless terminal, 11... Housing, 12... Communication unit, 14... Control unit, 16... Memory unit, 18... Power receiving unit, 20... Power supply, 22... Mechanical key, 30... Vehicle-mounted device, 32... Engine switch unit, 34... Power supply unit, 36... Information output unit, 38... Door lock control unit, 40... Door sensor, 42... Seat control unit, 50... Outdoor vehicle communication unit, 52... Outdoor vehicle antenna, 54... Outdoor vehicle communication section, 60... Indoor vehicle communication unit, 62... Indoor vehicle antenna, 64... Indoor vehicle communication section, 70... Control section, 72... Power supply control section, 74... Communication control section, 76... Permission section, 78... User management section, 82... Engine ECU, 90... Vehicle-mounted side memory unit, 92... Account management information

Claims

1. A mobile body setting system including a setting device for setting devices of a mobile body and a plurality of terminal devices capable of communicating with the setting device, wherein the setting device includes a management unit for managing a user account of the setting device, a storage unit for storing setting information of the device, the storage unit managing the setting information by associating it with the user account and the plurality of terminal devices, an identifying unit for identifying the user account used by the user of the mobile body based on terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices, a setting unit for acquiring the setting information of the device associated with the user account identified by the identifying unit from the storage unit and performing setting of the device based on the acquired setting information, and is provided with the plurality of terminal devices each transmit the terminal information stored therein to the setting device, thereby instructing the setting device to change the setting of the device, when the management unit manages a first user account among the user accounts, the setting device provides the user of the mobile body with a state in which a plurality of first user accounts corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices are registered as an initial state, the setting unit performs setting of the device based on the setting information of the device corresponding to the terminal device for each of the plurality of terminal devices, when the management unit manages a second user account in addition to the first user account, the setting unit identifies a first user account or a second user account based on the terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices, and performs setting of the device based on the setting information of the device associated with the identified first user account or the second user account, a mobile body setting system.

2. the plurality of terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device, when the user account managed by the management unit in the setting device is a first user account and first setting information and second setting information are stored in the storage unit as the setting information of the device, the storage unit stores the first setting information in association with the first terminal device and stores the second setting information in association with the second terminal device, the mobile body setting system according to claim 1.

3. a first user ID and a second user ID are registered in the setting device for one user, The first user ID is associated with the first terminal device, and the second user ID is associated with the second terminal device. The mobile body setting system according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The user account managed by the management unit in the setting device is the first user account. When first setting information and second setting information are stored in the storage unit as setting information of the device. The storage unit stores the first setting information in association with the first terminal device and stores the second setting information in association with the second terminal device. The mobile body setting system according to claim 1.

5. In addition to the first user account, a second user account is managed by the management unit in the setting device. When the second user account is selected in the setting device after the setting device acquires first terminal information from the first terminal device or the second terminal device. The terminal device that transmitted the first terminal information to the setting device replaces the first terminal information stored by itself with second terminal information stored in the setting device in association with the second user account. The mobile body setting system according to claim 4.

6. In a mobile body setting system including a setting device that sets devices of a mobile body and a plurality of terminal devices that can communicate with the setting device. The setting device. A user account management step of managing the user account of the setting device. A step of managing the setting information of the device in association with the user account and the plurality of terminal devices. A user account identification step of identifying the user account used by the user of the mobile body based on the terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices. A setting step of setting the device based on the setting information of the device associated with the identified user account. A step in which the plurality of terminal devices instruct the setting device to change the setting of the device by transmitting the terminal information stored in each of them to the setting device. It is a mobile body setting method having When the first user account among the user accounts is managed by the user account management step. Providing the setting device to the user of the mobile body with a state in which a plurality of first user accounts corresponding to each of the plurality of terminal devices are registered as an initial state of the setting device, In the setting step, for each of the plurality of terminal devices, performing the setting of the device based on the setting information of the device corresponding to the terminal device, When, in addition to the first user account, a second user account is managed by the user account management step, In the user account identification step, identifying a first user account or a second user account based on terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices, In the setting step, performing the setting of the device based on the setting information of the device linked to the identified first user account or the second user account, Mobile body setting method.

7. A setting device for setting a device of a mobile body, A plurality of terminal devices communicable with the setting device, each of which transmits terminal information stored therein to the setting device to instruct the setting device to change the setting of the device, In a mobile body setting system including: In the setting device, A user account management process for managing a user account of the setting device, A process of associating and managing the setting information of the device with the user account and the plurality of terminal devices, A user account identification process for identifying a user account used by a user of the mobile body based on terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices, A setting process for performing the setting of the device based on the setting information of the device linked to the identified user account, A program for causing the above to be executed, Each of the plurality of terminal devices transmits the terminal information stored therein to the setting device to instruct the setting device to change the setting of the device, When a first user account among user accounts is managed by the user account management process, The setting device is provided with a state in which a plurality of first user accounts corresponding to each of the plurality of terminal devices are registered as an initial state, In the setting process, for each of the plurality of terminal devices, performing the setting of the device based on the setting information of the device corresponding to the terminal device, When, in addition to the first user account, a second user account is managed by the user account management process, In the user account identification process, based on the terminal information received from the plurality of terminal devices, identify the first user account or the second user account, In the setting process, perform the setting of the device based on the setting information of the device associated with the identified first user account or the second user account, Program.

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