Control method for information processing device and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a control method for an information processing device and the information processing device that appropriately switch between a login state and a logout state of an application used in a vehicle according to the use of the vehicle.SOLUTION: An application associated with a vehicle has a login state in which authentication of a communication apparatus has been completed and a logout state in which authentication of the communication apparatus has not been completed. In the login state, information related to an occupant can be output to the communication apparatus. When power is turned off, an information processing device 100 installed in the vehicle performs control so that the application is in the logout state at the next activation if the vehicle is in a predetermined place, and performs control so that the application continues the login state at the next activation if the vehicle is not in the predetermined place.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for an information processing device and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a technology that requires a user to perform a login operation when using a specific application, and allows the user, who has been authenticated by the login operation, to use the application. In this case, it is conceivable that the user would log out every time they finish using the application, and if they want to use the application again after logging out, they would manually log in. However, if a login operation is required every time an application is used, this login operation may become cumbersome. Therefore, for example, a technology has been proposed that, when a user logs out and then logs in again, displays a setting screen that accepts job settings for the application that the user was using immediately before the previous logout (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-152870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, when a user logs in again after logging out, the user can use the device in the same state as immediately before the previous logout. Here, if multiple people use the device that is the target of the login operation, continuing the previous login state will cause the device to start up with the settings of the user who used it last time. In this case, there is a risk that the information of the user who used it last time will be used by another user who will use it next time, so it is important to switch between the login state and the logout state at the appropriate time.

[0005] The present invention aims to appropriately switch the login state and logout state of an application used in a vehicle depending on the use of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a control method for controlling an information processing device installed in a vehicle, the information processing device being capable of executing an application associated with the vehicle. The application includes: In this state, information can be exchanged between communication devices and information processing devices. Login status and authentication of communication devices have not been completed. In this state, it is not possible to exchange information between communication devices and information processing devices. and a logged-out state, and in the logged-in state, it is possible to output information related to the occupant to the communication device. The control method also includes a control process for controlling the application to be in the logged-out state at the next startup if the vehicle is present at a predetermined location when the information processing device is powered off, and for controlling the application to continue in the logged-in state at the next startup if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by switching the login state and logout state of an application used in a vehicle depending on the location of the vehicle, it is possible to appropriately switch the login state depending on the use of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an imaging device and a display device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging device and the display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a management system that manages the login and logout states of information processing devices. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing a route taken by a user who gets into a vehicle at a predetermined location, passes through a shopping mall and an amusement park, and returns to the predetermined location. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the vehicle state, the vehicle session state, the vehicle login / logout state on the management server, the vehicle login / logout state, and the storage state of the token cache file on the vehicle side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the session information DB and the content management DB in the storage unit of the management server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle exterior image and a vehicle interior image displayed on a display device, and an image displayed on a display unit of an electronic device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device when logging out, and an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the electronic device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of communication processing performed between an information processing device, a management server, and an electronic device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of communication processing performed among an information processing device, a management server, and an electronic device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a login control process in the information processing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a login control process in the management server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device mounted on a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Example of vehicle internal configuration] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of the imaging devices 10, 20 and the display devices 30, 40. Note that Figs. 1 and 2 show a simplified view of the interior of the vehicle 1, and omit illustrations of only a dashboard 2, a steering wheel 3, a windshield 4, a rearview mirror 5, a car navigation device 6, a driver's seat 7, and a passenger seat 8. Fig. 1 shows an example of the external configuration when the area in front of the driver's seat 7 and passenger seat 8 is viewed from the rear of the vehicle 1, and Fig. 2 shows an example of the external configuration when the area in front of the rear seats is viewed from the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0011] The imaging device 10 is provided on the ceiling inside the vehicle 1 and captures an image of a subject inside the vehicle 1 to generate an image (image data). For example, the imaging device 10 can be provided above the windshield 4, i.e., above the rearview mirror 5. The imaging device 20 is provided at the left end of the dashboard 2 and captures an image of a subject outside the vehicle 1 to generate an image (image data). The imaging devices 10 and 20 are configured, for example, with one or more camera devices or image sensors capable of capturing an image of a subject. While this example illustrates an example in which at least two imaging devices 10 and 20 are provided, it is also possible to provide three or more imaging devices and use some of the images from these imaging devices. The installation locations of the imaging devices are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be changed as appropriate. One or more devices, for example, a 360-degree camera, capable of capturing subjects in all directions around the vehicle 1 and subjects inside the vehicle 1 may also be used.

[0012] The display devices 30 and 40 are display devices that display various images under the control of the controller 140 (see FIG. 4). The display devices 30 and 40 can be, for example, touch panels that can accept user operations by touching the screen. The display device 30 can be called an assistant monitor, and the display device 40 can be called a rear monitor. Instead of the display device 30, various images may be displayed on the car navigation device 6.

[0013] Specifically, the display device 30 is provided on the passenger seat 8 side of the dashboard 2 so that it can be seen by a passenger seated in the passenger seat 8, and displays various images on the display unit 31. The display device 40 is provided near the center of the ceiling inside the vehicle 1 so that it can be seen by a passenger seated in the rear seat, and displays various images on the display unit 41. For example, the display device 40 may be a flip-down display device attached to the ceiling using a support member 42, i.e., a foldable display device. Note that while this example illustrates an example in which at least two display devices 30 and 40 are provided, one or three or more display devices may be provided, and display control may be performed for some of these display devices. Furthermore, the installation locations of the display devices are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, display examples of the display devices 30 and 40 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0014] [Management system configuration example] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the management system 50 that manages the login and logout states of the information processing device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The management system 50 includes, for example, a network 60 and a management server 70, and is configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 100, electronic device 80, and the like of the vehicle 1. The electronic device 80 is a communication device carried by a passenger in the vehicle 1 and is a wireless device that can connect to the network 60 using wireless communication. The electronic device 80 is, for example, a communication-capable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet device, or a portable personal computer. The communication function may be built into the electronic device 80 or may be attached to the electronic device 80 as an external device. For ease of explanation, FIG. 3 shows only the information processing device 100 installed in one vehicle 1, but this embodiment can also be applied to a case where multiple information processing devices are present. For ease of explanation, FIG. 3 shows an example in which one electronic device 80 is used in one vehicle 1, but this embodiment can also be applied to a case in which multiple electronic devices are used in one vehicle 1.

[0016] The information processing device 100 is an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle 1 and is capable of executing applications associated with the vehicle 1. The application described in this embodiment is an application capable of performing processes according to the use of the vehicle 1 and processes related to the vehicle 1. The processes according to the use of the vehicle 1 and processes related to the vehicle 1 are, for example, management processes for displaying and communicating images of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The application has a login state in which authentication has been completed for the electronic device 80 related to the occupant of the vehicle 1, and a logout state in which authentication has not been completed for the electronic device 80. In the login state, the application can output information related to the occupant of the vehicle 1, such as image content, from the information processing device 100 to the electronic device 80. This output is, for example, transmission from the information processing device 100 to the electronic device 80 via the network 60 and the management server 70, or direct transmission from the information processing device 100 to the electronic device 80 using short-range wireless communication. This application will be referred to as a management app hereinafter.

[0017] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the login state of an application is a state in which authentication has been completed for a device related to a vehicle occupant, and the logout state of the application is a state in which authentication has not been completed for that device. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a case in which a state in which some authentication process has been completed is the login state of an application, and a state in which that authentication process has not been completed is the logout state of the application. In other words, this embodiment can also be applied to various applications that have a login state and a logout state. Furthermore, the login described in this embodiment can also be referred to as logon, sign-in, etc. Furthermore, the logout described in this embodiment can also be referred to as logoff, sign-off, etc.

[0018] In this embodiment, the period from the start to the end of the communication enabled state between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 during the period until the user U1 who rented the vehicle 1 returns the vehicle 1 will be referred to as a session. A state in which the session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 is valid and authentication of the electronic device 80 has been completed in the management server 70 will be referred to as the information processing device 100 being logged in. A state in which authentication of the electronic device 80 has not been completed in the management server 70 will be referred to as the information processing device 100 being logged out. Similarly, a state in which the session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 is invalid will also be referred to as the information processing device 100 being logged out.

[0019] As described above, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a management app installed in the information processing device 100 is used. Therefore, when the information processing device 100 is said to be in a logged-in state, it means that the management app is in a logged-in state, and when the information processing device 100 is said to be in a logged-out state, it means that the management app is in a logged-out state. Similarly, when the vehicle 1 is said to be in a logged-in state, it means that the management app is in a logged-in state, and when the vehicle 1 is said to be in a logged-out state, it means that the management app is in a logged-out state.

[0020] The network 60 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet. Each device constituting the management system 50 is connected to the network 60 by a communication method using wireless communication or a communication method using wired communication, or by both methods.

[0021] The management server 70 includes a communication unit 71, a controller 72, and a storage unit 73. For example, the management server 70 can be a server that manages the login and logout states of the information processing device 100, manages image content transmitted from the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1, and provides the image content in response to a request from the electronic device 80.

[0022] The communication unit 71 exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication under the control of the controller 72. That is, the communication unit 71 functions as an image receiving unit and an image transmitting unit.

[0023] The controller 72 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 73. The controller 72 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 72 also includes, as functional components, a password issuing unit 75, a password recognizing unit 76, a login / logout status management unit 77, and a content management unit 78. The password issuing unit 75, the password recognizing unit 76, the login / logout status management unit 77, and the content management unit 78 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0024] The password issuing unit 75 issues a session token corresponding to the session and a one-time password used to start the session when starting a session for the information processing device 100. The session token will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6(E).

[0025] The password recognition unit 76 executes password authentication processing using the one-time password issued by the password issuing unit 75 when starting a session with the information processing device 100 .

[0026] The login / logout status management unit 77 manages the login status and the logout status of the information processing device 100 by using the session information DB 200 (see FIG. 7A) in the storage unit 73.

[0027] The content management unit 78 manages the content transmitted from the information processing device 100 using the content management DB 210 (see FIG. 7B) in the storage unit 73, and transmits the managed content to the electronic device 80.

[0028] The storage unit 73 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 73 stores various types of information required for the controller 72 to perform various processes (for example, a control program, a session information DB (see FIG. 7(A)), and a content management DB (see FIG. 7(B))). The storage unit 73 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 71. The storage unit 73 can be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0029] The electronic device 80 can display the image content transmitted from the management server 70 on a display unit 81 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which information is exchanged between the electronic device 80 and the information processing device 100 via the network 60, information may also be exchanged directly between the electronic device 80 and the information processing device 100. In this case, for example, short-range wireless communication (for example, wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) can be used.

[0030] [Configuration example of information processing device] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 100 mounted on the vehicle 1. The information processing device 100 is an in-vehicle device in which the above-mentioned management application is installed, and when the management application is in a logged-in state, it can transmit each piece of content, including captured images generated by the imaging devices 10 and 20, to the management server 70. Furthermore, the content transmitted to the management server 70 can be transmitted to the electronic device 80 and displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80. Examples of these pieces of content are shown in FIG. 8.

[0031] The information processing device 100 includes a vehicle power supply system 110, sensors 120, a UI unit 130, a controller 140, a storage unit 150, a communication unit 160, and an image acquisition unit 170. The controller 140 also includes a start / stop determination unit 141, a login continuation determination unit 142, a login control unit 143, a display control unit 144, a session information storage unit 145, and an image capture control unit 146.

[0032] The vehicle power supply system 110 supplies power to each part of the vehicle 1, and is formed, for example, from an on-board battery or a combination of a generator and an on-board battery.

[0033] The sensors 120 are various sensors installed in the vehicle 1. The sensors 120 output detection information and the like acquired by each sensor to the login continuation determination unit 142. The sensors include, for example, millimeter-wave radar, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), sonar, stroke sensor, acceleration sensor, wheel measurement sensor, lateral G sensor, longitudinal G sensor, vehicle speed sensor, sound acquisition unit, seating sensor, and position information acquisition unit. The sound acquisition unit is provided inside or outside the vehicle 1 and acquires sounds around the vehicle 1 (sounds outside the vehicle) and sounds inside the vehicle 1 based on the control of the controller 140. The sound acquisition unit may be, for example, one or more microphones or sound acquisition sensors. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information related to the location of the vehicle 1. For example, it can be realized by a GNSS receiver that acquires position information using a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The position information includes data related to the position, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude, at the time of receiving the GNSS signal. Alternatively, the location information may be acquired by other methods. For example, the location information may be derived using information from surrounding access points or base stations. Alternatively, the location information may be acquired using a beacon. Alternatively, the location information may be derived using a location estimation technique provided by a navigation device. Alternatively, the travel distance of the vehicle 1 may be calculated based on the vehicle speed acquired by a vehicle speed sensor, and the location information may be derived based on this travel distance and map information.

[0034] The UI unit 130 functions as an interface that accepts operations from the occupants of the vehicle 1 and provides various types of information to the occupants of the vehicle 1, and is equipped with display devices 30 and 40. The UI unit 130 outputs the contents of the accepted operations to the controller 140 and provides various types of information under the control of the controller 140.

[0035] The image acquisition unit 170 acquires various images (still images, moving images, etc.) related to the vehicle 1, and includes the imaging devices 10 and 20. The imaging devices 10 and 20 output captured images (image data) generated by imaging processing to the controller 140.

[0036] The controller 140 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 150. The controller 140 is realized by, for example, a processing device such as a CPU. Note that the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 1 may also be used as the controller 140, or a processing device different from the vehicle ECU may be provided as the controller 140.

[0037] The start / stop determination unit 141 determines whether the vehicle 1 is started or stopped based on information from the vehicle power supply system 110, and outputs start / stop information relating to the start / stop to the login continuation determination unit 142. For example, when the vehicle 1 is turned on using the key of the vehicle 1, the start / stop determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 1 has been started, and when the vehicle 1 is turned off using the key of the vehicle 1, the start / stop determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 1 has been stopped. Note that in this embodiment, the on / off of the vehicle 1 and the on / off of the power supply of the information processing device 100 are linked to each other.

[0038] When the activation / deactivation determination unit 141 outputs activation / deactivation information, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether to continue the login state of the information processing device 100 based on detection information from the sensors 120, and outputs the determination result to the login control unit 143. Specifically, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location SL1 (see FIG. 5) based on location information acquired from a location information acquisition unit of the sensors 120, and determines not to continue the login state if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1. On the other hand, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines to continue the login state if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location SL1. Note that this determination process can use location information acquired when the information processing device 100 is powered on or off. Alternatively, instead of determining whether the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1, it may determine whether the vehicle 1 is present within a predetermined range PR1 (see FIG. 5). Note that the predetermined location SL1 and the predetermined range PR1 can be acquired based on map information stored in the storage unit 150.

[0039] The login control unit 143 controls the login state and logout state of the above-mentioned management app based on the determination result output from the login continuation determination unit 142 and the presence or absence of a token cache file (see FIG. 6) in the storage unit 150. For example, when the information processing device 100 is powered off, if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location SL1 (see FIG. 5), the login control unit 143 controls the management app to be in a logged-out state at the next startup, and if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location SL1, the login control unit 143 controls the management app to be in a logged-out state at the next startup. Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 is powered on, if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1 and the management app is in a logged-in state, the login control unit 143 controls the management app to be transitioned to a logged-out state, and if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location SL1, the login control unit 143 controls the management app to be in a logged-in state. Note that these login control processes will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13.

[0040] The display control unit 144 controls the display devices 30, 40 to display various images. For example, the display control unit 144 superimposes a virtual object on a captured image generated by the imaging devices 10, 20 and displays it on the display devices 30, 40. In this case, the display control unit 144 may display the same image on both the display devices 30, 40, or may display different images on each of the display devices 30, 40. The display control unit 144 outputs the images displayed on the display devices 30, 40 to the imaging control unit 146. Display examples on the display devices 30, 40 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0041] The session information storage unit 145 stores various pieces of information required for starting and continuing a session of the information processing device 100 .

[0042] The photographing control unit 146 executes content management processing for transmitting the image displayed on the display device 30, 40 to the management server 70. Specifically, the photographing control unit 146 determines whether or not the shutter operation area 304 (see FIG. 8 ) has been pressed, and temporarily stores the image displayed on the display device 30, 40 when the shutter operation area 304 was pressed in the storage unit 150 as image content. Specifically, the photographing control unit 146 acquires the image displayed on the display device 30, 40 when the shutter operation area 304 was pressed from the display control unit 144, and temporarily stores the acquired image as image content in the storage unit 150. Note that video content may be stored in addition to still image content at the timing of the shutter operation area 304 being pressed. Furthermore, the photographing control unit 146 transmits the image content stored in the storage unit 150 to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160. In this way, the image content acquired when the shutter operation area 304 was pressed can be transmitted to the management server 70 and managed by the management server 70. This allows the image content managed by the management server 70 to be easily viewed using other devices, such as the electronic device 80 (see FIG. 3).

[0043] The storage unit 150 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 150 stores various types of information (for example, a control program, a management application, map information, virtual object information, and image content) that is required for the controller 140 to perform various processes. The storage unit 150 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 160. For example, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a combination of these can be used as the storage unit 150. Note that the image content is a file of an image that was acquired based on a photographing operation by an occupant of the vehicle 1 from among the images displayed on the display devices 30 and 40.

[0044] The communication unit 160 exchanges various types of information with other devices using wireless communication under the control of the controller 140. For example, when a session of the information processing device 100 starts or ends, various types of information are exchanged with the management server 70. Also, for example, under the control of the imaging control unit 146, the communication unit 160 transmits images displayed on the display devices 30 and 40 by the display control unit 144 to the management server 70 as image content via the network 60. Also, the communication unit 160 receives information transmitted from the management server 70 or other external devices via the network 60.

[0045] [Example of the relationship between vehicle position and designated location] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing routes BR1 to BR3 taken by user U1 who boarded vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1, passing through shopping mall SM1 and amusement park PL1, before returning to predetermined location SL1. Here, vehicle 1 is a vehicle used by multiple users, and predetermined location SL1 is a location where vehicle 1 is parked and where users boarding vehicle 1 switch. For example, it is assumed that vehicle 1 is a shared car, and predetermined location SL1 is a rental location or station for vehicle 1. It is also assumed that vehicle 1 is a rental car, and predetermined location SL1 is a rental car office or rental location.

[0046] 5 shows an example in which the predetermined range PR1 is a circular range of radius R1 based on the position of the predetermined place SL1. Note that the radius R1 can be set appropriately based on experimental data, etc., and can be set to a value of, for example, several meters to several tens of meters.

[0047] In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 being off means that the power supply to the vehicle 1 is completely off. That is, between a state in which the vehicle 1 is able to run and a state in which the power supply is completely off, there is a state in which the accessory power supply is on (in other words, a state in which the power supply is partially on). This accessory power supply on state is, for example, a state in which the vehicle power supply is on but the shift lever is in the P (Parking) position. In this way, when the accessory power supply is on, the vehicle 1 is considered to be in the on state.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the on / off of the vehicle 1 is linked to the on / off of the power supply of the information processing device 100. That is, the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned on when the vehicle 1 is turned on, and the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned off when the vehicle 1 is turned off.

[0049] Here, if the vehicle 1 is a shared car or a rental car, a change of user occurs at the location where the vehicle 1 is rented. For example, assume that captured images generated by the imaging devices 10 and 20 installed in the vehicle 1 are shared with the user who rented the vehicle 1 and his / her friends using a management app. In this case, assume that after user A rents and uses the vehicle 1, user B rents and uses the vehicle 1. In such a case, if the logged-in state of the management app continues even after the user renting the vehicle 1 changes, user B may be able to view captured images generated during user A's use. Therefore, to prevent other users from viewing the captured images, the user who rented the vehicle 1 may perform a login / logout operation each time the vehicle 1 is turned on or off. However, if the user who rented the vehicle 1 performs a login / logout operation each time the vehicle 1 is turned on or off, the login / logout operation becomes cumbersome. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether to continue the logged-in state of the management app is determined at the location where the vehicle 1 is turned on or off, and the logged-in state established at the start of use of the vehicle 1 is maintained until the vehicle 1 is returned. For example, whether to automatically log in the next time the information processing device 100 is started is determined based on the location where the information processing device 100 was powered off immediately before the start-up. After the vehicle 1 is returned, the logged-in state is cancelled.

[0050] [Example of the relationship between vehicle status and logon / logout of information processing device] 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the state of vehicle 1, the session state of vehicle 1, the login / logout state of vehicle 1 in management server 70, the login / logout state of vehicle 1, and the storage state of the token cache file on vehicle 1. FIG. 6 shows an example of the relationship from when user U1 rents vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1, as shown in FIG. 5, to when user U1 goes to shopping mall SM1 and amusement park PL1, and then returns vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1.

[0051] The horizontal axis in FIG. 6 represents the time axis. Also, assume that user U1 parks vehicle 1 with the vehicle 1 turned off at shopping mall SM1 and amusement park PL1. Then, assume that user U1 turns vehicle 1 on at amusement park PL1, heads to predetermined location SL1, and returns vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1. The on / off states of vehicle 1 in this case are shown in FIG. 6(A).

[0052] 6(A) shows the on state and off state of vehicle 1 as the state of vehicle 1. That is, vehicle 1 is in the off state before user U1 rents vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1, between arrival at shopping mall SM1 and departure, between arrival at amusement park PL1 and departure, and after user U1 returns vehicle 1 at predetermined location SL1. Furthermore, vehicle 1 is in the on state while vehicle 1 is traveling along routes BR1 to BR3.

[0053] FIG. 6(B) shows the session state of the vehicle 1 managed by the management server 70. As described above, the session shown in this embodiment refers to the communication period from the start to the end of communication between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 during the period from when the user U1 who rented the vehicle 1 returns the vehicle 1. In other words, the session is invalid before the user U1 rents the vehicle 1 at the predetermined location SL1 and after the user U1 returns the vehicle 1 at the predetermined location SL1. Furthermore, the session is valid from when the user U1 rents the vehicle 1 at the predetermined location SL1 until when the user U1 returns the vehicle 1 at the predetermined location SL1. The start and end timings of communication between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0054] 6(C) shows the management status on the management server 70 side of the login state and logout state of the information processing device 100. Here, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which if a session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 is valid, the management server 70 side determines that the vehicle 1 is in a logged-in state, and if the session is invalid, the management server 70 side determines that the vehicle 1 is in a logged-out state.

[0055] 6(D) shows the management status on the vehicle 1 side of the login state and logout state of the information processing device 100. Here, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which, when a session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 is valid, the vehicle 1 side determines that the information processing device 100 is in a logged-in state, and when the session is invalid, the vehicle 1 side determines that the information processing device 100 is in a logged-out state. However, when the vehicle 1 is in an off state, the power supply of the information processing device 100 is also in an off state, and therefore the information processing device 100 is determined to be in an off state.

[0056] FIG. 6(E) shows the storage state of the token cache file in the vehicle 1. Here, the token cache file is a temporary storage file of a session token, which is a label of a session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70. In other words, the token cache file is continuation information used to maintain the login state of the information processing device 100 when the session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 is valid. That is, when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on, if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location SL1 (or within the predetermined range PR1) and a token cache file is stored in the information processing device 100, the previous login state is maintained in the information processing device 100. The token cache file is stored in a storage unit, such as the storage unit 150, that can store data even when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned off. The timing of storing the token cache file will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0057] [Administration server DB example] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the session information DB 200 and the content management DB 210 in the storage unit 73 of the management server 70. As shown in FIG.

[0058] 7(A) shows a session information DB 200 for managing sessions between the information processing device of each vehicle and the management server 70 for a plurality of vehicles. The session information DB 200 stores a vehicle ID 201, a session 202, a session token 203, a one-time password 204, and a user ID 205 in association with each other. Note that FIG. 7(A) shows a simplified version of the information stored in the vehicle ID 201, the session token 203, the one-time password 204, and the user ID 205.

[0059] The vehicle ID 201 is identification information for identifying a vehicle that carries an information processing device that can start a session with the management server 70. The session 202 is information indicating whether a session between the information processing device of each vehicle and the management server 70 is valid or invalid for multiple vehicles.

[0060] The session token 203 is information indicating the session token, which is a label for a session between the information processing device of each vehicle and the management server 70. The one-time password 204 is a temporary password used when starting a session between the information processing device of each vehicle and the management server 70, and is composed of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these. The one-time password 204 is deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0061] The user ID 205 is identification information for identifying a user who uses each vehicle. The user ID can be an ID of a web service, such as an SNS (Social Networking Service), that allows registered users to converse with each other and exchange various content. This ID can be, for example, a telephone number, an email address, or a web service ID. If multiple electronic devices are used in the vehicle 1, multiple user IDs for each electronic device can be stored in the user ID 205.

[0062] 7(B) shows a content management DB 210 that manages various contents related to a user who has started a session between an information processing device and the management server 70. The content management DB stores a vehicle ID 211 and content 212 in association with each other. The vehicle ID 211 corresponds to the user ID 205 shown in FIG. 7(A).

[0063] The content 212 is various types of content transmitted to the management server 70 using a management application by a user who has started a session between the information processing device and the management server 70. In this embodiment, an example of image content is shown as an example of content managed by the management server 70. Also, Fig. 7(B) shows simplified images of the images shown in the upper left and upper right of Fig. 8 as an example of content stored in the content 212.

[0064] For example, a user U1 whose session between the information processing device 100 and the management server 70 has ended can still obtain various contents from the content management DB 210 using the electronic device 80 based on the user ID even after the management application has logged out.

[0065] [Example of exterior and interior vehicle images] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of display of an exterior image and an interior image of a vehicle displayed on the display devices 30 and 40, and an example of an image displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80. Specifically, Fig. 8 shows an example of image transition when switching the display mode of the image displayed on the display devices 30 and 40, and an example of an image displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80 after pressing the capture button. Fig. 8 also shows an example in which a vehicle image 306 representing a virtual vehicle and character images 305 and 321 representing characters that can ride in the virtual vehicle are displayed as virtual objects. Note that the character images 305 and 321 are the same character in different display modes.

[0066] The upper left of Fig. 8 shows an exterior display mode screen 300 that is displayed when the exterior display mode is set. The exterior display mode screen 300 displays a captured image generated by the imaging device 20, i.e., an image including a subject ahead of the vehicle 1. Fig. 8 shows a captured image including multiple vehicles traveling ahead of the vehicle 1, oncoming vehicles, etc. In this case, a composite image of a character riding in a virtual vehicle can be superimposed on the lower left of the captured image as a vehicle image 306 and a character image 305. In addition, on the exterior display mode screen 300, a mode switching area 301 and a shutter operation area 304 are superimposed on the captured image generated by the imaging device 20.

[0067] The upper right corner of Fig. 8 shows an interior display mode screen 320 that is displayed when the interior display mode is set. The interior display mode screen 320 displays a captured image generated by the imaging device 10, i.e., an image including a subject inside the vehicle 1. Fig. 8 shows a captured image including the driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, passengers in the back seats, etc. In this case, a character image 321 can be superimposed on the driver's face. Furthermore, on the interior display mode screen 320, a mode switching area 301 and a shutter operation area 304 are superimposed on the captured image generated by the imaging device 10.

[0068] The mode switching area 301 is an area used when performing a switching operation to switch the display mode of an image displayed on the display devices 30 and 40. Specifically, the mode switching area 301 displays an exterior display mode switching button 302 and an interior display mode switching button 303.

[0069] For example, when the exterior display mode screen 300 is displayed, the interior display mode is set when the passenger presses the interior display mode switching button 303. In this case, an interior display mode switching screen (not shown) for notifying the user that the display mode will be switched to the interior display mode is temporarily displayed, and then an interior display mode screen 320 including an image in which a character image 321 is superimposed on a captured image generated by the imaging device 10 is displayed.

[0070] Furthermore, when the inside-vehicle display mode screen 320 is displayed, if the outside-vehicle display mode switching button 302 is pressed by the occupant, the outside-vehicle display mode is set. In this case, after an outside-vehicle display mode switching screen (not shown) for notifying the user that the display mode will be switched to the outside-vehicle display mode is temporarily displayed, the outside-vehicle display mode screen 300 is displayed, which includes an image in which a character image 305 and a vehicle image 306 are superimposed on a captured image generated by the imaging device 20.

[0071] The shutter operation area 304 is an area used when recording an image displayed on the display device 30, 40. Specifically, when the shutter operation area 304 is pressed by the occupant, the image displayed on the display device on which the pressing operation was performed is transmitted as image content to the management server 70. In this case, along with the image at the time of pressing, images captured within a predetermined time before and after the pressing may be transmitted to the management server 70 as still image content or video content. Furthermore, together with the still image, sound captured by a sound capture unit within the predetermined time may be transmitted as text information associated with the image. Furthermore, sound information may be transmitted associated with the video.

[0072] When the content management unit 78 of the management server 70 receives image content from the information processing device 100, it stores the received image content in content 212 of the content management DB 210 in the storage unit 73. Furthermore, the content management unit 78 transmits the image content stored in content 212 of the content management DB 210 to the electronic device 80 based on the user ID 211 of the content management DB 210. When the electronic device 80 receives image content from the management server 70, it displays the received image content on the display unit 81.

[0073] For example, when the shutter operation area 304 is pressed by a passenger while the exterior display mode screen 300 is displayed, image content corresponding to the exterior display mode screen 300 is transmitted to the electronic device 80. In this case, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 8, image content information 330 is displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80. Also, for example, when the shutter operation area 304 is pressed by a passenger while the interior display mode screen 320 is displayed, image content corresponding to the interior display mode screen 320 is transmitted to the electronic device 80. In this case, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 8, image content information 340 is displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80. Note that the character images 331 and 341 are the same characters as the character images 305 and 321, but in a modified display mode. The image content information 330 and 340 are displayed by a display process performed by a predetermined application corresponding to the user ID.

[0074] The display contents of the display devices 30 and 40 may be displayed in the same display mode, or may be displayed in different display modes.

[0075] [Example of image displayed when logged out] FIG. 9 shows an example of an image displayed on the display devices 30 and 40 and an image displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80 when logging out.

[0076] 9 shows a logout notification screen 360 that is displayed on the display devices 30 and 40 when the user logs out. The logout notification screen 360 is a screen for notifying the occupants of the vehicle 1 that they have logged out, and displays a character image 361 representing a character together with a message indicating that they have logged out. The character image 361 is the same character as the character images 305 and 321 shown in FIG. 8.

[0077] The right side of Fig. 9 shows logout notification information 370 that is displayed on the display unit 81 of the electronic device 80 when the user logs out. The logout notification information 370 is information for notifying the occupant carrying the electronic device 80 that the user has logged out, and displays a character image 371 representing a character together with messages 372 and 373 indicating that the user has logged out. Note that the character image 371 is the same character as the character images 305 and 321 shown in Fig. 8 and the character image 361 shown on the left side of Fig. 9. The logout notification information 370 is displayed by display processing using a predetermined application corresponding to the user ID.

[0078] [Example of communication processing between devices] 10 and 11 are sequence charts showing an example of communication processing performed between the information processing device 100, the management server 70, and the electronic device 80. FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example in which the vehicle 1 moves along the routes BR1 to BR3 shown in FIG. 5. The vertical axis shown at the right end of each of FIGS. 10 and 11 indicates the position where the vehicle 1 is located. This communication processing example will be explained with appropriate reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6(A), before user U1 rents vehicle 1, vehicle 1 is parked in a predetermined location SL1 and is in an off state. Also, in this state, as shown in Figures 6(B) to 6(D), the session of vehicle 1 with management server 70 is invalid, and vehicle 1 is in a logged-out state on both management server 70 and vehicle 1. Also, as shown in Figure 6(E), the token cache file is not stored in vehicle 1.

[0080] [Login process example (step S400)] First, in step S401, the user U1 rents the vehicle 1 at a predetermined location SL1 and uses the key to turn on the vehicle 1. In step S402, the information processing device 100 is powered on as the vehicle 1 is turned on.

[0081] In step S403, the controller 140 executes a determination process to determine the location of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the activation / stop determination unit 141 detects the activation of the vehicle 1 based on information from the vehicle power supply system 110, and outputs the activation / stop information to the login continuation determination unit 142. Having acquired the activation / stop information, the login continuation determination unit 142 acquires the current location of the vehicle 1 based on detection information from the sensors 120, and determines whether or not to continue the login state of the vehicle 1 based on the current location of the vehicle 1.

[0082] Specifically, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1 based on the location information acquired from the location information acquisition unit, and if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1, determines not to continue the logged-in state. On the other hand, if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location SL1, determines to continue the logged-in state.

[0083] 5 and 6, vehicle 1 is turned on at predetermined location SL1 at timing T1. Therefore, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines that the logged-in state should not be continued because the location where vehicle 1 was turned on is predetermined location SL1, and outputs the determination result to the login control unit 143. Furthermore, the login control unit 143 determines that the session of vehicle 1 is invalid because the location where vehicle 1 was turned on is predetermined location SL1.

[0084] Next, in step S404, the login control unit 143 transmits a session start request to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160 as a request to start a session for the vehicle 1. This session start request includes a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle 1.

[0085] In step S405, the management server 70 receives the session start request. Then, in step S406, the password issuing unit 75 of the management server 70 issues a session token corresponding to the session of vehicle 1 and a one-time password to be used when starting the session of vehicle 1. Next, in step S407, the password issuing unit 75 stores the issued session token and one-time password in the storage unit 73 in association with the vehicle ID included in the session start request transmitted from vehicle 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the session token 203 and the one-time password 204 are stored in the session information DB 200 of the storage unit 73 in association with the vehicle ID 201. Furthermore, the password issuing unit 75 transmits destination information for the electronic device 80 to access the management server 70 to the information processing device 100 together with the session token and one-time password based on the vehicle ID of vehicle 1.

[0086] In step S408, the controller 140 receives the destination information, the session token, and the one-time password. Then, in step S409, the login control unit 143 stores the received destination information, the session token, and the one-time password as variables in the session information storage unit 145. Note that each piece of information stored in the variables is deleted when the information processing device 100 is powered off.

[0087] In step S410, the display control unit 144 displays the received destination information and one-time password on the display devices 30, 40. The destination information is, for example, a URL for accessing the management server 70. As the destination information, for example, image information from which the destination information can be obtained, such as a QR code (registered trademark), may be displayed. This allows the user U1 of the vehicle 1 to perform a login operation by viewing the destination information and one-time password displayed on the display devices 30, 40.

[0088] Specifically, in steps S411 and S412, the user U1 of the vehicle 1 operates the electronic device 80 using the destination information displayed on the display devices 30 and 40 to transmit a user ID capable of identifying the user U1 or the electronic device 80 to the management server 70. For example, if a QR code is used as image information from which the destination information can be acquired, the control unit of the electronic device 80 can acquire the destination information based on the QR code read by the imaging unit of the electronic device 80. The destination information includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1. Then, the control unit of the electronic device 80 associates the user ID of the user U1 with the vehicle ID based on the destination information and transmits them to the management server 70. The user ID is, for example, identification information for identifying the user U1, device identification information for identifying the electronic device 80, an email address, a telephone number, or other identification information used by the management server 70 to transmit various information to the electronic device 80. For example, image content can be transmitted using a specific application that enables registered users to exchange messages, audio, videos, and the like. In this case, by installing the specific application on the electronic device 80 and storing the user ID of the specific application in the user ID 205 of the session information DB 200 of the management server 70, it becomes possible to send image content to the electronic device 80.

[0089] In step S413, when the management server 70 receives the user ID and vehicle ID, the password recognition unit 76 associates the received user ID and vehicle ID and stores them in the storage unit 73. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the user ID 205 is stored in the session information DB 200 in association with the vehicle ID 201. This makes it possible to link the session of the vehicle 1 with the user ID of the user U1 who uses the vehicle 1. Note that the user ID is stored here temporarily until password authentication is successful.

[0090] In step S414, the user U1 of the vehicle 1 performs a transmission operation to input and transmit the one-time password displayed on the display devices 30, 40 into the electronic device 80. Then, in step S415, the control unit of the electronic device 80 associates the one-time password input in step S414 with the user ID and transmits it to the management server 70. For example, the one-time password can be input using a user interface such as a touch panel.

[0091] In steps S416 and S417, when the controller 140 receives the one-time password, the password recognition unit 76 executes password recognition processing based on the received one-time password. Specifically, the password recognition unit 76 compares the received one-time password with the one-time password 204 stored in the session information DB 200 in association with the user ID transmitted in association with the one-time password, and determines whether the two match. If the two one-time passwords match, the password recognition unit 76 determines that password authentication has been successful. On the other hand, if the two one-time passwords do not match, the password recognition unit 76 determines that password authentication has failed. In this case, the password recognition unit 76 transmits instruction information or the like to the electronic device 80 to instruct the user U1 to re-enter the one-time password, and notifies the user U1 that the correct one-time password has been transmitted.

[0092] In step S418, the password recognition unit 76 associates the user ID of the user U1 who sent the one-time password that was successfully authenticated, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1, and the session token stored in association with this vehicle ID, and stores them in the storage unit 73. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the vehicle ID 201, the session token 203, and the user ID 205 are stored in association with each other in the session information DB 200. This makes it possible to link the session of the vehicle 1 with the user ID of the user U1 who uses the vehicle 1. The one-time password 204 that was stored in association with the session token 203 is deleted. Furthermore, the user ID and vehicle ID temporarily stored in step S413 are officially stored in association with the session of the vehicle 1. This completes the login to the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1.

[0093] In step S419, the login / logout state management unit 77 transmits a login completion notification to the information processing device 100 to notify that the login to the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1 has been completed.

[0094] In step S420, the login control unit 143 receives the login completion notification transmitted from the management server 70. By receiving this login completion notification, the login operation in the information processing device 100 is completed. Then, the information processing device 100 transitions to a main scene. For example, as shown in the upper left or upper right of FIG. 8, the display mode transitions to displaying an exterior display mode screen 300 that displays an exterior image of the vehicle 1, or an interior display mode screen 320 that displays an interior image of the vehicle 1.

[0095] [Example of display control processing and content management processing (step S421)] After the information processing device 100 transitions to the main scene, display control processing and content management processing are executed. Specifically, in step S422, the display control unit 144 causes the display devices 30, 40 to display the captured image generated by the imaging device 10 or the imaging device 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, it is possible to switch between displaying an exterior display mode screen 300 including the captured image generated by the imaging device 20 and displaying an interior display mode screen 320 including the captured image generated by the imaging device 10 based on a user operation. Then, when the capture button is pressed while the exterior display mode screen 300 or the interior display mode screen 320 is displayed, the processing of steps S423 to S427 is executed.

[0096] Specifically, in step S423, the user U1 presses the shutter operation area 304 on the exterior display mode screen 300 or the interior display mode screen 320. When the pressing operation is performed, in step S424, the photography control unit 146 temporarily stores, as image content, the image that was displayed on the display device on which the pressing operation was performed in the storage unit 150. The photography control unit 146 also transmits the image content and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1 to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160. The image content temporarily stored in the storage unit 150 is deleted at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when transmission to the management server 70 is completed or the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0097] In step S425, when the controller 72 receives the image content and the vehicle ID from the information processing device 100, the content management unit 78 of the controller 72 refers to the session information DB 200 and extracts the user ID associated with the received vehicle ID. Then, the content management unit 78 stores the received image content in the content 212 of the content management DB 210 in association with the extracted user ID.

[0098] In step S426, the content management unit 78 transmits the image content received in step S425 to the electronic device 80 based on the user ID extracted in step S425. In step S427, upon receiving the image content from the management server 70, the control unit of the electronic device 80 displays the image content on the display unit 81. For example, the image content is displayed on the display unit 81 as shown in the lower left or lower right of FIG.

[0099] [Example of login continuation processing (step S430)] The above-described display control process and content management process (step S421) are executed until the vehicle 1 is turned off. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, when the vehicle 1 is turned off, the login continuation process is executed.

[0100] Specifically, in step S431, when the user U1 performs an operation to turn off the vehicle 1, the activation / stop determination unit 141 detects that the operation to turn off the vehicle 1 has been performed.

[0101] In step S432, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the current location of the vehicle 1 is the predetermined location SL1 based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit included in the sensors 120. In this example, since the vehicle 1 is parked in the shopping mall SM1, it is determined that the current location of the vehicle 1 is not the predetermined location SL1.

[0102] In step S433, the login control unit 143 stores the token cache file in the storage unit 150 as continuation information for continuing the session started for the information processing device 100. After the token cache file is stored, the information processing device 100 is powered off. The token cache file can be generated based on the session token stored as a variable in the session information storage unit 145 in step S409. The token cache file stored in the storage unit 150 is not deleted but is stored even after the information processing device 100 is powered off. It is also assumed that the token cache file may be stored in the storage unit 150 of the information processing device 100 for some reason, even if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1 when the information processing device 100 is powered on or off. In this case, the token cache file is deleted when the information processing device 100 is powered on or off.

[0103] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 waits in a power-off state until the vehicle 1 is turned on. Then, when the user U1 returns to the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 is turned on, the information processing device 100 is powered off in response to the vehicle 1 being turned on.

[0104] Specifically, in step S434, the user U1 turns on the vehicle 1. In addition, in step S435, the information processing device 100 is powered on in conjunction with the turning on of the vehicle 1. In addition, the activation / stop determination unit 141 detects that the turning on of the vehicle 1 has been performed.

[0105] In step S436, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the current location of the vehicle 1 is the predetermined location SL1 based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit included in the sensors 120. In this example, since the vehicle 1 is parked in the shopping mall SM1, it is determined that the current location of the vehicle 1 is not the predetermined location SL1.

[0106] In step S437, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not the token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150. In this example, since the token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150 in step S433, it is determined that the token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150.

[0107] In step S438, the login control unit 143 transmits a login status confirmation request to the management server 70. This login status confirmation request is transmitted together with the session token and the vehicle ID. The session token is generated based on the token cache file stored in the storage unit 150. In this manner, the login status confirmation request is transmitted to the management server 70, and the login status in the management server 70 is confirmed. This makes it possible to continue the login status after confirming whether the session token corresponding to the token cache file stored in the storage unit 150 is the same as the session token actually managed by the management server 70. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of management related to the process of continuing the login status.

[0108] In steps S439 and S440, when the management server 70 receives the login status confirmation request, the login / logout status management unit 77 checks the login status of the information processing device 100. Specifically, the login / logout status management unit 77 refers to the session information DB 200 and checks the login status of the information processing device 100 based on the session token or vehicle ID included in the received login status confirmation request. For example, if session 202 in the session information DB 200 is "valid," it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a logged-in state. On the other hand, if session 202 in the session information DB 200 is "invalid," it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a logged-out state. In this example, the session of vehicle 1 is validated in step S419, and session 202 in the session information DB 200 is "valid," so it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a logged-in state.

[0109] In step S441, the login / logout status management unit 77 transmits the confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 to the information processing device 100. In this example, the confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 indicates that the session of the vehicle 1 is valid and that the vehicle 1 is in a logged-in state, and this is transmitted as the login status of the information processing device 100.

[0110] In steps S442 and S443, upon receiving the confirmation result of the login state of the information processing device 100, the login control unit 143 deletes the token cache file stored in the storage unit 150. These login continuation processes allow the login state of the information processing device 100 to be continued even after the vehicle 1 is turned off and the power of the information processing device 100 is turned off. Then, the information processing device 100 transitions to the main scene and executes display control processing and content management processing (step S450). Note that, before transitioning to the main scene, a process for notifying that the login state has been automatically continued may be executed. For example, notification information to that effect may be displayed on the display devices 30 and 40, or the notification information to that effect may be output as audio. Furthermore, the notification information to that effect may be output by the electronic device 80, for example, as a display or audio output.

[0111] [Example of display control processing, content management processing, and login continuation processing (steps S450, S460, S470)] Display control processing and content management processing (step S450) are executed until the vehicle 1 is next turned off. Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is next turned off, login continuation processing (step S460) is executed. Furthermore, display control processing and content management processing (step S470) are executed until the vehicle 1 is next turned off.

[0112] The display control process and content management process (steps S450, S470) correspond to the above-mentioned display control process and content management process (step S421), and therefore their explanations are omitted here. Also, the login continuation process (step S460) corresponds to the above-mentioned login continuation process (step S430), and therefore their explanations are omitted here.

[0113] [Example of logout processing (step S480)] The display control process, content management process, and login continuation process described above are repeatedly executed until the vehicle 1 is turned off at the predetermined location SL1.

[0114] In step S481, if the user U1 has performed an operation to turn off the vehicle 1, the activation / stop determination unit 141 detects that the operation to turn off the vehicle 1 has been performed.

[0115] In step S482, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the current location of the vehicle 1 is the predetermined location SL1 based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit included in the sensors 120. In this example, since the vehicle 1 has returned to the predetermined location SL1, it is determined that the current location of the vehicle 1 is the predetermined location SL1.

[0116] In step S483, the login control unit 143 transmits a session end request to end the session started for the information processing device 100 to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160. This session end request includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1.

[0117] In steps S484 and S485, when the management server 70 receives the session end request, the login / logout status management unit 77 invalidates the session of the vehicle 1 based on the received session end request, and ends the session of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the login / logout status management unit 77 executes invalidation processing on each piece of information stored in the session information DB 200 in association with the vehicle ID included in the received session end request. For example, the login / logout status management unit 77 sets the session 202 to "invalid" and deletes the information on the session token 203 and the user ID 205. This completes the logout of the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1.

[0118] In step S486, the login / logout status management unit 77 transmits a session end notification to the information processing device 100 to notify that the session of the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1 has ended.

[0119] In steps S487 and S488, when the login control unit 143 receives the session end notification transmitted from the management server 70, it causes the display device 30, 40 to display a display screen indicating logout. For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 9, a logout notification screen 360 is displayed on the display device 30, 40. Then, in step S489, the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on when the vehicle 1 is turned on.

[0120] In step S490, the login / logout status management unit 77 transmits a session end notification to the electronic device 80 to notify that the session of the information processing device 100 of the vehicle 1 has ended.

[0121] In steps S491 and S492, upon receiving the session end notification transmitted from the management server 70, the control unit of the electronic device 80 causes a display screen indicating logout to be displayed on the display unit 81. For example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, logout notification information 370 is displayed on the display unit 81.

[0122] In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, steps S403, 432, 436, and 482 determine whether or not vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location SL1, but it may also be determined whether or not vehicle 1 is present within a predetermined range PR1.

[0123] [Example of operation of information processing device] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of login control processing in the information processing device 100. This login control processing is executed by the controller 140 based on a program stored in the storage unit 150. This login control processing is executed when the vehicle 1 is turned on in response to an on-operation of the vehicle 1, and the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on in response to the turning on of the vehicle 1. This login control processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 as appropriate. This login control processing illustrates an example in which it is determined whether or not to execute login continuation processing based on whether or not the vehicle 1 is present within a predetermined range PR1.

[0124] In step S501, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle 1 is present within a predetermined range PR1 based on the location information acquired from the location information acquisition unit. If the vehicle 1 is present within the predetermined range PR1, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if the vehicle 1 is not present within the predetermined range PR1, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0125] In step S502, the login control unit 143 transmits a session start request to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160 as a request to start a session for the vehicle 1. This session start request includes a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle 1.

[0126] In step S503, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not the destination information, session token, and one-time password have been received from the management server 70. If this information has been received from the management server 70, the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if this information has not been received from the management server 70, the process continues monitoring until this information is received.

[0127] In step S504, the login control unit 143 stores the received destination information, session token, and one-time password as variables in the session information storage unit 145. Note that each piece of information stored in the variables is deleted when the information processing device 100 is powered off.

[0128] In step S505, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not a token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150. If a token cache file is stored, the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if a token cache file is not stored, the process proceeds to step S502. That is, if vehicle 1 is present within the predetermined range PR1 or if a token cache file is not stored in vehicle 1, processing for starting a session for vehicle 1 (steps S502 to S504, S509, S510, etc.) is executed. On the other hand, if vehicle 1 is not present within the predetermined range PR1 and a token cache file is stored in vehicle 1, processing for continuing the session that is enabled for vehicle 1 (steps S506, S507, S511, etc.) is executed.

[0129] In step S506, the login control unit 143 transmits a login status confirmation request to the management server .

[0130] In step S507, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not a confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 has been received. If a confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 has been received from the management server 70, the process proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if a confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 has not been received from the management server 70, the process continues monitoring until a confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 is received.

[0131] In step S508, the login control unit 143 determines, based on the received login status confirmation result, whether or not the information processing device 100 is currently logged in. If the information processing device 100 is currently logged in, the process proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 is not currently logged in, the process proceeds to step S509.

[0132] In addition, when processing to start a session for vehicle 1 (steps S502 to S504, S509, S510, etc.) is executed, the processing of steps S506 to S508 may be omitted and the process may proceed to step S509 after step S504.

[0133] In step S509, the display control unit 144 displays the destination information and one-time password received in step S503 on the display devices 30 and 40. This display allows the user U1 of the vehicle 1 to view the destination information and one-time password displayed on the display devices 30 and 40 and perform a login operation.

[0134] In step S510, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not a login completion notification has been received from the management server 70. If a login completion notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if a login completion notification has not been received, the process returns to step S506.

[0135] In step S511, the login control unit 143 deletes the token cache file stored in the storage unit 150.

[0136] In step S512, the controller 140 executes a display control process and a content management process. The display control process and the content management process correspond to the display control process and the content management process (steps S421, S450, S470) shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0137] In step S513, the activation / stop determination unit 141 determines whether or not an operation to turn off the vehicle 1 has been performed. If an operation to turn off the vehicle 1 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, if an operation to turn off the vehicle 1 has not been performed, the process returns to step S512.

[0138] In step S514, the login continuation determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle 1 is within the predetermined range PR1 based on the location information acquired from the location information acquisition unit. If the vehicle 1 is within the predetermined range PR1, the process proceeds to step S516. On the other hand, if the vehicle 1 is not within the predetermined range PR1, the process proceeds to step S515.

[0139] In step S515, the login control unit 143 stores the token cache file in the storage unit 150 as continuation information for continuing the session started for the information processing device 100.

[0140] In step S516, the login control unit 143 transmits a session end request to end the session started for the information processing device 100 to the management server 70 via the communication unit 160.

[0141] In step S517, the login control unit 143 determines whether or not a session end notification has been received from the management server 70. If a session end notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S518. On the other hand, if a session end notification has not been received, the process continues monitoring until a session end notification is received.

[0142] In step S518, based on the session end notification received in step S517, the display control unit 144 causes the display devices 30, 40 to display a display screen indicating logout. For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 9, a logout notification screen 360 is displayed on the display devices 30, 40.

[0143] In step S519, the information processing device 100 is powered on.

[0144] [Example of management server operation] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of login control processing in the management server 70. This login control processing is executed by the controller 72 based on a program stored in the storage unit 73. This login control processing is constantly executed for each control period. This login control processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 as needed.

[0145] In step S531, the password issuing unit 75 determines whether or not a session start request has been received from the information processing device 100. If a session start request has been received, the process proceeds to step S532. On the other hand, if a session start request has not been received, the process proceeds to step S540.

[0146] In step S532, the password issuing unit 75 issues a session token corresponding to the session of the vehicle 1 and a one-time password to be used when starting the session of the vehicle 1.

[0147] In step S533, the password issuing unit 75 stores the issued session token and one-time password in the storage unit 73 in association with the vehicle ID included in the session start request sent from the vehicle 1. In addition, the password issuing unit 75 sends destination information for the electronic device 80 to access the management server 70 to the information processing device 100, together with the session token and one-time password, based on the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1.

[0148] In step S534, the password recognition unit 76 determines whether or not the user ID and vehicle ID have been received from the information processing device 100. If the user ID and vehicle ID have been received, the process proceeds to step S535. On the other hand, if the user ID and vehicle ID have not been received, the process continues monitoring until the user ID and vehicle ID are received.

[0149] In step S535, the password recognition unit 76 associates the user ID and vehicle ID received in step S534 and stores them in the session information DB 200 of the storage unit 73.

[0150] In step S536, the password recognition unit 76 determines whether or not a one-time password has been received from the electronic device 80. If a one-time password has been received, the process proceeds to step S537. On the other hand, if a one-time password has not been received, the process continues monitoring until a one-time password is received.

[0151] In step S537, the password recognition unit 76 executes a password recognition process based on the one-time password received in step S536. This password recognition process is similar to the password recognition process (step S417) shown in Fig. 10, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. If the password authentication fails, the password recognition unit 76 transmits instruction information to the electronic device 80 to instruct the user U1 to re-enter the one-time password, and notifies the user U1 to send the correct one-time password.

[0152] In step S538, the password recognition unit 76 associates the user ID of user U1 who sent the one-time password that was successfully authenticated, the vehicle ID of vehicle 1, and the session token stored in association with this vehicle ID, and stores them in the session information DB200 of the memory unit 73.

[0153] In step S539, the login / logout state management unit 77 validates the session of the vehicle 1 and transmits a login completion notification to the information processing device 100 to notify that the login to the information processing device 100 has been completed.

[0154] In step S540, the login / logout status management unit 77 determines whether or not a login status confirmation request has been received from the information processing device 100. If a login status confirmation request has been received, the process proceeds to step S541. On the other hand, if a login status confirmation request has not been received, the process proceeds to step S543.

[0155] In step S541, based on the login status confirmation request received in step S540, the login / logout status management unit 77 confirms the login status of the information processing device 100. This login status confirmation process is similar to the login status confirmation process (step S440) shown in Fig. 11, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0156] In step S542, the login / logout status management unit 77 transmits the confirmation result of the login status of the information processing device 100 to the information processing device 100.

[0157] In step S543, the content management unit 78 executes a content management process. This content management process corresponds to the content management process (steps S421, S450, S470) shown in Figures 10 and 11, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0158] In step S544, the login / logout status management unit 77 determines whether or not a session end request has been received from the information processing device 100. If a session end request has been received, the process proceeds to step S545. On the other hand, if a session end request has not been received, the operation of the login control process ends.

[0159] In step S545, the login / logout state management unit 77 invalidates the session of the vehicle 1 based on the session termination request received in step S544, and terminates the session of the vehicle 1.

[0160] In step S546, the login / logout status management unit 77 transmits a session end notification to the information processing device 100 and the electronic device 80 to notify that the session of the information processing device 100 has ended.

[0161] 10 to 12 show an example in which the determination process for determining whether or not the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location SL1 (or within the predetermined range PR1) is executed, along with the determination process for determining whether or not a token cache file is stored in the information processing device 100. However, whether or not the information processing device 100 is in a logged-in state can be obtained by exchanging a login state confirmation request with the management server 70 and the results of the login state confirmation. Therefore, the processes related to the token cache file shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 (steps S433, S437, S443, S505, S511, S515, etc.) may be omitted.

[0162] [Modification of information processing device] Although an example has been described above in which the login status of the information processing device 100 is managed by the management server 70, each process by the management server 70 may be executed in the information processing device 100. Therefore, Fig. 14 shows an example in which the login control process by the management server 70 is executed in the information processing device 100.

[0163] [Configuration example of information processing device] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 600 mounted on the vehicle 1. Note that the information processing device 600 is a partial modification of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 4, and therefore parts common to the information processing device 100 are assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0164] The information processing device 600 includes a controller 640. The controller 640 includes a login control unit 641, a password issuing unit 642, a password recognition unit 643, a login / logout status management unit 644, and a content management unit 645. These units correspond to the units of the same name in the management server 70 shown in FIG. 3 and the information processing device 100 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The session information DB 200 and the content management DB 210 shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the storage unit 150. Some of the processes shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 may be omitted. For example, since there is no need to identify the vehicle 1, the vehicle ID can be omitted, and processes using the vehicle ID may be omitted. The processes related to the token cache file shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 (steps S433, S437, S443, S505, S511, S515, etc.) may be omitted. Furthermore, when the content management unit 645 transmits content to the electronic device 80, the content may be transmitted directly using short-distance wireless communication, or indirectly via a network.

[0165] In this way, the login state of the management application installed in the information processing device 600 can be controlled only by the processing in the information processing device 600 mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0166] In the above, an example has been shown in which the login control process for controlling the login state of the management app is executed by the information processing device 100, the management server 70, and the information processing device 600. However, all or part of each process may be executed by other devices. In this case, a login control system is configured by the devices that execute part of each process. For example, at least part of the login control process may be executed by the electronic device 80 used by the user U1 of the vehicle 1, or various information processing devices such as servers that can be connected via a predetermined network such as the Internet, or various electronic devices.

[0167] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the session information DB 200 and the content management DB 210 (see FIG. 7) are managed by the management server 70 or the information processing device 600. However, all or part of each DB may be managed by one or more devices other than the management server 70 and the information processing device 600, and information on each DB managed by the other devices may be acquired and used in the login control process.

[0168] Furthermore, a part (or all) of the login control system of the vehicle 1 that can execute the functions of the information processing device 100, the management server 70, and the information processing device 600 may be provided by an application that can be provided via a predetermined network such as the Internet. This application is, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0169] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the information processing device 100 is newly placed in a logged-in state when the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location when the information processing device 100 is powered on. However, it is also assumed that, for some reason, the information processing device 100 may already be in a logged-in state when the information processing device 100 is powered on even if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location. In this case, even if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location when the information processing device 100 is powered on, the logged-in state of the information processing device 100 is temporarily canceled and the information processing device 100 is placed in a logged-out state. In this case, after the information processing device 100 is placed in the logged-out state, the above-described login process (step S400) is executed to place the information processing device 100 in a newly logged-in state. This makes it possible to prevent the information processing device 100 from being placed in a logged-in state of the previous user even though the user renting the vehicle 1 has changed. In other words, the security of information related to users can be improved.

[0170] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which login control is executed based on whether vehicle 1 is present at or near one predetermined location SL1, but login control may also be executed based on whether vehicle 1 is present at or near multiple predetermined locations. For example, it is conceivable that a user who rents a shared car at predetermined location C will return the shared car at another predetermined location D. Therefore, multiple locations where the shared car can be returned are registered, and login control can be executed based on whether vehicle 1 is present at the multiple registered locations.

[0171] It is also possible that the location information of the vehicle 1 cannot be acquired due to a malfunction of the location information acquisition unit, etc. Therefore, for example, when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on or off, if the location information of the vehicle 1 cannot be acquired and it cannot be determined whether the vehicle 1 is at a predetermined location, the login state of the information processing device 100 may be canceled and the device may transition to a logout state. In this case, if a token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150, this token cache file is deleted. This makes it possible to prevent the previous user who rented the vehicle 1 from remaining logged in even though the user renting the vehicle 1 has changed. In other words, the security of information related to users can be improved.

[0172] Although the above describes an example in which the login state of the information processing device 100 is controlled based on the current location of the vehicle 1, the login state of the information processing device 100 may also be controlled taking into account a time factor. For example, a user renting the vehicle 1 registers a reservation time for use of the vehicle 1, including a start time and an end time for use of the vehicle 1, in an external device, such as the management server 70 or a shared car reservation server. The management server 70 is also capable of acquiring the reservation time for use. In this case, the login state of the information processing device 100 can be controlled based on the reservation time for use. For example, when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned off, if the usage time of the vehicle 1 has exceeded the reservation time, the login state of the information processing device 100 can be canceled and the information processing device 100 can be transitioned to a logged-out state. However, if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location and the usage time of the vehicle 1 has not exceeded the reservation time, the login state of the information processing device 100 is allowed to continue.

[0173] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 is powered on, if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location and the vehicle 1 is being powered on for the first time within the reserved use time, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 is already in a logged-in state. In this case, the logged-in state of the information processing device 100 is cancelled and the information processing device 100 is transitioned to a logged-out state. However, after transitioning to the logged-out state, the above-described login process (step S400) is executed to place the information processing device 100 in a new logged-in state. This makes it possible to prevent the previous user who rented the vehicle 1 from remaining in the logged-in state even though the user renting the vehicle 1 has changed. In other words, the security of information related to users can be improved.

[0174] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the information processing device 100 is powered on, it is possible to determine, based on the location where the power is turned on, whether to transition the information processing device 100 to a new login state or to continue the login state that was in effect when the information processing device 100 was most recently powered off. Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 is powered off, it is possible to determine, based on the location where the power is turned off, whether to continue the current login state or to terminate the current login state and transition to a logout state the next time the information processing device 100 is powered on. That is, it is possible to determine, based on the location where the vehicle 1 is powered on or off, whether to continue the login state the next time the information processing device 100 is powered on, and whether to continue the login state or terminate the login state and transition to a logout state when the information processing device 100 is powered off. As a result, even if the vehicle 1 is repeatedly turned on and off between renting and returning the vehicle 1, it is possible to automatically continue the login state that was started immediately after renting the vehicle 1 until the vehicle 1 is returned. In this way, by switching the login state and logout state of the management app used in the vehicle 1 depending on the location of the vehicle 1, it is possible to appropriately switch the login state according to the use of the vehicle 1.

[0175] [Configuration and Effects of This Embodiment] The control method according to the present embodiment is a control method for controlling an information processing device 100 installed in a vehicle 1, the information processing device 100 being capable of executing a management app (an example of an application) associated with the vehicle 1. The management app has a login state in which authentication has been completed for an electronic device 80 (an example of a communication device) associated with a user U1 (an example of a passenger), and a logout state in which authentication has not been completed for the electronic device 80. In the login state, the management app can output information related to the user U1 to the electronic device 80. The control method also includes control processing (steps S431 to S433, S481 to S492, S513 to S519, S544 to S546) for controlling the management app to enter the logged-out state at the next startup if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (predetermined location SL1 or within a predetermined range PR1) when the information processing device 100 is powered off, and for controlling the management app to remain in the logged-in state at the next startup if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location.

[0176] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to put the management app into a logged-in state or a logged-out state at the next startup based on the location where the power of the information processing device 100 was turned off when the vehicle 1 was turned off. As a result, by switching the logged-in state and the logged-out state of the management app used in the vehicle 1 depending on the location of the vehicle 1, it is possible to appropriately switch the logged-in state depending on the use of the vehicle 1.

[0177] Furthermore, the control method according to the present embodiment includes a control process (steps S401 to S420, S434 to S443, S501 to S511, S531 to S542) of controlling the management app (an example of an application) to transition to a logged-out state if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (within the predetermined location SL1 or the predetermined range PR1) when the information processing device 100 is powered on, and controlling the management app to continue to be logged in if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location. Note that in this control process, after the management app is transitioned to the logged-out state when the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location, the control process controls the management app to transition to a new logged-in state.

[0178] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to put the management app into a logged-in state or a logged-out state at startup based on the location where the information processing device 100 is powered on when the vehicle 1 is turned on. As a result, by switching the logged-in state and the logged-out state of the management app used in the vehicle 1 depending on the location of the vehicle 1, it is possible to appropriately switch the logged-in state depending on the use of the vehicle 1.

[0179] Furthermore, in the control method according to this embodiment, in the control processing (steps S433, S443, S511, S515), if the vehicle 1 is not present at a predetermined location (within the predetermined location SL1 or the predetermined range PR1) when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned off, a token cache file (an example of continuation information) relating to the continuation of the logged-in state is stored in the storage unit 150 of the information processing device 100. On the other hand, if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location, and a token cache file is stored in the storage unit 150 of the information processing device 100, this token cache file is deleted.

[0180] According to this configuration, the storage state of the token cache file related to the continuation of the login state can be appropriately managed depending on the location when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned off. Therefore, the login state and logout state of the management app can be appropriately switched depending on the location of the vehicle 1.

[0181] Furthermore, in the control method according to this embodiment, in the control processing (steps S433, S437 to S443, S505 to S511, S515), if the vehicle 1 is not present at a predetermined location (within the predetermined location SL1 or the predetermined range PR1) when the information processing device 100 is powered off, a token cache file (an example of continuation information) related to the continuation of the login state is stored in the storage unit 150 of the information processing device 100. On the other hand, if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location when the information processing device 100 is powered on, the token cache file is used to continue the login state of the management app (an example of an application), and if the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location, the token cache file is deleted from the storage unit 150 of the information processing device 100 if it has been stored therein.

[0182] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately manage the storage state of the token cache file related to the continuation of the login state depending on the location when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on or off. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch the login state and logout state of the management app depending on the location of the vehicle 1.

[0183] Furthermore, in the control method according to this embodiment, in the control process (steps S437 to S442, S505 to S508), when the information processing device 100 is turned on, it is determined whether or not a token cache file (an example of continuation information) is stored in the memory unit 150 of the information processing device 100, and if the token cache file is stored in the memory unit 150 of the information processing device 100, the token cache file (an example of continuation information) is used to continue the login state of the management app (application).

[0184] According to this configuration, when the login state is to be continued at the next startup, the token cache file is saved in the storage unit 150, and at the next startup, the login state can be continued using that token cache file. This makes it possible to execute highly accurate login control.

[0185] Furthermore, in the control method according to this embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the current location of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in the control process (steps S403, S432, S436, S482, S501, S514), it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is located at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) based on the location information acquired when the information processing device 100 is turned on or off.

[0186] According to this configuration, the accuracy of determining the location of vehicle 1 can be improved by using location information obtained at the time the power of information processing device 100, which is turned on or off in accordance with the power on or off of vehicle 1, is turned on or off.

[0187] Furthermore, in the control method according to the present embodiment, in the control processing (steps S443, S488, S492, S518), when the information processing device 100 is powered off, if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1), at least one of the information processing device 100 and the electronic device 80 (an example of a communication device) is caused to execute processing corresponding to a transition to a logout state, and if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location, at least one of the information processing device 100 and the electronic device 80 is caused to execute processing corresponding to a continuation of the logged-in state. For example, before transitioning to the main scene after the processing of step S443, the display device 30, 40 or the electronic device 80 can be caused to execute display processing or audio output processing for notifying that the logged-in state has been automatically continued. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, as processing corresponding to a transition to the logout state, a predetermined image can be displayed on the display device 30, 40 or the electronic device 80.

[0188] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily notify the occupant of the vehicle 1 that the management application is transitioning to a logged-in state or a logged-out state.

[0189] In addition, in the control method according to this embodiment, if it is not possible to determine whether the vehicle 1 is located at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on or off during the control process (steps S403, S432, S436, S482, S501, S514), the management app (an example of an application) is transitioned to a logged-out state.

[0190] This configuration prevents the previously boarded user from remaining logged in even though the user boarding vehicle 1 has changed, thereby increasing the security of information related to users.

[0191] In addition, in the control method of this embodiment, in the control processing (steps S403, S432, S436, S482, S501, S514), when the power of the information processing device 100 is turned on or off, if it is not possible to determine whether the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) and information related to the occupant (e.g., image content) is stored in the information processing device 100, the information is deleted.

[0192] This configuration prevents image content related to the previous user from being stored even when the user riding in vehicle 1 has changed, thereby increasing the security of information related to users.

[0193] In addition, in the control method according to this embodiment, when the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned off during the control process, if the occupant's usage time for the vehicle 1 has exceeded, the management app (an example of an application) is transitioned to a logged-out state, and if the vehicle 1 is not in a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) and the usage time has not exceeded, the management app is allowed to remain logged in.

[0194] This configuration prevents the previous user from being logged in even though the usage time has expired and the user who rented the vehicle 1 has changed, thereby increasing the security of information about users.

[0195] In addition, in the control method according to this embodiment, when the information processing device 100 is turned on in the control process, if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) and the turning on is the first time within the occupant's reserved use time for the vehicle 1, the management app (application) is transitioned to a logout state.

[0196] With this configuration, it is expected that the user renting the vehicle 1 will likely have changed if it is the first time within the reserved use time. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the previous user from being logged in, thereby improving the security of information related to the user.

[0197] Furthermore, in the control method according to this embodiment, the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned on when the vehicle 1 is turned on, and the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned off when the vehicle 1 is turned off.

[0198] According to this configuration, the power supply of the information processing device 100 is turned on and off in conjunction with the turning on and off of the vehicle 1, so that the interlocking between the vehicle 1 and the information processing device 100 can be improved.

[0199] The information processing device 100 is an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle 1, and is an information processing device capable of executing a management app (an example of an application) associated with the vehicle 1. The management app has a login state in which authentication has been completed for an electronic device 80 (an example of a communication device) associated with a user U1 (an example of a passenger), and a logout state in which authentication has not been completed for the electronic device 80. In the login state, information related to the user U1, such as image content, can be output to the electronic device 80. The information processing device 100 also includes a login control unit 143 that controls the management app to be in the logged-out state at the next startup if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (predetermined location SL1 or within a predetermined range PR1) when the information processing device 100 is powered off, and controls the management app to remain in the logged-in state at the next startup if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location.

[0200] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to put the management app into a logged-in state or a logged-out state at the next startup based on the location where the power of the information processing device 100 was turned off when the vehicle 1 was turned off. As a result, by switching the logged-in state and the logged-out state of the management app used in the vehicle 1 depending on the location of the vehicle 1, it is possible to appropriately switch the logged-in state depending on the use of the vehicle 1.

[0201] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 includes a login control unit 143 that controls the management app (an example of an application) to transition to a logout state if the vehicle 1 is present at a predetermined location (within a predetermined location SL1 or a predetermined range PR1) when the information processing device 100 is powered on, and controls the management app to continue to be logged in if the vehicle 1 is not present at the predetermined location. Note that when the vehicle 1 is present at the predetermined location, the login control unit 143 controls the management app to transition to a new logged in state after transitioning the management app to the logout state.

[0202] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to put the management app into a logged-in state or a logged-out state at startup based on the location where the information processing device 100 is powered on when the vehicle 1 is turned on. As a result, by switching the logged-in state and the logged-out state of the management app used in the vehicle 1 depending on the location of the vehicle 1, it is possible to appropriately switch the logged-in state depending on the use of the vehicle 1.

[0203] Each process described in this embodiment is executed based on a program that causes a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the function of executing each process and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, an update process for adding a new function to a monitoring device can store the program in the storage device of the monitoring device. This makes it possible to cause the updated monitoring device to execute each process described in this embodiment.

[0204] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1 Vehicle, 10, 20 Imaging device, 30, 40 Display device, 70 Management server, 71 Communication unit, 72 Controller, 73 Memory unit, 75, 642 Password issuing unit, 76, 643 Password recognition unit, 77, 644 Login / logout status management unit, 78, 645 Content management unit, 80 Electronic device, 100, 600 Information processing device, 110 Vehicle power supply system, 120 Sensors, 130 UI unit, 140, 640 Controller, 141 Start / stop determination unit, 142 Login continuation determination unit, 143, 641 Login control unit, 144 Display control unit, 145 Session information storage unit, 146 Photography control unit, 150 Memory unit, 160 Communication unit, 170 Image acquisition unit, 200 Session information DB, 210 Content management DB

Claims

1. 1. A control method for controlling an information processing device installed in a vehicle, the information processing device being capable of executing an application associated with the vehicle, the method comprising: the application has a login state in which authentication of a communication device related to an occupant has been completed and information can be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and a logout state in which authentication of the communication device has not been completed and information cannot be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and in the login state, information related to the occupant can be output to the communication device, a control process for controlling the application to be in the logged-out state at the next startup if the vehicle is present at a predetermined location when the power supply of the information processing device is turned off, and for controlling the application to continue in the logged-in state at the next startup if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location; Control method.

2. 1. A control method for controlling an information processing device installed in a vehicle, the information processing device being capable of executing an application associated with the vehicle, the method comprising: the application has a login state in which authentication of a communication device related to an occupant has been completed and information can be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and a logout state in which authentication of the communication device has not been completed and information cannot be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and in the login state, information related to the occupant can be output to the communication device, a control process for controlling the application to transition to the logged-out state if the vehicle is present at a predetermined location when the information processing device is powered on, and for controlling the application to continue to be in the logged-in state if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location; Control method.

3. 2. The control method according to claim 1, In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned off, if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location, continuation information regarding the continuation of the login state is stored in the information processing device, and if the vehicle is present at the predetermined location, the continuation information stored in the information processing device is deleted. Control method.

4. 3. The control method according to claim 2, In the control process, When the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location when the power supply of the information processing device is turned off, continuation information regarding the continuation of the logged-in state is stored in the information processing device; When the information processing device is powered on, if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location, the log-in state of the application is continued using the continuation information, and if the vehicle is present at the predetermined location, the continuation information stored in the information processing device is deleted. Control method.

5. 4. The control method according to claim 3, In the control process, when the information processing device is powered on, it is determined whether or not the continuation information is stored in the information processing device, and if the continuation information is stored in the information processing device, the login state of the application is continued using the continuation information. Control method.

6. 6. A control method according to claim 1, further comprising: the vehicle includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location of the vehicle; In the control process, it is determined whether the vehicle is present at the predetermined location based on the location information acquired at the timing when the power of the information processing device is turned on or off. Control method.

7. 6. A control method according to claim 1, 3, or 5, In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned off, if the vehicle is present at the predetermined location, at least one of the information processing device and the communication device is caused to execute a process corresponding to the transition to the logged-out state, and if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location, at least one of the information processing device and the communication device is caused to execute a process corresponding to the continuation of the logged-in state. Control method.

8. 8. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned on or off, if it is not possible to determine whether the vehicle is present at the predetermined location, the application is transitioned to the logout state. Control method.

9. 9. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned on or off, if it is not possible to determine whether the vehicle is present at the predetermined location and if information related to the occupant is stored in the information processing device, the information is deleted. Control method.

10. 6. A control method according to claim 1, 3, or 5, In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned off, if the occupant's usage time for the vehicle has exceeded, the application is transitioned to the logged-out state, and if the vehicle is not at the predetermined location and the usage time has not exceeded, the application is allowed to continue to be logged-in. Control method.

11. 5. The control method according to claim 2 or 4, In the control process, when the power supply of the information processing device is turned on, if the vehicle is present at the predetermined location and the turning on is the first time within a reserved time for the occupant to use the vehicle, the application is transitioned to the logout state. Control method.

12. 12. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: The information processing device is powered on when the vehicle is turned on, and is powered off when the vehicle is turned off. Control method.

13. An information processing device that is an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle and is capable of executing an application associated with the vehicle, the application has a login state in which authentication of a communication device related to an occupant has been completed and information can be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and a logout state in which authentication of the communication device has not been completed and information cannot be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and in the login state, information related to the occupant can be output to the communication device, a login control unit that controls the application to be in the logged-out state at the next startup if the vehicle is present at a predetermined location when the information processing device is powered off, and controls the application to continue in the logged-in state at the next startup if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location; Information processing device.

14. An information processing device that is an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle and is capable of executing an application associated with the vehicle, the application has a login state in which authentication of a communication device related to an occupant has been completed and information can be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and a logout state in which authentication of the communication device has not been completed and information cannot be exchanged between the communication device and the information processing device, and in the login state, information related to the occupant can be output to the communication device, a login control unit that controls the application to transition to the logged-out state if the vehicle is present at a predetermined location when the information processing device is powered on, and controls the application to continue the logged-in state if the vehicle is not present at the predetermined location; Information processing device.

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