System and Program

Abstract

To provide a system enabling control of a vehicle from a communication terminal owned by each of a plurality of people.SOLUTION: The system includes: a communication terminal 10 having a storage unit 13 which stores proper identification information; and an NFC communication R / W 20 having a control unit 24 which reads the proper identification information of the communication terminal 10 to perform required control of the vehicle. The control unit 24 refers to a registered content in a register table 22 in which a plurality of types of proper identifiers and each vehicle use mode corresponding to the proper identifiers, to perform vehicle control in a use mode corresponding to each readout proper identifier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication terminal utilization system has been proposed that allows multiple operations to be performed using a single piece of identification information and reduces the effort required of users. This system includes a mobile phone owned by a mobile phone user and an in-vehicle system installed in a shared vehicle, with the mobile phone being equipped with an NFC. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system in the shared vehicle is equipped with an NFC communication R / W. This system locks the doors when the mobile phone is held over the NFC communication R / W installed in the shared vehicle and communication for a first communication time is performed between the NFC communication R / W and the NFC (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, this publication discloses that the vehicle owner's NFC is used to lock the doors.

[0003] Also proposed is a communication device that, when it detects that the vehicle door has been unlocked, if the current date and time is during the time when the user usually returns home from work and the current location of the vehicle is in the company parking lot, creates a message by adding the current location of the vehicle and the estimated time of arrival at home to a message stored in the communication device, and sends this to the user's home by email (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In other words, this publication discloses sending a message by email when the door is unlocked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 063346 [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-263291 A (pages 7-11, Figure 2) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the prior art, only devices have been proposed that allow only the vehicle owner to lock the doors, etc. Such devices have had problems such as extremely poor convenience, such as situations where, for example, if the vehicle owner and a passenger get separated within a service area, the passenger who has a different communication terminal (having different identification information) must continue to wait.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the past, and has as its object to provide a system, program, etc. that is easier to use than conventional systems, programs, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) In a system that reads information about devices present around a vehicle by wireless signal and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation when predetermined authentication is achieved with the device based on the information, the system may have a function of determining that the predetermined authentication has been achieved when the device is one that has been paired with the system in advance, and may be configured to include a plurality of devices that have been paired with the system in advance.

[0008] In this way, not only can a single device cause a vehicle to perform a predetermined operation, but other devices can also cause the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, if devices carried by different people are each paired with the system in advance, any person can cause the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation. In this way, it is preferable that the devices that are paired with the system in advance are carried by different people.

[0009] The predetermined operation to be performed by the vehicle may be, for example, unlocking the vehicle doors. In this way, not only can one device be used to unlock the vehicle doors, but also another device can be used to unlock the vehicle doors. Therefore, if devices carried by different people are each paired with the system in advance, any person can unlock the vehicle doors.

[0010] It is preferable that the number of vehicles that can be paired is more than one, but it is preferable that the number of vehicles that cannot be paired exceeds a predetermined number. In this way, it is possible to prevent the number of devices that perform a predetermined operation from exceeding a predetermined number, and it is possible to prevent, for example, the number of devices that perform a predetermined operation from increasing inexhaustibly.

[0011] The information on devices around the vehicle may be read by wireless signals from devices inside the vehicle, such as devices brought into the vehicle, but it is also preferable to have a function for reading from devices outside the vehicle. For example, the information may be read by a communication means using wireless communication with a communication range of several meters from the vehicle. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark (hereinafter the same)) may be used. However, it is particularly preferable to use short-range wireless communication such as NFC to read the information when the device is held over a reading unit provided in the system.

[0012] The communication may be one-way (for example, read only) or two-way, and may be one-to-one or one-to-many.

[0013] Whether or not a device has been paired with the system in advance can be determined using information that identifies the device to be paired, and the device to be paired can be identified using unique identification information assigned to the device. For example, in a configuration that uses short-range wireless communication for communication, a unique ID that is pre-written in an NFC or FeliCa chip can be used.

[0014] The pairing performed in advance in the system may be performed by storing identification information of the device to be paired, and preferably by storing a unique ID and information based on an encryption key as the identification information. Whether or not the device has been paired in advance in the system may be determined by comparing the stored information with information based on the read identification information, etc., and determining whether or not they match. Particularly preferable examples of the predetermined operation to be performed by the vehicle include locking / unlocking the doors and starting / stopping the engine. (2) The device may be configured as a portable device having a function other than the predetermined authentication as its main function.

[0015] In this way, in order to obtain the main functions other than the predetermined authentication, it is only necessary to carry the device, and there is no need to carry the vehicle key. The device may be, for example, a smartphone whose main function is a call function or an application execution function, a conventional mobile phone (for example, with FeliCa) whose main function is a call function, or a card with functions such as Suica for paying train fares, which are paired with a device installed in the vehicle.

[0016] For example, when NFC is used for wireless communication, the door lock can be unlocked by holding the device over the system's reader. This allows the owner to use a smartphone, mobile phone, or credit card with Suica or FeliCa functionality instead of a car key, for example, in the case of personal use, eliminating the need to carry a car key. This simply increases convenience. When a family shares a car, this simply increases the number of car keys, improving convenience. Also, when traveling with a friend, the passenger's smartphone can be paired as a key in advance. This allows the passenger to unlock the door using their own device, for example, if they become separated from the driver and leave something behind in the car at a leisure facility such as a ski resort.

[0017] (3) As the function for pre-pairing the system, when a pairing instruction is input from a pairing instruction input operation unit provided on the system side, if communication with the device to be paired is established within a predetermined time from the input of the pairing instruction, the system may be configured to control the device with which communication is established to be paired.

[0018] For example, when pairing a conventional mobile phone with a built-in FeliCa function or a device that cannot install an app such as a Suica card via NFC communication, it is recommended to configure the system so that authentication is performed by pressing the pairing button on the system and then bringing the device close to the system's reading unit within a specified number of seconds.

[0019] (4) As the function of pairing with the system in advance, the device may have an application execution function, and a dedicated application may be installed in advance. When the application is executed and a pairing button that is displayed is detected as being pressed, the device communicates with the system, the device sends a pairing message to the system, the system receives the pairing message, and controls the device corresponding to the received pairing message to be paired.

[0020] For example, in a configuration in which a smartphone is used as the device, when pairing the smartphone with the system, a dedicated app can be installed on the smartphone in advance, and by pressing the pairing button in the app and then holding the smartphone over the reading part of the system, the smartphone will send a pairing message to the system, and the system will receive and store the pairing message, thereby completing pairing.

[0021] (5) The wireless signal may be short-range wireless communication, and a reader for the short-range wireless communication may be provided at a position where the wireless signal is visible and communicable through a transparent portion provided in the vehicle.

[0022] The reading unit may be, for example, a reader / writer for the device, but is preferably a reader. The reading unit is preferably installed inside the vehicle, particularly in a position visible from outside the vehicle. In particular, it is preferably installed in a position where the interior of the vehicle can be seen from outside the vehicle through a transparent part of the vehicle, and the transparent part is preferably a glass part of the vehicle. In particular, it is preferably configured to be installable around the windshield or front quarter glass, and is preferably installed around the windshield or front quarter glass.

[0023] (6) The wireless signal may be short-range wireless communication, and the vehicle may be provided with multiple reading units for reading information from devices present around the vehicle via wireless signals. When the specified authentication is completed, the vehicle may be configured to execute different specified operations for each reading unit that performed the reading for the authentication.

[0024] In this way, the user can have the vehicle perform a specific operation corresponding to the reading unit simply by having a specific reading unit read the device information from among the multiple reading units.

[0025] (7) The multiple reading units may include at least one reading unit A capable of reading from the device outside the vehicle, and at least one reading unit B capable of reading from the device only from inside the vehicle. If a device authenticated by reading from the device by the reading unit A is subsequently authenticated by reading from the reading unit B, the specified operation to be performed by the vehicle upon authentication by the reading unit B may be controlled to be different from the specified operation to be performed by the vehicle upon authentication by the reading unit A.

[0026] In this way, the user can make the vehicle perform a specific operation corresponding to the reading unit by simply selecting a specific reading unit from among the multiple reading units and reading the device information in a predetermined order. (8) The reading unit provided in the vehicle may be configured to perform reading when a reading instruction is input to the reading instruction unit.

[0027] This makes it less likely that a problem will occur, such as when a device accidentally approaches the reading unit and the vehicle performs a predetermined unintended operation.

[0028] For example, a reading unit A can be installed inside the vehicle through glass so that it can be seen and communicated with from outside the vehicle, and a similar reading unit B (with a push button as a reading instruction unit) can be installed near the steering wheel. The door lock can be unlocked by authentication through reading by reading unit A, and the paired device used to unlock the door can be placed on the reader near the steering wheel, and the vehicle engine can be started by pressing a button on the reader. (9) When a read instruction is input to the read instruction unit, a predetermined series of operations may be automatically executed.

[0029] For example, if you press the button on the reader near the steering wheel to start the engine, it would be good to have it trigger a series of actions to be executed automatically. For example, start the engine → turn on the smartphone's Bluetooth → start the music player → play music. Another good option would be to start the engine → start the smartphone navigation app.

[0030] (10) The function of pairing the device with the system in advance may be performed by a second reading unit different from the first reading unit that reads information from the device for the specified authentication, and the first reading unit may be configured to be capable of reading information from the device outside the vehicle, while the second reading unit may be configured to be capable of reading information from the device only within the vehicle.

[0031] In this way, the devices that can be paired can be limited to those brought into the vehicle, reducing the risk that a malicious person from outside the vehicle will cause pairing.

[0032] (11) When it is determined that the authentication has been successful, or when the vehicle is caused to perform a predetermined operation as a result of the authentication, the configuration may be provided with a function to record a log relating to the determination or the operation, and a function to transmit the log to the administrator device via a wireless signal.

[0033] In this way, the administrator device can acquire a log relating to at least one of the time when it is determined that the authentication has been successful and the time when the vehicle is caused to perform a predetermined operation as a result of the authentication being successful. The administrator device should preferably have a function for displaying the contents of the acquired log. While the log may be displayed as is, it is preferable to associate the date and time of the authentication or predetermined operation with the log so that the administrator can easily understand the situation.

[0034] For example, when unlocking, starting the engine, locking, or stopping the engine, the system can store user and time data as a log, which the company vehicle manager can later use to manage operations by holding up an NFC-enabled management terminal (or management smartphone, etc.).

[0035] (12) The device may have a function to connect to the Internet and a function to acquire the current location, and when the device transmits information about the device to the system via wireless communication, the device may have a function to transmit information about the transmission and the current location information at the time of transmission to a server via an Internet connection.

[0036] For example, if all employees have their keys on their smartphones, they can use GPS location information (or simple location information from base stations) and 3G lines. When the engine starts, the 3G line is used to send a message to the server that the car is in use. When the engine is stopped, the location information is checked using GPS, and if it is determined that the engine was stopped near the company parking lot, a message that the car is in use is sent to the server. This allows employees to know from anywhere which vehicles are available.

[0037] Since the security risk increases with the number of keys, it is a good idea to have a function that, if the door is unlocked or the engine is started using a smartphone other than the one you manage (such as a guest key), will send a message to the owner's smartphone via the 3G line of the smartphone used to unlock the door, saying, "The door was unlocked with a guest key (Mr. / Ms. OO's key)."

[0038] (13) The system may be configured to have a function of transmitting information regarding a specified operation that the vehicle has performed as a result of the specified authentication being achieved between the system and the device via a wireless signal to the device, and the device may be configured to have a function of receiving the information regarding the specified operation and a function of displaying the received information that the specified operation has been performed.

[0039] For example, if you lock your vehicle by holding your smartphone over the system's reader, it would be a good idea to have a "door lock" icon constantly displayed using the smartphone's OS display function (such as the notification area or widget at the top of Android) so that the owner can check if they think, "Huh, did I lock the door?" The same should be done when the vehicle is unlocked with a guest's key (described below) and a notification is sent via 3G.

[0040] (14) The system may be configured to have a function of transmitting information regarding the specified operation that the vehicle has performed as a result of the specified authentication being completed between the system and the device via a wireless signal to the device, the device having a function of acquiring the current location, and the device having a function of storing the location where the vehicle has performed the specified operation and displaying the positional relationship between the current location and the stored location.

[0041] For example, by saving location information using your smartphone's GPS when you lock the door, you can provide guidance (such as displaying it on Google Maps) if you become unsure of your parking location in a shopping mall or other location.

[0042] (15) The wireless signal may be short-range wireless communication, and the vehicle may be provided with a reading unit for reading information about devices present in the vehicle via wireless signals, and may be configured to have a function of contactlessly charging the device when the device is in contact with the reading unit.

[0043] For example, if a reader near the handlebar is equipped with a Qi (contactless charging) function, charging can be performed without connecting a cable, improving convenience. Because there is a risk of radio wave interference with NFC, it is best to first turn off Qi, exchange messages after NFC communication, and then turn on RF such as Qi once it has been determined that the device is Qi-compatible. (16) It is preferable that the device has a function of sending a signal to start the engine to the vehicle when wireless communication with the authenticated device is possible.

[0044] For example, the engine starter function mentioned above may not be applicable to some car models, as the steering lock cannot be released unless the actual key is inserted. However, if we change our thinking a little, we can make it function as an immobilizer, so that the engine cannot be started unless the smartphone is held over it.

[0045] (17) The device that has been paired with the system in advance may be configured to store a corresponding level, and the predetermined operation that the vehicle is caused to perform may be different depending on the level.

[0046] For example, multiple levels of pairing can be set, and the correspondence with devices can be stored in the form of, for example, "owner key," "guest key," and "user key." For example, a guest key can be set to be valid only for OO hours after pairing, while a user key can have no expiration date but cannot change the system settings. In particular, a configuration is preferred in which the level can be set by operating a button on the app or system during pairing.

[0047] (18) The device is a mobile terminal, the system has a wireless LAN function and a transmission function separate from the wireless LAN function, the separate transmission function is a function for transmitting information between the paired system and the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal is configured to perform control to turn on a tethering function of the mobile terminal when the paired system appears as a device capable of communication using the transmission function.

[0048] This eliminates the need for a user to turn on the tethering function of the mobile device. For example, the user can automatically turn on the tethering function of the mobile device by simply approaching the vehicle while carrying the mobile device. While the battery life of a mobile device is significantly reduced when the tethering function is on, this provides the excellent effect of eliminating the need to keep the tethering function on all the time and the need to switch the tethering function from off to on every time the user gets into the vehicle. Control for turning on the tethering function of the mobile device can be, for example, a control that automatically turns on the tethering function. However, if the mobile device is configured in a way that prevents automatic turning on due to security control of the OS, for example, it can be configured to automatically display a dialog box or settings screen for turning on the tethering function.

[0049] The wireless LAN function may be a function for connecting to the Internet via a router, etc. In particular, the system may have a function for accessing a server connected to the Internet to realize a predetermined function.

[0050] The tethering function may be configured to communicate with the system via wireless LAN and connect to the Internet via a mobile phone network such as 3G or 4G, and may be configured to relay the two. In particular, it may be desirable to have a router function.

[0051] Pairing can be performed, for example, by setting either the system or the mobile terminal to a searchable (discoverable) state in advance, performing a search (discovery) operation from the other device, displaying a list of surrounding devices that are searchable, and selecting and inputting a connection partner from the list. In this case, the same authentication key (e.g., passkey, PIN) can be entered into both devices, and if authentication is successful, the two devices can be paired. The identification information of the paired device can be stored, a search can be performed automatically, and when the paired device transmits the same identification information as the stored identification information, the devices can be confirmed as having been paired.

[0052] Furthermore, the system may, for example, pre-set and store an identifier (e.g., SSID) and an encryption key for the wireless LAN function of a mobile terminal, and when pairing of the mobile terminal is turned on and the stored identifier of the mobile terminal appears among the identifiers searched for, establish a wireless LAN connection with the mobile terminal.

[0053] Furthermore, if the paired mobile terminal appears while the system is already communicating with another wireless LAN device, the wireless LAN connection partner may be changed to the paired mobile terminal. For example, information used for Bluetooth pairing and information used for wireless LAN connection may be stored in association with each other, and the wireless LAN connection partner may be changed based on this association using the information used for wireless LAN connection of the Bluetooth paired mobile terminal.

[0054] However, if the paired mobile terminal appears while another wireless LAN device is already communicating with the system, it is particularly preferable that the wireless LAN connection partner not be changed to the paired mobile terminal. With such a configuration, the mobile terminal may be configured not to control the tethering function of the mobile terminal to be turned on even when the paired system appears as a device capable of communication using the transmission function. For example, when the paired system appears as a device capable of communication using the transmission function, the mobile terminal may control the tethering function of the mobile terminal to be turned on, and then, if a connection with the system via wireless LAN is not established within a predetermined time, the mobile terminal may control the tethering function of the mobile terminal to be turned on.

[0055] The case where the paired system appears may be, for example, when authentication is possible using the identifier and authentication key of the paired system and transmission by the transmission function is possible, but it is particularly preferable that authentication is possible using the identifier and authentication key of the paired system, etc. In this way, wireless LAN connection can be made at an earlier point in time.

[0056] (19) The mobile terminal may be configured to perform control to turn off the tethering function of the mobile terminal when the paired system no longer appears.

[0057] In this way, when the user leaves the vehicle carrying the mobile terminal, such as when the user leaves the vehicle, the tethering function of the mobile terminal can be automatically turned off. This provides the excellent effect of preventing the tethering function from remaining on, and eliminating the need to switch the tethering function from on to off each time the user gets out of the vehicle.

[0058] The case where the paired system disappears may be when transmission with the paired system using the transmission function is no longer possible, and in particular when the connection with the paired system is severed.

[0059] (20) The system is configured to receive power from the vehicle when the engine is on, and not receive power from the vehicle when the engine is off, When power is supplied from the vehicle side, the wireless LAN function and the transmission function may be enabled.

[0060] In this way, when the engine is turned on, for example, the pairing of the portable terminal carried by the passenger with the system can be confirmed, and the portable terminal will automatically turn on tethering. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the portable terminal also has a function for controlling to turn off the tethering function of the portable terminal when the paired system no longer appears, turning off the engine will automatically turn off tethering of the portable terminal.

[0061] (21) The system may have a Bluetooth connection function, and the confirmation function may be a function for confirming that the devices are paired via Bluetooth.

[0062] For example, the Bluetooth connection function may be a communication connection function such as the Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile) or DUN (Dial-up Networking Profile), but it is particularly preferable to use an audio connection function such as the HSP (Headset Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile), or A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).In particular, the system may be configured to be connected to or include at least one of a microphone or a speaker, and may be configured to receive audio transmitted from a mobile terminal and output it from a speaker, or to transmit in-car audio captured by a microphone from the system to the mobile terminal.

[0063] For example, the system may be configured to include a radar detector and a smartphone as the mobile terminal. For example, the radar detector may be equipped with a Bluetooth communication unit and a WiFi communication unit, and the Bluetooth communication unit may be paired with the smartphone in advance. A dedicated app with the above-mentioned functions may be installed on the smartphone in advance. The dedicated app has a Bluetooth connection detection function and a tethering ON / OFF control function. When the engine is turned on, the smartphone and radar detector are connected via Bluetooth. When the smartphone determines that the radar has been connected via Bluetooth, it automatically switches tethering ON. When the engine is turned off, the Bluetooth connection is lost, and the tethering is automatically switched OFF.

[0064] Some radar detectors can update GPS data by using a wireless LAN tethering function. However, conventional radar detectors only allow automatic updates at startup if wireless LAN reception is possible in a garage or garden, and it is entirely possible that wireless LAN signals may not reach the garage (such as for users of monthly parking lots). In such cases, the user must manually turn the tethering function on and off, which can be inconvenient, and leaving tethering on all the time can significantly reduce battery life. However, the above-mentioned configuration solves these problems.

[0065] The systems described in (1) to (21) etc. may be configured as systems installed in the vehicle, and may be installed in the vehicle in advance, but are particularly suitable as aftermarket products that are installed after the sale of the vehicle. Furthermore, the "devices" described in (1) to (21) etc. may be mobile terminals capable of executing apps, and the functions of the "devices" described in (1) to (21) etc. may be configured as programs executed by a computer installed in the mobile terminal.

[0066] The device may also be configured as described in (A) and subsequent items. These configurations may be combined with the configurations (1) to (21) above. For example, the configurations (1) to (19) above and the configurations (A) to (F) below may be used alone or in any combination to configure a device. Furthermore, the components described in each of the configurations (1) to (19) and (A) to (F) may be combined in any combination to configure a device.

[0067] (A) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an in-vehicle system having a reading device equipped with a control unit that reads unique identification information of a communication terminal and performs required control of the vehicle, The control unit

[0068] The vehicle control is performed in accordance with the usage mode for the read unique identification information by referring to the registered contents of a registration means that registers multiple types of unique identification information and the usage mode of the vehicle for each of the multiple types of unique identification information.

[0069] In this in-vehicle system, the control unit of the reading device refers to the registered contents of the registration means that registers multiple types of unique identification information and the vehicle usage modes for each of the multiple types of unique identification information, and controls the vehicle according to the usage mode for the read unique identification information. Therefore, for example, if multiple types of unique identification information are registered, communication terminals owned by multiple people will be registered, and the vehicle can be controlled using communication terminals owned by each of the multiple people.

[0070] (B) If the registration contents of the registration means are registered so that the usage mode differs for each unique identification information, the control mode of the vehicle will differ for each of multiple people. In other words, if multiple unique identifiers are registered (paired) in the registration means and different usage modes are registered for each of the multiple unique identifiers, it will be possible to control the vehicle in different modes with different levels of usage mode, such as "owner," "guest," and "user."

[0071] (C) Furthermore, by arranging the reading device in a position where the unique identification information can be read without entering the vehicle, and configuring the device to perform door lock control to lock / unlock the doors in response to the communication terminal being held over the reading device, door lock control can be performed without entering the vehicle. This door lock control is one aspect of vehicle control in the configuration of (1). The reading device can be installed, for example, on the front window or around the quarter glass, but other windows are not excluded.

[0072] (D) The system further includes a second reading device capable of reading the unique identification information, and the second reading device is configured to be able to refer to the registered contents of the registration means. This configuration allows the second reading device to also refer to the registered contents, making it possible to realize the registration means using, for example, a single table. Furthermore, the system may be configured to control the movement of the vehicle in response to the communication terminal being held over the second reading device and the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. Examples of the vehicle movement control include starting / stopping the engine. Incidentally, if the second reading device is installed within reach of the driver, an in-vehicle system that is easy for the driver to operate can be constructed.

[0073] The "range within the driver's reach" may be, for example, the area around the steering wheel, which allows for greater operability. The predetermined condition may also be the operation of an operating means provided on the second reading device. Since the operating means is not provided separately from the second reading device, this can reduce costs.

[0074] (E) The terminal device can also be configured to perform a series of operations in response to the operation of the operating means. For example, a series of operations could be triggered by pressing a button on a reader near the steering wheel to start the engine, automatically executing a series of operations. Examples include starting the engine → turning on Bluetooth (registered trademark) on the smartphone → starting the smartphone's music player → playing music, or starting the engine → starting the smartphone's navigation app. This configuration eliminates the need for touch operations on the smartphone, providing greater convenience. Note that, since some vehicle models require the actual key to unlock the steering wheel, the engine start function can be used in a slightly different way, like an immobilizer (vehicle anti-theft device), by requiring the smartphone (communication terminal) to be held over the vehicle.

[0075] (F) It can also be a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned in-vehicle system. This makes it possible to realize a program that allows multiple people to control a vehicle using their own terminal devices. Furthermore, if a Qi (contactless charging) function is installed in a reader near the steering wheel, charging can be performed without connecting a cable, improving convenience. Because there is a risk of radio wave interference with NFC, it is preferable to initially turn Qi OFF, exchange messages after NFC communication, and then turn on the Qi RF once it has been determined that the device is Qi-compatible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0076] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system, program, etc. that is easier to use than conventional systems, programs, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the construction transition of table 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (composition)

[0079] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the right side of the drawing is a smartphone 10 (communication terminal) owned by a user located "outside the vehicle." This smartphone 10 (hereinafter also referred to simply as "smartphone") has a memory unit 13, which stores a unique ID 14 that is an identifier unique to this smartphone 10. This smartphone 10 also has an NFC (Near Field Communication: short-range wireless communication device) 12. Furthermore, a dedicated app 11, which is a dedicated app (application: AP), has been downloaded and installed via a public line network (not shown). An icon for this dedicated app is displayed on the display screen of the smartphone 10.

[0080] An NFC communication R / W 20 (reader) is installed near the windshield (or quarter glass) on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel inside the vehicle. Note that this installation location is merely an example. This NFC communication R / W 20 (reader) has a built-in control unit 24 and a table 22 (registration means), and when a smartphone 10 is held over it, it reads a unique ID (unique identification information) stored in its memory unit 13. The control unit 24 also sends a control signal to a door lock control unit 40 (not shown) that locks and unlocks the doors. Upon receiving the control signal, the door lock control unit 40 controls the locking and unlocking of the doors. A push button 26 is provided on the top of the NFC communication R / W 20, and the control unit 24 can detect when this push button 26 is pressed.

[0081] An NFC R / W 30 (second reader) is installed in the vehicle cabin near the steering wheel (preferably at the left end of the steering wheel) on the dashboard within reach of the driver. A control unit 34 is built into this NFC R / W 30 (reader), and when the smartphone 10 is held over it, it reads a unique ID (unique identification information) stored in its memory unit 13. The control unit 34 can also reference the contents of a table 22 built into the NFC R / W 20. Furthermore, the control unit 34 sends a control signal to an engine control unit 50 (not shown) that starts and stops the engine. Receiving the control signal, the engine control unit 50 controls the engine start and stop. A push button 36 is provided on the top of the NFC R / W 30, and the control unit 34 can detect when the push button 36 is pressed. (operation) (Table 22 construction process)

[0082] Next, the process of building table 22 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4. Assume that four users, Owner A, Guest B, Guest C, and User D, are to be registered. The following operations are performed by the control unit 24. First, the owner must be registered. For example, by holding the smartphone 10 over the NFC communication R / W 20 while pressing a dedicated app button on the smartphone 10 and then pressing the push button 26 for a predetermined time, e.g., 30 seconds, the "usage mode" is automatically registered as "unrestricted" with the owner's unique ID "ID1" as shown in Figure 4(a). Another example is to provide a numeric keypad on the NFC communication R / W 20, enter a PIN using the numeric keypad, and then hold the smartphone 10 over the NFC communication R / W 20, but this is merely an example. Owner A's usage mode is then registered in table 22 as "unrestricted."

[0083] Next, guest B is registered. Before registering guest B, as shown in step 200 of FIG. 2, the smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20. Since the smartphone's unique ID is the same as the "ID1" registered as the owner, the smartphone 10 is determined to belong to the owner. Next, parameters are set in the owner's app 10. First, to register B as a guest, a display screen 320 like that shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed. The user touches the start button 304 and then the guest icon 300. This results in the display screen 320 shown in FIG. 3(b). The user enters the appropriate time and area in the time field 306 and area field 308 (in this example, "Time A" and Area B, respectively; this is step 210 of FIG. 2). Next, as shown in step 220, the owner's smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20. Then, as shown in step 230, guest B's smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20. The table 22 then becomes as shown in FIG. 4(b). That is, the unique ID 14 of guest B becomes "ID2", and the usage mode associated with this is registered in table 22 as "A time, B area only".

[0084] Registration of guest C is carried out in exactly the same way. As a result, the registered contents of table 22 are as shown in FIG. 4(c). That is, the unique ID "ID3" of guest C's smartphone 10 and the usage mode "limited to time C, area D" are registered in association with each other. It is assumed that "time C, area D" is entered for guest C.

[0085] Finally, user D is registered. Before registering user D, as shown in step 200 of FIG. 2, the smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20. Since the smartphone 10's unique ID is the same as "ID1" registered as the owner, the smartphone 10 is determined to belong to the owner. Next, parameters are set in the owner's app 10. First, a display screen 320 such as that shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed. To register D as a user, the user touches the start button 304 and then the user icon 302. This then changes to the display screen 320 shown in FIG. 3(C), and a message 310 is displayed on the display screen 320, which the owner confirms (this is step 210 of FIG. 2). Next, as shown in step 220, the owner holds the smartphone 10 over the NFC R / W 20. Next, as shown in step 230, user D's smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20. As a result, table 22 becomes as shown in FIG. 4(d). That is, the unique ID 14 of user D becomes "ID4", and the usage mode associated with this is registered in table 22 as "no time limit (but no entry)".

[0086] That is, as shown in Figure 2, first the owner's smartphone 10 is held over the NFC communication R / W 20 (step 200), then the owner's dedicated application 11 sets parameters (step 210), then the owner's smartphone 10 is held over the NFC communication R / W 20 (step 220), and then the smartphone 10 of the person (other than the owner) who wishes to register is held over the NFC communication R / W 20 (step 230). If this operation is continued, the number of items registered in the ID column and usage mode column of table 22 that are associated with each other will increase. This completes the registration operation. (When used by the owner: during normal use)

[0087] During normal use by the owner, the smartphone 10 operates as follows: The smartphone 10 is held over the NFC R / W 20 through glass. The NFC R / W 20 then reads the owner's unique ID. The control unit 24 references the table 22 and determines that the unique ID is the owner's unique ID "ID1." The control unit 24 then sends a control signal to the door lock control unit 40 to unlock the door. The door lock control unit 40 then unlocks the door. The owner, sitting in the driver's seat, places the smartphone 10 in a holder (not shown) for the NFC R / W 30. The NFC R / W 30 then also reads the smartphone 10's unique ID. The control unit 34 references the table 22 and determines that the read unique ID is the owner's ID "ID1." If the push button 36 is pressed as a result, the control unit 34 sends a control signal to the engine control unit 50 to start the engine. The engine control unit 50 then starts the engine (not shown). It is also possible to activate the music function of the smartphone 10 by using Bluetooth or the like of the smartphone 10 when the push button 36 is pressed. This arrangement is advantageous in that it saves the driver time and effort.

[0088] When the driver has finished driving, he or she presses the push button 36 again to send an engine stop control signal to the engine control unit 50. In response, the engine control unit 50 stops the engine. Then, the driver leaves the seat, goes outside the vehicle, and holds the smartphone 10 over the glass over the NFC communication R / W 20. The control unit 24 of the NFC communication R / W 20 then reads the unique ID 14 of the smartphone 10 and, by referring to the table 22, determines that the ID is a registered ID. The control unit 24 then sends a control signal to the door lock control unit 40 to lock the doors. The door lock control unit 24 then locks the doors. (When used by guests or users)

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the guest's usage time and area are limited. Therefore, if the guest is not within the usage time and area, the control unit 24 does not send a control signal to the door lock control unit 40 to unlock the door, even if the read unique ID is registered in the table. Therefore, the door will not open even if the smartphone 10 is held over it. Furthermore, if either the usage time or area is no longer met while driving, a message is read out to notify the guest that they will soon be unable to drive (e.g., the engine will be forced to stop). To realize these operations, the control unit 24 only needs to be equipped with a GPS function, a clock function, etc. Furthermore, in the case of a user, the user's actions are similar to those of the owner, but there are differences (e.g., the engine will not start).

[0090] As explained above, in this in-vehicle system 1, the control unit 24 of the NFC communication R / W 20 (reader) references the registered contents of the table 22 (registration means) that registers multiple types of unique identifiers (unique IDs 14) and the vehicle usage modes for each of these multiple types of unique identifiers, and controls the vehicle in accordance with the usage mode for the read unique identifier. Therefore, the registration of multiple types of unique identifiers means that smartphones 10 (communication terminals) owned by multiple people are registered, and therefore the vehicle can be controlled by the communication terminals owned by each of the multiple people.

[0091] Furthermore, if the contents of the table 22 (registration means) are registered so that the usage mode differs for each unique identifier, then the control mode of the vehicle will differ for each of multiple people. In other words, by registering (pairing) multiple unique identifiers in the table 22 (registration means) and registering different usage modes for each of the multiple unique identifiers, it becomes possible to perform different modes of vehicle control for different levels, such as "owner," "guest," and "user." The functions of the above-mentioned system can be realized by the CPU executing a program recorded in the ROM. Of course, part or all of the functions can also be realized using a dedicated LSI or memory chip.

[0092] In other words, this invention involves installing an NFC (or Felica (registered trademark)) reader near the windshield or front quarter glass during security and engine starting. A smartphone, conventional mobile phone (with Felica (registered trademark)), Suica (registered trademark) card, etc. is paired with a device installed in the vehicle in advance, and the door is unlocked when the device is held over the device in the vehicle. A similar reader (with a push button) is also installed near the steering wheel, and the vehicle engine can be started by pressing the button on the reader while the paired device used to unlock the door is placed on the reader near the steering wheel.

[0093] The benefits include "no need to carry vehicle keys" and "if multiple vehicles can be paired, the smartphone of a passenger, such as an acquaintance, can be used as the vehicle key." This means that even if a passenger gets separated from the driver, they can unlock the vehicle with their own smartphone, which is convenient when they leave something in the vehicle. Furthermore, it can be used to manage the operation of company vehicles.

[0094] More specifically, a unique ID (IDm) pre-programmed into the NFC or Felica (registered trademark) card is used to identify the paired device. To pair with a smartphone, a dedicated app must be installed in advance, the user presses the pairing button within the app, and then holds the smartphone over the vehicle-side device. Authentication is then completed when the smartphone sends a pairing message to the vehicle-side device. When pairing with a conventional mobile device with Felica (registered trademark) functionality or a device that does not support app installation, such as a Suica (registered trademark) card, authentication is achieved by pressing the pairing button on the vehicle-side device and then bringing the device close within XX seconds. Multiple levels of pairing are also available, such as "owner key," "guest key," and "user key." A guest key is valid for only XX hours after pairing, while a user key has no expiration date but does not allow changes to the vehicle-side device settings. (The level is set by operating the app or a button on the vehicle-side device during pairing.) The functions can be broadly divided into two categories: "door lock / unlock function" and "engine start / stop function."

[0095] Installing this device offers the following benefits. In the case of "personal use," the owner no longer needs to carry a car key; instead, they can use a smartphone, mobile device, or a credit card with built-in Suica (registered trademark) or Felica (registered trademark) functionality that they normally carry with them, simply improving convenience. Also, when traveling with a friend or other passenger, the passenger's smartphone can be registered in advance as a guest key. This allows the passenger to unlock the door using their own device, for example, if they become separated from the driver at a leisure facility such as a ski resort and leave something behind in the car.

[0096] In the case of corporate use, every employee has their own company car key, which increases convenience. Furthermore, when unlocking, starting the engine, locking, or stopping the engine, the vehicle's device stores user and time data as a log. The company car manager can later use an NFC-enabled management terminal (or management smartphone) to access the data for operational management. Furthermore, if all employees' keys are smartphones, GPS location information (or simplified location information from base stations) and 3G (or 4G) connections can be used. When the engine starts, a message indicating the vehicle is in use is sent to the server via the 3G connection. When the engine is stopped, the location information is checked via GPS, and if it is determined that the engine has been stopped near the company parking lot, a message indicating the vehicle is no longer in use is sent to the server. This allows the company to know from anywhere which vehicles are available.

[0097] Because the number of keys increases security risks, if the car is unlocked or the engine is started with a smartphone other than the one you manage (such as a guest key), the system is equipped with a function that notifies the owner by sending a message to the owner's smartphone via the 3G line of the smartphone used to unlock the car, saying "Unlocked with a guest key (Mr. / Ms. XX's key)," similar to the answerback function of a car security system. When you hold your smartphone over the vehicle's device to lock the car, a "Door Lock" icon will be displayed at all times, for example, in the notification area or widget at the top of Android, so that the owner can check if they think, "Huh, did I lock the door?" (The same applies when the car is unlocked with a guest key and a notification is sent via 3G). When the car is locked, the smartphone's GPS saves location information, providing guidance if the owner becomes lost in a shopping mall or other location (for example, by displaying it on Google Maps). (Tethering function) It is also preferable to have the following configuration. The wireless control unit includes a wireless control unit that is communicatively connected to each of the control units 24 and 34. The wireless control unit includes a wireless control unit, a wireless LAN communication unit connected to the wireless control unit, a Bluetooth communication unit connected to the wireless control unit, an operation input unit that is a group of push button switches connected to the wireless control unit, and a display unit that is a liquid crystal display, and is installed inside the vehicle cabin. The control units 24 and 34 record an operation log showing the operation status of the push buttons 26 and 36, a communication log including the content of communication in the NFC communication R / Ws 20 and 30, and a control log showing the output status of control signals. The logs acquire the content of the operation, communication, and control, as well as the time when the operation, communication, and control were performed, from a clock unit in each control unit and record them in non-volatile memory in the control unit. When the wireless LAN communication unit is connected to the wireless LAN communication unit of the smartphone 10 and an Internet connection is established using the tethering function of the smartphone 10, the wireless control unit has a function to acquire each log recorded in the non-volatile memory of each control unit from the control units 24 and 34 to a server connected to the Internet and transmit each log to the server. The wireless LAN communication unit and the Bluetooth communication unit have a general configuration that enables communication with each communication unit of the smartphone 10 with which they have been paired in advance. Then, when the smartphone 10 is connected to the paired Bluetooth communication unit, the smartphone 10 performs control to turn on the tethering function of the smartphone 10. This configuration eliminates the need for the user to turn on the tethering function of the smartphone 10. For example, it is possible to automatically turn on the tethering function of the smartphone 10 by simply approaching a vehicle while carrying the smartphone 10. While the battery life of the smartphone 10 is significantly reduced when the tethering function is on, this configuration has the excellent effect of eliminating the need to keep the tethering function on all the time and the hassle of switching the tethering function from off to on every time the user gets into the vehicle. The tethering function of smartphone 10 is preferably configured to communicate with a wireless LAN communication unit using the wireless LAN function of smartphone 10, and to communicate with the Internet using the 4G connection function of smartphone 10, and has the function of a router that relays the two between each other. It should be noted that Bluetooth pairing starts when the Bluetooth pairing push button switch on the operation input unit is pressed, and a list of surrounding devices that are in a searchable state is displayed on the display unit, and the device to connect to can be selected and input from the list using the cursor keys on the keyboard provided on the operation input unit. In addition, the SSID and encryption key for the wireless LAN function of the smartphone 10 are set and stored in advance by inputting them from the keyboard provided in the operation input unit, and when pairing of the smartphone 10 is turned on and the smartphone 10 stored in the identifier to be searched appears, a wireless LAN connection is made with that smartphone 10. In addition, if a paired mobile terminal is detected while the wireless LAN communication unit is already communicating with another wireless LAN device, the wireless LAN connection partner may be changed to the paired mobile terminal. For example, information used for Bluetooth pairing and information used for wireless LAN connection may be stored in association with each other, and based on this association, the wireless LAN connection partner may be changed using the information used for wireless LAN connection of the Bluetooth paired mobile terminal. However, if the paired smartphone 10 appears while the system is already communicating with another wireless LAN device, it is particularly preferable that the wireless LAN connection partner is not changed to the paired mobile terminal. In the case of such a configuration, the smartphone 10 is preferably configured not to control the turning on of the tethering function of the smartphone 10 even when the ID of the paired Bluetooth communication unit appears. Furthermore, the smartphone 10 may be configured to perform control to turn off the tethering function of the smartphone 10 when the ID of the paired Bluetooth connection unit is no longer detected. In this way, when the user leaves the vehicle carrying the smartphone 10, for example, when the user leaves the vehicle and moves away from the in-vehicle device, the tethering of the mobile terminal can be automatically turned off. This provides the excellent effect of preventing the tethering function from remaining on, and eliminating the need to switch the tethering function from on to off each time the user gets out of the vehicle. The wireless control unit is preferably configured to receive power from the vehicle when the engine is on, and not receive power from the vehicle when the engine is off, and to operate when power is received from the vehicle. In this way, when the engine is turned on, for example, the pairing of the smartphone 10 carried by the passenger with the system can be confirmed, and the tethering of the smartphone 10 is automatically turned on. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the smartphone 10 also has a function for controlling to turn off the tethering function of the smartphone 10 when the ID of the paired Bluetooth connection unit is no longer detected, the tethering of the smartphone 10 is automatically turned off when the engine is turned off. The Bluetooth connection function may be a communication connection function such as the Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile) or DUN (Dial-up Networking Profile), but it is particularly preferable to use an audio connection function such as the HSP (Headset Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile), or A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). In particular, the system may be connected to or include at least one of a microphone or a speaker, and may be configured to receive audio transmitted from the smartphone 10 and output it from the speaker, or to transmit audio captured by the microphone from the system to the smartphone 10. The wireless control unit is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured as an independent device that can be mounted on a vehicle and is not connected to the control unit 24 and the control unit 34. For example, a configuration including a radar detector with a wireless control unit and a smartphone 10 is preferable. For example, the radar detector is provided with a Bluetooth communication unit and a WiFi communication unit, and the Bluetooth communication unit is paired with the smartphone 10 in advance. A dedicated app with the above-mentioned functions is installed in advance on the smartphone 10. The dedicated app has a Bluetooth connection detection function and a tethering ON / OFF control function. When the engine is turned on, the smartphone 10 and radar detector are connected via Bluetooth. When the smartphone 10 determines that the radar has been connected via Bluetooth, it automatically switches tethering to ON. When the engine is turned off, the Bluetooth connection is lost, and so tethering is automatically switched to OFF. Some radar detectors can update GPS data by using a wireless LAN tethering function. However, conventional radar detectors only allow automatic updates at startup if wireless LAN reception is possible in a garage or garden, and it is entirely possible that wireless LAN signals may not reach the garage (such as for users of monthly parking lots). In such cases, the user must manually turn the tethering function on and off, which can be inconvenient, and leaving tethering on all the time can significantly reduce battery life. However, the above-mentioned configuration solves these problems. The components of the contents of each embodiment, and the elements and ideas described in the means for solving the problems may be combined in any manner to form an embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Smartphones 11 Dedicated App 12. NFC 20 NFC communication R / W 22 tables 24 Control Unit 26 push button 30 NFC communication R / W 34 Control Unit 36 push button 40 Door lock control unit 50 Engine control unit

Claims

1. A mobile terminal and a vehicle-side system that reads information from the mobile terminal present around the vehicle by wireless signal, and controls the execution of a predetermined operation when predetermined authentication is performed between the vehicle and the mobile terminal based on the information; In a system comprising: the vehicle-side system has a function of determining that the authentication has been successful when the device is a device that has been paired with the system in advance, as the predetermined authentication, and a transmission function separate from the reading of information by the wireless signal, the separate transmission function being a function of transmitting information between the vehicle-side system and the portable terminal that have been paired with the vehicle-side system, The mobile terminal has a function of performing control to turn on a tethering function of the mobile terminal when the vehicle-side system with which the pairing has been completed appears, and a function of performing control to turn off the tethering function of the mobile terminal when the vehicle-side system with which the pairing has been completed disappears. A system characterized by:

2. The vehicle-side system is configured to receive power from the vehicle side when the engine is on, and not receive power from the vehicle side when the engine is off, When power is supplied from the vehicle, the device is equipped with a function to read information via the wireless signal and a function to perform the separate transmission function. The system of claim 1 .

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