Key System

Abstract

To prevent an accident caused by leaving an occupant behind in a vehicle.SOLUTION: A key system 1 includes: a first portable device 3 which is carried by the driver of a vehicle 2, receives a collation signal transmitted from the vehicle 2, and transmits a first response signal corresponding to the collation signal; a plurality of second portable devices 4 which are respectively carried by a plurality of occupants of the vehicle 2, receive the collation signal transmitted from the vehicle 2, and transmit a second response signal corresponding to the collation signal; an antenna device 22 which transmits the collation signal and receives the first response signal and each second response signal; and a vehicle control device 23 which controls a door to a locked state or an unlocked state on the basis of an operation signal indicating a lock operation or an unlock operation of the door and the first response signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 outside the vehicle 2 on the basis of the first response signal and detects the second portable device 4 inside the vehicle 2 on the basis of the second response signal, the vehicle control device rejects the lock operation to control the door to the unlocked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Portable transmitters are known that aim to ensure road safety for vulnerable road users such as kindergarteners, school children, and the elderly. For example, the portable transmitter disclosed in Patent Document 1 emits weak radio waves that are received by automobiles, thereby alerting automobile drivers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-185980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the portable transmitter disclosed in Patent Document 1 can alert the driver to the presence of pedestrians while the vehicle is moving, it cannot detect when occupants remaining in the vehicle are left unattended for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter also referred to as "abandonment").

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the key system of the present invention is a key system that locks or unlocks the doors of a vehicle through wireless communication between the vehicle and a portable device, and includes a first portable device carried by the driver of the vehicle, receiving a verification signal transmitted from the vehicle and transmitting a first response signal in response to the verification signal, a plurality of second portable devices carried by each of a plurality of occupants of the vehicle, receiving the verification signal transmitted from the vehicle and transmitting a second response signal in response to the verification signal, and an antenna mounted on the vehicle, transmitting the verification signal and receiving the first response signal and each of the second response signals. and a vehicle control device mounted on the vehicle and connected to the antenna device, for controlling the doors to a locked state or an unlocked state based on an operation signal indicating a locking operation or an unlocking operation of the doors and the first response signal, wherein the vehicle control device detects the first portable unit based on the first response signal and detects each of the second portable units based on each of the second response signals, and when the vehicle control device detects the first portable unit outside the vehicle and the second portable unit inside the vehicle, rejects the locking operation and controls the doors to the unlocked state.

[0007] With this configuration, even if the driver leaves the vehicle and occupants remain inside, the key system allows the remaining occupants to open the door from inside the vehicle, preventing occupants from becoming trapped inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the key system can relatively easily detect occupants remaining inside the vehicle using an existing smart entry system. Therefore, the key system of the present invention can easily prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind inside the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent accidents caused by passengers being left behind in a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the key system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the antenna device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the key system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the key system performed subsequent to FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the key system performed subsequent to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components with the same reference numerals in each embodiment have the same functions in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a key system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the key system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the antenna device 22 shown in Fig. 2.

[0012] The key system 1 is a key system that locks or unlocks the doors of the vehicle 2 through wireless communication between the vehicle 2 and a portable device (a so-called smart key). The key system 1 is a so-called smart entry system. For example, the vehicle 2 may be a vehicle that transports occupants to and from various facilities such as daycare centers, nursery schools, kindergartens, schools, after-school clubs, cram schools, play facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. The occupants of the vehicle 2 are users of the various facilities, such as kindergarteners, after-school children, or elderly people, and are registered in advance.

[0013] The key system 1 comprises a vehicle 2, a first portable device 3 carried by the driver of the vehicle 2, a second portable device 4 carried by a passenger of the vehicle 2 other than the driver, an information management device 5 that manages the operation records of the vehicle 2, and a terminal device 6 owned by the passenger's guardian and persons related to the passenger, including the driver.

[0014] The vehicle 2, the information management device 5, and the terminal device 6 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate wirelessly via an exterior communication network N. Furthermore, the exterior communication network N is connected to terminal devices of various related parties 7, including various facilities where the vehicle 2 transports occupants, the management company or security company of the vehicle 2, or public institutions such as the police or government offices.

[0015] The first portable device 3 is a so-called smart key, and is a portable device for locking or unlocking the doors of the vehicle 2 through wireless communication with the vehicle 2. The first portable device 3 includes a processor 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, and a battery 34. The processor 31 executes a program 321 stored in the RAM 32, thereby realizing the functions of the first portable device 3.

[0016] Furthermore, the first portable device 3 includes an LF receiving unit 35 that receives an LF (Low Frequency) signal (for example, around 130 kHz) that is a verification signal transmitted from the vehicle 2, and an RF transmitting unit 36 ​​that transmits an RF (Radio Frequency) signal (for example, around 315 MHz) that is a first response signal in response to the verification signal. The RF transmitting unit 36 ​​transmits, as the first response signal, an RF signal that includes an ID 331 that is identification information of the first portable device 3 (or identification information of the vehicle 2) that is stored in the ROM 33, and key information 332 that is stored in the ROM 33 and used for verification.

[0017] The first portable device 3 may also include a switch that accepts a locking operation or an unlocking operation to lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle 2 from a remote location outside the vehicle 2. When the switch that accepts the locking operation is pressed, the first portable device 3 may transmit an RF signal including an operation signal that indicates the locking operation. When the switch that accepts the unlocking operation is pressed, the first portable device 3 may transmit an RF signal including an operation signal that indicates the unlocking operation.

[0018] The second portable device 4 is a portable device that performs wireless communication with the vehicle 2 but does not have a function for locking or unlocking the doors of the vehicle 2. The second portable device 4 includes a processor 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and a battery 44. The processor 41 executes a program 421 stored in the RAM 42, thereby realizing the functions of the second portable device 4.

[0019] Furthermore, the second portable device 4 includes an LF receiving unit 45 that receives an LF signal that is a verification signal transmitted from the vehicle 2, and an RF transmitting unit 46 that transmits an RF signal that is a second response signal in response to the verification signal. The RF transmitting unit 46 transmits, as the second response signal, an RF signal that includes an ID 431 that is identification information of the second portable device 4 stored in the ROM 43.

[0020] Furthermore, the second portable device 4 may be equipped with a buzzer transmitter 47 that emits a buzzer sound in response to a predetermined operation on the second portable device 4, allowing it to double as a security buzzer. This allows the occupant to share a power source between the second portable device 4 and the security buzzer, eliminating the need for separate devices. Therefore, the key system 1 can improve occupant convenience while preventing accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0021] The vehicle 2 includes a door handle sensor 21, an antenna device 22, a vehicle control device 23, a notification device 24, and a communication device 25.

[0022] The notification device 24 is a device that is mounted on the vehicle 2 and issues an alert. The notification device 24 may be configured, for example, with a speaker, a warning light, a blinker, etc. of the vehicle 2. The notification device 24 issues an alert to the outside of the vehicle 2 in response to a notification instruction output from the vehicle control device 23.

[0023] The communication device 25 is a device that performs wireless communication with the information management device 5 and the like via the external vehicle communication network N. The communication device 25 is configured by a DCM (Data Communication Module) and the like. The communication device 25 transmits a notification output from the vehicle control device 23 to the information management device 5.

[0024] The door handle sensor 21 is a sensor that detects a locking operation to lock the doors of the vehicle 2 or an unlocking operation to unlock the doors of the vehicle 2. The door handle sensor 21 may be configured by a touch sensor, a switch, or the like attached near the outer handle of the door. When the door handle sensor 21 detects a locking operation of the door, it outputs an operation signal indicative of the locking operation to the vehicle control device 23. When the door handle sensor 21 detects an unlocking operation of the door, it outputs an operation signal indicative of the unlocking operation to the vehicle control device 23.

[0025] The antenna device 22 is a device that performs wireless communication with the first portable device 3 and the second portable device 4. The antenna device 22 includes an LF transmitter 221 that transmits an LF signal that is a matching signal. The antenna device 22 includes an RF receiver 222 that receives an RF signal that is a first response signal transmitted from the first portable device 3 and receives an RF signal that is a second response signal transmitted from each of the plurality of second portable devices 4. The hardware configuration of the antenna device 22 is not particularly limited, and the LF transmitter 221 and the RF receiver 222 may be configured as separate devices.

[0026] When the RF receiving unit 222 receives an RF signal transmitted from the first portable device 3, it acquires a first response signal included in the received RF signal and outputs it to the vehicle control device 23. When the RF receiving unit 222 receives an RF signal transmitted from the first portable device 3, it acquires an operation signal indicating a locking operation or an unlocking operation included in the received RF signal and outputs it to the vehicle control device 23. When the RF receiving unit 222 receives an RF signal transmitted from the second portable device 4, it acquires a second response signal included in the received RF signal and outputs it to the vehicle control device 23.

[0027] The antenna device 22 is disposed near the outer handle of the door of the vehicle 2, and multiple antenna devices 22 are disposed inside the vehicle 2. As shown in Fig. 3, for example, the multiple antenna devices 22 disposed inside the vehicle 2 are disposed so that the communication range of the LF signal (for example, a range with a radius of about 70 cm) can cover a driver's seat 26, multiple passenger seats 27, and entrance doors 28 without any blind spots.

[0028] The antenna device 22 arranged near the outer door handle transmits an LF signal at predetermined intervals (e.g., several tens of milliseconds) when, for example, a door of the vehicle 2 is locked or unlocked. The multiple antenna devices 22 arranged inside the vehicle 2 transmit LF signals at predetermined intervals (e.g., several tens of milliseconds) until a certain time (e.g., several tens of seconds) has elapsed since the door of the vehicle 2 (including the door 28 at the entrance / exit) was opened or closed.

[0029] The vehicle control device 23 is an electronic control device that is connected to the door handle sensor 21 and the antenna device 22 and controls the doors of the vehicle 2 to be locked or unlocked. The vehicle control device 23 includes a collating unit 231, a detecting unit 232, a door control unit 233, and an information output unit 234.

[0030] The matching unit 231 matches the key information 332 included in the first response signal received by the antenna device 22 with key information preset in the matching unit 231, thereby authenticating that the first portable device 3 that is the sender of the first response signal is a legitimate portable device compatible with the vehicle 2. The matching unit 231 outputs the authentication result of the first portable device 3 that is the sender of the first response signal to the door control unit 233 and the information output unit 234.

[0031] Specifically, the detection unit 232 identifies the first portable device 3 that is the sender of the first response signal based on the ID 331 included in the first response signal received by the antenna device 22, and detects the location of the first portable device 3 based on the radio wave intensity of the first response signal. In particular, the detection unit 232 can detect the location of the first portable device 3 by distinguishing, based on the first response signal, whether the first portable device 3 is detected outside the vehicle 2 or where the first portable device 3 is detected inside the vehicle 2. Similarly, the detection unit 232 identifies each second portable device 4 that is the sender of each second response signal based on each ID 431 included in each second response signal received by the antenna device 22, and detects the location of each second portable device 4 based on the radio wave intensity of the first response signal. In particular, the detection unit 232 can detect the position of each second portable device 4 by distinguishing whether each second portable device 4 was detected outside the vehicle 2 or where each second portable device 4 was detected inside the vehicle 2 based on each second response signal.

[0032] As a result, the detection unit 232 can detect whether the driver carrying the first portable device 3 has gotten into or gotten out of the vehicle 2, and whether the occupants carrying each second portable device 4 have gotten into or gotten out of the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the detection unit 232 can identify which occupant is located where in the vehicle 2. That is, the detection unit 232 can detect the riding status of the driver and occupants. The detection unit 232 outputs the detection result to the door control unit 233 and the information output unit 234.

[0033] The door control unit 233 controls the doors to a locked state or an unlocked state based on the first response signal received by the antenna device 22 and an operation signal indicating a locking operation or an unlocking operation of the doors. Specifically, when the first portable device 3 that is the sender of the first response signal is authenticated by the collating unit 231 and detected outside the vehicle 2 by the detecting unit 232, and an operation signal indicating a locking operation or an unlocking operation is output by the door handle sensor 21 or the antenna device 22, the door control unit 233 controls the door to a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0034] However, even if the first portable device 3 is authenticated and detected outside the vehicle 2, and an operation signal indicating a locking operation is output, if the second portable device 4 that sent the second response signal is detected inside the vehicle 2, the door control unit 233 rejects the locking operation and controls the doors to an unlocked state. This allows the remaining occupants in the vehicle 2 to open the doors from inside the vehicle 2 even when the driver has left the vehicle 2 and occupants remain inside the vehicle 2, preventing occupants from being trapped inside the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the key system 1 can relatively easily detect occupants remaining in the vehicle 2 by using an existing smart entry system. Therefore, the key system 1 can easily prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0035] The information output unit 234 outputs information related to the occupancy status of the occupants in the vehicle 2. Specifically, when the first portable device 3 is detected outside the vehicle 2 and the second portable device 4 is detected inside the vehicle 2, the information output unit 234 outputs an alarm instruction to the alarm device 24 to notify that the occupant carrying the second portable device 4 remains in the vehicle 2. The alarm device 24 issues an alert in response to the alarm instruction to the outside of the vehicle 2. This allows the key system 1 to notify the driver or other persons outside the vehicle 2 that an occupant remains in the vehicle 2, thereby reliably preventing the occupant from being trapped inside the vehicle 2. Therefore, the key system 1 can easily and reliably prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0036] Furthermore, when the first portable device 3 is detected outside the vehicle 2 and the second portable device 4 is detected inside the vehicle 2, the information output unit 234 outputs information indicating that an occupant carrying the second portable device 4 remains at the position inside the vehicle 2 identified by the detection unit 232 to the communication device 25. The communication device 25 transmits the information to the information management device 5.

[0037] Furthermore, when the situation in which the second portable device 4 remains in the vehicle 2 continues for a predetermined time after the first portable device 3 is detected outside the vehicle 2 and the second portable device 4 is detected inside the vehicle 2, the information output unit 234 outputs information indicating that the occupant carrying the identified second portable device 4 has been left behind in the vehicle 2 to the communication device 25. The communication device 25 transmits the information to the information management device 5.

[0038] The information management device 5 is configured by a server device connected to the vehicle 2 via the external vehicle communication network N. The information management device 5 has a database that stores operation records of the vehicle 2, including the occupancy status of occupants, transmitted from the vehicle 2, and manages the operation records of the vehicle 2. When the information management device 5 receives information transmitted from the vehicle 2, it registers the information in the database and transmits a notification according to the information to the terminal device 6 and the relevant parties 7.

[0039] In particular, when the information management device 5 receives information indicating that an occupant carrying the second portable device 4 remains at a specified location in the vehicle 2, the information management device 5 transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that the occupant carrying the second portable device remains at that location. The terminal device 6 displays the notification transmitted from the information management device 5. This allows the key system 1 to identify which occupant remains in the vehicle 2 and notify relevant parties of the occupant's riding status in the vehicle 2. Therefore, the key system 1 can promptly respond to the occupant, such as rescuing the occupant remaining in the vehicle 2, before they are left behind. Therefore, the key system 1 can easily and reliably prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0040] Furthermore, when the information management device 5 receives information indicating that an occupant carrying the second portable device 4 has been left behind in the vehicle 2, it transmits a notification indicating that the occupant carrying the second portable device has been left behind to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification transmitted from the information management device 5. This allows the key system 1 to notify those related to the occupant that an occupant has been left behind in the vehicle 2. Therefore, the key system 1 can promptly respond to the occupant, such as rescuing the occupant left behind in the vehicle 2. Therefore, the key system 1 can easily and reliably prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0041] The terminal device 6 is configured by a smartphone, a PC, or the like connected to the information management device 5 via the external vehicle communication network N. The terminal device 6 receives the notification transmitted from the information management device 5 and displays it on the display of the terminal device 6.

[0042] Furthermore, when the terminal device 6 receives a notification that an occupant has been left behind in the vehicle 2, it can accept a remote locking operation to remotely lock the doors of the vehicle 2 and send it to the vehicle 2. The door control unit 233 of the vehicle control device 23 controls the doors to the locked state in response to the remote locking operation. This allows the key system 1 to prevent a third party from entering the vehicle 2 until the occupant left behind in the vehicle 2 is rescued. Therefore, the key system 1 can easily and reliably prevent an accident caused by an occupant being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0043] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the key system 1. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the key system 1 performed subsequent to Fig. 4.

[0044] 4 and 5, an example of the operation of the key system 1 will be described along the flow of a series of transportation operations from the stage when the driver of the vehicle 2 starts to transport the occupant to the stage when the transportation is completed.

[0045] When the driver of the vehicle 2 gets into the vehicle 2 at the departure point, the driver unlocks the doors of the vehicle 2 (step S1). When the door handle sensor 21 or the antenna device 22 outputs an operation signal indicating an unlocking operation, the vehicle control device 23 outputs an instruction to transmit an LF signal, which is a verification signal, to the antenna device 22. The antenna device 22 transmits the LF signal, which is a verification signal (step S2). The first portable device 3 carried by the driver transmits an RF signal, which is a first response signal, in response to the LF signal (step S3). The vehicle control device 23 controls the doors to an unlocked state based on the ID 331 and key information 332 included in the RF signal (step S4). The driver opens the door and gets into the vehicle 2 (step S5). The vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 inside the vehicle 2, the vehicle control device 23 detects that the driver has gotten into the vehicle 2 based on the ID 331 included in the RF signal (step S6). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the driver has boarded the vehicle to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information, the information management device 5 starts registering the operation record of the vehicle 2 (step S7), and also transmits a notification indicating that registration of the operation record of the vehicle 2 has started to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S8).

[0046] The driver aboard vehicle 2 drives vehicle 2 until vehicle 2 arrives at the bus stop. When vehicle 2 arrives at the bus stop, the driver opens and closes the door at the entrance (step S9). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal (step S10). A passenger waiting at the bus stop boards vehicle 2 (step S11). The second portable device 4 carried by the passenger transmits an RF signal, which is a second response signal, in response to the LF signal (step S12). The vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 carried by the passenger in vehicle 2, it detects that the passenger has boarded vehicle 2 based on the ID 431 included in the RF signal (step S13). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the passenger has boarded vehicle 2 to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. When the information management device 5 receives the information, it registers that the occupant has boarded the vehicle (step S14), updates the operation record, and transmits a notification indicating that the occupant has boarded the vehicle to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S15).

[0047] After letting the occupant board the vehicle 2, the driver drives the vehicle 2 until the vehicle 2 arrives at the destination. When the vehicle 2 arrives at the destination, the driver opens and closes the door at the entrance (step S16). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal (step S17). The occupant in the vehicle 2 disembarks from the vehicle 2 (step S18). The second portable device 4 carried by the occupant transmits an RF signal, which is a second response signal, in response to the LF signal (step S19). The vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 carried by the occupant outside the vehicle 2, the vehicle control device 23 detects that the occupant has disembarked from the vehicle 2 based on the ID 431 included in the RF signal (step S20). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the occupant has disembarked to the communication device 25 and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. When the information management device 5 receives the information, it registers that the occupant has disembarked (step S21) to update the operation record, and also transmits a notification indicating that the occupant has disembarked to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S22).

[0048] After the driver has finished picking up and dropping off the passengers, he opens the door and gets out of the vehicle 2 (step S31). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal. The first portable device 3 carried by the driver transmits an RF signal, which is a first response signal, in response to the LF signal. The vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 outside the vehicle 2, it detects that the driver has dismounted from the vehicle 2 based on the ID 331 included in the RF signal (step S32). Upon detecting that the driver has dismounted, the vehicle control device 23 determines whether or not an RF signal, which is a second response signal transmitted from the second portable device 4, has been received, thereby determining whether or not an occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 has been detected (step S33). If no occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 has been detected, the key system 1 proceeds to step S50. If an occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 has been detected, the key system 1 proceeds to step S34. The vehicle control device 23 rejects the door lock operation and sets the door to be unlocked (step S34). The vehicle control device 23 outputs a notification instruction to the notification device 24 to notify that an occupant remains in the vehicle 2, and causes the notification device 24 to issue an alert in response to the notification instruction (step S34).

[0049] The driver who has exited vehicle 2 locks the doors of vehicle 2 (step S35). The vehicle control device 23 rejects the locking operation (step S36), outputs a notification instruction to the notification device 24 to notify that an occupant remains in vehicle 2, and causes the notification device 24 to issue an alert in response to the notification instruction (step S36). The vehicle control device 23 identifies the location of the occupant remaining in vehicle 2 (step S36). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that an occupant remains in the identified position in vehicle 2 and information indicating that the door locking operation is set to be rejected to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information, the information management device 5 registers that an occupant remains in the identified position in vehicle 2 and that the door locking operation is set to be rejected (step S37), and updates the operation record. The information management device 5 transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that an occupant remains at the specified position in the vehicle 2 and that the door lock operation is set to be rejected. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S38).

[0050] The driver who has received the alert opens and closes the doors, such as the entrance and exit doors (step S39), and takes measures against the occupants, such as rescuing the occupants (step S39). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal (step S40). The occupants remaining in the vehicle 2 exit the vehicle 2 (step S41). The second portable device 4 carried by the occupants transmits an RF signal, which is a second response signal, in response to the LF signal (step S42). The vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 carried by the occupant outside the vehicle 2, the vehicle control device 23 detects that the occupant has exited the vehicle 2 based on the ID 431 included in the RF signal (step S43). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the occupant has exited the vehicle 2 to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. When the information management device 5 receives the information, it registers that the occupant has disembarked (step S44) to update the operation record, and also transmits a notification indicating that the occupant has disembarked to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S45).

[0051] The vehicle control device 23, which has detected that an occupant has exited the vehicle 2, determines whether or not it has detected any occupants remaining in the vehicle 2 (step S46). If it has detected any occupants remaining in the vehicle 2, the key system 1 proceeds to step S36. If it has not detected any occupants remaining in the vehicle 2, the key system 1 proceeds to step S47. The vehicle control device 23 cancels the setting that rejects door locking operations (step S47). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the setting that rejects door locking operations has been canceled to the communication device 25, which then transmits the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information, the information management device 5 registers that the setting that rejects door locking operations has been canceled (step S48), updates the driving record, and transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that the setting that rejects door locking operations has been canceled. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S49).

[0052] The driver who has exited the vehicle 2 with no remaining occupants locks the doors of the vehicle 2 (step S50). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal. The first portable device 3 carried by the driver transmits an RF signal, which is a first response signal, in response to the LF signal. The vehicle control device 23 controls the doors to be locked based on the ID 331 and key information 332 contained in the RF signal (step S51). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that no occupants remain and that the driver has exited the vehicle to the communication device 25, which then transmits the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information, the information management device 5 completes the registration of the vehicle 2's operation record (step S52) and creates a report related to the operation record (step S52). The information management device 5 transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that the registration of the vehicle 2's operation record has been completed. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S53). This completes the series of transportation services, and the operation of the key system 1 is terminated.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the key system 1 performed following FIG.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows an example in which an occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 was detected and an alert was issued, and then occupant action was taken promptly to rescue the occupant. Fig. 6 shows an example in which an occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 was detected and an alert was issued, and then occupant action was not taken promptly to rescue the occupant.

[0055] In steps S61 to S63 shown in Fig. 6, the key system 1 operates in the same manner as steps S31 to S33 shown in Fig. 5. However, if the vehicle control device 23 detects an occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 in step S63, the key system 1 proceeds to step S64.

[0056] The vehicle control device 23 sets the door to be controlled to an unlocked state by refusing a door locking operation (step S64). The vehicle control device 23 outputs a notification instruction to the notification device 24 to notify that an occupant remains in the vehicle 2, and causes the notification device 24 to issue an alert in response to the notification instruction (step S64). The vehicle control device 23 identifies the location of the occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 (step S64). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that an occupant remains in the identified location within the vehicle 2 and information indicating that the door locking operation is set to be refused to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information, the information management device 5 registers that an occupant remains in the identified location within the vehicle 2 and that the door locking operation is set to be refused (step S65), and updates the operation record. The information management device 5 transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that an occupant remains in the identified location within the vehicle 2 and that the door locking operation is set to be refused. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S66).

[0057] The vehicle control device 23, which has been set to reject door locking operations, determines whether or not the driver has taken action to rescue the occupant, such as by opening or closing a door at the entrance or exit (step S67). If an action has been taken, the key system 1 proceeds to step S40 shown in Figure 5. If an action has not been taken, the key system 1 proceeds to step S68.

[0058] The vehicle control device 23 determines whether the occupant has remained in the vehicle 2 for a predetermined period of time by determining whether the second portable device 4 carried by the occupant remaining in the vehicle 2 has remained in the vehicle 2 for a predetermined period of time (step S68). If the occupant has not remained in the vehicle 2 for a predetermined period of time, the key system 1 proceeds to step S67. If the occupant has remained in the vehicle 2 for a predetermined period of time, the key system 1 proceeds to step S69. The vehicle control device 23 detects that the occupant has been left behind in the vehicle 2 (step S69). The vehicle control device 23 identifies the location of the occupant left behind in the vehicle 2 (step S69). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the occupant has been left at the identified location in the vehicle 2 to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. Upon receiving the information indicating the information, the information management device 5 registers that the occupant has been left behind at the identified location in the vehicle 2 (step S70) and updates the driving record. The information management device 5 transmits a notification to the terminal device 6 indicating that an occupant has been left behind at the identified location in the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the information management device 5 transmits the notification to the terminal devices of the relevant parties 7, and cooperates with the relevant parties 7 to deal with the occupant (step S70).

[0059] The terminal device 6 displays a notification indicating that an occupant has been left behind at the identified location within the vehicle 2 (step S71). The terminal device 6 transmits the notification to the terminal devices of the relevant parties 7, and cooperates with the relevant parties 7 to have them handle the occupant (step S71). Furthermore, the terminal device 6 displays a screen for accepting a remote locking operation to remotely control the doors of the vehicle 2 to a locked state. Upon accepting the remote locking operation, the terminal device 6 transmits a remote locking instruction corresponding to the remote locking operation to the vehicle 2. In response to the remote locking instruction corresponding to the remote locking operation, the vehicle control device 23 cancels the setting that rejects the door locking operation (step S72) and controls the doors to a locked state (step S72). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the setting that rejects the door locking operation has been canceled and information indicating that the doors have been controlled to a locked state in response to the remote locking operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "remotely locked state") to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. When the information management device 5 receives the information, it registers that the setting to reject door locking operations has been released and that the vehicle is in a remote lock state (step S73) and updates the operation record. The information management device 5 transmits a notification indicating that the setting to reject door locking operations has been released and that the vehicle is in a remote lock state to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S74).

[0060] Upon learning that the occupant has been left behind, the driver or a person in charge at each relevant location 7 opens and closes the doors of the entrance and exit area, etc. (step S75), and takes measures to deal with the occupant, such as rescuing the occupant (step S75). The antenna device 22 transmits an LF signal, which is a verification signal (step S76). The occupant left inside the vehicle 2 gets out of the vehicle 2 (step S77). The second portable device 4 carried by the occupant transmits an RF signal, which is a second response signal, in response to the LF signal (step S78). The vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 based on the RF signal. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the second portable device 4 carried by the occupant outside the vehicle 2, the vehicle control device 23 detects that the occupant has gotten out of the vehicle 2 based on the ID 431 included in the RF signal (step S79). The vehicle control device 23 outputs information indicating that the occupant has gotten out of the vehicle to the communication device 25, and causes the communication device 25 to transmit the information to the information management device 5. When the information management device 5 receives the information, it registers that the occupant has disembarked (step S80) to update the operation record, and also transmits a notification indicating that the occupant has disembarked to the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 displays the notification (step S81).

[0061] Thereafter, although not shown in Fig. 6, the key system 1 performs steps S50 to S53 shown in Fig. 5. This completes the series of transportation services, and the operation of the key system 1 ends.

[0062] As described above, the key system 1 of this embodiment is a key system that locks or unlocks the doors of the vehicle 2 through wireless communication between the vehicle 2 and a portable device. The key system 1 includes: a first portable device 3 carried by the driver of the vehicle 2, which receives a verification signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 and transmits a first response signal in response to the verification signal; multiple second portable devices 4 carried by each of the vehicle 2's occupants, which receive the verification signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 and transmit second response signals in response to the verification signal; an antenna device 22 mounted on the vehicle 2, which transmits the verification signal and receives the first and second response signals; and a vehicle control device 23 mounted on the vehicle 2 and connected to the antenna device 22, which controls the doors to a locked or unlocked state based on an operation signal indicating a door locking or unlocking operation and the first response signal. The vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 based on the first response signal and detects each of the second portable devices 4 based on the second response signals. When the vehicle control device 23 detects the first portable device 3 outside the vehicle 2 and the second portable device 4 inside the vehicle 2, the vehicle control device 23 rejects the locking operation and controls the doors to an unlocked state.

[0063] As a result, the key system 1 of this embodiment allows occupants remaining in the vehicle 2 to open the door from inside the vehicle 2 even when the driver has left the vehicle 2, preventing occupants from being trapped inside the vehicle 2. Moreover, the key system 1 can relatively easily detect occupants remaining in the vehicle 2 by using an existing smart entry system. Therefore, the key system 1 of this embodiment can easily prevent accidents caused by occupants being left behind in the vehicle 2.

[0064] The key system 1 can be applied not only to the vehicle 2 but also to physically closed spaces where the entrance doors are locked for indoor nursing care. For example, the key system 1 can be applied to various facilities such as daycare centers, nursery schools, kindergartens, schools, after-school clubs, cram schools, play facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. In this case, the key system 1 can control the locking of the entrance doors of such various facilities, identify facility users who have been left behind, issue alerts to facility managers, notify relevant parties, and manage entry and exit records.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims. In the present invention, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1... key system, 2... vehicle, 22... antenna device, 23... vehicle control device, 24... notification device, 3... first portable device, 4... second portable device, 5... information management device, 6... terminal device

Claims

1. A key system that locks or unlocks a door of a vehicle by wireless communication between the vehicle and a portable device, a first portable device carried by a driver of the vehicle, receiving a verification signal transmitted from the vehicle, and transmitting a first response signal in response to the verification signal; a plurality of second portable devices carried by a plurality of occupants of the vehicle, each of which receives the verification signal transmitted from the vehicle and transmits a second response signal in response to the verification signal; an antenna device mounted on the vehicle, which transmits the verification signal and receives the first response signal and each of the second response signals; a vehicle control device that is mounted on the vehicle and connected to the antenna device, and that controls the door to a locked state or an unlocked state based on an operation signal that indicates a locking operation or an unlocking operation of the door and the first response signal; an information management device connected to the vehicle via an external communication network and managing an operation record of the vehicle including the riding status of the occupant transmitted from the vehicle; a terminal device connected to the information management device and the vehicle via the exterior communication network, The vehicle control device includes: Detecting the first portable device based on the first response signal and detecting each second portable device based on each second response signal; when the first portable device is detected outside the vehicle and the second portable device is detected inside the vehicle, the locking operation is rejected and the door is controlled to the unlocked state, and the location of the detected second portable device inside the vehicle is identified and remaining information indicating that the occupant carrying the second portable device is remaining at the identified location is transmitted to the information management device; when a situation in which the second portable device remains inside the vehicle continues for a predetermined time after the first portable device is detected outside the vehicle and the second portable device is detected inside the vehicle, transmitting abandoned information to the information management device, the abandoned information indicating that the occupant carrying the identified second portable device has been abandoned inside the vehicle; The information management device When the remaining information transmitted from the vehicle is received, a remaining notification indicating that the occupant carrying the second portable device remains at the location is transmitted to the terminal device; When the abandoned information transmitted from the vehicle is received, an abandoned notification indicating that the occupant carrying the second portable device has been abandoned in the vehicle is transmitted to the terminal device; The terminal device displaying the remaining notice or the abandoned notice transmitted from the information management device, and When the abandoned vehicle notice is received, a remote locking operation for remotely controlling the door to the locked state is received and transmitted to the vehicle; The vehicle control device controls the door to the locked state in response to the remote lock operation. A key system characterized by:

2. The vehicle further includes an alarm device that is mounted on the vehicle and issues an alert. when the vehicle control device detects the first portable device outside the vehicle and the second portable device inside the vehicle, outputs a notification instruction to the notification device to notify that the occupant carrying the second portable device remains inside the vehicle; The notification device notifies the alert in response to the notification instruction.

2. The key system according to claim 1.

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