Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A control device includes a control part for setting any one of a plurality of modes to an operation mode and controlling operation by the operation mode. The plurality of operation modes includes a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, and a third mode in which communication with a communication device mounted on a vehicle by a communication part is more restricted than the first mode and the second mode. The control part restricts the communication with the communication device by the communication part, compared to a case where each of the first mode and the second mode is set in the operation mode, in a case where the third mode is set in the operation mode, and switches from the first mode to the third mode when a non-detection time that is a time during which vibration is not continuously detected by a vibration detection part exceeds the first time, in a case where the first mode is set in the operation mode. The control part makes a communicable time with the communication device by the communication part indefinite, in a case where the second mode is set in the operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a terminal (for example, an electronic key) that communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and is used to control the vehicle is known. In order to reduce the power consumption of the terminal, a technique for switching the operation mode of the terminal between a normal mode and a power-saving mode in which communication with the in-vehicle device is restricted more than in the normal mode based on whether the terminal is vibrating is known.

[0003] Here, it can be assumed that the power consumption of the terminal increases due to frequent switching of the operation mode. Therefore, in order to further reduce the power consumption of the terminal, a technique for switching the operation mode from the normal mode to the power-saving mode only when the time during which the vibration of the terminal is not continuously detected exceeds a predetermined time is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above-described technique is not sufficient from the viewpoint of the convenience of the user who uses the terminal.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to improve the convenience of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a control device is provided which includes a control unit that sets one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controls the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, and a third mode in which communication by a communication unit with a communication device mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and the control unit, when the third mode is set as the operating mode, restricts communication by the communication unit with the communication device compared to when the first mode and the second mode are set as the operating mode, respectively, when the first mode is set as the operating mode, switches the operating mode from the first mode to the third mode when the non-detection time, which is the time in which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds a first time, and when the second mode is set as the operating mode, makes the time for communication by the communication unit with the communication device unlimited.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, the invention includes a control unit that sets one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controls the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, a third mode different from the first mode and the second mode, and a fourth mode in which communication by a communication unit mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and when the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, the control unit sets the first mode and the previous A control device is provided that, compared to the cases where the second mode and the third mode are set respectively, restricts communication by the communication unit with the communication device, and when the first mode is set as the operating mode, switches the operating mode from the first mode to the fourth mode if the non-detection time, which is the time when vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time, and switches the operating mode to the second mode or the third mode when a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected while the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operating mode.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method is provided which includes setting one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controlling the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, and a third mode in which communication by a communication unit with a communication device mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and the control method is provided which, when the third mode is set as the operating mode, restricts communication by the communication unit with the communication device compared to when the first mode and the second mode are set as the operating mode, respectively, when the first mode is set as the operating mode, switches the operating mode from the first mode to the third mode when the non-detection time, which is the time in which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds a first time, and when the second mode is set as the operating mode, makes the time for communication by the communication unit with the communication device unlimited.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method comprising setting one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controlling the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, a third mode different from the first mode and the second mode, and a fourth mode in which communication by a communication unit mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and the control method, when the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, sets the first mode and the second mode as the operating mode. A control method is provided which includes: restricting communication by the communication unit with the communication device compared to when each of the first mode and the third mode is set; switching the operation mode from the first mode to the fourth mode when the first mode is set as the operation mode and the non-detection time, which is the time when vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time; and switching the operation mode to the second mode or the third mode when a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected while the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operation mode.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer is provided that includes a control unit that sets one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controls the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, and a third mode in which communication by a communication unit with a communication device mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and the control unit, when the third mode is set as the operating mode, restricts communication by the communication unit with the communication device compared to when the first mode and the second mode are set as the operating mode, respectively, when the first mode is set as the operating mode, switches the operating mode from the first mode to the third mode when the non-detection time, which is the time when vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds a first time, and when the second mode is set as the operating mode, makes the time for communication by the communication unit with the communication device unlimited, thereby providing a program that causes the control unit to function as a control device.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, the computer is provided with a control unit that sets one of a plurality of modes as an operating mode and controls the operation according to the operating mode, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode different from the first mode, a third mode different from the first mode and the second mode, and a fourth mode in which communication by a communication unit mounted on a vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, and when the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, the control unit sets the first mode, the A program is provided that functions as a control device, which, compared to the cases where each of the second mode and the third mode is set, restricts communication by the communication unit with the communication device, and when the first mode is set as the operating mode, switches the operating mode from the first mode to the fourth mode when the non-detection time, which is the time when vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time, and switches the operating mode to the second mode or the third mode when a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected while the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As explained above, the present invention makes it possible to improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of a vehicle control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a state transition diagram of the operating modes of terminal 20 in the vehicle control system 1 according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a state transition diagram of the operating modes of terminal 20 in a vehicle control system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] <0.Background> First, the background of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0017] (Explanation of existing technology) As mentioned above, there is existing technology that switches the operating mode of a terminal from normal mode to power-saving mode only when the period during which no vibration is detected in the terminal exceeds a predetermined time, in order to conserve power in the terminal. However, if the operating mode of the terminal is uniformly switched from normal mode to power-saving mode when the period during which no vibration is detected in the terminal exceeds a predetermined time, it is anticipated that user convenience will not be improved.

[0018] For example, in existing technology, when vibration is detected in the terminal, the terminal's operating mode is switched from power-saving mode to normal mode. In existing technology, power-saving mode is a communication prohibition mode in which communication between the terminal and the in-vehicle unit is prohibited. In addition, in existing technology, normal mode includes a mode in which the communication period is limited to a first period (hereinafter also referred to as "communication period limited mode (short time)") and a mode in which the communication period is longer than the first period (hereinafter also referred to as "communication period limited mode (long time)").

[0019] The communication time limit mode (short duration) is set when it is determined that the user of the terminal has left the vehicle. When the terminal's operating mode is set to communication time limit mode (short duration), if the period during which no vibration is detected from the terminal exceeds a certain time, the terminal's operating mode switches from communication time limit mode (short duration) to communication prohibition mode.

[0020] On the one hand, the communication available time limit mode (long time) is a mode set when it is determined that the user using the terminal has boarded the vehicle. When the operation mode of the terminal is set to the communication available time limit mode (long time), if the time during which continuous vibration of the terminal is not detected exceeds a second time that is longer than the first time, the operation mode of the terminal switches from the communication available time limit mode (long time) to the communication prohibited mode.

[0021] At this time, it is also assumed that the user has boarded the vehicle and the operation mode of the terminal is set to the communication available time limit mode (long time), but the user continues to stay stationary in the vehicle without performing vehicle control using the terminal, and the time during which continuous vibration of the terminal is not detected exceeds the second time. In such a case, since the operation mode of the terminal switches from the communication available time limit mode (long time) to the communication prohibited mode, the user cannot perform vehicle control using the terminal while remaining in the vehicle.

[0022] As an example, it is also assumed that the user has boarded the vehicle and the operation mode of the terminal is set to the communication available time limit mode (long time), but the user falls asleep in the vehicle without starting the vehicle engine using the terminal, and the time during which continuous vibration of the terminal is not detected exceeds the second time. In such a case, since the operation mode of the terminal switches from the communication available time limit mode (long time) to the communication prohibited mode, the user cannot start the vehicle engine using the terminal while remaining in the vehicle.

[0023] (Summary of Embodiments of the Present Invention) Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a technique that enables improvement of user convenience is proposed. More specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, even if the user has boarded the vehicle, the operation mode of the terminal is set to the communication available time unlimited mode in which the communication available time between the in-vehicle device and the terminal is not restricted.

[0024] As a result, even if a user remains stationary inside the vehicle without using the terminal to control it, and the period during which no vibration is detected from the terminal exceeds the second time period, the terminal's operating mode will not switch from unlimited communication time mode to communication prohibition mode. This allows the user to continue controlling the vehicle using the terminal while remaining inside the vehicle.

[0025] The background of the embodiments of the present invention has been described above.

[0026] <1. First Embodiment> Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0027] (1.1. System Configuration) First, an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a vehicle control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an in-vehicle unit 10 and a terminal 20. The in-vehicle unit 10 may be an example of a communication device mounted in a vehicle. The terminal 20 may be carried by the user.

[0029] In the vehicle control system 1, an encrypted verification process is performed between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the terminal 20 according to a predetermined communication sequence. Through this encrypted verification process, the in-vehicle unit 10 authenticates the terminal 20, and vehicle control (for example, unlocking and locking the vehicle doors, starting the engine, etc.) is performed.

[0030] Here, terminal 20 may be a dedicated electronic key on which operations for controlling the vehicle are entered. Alternatively, terminal 20 may be an electronic device such as a smartphone with key information downloaded from a predetermined server set up. In the following description, we will mainly assume that terminal 20 is an electronic key.

[0031] (In-vehicle unit 10) As shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle unit 10 comprises a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, a transmitting antenna 122, a receiving antenna 124, and a storage unit 130. The communication unit 120 communicates with the terminal 20 and comprises a transmitting unit 121 and a receiving unit 123. Furthermore, the control unit 110 comprises a boarding / alighting determination unit 112 and a mode switching control unit 114.

[0032] (Transmitter 121) The transmitting unit 121 transmits various information to the receiving unit 223 of the terminal 20 via the transmitting antenna 122. Specifically, the transmitting unit 121 transmits to the terminal 20 via the transmitting antenna 122 a command (hereinafter also referred to as a "mode switching command") generated by the mode switching control unit 114 for switching the operating mode of the terminal 20.

[0033] (Transmitting antenna 122) The transmitting antenna 122 transmits a radio signal in a predetermined frequency band. Here, the frequency band of the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna 122 is not limited. For example, the frequency band of the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna 122 may be the so-called LF (Low Frequency) band. For example, the LF band may be a frequency band around 125 kHz.

[0034] (Receiving unit 123) The receiving unit 123 receives various information from the transmitting unit 221 of the terminal 20 via the receiving antenna 124. Specifically, the receiving unit 123 receives operations on switches (hereinafter also referred to as "SW operations") input to the terminal 20 from the terminal 20 via the receiving antenna 124.

[0035] (Receiving antenna 124) The receiving antenna 124 receives radio signals in a predetermined frequency band. Here, the frequency band of the radio signals received by the receiving antenna 124 is not limited. For example, the frequency band of the radio signals transmitted by the receiving antenna 124 may be the so-called RF (Radio Frequency) band. For example, the RF band may be a frequency band similar to the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, such as 312.125 MHz.

[0036] (Control Unit 110) The control unit 110 controls the operation of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the control unit 110 may be configured as an electronic control unit (ECU) that includes a processor and memory. The functions of the control unit are realized when a program stored in memory is read by the processor and executed by the processor.

[0037] (Boarding / Alighting Determination Unit 112) The boarding / alighting determination unit 112 determines whether or not a user has boarded the vehicle. For example, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that a user has boarded the vehicle by detecting that the state has changed from one of the vehicle's doors being open to a state where all of the vehicle's doors are closed.

[0038] Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that a user has boarded the vehicle by detecting a change in data obtained by a predetermined sensor installed inside the vehicle (for example, a seat sensor or a camera sensor). Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that a user has boarded the vehicle by detecting a change in the vehicle's suspension. Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine whether or not a user has boarded the vehicle based on radio signals emitted from the in-vehicle unit 10 to the outside or inside of the vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 determines whether or not the user has alighted from the vehicle. For example, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that the user has alighted from the vehicle by detecting that the state has changed from all the vehicle doors being closed to one of the vehicle doors being opened.

[0040] Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that a user has alighted from the vehicle by detecting a change in data obtained by a predetermined sensor installed inside the vehicle (for example, a seat sensor or a camera sensor). Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine that a user has alighted from the vehicle by detecting a change in the vehicle's suspension. Alternatively, the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 may determine whether or not a user has alighted from the vehicle based on radio signals emitted from the in-vehicle unit 10 to the outside or inside of the vehicle.

[0041] (Mode switching control unit 114) The mode switching control unit 114 generates a mode switching command based on whether the boarding / alighting determination unit 112 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle or alighted from the vehicle. The mode switching control unit 114 then controls the transmission unit 121 so that the generated mode switching command is transmitted to the terminal 20 by the transmission unit 121.

[0042] (Storage unit 130) The memory unit 130 is a storage device that stores programs and data for operating the control unit 110. The memory unit 130 can also temporarily store various data required during the operation of the control unit 110. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile storage device.

[0043] (Terminal 20) As shown in Figure 1, the terminal 20 comprises a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, a transmitting antenna 222, a receiving antenna 224, a storage unit 230, and a vibration detection unit 240. The communication unit 220 communicates with the in-vehicle unit 10 and comprises a transmitting unit 221 and a receiving unit 223.

[0044] (Transmitter 221) The transmitting unit 221 transmits various information to the receiving unit 123 of the in-vehicle unit 10 via the transmitting antenna 222. Specifically, the transmitting unit 221 transmits the operation (SW operation) of a switch input to the terminal 20 to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the transmitting antenna 222.

[0045] (Transmitting antenna 222) The transmitting antenna 222 transmits a radio signal in a predetermined frequency band. Here, the frequency band of the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna 222 is not limited. For example, the frequency band of the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna 222 may be the same as the frequency band of the radio signal received by the receiving antenna 124 of the in-vehicle unit 10. That is, the frequency band of the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna 222 may be the RF band.

[0046] (Receiving unit 223) The receiving unit 223 receives various information from the transmitting unit 121 of the in-vehicle unit 10 via the receiving antenna 224. Specifically, the receiving unit 223 receives mode switching commands for switching the operating mode of the terminal 20 from the in-vehicle unit 10 via the receiving antenna 224.

[0047] (Receiving antenna 224) The receiving antenna 224 receives radio signals in a predetermined frequency band. Here, the frequency band of the radio signals received by the receiving antenna 224 is not limited. For example, the frequency band of the radio signals transmitted by the receiving antenna 224 may be the same as the frequency band of the radio signals transmitted by the transmitting antenna 122 of the in-vehicle unit 10. That is, the frequency band of the radio signals transmitted by the receiving antenna 224 may be the LF band.

[0048] (Vibration detection unit 240) The vibration detection unit 240 detects whether or not the terminal 20 is vibrating. Any type of sensor can be used for the vibration detection unit 240. For example, the vibration detection unit 240 may be an acceleration sensor or the like. The detection result obtained by the vibration detection unit 240, indicating whether or not the terminal 20 is vibrating, is output to the control unit 210.

[0049] (Control unit 210) The control unit 210 controls the operation of the terminal 20. For example, the control unit 210 may be configured as an electronic control unit (ECU) that includes a processor and memory. The functions of the control unit are realized when a program stored in memory is read by the processor and executed by the processor.

[0050] The control unit 210 switches the operating mode of the terminal 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "operating mode") according to the detection result obtained by the vibration detection unit 240 indicating whether or not the vehicle is vibrating, or according to the mode switching command received by the receiving unit 223. The terminal 20 sets one of several modes as the operating mode and operates according to the mode set as the operating mode. Each of these multiple modes will be described in detail later.

[0051] (Storage unit 230) The memory unit 230 is a storage device that stores programs and data for operating the control unit 210. The memory unit 230 can also temporarily store various data required during the operation of the control unit 210. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile storage device.

[0052] The above describes an example of the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] (1.2. Explanation of Multiple Modes) Next, with reference to Figure 2, we will explain each of the multiple modes that can be set as the operating mode of terminal 20.

[0054] Figure 2 is a state transition diagram of the operating modes of terminal 20 in a vehicle control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, in the vehicle control system 1, the modes that terminal 20 can be set to include a communication time limit mode S1, an unlimited communication time mode S2, and a communication prohibition mode S3.

[0055] (Communication time limit mode S1) Communication time limit mode S1 may be an example of the first mode. For example, since communication time limit mode S1 is a mode that is set to operate when the user is outside the vehicle, it can also be called "outside vehicle mode".

[0056] When the control unit 210 sets the operation mode to communication time limit mode S1, it reduces the restrictions imposed on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 compared to when the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3. Here, when the control unit 210 sets the operation mode to communication time limit mode S1, it reduces the restrictions imposed on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10. Restrict Let's consider the possible scenarios.

[0057] However, as will be explained later, in the communication time limit mode S1, if the vibration detection unit 240 does not continuously detect vibrations from the terminal 20 for a period of time exceeding the first time, the control unit 210 switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode S1 to the communication prohibition mode S3. In this way, in the communication time limit mode S1, the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 is limited.

[0058] (Unlimited communication time mode S2) The unlimited communication time mode S2 could be an example of the second mode. For example, since the unlimited communication time mode S2 is the mode that is set to operate when the user is inside the vehicle, it can also be called the "in-vehicle mode".

[0059] When the control unit 210 sets the operating mode to unlimited communication time mode S2, it reduces the restrictions imposed on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 compared to when the operating mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3. Here, the control unit 210 sets the operating mode to communication time limit mode S1 and They are different This assumes a scenario where the communication time is not restricted when the operating mode is set to unlimited mode S2.

[0060] However, as will be explained later, in unlimited communication time mode S2, the control unit 210 sets the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 to unlimited. This is expected to improve user convenience. Thus, in unlimited communication time mode S2, the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 is not limited.

[0061] (Communication disabled mode S3) Communication prohibition mode S3 may be an example of a third mode. For example, communication prohibition mode S3 is a mode that is set to operate when the user gets out of the vehicle and remains stationary for a while. In communication prohibition mode S3, the power consumed by the terminal 20 due to communication between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the terminal 20 is reduced, so this can also be called a "power saving mode" or "power-saving mode".

[0062] When the control unit 210 sets the operation mode to communication prohibition mode S3, it imposes greater restrictions on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 than when either the communication time limit mode S1 or the unlimited communication time mode S2 is set to the operation mode. Here, we assume that the control unit 210 prohibits communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 when the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 210 may prohibit communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 by preventing the receiving unit 223 from receiving the wireless signal transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 10. Alternatively, the control unit 210 may prohibit communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 by preventing the transmitting unit 221 from transmitting a response corresponding to the wireless signal received from the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0064] The above describes a plurality of modes according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] (1.3. Explanation of switching operating modes) Next, we will explain an example of switching the operating mode of terminal 20, referring to Figure 2.

[0066] (Switching from communication prohibition mode S3 to communication time limit mode S1) When the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3, the control unit 210 switches the operation mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to communication time limit mode S1 when vibration is detected by the vibration detection unit 240 or when a predetermined SW operation is input to the terminal 20 ("vibration detection" or "SW operation" in Figure 2). The predetermined SW operation may be pressing down the door unlock button provided on the terminal 20.

[0067] (Switching from communication time limit mode S1 to unlimited communication time mode S2) When the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode S1, and the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle (indicated as "boarding" in Figure 2), the control unit 210 switches the operation mode from communication time limit mode S1 to unlimited communication time mode S2 based on the reception unit 223 receiving a mode switching command transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0068] For example, a mode switching command may be sent from the in-vehicle unit 10 to the terminal 20 after the in-vehicle unit 10 has determined that a user has entered the vehicle, and a predetermined authentication sequence performed between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the terminal 20 is successful. For example, the authentication sequence may be challenge-response authentication, certificate-based authentication, or ID (Identification)-based authentication.

[0069] In addition, the control unit 210 may monitor whether the vibration detection unit 240 is functioning normally. When the control unit 210 is set to the communication time limit mode S1 as the operating mode, if it detects that the vibration detection unit 240 has stopped functioning normally (i.e., a failure of the vibration detection unit 240) (indicated as "failure of the vibration detection unit" in Figure 2), it switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode S1 to the unlimited communication time mode S2.

[0070] Furthermore, after the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 and switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode S1 to the communication time unlimited mode S2, it does not switch the operating mode back from the communication time unlimited mode S2 to the communication time limit mode S1, even if it determines that the user has disembarked from the vehicle.

[0071] As a result, the operating mode is fixed to mode S2, which has unlimited communication time and does not use the vibration detection results from the vibration detection unit 240, thereby stabilizing the operation of the terminal 20 even after the vibration detection unit 240 has failed.

[0072] (Switching from unlimited communication time mode S2 to limited communication time mode S1) When the control unit 210 is set to unlimited communication time mode S2, and the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that the user has left the vehicle (in Figure 2, "leaving"), the control unit 210 switches the operation mode from unlimited communication time mode S2 to limited communication time mode S1 based on the reception unit 223 receiving a mode switching command transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0073] As described above, in unlimited communication time mode S2, the control unit 210 sets the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 to unlimited. In other words, when the unlimited communication time mode S2 is set as the operating mode, the control unit 210 does not switch the operating mode from unlimited communication time mode S2 to communication prohibited mode S3 based on the time during which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit 240. This is expected to improve user convenience.

[0074] (Switching from communication time limit mode S1 to communication prohibition mode S3) When the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode S1, if the vibration detection unit 240 does not continuously detect vibrations from the terminal 20 for a period of time exceeding a first time (in Figure 2, "Time without vibration detection > First time"), the control unit 210 switches the operation mode from communication time limit mode S1 to communication prohibition mode S3.

[0075] This will reduce power consumption in terminal 20, and in communication prohibition mode S3, communication between the in-vehicle unit 10 and terminal 20 will be restricted, which is expected to reduce the chance of terminal 20 making false transmissions due to external noise and improve the security of the vehicle.

[0076] (Switching from communication-prohibited mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2) When the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3 (indicated as "Vibration detection unit malfunction" in Figure 2), it switches the operation mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2.

[0077] Furthermore, after the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 and switches the operating mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2, it does not switch the operating mode from unlimited communication time mode S2 to limited communication time mode S1, even if it determines that the user has disembarked from the vehicle.

[0078] As a result, the operating mode is fixed to mode S2, which has unlimited communication time and does not use the vibration detection results from the vibration detection unit 240, thereby stabilizing the operation of the terminal 20 even after the vibration detection unit 240 has failed.

[0079] The above describes an example of switching the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] (1.4. Effects according to the first embodiment of the present invention) As described above, according to the vehicle control system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, if vibration detection unit 240 detects vibration of terminal 20 and no vibration of terminal 20 is detected for a first period of time, the operating mode of terminal 20 is switched from communication time limit mode S1 to communication prohibition mode S3. This can suppress frequent switching of the operating mode of terminal 20.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the vehicle control system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, in the unlimited communication time mode S2, the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 is unlimited. As a result, even if a user gets into the vehicle and remains stationary inside the vehicle without using the terminal 20 to control the vehicle, the operating mode of the terminal 20 will not switch to the communication prohibited mode S3.

[0082] Therefore, since users will no longer be unable to control the vehicle using terminal 20 while remaining inside the vehicle, it is expected that user convenience will be improved.

[0083] The effects of the first embodiment of the present invention have been described above.

[0084] <2. Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0085] (2.1. System Configuration) A configuration example of the vehicle control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The configuration of the vehicle control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the configuration of the vehicle control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, in the following description, Figure 1, which shows a configuration example of the vehicle control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be used.

[0086] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was described in which the control unit 210 switches the operation mode from the communication time limit mode S1 to the unlimited communication time mode S2 when the in-vehicle device 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle ("boarding" in Figure 2) while the operation mode is set to the communication time limit mode S1.

[0087] However, when the communication time limit mode S1 is set as the operating mode, the control unit 210 may select one of two or more pre-prepared candidate modes and switch the operating mode to the selected mode when the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was described in which the control unit 210 switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode S1 to the unlimited communication time mode S2 when it detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the operating mode is set to the communication time limit mode S1.

[0089] However, when the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the communication time limit mode S1 is set as the operating mode, it may select one of two or more pre-prepared candidate modes and switch the operating mode to the selected mode.

[0090] In this way, by selecting one of two or more candidate modes and switching the operating mode to the selected mode, a choice can be made as to whether to prioritize suppressing frequent switching of operating modes or improving user convenience.

[0091] Here, the selection of one of two or more pre-configured candidate modes may depend on a pre-set security level. For example, the security level may be input by the user through an operation on a switch provided on terminal 20. The security level may include a first level (hereinafter also referred to as "high level") and a second level lower than the first level (hereinafter also referred to as "low level"). Such an example will be explained below.

[0092] Figure 3 is a state transition diagram of the operating modes of terminal 20 in a vehicle control system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, in the vehicle control system 1, the modes that terminal 20 can be set to as an operating mode include a communication time limit mode (short time) S1, an unlimited communication time mode S2, a communication time limit mode (long time) S22, and a communication prohibition mode S3.

[0093] (Communication time limit mode (short duration) S1) The communication time limit mode (short duration) S1 may be an example of the first mode. The communication time limit mode (short duration) S1 is the same mode as the communication time limit mode S1 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The notation "(short time)" in the communication time limit mode (short time) S1 is added to facilitate the distinction between communication time limit mode (short time) S1 and communication time limit mode (long time) S22, and is not intended to specify the absolute length of time during which the communication time limit mode is in effect.

[0095] (Unlimited communication time mode S2) The unlimited communication time mode S2 may be an example of a second mode. The unlimited communication time mode S2 is the same mode as the unlimited communication time mode S2 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] (Communication time limit mode (long duration) S22) In a second embodiment of the present invention, the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 may be an example of a third mode. For example, the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22, like the unlimited communication time mode S2, is a mode that is set to operate when the user is inside the vehicle, and therefore can also be called the "in-vehicle mode".

[0097] When the control unit 210 sets the operation mode to the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22, it reduces the restrictions imposed on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 compared to when the operation mode is set to the communication prohibition mode S3. Here, when the control unit 210 sets the operation mode to the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22, it reduces the restrictions imposed on communication between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10. Restrict Let's consider the possible scenarios.

[0098] However, as will be explained later, in the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22, if the vibration detection unit 240 does not continuously detect vibrations from the terminal 20 for a period of time exceeding the second duration, the control unit 210 switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 to the communication prohibition mode S3. The second duration is longer than the first duration described above. In this way, in the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22, the communication time between the terminal 20 and the in-vehicle unit 10 is limited.

[0099] The notation "(long duration)" in the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 is added to facilitate the distinction between the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 and the communication time limit mode (short duration) S1, and is not intended to specify the absolute length of time during which the communication time limit mode is active.

[0100] (Communication disabled mode S3) In a second embodiment of the present invention, communication prohibition mode S3 may correspond to an example of a fourth mode. Communication prohibition mode S3 is the same mode as communication prohibition mode S3 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The above describes a number of modes according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] (2.2. Explanation of switching operating modes) Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of switching the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] In the following, only the parts of the switching of the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention that differ from the switching of the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Therefore, in the following, the description of the parts of the switching of the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention that are the same as the switching of the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0104] (From communication time limit mode (short duration) S1 to unlimited communication time mode S2 or communication time limit mode (long duration) S22) When the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode (short duration) S1 as the operating mode, if the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle, or if it detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 (in Figure 3, "boarding" or "vibration detection unit malfunction"), the control unit 210 switches the operating mode from communication time limit mode (short duration) S1 to communication time unlimited mode S2 or communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 based on the reception of a mode switching command transmitted from the in-vehicle unit 10 by the receiving unit 223.

[0105] Specifically, when the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode (short time) S1 as the operating mode, if the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle, or if it detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240, it switches the operating mode from communication time limit mode (short time) S1 to unlimited communication time mode S2 or communication time limit mode (long time) S22 based on a pre-set security level.

[0106] As an example, let's assume that a low security level is pre-set (in Figure 3, "Security: Low"). In this case, when the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode (short time) S1 as the operating mode, if the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle, or if it detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240, it switches the operating mode from communication time limit mode (short time) S1 to unlimited communication time mode S2.

[0107] On the other hand, let's assume that a high security level is pre-set ("Security: High" in Figure 3). In this case, when the control unit 210 is set to communication time limit mode (short time) S1 as the operating mode, if the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle, or if it detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240, it switches the operating mode from communication time limit mode (short time) S1 to communication time limit mode (long time) S22.

[0108] Furthermore, after the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 and switches the operating mode from the communication time limit mode (short time) S1 to the communication time unlimited mode S2, it does not switch the operating mode back from the communication time unlimited mode S2 to the communication time limit mode (short time) S1, even if it determines that the user has disembarked from the vehicle.

[0109] This control mechanism ensures that, when the security level is low and the vibration detection unit 240 fails, the operating mode is fixed to mode S2, which does not use the vibration detection results from the vibration detection unit 240 and has unlimited communication time. This stabilizes the operation of the terminal 20 after the vibration detection unit 240 has failed.

[0110] (From communication-prohibited mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2 or communication time-limited mode (long duration) S22) When the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3 (indicated as "Vibration detection unit malfunction" in Figure 3), it switches the operation mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2 or communication time limited mode (long duration) S22.

[0111] Specifically, when the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the operation mode is set to communication prohibition mode S3, it switches the operation mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to unlimited communication time mode S2 or communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 based on a pre-set security level.

[0112] As an example, let's assume that a low security level is pre-set ("Security: Low" in Figure 3). In this case, if the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 while the communication prohibition mode S3 is set as the operating mode, it switches the operating mode from the communication prohibition mode S3 to the unlimited communication time mode S2.

[0113] On the other hand, let's consider the case where a high security level is pre-set ("Security: High" in Figure 3). In this case, if the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 when the communication prohibition mode S3 is set as the operating mode, it switches the operating mode from the communication prohibition mode S3 to the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22.

[0114] Furthermore, after the control unit 210 detects a malfunction in the vibration detection unit 240 and switches the operating mode from the communication prohibition mode S3 to the unlimited communication time mode S2, it does not switch the operating mode from the unlimited communication time mode S2 to the communication time limited mode (short time) S1, even if it determines that the user has disembarked from the vehicle.

[0115] This control mechanism ensures that, when the security level is low and the vibration detection unit 240 fails, the operating mode is fixed to mode S2, which does not use the vibration detection results from the vibration detection unit 240 and has unlimited communication time. This stabilizes the operation of the terminal 20 after the vibration detection unit 240 has failed.

[0116] The above describes an example of switching the operating mode of the terminal 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] (2.4. Effects according to the second embodiment of the present invention) As described above, according to the vehicle control system 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the communication time limit mode S1 is set as the operating mode, if the in-vehicle unit 10 determines that a user has boarded the vehicle, or if a malfunction of the vibration detection unit 240 is detected, one of two or more pre-prepared candidate modes is selected, and the operating mode is switched to the selected mode.

[0118] This allows for a choice between prioritizing reducing the frequency of switching operating modes and improving user convenience.

[0119] The effects of the second embodiment of the present invention have been described above.

[0120] <3. Variant> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0121] For example, in a second embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that two or more pre-prepared candidate modes include an unlimited communication time mode S2 and a communication time limited mode (long duration) S22 (Figure 3). However, the two or more pre-prepared candidate modes are not limited to this example.

[0122] For example, the two or more pre-prepared candidate modes do not necessarily have to include the unlimited communication time mode S2. In this case, instead of including the unlimited communication time mode S2, the two or more pre-prepared candidate modes may include a communication time restriction mode different from the communication time restriction mode (long duration) S22 (hereinafter also referred to as the "new communication time restriction mode").

[0123] In this case, if the control unit 210 sets a new communication time limit mode in the operating mode, it may switch the operating mode from the new communication time limit mode to the communication prohibition mode S3 if the vibration detection unit 240 does not continuously detect vibration of the terminal 20 for a period of time exceeding the third time.

[0124] Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment of the present invention, if the control unit 210 has set the operation mode to communication time limit mode (long time) S22, and the time during which the vibration detection unit 240 does not continuously detect vibration of the terminal 20 exceeds the second time, the control unit 210 may switch the operation mode from communication time limit mode (long time) S22 to communication prohibition mode S3.

[0125] Furthermore, we assume a case where the second time corresponding to the communication time limit mode (long duration) S22 is longer than the third time corresponding to the new communication time limit mode, and the communication prohibition mode S3 is set in the operating mode. In this case, we assume a case where a malfunction of the vibration detection unit 240 is detected.

[0126] In such cases, the control unit 210 may switch the operating mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to communication time restriction mode (long duration) S22 if the security level is high, or switch the operating mode from communication prohibition mode S3 to a new communication time restriction mode if the security level is low. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1: Vehicle control system, 10: Onboard unit, 110: Control unit, 112: Boarding / alighting determination unit, 114: Mode switching control unit, 120: Communication unit, 121: Transmitter unit, 122: Transmitting antenna, 123: Receiving unit, 124: Receiving antenna, 130: Memory unit, 20: Terminal, 210: Control unit, 220: Communication unit, 221: Transmitter unit, 222: Transmitting antenna, 223: Receiving unit, 224: Receiving antenna, 230: Memory unit, 240: Vibration detection unit

Claims

1. The system includes a control unit that sets one of several modes as the operating mode and controls the operation according to the said operating mode. The aforementioned multiple operating modes are: The first mode and, A second mode different from the first mode, A third mode that is different from the first mode and the second mode, A fourth mode is included in which communication by the communication unit with the communication device mounted on the vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, The control unit, When the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, communication by the communication unit with the communication device is restricted compared to when the first mode, second mode, and third mode are set as the operating mode. When the first mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time, which is the time during which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time, the operating mode is switched from the first mode to the fourth mode. When the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, if a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected, the operating mode is switched to the second mode or the third mode based on a preset security level. Control device.

2. The control unit, When the second mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time exceeds the second time, the operating mode is switched from the second mode to the fourth mode. When the third mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time exceeds the third time, the operating mode is switched from the third mode to the fourth mode. The third time is longer than the second time. If the security level is a first level, the operating mode is switched to a second mode; if the security level is a second level lower than the first level, the operating mode is switched to a third mode. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, When the second mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time exceeds the second time, the operating mode is switched from the second mode to the fourth mode. When the third mode is set as the operating mode, the time during which the communication unit can communicate with the communication device is set to unlimited. If the security level is a first level, the operating mode is switched to a second mode; if the security level is a second level lower than the first level, the operating mode is switched to a third mode. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The second time is longer than the first time. The control device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A control method that includes setting one of several modes as an operating mode and controlling the operation according to the said operating mode, The aforementioned multiple operating modes are: The first mode and, A second mode different from the first mode, A third mode that is different from the first mode and the second mode, A fourth mode is included in which communication by the communication unit with the communication device mounted on the vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, The control method described above is When the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, communication by the communication unit with the communication device is restricted compared to when the first mode, second mode, and third mode are set as the operating mode. When the first mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time, which is the time during which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time, the operating mode is switched from the first mode to the fourth mode. When the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, if a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected, the operating mode is switched to the second mode or the third mode based on a pre-set security level. A control method including

6. Computers, The system includes a control unit that sets one of several modes as the operating mode and controls the operation according to the said operating mode. The aforementioned multiple operating modes are: The first mode and, A second mode different from the first mode, A third mode that is different from the first mode and the second mode, A fourth mode is included in which communication by the communication unit with the communication device mounted on the vehicle is more restricted than in either the first mode or the second mode, The control unit, When the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, communication by the communication unit with the communication device is restricted compared to when the first mode, second mode, and third mode are set as the operating mode. When the first mode is set as the operating mode, if the non-detection time, which is the time during which vibration is not continuously detected by the vibration detection unit, exceeds the first time, the operating mode is switched from the first mode to the fourth mode. When the first mode or the fourth mode is set as the operating mode, if a malfunction of the vibration detection unit is detected, the operating mode is switched to the second mode or the third mode based on a preset security level. A program that functions as a control device.

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