Remote control device, method of operating the remote control device, and program

Abstract

To increase convenience of users who share a vehicle.SOLUTION: A remote control device which remotely controls a vehicle includes: a storage unit that registers both identification information associated with a terminal device of a user and information of a group including the user; and an arithmetic unit that, on the basis of operation from a terminal device of a first user included in the group, gives an authority for remote control of the vehicle to identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user. When giving the authority for remote operation, the arithmetic unit gives the authority for remote control to identification information associated with a terminal device of a second user included in a same group as the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control device, an operation method of the remote control device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for identifying the position where a vehicle to be remotely controlled was last parked, determining whether an operation requested by a user is an acceptable operation according to the position where the vehicle was last parked, and rejecting the operation requested by the user when it is not acceptable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, sharing a vehicle by multiple people is not assumed. For example, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied and a vehicle is shared by multiple people, if a vehicle becomes in a state where it cannot be remotely controlled due to a remote operation by one user, the convenience of other users may be impaired. In sharing services that are becoming popular in recent years, it is desired to improve the convenience of users who share a vehicle among multiple people within a predetermined group.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of improving the convenience of users who share a vehicle among multiple people. And one aspect of the present invention contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A remote control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a remote control device for remotely operating a vehicle, and A storage means for registering identification information associated with the user's terminal device and information about the group to which the user belongs, The system includes a calculation means that, based on an operation from the terminal device of a first user included in the group, grants the authority to remotely control the vehicle to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, When the calculation means grants the remote control authority, it grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of a second user who is in the same group as the first user. death, When the user code displayed on the interface device inside the vehicle matches the user code transmitted from the terminal device of the first user, The remote control authority is granted to the identification information associated with the first user's terminal device, which is registered in the storage means. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of users who share a vehicle with multiple people. For example, since users belonging to the same group are likely to travel together or have other related movements, managing the remote control permissions of the vehicle on a group basis can improve the convenience of users belonging to the same group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an example configuration of a vehicle remote control system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the hardware configuration of the remote control device, vehicle, and terminal device. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating an example of how a vehicle remote control system works. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the access control information stored in the memory of a remote control device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of how to configure the group members belonging to each group. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of terminal device operation. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a remote control device. [Figure 9] FIG. (Grant of Authority) for schematically explaining the grant of remote operation authority. [Figure 10] Flowchart (Restriction of Authority Scope) showing an operation example of the remote operation device. [Figure 11] Flowchart (Output of Operation Instruction) showing an operation example of the remote operation device. [Figure 12] Flowchart (Deletion of Authority) showing an operation example of the remote operation device. [Figure 13] Flowchart (Display of Usage Code) showing an operation example of the vehicle. [Figure 14] Flowchart (Transmission of Identification Information) showing an operation example of the vehicle. [Figure 15] Flowchart (Operation Based on Instruction) showing an operation example of the vehicle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Overview of the System] Referring to FIG. 1, a configuration example of a vehicle remote operation system 150 including a remote operation device 100 according to an embodiment will be described. The remote operation device 100 provides a service for remotely operating the vehicle 110 to the user using the terminal device 120. Hereinafter, the service for remotely operating the vehicle 110 using the terminal device 120 is referred to as a remote operation service. The remote operation may be performed not only from a position away from the vehicle 110 but also near or inside the vehicle 110.

[0011] In a remote operation service, the remote operation device 100 remotely operates the vehicle 110 according to a remote operation instruction transmitted from the terminal device 120. The remote operation device 100 may be able to provide a remote operation service to a plurality of users each having an individual terminal device 120. In FIG. 1, only two terminal devices 120 are shown, but the remote operation device 100 may provide a remote operation service to three or more users. Also, the remote operation device 100 may be able to execute remote operations of a plurality of vehicles 110. In FIG. 1, only two vehicles 110 are shown, but the remote operation device 100 may be able to execute remote operations of three or more vehicles 110.

[0012] Each of the remote operation device 100, the vehicle 110, and the terminal device 120 is connected to a wide area network 130 such as the Internet. The remote operation device 100 may be connected to the wide area network 130 through a local area network (LAN) (not shown). The vehicle 110 may be connected to the wide area network 130 through a cellular network (not shown). The terminal device 120 may be connected to the wide area network 130 through a cellular network (not shown) or may be connected to the wide area network 130 through a LAN (not shown). The remote operation device 100 and the vehicle 110 can communicate with each other through the wide area network 130. The remote operation device 100 and the terminal device 120 can communicate with each other through the wide area network 130. The vehicle 110 and the terminal device 120 may be able to communicate with each other directly through short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configurations of the remote operation device 100, the vehicle 110, and the terminal device 120 in the vehicle remote operation system 150 according to the embodiment.

[0014] (Remote operation device 100) The remote control device 100 (server) performs processing related to user information registration, granting remote control authority, determining whether remote control authority exists, and remote control instructions received from the terminal device 120. The remote control device 100 includes a processor 51, a storage device 52, and a communication device 53.

[0015] The processor 51 (arithmetic unit) is a general-purpose integrated circuit for executing operations by the remote control device 100. The processor 51 may be configured as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 51 performs various processes related to the vehicle remote control service by reading and executing programs stored in the storage device 52. When the processor 51 receives a registration request from the user's terminal device 120 via the communication device 53 to register an account for using the remote control service, it registers the user information in the storage device 52. In response to the registration request from the user's terminal device 120, the processor 51 transmits (downloads) a predetermined remote control program 37 to the terminal device 120 via the communication device 53.

[0016] The storage device 52 is a device for storing information and software used in the operation of the remote control device 100. The storage device 52 may be composed of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device 52 stores user information and various other information, such as permission management information 57. Permission management information 57 is information for managing the authority to perform remote control of the vehicle 110. The authority to perform remote control of the vehicle 110 will be referred to as operation authority below. Specific examples of permission management information 57 will be described later. The storage device 52 stores programs for the processor 51 to read and execute, and remote control programs to be provided to the user's terminal device 120. It can also store information obtained from the terminal device 120 or the vehicle 110 via the communication device 53.

[0017] The communication device 53 transmits and receives various types of information wirelessly. The communication device 53 is a device for the remote control device 100 to communicate with external devices (e.g., routers or base stations). The communication device 53 may be composed of, for example, a network card. The communication device 53 may perform wireless communication or wired communication. The communication device 53 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Furthermore, the communication device 53 may support cellular communication or WiFi® communication. The communication device 53 mediates wireless communication between the control device 15 of the vehicle 110 and the communication device 36 of the terminal device 120.

[0018] (Vehicle 110 configuration) The vehicle 110 includes a propulsion system 4, a braking system 5, a steering system 6, an external sensor 7, a vehicle sensor 8, a communication device 9, a navigation device 10, a driving control device 11, a biometric information acquisition device 12, an interface device (HMI device) 13, and a control device 15.

[0019] Each component of the vehicle 110 is connected via an in-vehicle communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) to enable signal transmission.

[0020] The propulsion system 4 is a device that provides driving force to the vehicle and includes, for example, a power source and a transmission. The power source has at least one of an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine and an electric motor.

[0021] The braking device 5 is a device that applies braking force to the vehicle and includes, for example, a brake caliper that presses pads against a brake rotor and an electric cylinder that supplies hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper.

[0022] The steering device 6 is a device for changing the steering angle of the wheels and includes, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism for steering the wheels and an electric motor for driving the rack and pinion mechanism. The steering device 6 includes an electric power steering device. The electric power steering device includes a motor that assists steering operations or provides driving force for automatically steering the front wheels, and sensors that detect the steering angle. The propulsion device 4, the brake device 5, and the steering device 6 are controlled by the control device 15.

[0023] The external sensor 7 is a sensor that detects objects and other things around the vehicle. The external sensor 7 includes a radar 16, a lidar 17 (LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging), and a camera 18, and outputs the detection results to the control device 15.

[0024] The radar 16 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, capable of detecting objects around the vehicle 110 and measuring the distance to those objects using radio waves. Multiple radars 16 are installed around the vehicle 110; for example, one radar 16 is installed in the center of the front of the vehicle, one at each corner of the front, and one at each corner of the rear.

[0025] The lidar 17 can detect objects around the vehicle 110 using light and measure the distance to those objects. Multiple lidars 17 are installed around the vehicle; for example, one lidar 17 is installed at each corner of the front of the vehicle, one in the center of the rear, and one on each side of the rear.

[0026] Camera 18 is a device that images the area around the vehicle 110, and is, for example, a digital camera that uses a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. Camera 18 includes a front camera that images the area in front of the vehicle 110 and a rear camera that images the area behind the vehicle 110.

[0027] The vehicle sensor 8 includes a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle 110, an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration, a yaw rate sensor for detecting angular velocity around the vertical axis, and an orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of the vehicle 110. The yaw rate sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor. The vehicle sensor 8 may also include sensors for detecting the remaining amount of fuel or battery for driving the propulsion system 4, and sensors for detecting the operating status of the brake system 5, etc. The vehicle sensor 8 may also include sensors for detecting the lock status (locked, unlocked) of the doors and sensors for detecting the open / closed status of the windows. The detection results of the vehicle sensor 8 are transmitted to the terminal device 120 and the remote control device 100 via the communication device 9. In the terminal device 120, the detection results of the vehicle sensor 8 may be displayed on the UI screen of the remote control program 37 in the input / output device 30. In the remote control device 100, the processor 51 may use the detection results of the vehicle sensor 8 to perform various processes such as granting permissions.

[0028] The communication device 9 provides a function for the vehicle 110 to communicate with the outside. The communication device 9 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Furthermore, the communication device 9 may support cellular communication, Wi-Fi® communication, etc. The communication device 9 mediates wireless communication between the vehicle 110's control device 15 and the terminal device 120 and remote control device 100. That is, the control device 15 can communicate with the user's terminal device 120 and remote control device 100 via the communication device 9 using, for example, infrared communication or Bluetooth®.

[0029] The navigation device 10 is a device that acquires the vehicle's current position and provides route guidance to a destination, and includes a GNSS receiver 20 and a map storage unit 21. The GNSS receiver 20 determines the vehicle's position (latitude and longitude) based on signals received from artificial satellites (positioning satellites). The map storage unit 21 is composed of a storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk and stores map information.

[0030] The driving control device 11 is located inside the vehicle and receives input operations performed by the user to control the vehicle. The driving control device 11 includes, as a driving control unit, a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, parking brake device, shift lever, and push-start switch (engine start button). The push-start switch receives input operations from the user to start the vehicle. The driving control device 11 includes a sensor that detects the amount of operation and outputs a signal indicating the amount of operation to the control device 15.

[0031] The biometric information acquisition device 12 acquires biometric information of users present inside the vehicle 110. The biometric information acquisition device 12 is, for example, a camera (interior camera) installed inside the vehicle 110, and acquires images including the faces of users present inside the vehicle 110 (in-vehicle users). The biometric information acquisition device 12 can acquire images including the faces of users seated in the front seats (driver's seat and passenger seat) of the vehicle 110, and users seated in the rear seats located behind the front seats. The biometric information acquisition device 12 outputs the acquired biometric information to the control device 15. The biometric information acquisition device 12 may also be various detection devices that detect one or more of the user's fingerprints, retina, or iris as biometric information.

[0032] The interface device 13 (HMI device) provides an interface (HMI: Human Machine Interface) between the control device 15 and the user, informing the user of various information through display and audio output, and accepting input operations from the user. The interface device 13 is composed of a display device 23 made of liquid crystal or organic EL, which functions as a touch panel capable of accepting input operations from the user, and input devices 24 such as buttons and switches.

[0033] The control unit 15 is an electronic control unit (ECU) that includes a CPU, non-volatile memory (ROM), and volatile memory (RAM). The control unit 15 can perform various vehicle control functions by executing program-based arithmetic processing with the CPU. At least a portion of each functional part of the control unit 15 may be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, or FPGA, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0034] The control device 15 includes an external environment recognition unit 41, a location identification unit 42, a user recognition unit 43, a vehicle control unit 44, and a storage device 45.

[0035] The external environment recognition unit 41 acquires information about other vehicles and obstacles present around the vehicle 110 based on the detection results of the external environment sensor 7. For example, the external environment recognition unit 41 acquires information such as the position and size of other vehicles and obstacles, as well as information about traffic light displays, lane markings on roads, and markings (white lines, etc.) drawn on the road surface of parking lots, etc. The external environment recognition unit 41 also analyzes images acquired by the camera 18 based on image analysis methods such as pattern matching to acquire the presence and size of other vehicles and obstacles. Furthermore, the external environment recognition unit 41 can calculate the distance to obstacles using signals from the radar 16 and lidar 17 and acquire the position of obstacles.

[0036] The positioning unit 42 can detect the vehicle's position based on signals from the GNSS receiver 20 of the navigation device 10. In addition to signals from the GNSS receiver 20, the positioning unit 42 can also acquire vehicle speed and yaw rate from the vehicle sensor 8 and determine the vehicle's position and attitude using so-called inertial navigation.

[0037] The user recognition unit 43 analyzes the biometric information (e.g., a facial image) acquired by the biometric information acquisition device 12 based on image analysis methods such as feature extraction processing, and acquires facial information by extracting the facial features of the user from the facial image acquired through the analysis. When the biometric information acquisition device 12 acquires a facial image containing the faces of multiple users present inside the vehicle 110, the user recognition unit 43 acquires multiple facial information by extracting the facial features of each of the multiple users from the facial image.

[0038] The processor 51 of the remote control device 100 refers to the storage device 52 to determine whether remote control authority has been granted to the identification information associated with the terminal device 120. If remote control authority has been granted to the identification information, the processor 51 transmits a remote control signal from the terminal device 120 to the vehicle 110.

[0039] The vehicle control unit 44 controls the vehicle 110 according to remote control instructions. For example, it controls locking (door locking) and unlocking (unlocking) the doors of the vehicle 110, starting the power system that supplies power to various parts of the vehicle 110, and starting the propulsion system 4. For example, when it receives a remote control instruction to unlock the doors, the vehicle control unit 44 unlocks the doors. Also, when the vehicle control unit 44 receives a remote control instruction to start the propulsion system 4, it starts the propulsion system 4. If the propulsion system 4 is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle control unit 44 turns on the ignition system. The vehicle control unit 44 also controls predetermined operations of the vehicle 110 based on remote control instructions from the driving control device 11.

[0040] The storage device 45 is composed of flash memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control device 15, as well as various parameters necessary for program execution. The storage device 45 also registers various information obtained from the remote control device 100 via the communication device 9. This information includes user information registered in the authorization management information 57, which is obtained from the remote control device 100.

[0041] (Terminal device 120) The terminal device 120 is a user-portable device that can communicate with the remote control device 100 and the control device 15 of the vehicle 110. The remote control program 37 provides various functions for remote vehicle control. The terminal device 120 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 120 has an input / output device 30, an imaging device 31, a processor 33, a storage device 35, a communication device 36, and a remote control program 37. The remote control program 37 is a program obtained from the remote control device 100. When the remote control program 37 is executed in the terminal device 120, The input / output device 30 presents information to the user operating the terminal device 120 and accepts input from the user operating the terminal device 120. The input / output device 30 functions, for example, as a touch panel, and when it receives input from the user, it outputs a signal corresponding to the input to the processor 33. The input / output device 30 functions as a UI (user interface) for various functions related to vehicle remote control provided by the remote control program 37. Operation input to the remote control program 37 and display of information processed by the remote control program 37 can be performed via the input / output device 30.

[0042] The imaging device 31 is capable of capturing images (still images, moving images) according to the imaging mode set by the input / output device 30, and the imaging device 31 is a digital camera configured with, for example, a CMOS sensor. The processor 33 can acquire the features of the facial image as the user's biometric information by performing predetermined image processing on the image captured of the user operating the terminal device 120. When the user registers an account to use the remote control service with the remote control device 100, the user may transmit biometric information along with the registration request sent from the terminal device 120 to the remote control device 100, and the remote control device 100 may register the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) and biometric information linked together in the storage device 52.

[0043] The processor 33 controls various processes in the terminal device 120. The processor 33 executes programs stored in the storage device 35 to realize various functions related to remote vehicle control using the remote control program 37. The processor 33 controls the display screen of the terminal device 120, for example, controlling the display of the UI corresponding to the various functions related to remote vehicle control provided by the remote control program 37.

[0044] The storage device 35 is a device for storing information and software used in the operation of the terminal device 120. The storage device 52 may consist of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device 52 stores, for example, a remote control program 37.

[0045] The communication device 36 provides functions for the terminal device 120 to communicate with the outside world. The communication device 36 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Furthermore, the communication device 36 may support cellular communication, Wi-Fi® communication, etc.

[0046] (Example of system operation) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the operation of a vehicle remote control system 150 including a remote control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Before performing this operation, it is assumed that the user has registered an account for using the remote control service with the remote control device 100 and has installed the remote control program 37 on their terminal device 120. It is also assumed that the user has registered the user ID of the account used for using the remote control service with the remote control program 37.

[0047] In S301, the user pairs the communication device 9 of vehicle 110 with the communication device 36 of terminal device 120. This enables communication between the communication device 9 of vehicle 110 and the communication device 36 of terminal device 120. Terminal device 120 may obtain the vehicle ID of vehicle 110 during pairing and may transmit this vehicle ID to remote control device 100 along with its own terminal ID or user ID registered in remote control program 37. Remote control device 100 may store this vehicle ID as the vehicle ID of the vehicle targeted for remote control by terminal device 120 (in column 503 of the authorization management information 57 described later).

[0048] Next, in S302-S306, the user obtains the authority to perform remote control. Specifically, in S302, the user uses the remote control program 37 to request the remote control device 100 to issue a user code. The user code is information that needs to be sent to the remote control device 100 in order to obtain the authority to perform remote control.

[0049] In S303, the remote control device 100 generates a usage code in response to a user request and transmits it to the vehicle 110. The remote control device 100 may, for example, generate a random four-digit number as the usage code. The remote control device 100 stores the generated usage code in the storage device 52, associating it with the identification information associated with the terminal device 120 that requested the issuance of the usage code, for use in a later step.

[0050] In S304, the vehicle 110 displays a usage code using the display device 23 in accordance with the user's operation using the input device 24. The display of the usage code may be by displaying the usage code on the display device 23, by playing an audio representation of the usage code from the speaker of the interface device 13, or a combination of these. Operation of the input device 24 is required to display the usage code. Therefore, the user needs to unlock the vehicle 110 using the vehicle's key in order to obtain the usage code.

[0051] In S305, the user uses the remote control program 37 to send the usage code displayed by the display device 23 to the remote control device 100. In S306, the remote control device 100 grants remote control authority to the terminal device 120 to perform remote control, provided that the usage code sent in S305 matches the usage code created in S303, and that the usage code was received in S305 within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes) after the usage code was generated in S303. An expiration period may be set for the operation authority.

[0052] The remote control device 100 may grant operating privileges to individual terminal devices 120, or it may grant operating privileges to terminal devices 120 on a per-user basis. Suppose a user has multiple terminal devices 120. In this case, the remote control device 100 may grant operating privileges to the terminal device 120 used to transmit the usage code, but not to the other terminal devices 120. The remote control device 100 may also grant operating privileges to other terminal devices 120 among the user's multiple terminal devices 120, not just the terminal device 120 used to transmit the usage code. In this case, the remote control device 100 may be considered to have granted operating privileges to the user. In the following explanation, a terminal device 120 to which operating privileges have been granted may be referred to as a terminal device 120 with operating privileges. Furthermore, the user of a terminal device 120 to which operating privileges have been granted may be referred to as a user with operating privileges. The following description explains the case where operating privileges are granted to individual terminal devices 120, but instead, operating privileges may be granted to the users of individual terminal devices 120. Similar to granting operating privileges, the remote control device 100 may revoke the operating privileges of individual terminal devices 120, or it may revoke the operating privileges of terminal devices 120 on a user-by-user basis.

[0053] In S307, the user uses the remote control program 37 of the terminal device 120, which has operational authority, to send a remote control instruction to the vehicle 110 to the remote control device 100. A specific example of a remote control instruction will be described later. In S308, the remote control device 100 confirms that the terminal device 120 that sent the remote control instruction has operational authority.

[0054] In S309, the remote control device 100 transmits a remote control instruction to the vehicle 110 in order to remotely operate the vehicle 110 in accordance with the remote control instruction from the user.

[0055] In S310, the vehicle 110 performs the action instructed by the remote control device 100. By repeating the actions in S307 to S310, the user can repeatedly instruct remote operations as long as their control authority is valid.

[0056] In S311, the remote control device 100 releases the control authority in accordance with the remote control instruction from the user.

[0057] By repeating the operations in S307-S310, the user can repeatedly issue remote control commands as long as their operational privileges are valid.

[0058] In S311, the remote control device 100 revokes the operation privileges granted to the terminal device 120 in accordance with the expiration of the operation privileges' validity period. By periodically revoking operation privileges in this way, unauthorized use of the remote control service can be suppressed. The remote control device 100 may also renew the validity period of the operation privileges if S302 to S306 are executed within the validity period.

[0059] (Screen display of terminal device 120) Referring to Figure 4, an example of a screen displayed on the input / output device 30 of the terminal device 120 by the remote control program 37 will be described. In addition to screens 400 and 410, the input / output device 30 may also display menu screens for transitioning to these screens, for example.

[0060] Figure 4, ST41, shows an example of a screen 400 used for issuing and transmitting a user code. Screen 400 includes an issue request button 401 for requesting the issuance of a user code in S302 described above. When the user selects (for example, presses) the issue request button 401 using the input / output device 30, a request to issue a user code is sent to the remote control device 100. The address of the remote control device 100 may be pre-configured in the remote control program 37.

[0061] Screen 400 further includes a field 402 for entering a usage code and a usage code transmission button 403 for sending the usage code entered in field 402 to the remote control device 100. When the user enters a usage code in field 402 using the input / output device 30 and selects (for example, presses) the usage code transmission button 403, the usage code entered in field 402 is sent to the remote control device 100. In the example of ST41 in Figure 4, the issuance request button 401, field 402, and usage code transmission button 403 are included in the same screen 400, but these objects may be distributed across multiple screens.

[0062] Figure 4, ST42, shows an example of a screen 410 used for remote control of the vehicle 110. The screen 410 includes a button 411 for unlocking the doors of the vehicle 110. The doors of the vehicle 110 are unlocked when the user selects (e.g., presses) the button 411 using the input / output device 30.

[0063] The screen 410 further includes a button 412 for activating the power supply or propulsion system 4 of the vehicle 110. By selecting (e.g., pressing) the button 412 using the input / output device 30, the power supply or propulsion system 4 of the vehicle 110 is turned on (e.g., power on, ignition on). This allows the user to start the vehicle 110. For further security, the remote control program 37 may require the user to enter an activation code presented by the vehicle 110's display device 23 after the button 412 is pressed.

[0064] The screen 410 further includes a button 413 for activating the air conditioning system of the vehicle 110. The air conditioning system of the vehicle 110 is activated when the user selects (e.g., presses) the button 413 using the input / output device 30. The remote control program 37 may also provide remote control to change the settings (e.g., temperature) of the air conditioning system of the vehicle 110. In addition, it may provide remote control to activate the defroster.

[0065] The screen 410 further includes a button 414 for changing the status of the vehicle 110 to make it easier to find the vehicle 110. By selecting (for example, pressing) the button 414 using the input / output device 30, the lights of the vehicle 110 flash for a predetermined period of time, for example.

[0066] As described above, if the remote control program 37 includes unlock and power-on operations as remote controls, the user can use the terminal device 120 in place of the vehicle key to start the vehicle 110. Therefore, the terminal device 120 can function as a digital key. The remote control program 37 may include operations other than those described in ST42 of Figure 4 as remote controls, or it may not include some or all of the operations described in ST42 of Figure 4. In the example of ST42 of Figure 4, buttons 411 to 414 are included in the same screen 410, but these objects may be distributed across multiple screens.

[0067] (Permission management information) Figure 5 illustrates an example of access control information 57 stored in the storage device 52 of the remote control device 100. The storage device 52 registers user identification information and information about the group to which the user belongs in the access control information 57. In Figure 5, each user's access rights are managed in a table format. Alternatively, each user's access rights may be managed in another format. In the access control information 57, a record is generated for each user who has registered an account with the remote control device 100 to use the remote control service.

[0068] Column 500 (User ID) represents identification information (i.e., User ID) to uniquely identify a user. The identification information (User ID) may also be the account name of the account used by the user to access the remote control service. The account name may be a string specified by the user (for example, an email address) or a unique string generated by the remote control device 100. When a user registers an account, the remote control device 100 adds a record to the authorization management information 57 and registers the User ID in column 500 of that record.

[0069] Column 501 (Terminal ID) represents identification information (i.e., Terminal ID) for uniquely identifying the terminal device 120 used by the user. The Terminal ID may be, for example, the address of the communication device 36 (BD address in the case of Bluetooth). The Terminal ID may be the serial number of the terminal device 120. The Terminal ID may be a string uniquely assigned to the terminal device 120 by the remote control device 100. The remote control program 37 of the terminal device 120 may send the user ID of the terminal device 120 to the remote control device 100 when the user enters an account name. The remote control device 100 registers the received Terminal ID in column 501. When the remote control device 100 assigns a Terminal ID to the terminal device 120, the remote control device 100 registers that Terminal ID in column 501 and also sends the Terminal ID to the terminal device 120. The terminal device 120 stores the received Terminal ID for use in subsequent processing.

[0070] A single user may register only one terminal device 120 for remote control, or they may register multiple terminal devices. If a single user registers multiple terminal devices 120, multiple terminal IDs will be registered in column 501.

[0071] Column 502 (Vehicle ID) represents identification information (i.e., Vehicle ID) for uniquely identifying the vehicle that the user is remotely controlling. The Vehicle ID may be, for example, the IP address assigned to the communication device 9 of vehicle 110. The Vehicle ID may be stored in vehicle 110. When pairing is performed in S301 in Figure 3, terminal device 120 may obtain the Vehicle ID from vehicle 110 and send this Vehicle ID to remote control device 100 along with a request for issuance of a usage code in S302. The remote control device 100 registers the received Vehicle ID in column 502.

[0072] A single user may register only one vehicle 110 to be remotely controlled, or they may register multiple vehicles. If a single user registers multiple vehicles 110, multiple vehicle IDs will be registered in column 502. If multiple vehicle IDs are registered, the remote control device 100 may obtain the vehicle ID of the vehicle to be remotely controlled along with the remote control instruction.

[0073] Column 503 (Operational Authority) indicates whether the user has operational authority to perform remote operations. When remote operation authority is granted, column 503 is set to "Operational Authority Granted". Operational authority may include multiple operational authority with different scopes. Furthermore, the scope of operational authority may be changed depending on whether the vehicle 110 is in motion or not.

[0074] Column 504 (Group ID) represents identification information (i.e., Group ID) to identify the group to which each user belongs. The remote control device 100 can also add a record to the authorization management information 57 when a user registers an account to use the remote control service, and register the Group ID to which the user belongs.

[0075] Figure 6 shows an example of setting group IDs and group members belonging to each group. In the authorization management information 57, group IDs and group members are managed in a table format as shown in Figure 6. Instead of the table format, the group configuration may be managed in other formats.

[0076] In column 504 of Figure 5 and the example shown in Figure 6, User A belongs to groups 1 and 3. User B belongs to groups 1 and 4, and User E belongs to group 3. User A belongs to both group 1 and group 3. Users C, D, and F belong to group 2. User G belongs to group 4.

[0077] In a group where multiple users share operational permissions, it is also possible to vary the scope of those permissions among the group members. For example, it is possible to grant a first remote control permission with no restrictions on the scope of operations, and a second remote control permission with a more restricted scope (operation content) compared to the first remote control permission.

[0078] For example, in groups 1 and 3, user A may be granted a first remote control authority, while users B and E may be granted a second remote control authority with a more limited range of operations (operations) compared to the first remote control authority. The content of the first and second remote control authority can be set in various ways, but for example, the first remote control authority may be an authority that allows operations related to the control and security of the vehicle 110. The second remote control authority may be limited to operations that do not affect the vehicle control or security of the vehicle 110, such as setting the temperature of the air conditioner or opening and closing the power windows.

[0079] (Example of operation of terminal device 120) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the terminal device 120. An example of operation performed by the terminal device 120 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Each step in Figure 7 may be performed by the processor 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage device 35. Alternatively, some or all of the steps in Figure 7 may be performed by a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC. In such a case, the dedicated integrated circuit may operate as a functional unit for executing each step.

[0080] In S701, the terminal device 120 determines whether the user has started using the remote control program 37. If the terminal device 120 determines that the user has started using the remote control program 37 (YES in S701), it proceeds to S702; otherwise, it repeats S701 (NO in S701). The terminal device 120 may also determine that the user has started using the remote control program 37 if the remote control program 37 is started or if the remote control program 37 is changed from background to active.

[0081] In S702, terminal device 120 sends an inquiry to remote control device 100 asking whether terminal device 120 has the authority to operate. In S703, terminal device 120 determines whether terminal device 120 has the authority to operate based on the result of the inquiry. If terminal device 120 determines that terminal device 120 has the authority to operate (YES in S703), it proceeds to S704; otherwise (NO in S703), it proceeds to S707.

[0082] If terminal device 120 has the authority to operate, terminal device 120 remotely operates vehicle 110 according to S704 to S706. In S704, terminal device 120 uses output device 404 to display a screen for remote operation (for example, screen 410 of ST42 in Figure 4).

[0083] In S705, the terminal device 120 determines whether it has received a remote control instruction from the user using the input / output device 30. If the terminal device 120 determines that it has received a remote control instruction from the user (YES in S705), it proceeds to S705; otherwise, it repeats S705. The remote control instruction may be, for example, the pressing of any of the buttons 411 to 414 of ST42 in Figure 4. In S706, the terminal device 120 transmits the remote control instruction received from the user to the remote control device 100.

[0084] If terminal device 120 does not have the authority to operate, terminal device 120 acquires the authority to operate vehicle 110 through steps S707 to S711. In S707, terminal device 120 uses input / output device 30 to display a screen (for example, screen 400 of ST41 in Figure 4) to request the issuance of a usage code.

[0085] In S708, the terminal device 120 uses the input / output device 30 to determine whether it has received an issuance instruction from the user. An issuance instruction is an instruction to request the issuance of a user code. If the terminal device 120 determines that it has received an issuance instruction from the user (YES in S708), it proceeds to S709; otherwise (NO in S708), it repeats S708. An issuance instruction may be, for example, the pressing of the issuance request button 401 of ST41 in Figure 4. In S709, the terminal device 120 sends a request for the issuance of a user code to the remote control device 100.

[0086] In S710, the terminal device 120 determines whether it has received a code transmission instruction from the user using the input / output device 30. A code transmission instruction is an instruction to transmit a usage code. If the terminal device 120 determines that it has received a code transmission instruction from the user (YES in S710), it proceeds to S711; otherwise (NO in S710), it repeats S710. A usage code instruction may be, for example, the pressing of the issuance request button 401 of ST41 in Figure 4. In S711, the terminal device 120 transmits the usage code entered in field 402 to the remote control device 100.

[0087] The data transmitted from the terminal device 120 to the remote control device 100 may include identification information associated with the terminal device 120. The identification information associated with the terminal device 120 may be a user ID or a terminal ID. The user ID may be of the same type as the user ID described in column 500 of Figure 5. The terminal ID may be of the same type as the terminal ID described in column 501 of Figure 5.

[0088] (Example of operation of the remote control device 100) Figures 8 and 10-12 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the operation of the remote control device 100. Each step in Figures 8 and 10-12 may be performed by the processor 51 executing a computer program stored in the storage device 52. Alternatively, some or all of the steps in Figures 8 and 10-12 may be performed by a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC. In such a case, the dedicated integrated circuit may operate as a functional unit for executing each step. Note that the examples of the operation of the remote control device 100 described in Figures 8 and 10-12 may also be performed by the control device 15 of the vehicle 110.

[0089] (Granting remote control privileges) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote control device 100. Referring to Figure 8, an example of the operation related to granting authorization for remote control performed by the remote control device 100 will be explained.

[0090] In S801, the remote control device 100 determines whether the user code created in S303 matches the user code transmitted in S305. If they match (YES in S801), it proceeds to S802; otherwise (NO in S801), it terminates the authorization granting process.

[0091] In S802, the remote control device 100 determines whether the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) included in the usage code transmitted in S305 is registered in the authorization management information 57. If it is registered (YES in S802), the process proceeds to S803; otherwise (NO in S802), the authorization granting process is terminated. Alternatively, the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) may be obtained inside the vehicle 110 by the communication device 9 from the user's terminal device 120 inside the vehicle and transmitted to the remote control device 100.

[0092] In S803, the remote control device 100 refers to the authorization management information 57 to determine whether a group is registered for the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) to which authorization is to be granted. Specifically, the remote control device 100 refers to column 504 of the authorization management information 57 to determine whether a registered group exists.

[0093] If the remote control device 100 is registered as a group (YES in S803), it proceeds to S804 and grants remote control authority to the registered identification information (user ID or terminal ID).

[0094] The remote control device 100 grants remote control authority for the vehicle 110 to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, based on an operation from the terminal device of the first user included in the group. The remote control device 100 grants remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, which is registered in the storage device 52, when the usage code presented by the interface device 13 inside the vehicle 110 (for example, S707 in Figure 7) matches the usage code transmitted from the terminal device 120 of the first user (for example, S711 in Figure 7).

[0095] The granting of authority may target, for example, the current operator (user) or the last operator (user) of the vehicle 110 at the time of startup, and remote control authority may be granted only to those belonging to the same group as the current operator or last operator. For example, the communication device 9 of the vehicle 110 may acquire identification information associated with the terminal device 120 of the first user inside the vehicle when the propulsion system 4 of the vehicle 110 is started or stopped, and transmit it to the communication device 53. The communication device 53 may acquire identification information associated with the terminal device 120 of the first user located inside the vehicle 110 when the vehicle 110 is started or stopped, via the communication device 9 of the vehicle 110. The processor 51 of the remote control device 100 may register the identification information acquired by the communication device 53 in the storage device 52, and grant remote control authority to the identification information registered in the storage device 52.

[0096] When the remote control device 100 grants remote control authority, it grants remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of a second user (e.g., user B in Figure 9) who is in the same group as the first user (e.g., user A in Figure 9).

[0097] On the other hand, if the determination in S803 indicates that the group has not been registered ("NO" in S803), the process transitions to S805, where the remote control device 100 grants remote control authority to the identification information determined to be registered in S802, and terminates the process. In this case, the remote control device 100 grants remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user (for example, user A in Figure 9).

[0098] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the granting of remote control authority. In Figure 9, User A is an in-vehicle user located inside vehicle 110. Assume that a usage code is transmitted from terminal device 120 to remote control device 100 by an operation by User A (in-vehicle user). If the transmitted usage code matches (YES in S801) and the identification information (User ID or terminal ID) associated with User A's terminal device 120 is registered in the authority management information 57 (YES in S802), the remote control device 100 determines whether or not the group is registered (S803).

[0099] The identification information (user ID or terminal ID) associated with user A's terminal device 120 is ID=UA, and this identification information (ID=UA) is registered in column 500 of the authorization management information 57 (YES in S802). The remote control device 100 refers to the group ID in column 504 of the authorization management information 57 to determine whether there are any registered groups. In Figure 5, groups 1 and 3 are registered for the identification information (ID=UA).

[0100] For Group 1, the identification information associated with user B's terminal device 120 is registered as ID=UB. For Group 3, the identification information associated with user E's terminal device 120 is registered as ID=UE.

[0101] When the remote control device 100 grants remote control authority to an identification information (IS=UA), it grants authority to other identification information (ID=UB) registered in group 1 and other identification information (ID=UE) registered in group 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the remote control device 100 does not grant remote control privileges to the identification information (ID=UG) associated with the terminal device of a fourth user (e.g., user G) who is in the same group as the second user (e.g., group 4) but is not in the same group as the first user. Even if remote control privileges are granted to the identification information (ID=UB) of user B, remote control privileges will not be granted to the identification information (ID=UG) associated with the terminal device 120 of a user who is not in the same group as the first user (user A). In other words, remote control privileges will not be granted to the identification information (ID=UG) associated with the terminal device 120 of user G, who is in the same group 4 as user B.

[0103] Users C (ID=UB), D (ID=UDB), and F (ID=UF), who belong to Group 2, are not granted remote control privileges. The remote control device 100 rejects remote control requests received from terminal devices 120 of third users (e.g., users C, D, and F) that are not registered in the same group as the first user in the storage device 52. The remote control device 100 rejects remote control requests received from terminal devices of third users that are not granted remote control privileges in the authorization management information 57.

[0104] (Restrictions on the scope of permissions) The remote control device 100 can change the scope of its operating authority depending on the operating status of the vehicle 110 (the state of the propulsion system 4 being started or stopped). Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote control device 100. Referring to Figure 10, an example of operation regarding the restriction of the scope of authority performed by the remote control device 100 will be explained.

[0105] In S1001, the communication device 53 of the remote control device 100 acquires status information indicating the driving state or stopped state of the vehicle 110.

[0106] In S1002, the remote control device 100 determines whether the vehicle 110 is in a running state or a stopped state based on the state information. If the vehicle 110 is in a running state (YES in S1002), the remote control device 100 proceeds to S1003.

[0107] In S1003, the remote control device 100 grants a first remote control authority to the identification information associated with the first user's terminal device while the vehicle 110 is in motion, and grants a second remote control authority to the identification information associated with the second user's terminal device, the second remote control authority having limited operable functions compared to the first remote control authority.

[0108] For example, the remote control device 100 grants a first remote control privilege to the identification information (ID=UA) associated with the terminal device 120 of the first user (for example, user A in Figure 9). The remote control device 100 also grants a second remote control privilege to the identification information (ID=UB) associated with the terminal device 120 of the second user (for example, user B in Figure 9), with a limited set of operable functions compared to the first remote control privilege. The first remote control privilege may be an operation privilege that allows operations related to vehicle control or security. Alternatively, the second remote control privilege may be limited to operations that do not affect the vehicle control or security of the vehicle 110, such as setting the temperature of the air conditioner or opening and closing the power windows.

[0109] On the other hand, in the determination in S1002, if the remote control device 100 determines that the vehicle 110 is in a stopped state (NO in S1002), it proceeds to S1004. In S1004, the remote control device 100 grants the first remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user and the identification information associated with the terminal device of the second user, while the vehicle 110 is in a stopped state.

[0110] For example, the remote control device 100 grants a common first remote control authority to the identification information (ID=UA) associated with the first user's terminal device 120 and the identification information (ID=UB) associated with the second user's terminal device 120.

[0111] (Output of remote control instructions) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote control device 100. Referring to Figure 11, an example of the operation related to the output of remote control instructions performed by the remote control device 100 will be explained. The output of remote control instructions refers to the process of transmitting the remote control instructions received from the terminal device 120 to the vehicle 110 to be operated.

[0112] In S1101, the remote control device 100 receives a remote control instruction from the terminal device 120.

[0113] In S1102, the remote control device 100 refers to the authorization management information 57 and determines whether or not it has the authority to remotely control based on the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) included in the remote control instruction. If it is determined that it has the authority to remotely control (YES in S1102), the process proceeds to S1103; otherwise (NO in S1102), S1102 is repeated.

[0114] In S1103, the remote control device 100 refers to the authorization management information 57 and identifies the vehicle 110 to be operated (for example, vehicle ID=V1 in Figure 5) based on the identification information included in the remote control instruction. Subsequently, the remote control device 100 transmits a remote control instruction (remote control signal) to the identified vehicle 110 in accordance with the remote control instruction.

[0115] (Removal of remote control privileges) Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote control device 100. Referring to Figure 12, an example of the operation related to the removal of remote control privileges performed by the remote control device 100 will be explained.

[0116] In S1201, the remote control device 100 receives an instruction from the terminal device 120 to revoke remote control privileges. The remote control device 100 refers to the privilege management information 57 (for example, column 503 in Figure 5) and identifies the remote control privileges to be revoked based on the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) included in the instruction to revoke privileges.

[0117] In S1202, the remote control device 100 refers to the authorization management information 57 (for example, column 504 in Figure 5) to determine whether or not a group registration exists for the identification information of the remote control authorization to be deleted. If it is determined that a group registration exists (YES in S1202), the process proceeds to S1203.

[0118] In S1203, the remote control device 100 deletes the remote control privileges for the entire group. For example, if user B, as shown in Figure 9, sends an instruction to delete remote control privileges from terminal device 120 to the remote control device 100, the remote control device 100 deletes the remote control privileges associated with terminal device 120 for all users (A, B) in Group 1 to which user B belongs. The remote control privileges associated with terminal device 120 for user E in Group 3 remain and are not deleted.

[0119] Furthermore, if user A, as shown in Figure 9, sends an instruction to the remote control device 100 from terminal device 120 to revoke remote control privileges, the remote control device 100 will revoke the remote control privileges associated with terminal device 120 for all users in Group 1 (A, B) and all users in Group 3 (A, E), to which user A belongs.

[0120] On the other hand, if group registration is not performed (NO in S1202), the process proceeds to S1204. In S1204, the remote control device 100 deletes the remote control authority identified in S1201.

[0121] (modified version) Furthermore, the remote control device 100 may delete the identification information and group information of users who are registered in the storage device 52 as having remote control authority if a user who is not registered in the storage device 52 as having remote control authority activates the propulsion system 4 of the vehicle 110. For example, if user C, who belongs to group 2 in Figure 9, gets into the vehicle 110 and activates the propulsion system 4, the remote control device 100 may delete the identification information and group information of users A, B, and E, who belong to groups 1 and 3, to whom remote control authority has been granted.

[0122] (Example of operation of vehicle 110) Figures 13 to 15 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the operation of the vehicle 110. Each step in Figures 13 to 15 may be performed by the processor 51 executing a computer program stored in the memory device 45. Alternatively, some or all of the steps in Figures 13 to 15 may be performed by a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC. In such a case, the dedicated integrated circuit may operate as a functional unit for executing each step.

[0123] (Display of usage code) Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of vehicle 110. Referring to Figure 13, an example of the operation related to the display of the usage code performed by vehicle 110 will be explained. In S1301, vehicle 110 determines whether it has received the usage code transmitted from the remote control device 100 in S303 (Figure 3). If vehicle 110 determines that it has received the usage code (YES in S1301), it proceeds to S1302; otherwise (NO in S1301), it repeats S1301.

[0124] In S1302, the vehicle 110 displays a usage code using the display device 23 in response to the user's operation of the input device 24.

[0125] (Sending identification information) Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of vehicle 110. Referring to Figure 14, an example of the operation related to the transmission of identification information performed by vehicle 110 will be described. In the operation shown in Figure 14, vehicle 110 transmits identification information associated with the terminal device 120 of the current operator (user) or the last operator (user) at the time of startup to the remote control device 100.

[0126] In S1401, the vehicle control unit 44 of the vehicle 110 determines whether to start or stop the propulsion system 4 by controlling the ON or OFF of the ignition system. If the vehicle 110 determines that it has started or stopped (YES in S1401), it proceeds to S1402; otherwise (NO in S1401), it repeats S1401.

[0127] In S1402, the vehicle 110 obtains identification information (user ID or terminal ID) associated with the terminal device 120 within the vehicle 110. The identification information (user ID or terminal ID) may be obtained using the communication device 9 of the vehicle 110. The identification information associated with the terminal device 120 may be the terminal ID of the terminal device 120, or the user ID of the user of the terminal device 120. If there are multiple terminal devices 120 within the vehicle 110, the vehicle 110 may obtain identification information (user ID or terminal ID) from each of the multiple terminal devices 120.

[0128] In S1403, the vehicle 110 transmits the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) acquired in S1402 to the remote control device 100. This identification information is used for registration in the authorization management information 57 (for example, Figure 5) and for determining whether to grant authorization for remote control (for example, S802 in Figure 8). In the above example, an example was described in which identification information associated with the terminal device 120 inside the vehicle 110 is acquired when the vehicle 110 is started or stopped. However, in addition, the vehicle 110 may transmit identification information associated with the terminal device 120 that has moved together with the vehicle 110 for a predetermined period of time to the remote control device 100.

[0129] The communication device 53 of the remote control device 100 acquires identification information (user ID or terminal ID) associated with the first user's terminal device 120 located inside the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 110 is started or stopped. The processor 51 of the remote control device 100 registers the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) acquired by the communication device 53 in the storage device 52 and grants remote control authority to the identification information (user ID or terminal ID) registered in the storage device 52.

[0130] (Operation based on remote control instructions) Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of vehicle 110. Referring to Figure 15, an example of operation relating to vehicle control based on remote control instructions performed by vehicle 110 will be described.

[0131] In the operation shown in Figure 15, the vehicle 110 operates according to the remote control instructions. In S1501, the vehicle 110 determines whether it has received the remote control instruction transmitted in S309 from the remote control device 100 via the communication device 9. If the vehicle 110 determines that it has received the remote control instruction (YES in S1501), it proceeds to S1502; otherwise (NO in S1501), it repeats S1501.

[0132] In S1502, the vehicle 110 performs vehicle control according to remote control instructions. The vehicle control unit 44 controls the vehicle 110 according to remote control instructions. For example, it controls locking the doors of the vehicle 110 (door lock), unlocking the doors (unlocking the doors), starting the power system that supplies power to various parts of the vehicle 110, and starting the propulsion system 4.

[0133] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, a remote control program that implements one or more functions described in each embodiment is supplied to a terminal device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the system or device's computer can read and execute this remote control program. The present invention can also be realized in this manner.

[0134] <Summary of Embodiments> (Item 1) The remote control device of the above embodiment is a remote control device (100) for remotely operating a vehicle (110), A storage means (52) for registering identification information associated with the user's terminal device (120) and information of the group to which the user belongs, A calculation means (51) that, based on an operation from the terminal device (120) of a first user included in the group, grants the authority to remotely control the vehicle (110) to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of the first user, Equipped with, When the calculation means (51) grants the remote control authority, it grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of a second user that belongs to the same group as the first user.

[0135] The remote control device described in item 1 can improve convenience for users who share a vehicle with multiple people. For example, since users in the same group are likely to travel together or have related movements, managing the remote control permissions of the vehicle on a group basis can improve convenience for users belonging to the same group.

[0136] (Item 2) The calculation means (51) rejects a remote control request received in the storage means (52) from a terminal device (120) of a third user that is not registered in the same group as the group that includes the first user.

[0137] According to the remote control device described in item 2, the security of remote control privileges can be improved by rejecting remote control requests received from terminal devices of third users not registered in the same group.

[0138] (Item 3) The calculation means (51) When the user code displayed by the interface device inside the vehicle (110) matches the user code transmitted from the first user's terminal device (120), The remote control authority is granted to the identification information associated with the first user's terminal device (120) that is registered in the storage means (52).

[0139] According to the remote control device described in item 3, the security of remote control privileges can be improved by making matching user codes a prerequisite for granting remote control privileges.

[0140] (Item 4) The vehicle (110) is further provided with communication means (53) for obtaining identification information associated with the first user's terminal device (120) located inside the vehicle (110) when the vehicle (110) is started or stopped, The calculation means (51) is The identification information obtained by the communication means (53) is registered in the storage means (52), The remote control authority is granted to the identification information registered in the storage means (52).

[0141] According to the remote control device in item 4, remote control authority can be granted to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the current user or the last user at the time of vehicle startup.

[0142] (Item 5) The calculation means (51) outputs a signal for operating the vehicle (110) based on a remote operation request received from the terminal device (120) with identification information to which the remote operation authority has been granted.

[0143] According to the remote control device in item 5, the vehicle can be remotely controlled based on a remote control request transmitted from an identification terminal device to which remote control authority has been granted.

[0144] (Item 6) The communication means (53) acquires status information indicating the driving state or stopped state of the vehicle (110), The calculation means (51) determines the driving state of the vehicle (110) The identification information associated with the first user's terminal device (120) is granted a first remote control authority. A second remote control privilege is granted to the identification information associated with the second user's terminal device (120), with limitations on the functions that can be operated compared to the first remote control privilege.

[0145] According to the remote control device in item 6, different ranges of operational privileges can be set for the remote control privileges granted while the vehicle is in motion. For example, the identification information associated with the first user's terminal device can be set to allow operations related to vehicle control and security. On the other hand, the identification information associated with the second user's terminal device can be restricted to operations that do not affect vehicle control or security, such as setting the air conditioner temperature or opening and closing the power windows.

[0146] (Item 7) The calculation means (51) is used when the vehicle (110) is stopped. The identification information associated with the first user's terminal device (120) and the identification information associated with the second user's terminal device (120) are granted the first remote control authority.

[0147] According to item 7, regarding the remote control device, a common first remote control authority can be granted to the identification information associated with the terminal device of each user in the group.

[0148] (Item 8) The vehicle further comprises a communication means (53) for obtaining identification information associated with the first user's terminal device located inside the vehicle when the vehicle is started, When the vehicle is started, the calculation means (51) deletes the identification information and group information registered in the storage means (52) that grant remote control authority to the first user's identification information if the remote control authority has not been granted to the first user's identification information.

[0149] According to item 8, the remote control device allows for granting remote control permissions to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the new current user or the last user to operate the device, and to delete the information registered for past users. By deleting the information registered for past users, it becomes impossible for past users to operate the vehicle, thereby improving security regarding vehicle operation.

[0150] (Item 9) If the first user or the second user revokes the remote control privileges that were granted to them, The calculation means (51) deletes the remote control authority granted to the identification information associated with the terminal devices (120) of the first user and the second user, which belong to the same group.

[0151] According to item 9, the remote control device allows for the management of remote control permissions on a group basis. For example, if remote control permissions remain for some users who are not legitimate users due to vehicle resale, a situation may arise where some users are able to remotely control the vehicle. To prevent such a situation, security regarding vehicle operation can be improved by deleting remote control permissions for groups in bulk.

[0152] (Item 10) If multiple groups to which the first user belongs are registered in the storage means (52), When the calculation means (51) grants the remote control authority, it grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of each user included in the plurality of groups to which the first user belongs.

[0153] According to item 10, the remote control device can improve convenience for users who share a vehicle with multiple people. For example, since users in the same group are likely to travel together or have related movements, managing the remote control permissions of the vehicle on a group basis can improve convenience for users belonging to the same group.

[0154] (Item 11) The calculation means (51) does not grant the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of a fourth user who is in the same group as the second user but is not in the same group as the first user.

[0155] According to the remote control device described in item 11, it is possible to prevent the scope of remote control authorization from expanding in a chain reaction.

[0156] (Item 12) A method for controlling a remote control device for operating a vehicle (110) remotely, The process involves registering identification information associated with the user's terminal device (120) and information about the group to which the user belongs in the storage means (52) (Figures 5, 6, 57), The calculation means (51) grants the authority to remotely control the vehicle (110) to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of the first user, based on an operation from the terminal device (120) of the first user included in the group (S306), The calculation means (51) grants the remote control authority, and the process includes the step (S804) of granting the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device (120) of a second user that is in the same group as the first user.

[0157] According to the control method for remote control devices in item 12, the convenience for users who share a vehicle with multiple people can be improved. For example, since users in the same group are likely to move together or have related movements, managing the remote control permissions of the vehicle on a group basis can improve the convenience for users belonging to the same group.

[0158] (Item 13) A program that causes a computer to perform the control methods described in Item 12.

[0159] According to the program in item 13, it is possible to provide a program that causes a computer to execute a method for controlling a remotely operated device.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 100: Remote control device, 110: Vehicle, 120: Terminal device

Claims

1. A remote control device for operating a vehicle remotely, A storage means for registering identification information associated with the user's terminal device and information about the group to which the user belongs, A calculation means that, based on an operation from the terminal device of a first user included in the group, grants the authority to remotely control the vehicle to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, Equipped with, When the remote control authority is granted, the calculation means grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of a second user who is in the same group as the first user. When the user code displayed on the interface device inside the vehicle matches the user code transmitted from the first user's terminal device, A remote control device characterized by granting remote control authority to identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, which is registered in the storage means.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation means rejects remote control requests received in the storage means from a terminal device of a third user that is not registered in the same group as the group that includes the first user.

3. The vehicle further comprises communication means for obtaining identification information associated with the first user's terminal device located inside the vehicle when the vehicle is started or stopped, The aforementioned calculation means is The identification information obtained by the communication means is registered in the storage means. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the authority for remote control is granted to the identification information registered in the storage means.

4. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means outputs a signal for operating the vehicle based on a remote control request received from a terminal device of identification information to which the authority for remote control has been granted.

5. The communication means acquires status information indicating the driving state or stopped state of the vehicle. The calculation means, in the driving state of the vehicle, The identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user is granted a first remote control authority. The remote control device according to claim 3, characterized in that a second remote control authority is granted to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the second user, the second remote control authority having limited operable functions compared to the first remote control authority.

6. The calculation means, in the stopped state of the vehicle, The remote control device according to claim 5, characterized in that it grants the first remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user and the identification information associated with the terminal device of the second user.

7. The vehicle further comprises communication means for obtaining identification information associated with the first user's terminal device located inside the vehicle when the vehicle is started, The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the vehicle is started, the calculation means deletes the identification information and group information registered in the storage means if the remote control authority has not been granted to the identification information of the first user.

8. If the first user or the second user revokes the granted remote control privileges, The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation means deletes the remote control authority granted to the identification information associated with the terminal devices of the first user and the second user belonging to the same group.

9. If the storage means has multiple groups to which the first user belongs registered, The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the calculation means grants the remote control authority, it grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of each user included in the plurality of groups to which the first user belongs.

10. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation means does not grant remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of a fourth user who is included in the same group as the second user but is not included in the same group as the first user.

11. A control method for a remote control device that operates a vehicle remotely, A step of registering identification information associated with the user's terminal device and information of the group to which the user belongs in a storage means, The calculation means grants the authority to remotely control the vehicle to the identification information associated with the terminal device of the first user, based on an operation from the terminal device of the first user included in the group. The calculation means grants the remote control authority, and the process includes granting the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the terminal device of a second user who is in the same group as the first user, The calculation means, when it finds that the user code presented by the interface device inside the vehicle matches the user code transmitted from the first user's terminal device, grants the remote control authority to the identification information associated with the first user's terminal device, which is registered in the storage means. A control method characterized by having the following features.

12. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in claim 11.

Images