Vehicle key system and vehicle locking method using the same

Abstract

To provide a vehicle key system which can secure security even if a user's terminal is left in a vehicle, and to provide a vehicle lock method using the vehicle key system.SOLUTION: A vehicle key system 10 changes a lock state of a vehicle 20 through communication between a user terminal 11 and the vehicle 20. The user terminal 11 has a terminal communication part 111 which communicates with the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 has: a vehicle communication part 201 which communicates with the user terminal 11; and a door 202A. When the door 202A is locked in a state where the user terminal 11 is disposed in the vehicle 20, communication between the terminal communication part 111 and the vehicle communication part 201 is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle key system and a vehicle locking method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] As a vehicle key system, an electronic key system that performs key authentication and locks or unlocks a vehicle by wireless communication between a key terminal carried by a user and an in-vehicle communication device has become widespread. Such a system is also referred to as a smart entry system or the like.

[0003] In an electronic key system, the in-vehicle communication device periodically transmits a predetermined response request signal. When the key terminal receives the response request signal, it transmits a predetermined response signal including unique identification information to the in-vehicle communication device. When the in-vehicle communication device receives the response signal from the key terminal, it collates the received response signal with the pre-registered identification information to authenticate the electronic key. When the electronic key is authenticated, the in-vehicle communication device unlocks the door of the locked vehicle. As the key terminal, in addition to a small device conventionally known as a smart key, it is known to use a smartphone having a communication function.

[0004] On the other hand, users who enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing and swimming have a desire to lock the vehicle while leaving the key terminal inside the vehicle. The reason is that it is not easy to perform outdoor activities while carrying the key terminal because there is a risk of damage or theft of the key terminal. However, the electronic key system is designed on the premise that the user carries the key terminal and takes it out of the vehicle after locking. Therefore, when the key terminal is present in the vehicle interior, even if the user performs a locking operation such as touching the touch sensor from outside the vehicle, the vehicle cannot be locked. Therefore, a system has been developed that can cryptographically lock and unlock a vehicle while leaving the key terminal inside the vehicle. Such a system is described in Non-Patent Document 1 below.

[0005] Furthermore, inventions for temporarily suspending communication of a key terminal depending on conditions are described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-231567 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-178604 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-167151 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Subaru Levorg Owner's Manual, page 172: "Unlocking with a PIN code keyless entry system" [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the inventions described in the aforementioned documents had room for improvement from the standpoint of security when the vehicle was locked.

[0009] Specifically, if a user leaves the vehicle locked and behind, leaving the key terminal inside the cabin, there is a risk of the vehicle being stolen. In other words, if a third party breaks a window or otherwise enters the vehicle and operates the engine start switch, the engine will start, and the third party could then drive the vehicle, potentially resulting in its theft.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and the object of this invention is to provide a vehicle key system and a vehicle locking method using the same that can ensure security even when the user's terminal is left in the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention is a vehicle key system that changes the locked state of a vehicle through communication between a user terminal and the vehicle, wherein the user terminal has a terminal communication unit for communicating with the vehicle, and the vehicle has a vehicle communication unit for communicating with the user terminal and a vehicle opening / closing unit. A locking state changing unit that changes the state of the vehicle opening / closing part, The user terminal is positioned in the vehicle, and the vehicle opening / closing mechanism is locked. The locking state changing unit The system is characterized in that, once the operation is performed, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the vehicle key system of the present invention, if a user intentionally places a user terminal in the vehicle compartment and locks the vehicle, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped. Therefore, even if a third party who has entered the vehicle compartment operates the user terminal while the vehicle is locked, they will not be able to start the vehicle, thus improving the security of the vehicle while it is locked. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing a vehicle key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the locking process using a vehicle key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the unlocking process using a vehicle key system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, a vehicle key system and a vehicle locking method using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle key system 10.

[0016] The vehicle key system 10 is a system that changes the locking state of the vehicle 20 through communication between the user terminal 11 and the vehicle 20. Specifically, the vehicle key system 10 is a system that can perform electronic key authentication through short-range wireless communication between the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 11 that the user can carry, and can lock and unlock the vehicle 20. The specific configuration of the vehicle key system 10 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. In the vehicle key system 10 of the present embodiment, as will be described later, the vehicle 20 can be highly securely locked with the user terminal 11 placed in the passenger compartment 23.

[0017] The user terminal 11 is, for example, a smartphone owned by the user 12, and an application, which is a predetermined program for locking and unlocking the vehicle 20, is installed.

[0018] The vehicle 20 is, for example, a passenger car or the like. The vehicle 20 is, for example, an engine vehicle, an EV (Electrical Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electrical Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicle).

[0019] The drive unit 21 applies a driving force to the vehicle body 22 when the vehicle 20 travels. When the vehicle 20 is an engine vehicle, an engine is adopted as the drive unit 21 described later. When the vehicle 20 is an EV, a motor is adopted as the drive unit 21 described later. When the vehicle 20 is an HEV or a PHEV, a motor and an engine are adopted as the drive unit 21 described later.

[0020] The door 202A is an embodiment of the vehicle opening / closing unit 202, and is opened and closed when the user 12 gets on and off the vehicle 20.

[0021] The touch sensor 205 is located on or near the door 202A. By touching the touch sensor 205, the user 12 can perform an operation to lock or unlock the door 202A.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the vehicle key system 10. As described above, the vehicle key system 10 is a system that changes the locking state of the vehicle 20 through communication between the user terminal 11 and the vehicle 20.

[0023] The user terminal 11 mainly consists of a terminal communication unit 111, a terminal operation unit 112, and a terminal calculation control unit 113. The user terminal 11 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0024] The terminal communication unit 111 communicates with the vehicle 20. Specifically, the terminal communication unit 111 is the part that performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi.

[0025] The terminal operation unit 112 is the part that receives input from the user 12, and is, for example, a touch panel.

[0026] The terminal processing unit 113 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is a control circuit mainly composed of a microcontroller, for example.

[0027] The user terminal 11 is equipped with general application software such as voice communication software, as well as application software (hereinafter also referred to as the electronic key app) that has an electronic key function for the vehicle 20, which is obtained by downloading it from a server device (not shown). The electronic key app is executed by the terminal arithmetic control unit 113, which is a microcomputer included in the hardware of the user terminal 11. Through setting registration by the electronic key app, the user terminal 11 is assigned a unique authentication ID to be used as the electronic key for the vehicle 20. When the electronic key app receives a response request signal from the vehicle communication unit 201 (described later), it generates an unlocking instruction signal to unlock the door 202A of the vehicle 20. The unlocking instruction signal includes, for example, time information when the signal was generated and authentication ID information for the electronic key.

[0028] The vehicle 20 includes a vehicle communication unit 201, a locking state changing unit 203, a vehicle calculation control unit 204, a touch sensor 205, and a drive unit 21.

[0029] The vehicle communication unit 201 communicates with the user terminal 11. As mentioned above, the vehicle communication unit 201 is the part that performs bidirectional short-range wireless communication with the terminal communication unit 111.

[0030] The locking state changing unit 203 changes the locking state of the door 202A from the locked state to the unlocked state, or from the unlocked state to the locked state. Specifically, the locking state changing unit 203 is an actuator that unlocks or locks the door 202A of the vehicle 20 based on an instruction operation given by the user 12 to the user terminal 11 via the terminal operation unit 112. Here, the locking state changing unit 203 also includes a form in which the locking state is changed by operation on the touch sensor 205, operation on the door handle of the door 202A, or by a keyless entry function with a PIN code.

[0031] The vehicle calculation control unit 204 has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is a control circuit mainly composed of a microcontroller, and is sometimes referred to as an ECU.

[0032] The configuration of the touch sensor 205 and the drive unit 21 is as described above.

[0033] The electronic key operates as follows: It assigns a unique authentication ID to both the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 11. When the authentication ID transmitted from the user terminal 11 to the vehicle communication unit 201 matches an authentication ID pre-registered in the vehicle communication unit 201, authentication is successful. This allows the vehicle's door 202A to be unlocked without manual operation of the user terminal 11 or operation with a mechanical key. After unlocking, the engine can be started simply by operating the engine switch or other controls located inside the vehicle.

[0034] Here, the user terminal 11 is not limited to a smartphone, but can be any communication device having a touch-operable display or input unit, such as a tablet, wearable device, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Furthermore, the user terminal 11 may be a so-called smart key specifically designed for electronic key functionality for the vehicle 20.

[0035] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a method for locking and unlocking a vehicle 20 using the vehicle key system 10 having the configuration described above will be explained. This embodiment can be applied, for example, when a user 12 enjoying outdoor activities such as surfing locks the vehicle 20 while leaving the user terminal 11 in the passenger compartment 23.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the locking process using the vehicle key system 10.

[0037] In step S10, user 12 operates user terminal 11 to request a communication stop and a lock. Specifically, user 12 operates user terminal 11 to launch the electronic key application on user terminal 11. Then, user 12 operates the electronic key application to request a communication stop and a lock. As a result, the settings for the communication stop and lock requests are completed in the electronic key application on user terminal 11. The electrical signals indicating the communication stop and lock requests are transmitted to the vehicle calculation control unit 204 of vehicle 20.

[0038] In step S11, user 12 leaves the user terminal 11 in the vehicle compartment 23 and exits the vehicle. Specifically, if user 12 carries the user terminal 11, which is an electronic device, with them while engaging in activities such as surfing, there is a risk that the user terminal 11 may malfunction. Also, if the user terminal 11 is placed near the vehicle 20, there is a risk that a third party may use the user terminal 11 and steal the vehicle 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, user 12 exits the vehicle leaving the user terminal 11 in the vehicle compartment 23.

[0039] In step S12, user 12 performs a lock request operation to change the vehicle 20 from the unlocked state to the locked state. Specifically, user 12 performs the lock request operation from outside the vehicle by touching the touch sensor 205 or performing other operations. A signal indicating that a lock request operation has been performed is transmitted to the vehicle calculation control unit 204. Here, the lock request operation to lock the vehicle 20 may also be performed by a timer lock function, which is used to request locking in advance by the user terminal 11.

[0040] The reason a locking request operation is performed in step S12 is that if door 202A is locked immediately after closing it, the user 12 may need to operate the electronic key app again if they have left something behind in the vehicle compartment 23. This also allows for confirmation of the user 12's intentions once more. Furthermore, in step S12, the user 12 may also perform the locking operation on the user terminal 11 itself or the electronic key app to further enhance security. In this embodiment, there is a first waiting time, which is a short period of time, between the locking request operation and step S15, when door 202A is actually locked. This first waiting time is, for example, a few seconds.

[0041] In step S13, communication between the user terminal 11 and the vehicle 20 is stopped. Specifically, the vehicle calculation control unit 204 outputs information to the user terminal 11 indicating that a locking request operation has been performed while the user terminal 11 is in the vehicle compartment 23. After a second waiting period, the terminal calculation control unit 113 stops radio communication between the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11 and the vehicle communication unit 201 of the vehicle 20. Here, the second waiting period is shorter than the first waiting period described above.

[0042] Based on the user 12's operation of the terminal control unit 112 and touch sensor 205, communication between the terminal communication unit 111 and the vehicle communication unit 201 is stopped, thereby improving the security of the vehicle 20 according to the user 12's intentions. In other words, even if a malicious third party enters the vehicle 20 and attempts to unlock the user terminal 11, the user terminal 11 is not communicating with the vehicle 20 via radio waves, so the drive unit 21 of the vehicle 20 cannot be started, and the vehicle 20 cannot be stolen.

[0043] In step S14, the vehicle calculation control unit 204 confirms that communication has been stopped. Specifically, the vehicle calculation control unit 204 sends a key response request from the vehicle communication unit 201 to the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11. As mentioned above, the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11 has stopped radio communication. Therefore, there is no response from the terminal communication unit 111 to the vehicle communication unit 201. The vehicle calculation control unit 204 confirms that the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11 is in a communication-stopped state due to the lack of a response.

[0044] In this embodiment, step S14 can be omitted. Specifically, step S14 can be omitted by locking the vehicle 20 after step S13 is completed and the aforementioned second waiting time has elapsed. As a result, the vehicle calculation control unit 204 moves from step S13 to step S15.

[0045] In step S15, the vehicle 20 is locked. Specifically, based on instructions from the vehicle calculation control unit 204, the lock state change unit 203 locks the door 202A. In this step, the drive unit 21 can also be made inoperable.

[0046] The above describes the locking process of this embodiment. By performing the above locking process, user 12 can leave the user terminal 11 in the vehicle compartment 23 and fully enjoy activities such as surfing without worrying about the vehicle 20 being stolen.

[0047] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the unlocking process using the vehicle key system 10.

[0048] In step S20, user 12, having finished their activity and returned to vehicle 20, performs an operation to unlock vehicle 20. In this step, user terminal 11 is located in the passenger compartment 23 and is in a communication-deactivated state, so user 12 cannot unlock the vehicle using user terminal 11. User 12 performs an operation to unlock the door 202A of vehicle 20, for example, using the aforementioned keyless entry system with a PIN code. The operation for the keyless entry system with a PIN code may be performed on the aforementioned touch sensor 205, or on the handle unit provided on the rear gate. Furthermore, the operation for the keyless entry system with a PIN code may also be performed on the keyboard located on the B-pillar of vehicle 20.

[0049] In step S21, in the vehicle 20, the locking state change unit 203 unlocks the door 202A based on instructions from the vehicle calculation control unit 204. That is, the locking state of the door 202A is changed from the locked state to the unlocked state. In this step, the drive unit 21 is in a state where it cannot be started, and even if the start switch is pressed, the drive unit 21 will not start.

[0050] In step S22, user 12 operates the terminal operation unit 112 of user terminal 11 inside the vehicle compartment 23 to unlock the electronic key application. This operation can be, for example, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, or passcode entry by user 12. This operation to release the security can be performed on the user terminal 11 itself or on the electronic key application.

[0051] In step S23, radio communication between the vehicle communication unit 201 of the vehicle 20 and the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11 is resumed. Specifically, radio communication between the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 11 is resumed when the function of the terminal communication unit 111 of the user terminal 11 is restored.

[0052] By executing the processes in steps S22 and S23, user 12 can be identified, and it is possible to prevent a third party other than user 12 from resuming communication. Furthermore, user 12 performs an operation to resume radio communication on the electronic key application of user terminal 11. In this way, a signal to resume radio communication is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 111 of user terminal 11 to the vehicle communication unit 201 of vehicle 20, and the two become able to communicate. In addition, the terminal calculation control unit 113 transmits a signal to the vehicle calculation control unit 204 via the terminal communication unit 111 and the vehicle communication unit 201 indicating that the security of user terminal 11 has been released.

[0053] In step S24, the vehicle calculation control unit 204 enables the start of the drive unit 21 of the vehicle 20. Therefore, the user 12, having finished their activity, can start the drive unit 21 by pressing the start switch of the vehicle 20, etc., and drive the vehicle 20.

[0054] The above describes the unlocking process of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the drive unit 21 can be started when the door 202A is unlocked and the terminal communication unit 111 and the vehicle communication unit 201 can communicate, thereby further improving the security of the vehicle 20 when locked.

[0055] Here, we will explain what happens if a malicious third party enters vehicle 20 while it is locked. In such a case, if the vehicle's key is operated before facial recognition or fingerprint recognition is performed, the vehicle's alarm system, such as an alarm, will sound. Therefore, the security of vehicle 20 while it is parked can be further improved.

[0056] The above is a description of the vehicle key system and the vehicle locking method using the same according to this embodiment.

[0057] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above-mentioned embodiment, along with their effects, are described below.

[0058] The vehicle key system of the present invention is a vehicle key system that changes the locked state of a vehicle through communication between a user terminal and a vehicle, wherein the user terminal has a terminal communication unit for communicating with the vehicle, and the vehicle has a vehicle communication unit for communicating with the user terminal and a vehicle opening / closing unit, and when the user terminal is placed in the vehicle and the vehicle opening / closing unit is locked, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped. According to the vehicle key system of the present invention, when a user intentionally places a user terminal in the vehicle compartment and locks the vehicle, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped. Therefore, even if a third party who has entered the vehicle compartment operates the user terminal when the vehicle is locked, they cannot start the vehicle, thus improving the security of the vehicle when it is locked.

[0059] Furthermore, in the vehicle key system of the present invention, the user terminal further has a terminal operation unit that receives user operations, and the vehicle further has a locking state changing unit that changes the state of the vehicle opening / closing unit, and when the user performs a locking request operation by operating the terminal operation unit and performs a locking operation to lock the vehicle opening / closing unit by operating the locking state changing unit, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped. According to the vehicle key system of the present invention, by stopping communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit based on the user's operations of the terminal operation unit and the locking state changing unit, the security of the vehicle can be improved based on the user's intentions.

[0060] Furthermore, in the vehicle key system of the present invention, the vehicle further comprises a vehicle calculation control unit, and the vehicle calculation control unit locks the vehicle opening / closing unit after stopping communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit based on the user's operation of the locking state change unit. According to the vehicle key system of the present invention, since the vehicle opening / closing unit is locked after stopping communication, it is possible to prevent the vehicle opening / closing unit from being locked unintentionally while the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit are communicating.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle key system of the present invention, the vehicle further comprises a vehicle calculation control unit and a drive unit that provides driving force to the vehicle body, and the vehicle calculation control unit enables the operation of the drive unit when the vehicle opening / closing unit is unlocked by the user's operation and the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit can communicate. According to the vehicle key system of the present invention, the drive unit can be started when the vehicle opening / closing unit is unlocked and the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit can communicate, thereby further improving the security of the vehicle when locked.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle locking method of the present invention is a vehicle locking method that changes the locking state of the vehicle through communication between a user terminal and the vehicle, wherein the user terminal has a terminal communication unit that communicates with the vehicle, and the vehicle has a vehicle communication unit that communicates with the user terminal and a vehicle opening / closing unit, and when the user terminal is placed inside the vehicle and the operation to lock the vehicle opening / closing unit is performed, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped.According to the vehicle locking method of the present invention, when a user intentionally places a user terminal in the vehicle compartment and locks the vehicle, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped.Therefore, even if a third party who has entered the vehicle compartment operates the user terminal when the vehicle is locked, they will not be able to start the vehicle, thus improving the security of the vehicle when it is locked.

[0063] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0064] For example, while Figure 1 shows a door 202A as an example of a vehicle opening / closing part 202, other vehicle parts can be used as vehicle opening / closing parts. For example, windows, hatches, etc., can be used as vehicle opening / closing parts 202.

[0065] Referring to Figure 3, in step S13, communication was stopped from the user terminal 11 side, but communication can also be stopped from the vehicle communication unit 201 side based on instructions from the vehicle calculation control unit 204 of the vehicle 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10. Vehicle Key System 11 User terminals 111 Terminal Communications Department 112 Terminal Operation Unit 113 Terminal Processing Control Unit 12 users 20 vehicles 201 Vehicle Communications Department 202 Vehicle opening / closing section 202A Door 203 Locking status change unit 204 Vehicle Calculation Control Unit 205 Touch Sensor 21 Drive unit 22 car bodies 23 Cabin

Claims

1. This is a vehicle key system that changes the locking status of the vehicle through communication between the user terminal and the vehicle. The user terminal has a terminal communication unit that communicates with the vehicle, The vehicle includes a vehicle communication unit for communicating with the user terminal, a vehicle opening / closing unit, and a locking state changing unit for changing the state of the vehicle opening / closing unit. When the user terminal is positioned in the vehicle, and the locking state changing unit is operated to lock the vehicle opening / closing unit, A vehicle key system characterized in that communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped.

2. The user terminal further includes a terminal operation unit that receives user operations. The vehicle key system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the user performs a locking request operation by operating the terminal operation unit and performs a locking operation to lock the vehicle opening / closing unit by operating the locking state change unit, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped.

3. The vehicle further comprises a vehicle calculation control unit, The vehicle key system according to claim 2, characterized in that the vehicle calculation control unit locks the vehicle opening / closing unit after stopping communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit based on the user's operation of the locking state change unit.

4. The vehicle further comprises a vehicle calculation control unit and a drive unit that provides driving force to the vehicle body, The vehicle key system according to claim 2, characterized in that the vehicle calculation control unit enables the operation of the drive unit when the vehicle opening / closing unit is unlocked by the user's operation and the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit can communicate.

5. A vehicle locking method that changes the locking state of the vehicle through communication between the user terminal and the vehicle, The user terminal has a terminal communication unit that communicates with the vehicle, The vehicle includes a vehicle communication unit for communicating with the user terminal, a vehicle opening / closing unit, and a locking state changing unit for changing the state of the vehicle opening / closing unit. A vehicle locking method characterized in that, when the user terminal is located inside the vehicle, and the locking state changing unit is operated to lock the vehicle opening / closing unit, communication between the terminal communication unit and the vehicle communication unit is stopped.

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