Vehicle identification method and vehicle identification system

Abstract

To propose a technique capable of properly securing reliability and safety concerning a technique for identifying a vehicle based on an action of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle identification method includes: generating information indicating a second action from information indicating a first action with the use of a first key in a management system; transmitting the information indicating the second action to an object vehicle from the management system; restoring the information indicating the first action from the information indicating the second action with the use of a second key associated with the first key in the object vehicle; allowing the object vehicle to execute the first action; detecting the action to be executed by the vehicle with the use of a sensor in the management system; and identifying the vehicle for executing the first action as the object vehicle and not identifying the vehicle for executing the second action as the object vehicle in the management system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technology for identifying a target vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Identifying a target vehicle is important in functions for managing and controlling vehicles. For example, in automatic valet parking (AVP) in a parking lot, it is required to identify the target vehicle of AVP from the viewpoints of the reliability and safety of the function.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as a technology related to the identification of a target vehicle, a vehicle authentication method in a parking lot is disclosed. The vehicle authentication method disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits information instructing the execution of a predetermined action to the target vehicle, checks whether the vehicle in the parking lot has executed the predetermined action, and authenticates the vehicle that has executed the predetermined action as the target vehicle to perform localization.

[0004] In addition, the following Patent Documents 2 to 4 are available as documents showing the technical level of this technical field.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document ②

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a vehicle that performs a predetermined action in accordance with transmitted information is identified as a target vehicle. However, a malicious third party may intercept the information transmitted to the target vehicle and cause an unrelated vehicle that is not the target vehicle to perform the predetermined action. In this case, there is a risk that an unrelated vehicle may be identified as a target vehicle. This is undesirable from the standpoint of functionality reliability and safety. Thus, conventional technologies that identify vehicles based on vehicle actions have had problems in terms of reliability and safety.

[0007] One of the purposes of this disclosure is, in light of the above-mentioned challenges, to provide a technology that enables more appropriate assurance of reliability and safety regarding vehicle identification based on vehicle actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first to fourth disclosures each relate to a method for identifying vehicles.

[0009] The vehicle identification method related to the first disclosure is: In the management system, the first key is used to generate information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action, The management system sends information indicating the second action to the target vehicle, In the target vehicle, the information indicating the first action is restored from the information indicating the second action using the second key associated with the first key, To have the target vehicle perform the first action, In the management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, the vehicle performing the first action is identified as the target vehicle, while the vehicle performing the second action is not identified as the target vehicle. Includes.

[0010] The vehicle identification method related to the second disclosure is: The management system sends information indicating both the first and second actions to the target vehicle, To have the target vehicle perform only the first action without performing the second action, In the management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, vehicles that perform the first action without performing the second action are identified as target vehicles, and vehicles that perform both the first and second actions are not identified as target vehicles. Includes.

[0011] The vehicle identification method related to the third disclosure is: The management system transmits information about multiple elements that constitute the target action to the target vehicle separately via each of several different communication paths. The target vehicle will perform the target action which includes all of the multiple elements, In the management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, vehicles that perform a target action that includes all of the multiple elements are identified as target vehicles, while vehicles that perform an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements are not identified as target vehicles. Includes.

[0012] The vehicle identification method related to the fourth disclosure is: The management system transmits information about the target action, which includes multiple actions that occur consecutively in time, to the target vehicle. To have the target vehicle perform the target action, In the management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, the detected action is compared with multiple actions, and if a predetermined number or more of the multiple actions are detected, the vehicle is identified as a target vehicle. Includes.

[0013] The fifth to eighth disclosures each relate to a vehicle identification system. The vehicle identification systems according to the fifth to eighth disclosures include a management system capable of communicating with a target vehicle.

[0014] In the vehicle identification system according to the fifth disclosure, the management system generates information indicating a second action from information indicating a first action using a first key, the management system transmits information indicating a second action to the target vehicle, the target vehicle restores information indicating a first action from information indicating a second action using a second key associated with the first key, and executes the first action, the management system detects the action executed by the vehicle using a sensor, the management system identifies the vehicle that executes the first action as the target vehicle, and does not identify the vehicle that executes the second action as the target vehicle.

[0015] In the vehicle identification system according to the sixth disclosure, the management system transmits information indicating both a first action and a second action to the target vehicle, the target vehicle executes only the first action without executing the second action, the management system detects the action executed by the vehicle using a sensor, the management system identifies the vehicle that executes the first action without executing the second action as the target vehicle, and does not identify the vehicle that executes both the first action and the second action as the target vehicle.

[0016] In the vehicle identification system according to the seventh disclosure, the management system separately transmits information on a plurality of elements constituting a target action to the target vehicle via each of a plurality of different communication paths, the target vehicle executes a target action including all of the plurality of elements, the management system detects the action executed by the vehicle using a sensor, The management system identifies vehicles that perform a target action that includes all of the multiple elements as target vehicles, but does not identify vehicles that perform an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements as target vehicles.

[0017] In the vehicle identification system related to the eighth disclosure, The management system sweeps information on target actions, including multiple actions that occur consecutively in time. The target vehicle performs the target action, The management system uses sensors to detect the actions performed by the vehicle. The management system compares the detected action with multiple actions, and identifies the vehicle as a target vehicle if a predetermined number or more of the multiple actions are detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to this disclosure, the reliability and safety of the technology for vehicle identification based on vehicle actions can be better ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating Auto Valet Parking (AVP) in a parking lot. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of a management system configuration. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of conventionally proposed action-based identification methods. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the first and second actions in the vehicle identification method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the processing flow of the vehicle identification method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle identification system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the processing flow of a vehicle identification method according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the processing flow of the vehicle identification method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the processing flow of the vehicle identification method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the vehicle identification method according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the processing flow of the vehicle identification method according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The system is designed to provide control and service to target vehicles within designated areas where vehicles enter and exit. One such function is Auto Valet Parking (AVP) in parking lots. AVP automatically drives target vehicles in and out of parking lots. Other functions include transporting target vehicles in and out of garages using a transport device.

[0021] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating AVP. The management system 100 manages AVP in area 2 (parking lot). The management system 100 includes sensors 150 installed in area 2. Sensors 150 detect the location and status of each vehicle 1 within area 2. The management system 100 manages information about each vehicle 1 based on the detection information acquired using sensors 150. The management system 100 then communicates with target vehicles within area 2 and implements AVP for those vehicles. More specifically, the management system 100 transmits AVP-related command information to the target vehicles based on management data related to each vehicle 1 and area 2. AVP is implemented when the control system of the target vehicle controls the vehicle according to the received command information. Similarly, functions that provide control and service to other target vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "AVP and other functions") are also implemented through cooperation between the management system 100 and the control system of vehicle 1.

[0022] It is generally assumed that functions such as AVP are provided across multiple areas 2. Therefore, the management system 100 may be configured as follows. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management system 100. The management system 100 is configured to include multiple local management devices 110a installed in multiple areas 2, and a central management device 110b that manages the multiple local management devices 110a. Each local management device 110a manages the functions in its corresponding area 2. Each local management device 110a is connected to a sensor 150 in its corresponding area 2 so as to be able to communicate. Each local management device 110a is also configured to communicate with a vehicle 1 in its corresponding area 2 via wireless LAN or the like. The central management device 110b manages information across multiple areas 2. For example, the central management device 110b manages user information, optimizes the entire area 2, etc. The central management device 110b is connected to the multiple local management devices 110a so as to be able to communicate via a communication network 3 (e.g., the Internet). The central management device 110b may be configured to enable communication with the vehicle 1 via the communication network 3.

[0023] In the aforementioned AVP and other functions, identification of the target vehicle is required from the standpoint of reliability and safety (identification can also be rephrased as authentication). For example, consider Figure 1, where a user attempts to park vehicle 1 using AVP. The user parks vehicle 1 (the target vehicle) at parking position 2a and makes an AVP request. Here, vehicle identification is performed to verify whether vehicle 1 at parking position 2a is truly the legitimate user's vehicle 1 (the target vehicle). If vehicle identification is successful, vehicle 1 at parking position 2a is determined to be a legitimate vehicle (the target vehicle). After it is determined to be a legitimate vehicle, AVP is started and the target vehicle is parked. Therefore, if the identification of the target vehicle is performed correctly, only legitimate vehicles can be allowed to park. Conversely, if the identification of the target vehicle is not performed, there is a risk that an unrelated vehicle that is not the target vehicle may park. This is problematic from the standpoint of reliability and safety. Thus, in functions such as AVP, identifying the target vehicle is crucial for ensuring reliability and safety.

[0024] The vehicle identification method according to the embodiment can be used to identify a target vehicle in functions such as AVP. In particular, the vehicle identification method according to the embodiment is one of the methods (hereinafter referred to as the "action-based identification method") that involves having the target vehicle perform an action and then identifying it based on whether or not that action matches an expected action.

[0025] Here, an action is defined by a combination of the device (means) that performs the action and the operating pattern of that device. Examples of devices that perform an action include lighting devices (headlights, brake lights, fog lights, etc.), interior lighting devices, horns, turn signals, wipers, doors, door windows, engines, electric motors, etc.

[0026] For example, one of the actions of vehicle 1 is to switch the headlights on and off in a specified pattern. Another example is to flash the left and right turn signals in a specified pattern. Another example is to operate the wipers in a specified pattern. Another example is to open and close the doors and door windows in a specified pattern. Another example is to sound the horn in a specified pattern. Another example is to start the engine (rev the engine) in a specified pattern.

[0027] An operating pattern may be represented, for example, by signals indicating the operating state of the device in a time series. Alternatively, an operating pattern may be represented by signals indicating a sequence of the operating states of the device. An action may include a request for repetition of an operating pattern. Furthermore, a single action may include the operating patterns of multiple devices.

[0028] In an action-based identification method, the management system 100 is required to detect the actions of vehicle 1 using the sensor 150. For this reason, the sensor 150 is configured to be able to detect at least the actions that the vehicle is expected to perform. For example, if visually detectable visible actions (actions related to the lighting system, actions related to the operation of the wipers, etc.) are expected, the sensor 150 is configured to include sensors capable of detecting visual information, such as a camera, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and an illuminance sensor. Alternatively, if auditory detectable audible actions (actions related to the sounding of the horn, actions related to the operation of the engine or electric motor, etc.) are expected, the sensor 150 is configured to include sensors capable of detecting auditory information, such as a microphone.

[0029] Action-based identification methods have advantages such as a degree of flexibility in the actions used for identification and high variability in the identification method. However, action-based identification methods basically require the transmission of information about the action to the target vehicle. Therefore, the transmitted information may be intercepted and read. For this reason, conventional action-based identification methods (for example, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1) were anticipated to be in a situation where unrelated vehicles that are not the target vehicle were identified as the target vehicle. Below, a conventional action-based identification method will be briefly described as a comparative example.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an overview of the conventional method. In the conventional method, first, the management system 100 transmits information indicating a predetermined action to the target vehicle. Next, the target vehicle is instructed to perform the predetermined action. Then, the management system 100 uses the sensor 150 to detect the action performed by vehicle 1. Finally, the management system 100 identifies vehicle 1, which performs the predetermined action, as the target vehicle.

[0031] When conventional methods are applied, a third party can read predetermined actions through communication interception. Therefore, a third party may cause an unrelated vehicle to execute the read predetermined action. Furthermore, in conventional methods, the action for which information is transmitted and the action for identifying a vehicle as a target are the same predetermined action. Consequently, in this case, even though target vehicle identification is being performed, an unrelated vehicle may be identified as a target vehicle. This could lead to situations such as unrelated vehicles being admitted to the AVP (Autonomous Vehicle Parking) system. Thus, conventional methods still have issues in terms of reliability and safety.

[0032] In the action-based identification method, the sensor 150 is used to detect the actions performed by vehicle 1. Identification is then performed based on whether the detected action matches the expected action. However, in the action-based identification method, temporary processing errors or recognition errors may occur in the sensor 150. If temporary processing errors or recognition errors occur, some of the detected actions may not accurately reflect the actions that were actually performed. As a result, there is a risk that vehicle 1, which is actually performing the expected action, may not be identified as the target vehicle. This is also a challenge from a reliability standpoint.

[0033] This disclosure proposes a method for solving the above-mentioned problems. Several embodiments of the vehicle identification method are described in detail below.

[0034] 1. First Embodiment 1.1 Overview Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the first embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "first vehicle identification method").

[0035] In the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 manages the first action. The first action may be selected from among a plurality of managed candidate actions. Alternatively, the first action may be selected from among a plurality of actions managed for each vehicle, depending on the target vehicle. Or, the first action may be selected from among a plurality of actions managed for each user, depending on the user related to the target vehicle.

[0036] First, in the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 generates information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action using the first key.

[0037] The first key is typically an encryption key used to perform encryption according to a predetermined cryptographic scheme. In this case, the information indicating the second action is generated by encrypting the information indicating the first action. For example, the information indicating the second action is information that has been transformed by encryption from the information indicating the first action, specifically information relating to the operation pattern. Encryption of information relating to the operation pattern can be performed, for example, by inverting bit information, shifting bit information, changing pulse width, or a combination thereof.

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example of the first and second actions in the first vehicle identification method. In Figure 5, the flashing patterns (operation patterns) of the left and right turn signals are shown for each of the first and second actions. In Figure 5, the flashing pattern for the second action is modified from the flashing pattern for the first action by encryption. Furthermore, the information indicating the second action does not have to be generated directly by encryption. For example, the information related to the operation pattern of the first action may be encoded, and the encoded information may be encrypted with a first key. Then, the information indicating the second action may be generated by decoding the code of the ciphertext.

[0039] Furthermore, information indicating the second action may be generated by transforming the information relating to the device that performs the action through encryption. For example, the information relating to the device that performs the action may be transformed to indicate the right turn light instead of the left turn light. Alternatively, information indicating the second action may be generated by transforming both the information relating to the device that performs the action and the information relating to the operation pattern through encryption. However, it is desirable that the encryption be performed in such a way that the combination of the device that performs the action and the operation pattern in the second action is not inconsistent.

[0040] Refer to Figure 4 again. Next, in the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 transmits information indicating the generated second action to the target vehicle. The transmission of information indicating the second action may be performed by the local management device 110a or by the central management device 110b. For example, in AVP, the local management device 110a transmits information indicating the second action to the target vehicle after establishing communication with the target vehicle as it approaches the corresponding parking space. Alternatively, in AVP, the central management device 110b transmits information indicating the second action to the target vehicle in advance when the user makes an AVP reservation.

[0041] Next, in the first vehicle identification method, for the target vehicle, information indicating the first action is restored from information indicating the second action using the second key associated with the first key.

[0042] The second key is typically a decryption key capable of decrypting the ciphertext encrypted with the first key. The first and second keys can employ a symmetric-key cryptography scheme; that is, in this case, the first and second keys are symmetric keys. The first and second keys, which are symmetric keys, may be pre-managed by the management system 100 and the target vehicle, respectively. Furthermore, the pair of the first and second keys, which are symmetric keys, may be different for each vehicle. For example, the management system 100 may manage a first key for each vehicle and be configured to select the first key according to the target vehicle. Alternatively, the symmetric key may be a temporary key used only once in a single process. For example, the central management device 110b of the management system 100 may generate a temporary key that is a symmetric key and transmit it to the local management device 110a and the target vehicle, respectively.

[0043] The first and second keys can also employ public-key cryptography. In this case, the second key becomes the private key, and the first key becomes the public key generated from the private key. The second key, which is the private key, is managed in advance by the target vehicle. Then, information about the first key (public key) generated from the second key (private key) is transmitted from the target vehicle to the management system 100. The management system 100 manages the received first key (public key).

[0044] It is also possible to use a combination of symmetric-key and public-key cryptography. In this case, the first key includes a first symmetric key, which is a shared key, and a first public key, which is a public key. The second key includes a second symmetric key, which is a shared key corresponding to the first symmetric key, and a second private key, which is a private key corresponding to the first public key. The management system 100 generates information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action in two steps using the first symmetric key and the first public key. The target vehicle uses the first symmetric key and the second private key to reconstruct the information indicating the first action from the information indicating the second action.

[0045] The process of restoring information indicating the first action may be performed by the control system of the target vehicle. For example, the control system of the target vehicle may restore information indicating the first action from information indicating the second action by decrypting information related to the operation pattern of the received second action using a second key.

[0046] Next, the first vehicle identification method causes the target vehicle to execute the restored first action. For example, the control system of the target vehicle controls the vehicle's devices according to the content of the restored first action. The control system of the target vehicle may be configured to start control after receiving command information from the local management device 110a instructing the execution of an action. The local management device 110a may transmit command information instructing the execution of an action along with the transmission of information indicating a second action.

[0047] Next, in the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 detects the actions performed by vehicle 1 using the sensor 150. The sensor 150 is configured to detect at least the actions expected to be the first actions. As described above, the first actions are managed by the management system 100. Therefore, the actions expected to be the first actions can be suitably designed in advance depending on the environment in which the first vehicle identification method is applied.

[0048] In the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 identifies vehicle 1 that performs the first action as the target vehicle. Vehicle 1 that performs an action other than the first action is not identified as a target vehicle. In particular, vehicle 1 that performs the second action to which information is transmitted is not identified as a target vehicle.

[0049] As explained above, according to the first vehicle identification method, the management system 100 generates information indicating a second action from information indicating a first action using a first key. Furthermore, the information indicating the second action is transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle. Then, in the management system 100, vehicle 1 that performs the first action is identified as the target vehicle. Thus, according to the first vehicle identification method, vehicle 1 that performs the first action, for which no information has been transmitted, is identified as the target vehicle, rather than vehicle 1 that performs the second action for which information has been transmitted. As a result, even if the information transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle is intercepted, it is prevented that an unrelated vehicle will be identified as the target vehicle. Consequently, reliability and safety can be more appropriately ensured in the action-based vehicle identification method.

[0050] Incidentally, in the first vehicle identification method, it is also possible that the vehicle 1 performing the second action is the same vehicle 1 that a malicious third party has obtained through communications interception and is causing to perform the action. This becomes more pronounced the more complex the content of the second action. Therefore, the management system 100 may be configured to exclude the vehicle 1 from the identification target when it detects a vehicle 1 performing the second action. Furthermore, the management system 100 may be configured to issue a warning to the system operator.

[0051] 1.2 Configuration Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle identification system 10 that implements the first vehicle identification method. The vehicle identification system 10 consists of a management system 100 and a vehicle 1 that communicates with the management system 100.

[0052] The management system 100 includes a server 110 and a sensor 150.

[0053] Server 110 is a computer that performs information processing related to various functions in the management system 100. Server 110 is configured to communicate with vehicle 1 located within area 2 via wireless LAN or the like. Server 110 can also be considered as a local management device 110a installed in area 2.

[0054] Server 110 is connected to sensor 150 in a communicative manner. For example, server 110 is connected to sensor 150 by a cable for electrical or optical communication. As described above, sensor 150 is configured to detect at least one action that is expected to be a first action.

[0055] The server 110 comprises one or more processors 120 (hereinafter simply referred to as "processor 120"), a storage device 130, and a communication interface 140.

[0056] The processor 120 performs various processes. The processor 120 is composed of components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0057] The storage device 130 is connected to the processor 120 and stores various information necessary for the processing performed by the processor 120. The storage device 130 is composed of recording media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0058] The storage device 130 stores a computer program 131 and management data 132.

[0059] Computer program 131 describes the processes to be executed by processor 120. Information processing by server 110 may be realized through the cooperation of processor 120, which executes the processes related to computer program 131, and storage device 130. Computer program 131 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0060] The management data 132 records various management information. For example, the management data 132 records various vehicle information (vehicle ID, vehicle specifications, status of the on-board device 230) and functional information (request details, entry time, parking location, scheduled departure time, etc.) for each vehicle 1. In particular, in the first embodiment, the management data 132 manages information indicating the first key and the first action.

[0061] The communication interface 140 is an interface for communicating with external devices of the management system 100 to send and receive information. For example, the communication interface 140 consists of devices for connecting to a mobile communication network, devices for connecting to the internet, etc. The server 110 sends and receives information with the vehicle 1 via the communication interface 140.

[0062] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a control system 200. The control system 200 controls vehicle 1 based on various information.

[0063] The control system 200 includes a processing unit 210, an in-vehicle sensor 220, an in-vehicle device 230, and a communication interface 240.

[0064] The processing unit 210 is connected to the in-vehicle sensor 220, the in-vehicle device 230, and the communication interface 240 in a communicative manner. The processing unit 210 is a computer that performs information processing related to the control of the vehicle 1 based on various information. For example, the processing unit 210 is composed of one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units). Alternatively, the processing unit 210 may be a kit for functions provided by the management system 100 (e.g., an AVP kit). The processing unit 210 generates and outputs control signals for controlling the vehicle 1 through information processing. The control signals output by the processing unit 210 are transmitted to the in-vehicle device 230.

[0065] The processing unit 210 comprises one or more processors 211 (hereinafter simply referred to as "processor 211") and a storage device 212. The processor 211 executes various processes. The storage device 212 is connected to the processor 211 and stores various information necessary for the processes executed by the processor 211. The storage device 212 may store computer programs that describe the processes to be executed by the processor 211. Information processing by the processing unit 210 may be realized through the cooperation of the processor 211, which executes the processes related to the computer program, and the storage device 212.

[0066] The on-board sensors 220 detect information about the surrounding environment and driving conditions of the vehicle 1. Examples of on-board sensors 220 include cameras, radar, LiDAR, wheel speed sensors, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensors, etc. The information detected by the on-board sensors 220 is transmitted to the processing unit 210.

[0067] The on-board equipment 230 includes lighting equipment, interior lighting equipment, horns, turn signals, wipers, doors, door windows, drive equipment (engine, electric motor, etc.), braking equipment, steering equipment, etc. The on-board equipment 230 operates according to control signals received from the processing unit 210. Each component of the on-board equipment 230 may include an actuator controllable by the processing unit 210. The operation of the on-board equipment 230 according to the control signals enables the control of the vehicle 1 by the control system 200.

[0068] The communication interface 240 is an interface for communicating with external devices of the vehicle 1 to send and receive information. The control system 200 of the vehicle 1 sends and receives information with the management system 100 via the communication interface 240. Information received via the communication interface 240 is transmitted to the processing unit 210.

[0069] 1.3 Processing Flow Figure 7 shows an example of the processing flow of the first vehicle identification method implemented by the vehicle identification system 10. In the following description, the processing by the management system 100 is executed by the server 110 (more specifically, the processor 120). The processing by the control system 200 is executed by the processing unit 210 (more specifically, the processor 211).

[0070] In step S100, the control system 200 of the target vehicle transmits a function request and various necessary vehicle information (vehicle ID, vehicle specifications, status of on-board equipment 230, etc.) to the management system 100. If a public-key cryptography scheme is adopted in the first vehicle identification method, the target vehicle further generates a first key (public key) from the second key (private key) and transmits the generated first key to the management system 100.

[0071] When the management system 100 receives a request and vehicle information, it refers to the management data 132 to obtain a first action. The management system 100 may select a first action from among several candidate actions stored in the management data 132. Alternatively, the management system 100 may determine the first action according to the target vehicle. Alternatively, the management system 100 may determine the first action according to the user of the target vehicle.

[0072] Next, in step S110, the management system 100 uses the first key to generate information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action.

[0073] Next, in step S120, the management system 100 transmits information indicating the generated second action to the target vehicle.

[0074] Next, in step S130, the control system 200 of the target vehicle uses the second key to restore information indicating the first action from information indicating the second action.

[0075] Next, in step S140, the control system 200 causes the target vehicle to perform the first action according to the information indicating the restored first action.

[0076] After transmitting information indicating the second action, the management system 100 starts a process to detect the action to be performed by vehicle 1 in area 2 using the sensor 150 (step S150). When an action is detected in the detection process, the management system 100 verifies whether or not that action is the first action (step S151). Verification is performed, for example, by comparing the operation pattern of the detected action (detected action) with the operation pattern of the first action and basing the decision on whether or not there is a significant difference between the two.

[0077] If the verification determines that the first action has been performed, the management system 100 identifies vehicle 1, which performed the first action, as the target vehicle (step S160). Then, the management system 100 sends the identification result to the target vehicle (step S161). After step S161, the management system 100 may start providing the requested function.

[0078] If the verification determines that the first action has not been performed, the management system 100 may resume the detection process. In step S151, the management system 100 may further verify whether the detected action is the second action. If the verification determines that the second action has been performed, the management system 100 may exclude the vehicle 1 that performed the second action from the identification target.

[0079] 1.4 Variations As described above, the first vehicle identification method requires the management system 100 to manage information indicating the first key and the first action. Now, consider the case where the first vehicle identification method is applied to each of the multiple areas 2 when functions such as AVP are provided across multiple areas 2. In this case, each of the multiple local management devices 110a will manage information indicating the first key and the first action.

[0080] However, it is expected that much of the information indicating the first key and the first action managed by each local management device 110a will be common to each other. For example, if a first key is managed for each vehicle 1, the first keys for the same vehicle 1 will be common to each other. This poses a challenge from the standpoint of management costs. Therefore, in order to address this challenge, the vehicle identification system 10 may adopt the following modified form.

[0081] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of a modified vehicle identification system 10. In the modified vehicle identification system 10, the management system 100 includes a plurality of local management devices 110a provided in a plurality of areas 2, and a central management device 110b that manages the plurality of local management devices 110a.

[0082] The configuration of each of the multiple local management devices 110a may be equivalent to the configuration of the server 110 shown in Figure 4. However, the management data 132 of each local management device 110a does not manage the information of the first key and the information indicating the first action.

[0083] The configuration of the central management device 110b may be equivalent to that of the server 110 shown in Figure 4. The central management device 110b connects to the communication network 3 via the communication interface 140 and communicates with each local management device 110a. However, the central management data 132b of the central management device 110b records first key management information 133 for managing the first key and first action management information 134 for managing information indicating the first action. In other words, in the modified vehicle identification system 10, the information indicating the first key and the first action is managed in the central management device 110b.

[0084] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the first vehicle identification method realized by the modified vehicle identification system 10. In Figure 9, the target local management device 110a is a local management device 110a installed in the target area from among the multiple areas 2 into which the target vehicle enters and exits.

[0085] In step S200, the control system 200 of the target vehicle transmits a function request and various necessary vehicle information to the target local management device 110a.

[0086] Next, in step S201, the target local management device 110a notifies the central management device 110b of the various vehicle information it has received.

[0087] When the central management device 110b receives notification of vehicle information, it refers to the first action management information 134 and obtains the first action.

[0088] Next, in step S210, the center management device 110b obtains the first key by referring to the first key management information 133. Then, the center management device 110b uses the first key to generate information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action.

[0089] Next, in step S220, the central management device 110b notifies the target local management device 110a of information indicating the generated second action.

[0090] Next, in step S221, the target local management device 110a transmits information indicating the notified second action to the target vehicle.

[0091] Next, in step S230, the control system 200 of the target vehicle uses the second key to restore information indicating the first action from information indicating the second action.

[0092] Next, in step S240, the control system 200 causes the target vehicle to perform the first action according to the information indicating the restored first action.

[0093] After transmitting information indicating the second action, the local management device 110a starts a process to detect the action performed by vehicle 1 in the target area using the sensor 150 (step S250). When an action is detected in the detection process, the local management device 110a transmits information indicating the detected action to the central management device 110b (step S251).

[0094] When the central management device 110b receives notification of information indicating a detection action, it verifies whether or not that action is a first action (step S252).

[0095] If the verification determines that the first action has been performed, the central management device 110b identifies vehicle 1, which performed the first action, as the target vehicle (step S260), and notifies the target local management device 110a of the identification result (step S261). Upon receiving notification of the identification result, the target local management device 110a transmits the identification result to the target vehicle (step S262).

[0096] As described above, the modified first vehicle identification method can achieve the same functions and effects as the first embodiment described above. In particular, the modified first vehicle identification method allows the information indicating the first key and the first action to be managed in the central management device 110b. This reduces management costs.

[0097] 2. Second Embodiment The vehicle identification method according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained in particular, and the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] 2.1 Overview Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the second embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "second vehicle identification method").

[0099] In the second vehicle identification method, the management system 100 manages the first action and the second action. First, in the second vehicle identification method, the management system 100 transmits information indicating both the first action and the second action to the target vehicle.

[0100] Next, in the second vehicle identification method, only the first action is performed without having the target vehicle perform the second action. This can be done, for example, as follows.

[0101] One way to make the vehicle perform only the first action is to make the second action an action that the vehicle does not have the capability to perform (hereinafter referred to as the "unexecutable action"). With this method, since the vehicle cannot perform the second action, the information indicating the second action is not considered in the vehicle's control system 200. Consequently, the vehicle can be made to perform only the first action. In particular, with this method, the vehicle's control system 200 only needs to be configured to control the vehicle according to the information received from the management system 100. In other words, the control system 200 does not need to perform any special processing. Therefore, it can be implemented without increasing the processing load or development costs in the control system 200.

[0102] Unexecutable actions can be determined from the perspective of the type, equipment, specifications, etc. of the target vehicle. For example, if the type of target vehicle is an electric vehicle, an unexecutable action may be an action that revs the engine in a specified pattern. Also, for example, if the equipment of the target vehicle does not include door opening and closing control equipment, an unexecutable action may be an action that opens and closes the doors in a specified pattern. Also, for example, if the target vehicle is not designed to accept horn activation by an external system, an unexecutable action may be an action that sounds the horn in a specified pattern. The management system 100 can determine the second action that will be an unexecutable action based on the vehicle information obtained from the target vehicle.

[0103] Another method for ensuring only the first action is performed is to pre-transmit information indicating the second action from the management system 100 to the target vehicle. For example, in AVP, the central management device 110b of the management system 100 pre-transmits information indicating the second action to the target vehicle when the user makes an AVP reservation. With this method, the target vehicle's control system 200 can determine which of the actions received from the management system 100 is the second action. Therefore, the target vehicle's control system 200 can control the target vehicle without considering the information indicating the second action. Consequently, the target vehicle can be made to perform only the first action. In particular, with this method, the management system 100 can determine the first and second actions without distinguishing between them. Therefore, it can be implemented without increasing the management cost or processing load in the management system 100.

[0104] Next, in the second vehicle identification method, the management system 100 detects the action performed by vehicle 1 using the sensor 150.

[0105] In the second vehicle identification method, the management system 100 identifies a vehicle 1 that performs the first action without performing the second action as a target vehicle. A vehicle 1 that performs an action other than the first action is not identified as a target vehicle. In particular, a vehicle 1 that performs both the first and second actions is not identified as a target vehicle.

[0106] As explained above, according to the second vehicle identification method, information indicating both the first and second actions is transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle. Furthermore, the target vehicle is made to perform only the first action without performing the second action. Then, in the management system 100, vehicle 1 that performs the first action without performing the second action is identified as the target vehicle. Thus, according to the second vehicle identification method, vehicle 1 that performs both the first and second actions for which information is transmitted is not identified as the target vehicle. As a result, even if the information transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle is intercepted, it is prevented that an unrelated vehicle will be identified as the target vehicle. Consequently, reliability and safety can be more appropriately ensured in the action-based vehicle identification method.

[0107] Incidentally, in the second vehicle identification method, a vehicle 1 that performs both the first and second actions may also be considered a vehicle 1 that a malicious third party has obtained through communications interception and is causing to perform those actions. Therefore, the management system 100 may be configured to exclude a vehicle 1 from the identification target if it detects a vehicle 1 that performs both the first and second actions. Furthermore, the management system 100 may be configured to issue a warning to the system operator.

[0108] Furthermore, the second vehicle identification method described above consists of two actions: a first action to be performed by the target vehicle and a second action not to be performed by the target vehicle. As can be understood from the above description, the second vehicle identification method can be easily extended to three or more actions. For example, the management system 100 sends four actions to the target vehicle: the first action, the second action, the third action, and the fourth action. Here, the third and fourth actions are not performed by the target vehicle. The management system 100 identifies vehicle 1, which performs the first and second actions, as the target vehicle without performing the third and fourth actions. By increasing the number of actions sent, it is expected that reliability and security will be further enhanced.

[0109] 2.2 Processing Flow The second vehicle identification method can be implemented with a configuration similar to that of the vehicle identification system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 11 shows an example of the processing flow of the second vehicle identification method implemented by the vehicle identification system 10.

[0110] In step S300, the control system 200 of the target vehicle transmits a function request and various necessary vehicle information to the management system 100.

[0111] When the management system 100 receives a request and vehicle information, it refers to the management data 132 to obtain the first action and the second action. Here, the second action may be an action that cannot be executed. Alternatively, the second action may be an action that has been previously sent to the target vehicle.

[0112] Next, in step S310, the management system 100 transmits information indicating both the first action and the second action to the target vehicle.

[0113] Next, in step S320, the control system 200 of the target vehicle causes the target vehicle to execute only the first action out of the two actions.

[0114] After transmitting information indicating both the first and second actions, the management system 100 starts a process to detect the action to be performed by vehicle 1 in area 2 using sensor 150 (step S330). When an action is detected in the detection process, the management system 100 verifies that action (step S331).

[0115] If the verification determines that only the first action was performed without the second action being performed, the management system 100 identifies vehicle 1, which performed the first action, as the target vehicle (step S340). Then, the management system 100 transmits the identification result to the target vehicle (step S341).

[0116] If the verification determines that an action other than the first action has been performed, the management system 100 may resume the detection process. In particular, in step S331, the management system 100 may further verify whether the detection action includes both the first action and the second action. If the verification determines that both the first action and the second action have been performed, the management system 100 may exclude vehicle 1, which performs both the first action and the second action, from the identification target.

[0117] 3. Third Embodiment The vehicle identification method according to the third embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained in particular, and the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0118] 3.1 Overview Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the third embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "third vehicle identification method").

[0119] In the third vehicle identification method, the management system 100 manages multiple elements that constitute the target action. In Figure 12, the first element and the second element are shown as multiple elements. Here, the following methods can be adopted for providing the multiple elements.

[0120] One way to represent multiple elements is to make the device that performs the target action and the operating pattern of the device each a separate element. In this case, the multiple elements include the device that performs the target action and the operating pattern of the device. For example, in Figure 10, the first and second elements represent the headlights and the on / off switching pattern of the lights, respectively. The multiple elements may further include separate elements that constitute the target action. For example, the multiple elements may further include an element indicating the number of repetitions of the operating pattern.

[0121] Another way to represent multiple elements is to consider the target action as a combination of several different actions, with each action in the combination being a single element. In this case, the multiple elements include at least a first action and a second action that is different from the first action. For example, in Figure 10, the first element indicates that the left turn signal light should flash in a specified pattern. The second element indicates that the right turn signal light should flash in a specified pattern.

[0122] First, in the third vehicle identification method, information on multiple elements is transmitted separately from the management system 100 to the target vehicle via multiple different communication paths 4. In Figure 12, the multiple different communication paths 4 are shown as a first communication path 4a and a second communication path 4b. For example, the first communication path 4a is the path through which the local management device 110a and the target vehicle communicate via a wireless LAN or the like. Also, for example, the second communication path 4b is the path through which the central management device 110b and the target vehicle communicate via a communication network 3. In Figure 12, the first element is transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle via the first communication path 4a. The second element is transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle via the second communication path 4b.

[0123] Next, in the third vehicle identification method, the target vehicle is made to perform a target action that includes all of the multiple elements.

[0124] Next, in the third vehicle identification method, the management system 100 detects the action performed by vehicle 1 using the sensor 150.

[0125] In the third vehicle identification method, the management system 100 identifies a vehicle 1 that performs a target action that includes all of the multiple elements as a target vehicle. A vehicle 1 that performs an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements is not identified as a target vehicle.

[0126] As explained above, according to the third vehicle identification method, information on multiple elements constituting the target action is transmitted separately from the management system 100 to the target vehicle via each of the multiple different communication paths 4. Furthermore, the target vehicle is instructed to perform the target action which includes all of the multiple elements. Then, in the management system 100, the vehicle 1 that performs the target action which includes all of the multiple elements is identified as the target vehicle. Thus, according to the third vehicle identification method, simply performing an action which includes elements for which information is transmitted via one communication path 4 does not result in identification as a target vehicle. This prevents unrelated vehicles from being identified as target vehicles even if the information transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle is intercepted. Consequently, reliability and safety can be more appropriately ensured in the action-based vehicle identification method.

[0127] Incidentally, in the third vehicle identification method, a vehicle 1 that performs an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements may also be considered a vehicle 1 that a malicious third party has obtained through communications interception and is causing to perform that action. Therefore, the management system 100 may be configured to exclude a vehicle 1 from the identification target when it detects a vehicle 1 that performs an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements. Furthermore, the management system 100 may be configured to issue a warning to the system operator.

[0128] 3.2 Processing Flow The third vehicle identification method can be implemented with a configuration similar to that of the vehicle identification system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 13 shows an example of the processing flow of the third vehicle identification method implemented by the vehicle identification system 10.

[0129] In step S400, the control system 200 of the target vehicle transmits a function request and various necessary vehicle information to the management system 100.

[0130] When the management system 100 receives a request and vehicle information, it refers to the management data 132 to obtain multiple elements that constitute the target action.

[0131] Next, in step S410, the management system 100 transmits information of multiple elements separately to the target vehicle via each of the multiple different communication paths 4.

[0132] Next, in step S420, the control system 200 of the target vehicle causes the target vehicle to perform a target action that includes all of the multiple elements.

[0133] After transmitting information indicating multiple elements, the management system 100 starts a process to detect the action performed by vehicle 1 in area 2 using sensor 150 (step S430). When an action is detected in the detection process, the management system 100 verifies that action (step S431).

[0134] If the verification determines that the target action, which includes all of the multiple elements, has been executed, the management system 100 identifies the vehicle 1 that performed the target action as the target vehicle (step S440). Then, the management system 100 sends the identification result to the target vehicle (step S441).

[0135] If the verification determines that the target action, which includes all of the multiple elements, has not been performed, the management system 100 may resume the detection process. In particular, in step S431, the management system 100 may further verify whether the detected action is an action that does not include at least one of the multiple elements. If the verification determines that an action that does not include any of the elements has been performed, the management system 100 may exclude the vehicle 1 that performed the action from the target of identification.

[0136] 4. Fourth Embodiment The following describes the vehicle identification method according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained in particular, and the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0137] 4.1 Overview Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the vehicle identification method according to the fourth embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "fourth vehicle identification method").

[0138] In the fourth vehicle identification method, the management system 100 manages target actions that include multiple actions that are consecutive in time. In Figure 10, the target action includes N actions #1 to #N that are consecutive in time. In this case, the execution of the target action means performing actions #1 to #N in this order, consecutively in time. Multiple actions that are consecutive in time are given, for example, by setting the duration of each action or the interval until the next action.

[0139] Next, in the fourth vehicle identification method, the management system 100 transmits information about the target action to the target vehicle.

[0140] Next, in the fourth vehicle identification method, the target vehicle is made to perform the target action.

[0141] Next, in the fourth vehicle identification method, the management system 100 detects the action performed by vehicle 1 using the sensor 150.

[0142] In the fourth vehicle identification method, the management system 100 compares the detection action with multiple actions, and identifies the vehicle 1 performing the detection action as the target vehicle if a predetermined number or more of the multiple actions are detected. For example, suppose the target action includes seven actions #1 to #7 that are consecutive in time, and the predetermined number is set to 5. In this case, the management system 100 compares the detection action in the order of actions #1 to #7. Then, if five or more of actions #1 to #7 match, the management system 100 identifies the vehicle 1 performing the detection action as the target vehicle. Since actions #1 to #7 are consecutive in time, the comparison is performed taking into account the detection time of the detection action. For example, the management system 100 records the timestamp of the detection action and performs the comparison based on the timestamp.

[0143] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment. Figure 15 shows a target action that includes seven actions that are consecutive in time. The detection action contains some inaccurate information due to processing errors or recognition errors in the sensor 150. On the other hand, the detection action includes five of the seven actions of the target action. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the set predetermined number is 5 or more, the management system 100 identifies the vehicle 1 that performs the detection action as the target vehicle.

[0144] As explained above, according to the fourth vehicle identification method, information indicating a target action, which includes multiple actions that are consecutive in time, is transmitted from the management system 100 to the target vehicle. The target vehicle is then instructed to perform the target action. In the management system 100, if a predetermined number or more of the multiple actions are detected, the vehicle 1 performing the detected action is identified as the target vehicle. Thus, according to the fourth vehicle identification method, even if not all of the detected actions match the target action, if a predetermined number or more match, the vehicle 1 performing the detected action is identified as the target vehicle. This allows for consideration of cases where temporary processing errors or recognition errors occur in the sensor 150, and improves the success rate of identification. Consequently, reliability can be more appropriately ensured in the action-based vehicle identification method.

[0145] The fourth vehicle identification method can be implemented with a configuration similar to that of the vehicle identification system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 16 shows an example of the processing flow of the fourth vehicle identification method implemented by the vehicle identification system 10.

[0146] In step S500, the control system 200 of the target vehicle transmits a function request and various necessary vehicle information to the management system 100.

[0147] When the management system 100 receives a request and vehicle information, it refers to the management data 132 to obtain the target action, which includes multiple actions that occur consecutively in time.

[0148] Next, in step S510, the management system 100 transmits information indicating the target action to the target vehicle.

[0149] Next, in step S520, the control system 200 of the target vehicle causes the target vehicle to perform the target action.

[0150] After transmitting information indicating the target action, the management system 100 starts a process to detect the action to be performed by vehicle 1 in area 2 using the sensor 150 (step S530). When an action is detected in the detection process, the management system 100 compares and verifies the detected action with multiple actions included in the target action (step S531).

[0151] If the verification determines that a predetermined number or more of the multiple actions have been detected, the management system 100 identifies vehicle 1, which is performing the detected actions, as the target vehicle (step S541). Then, the management system 100 transmits the identification result to the target vehicle (step S542). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0152] 1. Vehicle, 2. Area, 3. Communication network, 4. Communication path, 10 vehicle identification systems, 100 management systems, 110 servers, 110a Local management device, 110b Central management device, 120 processors, 130 memory devices, 131 computer programs, 132 management data, 150 sensors, 200 control systems

Claims

1. A vehicle identification method for identifying target vehicles, In the management system, the first key is used to generate information indicating the second action from information indicating the first action, The management system transmits the information indicating the second action to the target vehicle, In the aforementioned vehicle, the information indicating the first action is restored from the information indicating the second action using the second key associated with the first key, To cause the target vehicle to perform the first action, In the aforementioned management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, the vehicle that performs the first action is identified as the target vehicle, and the vehicle that performs the second action is not identified as the target vehicle. including Vehicle identification method.

2. A vehicle identification method according to claim 1, The first key and the second key are a common key. Vehicle identification method.

3. A vehicle identification method according to claim 1, In the aforementioned vehicle, the first key, which is the public key, is generated from the second key, which is the private key. The information of the public key, which is the first key, is transmitted from the target vehicle to the management system. Includes Vehicle identification method.

4. A vehicle identification method according to claim 1, The aforementioned management system is Multiple local control devices installed in multiple areas where vehicles enter and exit, A central management device that manages the aforementioned multiple local management devices and Includes, The plurality of local management devices include target local management devices installed in the target area where the target vehicle enters and exits. The aforementioned vehicle identification method is: The center management device manages the first key and the information indicating the first action, In the aforementioned center management device, the first key is used to generate the information indicating the second action from the information indicating the first action, The central management device transmits the information indicating the second action to the target local management device, The local management device to the target vehicle transmits the information indicating the second action, In the aforementioned local management device, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using the aforementioned sensors, The local management device transmits information about the actions performed by the vehicle to the central management device. In the aforementioned center management device, the vehicle performing the first action is identified as the target vehicle, and the vehicle performing the second action is not identified as the target vehicle. Includes Vehicle identification method.

5. A vehicle identification method for identifying target vehicles, The management system transmits information indicating both the first action and the second action to the target vehicle, To have the target vehicle perform only the first action without having it perform the second action, In the aforementioned management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, a vehicle that performs the first action without performing the second action is identified as the target vehicle, and a vehicle that performs both the first action and the second action is not identified as the target vehicle. including Vehicle identification method.

6. A vehicle identification method according to claim 5, The second action is an action that the vehicle in question does not have the capability to perform. Vehicle identification method.

7. A vehicle identification method according to claim 5, The management system further includes pre-transmitting information indicating the second action to the target vehicle. Vehicle identification method.

8. A vehicle identification method for identifying target vehicles, The management system transmits information on multiple elements constituting the target action to the target vehicle separately via each of several different communication paths. The target vehicle is made to perform the target action which includes all of the above-mentioned multiple elements, In the aforementioned management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, a vehicle that performs the target action including all of the multiple elements is identified as the target vehicle, and a vehicle that performs an action not including at least one of the multiple elements is not identified as the target vehicle. including Vehicle identification method.

9. A vehicle identification method according to claim 8, The aforementioned multiple elements are, A device that performs the aforementioned target action, The operating pattern of the device and including Vehicle identification method.

10. A vehicle identification method according to claim 8, The aforementioned multiple elements are, First action, A second action that is different from the first action and including Vehicle identification method.

11. A vehicle identification method for identifying target vehicles, The management system transmits information about the target action, which includes multiple actions that occur consecutively in time, to the target vehicle. To cause the aforementioned vehicle to perform the aforementioned action, In the aforementioned management system, the actions performed by the vehicle are detected using sensors, In the management system, the detected action is compared with the plurality of actions, and if a predetermined number or more of the plurality of actions are detected, the vehicle is identified as the target vehicle. including Vehicle identification method.

12. A vehicle identification system for identifying target vehicles, The vehicle is equipped with a management system capable of communicating with the aforementioned target vehicle, The management system generates information indicating a second action from information indicating a first action using a first key, The management system transmits the information indicating the second action to the target vehicle. The target vehicle uses the second key associated with the first key to restore the information indicating the first action from the information indicating the second action, and executes the first action. The aforementioned management system detects actions performed by the vehicle using sensors, The management system identifies the vehicle performing the first action as the target vehicle, and does not identify the vehicle performing the second action as the target vehicle. Vehicle identification system.

13. A vehicle identification system for identifying target vehicles, The vehicle is equipped with a management system capable of communicating with the aforementioned target vehicle, The management system transmits information indicating both the first action and the second action to the target vehicle. The aforementioned vehicle performs only the first action without performing the second action. The aforementioned management system detects actions performed by the vehicle using sensors, The management system identifies a vehicle that performs the first action without performing the second action as the target vehicle, and does not identify a vehicle that performs both the first and second actions as the target vehicle. Vehicle identification system.

14. A vehicle identification system for identifying target vehicles, The vehicle is equipped with a management system capable of communicating with the aforementioned target vehicle, The management system transmits information on multiple elements constituting the target action to the target vehicle separately via each of multiple different communication paths. The target vehicle performs the target action which includes all of the above-mentioned multiple elements, The aforementioned management system detects actions performed by the vehicle using sensors, The management system identifies a vehicle that performs the target action which includes all of the multiple elements as the target vehicle, and does not identify a vehicle that performs an action which does not include at least one of the multiple elements as the target vehicle. Vehicle identification system.

15. A vehicle identification system for identifying target vehicles, The vehicle is equipped with a management system capable of communicating with the aforementioned target vehicle, The management system transmits information about the target action, which includes multiple actions that occur consecutively in time. The aforementioned vehicle performs the aforementioned action, The aforementioned management system detects actions performed by the vehicle using sensors, The management system compares the detected action with the plurality of actions, and identifies the vehicle as the target vehicle if a predetermined number or more of the plurality of actions are detected. Vehicle identification system.

Images