Digital Key System

Abstract

This allows users to change vehicle settings stored on a smart device along with the digital key, and customize the settings of in-vehicle equipment. [Solution] The digital key system comprises a mobile terminal that holds vehicle settings in conjunction with a digital key that links the user and the vehicle, and an in-vehicle system that controls multiple in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, all connected via communication. The mobile terminal is equipped with a vehicle setting change means that allows the user to change the vehicle settings. The in-vehicle system is equipped with an authentication means that authenticates the digital key read from the mobile terminal, and a vehicle setting application means that applies the vehicle settings to multiple in-vehicle equipment.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital key system comprising a portable terminal equipped with a digital key for authenticating the driver of a vehicle and locking / unlocking doors, and an in-vehicle system that communicates with the portable terminal to control in-vehicle equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic keys (smart keys) that lock and unlock vehicle doors and start the engine are becoming widespread. Sometimes, a mechanical key is integrated into the electronic key. Keyless systems that allow for remote control operation of doors and engine starting have also been developed. Electronic keys communicate via weak radio waves over short distances with antennas and receivers installed in the vehicle, accessing the on-board system that controls various in-vehicle equipment. Some electronic keys also incorporate an immobilizer to prevent vehicle theft. The immobilizer uses wireless communication between the IC chip embedded in the electronic key and the on-board system to verify identification information (ID) before allowing engine starting. This prevents theft of the vehicle by unauthorized operation by a third party other than the designated user.

[0003] In recent years, digital keys, which can be implemented using smartphone apps, have been used as a replacement for physical keys. Digital keys are installed on smart devices such as smartphones and work in conjunction with the in-vehicle system via contact-type or contactless short-range communication to allow the driver to access and control the vehicle. Digital keys enable basic operations such as locking and unlocking the vehicle and starting and stopping the engine without the need for a physical key. Digital keys enable car sharing, where multiple users can share a single vehicle, thereby increasing user convenience. Furthermore, digital keys can grant vehicle access rights to multiple users and allow for individual management of user settings. For example, it is possible to automatically adjust customizations such as the vehicle's seat position and air conditioning temperature settings according to the user's preferences. It is also possible to set vehicle access time and driving area for each user. In addition, digital keys utilize encryption technology and secure communication protocols, which can prevent vehicle theft and unauthorized hacking from external sources.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for applying a vehicle occupant's personal vehicle settings to an in-vehicle system (computer). Examples of vehicle settings that provide safety and comfort to the occupant include seat settings, air conditioning settings, audio settings, user interface and display settings, communication settings, mirror settings, and steering wheel settings. The system uses facial recognition to identify the occupant and generate, modify, and apply the vehicle settings. Furthermore, communication devices such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) are equipped in the vehicle to detect electronic devices carried by the occupant. The in-vehicle system identifies the occupant using a user profile or account and applies the vehicle settings associated with the activated user profile or account for any given occupant. The occupant modifies and applies the vehicle settings using conditional modifiers associated with the personalized vehicle settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2024-534305 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Personalized vehicle settings for each vehicle can be stored in either an in-vehicle unit or an external server. These settings, including those for various vehicle equipment such as electric seats and electric mirrors, are stored in an internal unit. The in-vehicle unit used is typically an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to an in-vehicle network such as CAN (Controller Area Network). When storing vehicle settings in the in-vehicle unit, the driver may apply the desired settings to the system by operating switches on the vehicle. Alternatively, the system can be configured to apply the settings by identifying the driver's remote key. When storing vehicle settings on a server, the driver may download the vehicle information from the server to the system by operating a multimedia screen displayed on the in-vehicle display (touch panel display) or by operating the head unit the driver views.

[0007] When vehicle settings are stored in an in-vehicle unit, the driver cannot change the settings outside the vehicle. While the technology described in Patent Document 1 allows for the modification of personalized vehicle settings using conditional modifiers, the driver cannot arbitrarily change the settings outside the vehicle. Furthermore, increasing the number of profiles to be stored as vehicle settings requires increasing the storage capacity of the in-vehicle unit, leading to increased vehicle manufacturing costs.

[0008] When downloading vehicle settings from the server to the in-vehicle system, it takes several tens of seconds after the vehicle's engine starts or power is turned on for the in-vehicle communication equipment to activate. Therefore, there is a delay between the driver getting into the vehicle and the vehicle settings being applied to the in-vehicle system.

[0009] Normally, when the ignition is turned off (IG OFF) to stop the vehicle's engine, the vehicle settings applied to the on-board system are retained. After the ignition is turned off, when the vehicle owner gets into the vehicle, they need to change the vehicle settings retained in the on-board system to their own vehicle settings. This makes the process of changing the vehicle settings for each driver cumbersome, and there is a problem that it takes time to start the vehicle with the desired settings.

[0010] Multiple users may have smart devices that store individual digital keys, and these multiple digital keys may be used to share a single vehicle. In this case, it is difficult to apply personalized vehicle settings to the in-vehicle system and customize the settings of the in-vehicle equipment for each user.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a digital key system that stores the user's digital key and vehicle settings as a set on a smart device, and allows the user to change the vehicle settings on the smart device, thereby customizing the settings of in-vehicle equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Aspects of the present invention relate to a digital key system comprising a smart device (hereinafter referred to as a "portable terminal") that holds a digital key linking a user and a vehicle, and an in-vehicle system that controls a plurality of in-vehicle equipment items installed in the vehicle. The portable terminal stores, as a set, a vehicle setting that defines the setting states of the plurality of in-vehicle equipment items and the digital key, and includes a vehicle setting change means that enables a user to change the vehicle setting, and a transmission means that transmits the digital key and the vehicle setting to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system includes a reception means that receives the digital key and the vehicle setting transmitted from the transmission means of the portable terminal, an authentication means that authenticates the digital key, and a vehicle setting application means that applies the vehicle setting to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment items when the authentication of the digital key is successful by the authentication means. When short-range communication is performed, with the positions of the transmitting and receiving means associated, the authentication means authenticates the digital key upon success of the short-range communication. If it is possible to configure the vehicle using multiple digital keys, BLE communication is performed between the transmitting and receiving means, enabling the sending and receiving of multiple digital keys. The in-vehicle system includes an authorization determination unit that determines whether to grant the digital key the authority to change the vehicle settings by the vehicle setting change means when the vehicle door is unlocked using one of the multiple digital keys, and the vehicle setting application means applies the vehicle settings associated with the authorized digital key to multiple in-vehicle equipment.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the digital key of the user and the vehicle setting are stored as a set in the smart device, and it is possible for the user to change the vehicle setting in the smart device, thereby customizing the setting state of the in-vehicle equipment items.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital key system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an application example of a digital key system according to a first method. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an application example of a digital key system according to a second method. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital key system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a digital key system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] A digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In this embodiment, a predetermined application is installed on a smart device such as a smartphone to store a digital key that allows the user to access the vehicle in place of a mechanical key. Authentication of the digital key allows the vehicle doors to be locked and unlocked, and the power to be turned on and off. In particular, the application's personalization function allows the user to change vehicle settings that define the settings of various in-vehicle equipment before getting into the vehicle, and the changed vehicle settings are automatically applied to the in-vehicle system.

[0017] The vehicle is equipped with multiple antennas for wireless communication with smart devices. The user unlocks the doors by holding the smart device over the vehicle's door mirror or door handle, and then turns on the power by pressing the start switch inside the vehicle, or by holding the smart device over the start switch. The user may then refer to the meter display, which shows the status of the vehicle's gauges, to choose whether or not to apply the vehicle settings stored on the smart device to the vehicle. For example, the meter display may show a form asking the user whether or not to apply the vehicle settings, and the settings may be applied to the vehicle after the user's approval. Furthermore, when a single vehicle is shared by multiple users, other share users may apply individual vehicle settings to the vehicle in addition to the user who owns it. That is, the vehicle settings may switch between the owner's settings (owner settings) and the share user's settings (guest settings). For example, under predetermined conditions, after a share user finishes driving the vehicle, the vehicle's power is turned off, and the doors are locked, the guest settings applied to the vehicle may be automatically switched back to the owner settings. In other words, multiple vehicle settings from multiple digital keys held by multiple users may be individually applied to the vehicle. Here, the vehicle owner's vehicle settings may be saved as master information, while the vehicle settings of other users may be automatically deleted when the vehicle is finished to be driven.

[0018] [1] First Embodiment Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital key system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The digital key system 10 comprises a smart device 20 and an in-vehicle system 30. The smart device 20 is equipped with an application AP that enables the user to generate and modify vehicle settings. The in-vehicle system 30 manages the setting status of various in-vehicle equipment EQs installed in the vehicle.

[0019] The smart device 20 and the in-vehicle system 30 can communicate with each other, and the communication connection is established according to communication standards such as NFC, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). Depending on the type of smart device 20, some may be able to send and receive identification information (ID) via NFC but not digital information. To send and receive digital information, a combination of BLE and UWB may be installed in the vehicle instead of NFC. Furthermore, since UWB can measure the distance between the communication device owned by the user and the vehicle using multiple antennas, if multiple users access the in-vehicle system 30 simultaneously, the system can identify the user closest to the vehicle. When UWB is used as the short-range wireless communication, the in-vehicle system 30 can determine whether the smart device 20 storing the digital key DK is located inside or outside the vehicle. Even if the smart device 20 is located inside the vehicle, it is possible to determine which smart device 20 is located closest to the driver's seat.

[0020] The smart device 20 is equipped with a processor, memory, and a wireless communication module. The processor may be a CPU or GPU. The memory is not limited to semiconductor memory built into the smart device 20, but may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. As the wireless communication module, devices conforming to various communication standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth®, and UWB can be used for wireless communication and data communication with the outside world. The smart device 20's memory is equipped with an application AP. The user's digital key DK and the personal vehicle setting PS (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle setting PS"), which indicates the vehicle settings personalized by the user, are stored together in a predetermined storage area in the memory. The vehicle setting PS holds the setting status of various in-vehicle equipment EQs predetermined by the user.

[0021] The smart device 20 is equipped with a touch panel display, and an operation screen that allows the user to generate and modify vehicle settings is displayed on the touch panel display. The operation screen displays multiple items that make up the vehicle setting PS, namely the setting status of various in-vehicle equipment EQs. The user can individually generate and modify the setting status of the multiple items displayed on the operation screen. Subsequently, the transmitter TX transmits the vehicle setting PS, which indicates the personal setting information generated or modified by the user, to the receiver 31 of the in-vehicle system 30. There is a risk that the vehicle settings may be changed unexpectedly by the user operating the smart device 20 while the vehicle is in motion. To prevent this, a prohibition mechanism may be provided on the smart device 20. That is, when a communication connection is established between the smart device 20 and the in-vehicle system 30, and the vehicle setting PS is transmitted from the transmitter TX to the receiver RX, the prohibition mechanism may be activated and the operation screen may be automatically locked.

[0022] Wireless communication is performed using various communication standards such as NEC, BLE, and UWB between the transmitter TX of the smart device 20 and the receiver RX of the in-vehicle system 30. The receiver RX receives the digital key DK and vehicle setting PS transmitted from the smart device 20 and sends them to the authentication unit AT. The authentication unit AT may implement multiple authentication methods. For example, it may implement NFC authentication or Bluetooth® coupling.

[0023] The authentication unit AT authenticates whether the user identified by the digital key DK is associated with the vehicle. One digital key DK identifying one user may be stored on one smart device 20. Alternatively, the application AP may store multiple digital key DKs, each identifying multiple users, and use a different digital key DK for each user. In this case, the application AP may maintain multiple vehicle configuration PSs associated with multiple digital key DKs. That is, the desired digital key DK may be identified by the user's identification number, and the desired vehicle configuration PS may also be identified.

[0024] The authentication unit AT holds user data that indicates user attributes, which are pre-associated with vehicle data (such as vehicle type, model, and vehicle number). If multiple users share one vehicle, the authentication unit AT may hold multiple user data that indicates the attributes of multiple users. The authentication unit AT decrypts the encrypted digital key DK and verifies the legitimacy of the digital key DK by checking whether it matches the user data.

[0025] When user authentication is performed using the digital key DK, the authentication unit AT sends the digital key DK to the vehicle access unit 31 and also sends the vehicle setting PS, which is paired with the digital key DK, to the condition determination unit 32. The authentication unit AT may also automatically turn on the vehicle's power supply PW upon authentication of the digital key DK. In the case of an electric vehicle, turning on the power supply PW makes it ready to drive.

[0026] The vehicle access unit 31 unlocks the door DR or automatically starts the engine EN upon authentication of the digital key DK. For example, the vehicle's door DR may be unlocked with the user-authenticated digital key DK, and the engine EN may be started by the user manually operating the start switch. Alternatively, the user may start the engine EN by holding the smart device 20 over the start switch. To stop the engine EN, the user may also operate the start switch or hold the smart device 20 over the start switch.

[0027] The condition determination unit 32 stores multiple conditions associated with locking / unlocking the door DR and turning the power switch PW on / off, and determines whether to apply the user's vehicle setting PS to the in-vehicle equipment EQ based on authentication of the digital key DK by the authentication unit AT. For example, the owner setting OWN, which indicates the setting status of the in-vehicle equipment EQ by the vehicle owner, is stored as the default. If the user accessing the vehicle is the vehicle owner, the owner setting OWN is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ. Alternatively, the guest setting GST may be stored as the vehicle setting by a shared user (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0028] When the first condition is met, the condition determination unit 32 permits the application of the guest setting GST of the share user who accessed the vehicle via the smart device 20 to the in-vehicle equipment EQ instead of the owner setting OWN. Subsequently, when the share user turns off the power PW by operating the vehicle's start switch, or stops the engine EN and locks the doors DR, the setting state of the in-vehicle equipment EQ is returned from the share user's guest setting GST to the default owner setting OWN.

[0029] When the second condition is met, the condition determination unit 32 sets the guest setting GST of the shared user who accessed the vehicle via the smart device 20 as the new default. From this point onward, the new default guest setting GST is applied to the settings of the vehicle's in-vehicle equipment EQ. The first and second conditions will be described later with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0030] The vehicle setting application unit 33 defines the setting state of the in-vehicle equipment EQ according to the vehicle setting PS. For example, if the vehicle setting items include meters, head-up display, seat position, side mirror angle, and air conditioning temperature, the setting state of the in-vehicle equipment EQ may be defined in relation to the setting states of multiple items.

[0031] The application AP of the smart device 20 may be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning functions. For example, the application AP may be equipped with a machine learning model that has learned trends such as the attributes of multiple users (age, gender, etc.), the external environment of the vehicle (temperature, humidity, weather, season, etc.), and the behavior when operating the vehicle as past history. Alternatively, if the user frequently changes the vehicle settings PS, the machine learning model may learn the history of changes made by the user to the vehicle settings PS as past history. Furthermore, the application AP may list recommended changes to the vehicle settings PS according to each user's past history and display them on the touch panel display of the smart device 20 as reference information when the user changes the vehicle settings PS. This allows the user to easily and accurately change the vehicle settings PS, thereby preventing inappropriate changes to the vehicle settings PS from negatively affecting the user's driving operation.

[0032] Next, application examples of the digital key system 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 1 shows the functional configuration of the in-vehicle system 30, while Figures 2 and 3 show the specific configurations of the in-vehicle systems 30A and 30B. For example, the in-vehicle systems 30A and 30B are equipped with a digital key ECU (DK_ECU) 40 and inter-process communication (IPC) 50. In-vehicle equipment EQ includes electric seats 61, electric mirrors 62, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 63, a head-up display (HUD) 64, and other body parts (Body) 65. In Figures 2 and 3, parts common to Figure 1 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the first digital key system 100. The digital key system 100 comprises a smart device 20a and an in-vehicle system 30A. The smart device 20a is equipped with application AP1 and holds a digital key DK1 linked to the vehicle user and a vehicle setting PS1 personalized by the user. In the first method, after the user unlocks the vehicle door DR with the digital key DK1, turns on the power PW, and authenticates the digital key DK1 via NFC, the in-vehicle system 30A receives the vehicle setting PS1 via NFC and applies the received vehicle setting PS1 to the in-vehicle equipment EQ.

[0034] When the smart device 20a and the in-vehicle system 30A are connected via NFC or BLE, the digital key DK1 and vehicle setting PS1 are transmitted from the smart device 20a to the in-vehicle system 30A. The in-vehicle system 30A performs NFC authentication for the digital key DK. If authentication is successful, the power switch PW is turned on. The digital key DK1 and vehicle setting PS1 are also sent to the DK_ECU40. The DK_ECU40 has a memory area for storing the owner setting OWN and the guest setting GST. The owner setting OWN contains the digital key DK of the vehicle owner. OWN and vehicle settings PSOWN Register and share the user's digital key DK in the guest settings GST. SHR and vehicle settings PS SHR You may register and .

[0035] If the identification information of digital key DK1 indicates the vehicle owner, digital key DK1 and vehicle setting PS1 will be saved as owner setting OWN. In this case, digital key DK1 will be digital key DK OWN Therefore, Vehicle setting PS1 is Vehicle setting PS OWN This is the case. If the identification information of digital key DK1 indicates a shared user other than the vehicle owner, digital key DK1 and vehicle setting PS1 will be saved as guest setting GST. In this case, digital key DK1 will be digital key DK SHR Therefore, Vehicle setting PS1 is Vehicle setting PS SHR This is the result. Note that the owner setting OWN is defined as the default for DK_ECU40.

[0036] The vehicle setting PS1 holds multiple setting information items a, b, and c, associated with multiple in-vehicle equipment EQs. Setting information a indicates the setting status of the electric seat 61, and automatically adjusts the electric seat 61 to the user's preferred position and angle. Setting information b indicates the setting information of the electric mirror 62, and automatically adjusts the electric mirror 62 to the user's preferred angle. Since the electric seat 61 and electric mirror 62 are automatically adjusted to the desired position and angle after the user gets in the vehicle, the user can concentrate on driving the vehicle without any discomfort.

[0037] IPC50 handles data exchange between multiple processes or threads related to the control of multiple in-vehicle equipment EQs. Data is exchanged between process d related to ADAS63, process e related to HUD64, and process f related to Body65, based on configuration information c. For example, process d applies sensing data such as in-vehicle cameras, millimeter-wave radar, and LiDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) to ADAS63, which performs functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Process e provides visual information detected by in-vehicle cameras and car navigation systems to HUD64, which displays various information on a screen visible to the driver. Process f provides predetermined information to Body65, which is another piece of equipment on the vehicle. For example, it can appropriately manage the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle based on information about the temperature and humidity outside the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the second type of digital key system 200. In Figure 3, the same parts as in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The digital key system 200 comprises multiple smart devices 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) and an in-vehicle system 30B. The multiple smart devices 20a, 20b, 20c are linked to multiple users. As described above, the application APs (AP1, AP2, AP3) installed on the smart devices 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) each hold a digital key DK (DK1, DK2, DK3) and a vehicle setting PS (PS1, PS2, PS3).

[0039] Specifically, application AP1 of smart device 20a stores the digital key DK1 and vehicle setting PS1. Application AP2 of smart device 20b stores the digital key DK2 and vehicle setting PS2. Application AP3 of smart device 20c stores the digital key DK3 and vehicle setting PS3.

[0040] In the second method, after the vehicle door DR is unlocked, the in-vehicle system 30B receives a plurality of vehicle settings PS1, PS2, and PS3 from a plurality of smart devices 20a, 20b, and 20c via BLE. Then, when the power supply PW is turned on by NFC authentication, the vehicle setting PS corresponding to the identification number of the digital key DK used is specified and applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ.

[0041] In the in-vehicle system 30B, the receiver RX communicates with the smart devices 20a, 20b, and 20c to receive the vehicle settings PS1, PS2, and PS3. Then, after the NFC authentication of the digital key DK1 of the smart device 20a is performed by the authentication unit AT and the power supply PW is turned on, the vehicle setting PS1 associated with the identification information of the digital key DK1 is specified. If the user of the smart device 20a is the owner of the vehicle, the digital key DK1 and the vehicle setting PS1 are held in the owner setting OWN of the DK_ECU40. Also, when the smart devices 20b and 20c are carried by shared users, the digital keys DK2 and DK3 and the vehicle settings PS2 and PS3 are held in the guest setting GST.

[0042] As described above, since the digital key DK1 associated with the user of the smart device 20a is NFC-authenticated, the vehicle setting PS1 is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ. That is, since the process as described in FIG. 2 is executed, the description thereof is omitted.

[0043] In addition to the first method and the second method, it is also possible to assume a third method. In the third method, the smart device 20 authenticated for unlocking the vehicle door DR is recognized as a driver device, and the vehicle setting PS associated with the digital key DK via BLE is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ.

[0044] Note that when the vehicle setting PS OWN associated with the digital key DK OWN of the vehicle owner is held as the owner setting OWN, when another shared user uses the digital key DK SHR to access the vehicle setting PS SHRThe vehicle may be driven after applying the vehicle settings PS to the in-vehicle equipment EQ. Afterwards, the share user finishes driving the vehicle and locks the doors DR from outside the vehicle. In this case, the in-vehicle system 30 will apply the vehicle settings PS that the share user has applied to the vehicle equipment EQ. SHR The vehicle owner's vehicle PS OWN It may be automatically reverted. Alternatively, when resuming driving the vehicle after it has finished driving, the vehicle setting PS applied by the shared user to the vehicle equipment EQ at the timing of ignition ON (IG_ON) or power ON. SHR Vehicle owner's vehicle settings PS OWN It can be automatically reverted to that state.

[0045] [2] Second embodiment Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital key system 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4, the same parts as in Figures 1, 2, and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the digital key system 300, a smart device 20 having an application AP and a digital key DK is connected to the CAN, which is the in-vehicle network of the in-vehicle system, and the configuration related to transmission and reception between the smart device 20 and the in-vehicle system is omitted.

[0046] The Digital Key System 300 implements two types of vehicle settings, A and B, in separate ECUs. Vehicle setting A is set by the vehicle owner's vehicle setting PS. OWN Vehicle setting B is shared by the user's vehicle setting PS. SHR Alternatively, vehicle setting A is implemented in vehicle setting ECU_A301 (hereinafter referred to as "ECU_A301"), and vehicle setting B is implemented in vehicle setting ECU_B302 (hereinafter referred to as "ECU_B302").

[0047] ECU_A301 is connected to the CAN, which is the in-vehicle network. ECU_B302 is connected to the CAN via the meter display 304. The meter display 304 may display a message asking whether or not to apply vehicle setting B to the in-vehicle system. If the driver of the vehicle agrees to apply vehicle setting B, vehicle setting B is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ.

[0048] The receiver unit RX is equipped with an NFC antenna and a BLE antenna and receives radio waves from the smart device 20. The authentication unit AT authenticates the digital key DK of the smart device 20. The authorization determination unit 305 is connected to the CAN via the setting change ECU 303. The authorization determination unit 305, in synchronization with the condition determination unit 306, determines whether the user of the smart device 20 has the authority to change the vehicle settings. The user of the smart device 20 is not necessarily the owner of the vehicle and may be a shared user. Therefore, the condition determination unit 306 determines conditions related to power on / off, door locking / unlocking, and authentication location. For example, when the user of the smart device 20 successfully turns on the vehicle's power, the authorization determination unit 305 grants the user the authority to change the vehicle settings. When the user of the smart device 20 successfully unlocks the vehicle's doors, the authorization determination unit 305 grants the user the authority to change the vehicle settings. Alternatively, when the user of the smart device 20 successfully performs NFC authentication at a location close to the vehicle, the authorization determination unit 305 grants the user the authority to change the vehicle settings. Furthermore, it is prohibited for anyone other than the user who has been granted the authority to change vehicle settings to make such changes. For example, the validity period of the authority to change vehicle settings may be predetermined. Alternatively, the validity period may be set to a predetermined time from the time the user gets into the vehicle. Or, the validity period may be set to the time period until the user finishes driving the vehicle, turns off the power, and locks the doors.

[0049] The setting change request ECU 303 receives a request to change vehicle settings from the application AP on the smart device 20 when the user of the smart device 20 is granted the authority to change vehicle settings. If vehicle setting A is set as the default owner setting OWN, vehicle setting A is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ. On the other hand, it is assumed that a shared user accesses the vehicle, obtains the authority to change vehicle settings, and issues a request to change from vehicle setting A to vehicle setting B. In this case, a message is displayed on the meter display 304 asking whether or not to apply vehicle setting B, which is held in ECU_B302, to the in-vehicle equipment EQ. If the user agrees to apply vehicle setting B, vehicle setting B is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ instead of the default vehicle setting A.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the digital key system 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart in Figure 5 includes steps S10 to S120. First, when the user of the smart device 20 successfully unlocks the door via NFC authentication, the digital key DK is authenticated, and the user can change vehicle setting A as desired (steps S10, S20). Also, when the user successfully turns on the power via NFC authentication, the user can change vehicle setting B (steps S30, S40). Subsequently, when the user turns off the power and locks the door, vehicle setting A held in ECU_A301 is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ as the default (steps S50, S60, S70).

[0051] In step S10, if the user fails to unlock the door using NFC authentication, the flow proceeds to step S80. If the user successfully powers on the vehicle using NFC authentication, it becomes possible to change vehicle settings A and B (step S90). Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S50, where vehicle setting A is applied as the default to the in-vehicle equipment EQ by powering off and locking the doors (steps S50, S60, S70).

[0052] In steps S30 and S80, if the user fails to power on the vehicle via NFC, the flow proceeds to step S100. Subsequently, if the user manually operates the start button to power on the vehicle, vehicle setting B, stored in ECU_B302, is applied as the default to the vehicle equipment EQ. After that, powering off and locking the doors causes vehicle setting A to be applied as the default to the vehicle equipment EQ instead of vehicle setting B (steps S50, S60, S70).

[0053] If the user does not turn on the power in step S100, the flow proceeds to step S120. If the user locks the doors in step S120, the flow proceeds to step S70, and vehicle setting A is applied to the in-vehicle equipment EQ as the default. On the other hand, if the user does not lock the doors, steps S100 and S120 are repeated until the power is turned on.

[0054] In the flowchart of Figure 5, vehicle setting B is applied as the default to the in-vehicle equipment EQ only when the user fails to unlock the door using NFC authentication, fails to power on using NFC authentication, and then powers on (second condition). Subsequently, the default reverts from vehicle setting B to vehicle setting A when the user powers off and locks the doors (first condition). However, the flowchart in Figure 5 is illustrative and not limited, so the default may be changed from vehicle setting A to vehicle setting B under conditions other than those described above.

[0055] Next, the technical features and effects of embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) The digital key system (10) comprises a mobile terminal (smart device 20) that holds a digital key (DK) linked to the user and the vehicle, and an in-vehicle system (30) that controls a plurality of in-vehicle equipment (EQ) installed in the vehicle. The mobile terminal (20) stores vehicle settings (PS) that define the setting status of the plurality of in-vehicle equipment (EQ) together with the digital key (DK), and comprises a vehicle setting change means (application AP) that enables the user to change the vehicle settings (PS), and a transmission means (TX) that transmits the digital key (DK) and vehicle settings (PS) to the in-vehicle system (30). The in-vehicle system (30) comprises a receiving means (RX) that receives a digital key (DK) and vehicle settings (PS) transmitted from a transmitting means (TX) of a mobile terminal (20), an authentication means (AT) that authenticates the digital key (DK), and a vehicle setting application means (33) that applies the vehicle settings (PS) to multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ) when the authentication means (AT) successfully authenticates the digital key (DK).

[0056] The user (for example, the vehicle owner) can operate a mobile terminal (20) before getting into the vehicle to generate a personalized vehicle configuration (PS) and change the vehicle configuration (PS) as they wish. The digital key (DK) and the vehicle configuration (PS) are wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting means (TX) of the mobile terminal (20) to the receiving means (RX) of the in-vehicle system (30). The in-vehicle system (30) automatically applies the vehicle configuration (PS) generated or changed by the user to the in-vehicle equipment (EQ). The mobile terminal (20) holds a digital key (DK) that is linked to the vehicle and encrypted. The mobile terminal (20) is something that the user must carry with them into the vehicle to unlock the doors with the digital key (DK) when getting into the vehicle, and it is also required for user authentication. In other words, since the creation and modification of vehicle settings can be completed using a portable terminal (20) holding a digital key (DK), the user does not need to perform complicated operations to unlock the vehicle doors or turn on the power (or start the engine).

[0057] (2) In the digital key system (10, 100), a transmitting means (TX) and a receiving means (RX) are associated and short-range communication is performed, and the authentication means (AT) may authenticate the digital key (DK) upon success of the short-range communication. With short-range communication (NFC), it is possible to transmit information related to the digital key (DK) to the receiving means (RX) of the in-vehicle system (30) by holding the transmitting means (TX) of the mobile terminal (20) over a predetermined location on the vehicle (e.g., a door). User authentication can be performed with high security using the NFC standard.

[0058] (3) In a digital key system (10, 200, 300), if it is possible to perform vehicle settings (PS) with multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3), short-range communication (BLE) is performed between a transmitting means (TX) and a receiving means (RX) to send and receive multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3). The in-vehicle system (30, 30B) may include an authorization determination unit (305) that determines whether to grant the digital key (DK1) the authority to change the vehicle settings (PS1) by the vehicle setting change means (AP1) when the vehicle door is unlocked using one of the multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3). The vehicle setting application means (33) may apply the vehicle settings (PS1) associated with the authorized digital key (DK1) to multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ).

[0059] A vehicle may be shared by multiple users (for example, the vehicle owner and other users sharing the vehicle). In this case, short-range communication (BLE) is performed between the transmitting means (TX) and the receiving means (RX). With BLE, communication is possible even if the distance between the transmitter and receiver is large. Therefore, users can change vehicle settings (PS) by operating a mobile terminal (20) at a remote location beyond the short-range range (a range of several meters). When the authentication means (AT) successfully authenticates a specific user's digital key (DK1) from among multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3), the vehicle setting application means (33) can apply the vehicle settings (PS1) corresponding to the authenticated digital key (DK1) to the in-vehicle equipment (EQ). Therefore, users can individually change vehicle settings (PS1), improving the convenience of the digital key system (10, 200, 300).

[0060] In the above digital key systems (10, 200, 300), the in-vehicle system (30, 30B) is equipped with an authorization determination unit (305), so that the user holding the digital key (DK1) that successfully unlocked the vehicle door can be presumed to be the vehicle driver. Therefore, the vehicle settings (PS1) associated with the digital key (DK1) that has been authenticated and authorized can be arbitrarily changed and automatically applied to the in-vehicle equipment (EQ).

[0061] (4) In the digital key system (10, 200, 300), the receiving means (RX) may determine the location of the digital key (DK1) through short-range communication with the transmitting means (TX), and the authorization determination unit (305) may determine whether to grant authorization to the digital key (DK1) based on that location. Here, UWB may be used as the short-range communication between the transmitting means (TX) and the receiving means (RX) to determine the location of the mobile terminals (20, 20a-20c).

[0062] (5) In a digital key system (10, 200), when the authentication means (AT) authenticates a digital key (DK1) received by short-range communication through the association of a transmitting means (TX) and a receiving means (RX), the in-vehicle system (30, 30B) may identify the vehicle setting (PS1) using the identification number of the authenticated digital key (DK1) among the multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3).

[0063] Depending on the model of the mobile terminal (20, 20a), NFC authentication may be possible with the digital key (DK, DK1), but it may not be possible to send or receive personalized digital information. Therefore, in the in-vehicle system (30B), the receiving means (RX) receives multiple digital keys (DK1-DK3) and multiple vehicle settings (PS1-PS3) via BLE, and then the authentication unit (AT) authenticates the vehicle setting (PS1) associated with a predetermined digital key (DK1) using NFC authentication. In other words, while retaining the advantages of NFC, personalized digital information can be received via BLE, thereby allowing a specific user to arbitrarily change the vehicle setting (PS1).

[0064] (6) The authentication means (AT) may perform a first authentication to determine whether or not it succeeds in unlocking the vehicle doors, and a second authentication to determine whether or not it succeeds in turning on the vehicle's power. If the authentication means (AT) succeeds in the first authentication, the vehicle setting change means (AP) may change the first of several predetermined items related to the setting status of several in-vehicle equipment (EQ), and if the authentication means (AT) succeeds in the second authentication, the vehicle setting change means (AP) may change the second of several items.

[0065] The condition determination unit (32, 306) of the digital key system (10, 300) has multiple conditions for applying vehicle settings (PS) to onboard equipment (EQ) through user authentication. These can be classified into a first authentication, which determines whether the user successfully unlocks the vehicle doors using the digital key (DK), and a second authentication, which determines whether the user successfully turns on the vehicle's power. By setting two types of conditions for user authentication in this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption that would result from the user unintentionally activating a function that changes vehicle settings (PS).

[0066] As part of the vehicle settings (PS), several items are automatically set in the in-vehicle equipment (EQ), such as ADAS settings, display settings, voice settings, climate control settings, audio settings, seat settings, charging settings, light on / off settings, various vehicle control condition settings, and brightness / illumination settings. ADAS settings include, for example, collision mitigation braking (AEB, Autonomous Emergency Braking), lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control (ACC, Adaptive Cruise Control), traffic sign recognition, vehicle departure notification, head-up display (HUD), electronic stability control (ESC, Electronic Stability Control), traction control and other brake control, and blind spot monitor.

[0067] For example, functions that should be set by the user before starting to drive the vehicle, such as seat position, mirror angle, and steering wheel position, could be designated as the first item related to the first authentication process when unlocking the vehicle doors, while other functions could be designated as the second item related to the second authentication process when the user turns on the power.

[0068] (7) In the digital key system (10, 100, 200), the receiving means (RX) determines the location of the digital key (DK) by short-range communication with the transmitting means (TX), and the vehicle setting change means (AP) may change the first of several predetermined items related to the setting status of several in-vehicle equipment (EQ) when the digital key (DK) is inside the vehicle, and change the second of several items when the digital key (DK) is outside the vehicle. When UWB is used as the communication method between the transmitting means (TX) and the receiving means (RX), the location of the mobile terminal (20) can be estimated according to the radio wave strength. For this reason, the vehicle setting (PS) when the digital key (DK) is inside the vehicle may be different from the vehicle setting (PS) when it is outside the vehicle. This limits the items of the vehicle setting (PS) that the user can change by operating the mobile terminal (20) outside the vehicle, and prevents the vehicle setting (PS) from being changed excessively outside the vehicle.

[0069] (8) In the in-vehicle system (30) of the digital key system (10, 200, 300), if the vehicle setting (PS) associated with the digital key (DK) is set as the default setting (vehicle setting A) for multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ), even if another vehicle setting (vehicle setting B) is applied to multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ) by another digital key among the multiple digital keys, the in-vehicle system (10, 200, 300) may revert the multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ) to the default setting (vehicle setting A) if certain conditions are met.

[0070] (9) The specified conditions may be the power being turned off after the vehicle has finished driving according to other vehicle settings (vehicle setting B) associated with other digital keys, or the power being turned on to resume driving the vehicle.

[0071] User authentication is not necessarily performed by a digital key (DK). Since digital key (DK) authentication and the application of vehicle settings (PS) are linked, if digital key (DK) authentication is not performed, vehicle settings (PS) will not be applied to the in-vehicle equipment (EQ). For this reason, the convenience of each user's digital key (DK) can be improved by reverting to a predetermined default setting (vehicle setting A) without inadvertently applying the vehicle setting (vehicle setting B) used during the vehicle's previous driving operation. The default timing may be the timing of turning off the power after the vehicle has finished driving. However, if turning on the power is the condition for returning to the default setting, the default timing may be the power being turned on at the start of the next driving operation.

[0072] (10) Digital key (DK) is an owner key (DK) linked to the vehicle owner. OWN ) and other digital keys are shared keys (DK) linked to the vehicle's co-owners. SHR ) If it is the default setting (PS OWN ) Owner key (DK OWN ) may be defined in correspondence with the owner key (DK). When priorities are set in advance for multiple digital keys (DKs), the digital key with the highest priority is the owner key (DK) held by the vehicle owner. OWN ) can also be set as follows. After another shared user has finished driving the vehicle, the shared user's vehicle settings (PS SHR ) is the owner key (DK OWN ) Default settings associated with (PS OWN ) returns to default settings (PS) without causing any inconvenience to the vehicle owner. OWN ) can be applied to in-vehicle equipment (EQ).

[0073] (11) The terminal device (20) may include a prohibition means for prohibiting the user from operating the vehicle setting change means (AP) while the vehicle is in motion, and a notification means for notifying that the user has been prohibited from operating the vehicle setting change means (AP) by the prohibition means. The prohibition means prevents the user from operating the mobile terminal (20) to change the vehicle settings (PS) while the vehicle is in motion, preventing the vehicle settings (PS) applied to the in-vehicle equipment (EQ) from being unintentionally changed while the vehicle is in motion, and contributing to the safe operation of the vehicle. The prohibition means can be set as software logic described in the application (AP).

[0074] As a means of notification, for example, the touch panel display or speaker of a mobile device (20) may be used. Alternatively, the display or speaker of a car navigation system installed in the vehicle may be used. When a predetermined message is displayed on the display, the user can easily recognize that changes to the vehicle settings (PS) are prohibited. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle settings (PS) from being unexpectedly changed due to mischief by passengers or others in the vehicle, thereby preventing the driver's concentration on driving from being interrupted.

[0075] (12) The in-vehicle system (30, 30A, 30B) may be equipped with a selection means that allows the user to choose whether or not to accept changes to the vehicle settings (PS) by a vehicle setting change means (AP). In this case, when the user chooses to accept changes to the vehicle settings using the selection means, the vehicle setting application means (33) may apply the changes to the vehicle settings (PS) to multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ). The vehicle may be equipped with an in-vehicle HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and allow the user to indicate whether or not to accept changes to the vehicle settings (PS) using switches, touch buttons, etc. For example, the meter display (304) may display an inquiry ("yes" or "no") asking whether or not to reflect the changes to the vehicle settings (PS) and allow the user to make a selection. Not all items of the vehicle settings (PS) will be changed, so if there are items that are partially changed, the user can be given the option of whether or not to accept those changed items. This allows users to confirm whether or not they need to apply changes to vehicle settings (PS) using their mobile device (20), improving the convenience of vehicle settings (PS) and thereby contributing to safer driving by users.

[0076] (13) The vehicle settings (PS) include a set of predetermined items related to the settings of multiple in-vehicle equipment (EQ), and may be equipped with a recommendation mechanism that uses machine learning to analyze the past history of changes to the vehicle settings (PS) by the vehicle setting change mechanism (AP) according to the user's attributes, tendencies, or environment, and recommends to the user a selection of changeable items for the vehicle settings (PS) from the multiple items inferred by the machine learning.

[0077] The mobile device (20) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning model as an application (AP). The machine learning model learns the attributes of multiple users (age, gender, etc.), the external environment of the vehicle (temperature, humidity, weather, season, etc.), and trends in behavior during vehicle operation as past history. Alternatively, the machine learning model may learn the history of changes made by users to vehicle settings (PS) as past history. The machine learning model speeds up changes to vehicle settings (PS) by users. This reduces the time required to change vehicle settings (PS). Furthermore, even users unfamiliar with changing vehicle settings (PS) using a digital key (DK) can reliably change vehicle settings by using the mobile device (20) equipped with the machine learning model, thereby alleviating the user's anxiety when changing vehicle settings (PS).

[0078] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 10, 100, 200, 300 Digital Key System 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Smart devices 30, 30A, 30B In-vehicle systems 31 Vehicle Access Section 32 Condition judgment section 33 Vehicle setting application section 40 Digital Key ECU (DK_ECU) 50 IPC 61 Electric Seat 62 Electric mirrors 63 ADAS 64 HUD 65 Body 301 Vehicle Settings ECU_A 302 Vehicle Settings ECU_B 303 Configuration Change Request ECU 304 Meter Display 305 Authority Determination Unit 306 Condition judgment section AP, AP1, AP2, AP3 applications AT Authentication Department DK, DK1, DK2, DK3 Digital Keys DR Door EN engine EQ In-Car Equipment GST Guest Configuration OWN Owner Settings PS, PS1, PS2, PS3 Vehicle Settings PW power supply RX Receiver TX transmitter

Claims

1. A digital key system comprising a mobile terminal holding a digital key that links the user and the vehicle, and an in-vehicle system that controls a plurality of in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, The aforementioned mobile terminal is The vehicle settings, which define the setting status of the aforementioned multiple in-vehicle equipment, and the digital key are stored together, and the vehicle settings change means allows the user to change the vehicle settings, The system comprises a transmission means for transmitting the digital key and the vehicle settings to the in-vehicle system, The aforementioned in-vehicle system is A receiving means for receiving the digital key and the vehicle settings transmitted from the transmitting means of the mobile terminal, Authentication means for authenticating the aforementioned digital key, The system comprises a vehicle setting application means that applies the vehicle settings to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment when the digital key is successfully authenticated by the authentication means, Short-range communication is performed with the positions of the transmitting means and the receiving means associated, and the authentication means authenticates the digital key upon success of the short-range communication. The authentication means performs a first authentication to determine whether or not the vehicle doors are successfully unlocked, and a second authentication to determine whether or not the vehicle's power is successfully turned on. A digital key system characterized in that, when the authentication means succeeds in the first authentication, the vehicle setting change means can change the first item among a plurality of predetermined items related to the setting status of the plurality of in-vehicle equipment, and when the authentication means succeeds in the second authentication, the vehicle setting change means can change the second item among the plurality of items.

2. A digital key system comprising a mobile terminal holding a digital key that links the user and the vehicle, and an in-vehicle system that controls a plurality of in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, The aforementioned mobile terminal is The vehicle settings, which define the setting status of the aforementioned multiple in-vehicle equipment, and the digital key are stored together, and the vehicle settings change means allows the user to change the vehicle settings, The system comprises a transmission means for transmitting the digital key and the vehicle settings to the in-vehicle system, The aforementioned in-vehicle system is A receiving means for receiving the digital key and the vehicle settings transmitted from the transmitting means of the mobile terminal, Authentication means for authenticating the aforementioned digital key, When the authentication means successfully authenticates the digital key, a vehicle setting application means applies the vehicle settings to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment, If the vehicle settings can be configured using multiple digital keys, BLE communication is performed between the transmitting means and the receiving means, enabling the transmission and reception of the plurality of digital keys. The system comprises: an authorization determination unit that determines whether to grant the digital key the authority to change the vehicle settings by the vehicle setting change means when the vehicle door is unlocked using one of the aforementioned digital keys; The vehicle setting application means is a digital key system characterized by applying the vehicle settings associated with the digital key to which the authority has been granted to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment.

3. The digital key system according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving means determines the location of the digital key by short-range communication associated with the location of the transmitting means, and the authorization determination unit determines whether to grant the authorization to the digital key based on the location.

4. The digital key system according to claim 2, characterized in that when the authentication means authenticates the digital key received by short-range communication that associates the positions of the transmitting means and the receiving means, the in-vehicle system identifies the vehicle setting using the identification number of the authenticated digital key among the plurality of digital keys.

5. A digital key system comprising: a portable terminal holding a digital key that links a user and a vehicle; and an in-vehicle system that controls a plurality of in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, The aforementioned mobile terminal is The vehicle settings, which define the setting status of the aforementioned multiple in-vehicle equipment, and the digital key are stored together, and the vehicle settings change means allows the user to change the vehicle settings, The system comprises a transmission means for transmitting the digital key and the vehicle settings to the in-vehicle system, The aforementioned in-vehicle system is A receiving means for receiving the digital key and the vehicle settings transmitted from the transmitting means of the mobile terminal, Authentication means for authenticating the aforementioned digital key, The system comprises a vehicle setting application means that applies the vehicle settings to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment when the digital key is successfully authenticated by the authentication means, Short-range communication is performed with the positions of the transmitting means and the receiving means associated, and the authentication means authenticates the digital key upon success of the short-range communication. A digital key system characterized in that the receiving means determines the location of the digital key, whether it is inside or outside the vehicle, through short-range communication with the transmitting means, and the vehicle setting change means allows the first item of a plurality of predetermined items related to the setting status of the plurality of in-vehicle equipment to be changed when the digital key is inside the vehicle, and allows the second item of the plurality of items to be changed when the digital key is outside the vehicle.

6. The in-vehicle system comprises a selection means that causes the user to choose whether or not to accept the change in the vehicle settings by the vehicle setting change means, The digital key system according to claim 5, characterized in that when the user selects to accept the change in the vehicle settings using the selection means, the vehicle setting application means applies the change in the vehicle settings to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment.

7. The digital key system according to claim 2, wherein in the in-vehicle system, if the vehicle settings associated with the digital key are set as the default settings for the plurality of in-vehicle equipment, even if another vehicle setting is applied to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment by another digital key among the plurality of digital keys, the in-vehicle system will return the plurality of in-vehicle equipment to the default settings when predetermined conditions are met.

8. The digital key system according to claim 7, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are the power being turned off after the vehicle has finished operating according to the other vehicle settings associated with the other digital key, or the power being turned on by the digital key to resume operating the vehicle.

9. The digital key system according to claim 7, wherein the digital key is an owner key associated with the owner of the vehicle, and the other digital key is a share key associated with a co-owner of the vehicle, the default setting is defined in correspondence with the owner key.

10. The mobile terminal includes a prohibition means that prohibits the user from operating the vehicle setting change means while the vehicle is in motion, The digital key system according to claim 1 or 2 or 5, further comprising: a notification means for notifying that the operation of the vehicle setting change means has been prohibited by the prohibition means.

11. The in-vehicle system includes a selection means that allows the user to choose whether or not to accept the changes to the vehicle settings made by the vehicle setting change means. The digital key system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the user selects to accept the change in the vehicle settings using the selection means, the vehicle setting application means applies the change in the vehicle settings to the plurality of in-vehicle equipment.

12. The aforementioned vehicle settings include several predetermined items related to the setting status of the multiple in-vehicle equipment items. The digital key system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a recommendation means that, in accordance with the user's tendencies, attributes, or environment, performs machine learning on past history of changes to the vehicle settings by the vehicle setting change means, and recommends to the user a changeable item of the vehicle setting inferred by the machine learning from the plurality of items.

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