Communication systems and vehicles

Abstract

This communication system comprises: a vehicle; driver equipment that provides authentication information for authenticating a driver with respect to the vehicle; and a driver terminal that has a communication unit that can communicate with the vehicle. The vehicle includes an acquisition unit that acquires authentication information from the equipment, a control unit that has at least a processing unit that processes authentication information, and a communication unit that can communicate with a terminal. The control unit causes the terminal to transmit release information for determining whether to release the lock state of the driver terminal via the communication unit, depending on the acquisition of the authentication information of the acquisition unit, and when the received release information satisfies the release conditions, the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal and makes the terminal available for use.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a communication system and a vehicle. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for executing a settlement by obtaining a password generated by an authentication data IC chip incorporated in an object worn by a user when making a settlement using a mobile terminal. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-149600 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 A driver of a two-wheeled vehicle may operate a navigation application (hereinafter also simply referred to as an "app") of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "terminal") when stopping, for example, at a traffic signal. Also, when refueling or the like, the driver may operate the settlement application of the terminal. When using the terminal, biometric authentication or password input is required to unlock the terminal. 【0005】 However, when the driver P is wearing equipment such as a helmet or gloves, it may be difficult to perform biometric authentication or password input using the driver's fingerprint information, face image, etc. From the viewpoint of improving convenience, it is preferable that the driver can unlock the terminal while wearing the equipment. 【0006】 In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique that enables a driver to unlock a terminal while wearing equipment. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0007】 A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle and The vehicle includes equipment for the driver that provides authentication information for authenticating the driver, A communication system comprising the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is An acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from the equipment, and a processing unit that processes the authentication information. and, A control unit having at least, The terminal comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned terminal, The control unit, A request signal is sent to the terminal via the communication unit, requesting the transmission of release conditions for releasing the locked state. If the release conditions received from the terminal match the release information stored in the vehicle's memory unit, a release instruction signal is transmitted to the terminal via the communication unit. The terminal receives the Based on the release instruction signal, The lock state of the aforementioned device is unlocked, making the device usable. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 According to the communication system of the present invention, the driver can unlock the terminal while wearing the equipment. 【0009】 By utilizing the vehicle's built-in communication unit, it becomes unnecessary to install dedicated communication devices in the equipment for communication with terminals. This reduces the need for dedicated communication devices, lowering costs while improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0010】 [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A right-side view of the vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the vehicle's width as seen from the driver's side (P). [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the processing flow 1 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram for explaining processing flow 2 of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram for explaining processing flow 3 of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram for explaining processing flow 4 of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0011】 Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 【0012】 [Overview of the Communication System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system STM according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication system STM. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system STM includes a vehicle 1, a portable terminal such as a smartphone (hereinafter, terminal 230) possessed by a driver P of the vehicle 1, and a transmission device 250 mounted on equipment 240 worn when the driver P drives the vehicle 1. The terminal 230 is held by the vehicle 1 by a holding member (not shown) with the operation display unit 234 directed toward the rear of the vehicle 1. 【0013】 (Functional Configuration of the Transmission Device 250 Mounted on the Equipment 240) The equipment 240 includes, for example, a glove 241, a smartwatch 242, a helmet 243, and the like. Also, the equipment 240 may be a headset 244 that can input voice information by a microphone or the like and is worn on the helmet 243 or the head of the driver P. 【0014】 The transmission device 250 mounted on the equipment 240 of the driver P has, as a functional configuration, a biological information acquisition unit 251, a storage unit 252, and a transmission unit 253. The transmission device 250 is, for example, a wireless communication tag capable of short-range wireless communication, or a device integrated with an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip capable of short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, for the embodiments of the present application, it is not necessary to have the biological information acquisition unit 251. Also, in the transmission device 250 in the embodiments of the present application, the biological information acquisition unit 251, the storage unit 252, and the transmission unit 253 may be mounted on the equipment 240 as individual devices, or any two of them may be the same device. 【0015】 The biological information acquisition unit 251 stores the biological information of the driver P acquired from an external input device by short-range wireless communication in the storage unit 252. Here, the biological information of the driver P includes, for example, the fingerprint information, face image, etc. of the driver P. The fingerprint information and face image are input by an external input device, and the biological information acquisition unit 251 stores the input biological information of the driver P in the storage unit 252. The transmission unit 253 reads the biological information of the driver P stored in the storage unit 252 and transmits it to the vehicle 1. The storage unit 252 stores in advance the identification information unique to the equipment 240, and the transmission unit 253 may transmit the unique identification information stored in the storage unit 252 to the vehicle 1. 【0016】 The vehicle 1 is provided with an acquisition unit 221 for acquiring authentication information for authenticating the driver P from the equipment 240 (transmission device 250) of the driver P. The acquisition unit 221 acquires, as authentication information, at least one of the biological information of the driver P of the vehicle 1 or the identification information stored in a tag (for example, an IC tag) built in the equipment 240 individually via the transmission unit 253. 【0017】 The acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information from the transmission device 250 via short-range wireless communication. For example, if the equipment 240 is a glove 241 or a smartwatch 242, by holding the equipment 240 over the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1, the acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of biometric information or identification information as authentication information from the transmission device 250. The acquisition unit 221 can be installed anywhere on vehicle 1. For example, the acquisition unit 221 may be provided on the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever), the handle switch 202, or the operator 200 including the ignition switch. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 221 may be provided on the left handle lever 8b or in the center of the handlebar 11. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 221 is not limited to one, and multiple acquisition units 221 may be provided on vehicle 1. 【0018】 Furthermore, the acquisition unit 221 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. A communication link is established between the acquisition unit 221 and the transmission unit 253 of the vehicle 1, for example, by short-range wireless communication. The acquisition unit 221 and the transmission unit 253 can exchange data via this communication link. For example, if the equipment 240 is a helmet 243 or a headset 244, the driver P operates the handle switch 202 or the like of the vehicle 1 to establish a communication link between the acquisition unit 221 and the transmission device 250 (transmission unit 253) of the helmet 243 or headset 244, and via this communication link, the acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of biometric information or identification information from the transmission device 250 as authentication information. 【0019】 Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of operation, it is also possible to exchange data via an established communication link without having to hold the glove 241 or smartwatch 242 over the acquisition unit 221. 【0020】 (Functional configuration of terminal 230) The terminal 230, held by the driver P of vehicle 1, has an internal configuration consisting of a control unit 231 (authentication unit 232, communication unit 233), an operation display unit 234, and a storage unit 235. The operation display unit 234 functions as a touch panel type user interface capable of screen display. 【0021】 The control unit 231 oversees the overall processing of the terminal 230 and processes information acquired via the communication unit 233 or the operation display unit 234. When the terminal 230 is activated, the control unit 231 locks the terminal 230, making it unusable. If the unlock information received from vehicle 1 satisfies the unlock conditions, the control unit 231 unlocks the terminal 230, making it usable. 【0022】 The authentication unit 232 performs user authentication based on the deactivation information received from the vehicle 1 or the information entered from the operation display unit 234. 【0023】 The communication unit 233 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. A communication link is established between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230, for example, by short-range wireless communication. The vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 can exchange data via this communication link. 【0024】 The memory unit 235 stores various programs executed by the control unit 231, and also functions as a work area when the control unit 231 executes processing. Furthermore, the memory unit 235 stores information acquired via the communication unit 233. The memory unit 235 can pre-store, for example, information related to user authentication (deactivation conditions) via the communication unit 233. 【0025】 The control unit 231 unlocks the terminal 230 and makes it usable when the information directly input from the operation display unit 234 matches the release conditions and the driver P is authenticated. 【0026】 Furthermore, the control unit 231, via the communication unit 233, unlocks the terminal 230 and makes it usable when the unlock information received from the vehicle 1 satisfies the unlock conditions. The unlocking of the lock state based on the unlock information will be explained later based on the processing flow shown in Figures 5 to 8. 【0027】 (Functional configuration of Vehicle 1) In vehicle 1, the control unit 200 includes, as an example configuration, a throttle control unit 8a, a handle switch 202 (handle SW), and an ignition switch 203 (ignition SW). 【0028】 In vehicle 1, the measuring device 210, as an example configuration, includes a vehicle speed measuring unit 211 that measures the vehicle speed of vehicle 1. However, the configuration of the measuring device 210 is not limited to this example, and various other measuring units are provided in vehicle 1. For example, the measuring device 210 may include a rotation speed measuring unit that measures the rotation speed of the drive source 21, a throttle opening measuring unit that measures the amount of operation (throttle opening) of the throttle operator 8a, a gear information measuring unit that measures the setting of the gear shift of the transmission 22, and a positioning measuring unit that measures the position information of vehicle 1. 【0029】 The ECU220 has a control unit 222 and a memory unit 223 as its functional configuration. The ECU220 is equipped with one or more CPUs (central processing units) as a processor that is in charge of the overall control processing of the vehicle. The processor reads the program stored in the memory unit 223 and executes the program, thereby configuring the functions of the acquisition unit 221 and the control unit 222. The functional configuration of the ECU220 may be made up of integrated circuits or the like, as long as they perform the same functions. 【0030】 The control unit 222 is responsible for the overall processing in vehicle 1 and processes information acquired via equipment installed in each vehicle (including at least an acquisition unit and a communication unit). In response to the acquisition of authentication information, the control unit 222 acquires release conditions from the driver P's terminal 230 via the communication unit 224. In response to the acquisition of authentication information, the control unit 222 acquires release information via the acquisition unit to determine whether or not to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230, and if the release information satisfies the release conditions, it outputs a lock release instruction signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224. 【0031】 The control unit 231 of terminal 230, via the communication unit 233, releases the lock state of terminal 230 based on the release instruction signal received from vehicle 1, making terminal 230 usable. In this case, the control unit 231 of terminal 230 releases the lock state of terminal 230 upon receiving the release instruction signal, without determining whether the release information matches the release conditions. This reduces the processing load on terminal 230. 【0032】 The memory unit 223 stores various programs executed by the control unit 222, and also functions as a work area when the control unit 222 executes processing. In addition, the memory unit 223 stores information acquired via the communication unit 224. 【0033】 The ECU 220 obtains release information from the storage unit 223, the acquisition unit 221, or the operator of the vehicle 1 to determine whether or not to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230. Here, the release information includes, for example, vehicle identification information to identify vehicle 1. The storage unit 223 stores the identification information to identify vehicle 1. This identification information is, for example, at least some of the information registered in the vehicle inspection certificate, etc. If vehicle 1 is owned by driver P, the identification information to identify vehicle 1 can be used as release information to determine whether or not to release the locked state of driver P's terminal 230. The acquisition unit 221 obtains the identification information to identify vehicle 1 from the storage unit 223 of vehicle 1 as release information. 【0034】 Furthermore, the unlock information includes, for example, at least one of the driver P's biometric information or identification information (authentication information) acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of the driver P's equipment 240 (transmission device 250) as authentication information via short-range wireless communication or an established communication link. The unlock information used to determine whether or not to unlock the terminal 230 also includes at least one of the biometric information (authentication information) or identification information. 【0035】 Furthermore, the release information includes, for example, an operation pattern (first operation pattern) input from the control panel of vehicle 1. The operation pattern is set by a combination of operation patterns performed by driver P on the steering wheel switches 202, etc. For example, it is set by a combination of operations on the directional pads 80A to 80D of the steering wheel switches 202 on the left side of vehicle 1. Various combinations of operation patterns are possible. For example, directional pad 80A (up) is pressed twice, then directional pad 80B (down) is pressed twice, then directional pad 80C (left) is pressed once, then directional pad 80D (right) is pressed once, and so on. Driver P can set any operation pattern they like. 【0036】 Multiple types of operation patterns can be stored in the storage unit 223. For example, in addition to the operation pattern described above (the first operation pattern), an operation pattern (the second operation pattern) that makes the terminal 230 usable for a predetermined time based on the state in which the vehicle 1 is powered off can be stored in the storage unit 223. The second operation pattern can also be set by the driver P as an arbitrary operation pattern, similar to the first operation pattern. The second operation pattern can also be included in the release information. That is, the release information used by the acquisition unit 221 to determine whether or not to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230 includes the operation patterns (the first operation pattern and the second operation pattern) input from the operator of the vehicle 1. 【0037】 The timing for registering operation patterns can be, for example, before the vehicle 1 starts moving, when the driver P operates the handlebar switches 202 (80A~80D), as well as the front brake lever 16a, clutch lever 16b, and throttle control 8a, and registers them in the memory unit 223 beforehand. The operation patterns registered in the memory unit 223 are transmitted to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the memory unit 235. The operation patterns are also stored in the memory unit 235 as release conditions. 【0038】 Furthermore, the timing for registering operation patterns is not limited to before starting to drive; operation patterns can be registered at any time as long as vehicle 1 is powered on and stationary. 【0039】 When vehicle 1 and terminal 230 are provided through a sharing service, it is possible to specify an operation pattern in terminal 230, etc., before or at the time of booking vehicle 1, and to register the specified operation pattern in advance. In this case, when a communication link is established between vehicle 1 and terminal 230, the operation pattern that has been registered in advance in the storage unit 223 of vehicle 1 is transmitted to terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the storage unit 235 of terminal 230. The operation pattern is stored in the storage unit 235 as a release condition. 【0040】 Furthermore, after reserving vehicle 1, when driver P uses vehicle 1 provided through the sharing service, driver P can operate controls such as the steering wheel switches 202 (80A~80D) to pre-register an operation pattern in the storage unit 223. In this case as well, the operation pattern registered in the storage unit 223 is transmitted to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the storage unit 235. The operation pattern is stored in the storage unit 235 as a release condition. 【0041】 Furthermore, in order to enhance security in the vehicle 1 and terminal 230 provided by the sharing service, a two-stage unlocking determination may be made based on unlocking conditions that combine authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 from the driver P's equipment 240 and an operation pattern. In this case, for example, if the driver P holds the equipment 240 over the acquisition unit 221, and the first unlocking condition related to the authentication information and recognition information acquired as unlocking information matches, and the second unlocking condition related to the operation pattern entered as unlocking information also matches, the lock state of the terminal 230 may be unlocked. 【0042】 The deactivation information (vehicle identification information, authentication information, first operation pattern, and second operation pattern) is pre-stored as deactivation conditions in the storage unit 235 of terminal 230. When terminal 230 performs a deactivation determination, it determines whether the deactivation information received from vehicle 1 matches the deactivation conditions stored in the storage unit 235 (Figures 5 and 7). On the other hand, when vehicle 1 performs a deactivation determination, vehicle 1 requests terminal 230 to transmit the deactivation conditions. Then, vehicle 1 determines whether the deactivation information matches the deactivation conditions received from terminal 230 (Figures 6 and 8). 【0043】 The communication unit 224 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. A communication link is established between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230, for example, by short-range wireless communication. The vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 can exchange data via this communication link. In response to the acquisition of authentication information by the acquisition unit 221, the communication unit 224 transmits release information to the terminal 230 to determine whether or not to release the locked state of the terminal 230. 【0044】 (Overview of Vehicle 1) Figure 3 is a right-side view of vehicle 1 according to the embodiment, and Figure 4 is a view of vehicle 1 in the width direction as seen from the driver P side. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate mutually orthogonal directions, with the X direction being the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (first direction), the Y direction being the width direction of the vehicle (left-right direction: second direction), and the Z direction being the up-down direction (third direction). The left and right of the vehicle refer to the left and right when viewed in the forward direction. Hereinafter, the front or rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction may simply be referred to as the front or rear. Also, the inside or outside of the vehicle in the width direction (left-right direction) may simply be referred to as the inside or outside. 【0045】 Vehicle 1 is a touring-type motorcycle suitable for long-distance travel, but the present invention is applicable to various types of vehicles, including other types of motorcycles. Furthermore, in addition to an engine, the invention is also applicable to vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles) that run on an electric motor powered by electricity supplied from a battery, and FCVs (Fuel Cell Vehicles) that run on an electric motor powered by electricity supplied from a fuel cell. 【0046】 Vehicle 1 is equipped with a power unit 2 between the front wheel FW and the rear wheel RW. In this embodiment, the power unit 2 includes a drive source 21 and a transmission 22. The driving force of the transmission 22 is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via a drive shaft (not shown), causing the rear wheel RW (drive wheel) to rotate. The rotating shaft of the drive source 21 is mechanically connected to the rear wheel RW (drive wheel) of vehicle 1 via a predetermined gear ratio of the transmission 22. 【0047】 The power unit 2 is supported by the vehicle frame 3. The vehicle frame 3 includes a pair of left and right main frames 31 that extend in the X direction. Above the main frames 31, a display device 228 (meter panel) is provided to display various information to the driver P. 【0048】 A head pipe 32 is provided at the front end of the main frame 31, which rotatably supports the steering shaft (not shown) rotated by the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b. A pair of left and right pivot plates 33 are provided at the rear end of the main frame 31. The lower ends of the pivot plates 33 and the front end of the main frame 31 are connected by a pair of left and right lower arms (not shown), and the power unit 2 is supported by the main frame 31 and the lower arms. A pair of left and right seat rails provided at the rear end of the main frame 31 support the seat 4a where the driver P sits, the seat 4b where passengers sit, and the rear trunk 7b, etc. Left and right saddlebags 7a are provided on the upper sides of the rear wheel RW. 【0049】 The front end of the main frame 31 is configured with a front suspension mechanism 9 that supports the front wheel FW. The front suspension mechanism 9 includes an upper link 91, a lower link 92, a fork support 93, a cushion unit 94, and a pair of left and right front forks 95. 【0050】 The upper link 91 and lower link 92 are each positioned at the front end of the main frame 31 with a vertical gap between them. The front ends of the upper link 91 and lower link 92 are pivotably connected to the fork support 93. The upper link 91 and lower link 92 each extend in the front-rear direction and are positioned substantially parallel to each other. 【0051】 The cushion unit 94 has a structure in which a shock absorber is inserted through a coil spring, and its upper end is pivotably supported by the main frame 31. The lower end of the cushion unit 94 is pivotably supported by the lower link 92. 【0052】 The fork support 93 is cylindrical and tilted backward. The front end of the upper link 91 is rotatably connected to the upper front part of the fork support 93. The front end of the lower link 92 is rotatably connected to the lower rear part of the fork support 93. 【0053】 A steering shaft 96 is rotatably supported on a fork support 93. The steering shaft 96 has a shaft portion (not shown) that passes through the fork support 93. A bridge (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 96, and a pair of left and right front forks 95 are supported on this bridge. The front wheel FW is rotatably supported on the front forks 95. The upper end of the steering shaft 96 is connected via a link 97 to a handlebar 11 (steering shaft) which is rotated by a throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and a left handle lever 8b. The steering shaft 96 rotates as the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b are steered, and the front wheel FW is steered. The upper part of the front wheel FW is covered by a fender 10, which is supported on the front forks 95. 【0054】 The front of vehicle 1 is covered by a front cover 12, and the front sides of vehicle 1 are covered by a pair of left and right side covers 14. A screen 13 is positioned above the front cover 12. The screen 13 is a windbreak that reduces the wind pressure experienced by the driver P while driving, and is made of, for example, a transparent resin material. A pair of left and right side mirror units 15 are positioned on the sides of the front cover 12. The side mirror units 15 support side mirrors for the driver P to see behind them. 【0055】 The handlebars 11 are provided symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the vehicle body (center in the width direction) and consist of, for example, separate left and right handle members. The handlebars 11, composed of left and right handle members, each extend diagonally upward outwards from the upper end of the steering shaft 96. The throttle controls 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b extend downwards from the ends of the handlebars 11 towards the rear and downwards of the vehicle. The throttle controls 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b are each composed of cylindrical members that extend in a straight line. 【0056】 A throttle control element 8a (right handle lever) is rotatably supported at the tip of the right handlebar 11 (outside the left and right sides of the vehicle body). The vehicle 1 is equipped with a hydraulic brake system, and a front brake lever 16a, which is one of the controls for the brake system, is located in front of the right throttle control element 8a. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a hydraulic clutch system, and a clutch lever 16b, which is one of the controls for the clutch system, is located in front of the left handle lever 8b on the left side. 【0057】 A housing 80 is provided at the base end of the throttle control element 8a (right handle lever) to rotatably hold the throttle control element 8a. Various handle switches 202 (handle SWs) are provided in the housing 80. 【0058】 The throttle control element 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b have a hollow structure and consist of a resin sleeve forming the inner layer and a rubber grip body integrally attached to the outer circumference of the sleeve. An acquisition unit 221 is provided inside the throttle control element 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b. The acquisition unit 221 may be configured to be located inside either the left or right handle lever. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 221 may be provided inside the housing 80 of the combination switch or the handle switch 202. 【0059】 (Processing flow in the STM communication system 1) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. Processing flow 1 in Figure 5 describes the processing flow related to unlocking based on the identification information of the vehicle 1 and biometric information (authentication information) obtained from the equipment 240 (transmission device 250) as unlocking information. 【0060】 In S510, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of authentication information by the equipment 240. The acquisition unit 221 acquires the driver P's biometric information as authentication information from the driver P's equipment 240 (transmission device 250) via short-range wireless communication or an established communication link. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires identification information for identifying vehicle 1 from the vehicle 1's storage unit 223 as unlock information. The unlock information used to determine whether or not to unlock the terminal 230 also includes biometric information (authentication information). 【0061】 In S520, the communication unit 224 of vehicle 1 transmits unlock information to terminal 230 to determine whether or not to unlock the lock state of terminal 230 in response to the acquisition of authentication information by acquisition unit 221. 【0062】 In S530, the control unit 231 in the terminal 230 determines, via the communication unit 233, whether the release information received from the vehicle 1 matches the release conditions stored in the storage unit 235. 【0063】 In the determination process in S530, if the release information matches the release condition (S530-YES), the process proceeds to S540, and the control unit 231 releases the lock state of terminal 230, making terminal 230 usable (S540). 【0064】 On the other hand, if the determination process in S530 does not result in the release information matching the release conditions (S530-NO), the process proceeds to S550, and the control unit 231 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S550). 【0065】 (Processing flow in the STM communication system 2) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. While the processing flow 1 described in Figure 5 illustrates the processing flow in which the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 performs a release determination, Figure 6 illustrates the processing flow in which the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 performs a release determination. 【0066】 The processing flow 2 in Figure 6, similar to the processing flow 1 in Figure 5, describes the processing flow for determining the release based on the identification information of vehicle 1 and biometric information obtained from equipment 240 (transmission device 250) as release information. 【0067】 In S610, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of authentication information by the equipment 240. The processing in S610 is the same as in S510, and the acquisition unit 221 acquires the driver P's biometric information as authentication information from the driver P's equipment 240 (transmission device 250). The acquisition unit 221 also acquires identification information for identifying vehicle 1 as deactivation information from the vehicle 1's storage unit 223. 【0068】 In S620, the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 transmits a request signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, requesting the transmission of release conditions. 【0069】 In S630, based on the reception of the request signal, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 transmits the release condition stored in the storage unit 235 to the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. 【0070】 In S640, the control unit 222 in vehicle 1 determines whether the release information acquired in S610 matches the release conditions received from terminal 230. 【0071】 In the determination process in S640, if the release information matches the release condition (S640-YES), the process proceeds to S650, and the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 transmits a release instruction signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224. 【0072】 In S660, the control unit 231 of terminal 230 unlocks the terminal 230 based on the unlock instruction signal received from vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233, making terminal 230 usable. In this case, the control unit 231 of terminal 230 unlocks the terminal 230 upon receiving the unlock instruction signal without determining whether the unlock information matches the unlock conditions. This reduces the processing load on terminal 230. 【0073】 On the other hand, if the determination process in S640 does not result in the release information matching the release conditions (S640-NO), the process proceeds to S670, the control unit 222 does not transmit the release information, and the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S670). 【0074】 (Processing flow 3 in the STM communication system) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. Processing flow 3 in Figure 7 describes the processing flow related to release determination based on operation patterns as release information. 【0075】 In S710, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of authentication information by the equipment 240. The processing in S710 is the same as in S510. 【0076】 In S715, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires the operation pattern (first operation pattern) input by driver P as release information. 【0077】 In S720, the communication unit 224 of vehicle 1 transmits release information to terminal 230 to determine whether or not to release the lock state of terminal 230 in response to the acquisition of authentication information by acquisition unit 221. 【0078】 In S730, the control unit 231 in the terminal 230 determines, via the communication unit 233, whether the release information received from the vehicle 1 matches the release condition (first operation pattern) stored in the storage unit 235. 【0079】 In the determination process in S730, if the release information matches the release condition (S730-YES), the process proceeds to S740, and the control unit 231 unlocks the terminal 230, making the terminal 230 usable (S740). 【0080】 On the other hand, if the determination process in S730 does not result in the release information matching the release conditions (S730-NO), the process proceeds to S750, and the control unit 231 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S750). 【0081】 (Processing flow in the STM communication system 4) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. While the processing flow 3 described in Figure 7 illustrates the processing flow in which the control unit 231 of terminal 230 performs a release determination, Figure 8 illustrates the processing flow in which the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 performs a release determination. Processing flow 4 in Figure 8 illustrates the processing flow related to the release determination based on the operation pattern as release information. 【0082】 In S810, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of authentication information by the equipment 240. The processing in S810 is the same as in S510. 【0083】 In S820, the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 transmits a request signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, requesting the transmission of release conditions. 【0084】 In S830, based on the reception of the request signal, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 transmits the release condition (first operation pattern) stored in the storage unit 235 to the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. 【0085】 In S835, the acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires the operation pattern (first operation pattern) input by driver P as release information. 【0086】 In S840, the control unit 222 in vehicle 1 determines whether the release information acquired in S835 matches the release conditions received from terminal 230. 【0087】 In the determination process in S840, if the release information matches the release condition (S840-YES), the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 proceeds to S850. 【0088】 In S850, the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 transmits a release instruction signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224. 【0089】 In S860, the control unit 231 of terminal 230 releases the lock state of terminal 230 and makes terminal 230 usable based on the release instruction signal received from vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. In this case, the control unit 231 of terminal 230 releases the lock state of terminal 230 upon receiving the release instruction signal, without determining whether the release information matches the release conditions. This reduces the processing load on terminal 230. 【0090】 On the other hand, if the release information does not match the release conditions in the determination process of S840 (S840-NO), the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 proceeds to process S870. 【0091】 In S870, the control unit 222 of vehicle 1 does not transmit a release instruction signal, and the control unit 231 of terminal 230 maintains the locked state of terminal 230 (S870). 【0092】 (Application usage restrictions) The control unit 222 of vehicle 1 acquires the vehicle speed of vehicle 1 measured by the vehicle speed measurement unit 211 at predetermined time intervals. When the vehicle speed of vehicle 1 exceeds a predetermined speed, the control unit 222 restricts the applications available on terminal 230 while maintaining the unlocked state. Driver P can pre-set which applications are to be made available. The control unit 222 makes the applications set by driver P available and restricts the use of other applications, creating a restricted-use state. Based on the settings of driver P, the control unit 222 can improve convenience while considering safety by restricting the use of other applications while making only applications necessary for driving, such as map applications and navigation applications, available. 【0093】 (Improved security) The acquisition unit 221 of vehicle 1 acquires authentication information from the driver P's equipment 240 at predetermined time intervals. If the acquired authentication information is changed from the information stored in the storage unit 223, the control unit 222 locks the terminal 230, making it unusable. As for the timing of acquiring authentication information, the acquisition unit 221 can acquire authentication information, for example, when vehicle 1 is started, when it starts moving, or at regular time intervals while driving. 【0094】 If the authentication information is changed, the control unit 222 sends a lock instruction to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, and the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 locks the terminal 230 based on the lock instruction received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. For example, even if the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 are stolen, if the authentication information of a third party other than the driver P differs from the information pre-stored in the terminal, the terminal will be locked and rendered unusable, thereby improving security. 【0095】 (Removing the availability status) The control unit 222 of vehicle 1 monitors the communication status between vehicle 1 and terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 when terminal 230 is unlocked. While communication between vehicle 1 and terminal 230 is ongoing, the unlocked state is maintained, and when communication between vehicle 1 and terminal 230 ends, terminal 230 is returned to a locked state where it cannot be used. 【0096】 When communication between vehicle 1 and terminal 230 ends, the control unit 222 sends a lock instruction to terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, and the control unit 231 of terminal 230 locks terminal 230 based on the lock instruction received from vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. By using the end of communication between the vehicle and terminal as a trigger to return to the locked state, the terminal state can be provided in accordance with the driver P's wishes. 【0097】 (Release of temporary lock state after power off) The control unit 231 of terminal 230 acquires the operation pattern (second operation pattern) input from the operator of vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233 within a predetermined time period (first time) before and after the state in which vehicle 1 is powered off. The control unit 231 then compares the acquired operation pattern (second operation pattern) with the information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the storage unit 235 of terminal 230. 【0098】 If the second operation pattern input from the operator matches the information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the memory unit 235 of the terminal 230, the terminal 230 will remain usable for a predetermined period of time (second period) even after communication between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 has ended. 【0099】 For example, even after stopping the vehicle and turning off the power, such as when refueling at a gas station, the terminal can be operated for a certain period of time, allowing the lock state to be released while the equipment is still attached. This improves convenience when using terminal payments, for example, at gas stations. 【0100】 [Other embodiments] Furthermore, the program that implements each function of the communication system described in the embodiment is supplied to the vehicle or the driver's terminal via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the vehicle or the driver's terminal can read and execute this program. The present invention can also be realized in this manner. 【0101】 [Summary of Embodiments] The above embodiments disclose at least the following communication systems and vehicles. 【0102】 Configuration 1. The communication system (STM) of the above embodiment is connected to a vehicle (1) and A communication system (STM) comprising: a driver's equipment (240) that provides the vehicle (1) with authentication information for authenticating the driver; and a driver's terminal (230) having a communication unit (233) capable of communicating with the vehicle (1), The aforementioned vehicle (1) is An acquisition unit (221) that acquires the authentication information from the equipment, A control unit (220) having at least a processing unit (222) for processing the aforementioned authentication information, It comprises a communication unit (224) capable of communicating with the aforementioned terminal, The control unit (220), in response to the acquisition of the authentication information by the acquisition unit, causes the terminal to transmit release information via the communication unit to determine whether or not to release the lock state of the driver's terminal. The terminal (230) unlocks itself and makes it usable when the unlock information it receives satisfies the unlock conditions. 【0103】 According to the communication system of Configuration 1, the terminal can be unlocked even when the driver is wearing the equipment. 【0104】 By utilizing the vehicle's built-in communication unit, it becomes unnecessary to install dedicated communication devices in the equipment for communication with terminals. This reduces the need for dedicated communication devices, lowering costs while improving convenience. 【0105】 Configuration 2. The release information includes identification information for identifying the vehicle, The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) releases the lock state of the terminal (230) when the information stored in the terminal's storage unit (235) matches the identification information. 【0106】 According to the communication system of Configuration 2, by using vehicle identification information as unlock information to release the locked state, the driver can release the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while driving the vehicle with the equipment attached. 【0107】 Configuration 3. The release information includes the driver's biometric information, The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) unlocks the terminal (230) when the information stored in the terminal's storage unit (235) matches the biometric information. 【0108】 According to the communication system of Configuration 3, by using the driver's biometric information (authentication information) obtained from the driver's equipment as unlock information to release the locked state, the driver can release the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while driving the vehicle and wearing the equipment. 【0109】 Configuration 4. The release information includes a first operation pattern input from the vehicle's control panel. The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) releases the lock state of the terminal when the first operation pattern input from the vehicle's operator matches the information indicating the first operation pattern stored in the terminal's memory unit. 【0110】 According to the communication system of configuration 4, the first operation pattern input from the vehicle's control panel is used as release information to release the locked state, allowing the driver to release the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while driving the vehicle with the equipment attached. 【0111】 Configuration 5. The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit provided in the vehicle from the vehicle, When the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) restricts the applications available on the terminal. 【0112】 According to the communication system of configuration 5, when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the system can achieve both convenience and safety by restricting the available applications to a limited usable state. 【0113】 The apps that can be used with restrictions can be pre-configured by the system or set by the user. For example, by limiting the apps available to only those necessary for driving, such as map apps and navigation apps, it is possible to improve convenience. 【0114】 Furthermore, by restricting the use of applications other than map and navigation applications, it becomes possible to further improve safety while driving. 【0115】 Configuration 6. The acquisition unit (221) acquires the authentication information at predetermined time intervals, and the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) locks the terminal, rendering it unusable, if the authentication information is changed from the information stored in the terminal's storage unit. 【0116】 According to the communication system of configuration 6, even if the vehicle and terminal are stolen, if the authentication information of a third party other than the driver differs from the information pre-stored in the terminal, the terminal will be locked and rendered unusable, thereby improving security. 【0117】 Configuration 7. The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) returns the terminal to a locked state where it cannot be used when communication between the communication unit and the terminal ends while the terminal is unlocked. 【0118】 According to the communication system of configuration 7, the termination of communication between the vehicle and the terminal acts as a trigger to return to the locked state, thereby providing a terminal state that aligns with the driver's intentions. 【0119】 Configuration 8. The communication unit (224) transmits a second operation pattern input from the vehicle's control panel to the terminal within a predetermined time based on the state in which the vehicle is powered off. The control unit of the terminal makes the terminal usable for a predetermined time if it matches the information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the terminal's memory unit. 【0120】 According to the communication system of configuration 8, based on the power-off state, the operation pattern input from the vehicle's control panel within a predetermined time is used as the release condition for releasing the locked state, allowing the driver P to release the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while the equipment is attached. 【0121】 For example, even after stopping the vehicle and turning off the power, such as when refueling at a gas station, the terminal can be operated for a certain period of time, allowing the lock state to be released while the equipment is still attached. This can improve convenience, for example, when making payments at gas stations. 【0122】 Configuration 9. The communication system of the above embodiment includes an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, The vehicle includes a vehicle communication unit (224) that, in response to obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, obtains unlocking conditions for the terminal from the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, The acquisition unit (221) is, In response to obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, unlock information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal is obtained from at least one of the aforementioned authentication information or an operating input device provided in the vehicle that the driver uses to input operations. If the aforementioned release information satisfies the release conditions, the lock state release instruction signal is output to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit. 【0123】 According to the communication system of configuration 9, the driver can unlock the terminal while wearing the equipment. 【0124】 By utilizing the vehicle's built-in communication unit, it becomes unnecessary to install dedicated communication devices in the equipment for communication with terminals. This reduces the need for dedicated communication devices, lowering costs while improving convenience. 【0125】 Configuration 10. The vehicle (1) of the above embodiment includes an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, It includes a vehicle communication unit (224) capable of communicating with an external terminal, The acquisition unit (221), in response to the acquisition of the authentication information, acquires release information from at least one of the authentication information or an operator input device provided in the vehicle that the driver uses to input operations, for determining whether or not to release the lock state of the driver's terminal which has a communication unit that can communicate with the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit (224) transmits the release information to the terminal, The terminal unlocks itself and makes it usable when the unlock information satisfies predetermined unlocking conditions. 【0126】 Configuration 11. The vehicle of the above embodiment includes an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, The vehicle includes a vehicle communication unit (224) that, in response to the acquisition of the aforementioned authentication information, acquires unlocking conditions for the terminal from the driver's terminal, which has a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, via the communication unit, The acquisition unit (221) is, In response to obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, unlock information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal is obtained from at least one of the aforementioned authentication information or an operating input device provided in the vehicle that the driver uses to input operations. The vehicle communication unit transmits the release information to the terminal. When the aforementioned release information satisfies predetermined release conditions stored in the vehicle's memory unit, a release instruction signal to release the lock state of the terminal is output to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit. 【0127】 With the vehicles of configurations 10 and 11, the driver can unlock the terminal while the equipment is attached. 【0128】 By utilizing the vehicle's built-in communication unit, it becomes unnecessary to install dedicated communication devices in the equipment for communication with terminals. This reduces the need for dedicated communication devices, lowering costs while improving convenience. 【0129】 The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. 【0130】 This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173616, filed on 28 October 2022, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols] 【0131】 1: Vehicle, 8a: Throttle control, 200: Control, 210: Measuring device, 211: Vehicle speed measurement unit, 220: ECU, 221: Acquisition unit, 222: Control unit, 223: Storage unit, 224: Communication unit, 230: Terminal, 231: Control unit, 232: Authentication unit, 233: Communication unit, 234: Operation display unit, 235: Memory unit, 240: Equipment, 251: Biological information acquisition unit, 252: Memory unit, 253: Transmission unit

Claims

[Claim 1] Vehicles and The vehicle includes equipment for the driver that provides authentication information for authenticating the driver, A communication system comprising the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is A control unit having at least an acquisition unit for acquiring the authentication information from the equipment and a processing unit for processing the authentication information, The terminal comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned terminal, The control unit, A request signal is sent to the terminal via the communication unit, requesting the transmission of release conditions for releasing the locked state. If the release conditions received from the terminal match the release information stored in the vehicle's memory unit, a release instruction signal is transmitted to the terminal via the communication unit. Based on the received unlock instruction signal, the terminal unlocks its locked state and makes the terminal available for use. Communication system. [Claim 2] The aforementioned release information includes identification information for identifying the vehicle. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the release instruction signal to the terminal via the communication unit when the information stored in the terminal's storage unit matches the identification information, and the control unit of the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal based on the release instruction signal. [Claim 3] The aforementioned release information includes the driver's biometric information. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the release instruction signal to the terminal via the communication unit when the information stored in the terminal's memory unit matches the biometric information, and the control unit of the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal based on the release instruction signal. [Claim 4] The release information includes a first operation pattern input from the vehicle's control panel. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the release instruction signal to the terminal via the communication unit when the first operation pattern input from the vehicle's operator matches the information indicating the first operation pattern stored in the terminal's storage unit, and the control unit of the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal based on the release instruction signal. [Claim 5] The control unit of the terminal acquires the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit installed in the vehicle from the vehicle. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed, the control unit of the terminal restricts the applications available on the terminal. [Claim 6] The acquisition unit acquires the authentication information at predetermined time intervals. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit transmits a lock instruction to the terminal via the communication unit when the authentication information is changed from the information stored in the terminal's storage unit, and the control unit of the terminal puts the terminal into a locked state where it cannot be used based on the lock instruction. [Claim 7] The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the terminal returns the terminal to a locked state where it cannot be used when communication between the communication unit and the terminal ends while the terminal is unlocked. [Claim 8] The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit transmits a second operation pattern input from the vehicle's control element to the terminal within a predetermined time based on the state in which the vehicle is powered off, and the control unit of the terminal makes the terminal usable for a predetermined time if it matches the information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the terminal's storage unit. [Claim 9] An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, The vehicle includes a vehicle communication unit that, in response to the acquisition of the aforementioned authentication information, acquires unlocking conditions for the terminal from the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, The acquisition unit is, In response to obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, unlock information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal is obtained from at least one of the aforementioned authentication information or an operating input device provided in the vehicle that the driver uses to input operations. A communication system that outputs a lock release instruction signal to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit when the release information satisfies the release conditions. [Claim 10] A control unit having at least an acquisition unit that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, and a processing unit that processes the authentication information, It includes a vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with external terminals, The control unit, The vehicle communication unit transmits a request signal to the external terminal requesting the transmission of release conditions for releasing the locked state. If the release conditions received from the external terminal match the release information stored in the vehicle's memory unit, a release instruction signal is transmitted to the external terminal via the vehicle communication unit. The vehicle, based on the received release instruction signal, unlocks the external terminal and makes it available for use. [Claim 11] An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information from the driver's equipment that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, The vehicle communication unit, which, upon obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, obtains the unlocking conditions for the terminal from the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, via the communication unit, The acquisition unit is, Upon obtaining the aforementioned authentication information, release information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal is obtained from at least one of the aforementioned authentication information or an operating input device provided in the vehicle that the driver uses to input operations. The vehicle communication unit transmits the release information to the terminal. A vehicle that, when the aforementioned release information satisfies predetermined release conditions stored in the vehicle's memory unit, outputs a release instruction signal to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit to release the lock state of the terminal.