Communication systems, mobile devices, and communication methods

Abstract

To allow a driver of a vehicle to wait for a person to be met with peace of mind and to make it easier for the person to be met to recognize the vehicle that has come to pick him or her up.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle includes a control unit that, upon receiving a first signal transmitted from a mobile terminal, allows a signal to be output from an output device installed in the vehicle and transmits a second signal including information on the manner of the signal to the mobile terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] When going to pick up a person at a railway station or facility, etc., a vehicle such as a passenger car may be used. The driver of the vehicle may stop the vehicle on a road or parking lot near the railway station or facility, etc., and wait for a person (the meeting partner).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When waiting for a meeting partner in a vehicle, since the driver of the vehicle does not know when the meeting partner will come, the driver may wait with the lock of the vehicle door released. The state where the lock of the vehicle door is released is an insecure situation in terms of security.

[0005] Also, the meeting partner is required to find the vehicle (the vehicle that came to pick them up) in which the driver waiting for them is riding from among many vehicles parked on the road or in the parking lot. However, when there are many vehicles with similar shapes and colors parked, it is difficult to distinguish the vehicle that came to pick them up.

[0006] An object of the disclosed embodiment is to enable the driver of a vehicle to wait for a meeting partner with peace of mind and to make it easier for the meeting partner to recognize the vehicle that came to pick them up.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the following measures will be taken. That is, the first embodiment is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and comprising a control unit. When the control unit receives a first signal transmitted from a mobile terminal, it causes an output device installed in the vehicle to output a signal and transmits a second signal containing information about the nature of the signal to the mobile terminal.

[0008] The mode of disclosure may be realized by the execution of a program by an information processing device. That is, the configuration of the disclosure can be identified as a program that causes an information processing device to execute the processing performed by each of the means in the above mode, or as a recording medium readable by the information processing device that stores the program. Alternatively, the configuration of the disclosure may be identified as a method by which the information processing device executes the processing performed by each of the means described above. Alternatively, the configuration of the disclosure may be identified as a system including an information processing device that performs the processing performed by each of the means described above. The information processing device is, for example, a computer. A computer is sometimes called a personal computer or a server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the disclosure allow the driver of a vehicle to wait for the person they are meeting with peace of mind, and also make it easier for the person they are meeting to recognize the vehicle that has come to pick them up. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 100. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the mobile terminal 300. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 in Operation Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 in Operation Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 in operation example 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 in operation example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments are illustrative, and the configuration of the invention is not limited to the specific configurations of the disclosed embodiments. In carrying out the invention, specific configurations may be adopted as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Example configuration) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system of this embodiment. The communication system of this embodiment includes an in-vehicle device 100 and a mobile terminal 300. The in-vehicle device 100 and the mobile terminal 300 are connected in a way that enables communication when they are within wireless communication range. The in-vehicle device 100 is mounted on a vehicle 10 such as a passenger car and is connected to an output device 200, etc. The output device 200 is mounted on the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 100 is mounted, the in-vehicle device 100 detects the approach and causes the output device 200 mounted on the vehicle 10 to output a predetermined signal. Assume that the vehicle 10 has occupants such as a driver. The mobile terminal 300 is the mobile terminal that is processed by the in-vehicle device 100. As a result, the user carrying the mobile terminal 300 can recognize the vehicle 10.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the in-vehicle device 100. The in-vehicle device 100 includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, an input unit 106, an output unit 108, and a communication interface (IF) 110. The control unit 102, storage unit 104, input unit 106, output unit 108, and communication interface 110 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0014] The control unit 102 controls the entire in-vehicle device 100. The control unit 102 controls communication with other devices and issues predetermined instructions to the output device 200 and the like.

[0015] The storage unit 104 stores programs and data used by the control unit 102, expands a work area, and stores operation setting information and the like. The storage unit 304 stores identification information for identifying the mobile terminal 300 to be processed in the present embodiment.

[0016] The input unit 106 is an input means for receiving input of information by a user (occupant). The input unit 106 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a wireless remote control, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, and the like. The input unit 106 is an example of an input interface.

[0017] The output unit 108 is an output means for outputting information and the like to users and the like. The output unit 108 includes a display for displaying character information, images, and the like, and a speaker for outputting sound. The output unit 108 is an example of an output interface.

[0018] The communication IF 110 is a communication interface that communicates with other information processing devices and the like by exchanging data via a communication network or the like. The communication IF 110 can be wirelessly connected to other information processing devices and the like according to well-known wireless communication standards such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the communication IF 110 is connected to an in-vehicle network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) and can communicate with other devices provided in the vehicle 10. The wireless communication standard used here is Bluetooth (registered trademark), but the wireless communication standard is not limited to Bluetooth, and other wireless communication standards may be used. The communication IF 110 is an example of a communication unit. <​​​​The output device 200 is an output means such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, horn, speaker, and display mounted on the vehicle 10. Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, horn, speaker, and display are equipment that is pre-installed on the vehicle 10 for a predetermined purpose. The output device 200 may also include an output means such as a light that is newly installed on the vehicle 10 for the purpose of outputting signals. For example, the output device 200 may be a small light that can be installed by the user by placing it on the dashboard of the vehicle 10 or by attaching it to the window of the vehicle 10. The output device 200 can output predetermined signals such as turning on, turning off, and sound output based on instructions from the in-vehicle device 100. The manner of signals from various lights is indicated by at least one of the following items: type of light, flashing pattern, and light color. The items such as type of light, flashing pattern, and light color are items that adjust the manner of the signal. The flashing pattern is represented, for example, by the duration of illumination and the duration of extinguishing. The nature of signals from the horn and speaker is represented, for example, by items such as the type of sound, volume, and duration. The items used to adjust the nature of the signals are not limited to those listed here.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of a mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 includes a control unit 302, a storage unit 304, an input unit 306, an output unit 308, and a communication interface (IF) 310. The control unit 302, storage unit 304, input unit 306, output unit 308, and communication interface 310 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0021] The control unit 302 controls the entire mobile terminal 300. The control unit 102 controls communication with other devices.

[0022] The memory unit 304 stores programs and data used by the control unit 302, expands the work area, and stores operation setting information, etc.

[0023] The input unit 306 is an input means for receiving information from the user. The input unit 306 includes, for example, a touch panel, camera, microphone, keyboard, pointing device, wireless remote control, etc.

[0024] The output unit 308 is an output means that outputs information to users, etc. 3 08 includes a display that shows text information, images, etc., and a speaker that outputs sound.

[0025] The communication interface 310 is a communication interface that enables communication, such as exchanging data, with other information processing devices via a communication network. The communication interface 310 can be wirelessly connected to other information processing devices using well-known wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The wireless communication standard used here is Bluetooth®, but the wireless communication standard is not limited to Bluetooth, and other wireless communication standards may be used. The communication interface 310 is an example of a communication unit.

[0026] The in-vehicle device 100 includes a car navigation system, a PC (Personal Computer), and a work system. This can be achieved using electronic devices equipped with computers, such as dedicated or general-purpose computers like workstations (WS). Furthermore, the mobile terminal 300 is... This can be achieved using electronic devices equipped with computers, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. The information processing device 90 shown in Figure 4 has the configuration of a typical computer. The in-vehicle device 100 and the mobile terminal 300 are realized by the information processing device 90 as shown in Figure 4. The information processing device 90 in Figure 4 has a processor 91, memory 92, storage unit 93, input unit 94, output unit 95, and communication control unit 96. These are connected to each other by a bus. The memory 92 and storage unit 93 are computer-readable recording media. The hardware configuration of the computer is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0028] The information processing device 90 can achieve a function that matches a predetermined purpose by having the processor 91 load a program stored on the recording medium into the working area of ​​the memory 92 and execute it, thereby controlling each component through the execution of the program.

[0029] Processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). 91 is not limited to a single processor, but may be a multi-processor configuration. Furthermore, a single control unit 102 connected via a single socket may be a multi-core configuration. The processor 91 deploys programs stored in the storage unit 93 into the working area of ​​the memory 92 in an executable format, and provides functions that meet predetermined purposes by controlling peripheral devices, etc., through program execution. The processor 91 may be a dedicated LSI (Large Scale Integration) such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other digital circuitry. It may include the following:

[0030] Memory 92 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Memory 92 is also called main memory.

[0031] The memory unit 93 may be, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or a hard disk. It is a drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). Also, the storage unit 93 is a removable media This may include a portable recording medium. Removable media include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or disk recording media such as CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The storage unit 93 is also called an auxiliary storage device.

[0032] The storage unit 93 stores various programs, various data, and various tables in a record medium in a read-write manner. The storage unit 93 stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 93 may also be stored in the memory 92. Conversely, the information stored in the memory 92 may also be stored in the storage unit 93. Examples of record media include silicon disks containing non-volatile semiconductor memory (flash memory), hard disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.

[0033] An operating system is software that acts as an intermediary between software and hardware, manages memory space, manages files, and manages processes and tasks. The operating system includes a communication interface. The communication interface is a program that exchanges data with other external devices connected via the communication control unit 96. These external devices include, for example, other computers and external storage devices.

[0034] The input unit 94 includes a keyboard, pointing device, wireless remote control, touch panel, etc. The input unit 94 also includes video and image input devices such as cameras, and micro It can include an audio input device such as a phone.

[0035] The output section 95 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. This includes display devices such as screens, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, and PDP (Plasma Display Panel), as well as output devices such as printers. The output unit 95 may also include audio output devices such as speakers.

[0036] The communication control unit 96 connects to other devices and controls communication between the information processing device 90 and other devices. The communication control unit 96 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, or a communication circuit for wired communication. The LAN interface board and wireless communication circuit are connected to a network such as the Internet. Wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth® and wireless LAN may be used.

[0037] The computer that realizes the in-vehicle device 100 and the mobile terminal 300 realizes the function of each functional unit by having the processor load a program stored in auxiliary storage into main memory and execute it. In other words, each functional block in Figures 2 and 3 is implemented as a software algorithm executed by the processor. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented as individual hardware circuits.

[0038] (Example of operation 1) This section describes Operation Example 1 of this embodiment. Here, we describe the operation between a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 and a vehicle 10 equipped with an in-vehicle device 100, and a user located outside the vehicle 10. In Operation Example 1, the in-vehicle device 100 outputs a signal in a predetermined signal pattern. Here, the operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 (Figure 5) and the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 (Figure 6) are shown.

[0039] <Operation of the in-vehicle device 1> Figure 5 shows an example of the operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 in Operation Example 1. The in-vehicle device 100 is in a state where it is receiving some kind of signal (radio waves) from a mobile terminal 300 or the like via the communication IF 110.

[0040] In S101, the control unit 102 of the in-vehicle device 100 determines whether or not it has received a signal (radio wave) from another information processing device, including a mobile terminal, via the communication IF 110. The control unit 102 is in standby mode, ready to receive wireless signals via the communication IF 110. If the control unit 102 receives a signal via the communication IF 110 (S101; YES), the process proceeds to S102. If the control unit 102 has not received a signal via the communication IF 110 (S101; NO), the process in S101 is repeated.

[0041] In S102, the control unit 102 stores the information contained in the signal received via the communication IF 110, along with the received signal strength, in the storage unit 104. The received signal strength is the signal strength at the time the signal was received at the communication IF 110. The control unit 102 extracts identification information (source identification information) that identifies the source device (mobile terminal) from the received signal. The control unit 102 determines whether the extracted identification information is included in the identification information that identifies the mobile terminal 300 to be processed, which is stored in the storage unit 104. The identification information that identifies the mobile terminal 300 to be processed in this embodiment is stored in the storage unit 104 in advance. Identification information that identifies multiple mobile terminals 300 to be processed may be stored in the storage unit 104. The identification information stored in the storage unit 104 is also called registered identification information. The control unit 102 compares the registered identification information stored in the storage unit 104 with the information extracted from the received signal. The sender's identification information is compared with the sender's identification information. The control unit 102 checks whether the sender's identification information is included in the registered identification information. If the sender's identification information is included in the registered identification information (S102; YES), the process proceeds to S103. If the sender's identification information is not included in the registered identification information (S102; NO), the process proceeds to S101.

[0042] In S103, the control unit 102 determines whether the received signal strength is above a threshold. This threshold is stored in the storage unit 104 beforehand. If the received signal strength is above the threshold, it means that the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 100 is installed (for example, within 10m) (it is within a predetermined range from the vehicle 10). In other words, if the received signal strength is above the threshold, it indicates that the user carrying the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of the vehicle 10. Conversely, if the received signal strength is below the threshold, it means that the mobile terminal 300 is not in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 100 is installed. In other words, if the received signal strength is below the threshold, it indicates that the user carrying the mobile terminal 300 is not in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 (the user is away from the vehicle 10). If the received signal strength is above the threshold (S103; YES), the process proceeds to S104. If the received signal strength is below the threshold (S103; NO), the process proceeds to S101.

[0043] In S104, the control unit 102 notifies the vehicle 10 that the mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10 via the output unit 108. The control unit 102 notifies the occupants of the vehicle 10 (such as the driver) that the mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10 by, for example, displaying text information such as "The terminal with identification information AAA is approaching the vehicle" on the display of the output unit 108. Alternatively, the control unit 102 may notify the occupants of the vehicle 10 that the mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10 by outputting an audio message such as "The terminal with identification information AAA is approaching the vehicle" through the speaker of the output unit 108. Alternatively, the control unit 102 may notify the occupants of the vehicle 10 that the mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10 by outputting a predetermined sound through the speaker of the output unit 108. Furthermore, the identification information of the mobile terminal 300 and a name (such as a name or nickname) indicating the user of the mobile terminal 300 may be stored in the storage unit 104 in advance, and the control unit 102 may use this name instead of the identification information of the mobile terminal 300 when making the above notification. This allows the occupants of the vehicle 10 to recognize that a user carrying the mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle. Upon recognizing the notification, the occupants may unlock the doors of the vehicle 10 and wait for the user carrying the mobile terminal 300. In this case, the user can smoothly board the vehicle 10.

[0044] In S105, the control unit 102 transmits a signal containing information about the type of signal to be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 to the mobile terminal 300 via the communication IF 110. This signal includes, for example, identification information to identify the source in-vehicle device 100 and identification information to identify the destination mobile terminal 300. The information about the type of signal to be output from the output device 200 is stored in the storage unit 104 in advance. The control unit 102 retrieves the information about the type of signal to be output from the output device 200 from the storage unit 104. The type of signal to be output from the output device 200 is represented, for example, by the type of light used, the flashing pattern, the color of the light emitted, etc. A specific type of signal to be notified is, for example, "Type of light: headlights, flashing pattern: 1 second on, 1 second off, repeated 3 times, color of light emitted: white." Alternatively, the type of signal may be an audible output such as "honking the horn for 1 second." The signals output from the output device 200 are not limited to these, and should be such that a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 can recognize the vehicle 10 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0045] In S106, the control unit 102 causes the output device 200 to output a signal via the communication IF 110. The type of signal to be output is based on the signal type information acquired from the storage unit 104 in S105. For example, the acquired signal type information may be "Light type: If the headlight flashing pattern is "on for 1 second, off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, light color: white", the control unit 102 will do the following: The control unit 102 instructs the output device 200 to turn the headlight on for 1 second, then off for 1 second, and repeat this 3 times. Based on the instruction from the control unit 102, the output device 200 turns the headlight on and off. This produces a signal output.

[0046] As a result, when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10, the in-vehicle device 100 automatically outputs a signal in a predetermined manner. Users carrying a mobile terminal 300 who are near the vehicle 10 can easily find the vehicle 10 by recognizing the signal output from the vehicle 10.

[0047] <Mobile device operation 1> Figure 6 shows an example of the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 in Operation Example 1. The mobile terminal 300 is assumed to be carried by a user who is about to board the vehicle 10.

[0048] In S201, the control unit 302 of the mobile terminal 300 transmits a signal (radio wave) containing identification information to identify itself via the communication IF 310. This signal is the signal received by the in-vehicle device 100 of the vehicle 10 in S101 of Figure 5. The control unit 302 may transmit the signal (radio wave) automatically at predetermined timings (e.g., at regular time intervals such as every 20ms), or at other irregular timings. For example, in Bluetooth, broadcasts are sometimes performed, in which advertiser packets are sent at regular time intervals to find the other device. The signal transmission performed by the control unit 302 in S201 may be this broadcast. The control unit 302 may also transmit a signal (radio wave) in response to user operation. For example, when the user approaches a location where they believe the vehicle 10 they intend to board is parked, they operate an input interface (e.g., button, touch panel, etc.) on the mobile terminal 300 to perform a predetermined input. The control unit 302 receives this input and transmits a signal (radio wave).

[0049] In S202, the control unit 302 determines whether or not it has received a signal (radio wave) from another information processing device via the communication IF 310. The control unit 302 is in standby mode, ready to receive wireless signals via the communication IF 310. If the control unit 302 receives a signal via the communication IF 310 (S202; YES), the process proceeds to S203. If the control unit 302 has not received a signal via the communication IF 310 (S202; NO), the process proceeds to S201.

[0050] In S203, the control unit 302 stores the information contained in the signal received via the communication IF 310 in the storage unit 304. The control unit 302 extracts identification information to identify the source device and identification information to identify the destination device from the received signal. The control unit 102 checks whether the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information (identification information of the mobile terminal 300). If the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information, the received signal is a signal addressed to the mobile terminal 300. Furthermore, if the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information, the control unit 102 determines whether the received signal contains information about the type of signal output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10. If the received signal contains information about the type of signal output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10, the received signal is the signal transmitted in S105 of Figure 5. If the received signal contains information about the type of signal output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 (S203; YES), the process proceeds to S204. If the received signal does not contain information about the type of signal to be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 (S203; NO), the process proceeds to S201. Also, if the extracted destination identification information does not match its own identification information, the process proceeds to S201, similar to the case where it does not contain information about the type of signal to be output (S203; NO).

[0051] In S204, the control unit 302 notifies the user of the mobile terminal 300 of the signal output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 via the output unit 308. The control unit 302 notifies the user of the mobile terminal 300 of the signal output by, for example, displaying text information such as "Light type: Headlights, Flashing pattern: 1 second on, 1 second off, repeated 3 times, Light color: White" on the display of the output unit 308. Alternatively, the control unit 302 may notify the user of the mobile terminal 300 of the signal output by outputting audio such as "Light type: Headlights, Flashing pattern: 1 second on, 1 second off, repeated 3 times, Light color: White" through the speaker of the output unit 308. Alternatively, the control unit 302 may notify the user of the mobile terminal 300 of the signal output by outputting a predetermined sound through the speaker of the output unit 108. At this time, the vehicle 10 outputs a signal based on the signal output. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 300 to recognize the type of signal emitted from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10. The user of the mobile terminal 300 can use the information about the notified type of signal as a clue to easily find the target vehicle 10 that emits a signal in the notified type of signal.

[0052] <Torture 1-1> In S105, when the control unit 102 notifies that a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10, it may allow the occupants of the vehicle 10 to choose whether or not to output a signal. At this time, the control unit 102 displays a screen on the display of the output unit 108 that allows the user to choose whether or not to output a signal. For example, the control unit 102 displays text information such as "Do you want to output a signal? (Yes) (No)" on the display of the output unit 108. The control unit 102 also accepts "Yes" or "No" input from the user via the input unit 106. User input is performed, for example, by selecting via the touch panel of the input unit 106 or by inputting via the keyboard of the input unit 106. If "Yes" is input (if "Output a signal" is selected), the control unit 102 performs the processes in S105 and S106. Furthermore, if the input is "No" (i.e., "Do not output a signal"), the control unit 102 does not perform the processes in S105 and S106. This allows the occupants of vehicle 10 to choose whether or not to output a signal when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10.

[0053] <Variation 1-2> In S105, when the control unit 102 notifies that a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 is approaching the vehicle 10, it may allow the occupants of the vehicle 10 to select the type of signal to be output. At this time, the control unit 102 displays a screen on the display of the output unit 108 that allows the user to select one of several signal types. Information on the selectable signal types (signal types that can be executed by the output device 200) is stored in the storage unit 104 in advance. For example, the control unit 102 displays text information on the display of the output unit 108 such as "(1) Headlights, turn on for 1 second, turn off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, white / (2) Taillights, turn on for 3 seconds, red / (3) Room light, turn on for 5 seconds, incandescent color". "(1) Headlights, turn on for 1 second, turn off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, white / (2) Taillights, turn on for 3 seconds, red / (3) Room light, turn on for 5 seconds, incandescent color" are the options for the signal type. The contents of (1) to (3) are, in order, the type of light, the flashing pattern, and the color of the emitted light. The control unit 102 also receives input of "1", "2", or "3" information from the occupants of the vehicle 10 via the input unit 106. The occupants of the vehicle 10 can select the desired signal pattern. Input by the occupants of the vehicle 10 is performed, for example, by selection via the touch panel of the input unit 106 or by input via the keyboard of the input unit 106. The control unit 102 performs the processing of S105 and S106 based on the input (selected) signal pattern. This allows the occupants of the vehicle 10 to select the signal pattern to be output when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10. Here, it is stated that the occupants of the vehicle 10 select the signal pattern to be output when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10, but the occupants can select the signal pattern to be output in advance. It may be possible to allow selection. In this case, when a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10, the control unit 102 causes the output device 200 to output a signal in the manner of a pre-selected signal. By pre-selecting, the inconvenience of having to select each time is reduced.

[0054] (Example of operation 2) This section describes an example of operation of this embodiment, specifically example 2. Here, we describe the interaction between a user carrying a mobile terminal 300, a vehicle 10 equipped with an in-vehicle device 100, and a user located outside the vehicle 10. In example 2, the in-vehicle device 100 outputs a signal in the manner specified by the mobile terminal 300. The operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 (Figure 7) and the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 (Figure 8) are shown here.

[0055] <Operation of the in-vehicle device 2> Figure 7 shows an example of the operation flow of the in-vehicle device 100 in operation example 2. The in-vehicle device 100 is in a state where it is receiving some kind of signal (radio waves) from a mobile terminal 300 or the like via the communication IF 110.

[0056] S301, S302, S303, and S304 are the same as S101, S102, S103, and S104 in Figure 5, respectively.

[0057] In S305, the control unit 102 transmits a signal containing information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 to the mobile terminal 300 via the communication IF 110. This signal includes, for example, identification information to identify the source in-vehicle device 100 and identification information to identify the destination mobile terminal 300. The information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 is stored in the storage unit 104 in advance. The information about the types of signals includes multiple types of signals. The control unit 102 obtains the information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 from the storage unit 104. The information about the types of signals is, for example, "(1) Headlights, 1 second on, 1 second off, repeated 3 times, white / (2) Taillights, 3 seconds on, red / (3) Room light, 5 seconds on, incandescent color". The contents of (1) to (3) are, in order, the type of light, the flashing pattern, and the color of the emitted light. "(1) Headlights, turn on for 1 second and off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, white light / (2) Taillights, turn on for 3 seconds, red light / (3) Room light, turn on for 5 seconds, incandescent color" are the options for the type of signal that the user can select on the mobile terminal 300.

[0058] In S306, the control unit 102 determines whether it has received a signal containing information about the type of signal from the mobile terminal 300 via the communication IF 110. The signal contains identification information that identifies the source mobile terminal 300, identification information that identifies the destination in-vehicle device 100, and information about the type of signal selected by the mobile terminal 300. If the control unit 102 has received a signal containing information about the type of signal from the mobile terminal 300 (S306; YES), the process proceeds to S307. If the control unit 102 has not received a signal containing information about the type of signal from the mobile terminal 300 (S306; NO), the process in S306 is repeated. That is, the control unit 102 waits for a signal containing information about the type of signal. If the control unit 102 does not receive a signal containing information about the type of signal even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may proceed to S301.

[0059] In S307, the control unit 102 extracts information about the signal type from the received signal. The control unit 102 instructs the output device 200 to output a signal via the communication IF 110. The type of signal to be output is based on the information about the signal type extracted from the received signal. For example, if the extracted information about the signal type is "Light type: headlight, flashing pattern: 1 second on, 1 second off, repeated 3 times, light color: white", the control unit 102 does the following: That is, the control unit 102 instructs the output device 200 to turn on the headlight for 1 second, then turn it off for 1 second, and repeat this 3 times. The output device 200 Based on instructions from the control unit 102, the headlights are turned on and off. This results in the output of a signal in the manner selected by the mobile terminal 300.

[0060] <Mobile device operation 2> Figure 8 shows an example of the operation flow of the mobile terminal 300 in Operation Example 2. The mobile terminal 300 is assumed to be carried by a user who is about to board the vehicle 10.

[0061] S401 and S402 are the same as S201 and S202 in Figure 6, respectively.

[0062] In S403, the control unit 302 stores the information contained in the signal received via the communication IF 310 in the storage unit 304. The control unit 302 extracts identification information that identifies the source device and identification information that identifies the destination device from the received signal. The control unit 102 checks whether the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information (identification information of the mobile terminal 300). If the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information, the received signal is a signal addressed to the mobile terminal 300. Furthermore, if the extracted destination identification information matches its own identification information, the control unit 102 determines whether the received signal contains information about the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10. If the received signal contains information about the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10, the received signal is the signal transmitted in S305 in Figure 7. If the received signal contains information about the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 (S403; YES), the process proceeds to S404. If the received signal does not contain information about the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 (S403; NO), the process proceeds to S401. On the other hand, if the extracted destination identification information does not match its own identification information, the process proceeds to S401, similar to the case where the information about the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 is not included (S403; NO).

[0063] In S404, the control unit 302 extracts information from the received signal about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10. The information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 includes multiple types of signals. The control unit 302 displays a screen on the display of the output unit 308 that allows the user to select one of the multiple types of signals. For example, the control unit 302 displays text information on the display of the output unit 308 such as "(1) Headlights, on for 1 second, off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, white / (2) Taillights, on for 3 seconds, red / (3) Room light, on for 5 seconds, incandescent color". "(1) Headlights, on for 1 second, off for 1 second, repeated 3 times, white / (2) Taillights, on for 3 seconds, red / (3) Room light, on for 5 seconds, incandescent color" are the options for the types of signals. The contents of (1) through (3) are, in order, the type of light, the flashing pattern, and the color of the light emitted. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 300 to recognize the type of signal that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10.

[0064] In S405, the control unit 302 receives input of "1", "2", or "3" from the user via the input unit 306. The user can select the desired signal pattern. User input is performed, for example, by selecting via the touch panel of the input unit 306 or by inputting via the keyboard of the input unit 306. The control unit 302 stores the input (selected) signal pattern information in the storage unit 304. The control unit 102 may also display an image on the display of the output unit 308 that notifies the signal pattern selected by the user at this time. For example, the control unit 302 may display an animation on the display of the output unit 308 in which the headlights of an image modeled after vehicle 10 blink in the same way as the signal pattern. Furthermore, as explained in Mobile Device Operation 1, the image representing vehicle 10 may be a simplified line drawing of the general vehicle's exterior, or it may be a faithful representation of the actual vehicle 10 using live-action images or computer graphics (CG). The image may be stored in advance in the storage unit 304 of the mobile terminal 300. Alternatively, such an image may be stored in the storage unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100, and in S105, it may be transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 to the mobile terminal 300 along with information representing the signal, and then stored in the storage unit 304 of the mobile terminal 300 in S203. If an option is entered (S405; YES), the process proceeds to S406. If no option is entered (S405; NO), the process in S405 is repeated.

[0065] In S406, the control unit 302 transmits a signal containing information about the signal type selected in S405 to the in-vehicle device 100 via the communication IF 310. This signal includes, for example, identification information that identifies the source mobile terminal 300 and identification information that identifies the destination in-vehicle device 100. This signal is the signal received in S306 in Figure 7. As a result, the in-vehicle device 100 is notified of the selected signal type, and the in-vehicle device 100 outputs a signal in that signal type. The user of the mobile terminal 300 can easily find the target vehicle 10 that outputs a signal in the selected signal type using the selected signal type as a clue.

[0066] <Variation 2-1> The signal transmitted in S305 may include information on the received signal strength of the signal received in S301. In this case, in S404, the control unit 302 of the mobile terminal 300 displays information on the display of the output unit 308 indicating the distance from the mobile terminal 300 to the vehicle 10, based on the received signal strength. There is a relationship between the received signal strength and the distance, such that the greater the received signal strength, the smaller the distance. The control unit 302 can calculate the distance based on this relationship. The user of the mobile terminal 300 can recognize the distance from the mobile terminal 300 to the vehicle 10 from this display.

[0067] <Variation 2-2> The signal transmitted in S401 may include information about the type of signal desired by the user of the mobile terminal 300. In this case, the signal received in S301 includes information about the type of signal desired by the user of the mobile terminal 300. Furthermore, the storage unit 304 has in advance stored information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10. The control unit 302 extracts information about the types of signals that can be output from the output device 200 of the vehicle 10 from the storage unit 304. Furthermore, the control unit 302 transmits a signal including the type of signal to the in-vehicle device 100 in the same manner as in S404 to S406. At this time, the in-vehicle device 100 omits the processing in S305, and the mobile terminal 300 omits the processing in S403. Also, in S306, information about the type of signal is extracted from the signal received in S301. As a result, the in-vehicle device 100 can output signals in a manner that has been pre-selected by the user of the mobile terminal 300.

[0068] <Variation 2-3> When the in-vehicle device 100 is outputting a signal in a predetermined manner in S106 or S307, or after outputting a signal, if it receives a signal from the mobile terminal 300 containing information for changing the manner of the signal, it may output a signal in a changed manner based on the information for changing the manner of the signal. The information for changing the manner of the signal may be information indicating a new manner of the signal, or it may simply be information instructing to change the manner of the signal. In the latter case, the in-vehicle device 100 can output a signal in any manner different from the previously outputted manner of the signal. The in-vehicle device 100 may also send information including the changed manner of the signal to the mobile terminal 300, and the mobile terminal 300 may present the information including the changed manner of the signal sent from the in-vehicle device 100 to the user of the mobile terminal.

[0069] For example, when parents drive their children to and from school or cram school, it is conceivable that many vehicles will be waiting to pick them up at the end of the school or cram school hours. In such cases, the in-vehicle device 100 If multiple transport vehicles equipped with these systems are located nearby, there is a possibility that the signals may overlap. For example, two transport vehicles may simultaneously emit the same signal (e.g., flashing the headlights three times). In this case, a child looking for their parent's transport vehicle may not be able to tell which vehicle is their parent's because two vehicles are emitting the same signal. In such a situation, the child can change the signal (e.g., flashing the turn signal three times) by sending a signal from their mobile device 300 to the onboard device 100 of their parent's transport vehicle. This allows the child to easily recognize that the vehicle with the changed signal is their parent's. At the same time, the child's mobile device 300 can also display the changed signal (e.g., flashing the turn signal three times). Therefore, the child can more easily recognize that the vehicle emitting the same signal as displayed on their mobile device 300 is their parent's transport vehicle.

[0070] (Effects and mechanisms of the embodiment) The communication system of this embodiment includes an in-vehicle device 100 and a mobile terminal 300. The in-vehicle device 100 is mounted on a vehicle 10, such as a passenger car, and connected to an output device 200, etc. When a user carrying a mobile terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 100 is mounted, the in-vehicle device 100 detects that the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of the in-vehicle device 100 and causes the output device 200 mounted on the vehicle 10 to output a predetermined signal. This allows the user carrying the mobile terminal 300 to easily recognize the vehicle 10 as distinct from other vehicles. The in-vehicle device 100 stores identification information of the mobile terminal 300 in advance, so that when the mobile terminal 300 enters the communication range of the in-vehicle device 100 (vehicle 10), it can output a signal in a predetermined manner. The in-vehicle device 100 notifies the occupants of the vehicle 10 that the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of the in-vehicle device 100. Upon receiving the notification, the occupants of vehicle 10 can recognize that the user of the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of vehicle 10 and can unlock the doors of vehicle 10, etc. This improves security compared to keeping the doors of vehicle 10 unlocked at all times. Furthermore, when the occupants of vehicle 10 are waiting for the user of the mobile terminal 300, they are notified that the mobile terminal 300 is in the vicinity of the in-vehicle device 100, so they do not need to constantly monitor the outside of vehicle 10 to find the user of the mobile terminal 300.

[0071] The configuration of the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and various modifications are possible. The embodiments described above can be implemented in combination as appropriate and as much as possible.

[0072] <Computer-readable recording medium> A program that enables a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as "computer, etc.") to perform any of the above functions can be recorded on a recording medium that the computer, etc. can read. By having the computer, etc. read and execute the program on this recording medium, it can be made to provide that function.

[0073] Here, a recording medium that can be read by a computer refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means and can be read by a computer. Examples of such recording media that can be removed from a computer include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, DATs, 8mm tapes, and memory cards such as flash memory. In addition, recording media that are fixed to a computer include hard disks and ROMs (Read Only Memory). Furthermore, SSDs (Solid State Drives) can also be used as recording media that can be removed from a computer. It can also be used as a fixed recording medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1 vehicle 100 Onboard equipment 102 Control Unit 104 Storage section 106 Input section 108 Output section 110 Communication IF 200 Output device 300 mobile devices 302 Control Unit 304 Storage section 306 Input section 308 Output section 310 Communication IF

Claims

1. A communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a mobile terminal that communicates with said in-vehicle device, The in-vehicle device, upon receiving a first signal transmitted from a mobile terminal, includes a control unit that causes an output device installed in the vehicle to output a signal and transmits a second signal containing information about the nature of the signal to the mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal receives the second signal, it displays an animation on its display unit showing an image of the vehicle outputting a signal in the same manner as the signal. Communication system.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the received intensity of the first signal is above a threshold, causes the output device installed in the vehicle to output the signal and transmits the second signal, which includes information on the nature of the signal, to the mobile terminal.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives the first signal and, after outputting the signal in a predetermined manner from the output device, receives a third signal from the mobile terminal containing information for changing the manner of the signal, outputs the signal in the changed manner based on the third signal from the output device, and transmits a fourth signal containing information for the changed manner of the signal to the mobile terminal.

4. The output device is a light provided on the vehicle, and the information regarding the manner of the signal includes at least one of the following: the type of light provided on the output device, the flashing pattern of the light, and the color of the light emitted. The communication system according to claim 1.

5. It has an output interface that outputs information, When the control unit receives the first signal from the mobile terminal, it causes the output interface to output information indicating that the mobile terminal is within a predetermined range from the vehicle. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. It is equipped with an input interface that accepts information input, When the control unit receives the first signal from the mobile terminal, it causes the input interface to accept input for one of the multiple signal modes that can be output from the output device, and causes the output device to output the signal in the accepted signal mode. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. It is equipped with an input interface that accepts information input, The control unit causes the input interface to receive an input indicating whether or not to output the signal, and if the input interface receives an input indicating that the signal should be output, it causes the output device to output the signal. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a mobile terminal that communicates with said in-vehicle device, The aforementioned in-vehicle device, Upon receiving a first signal from a mobile terminal, a second signal containing information on multiple signal types that can be output from an output device installed in the vehicle is transmitted to the mobile terminal. Subsequently, upon receiving a third signal from the mobile terminal containing information on one of the multiple signal modes, the output device is configured to output the signal in the form of the one signal included in the third signal. When the mobile terminal receives the second signal, it displays an animation on its display unit showing an image of the vehicle outputting a signal in the same manner as the signal. Communication system.

9. A communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a mobile terminal that communicates with said in-vehicle device, When the in-vehicle device receives a first signal containing information about the nature of a signal from a mobile terminal, it includes a control unit that causes an output device mounted on the vehicle to output the signal in the manner of the signal included in the first signal. The mobile terminal displays an animation on its display unit in which an image resembling the vehicle outputs a signal in the same manner as the signal included in the first signal. Communication system.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit receives the first signal and, after outputting a signal in a predetermined manner from the output device, receives a second signal from the mobile terminal containing information for changing the manner of the signal, and then outputs the signal in the changed manner based on the second signal from the output device.

11. A portable terminal for communicating with an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, When the in-vehicle device receives the first signal transmitted from the mobile terminal, it outputs a signal from an output device installed in the vehicle and transmits a second signal containing information about the nature of the signal to the mobile terminal. Upon receiving the second signal, the display unit will show an animation in which an image resembling the vehicle outputs a signal in the same manner as the signal. Mobile device.

12. A communication method performed by a communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a mobile terminal that communicates with said in-vehicle device, The aforementioned in-vehicle device, Upon receiving the first signal transmitted from the aforementioned mobile terminal, In response to the first signal, an output device installed in the vehicle outputs a signal, A second signal containing information about the nature of the aforementioned signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The aforementioned mobile device Upon receiving the second signal, the display unit will show an animation in which an image resembling the vehicle outputs a signal in the same manner as the signal. Communication method.

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