Vehicle function management system

Abstract

This vehicle function management device comprises: one or more processors; and a storage medium that stores a program to be executed by said one or more processors. The program includes one or more commands. The commands cause the one or more processors to execute: a certificate acquisition process for acquiring certificate data which includes function setting details in a specific area; a position information acquisition process for acquiring position information of a host vehicle, a position determination process for determining the position of the host vehicle by means of short-range wireless communication; and a function setting process for changing settings regarding functions of the vehicle in accordance with the function setting details in the certificate data when it is determined, on the basis of the position information acquisition process and the position determination process, that the host vehicle is in the specific area designated by the certificate data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle function management device that controls various functions of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the speed limit of a vehicle to be equal to or higher than an initial set value when the vehicle position is within a function restriction release area.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in specific areas such as circuit tracks and test courses for vehicle travel, it is desirable that speed limiters and the like can be released. Therefore, it is considered useful to change the function (for example, disable the speed limiter function) when it is determined that the vehicle is within a specific area based on position information obtained by GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), for example.

[0005] However, spoofing attacks exist against GNSS receivers in vehicles, and there is a risk of falsification of position information. In addition, position information accuracy may be insufficient depending on weather or terrain. Therefore, there is a risk that appropriate function settings cannot be performed according to the area.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable more appropriately executing setting changes for various functions.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A vehicle function management device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises one or more processors and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, wherein the program includes one or more instructions, and the instructions are executed by the one or more processors. Specific area information and, Specific area This section provides function setting information that shows the functions that can be changed in the settings, Change the settings of the vehicle's functions Indicates the maximum mileage that can be maintained. Effective range information and, A certificate acquisition process that obtains certificate data including the certificate, and a location information acquisition process that obtains the location information of the vehicle, Wireless communication devices installed in a specific area Short-range wireless communication of the vehicle Obtain location data indicating that the subject is within a specific area. Position detection process, Based on the aforementioned specific area information, the location information of the vehicle itself, and the location determination data, it is determined that the vehicle is within the specific area. judgement death, My vehicle is particularly Fixed area Inside If it is determined that the person is in that position, The above function setting information depending on Self Vehicle function settings change Function configuration process and function configuration change Later If the vehicle's mileage exceeds the mileage indicated in the effective mileage information, the function setting process is performed. Self Vehicle function settings change Furthermore The process to terminate the process is executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, location information acquisition processing and location determination processing enable highly accurate determination of whether a location is inside or outside a specific area, and allow for appropriate setting changes. Furthermore, because function settings are changed based on certificate data, settings can be flexibly changed within a specific area based on the contents of the certificate data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the vehicle function management device of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the certificate data in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the processing procedure for changing the settings of the functions of the embodiment. [Figure 4]This is a flowchart of a processing example of the vehicle function management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a processing example of the vehicle function management device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle function management device 10 of the present embodiment. The vehicle 1 includes the vehicle function management device 1 0、G an NSS receiving unit 16 and a wireless communication unit 17. Note that Fig. 1 only shows a part of the configuration of the vehicle 1, and it goes without saying that the vehicle 1 includes various configurations for traveling.

[0011] The vehicle function management device 10 is configured of one or more processors. Specifically, it is configured by one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units) in the vehicle 1. The ECUs can include various types such as travel control ECUs, battery control ECUs, engine control ECUs, display control ECUs, driving assistance ECUs, automatic driving ECUs, air conditioning control ECUs, and the like. The vehicle function management device 10 may be configured in any one of these ECUs in the vehicle, or in an ECU specialized for the functions of the present embodiment.

[0012] The vehicle function management device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory, an input / output interface, and the like. The CPU executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the ROM and the non-volatile memory. Data and the like required for the CPU to execute various processes are appropriately stored in the RAM. Then, the functions of the illustrated function validity determination processing unit 11 and function operation processing unit 12 are realized by a program activated in the CPU.

[0013] The function validity determination processing unit 11 makes a determination regarding enabling or disabling a function in a specific area based on the current position of the vehicle 1 and certificate data described later. The function operation processing unit 12 controls setting changes for various actual functions based on the determination made by the function validity determination processing unit 11.

[0014] Examples of functions whose settings are changed by the function operation processing unit 12 are as follows. • Speed limiter function • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) function • Steering assist function • Driving assistance function • Data logging function • Accelerator map changing function • Valet key mode

[0015] There are cases where it is desired to disable the speed limiter function, ABS function, steering assist function, driving assistance function, etc., for example, in a circuit or a test course. There are also cases where it is desired to enable the accelerator map changing function and the data logging function in a circuit, a test course, or the like.

[0016] Note that the data logging function uses various sensors mounted on the vehicle 1, such as a hydraulic pressure sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, and travel position information sensor , and is a function for logging information from sensors such as braking sensors. By keeping the data logging function turned on, the travel of the vehicle 1 and driver driving history and the like can be recorded for subsequent display, analysis, and the like.

[0017] Valet key mode is a type of security feature that, when activated, can, for example, turn off the display on the navigation system or restrict the driving range. For example, when leaving vehicle 1 with someone at a hotel or other facility, this feature prevents the navigation system from being used to reveal your home address or prevents vehicle 1 from being stolen. Therefore, there are times when you might want to activate valet key mode, for example, within the grounds of a hotel.

[0018] The above functions are just examples, but various functions in Vehicle 1 may be enabled / disabled or modified. In practice, which areas will have their settings changed and what kind of changes will be made to those settings will be determined by the description in the certificate data AD, which will be discussed later.

[0019] The settings for these various functions are configured in the ECU responsible for each function. Therefore, the function operation processing unit 12 controls the activation and deactivation of each function through communication between multiple ECUs within the vehicle 1.

[0020] The vehicle function management device 10, which performs such function setting changes, receives location information PI from the GNSS receiver 16, certificate data AD from the wireless communication unit 17, and location determination data WD in order to perform the appropriate setting changes.

[0021] The GNSS receiver 16 receives signals from the GNSS satellite 2 and transmits position information PI to the vehicle function management device 10. The function activation determination processing unit 11 in the vehicle function management device 10 can then recognize the current position of the vehicle 1.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 17 communicates wirelessly with wireless communication equipment 3 installed in a specific area, such as a race track. In this case, wireless communication equipment 3 is equipment for short-range wireless communication that can only communicate within a specific area, such as a race track. Specifically, wireless communication equipment 3 includes V2I (Vehicle-to-roadside-Infrastructure) roadside units, 5G-NR (5G-New Radio) base stations, and local Wi-Fi hotspots, and the wireless communication unit 17 is a communication device that corresponds to these.

[0023] V2I is a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system in which vehicles communicate with compatible equipment installed on the road. It uses a high-frequency band and conducts wireless communication within a limited range, as is done in systems such as ETC (Electronic Toll Collection). 5G-NR also uses high-frequency bands for wireless communication in relatively small areas.

[0024] The wireless communication unit 17 in vehicle 1 communicates with the wireless communication device 3 using these short-range wireless communication methods and receives location determination data WD and certificate data AD. The location determination data WD can be any data that can determine whether vehicle 1 is located within a specific area. For example, it could be the identification code of the wireless communication device 3 acting as a roadside unit, or identification information of a facility such as a race track. In other words, it should be possible to determine that vehicle 1 is located within a specific area if it is capable of communicating with a roadside unit, etc. The location determination data WD may also be the location information of the wireless communication device 3.

[0025] Certificate data AD is data that describes information regarding configuration changes for various functions in a specific area. For example, certificate data that utilizes the extended area of ​​an X.509 certificate to include content like that shown in Figure 2 is conceivable. For example, certificate data AD includes information such as specific area information, function settings information, expiration date information, and effective distance information. Note that these are just examples, and it is not necessary to include all of these contents; other information may also be included.

[0026] Specific area information includes, for example, identification information and facility information that identifies a specific area such as a race track or test course, as well as location information indicating the extent of the specific area to which this certificate applies.

[0027] Function setting information refers to information that indicates the functions that can be changed in this area. For example, it might indicate that the speed limiter function can be disabled on this circuit.

[0028] Expiration date information indicates the time limit during which changes to the function settings in accordance with this certificate can be maintained. Effective distance information refers to information indicating the limit of the mileage at which the changes in the function settings according to this certificate can be maintained.

[0029] For example, if a certificate data AD with such content is issued for a specific area, vehicle 1 that receives the certificate data AD will be able to change the settings of its functions within the scope of the content indicated in the certificate data AD for that specific area.

[0030] The vehicle function management device 10 receives location information PI from the GNSS receiver 16, certificate data AD received by the wireless communication unit 17, and location determination data WD, and the function validity determination processing unit 11 determines what kind of function settings can be changed. In this case, the function activation determination processing unit 11 uses not only the location information PI but also the location determination data WD to determine with high accuracy whether or not vehicle 1 is currently in a specific area. In particular, even if the location information PI is tampered with or its accuracy is reduced due to weather information, the use of the location determination data WD in combination prevents misdetermination of whether the vehicle is inside or outside a specific area. Since the location determination data WD for a certain specific area cannot be received unless the vehicle is in that specific area, using the location determination data WD can increase the reliability of the determination that vehicle 1 is present in a specific area.

[0031] Furthermore, to determine whether an area is inside or outside a specific area, it may be necessary to use the high-precision map information held by the locator, mount a camera on vehicle 1 to photograph the surrounding environment, and confirm characteristic sights inside or outside the specific area.

[0032] Furthermore, the function activation determination processing unit 11 determines from the certificate data AD whether or not any functional changes are permitted in this area, and identifies the content of the functional setting changes. Therefore, by adjusting the contents of the certificate data provided to the user, it is possible to flexibly change the functional settings for each specific area, each user, etc.

[0033] Figure 3 provides a schematic overview of the procedure for changing the settings of each component shown in Figure 1.

[0034] When vehicle 1 enters a specific area, short-range wireless communication is conducted between the wireless communication unit 17 and the wireless communication device 3. In step S101, the wireless communication device 3 transmits certificate data AD and location determination data WD to the wireless communication unit 17 of the vehicle 1. In step S401, the wireless communication unit 17 transmits the certificate data AD and the location determination data WD to the function activation determination processing unit 11.

[0035] Alternatively, the certificate data AD may be downloaded in advance by the user from the certificate issuer's website or similar source using their own terminal device (such as a smartphone or personal computer), and then transmitted to the vehicle function management device 10 before entering a specific area.

[0036] In vehicle 1, the GNSS receiver 16 sequentially receives radio waves from GNSS satellite 2, and the GNSS receiver 16 sequentially transmits position information PI to the vehicle function management device 10 (procedures S201, S301).

[0037] The function activation determination processing unit 11 of the vehicle function management device 10 performs a function activation / deactivation determination in procedure S501. For example, the function activation determination processing unit 11 confirms that vehicle 1 is in a specific area specified in certificate data AD based on location information PI and location determination data WD. In that case, it determines the function to be changed and the content of the setting change based on the function setting information described in certificate data AD.

[0038] Then, if a setting change is to be made to enable a certain function according to the description in the certificate data AD, the function activation determination processing unit 11 notifies the function operation processing unit 12 of the function activation request for that function in step S502. In step S601, the function operation processing unit 12 performs the function activation process in response to the function activation request.

[0039] Furthermore, if a setting change is to disable a certain function according to the description in the certificate data AD, the function activation determination processing unit 11 notifies the function operation processing unit 12 of the request to disable that function in procedure S503. In step S602, the function operation processing unit 12 performs the function disabling process in response to the function disabling request.

[0040] In this way, the function activation determination processing unit 11 and the function operation processing unit 12 change the function settings using the received location information PI, certificate data AD, and location determination data WD. Specific processing examples of the vehicle function management device 10, which includes a function validity determination processing unit 11 and a function operation processing unit 12, are explained in Figures 4 and 5.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of the process for changing the settings of a function. In step S1, the vehicle function management device 10 checks whether it has already obtained the certificate data AD. For example, it may be obtained through communication with the wireless communication device 3 after entering a specific area, or it may be obtained in advance by the user on a terminal device and then obtained through communication with that terminal device. If you have already obtained the certificate data for AD, proceed to step S2.

[0042] In step S2, the vehicle function management device 10 refers to the location information PI obtained by GNSS and determines whether or not vehicle 1 is located within the specific area described in the certificate data AD. If it is determined that the vehicle is within a specific area, the vehicle function management device 10 proceeds to step S3 and checks the location determination data WD. This confirms whether the vehicle 1 is actually within the specific area specified in the certificate data AD. If the confirmation is OK, the device proceeds from step S4 to step S5.

[0043] In step S5, the vehicle function management device 10 performs a function enable / disable determination. This is the process of the function enable determination processing unit 11 as described in steps S501, S502, and S503 in Figure 3. Then, in step S6, the vehicle function management device 10 performs control to enable or disable functions. This is the process of the function operation processing unit 12 as described in steps S601 and S602 in Figure 3.

[0044] As a result, in specific areas such as racetracks, the function settings will be changed according to the contents described in the certificate data AD.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of processing by the vehicle function management device 10 when the function settings have been changed in a specific area. When the vehicle function management device 10 is changing the function settings according to the process shown in Figure 4 above, it proceeds from step S10 to step S11.

[0046] In step S11, the vehicle function management device 10 compares the expiration date information of the certificate data AD with the current date and time to check whether the expiration date has been exceeded. If the expiration date has been exceeded, the vehicle function management device 10 checks in step S18 that the vehicle is stopped, and once it is confirmed that the vehicle is stopped, it proceeds to step S19 and returns the function settings to their original state.

[0047] If it is determined in step S11 that the expiration date has not been exceeded, the vehicle function management device 10 proceeds to step S12 to check whether the valid mileage has been exceeded. That is, it calculates the mileage after the function setting change and compares that mileage with the valid mileage information described in the certificate data AD. If the effective mileage has been exceeded, the vehicle function management device 10 confirms in step S18 that the vehicle is stopped, and once it is confirmed that the vehicle is stopped, it proceeds to step S19 and returns the function settings to their original state.

[0048] If it is determined in step S12 that the effective mileage has not been exceeded, the vehicle function management device 10 proceeds to step S13 and determines whether or not vehicle 1 is outside the area designated as a specific area in the certificate data AD. This determination is made, for example, based on location information PI or whether it is in a state where it can receive location determination data WD again via wireless communication.

[0049] If the process is within the designated area, the function settings have been correctly changed at that point, so the process returns to step S10 and is repeated.

[0050] If it is determined that the vehicle is outside the area, a warning process is performed in step S14 to indicate that the vehicle is outside the area. For example, this process may involve displaying on the vehicle's display that the vehicle is outside the area and that it should stop, or outputting a warning sound and warning message from the speaker in vehicle 1.

[0051] Then, in step S15, the vehicle function management device 10 determines whether or not vehicle 1 has stopped within a predetermined time. driver If the vehicle 1 is stopped within the specified time in accordance with the warning, the system proceeds to step S19 to return the function settings to their original state.

[0052] On the other hand, if vehicle 1 does not stop after a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle function management device 10 proceeds from step S15 to step S16 and performs evasive driving control. For example, it switches vehicle 1's driving to automatic driving mode and allows it to stop at an appropriate stopping position through automatic driving. Then, once you've confirmed that the vehicle has stopped in step S17, proceed to step S19 and return the function settings to their original state.

[0053] The process shown in Figure 5 ensures that changes to the function settings are maintained only within a specific area, and that they are not maintained for unnecessarily long periods of time, regardless of whether they are inside or outside that specific area. This is an appropriate process when setting changes are limited to specific areas such as circuits or test courses.

[0054] The above embodiments provide the following effects. The vehicle function management device 10 of this embodiment performs a certificate acquisition process to acquire certificate data AD containing the function settings in a specific area, a location information acquisition process to acquire the location information PI of the vehicle, and a location determination process to determine the location of the vehicle via short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, if the vehicle function management device 10 determines, based on the location information acquisition process and the location determination process, that the vehicle is in a specific area specified in the certificate data, it performs a function setting process to change the vehicle's function settings according to the function settings in the certificate data. For example, by confirming the location using short-range wireless communication that can communicate within a specific area, in addition to the position information PI obtained by GNSS, the reliability of determining the location of vehicle 1 can be improved. For example, even if the GNSS position information is tampered with, it is possible to prevent misidentification as being within a specific area. Furthermore, by controlling the settings of the functions described in the certificate, it is possible to enable or disable appropriate functions in specific areas. Since settings such as enabling or disabling functions can be determined by certificate data, function settings can be flexibly changed according to specific areas or driving opportunities.

[0055] In this embodiment, examples of changing the settings of the vehicle 1 include disabling the speed limiter function, disabling the ABS function, disabling the steering assist function, disabling the driver assistance function, enabling the data logging function, enabling the valet key mode, and enabling the accelerator map change function. At least one of these will be performed. Multiple function settings may be changed. Disabling the speed limiter, ABS, steering assist, and driver assistance functions, enabling data logging, and changing the accelerator map are desirable settings in areas other than public roads, such as racetracks and test courses. Enabling valet key mode is also an appropriate setting when allowing someone else to drive vehicle 1 in specific facilities such as hotels.

[0056] Furthermore, the embodiment provides an example of acquiring certificate data AD via short-range wireless communication. For example, in a specific area such as a race track, certificate data AD can be acquired via short-range wireless communication, and location information can be confirmed. This makes it possible to change function settings without requiring the user to do so. Furthermore, by obtaining certificate data from communication equipment installed in specific areas such as racetracks, it is possible to address situations where GNSS location information has been tampered with due to the in-vehicle system's manipulation. Furthermore, the certificate data AD may be obtained in advance by the user using a terminal device such as a smartphone from the certificate issuer, and then transferred to the vehicle function management device 10 at any time. In other words, the user can select the services they want to use in advance and have the certificate issued. This makes it easier for the user to use the service for changing function settings.

[0057] Furthermore, an example was given in which the function setting change state of vehicle 1, performed by the function setting process, is terminated if the date and time indicated in the expiration information of the certificate data AD is exceeded (see Figure 5). Instead of allowing changes to function settings in specific areas indefinitely, these changes will be terminated based on expiration information. This prevents function changes in specific areas from being unnecessarily maintained.

[0058] Furthermore, an example was given in which, if the mileage of vehicle 1 while the function settings have been changed exceeds the mileage indicated in the valid distance information of certificate data AD, the function setting change state of vehicle 1 due to the function setting process is terminated (see Figure 5). Instead of allowing indefinite changes to function settings in specific areas, the changes will be terminated based on effective distance information. This prevents function changes in specific areas from being unnecessarily maintained.

[0059] Note that the processing examples in Figures 4 and 5 are just examples. Various other processing examples are also possible. As examples of wireless communication equipment 3 for acquiring location determination data WD, V2I and 5G-NR base stations were given, but it is also possible to improve location determination accuracy by utilizing multiple wireless communication methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 vehicle 2 GNSS satellites 3 Wireless communication equipment 10. Vehicle function management device 11 Function Activation Determination Processing Unit 12. Functional Operation Processing Unit 16 GNSS receiver 17 Wireless Communication Section PI location information AD certificate data WD position determination data

Claims

1. One or more processors, A storage medium storing a program executed by one or more processors, The program includes one or more instructions, The instruction is given to one or more processors, A certificate acquisition process that obtains certificate data including specific area information, function setting information indicating functions that can be changed in a specific area, and effective distance information indicating the limit of the mileage by which the vehicle's function settings can be maintained. Location information acquisition process to obtain the location information of the vehicle, A location determination process that obtains location determination data indicating that the vehicle is within a specific area through short-range wireless communication with wireless communication equipment installed in a specific area, A function setting process that determines whether the vehicle is within the specified area based on the specified area information, the vehicle's location information, and the location determination data, and, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the specified area, changes the vehicle's function settings according to the function setting information. If the vehicle's mileage after changing the function settings exceeds the mileage indicated in the effective distance information, the process terminates the function setting change of the vehicle via the function setting process. Make it run Vehicle function management device.

2. The aforementioned function setting information is, Includes information on at least one of the following: disabling the speed limiter function, disabling the ABS function, disabling the steering assist function, disabling the driver assistance function, enabling the data logging function, enabling the valet key mode, and enabling the accelerator map change function. The vehicle function management device according to claim 1.

3. In the certificate acquisition process described above, the certificate data is acquired by short-range wireless communication. The vehicle function management device according to claim 1.

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