Vehicle-mounted apparatus

Abstract

This vehicle-mounted apparatus (10) for accommodating an electronic key (70) for a vehicle (5) comprises: a speaker (26); light emitting parts (illumination LED (22), guide light (24)); a speech control unit (313) which performs control of emitting, from the speaker (26), given speech guidance relating to the procedure for handling of the vehicle-mounted apparatus (10) to be used to use the vehicle (5); and a lighting control unit (315) which controls lighting of the light emitting parts in association with the control of emitting the speech guidance by the speech control unit (313).

Description

Onboard equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key for a vehicle.

[0002] One way of using vehicles is for multiple people to share one or more vehicles. Examples include car sharing and rental cars. From here on, we will refer to these types of usage as "sharing."

[0003] In vehicle sharing, handling of keys to use the vehicle being shared is important. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses technology for an in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key that can be used for vehicle sharing, etc.

[0004] Patent No. 6710832

[0005] It is desirable for the in-vehicle unit to be able to be used smoothly in a variety of situations and environments by various users who use vehicles for sharing. For example, if the in-vehicle unit is installed in the glove box of a vehicle, depending on its installation location, it may not be possible to ensure sufficient brightness (ambient light) for the user to remove or return the key. Ensuring sufficient brightness becomes even more difficult when the vehicle is parked at night or in the dark.

[0006] Users using vehicle sharing using an in-vehicle device for the first time can learn in advance from leaflets or websites how and when to operate the in-vehicle device, from service start (start of use of the vehicle, start of sharing) to service end (return of the vehicle, end of sharing). However, not all users will correctly memorize all the procedures for operating the in-vehicle device before using a vehicle. In fact, it would be ideal if such advance learning were not necessary.

[0007] An example of an object of the present invention is to improve the usability of an in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an on-board device that stores an electronic key for a vehicle, and that includes a speaker, a light-emitting unit, a voice control unit that controls the speaker to emit a given voice guidance related to the handling procedures of the on-board device when using the vehicle, and a lighting control unit that controls the lighting of the light-emitting unit in conjunction with the voice control unit's control of the voice guidance emission.

[0009] According to this aspect, the in-vehicle device can emit audio guidance related to the handling procedures of the in-vehicle device when using the vehicle, and can control the lighting of the light-emitting unit in conjunction with the audio guidance. The user can be accurately notified of the timing and location of the operation. The lighting of the light-emitting unit can provide the illumination necessary for the operation of removing / returning the electronic key (the operation of storing the electronic key). According to this aspect, the usability of the in-vehicle device that stores the electronic key can be improved.

[0010] 1. A diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a sharing system. 2. A diagram showing an example of the process of state transition of an in-vehicle device when using a service of the sharing system. 3. A diagram showing an example of the process of state transition of an in-vehicle device when using a service of the sharing system. 4. A diagram showing an example of the process of state transition of an in-vehicle device when using a service of the sharing system. 5. A diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. 6. A diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis (part 1). 7. A diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis (part 2). 8. A diagram showing an example of an intermediate member as viewed from the negative direction of the X axis. 9. A perspective exploded view showing an example of the configuration of a storage section. 10. A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an in-vehicle device. 11. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow in an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-in process. 12. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow of an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-out process. 13. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow of an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-out process. 14. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow of an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-out process. 15. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow of an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-out process. 16. A flowchart for explaining the processing flow of an in-vehicle device and the processing flow of a user terminal related to a service-in process. Fig. 1 shows an example of a removal guidance display. Fig. 2 shows an example of a removal guidance display. Fig. 1 shows an example of a prior notice guidance display. Fig. 2 shows an example of a prior notice guidance display. Fig. 1 shows an example of an opening operation guidance display for service out (part 1). Fig. 2 shows an example of an opening operation guidance display for service out (part 2). Fig. 3 shows an example of a disembarkation guidance display. Fig. 4 shows a modified example of the internal structure of the on-board device as viewed from the positive side in the Y-axis direction.

[0011] Below, examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied are described, but the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following. FIG. 1 shows three orthogonal axes (Xc, Yc, Zc) in a right-handed system indicating directions for describing a vehicle. FIGS. 2 to 7 show three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z) in a right-handed system indicating directions for describing an on-board device. In the following description, the Xc-axis direction and the X-axis direction are parallel, the Yc-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are parallel, and the Zc-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are parallel. In the following description, the positive direction of the Zc and Z axes is the up direction, the negative direction of the Zc and Z axes is the down direction, the positive direction of the Xc and X axes is the front direction, the negative direction of the Xc and X axes is the rear direction, the positive direction of the Yc and Y axes is the left direction, and the negative direction of the Yc and Y axes is the right direction. However, the X-axis direction may be parallel to the Xc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Yc-axis direction. Similarly, the Y-axis direction may be parallel to the Yc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Yc-axis direction. The Z-axis direction may be parallel to the Zc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Zc-axis direction.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a sharing system. The sharing system 3 has an in-vehicle device 10, a server system 1100, and a user terminal 1500. The in-vehicle device 10 stores an electronic key 70 for a vehicle 5 to be shared. The server system 1100 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 via a network 9. The user terminal 1500 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 and the server system 1100 via the network 9. In this specification, a "user" refers to a person who uses a vehicle 5, i.e., an end user. A system user who operates the sharing system 3 is referred to as an "administrator."

[0013] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. The network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, a short-distance wireless communication network, etc., and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0014] The server system 1100 performs user registration for the sharing system 3, reservation management, and provision of reservation information to the user terminal 1500 and the in-vehicle device 10. Specifically, the server system 1100 stores a management program 501 and, by executing the stored management program 501, realizes (1) a user registration function, (2) a reservation setting function for the vehicle 5, (3) a generation function for reservation information 700 (including, for example, a unique reservation ID, a reserved vehicle ID, a reservation period, a password, etc.), (4) a function for providing a copy of the reservation information 700 (user copy reservation information 700t) to the user terminal 1500, and (5) a function for providing a copy of the reservation information 700 (in-vehicle device reservation information 700c) to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0015] The user terminal 1500 is a terminal that can communicate with the network 9 and is a computer system used by a user who wishes to share the vehicle 5. For example, the user terminal 1500 is realized by a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0016] The user terminal 1500 stores an application program and can execute the stored application program. The user terminal 1500 stores a terminal program 502 as an application program. By executing the terminal program 502, the user terminal 1500 realizes the following functions: (1) a function for accessing the server system 1100 to perform a reservation procedure for the vehicle 5 and acquiring and storing the user copy reservation information 700t; (2) a function for performing data communication with the in-vehicle device 10; (3) a function for providing the user copy reservation information 700t and receiving authentication when communication with the in-vehicle device 10 is possible; (4) a function for issuing a predetermined unlock request to the in-vehicle device 10 in response to an unlock operation by the user on the user terminal 1500 after authentication, thereby unlocking the vehicle; and (5) a function for issuing a predetermined lock request to the in-vehicle device 10 in response to a lock operation by the user on the user terminal 1500 after authentication, thereby locking the vehicle.

[0017] A vehicle 5 to be shared is equipped with an in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 is installed inside the vehicle (for example, in a glove box, a dashboard, a console box, at the feet of the driver's seat or passenger seat, a trunk, etc.).

[0018] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an example of the state transition process of the in-vehicle device 10 when using the services of the sharing system 3. The in-vehicle device 10 has a main case 11 and a storage unit 60 that serves as a lid that swings open and close relative to the main case 11. When a user operates the opening / closing operation unit 12 provided on the top of the main case 11, the connection between the main case 11 and the storage unit 60 is released. The storage unit 60 then becomes swingable, changing from the closed state shown in FIG. 2A to the open state shown in FIG. 2B. In the open state, the storage unit 60 opens to a position that exposes the stored electronic key 70 facing upward (positive direction of the Z axis).

[0019] A speaker 26 is provided on one side of the main case 11. Sound is emitted from the speaker 26 to the outside of the vehicle-mounted device 10, as will be described in detail later.

[0020] 2B , when the vehicle-mounted device 10 is in the open position, the buffer member 54 provided on the intermediate member 50 is exposed. When the vehicle-mounted device 10 is in the closed position, the buffer member 54 protrudes toward the electronic key 70 and presses the unlock button 71 and the lock button 72. In other words, although the buffer member 54 is exposed in the open position, it is controlled so that it does not protrude toward the storage section 60.

[0021] An accommodation recess 62 is formed within the accommodation section 60. The accommodation recess 62 can accommodate an electronic key 70. The correct orientation for storing the electronic key 70 in the accommodation recess 62 is with the operation surface, on which the unlock button 71 and lock button 72 are provided, facing up, and with the dedicated extension part 74 attached to the key ring hole 73 facing in a predetermined direction (the positive direction of the Y axis).

[0022] The extension part 74 is an accessory part for pulling out a substitute for the key ring hole 73, which is hidden inside the vehicle-mounted device 10 when the device is closed, to the outside of the vehicle-mounted device 10. The extension part 74 has, for example, a first ring 75 that is passed through the key ring hole 73, a second ring 76 that is extended to the outside of the vehicle-mounted device 10, and a rod 77 that connects these two rings.

[0023] 2B , the user can remove the stored electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60 as shown in Fig. 2C , or insert the removed electronic key 70 into the storage recess 62 and store it in the storage unit 60. When the user swings the storage unit 60 from the open state to the closed state shown in Fig. 2A and lightly presses it against the main case 11, the main case 11 and the storage unit 60 are reconnected, returning to the closed state shown in Fig. 2A and maintaining the closed state.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a view from the Z-axis positive direction (top) showing an example of the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted device 10. Figs. 4 and 5 are views from the Y-axis positive direction (left) showing an example of the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted device 10, and correspond to the IV-IV cross-sectional view (XZ cross-sectional view) of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows the closed state, and Fig. 5 shows the open state.

[0025] The main case 11 has an upper case 11a, a lower case 11b, an opening / closing operation unit 12, a back cover 14, an opening / closing detection unit 15, a storage detection unit 16, a light 20, an emergency light 24, a speaker 26, a control board 30, a first actuator 41, a second actuator 42, and an intermediate member 50. The power required by the vehicle-mounted device 10 is supplied from the vehicle side by connecting a portion of a cable 6 to an electrical line of the vehicle 5. If the vehicle-mounted device 10 has a built-in battery, the built-in battery may be housed inside the main case 11.

[0026] The main case 11 has an internal space formed by screwing together an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b. The upper case 11a has an opening / closing operation unit 12 at its top. The side of the upper case 11a facing the negative X-axis functions as a partition between the main case 11 and the storage unit 60, and a communication hole 13 is provided near the center of the side, connecting the interior of the storage unit 60 to the internal space of the main case 11. Specifically, the area near the center of the side refers to the area that faces the unlock button 71 and lock button 72 of the stored electronic key 70 in the closed state. The lower case 11b has a removable back cover 14 located below the intermediate member 50.

[0027] The installation location of the opening / closing operation unit 12 can be set as appropriate. For example, assuming that the vehicle-mounted device 10 will mainly be installed in a glove compartment, the opening / closing operation unit 12 may be provided on the side surface of the upper case 11a facing the negative Y-axis or the positive Y-axis. In this case, even if a vehicle inspection certificate or the like is placed in the glove compartment, the opening / closing operation unit 12 will not be covered by the vehicle inspection certificate or the like, ensuring usability, which is preferable.

[0028] The open / close detector 15 detects whether the storage section 60 is open or closed, and outputs a detection signal to the control board 30. The open / close detector 15 is realized by, for example, a push switch provided on the outer surface of the upper case 11a in the negative X-axis direction, and turns ON when the storage section 60 is closed.

[0029] The storage detector 16 detects that an electronic key 70 is stored in the storage compartment 60 when it is closed, and outputs a detection signal to the control board 30. The storage detector 16 is realized, for example, by a push switch provided on the outer surface of the upper case 11a in the negative X-axis direction, and is turned ON when pressed by the body of the electronic key 70 stored in the closed state.

[0030] The lighting 20 is a first light-emitting unit 8A provided for the storage unit 60. The lighting 20 has an illumination LED 21 and a light guide plate 22. The illumination LED 21 is connected to a control board 30, and its lighting is controlled by the control board 30. The light guide plate 22 constitutes part of the side surface of the main case 11 in the negative direction of the X axis, and is a component whose surface emits light based on the light emitted by the illumination LED 21.

[0031] The emergency light 24 is a second light-emitting unit 8B provided for the opening / closing operation unit 12, and is realized by, for example, an LED. The emergency light 24 is connected to the control board 30, and its lighting is controlled by the control board 30. The light of the emergency light 24 is emitted to the outside from the gap between the main case unit 11 and the opening / closing operation unit 12. The opening / closing operation unit 12 itself may be made of a material that is translucent and light-diffusing, so that the light emitted by the emergency light 24 makes the opening / closing operation unit 12 itself appear to be shining.

[0032] The speaker 26 is connected to the control board 30 and emits sound in accordance with an audio signal output from the control board 30 .

[0033] The control board 30 includes electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), IC memory, a first wireless communication module, a second wireless communication module, a power control circuit, an interface IC, an in-vehicle network communication IC, and various circuits (for example, a circuit that serves as a memory unit for emitting sound from the speaker 26, etc.).

[0034] The control board 30 controls the overall operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10 by executing a program stored in the IC memory with the CPU.

[0035] The first wireless communication module is an example of a first communication unit 351 (see FIG. 8 ), and connects to a network 9 (see FIG. 1 : specifically, a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network or a wireless LAN) to communicate with the server system 1100. The second wireless communication module is an example of a second communication unit 352 (see FIG. 8 ), and realizes short-range wireless communication to communicate with a user terminal 1500 that is within a predetermined communication range. The power control circuit controls the supply of power to the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42. The interface IC controls input and output of signals between the CPU and electronic components such as the open / close detection unit 15, the storage detection unit 16, the lighting LED 21 of the light 20, the emergency light 24, and the speaker 26.

[0036] The in-vehicle network communication IC is an example of the in-vehicle network communication unit 360 (see FIG. 8 ), and connects to the in-vehicle network of the vehicle 5 and communicates with the in-vehicle computer to obtain the latest vehicle status information of the vehicle 5. For example, the in-vehicle network communication IC communicates with a powertrain-system MCU (Micro Computer Unit) to obtain information on whether the engine is running or stopped, and with a body-system MCU to obtain information on the door lock status. The supported communication standard can be set appropriately according to the specifications of the vehicle 5. For example, it is preferable that the in-vehicle network communication IC is compatible with a CAN (Controller Area Network) or the like.

[0037] The first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are actuating units that are operated by drive current control from the control board 30 and perform a push-button operation on the electronic key 70 housed in the housing 60. Specifically, the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are realized by push-type linear solenoids, and push out a movable part 43 (a push rod connected to a movable iron core) by electromagnetic force when a drive current is applied.

[0038] The first actuator 41 is fixed to the main case 11 with the tip of the movable part 43 pointing toward the unlock button 71 of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage part 60. The second actuator 42 is fixed to the main case 11 with the tip of the movable part 43 pointing toward the lock button 72 of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage part 60.

[0039] The intermediate member 50 is disposed between the electronic key 70 housed in the housing 60 and the first and second actuators 41, 42. The intermediate member 50 transmits the force of the actuators pushing out the movable portion 43 to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 as a push button operation force. The vehicle-mounted device 10 is provided with multiple types of intermediate members 50 corresponding to the types of electronic keys 70 anticipated. Details of the intermediate members 50 will be described later using FIG. 6 .

[0040] The storage unit 60 includes a sub-case unit 61, a first member 63, a second member 64, and a third member 65. The sub-case unit 61 is a tray-shaped component that constitutes the outer shell of the storage unit 60. The sub-case unit 61 includes a claw-shaped shaft gripper 67. The shaft gripper 67 grips the swing shaft 17, allowing the sub-case unit 61 to swing relative to the main case unit 11 in a direction parallel to the XZ plane. The swing shaft 17 is an axis extending in the Y-axis direction at the lower end of the lower case 11b in the negative X-axis direction. In the closed state (see FIG. 4), the sub-case unit 61 faces the main case unit 11 with the storage recess 62 facing in the positive X-axis direction. In the open state (see FIG. 5), the sub-case unit 61 faces the storage recess 62 upward. Details of the storage unit 60 will be described later using FIG. 7.

[0041] 6 is a view of an example of the intermediate member 50 as viewed from the negative direction of the X axis. In order to show the relative position of the intermediate member 50, Fig. 6 illustrates the positional relationship when the electronic key 70 is housed in the housing 60 and the vehicle-mounted device 10 is in the closed state. For convenience, however, Fig. 6 illustrates the front (operation surface) of the electronic key 70 as viewed from the positive direction of the X axis.

[0042] The intermediate member 50 is a plate-like member having elasticity, such as a metal plate or a synthetic resin plate, and has a peripheral portion 51, a cantilever spring portion 52, and a gap portion 53. The gap portion 53 is provided in the plate-like member by cutting or punching, so that the peripheral portion 51 and the cantilever spring portion 52 are formed into a single plate.

[0043] The intermediate member 50 is fixed by fitting its edge portion 51 into the grooves of the first and second mounting portions 18a and 18b of the main case portion 11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The positive side of the Z-axis of the edge portion 51 is fitted and fixed into the groove in the Y-axis direction of the first mounting portion 18a, which is erected downward on the inner surface of the upper case 11a. The negative side of the Z-axis of the edge portion 51 is fitted and fixed into the groove in the second mounting portion 18b, which is erected on the inner surface of the back cover 14. The fit between the edge portion 51 and the first and second mounting portions 18a and 18b is strong enough to prevent dislodging or slipping due to vibrations of the vehicle 5, but the intermediate member 50 is fitted into the grooves of the mounting portions 18 with enough strength to be able to pull it out by hand. The back cover 14 is removed to insert or remove the intermediate member 50. The back cover 14 and the second attachment portion 18b function as a holding portion 19 that holds the intermediate member 50 in a replaceable manner.

[0044] The cantilever spring portion 52 functions as a "cantilever-shaped leaf spring" by receiving pressure from the movable portion 43 in response to the operation of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42. Specifically, the cantilever spring portion 52 includes two portions: a first cantilever spring portion 52a that is pressed by the first actuator 41, and a second cantilever spring portion 52b that is pressed by the second actuator 42.

[0045] The cantilever spring portion 52 (52a, 52b) has a force point P1 on one of its two surfaces (the side of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42; the positive X-axis direction) where the movable portion 43 of the actuator comes into contact. The cantilever spring portion 52 has an action point P2 on the other of its two surfaces (the side of the storage portion 60; the negative X-axis direction) where a force is applied to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage portion 60.

[0046] A buffer member 54 protrudes from the action point P2 toward the push button (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated, the buffer member 54 passes through the communication hole 13 and comes into contact with the push button (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the stored electronic key 70. The impact force generated when the movable part 43 collides with the intermediate member 50 is transmitted to the push button of the electronic key 70 by the intermediate member 50, but the buffer member 54 reduces this impact force. The buffer member 54 can be made of, for example, silicone, butyl rubber, or a spring.

[0047] The material of the intermediate member 50, the width and thickness of the fulcrum portion 55 of the cantilever spring portion 52, the distance L1 from the fulcrum portion 55 to the force point portion P1, and the distance L2 from the fulcrum portion 55 to the action point portion P2 are selected and set to satisfy the following (1) to (3): (1) The cantilever spring portion 52 is deflected by the load received from the movable portion 43 when the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are activated. (2) The deflection of (1) causes the tip of the buffer member 54 to come into contact with the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage portion 60, and the deflection provides a stroke sufficient to operate the push buttons. (3) The restoring force of the deflection of the cantilever spring portion 52 is sufficient to return the movable portions 43 of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 to their pre-activation positions when they are not activated.

[0048] If the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 each have a built-in spring that returns the movable portion 43 to the position before actuation, then (3) can be omitted. An elastic member such as a spring material that is compressed and attached between the intermediate member 50 and the upper case 11a may be added to strengthen the restoring force of (3).

[0049] When the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are not activated, the cantilever spring 52 is not or barely flexed. When the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated, the force transmitted to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) is appropriately reduced by the flexure of the cantilever spring 52 and the buffer member 54, protecting the push buttons of the electronic key 70 from impact forces.

[0050] By employing the intermediate member 50 and the buffer member 54 and appropriately setting their specifications, the vehicle-mounted device 10 can accommodate various types of electronic keys 70 with different button arrangements (unlock button 71, lock button 72) and different push button operating loads. For example, different types of intermediate member 50 can be created by varying the relative positions of the two application point sites P2, specifically by varying the distance Lp (button pitch; application point pitch) between the center of the unlock button 71 and the center of the lock button 72.

[0051] 7 is an exploded perspective view in an open state showing an example of the configuration of the storage unit 60. The storage unit 60 has a sub-case unit 61, a first member 63, a second member 64, and a third member 65.

[0052] The sub-case portion 61 is a tray-shaped component and an outer shell that constitutes the storage portion 60. When the sub-case portion 61 is pulled upward forcefully away from the main case portion 11 in the open state (see FIG. 4 ), the shaft gripping portion 67 elastically deforms enough to remove the pivot shaft 17, eventually separating the sub-case portion 61 from the main case portion 11. Conversely, when the shaft gripping portion 67 is brought into contact with the pivot shaft 17 and the sub-case portion 61 is pushed downward, the shaft gripping portion 67 expands again to receive and grasp the pivot shaft 17, and the sub-case portion 61 is reconnected to the main case portion 11. Because the sub-case portion 61 is separable from the main case portion 11, the storage portion 60 can be removed from the main case portion 11 during setup work for the storage portion 60, resulting in excellent operability.

[0053] The storage recess 62 is a bottomed recess formed inside the sub-case portion 61 for storing the electronic key 70. The storage recess 62 is formed by a first member 63, a second member 64, and a third member 65.

[0054] The first member 63 is a thin, flat member made of a cushioning material such as hard sponge, and is fitted to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction) of the sub-case portion 61 when it is in the open position. The first member 63 forms the bottom surface of the storage recess 62 that contacts the back surface of the stored electronic key 70. Multiple types of first members 63 (63a, 63b, 63c, ...) with different thicknesses are available. The storage height of the electronic key 70 (the distance from the bottom of the sub-case portion 61 to the electronic key 70 when stored in the storage portion 60) can be changed by selecting the first member 63 to be used.

[0055] The second member 64 is a thick, flat member molded from a cushioning material such as hard sponge. The second member 64 has a cutout 68 cut out to match the outline of the electronic key 70 when viewed from the insertion direction (the positive Z-axis direction in the open state). Multiple types of second members 64 (64a, 64b, 64c, ...) are available with different cutout 68 shapes. The shapes of the cutout 68 are set to correspond to the expected types of electronic keys 70 (70a, 70b, 70c, ...). In the open state, the second member 64 is inserted into the sub-case portion 61 from the positive Z-axis direction after the first member 63 is inserted.

[0056] The second member 64 forms the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 62 and contacts the outer circumferential surface of the stored electronic key 70, thereby positioning the stored electronic key 70 parallel to the operation surface (positioning parallel to the XY plane when the storage recess 60 is open) and preventing it from coming out in the Z axis direction through frictional resistance. It also functions as a guide when reinserting a removed electronic key 70. By appropriately selecting the second member 64 to be used, multiple types of electronic keys 70 with different contours and push button positions when viewed parallel to the operation surface can be stored via the intermediate member 50 in a position where the push button can be appropriately operated.

[0057] The third member 65 is a thin plate-like member made of, for example, hard plastic or aluminum. The third member 65 is a flat frame hollowed out along the edge of the opening of the sub-case portion 61. The third member 65 is fastened to the sub-case portion 61 from above the second member 64 with screws. The third member 65 serves as a frame that holds down the outer edge of the second member 64, maintains the positions of the first member 63 and the second member 64, and prevents them from falling out of the storage portion 60 (sub-case portion 61).

[0058] A communication opening 66 that leads from the storage recess 62 to the outside is provided in the positive direction of the Y axis of the storage portion 60 (see FIG. 3). The communication opening 66 provides a space for passing the extension part 74 of the stored electronic key 70. To form the communication opening 66, the sub-case portion 61 has a cutout portion 61k, the second member 64 has a communication portion 64k, and the third member 65 has a cutout portion 65k.

[0059] The extension part 74 that is passed through the communication opening 66 has a total length (length extended along the Y-axis) set so that the second ring 76 is exposed to the outside from the communication opening 66 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). When the extension part 74 is exposed from the storage section 60, the user can confirm at a glance from the outside that the electronic key 70 is stored therein. Because the extension part 74 is exposed, the user can use it as a handle when removing the electronic key 70 from the storage section 60.

[0060] A setting sheet is included as part of the instruction manual for the in-vehicle device 10. The setting sheet is a quick reference chart for settings for each vehicle model of the vehicle 5. The setting sheet lists, for each vehicle model, the combination of any type of intermediate member 50, any type of first member 63, and any type of second member 64. When a storage recess 62 is formed with the first member 63 and the second member 64 of the combination listed on the setting sheet, when the electronic key 70 for a vehicle 5 of the vehicle model corresponding to that combination is stored in the storage recess 62 of the storage unit 60, the operating surface of the electronic key 70 is positioned to satisfy a predetermined "storage height condition," and the position of the push button is positioned to satisfy a predetermined "push button operable position condition."

[0061] The "storage height condition" is a positional condition regarding the height at which the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage recess 62. This positional condition is a condition regarding the height (position in the X-axis direction in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) at which the push button of the corresponding electronic key 70 can be activated via the intermediate member 50 when the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated in the closed state. The "push button operable position condition" is a positional condition regarding the direction parallel to the operating surface of the electronic key 70 when the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage recess 62. This positional condition is a condition that indicates that, in the closed state, the center position of the push button of the stored electronic key 70 is within the range of the communication hole 13 projected in the X-axis direction (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).

[0062] As part of the setup process for the in-vehicle device 10, the administrator of the sharing system 3 refers to a setting sheet and selects the intermediate member 50, first member 63, and second member 64 that are compatible with the model of the vehicle 5 in which the in-vehicle device 10 will be installed (i.e., the type of electronic key 70).The administrator then removes the back cover 14 (see FIG. 4), attaches the selected intermediate member 50 to the second attachment portion 18b, and attaches the back cover 14 to return the device to its original state.As the back cover 14 is attached, the upper end of the intermediate member 50 fits into the first attachment portion 18a.The intermediate member 50 is then fixed in a predetermined position within the main case portion 11.

[0063] Next, the administrator operates the opening / closing operation unit 12 to swing the storage unit 60 to the open state. Then, the administrator fits the selected first member 63 into the bottom of the empty sub-case unit 61. The shape of the first member 63 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case unit 61 are in a concave-convex relationship, which prevents the first member 63 from being fitted into the sub-case unit 61 in the wrong position.

[0064] The administrator fits the selected second member 64 into the sub-case portion 61 from above the first member 63 fitted into the bottom of the sub-case portion 61. The shape of the second member 64 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case portion 61 are in a concave-convex relationship, which prevents the second member 64 from being fitted into the sub-case portion 61 in the wrong position.

[0065] The administrator screws the third member 65 into the sub-case 61 by placing it over the second member 64 fitted inside the sub-case 61. The shape of the second member 64 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case 61 are such that the third member 65 cannot be screwed in unless the notch 65k corresponding to the communication opening 66 is oriented in the positive direction of the Y axis. This prevents the third member 65 from being fitted in the wrong position.

[0066] The administrator of the sharing system 3 then attaches a dedicated extension part 74 to the key ring hole 73 of the electronic key 70 of the vehicle 5 equipped with the in-vehicle device 10. Furthermore, a name tag for administration purposes may be attached to the second ring 76 of the extension part 74.

[0067] 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 10. The vehicle-mounted device 10 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input / output control unit 330, an audio signal generation unit 340, a first communication unit 351, a second communication unit 352, an in-vehicle network communication unit 360, and an internal bus 390.

[0068] The control unit 310 is realized by various IC chips such as a CPU and a power control circuit, and comprehensively controls the operation of the in-vehicle device 10. Some of the functions of the control unit 310 are realized by reading and executing a control program 321 stored in the storage unit 320.

[0069] The control unit 310 has a reservation authentication unit 311, an audio control unit 313, a lighting control unit 315, a display instruction control unit 317, and an operation control unit 319. In addition, the control unit 310 has various other functional units that a computer should have, as appropriate. For example, the control unit 310 has the function of a current date and time management unit and a timekeeping unit such as a timer.

[0070] The reservation authentication unit 311 performs the following functions: (1) periodically accessing the server system 1100 to obtain a copy of the reservation information 700 relating to its own device, and storing it in the memory unit 320 as reservation information 700c for the vehicle-mounted device; and (2) comparing the user copy reservation information 700t (see Figure 1) obtained from the user terminal 1500 connected for data communication with the reservation information 700c for the vehicle-mounted device, and authenticating the reservation content and the user.

[0071] The voice control unit 313 refers to the voice guide data 323 pre-stored in the memory unit 320 and controls the speaker 26 to emit given voice guidance related to the handling procedures of the vehicle-mounted device 10 when using the vehicle 5.

[0072] The voice guidance is composed of various voices. Specifically, the voice guidance includes, as service-in guidance for removing the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60, opening / closing operation guidance that prompts the user to operate the opening / closing operation unit 12 and removal guidance for removing the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60. The voice guidance also includes, as service-out guidance for putting the electronic key 70 back into the storage unit 60, opening / closing operation guidance that prompts the user to operate the opening / closing operation unit 12 and storage guidance for putting the electronic key 70 back into the storage unit 60.

[0073] The voice control unit 313 controls the progress of emitting which voice guidance at what timing based on the detection results from the opening / closing detection unit 15 and the storage detection unit 16 and the vehicle status information of the vehicle 5 obtained from the on-board computer 401 (e.g., the powertrain system MCU 403, the body system MCU 405, etc.) via the on-board network communication unit 360.

[0074] The lighting control unit 315 controls the lighting of the light-emitting units 8 (8A, 8B) in conjunction with the control of sound emission of the voice guidance by the voice control unit 313. Specifically, the lighting control unit 315 controls the lighting of the guide light 24 (second light-emitting unit 8B) and the lighting 20 (first light-emitting unit 8A) in conjunction with the control of sound emission of the service-in guidance by the voice control unit 313. Furthermore, the lighting control unit 315 controls the lighting of the guide light 24 and the lighting 20 in conjunction with the control of sound emission of the service-out guidance.

[0075] The display instruction control unit 317 controls the user terminal 1500 to display a given guidance display via the second communication unit 352 in conjunction with the control of the sound emission of the audio guidance by the audio control unit 313 .

[0076] The operation control unit 319 controls the driving of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42. The operation control unit 319 controls the push button operation of the electronic key 70 by the vehicle-mounted device 10, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the door locks of the vehicle 5.

[0077] The storage unit 320 is realized by, for example, an IC memory, and stores a control program 321, voice guide data 323, and in-vehicle device reservation information 700c. The storage unit 320 also stores other information such as the current date and time, various flags, and timers, as appropriate.

[0078] The voice guide data 323 includes voice data (voice guidance data) for realizing voice guidance, text data that is the basis for voice synthesis, and the like, and makes it possible to identify the contents of each voice guidance.

[0079] The input / output control unit 330 is realized by, for example, an interface IC, and controls input / output of the open / close detection unit 15 , the storage detection unit 16 , the illumination LED 21 of the illumination 20 , and the guide light 24 .

[0080] The audio signal generating unit 340 generates an audio signal for emitting audio based on the audio guide data 323 from the speaker 26, and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 26. The audio signal generating unit 340 may be realized by, for example, a voice synthesis IC, or may be realized by calculation processing of the control unit 310.

[0081] The first communication unit 351 supports wide-area communication corresponding to the movement of the vehicle 5 to be shared, and realizes data communication with the server system 1100 via the network 9. The first communication unit 351 is realized by, for example, a communication device that connects to a mobile phone network.

[0082] The second communication unit 352 realizes a short-range communication connection with the user terminal 1500. The second communication unit 352 is realized by a short-range wireless device.

[0083] The in-vehicle network communication unit 360 functions as an information acquisition unit 362 that connects to the in-vehicle network 400 and acquires the latest vehicle state information of the vehicle 5 from the in-vehicle computer 401. The in-vehicle network communication unit 360 can be realized by, for example, an in-vehicle network communication IC.

[0084] 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow in the in-vehicle device 10 from when a user who has made a reservation starts using the vehicle 5 to be shared (service in) to when the user finishes using the vehicle 5 (service out). The processing flow described below is realized by the CPU of the control board 30 reading and executing the control program 321 from the IC memory. It is assumed that the authentic electronic key 70 for the vehicle 5 in which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed is stored in the correct storage position in the in-vehicle device 10, and the storage unit 60 is in a closed state. It is assumed that the user is running the terminal program 502 on their own user terminal 1500.

[0085] When power is supplied to the in-vehicle device 10, the CPU automatically reads out the control program 321 from the IC memory and starts execution of the program. When execution of the control program 321 starts, the in-vehicle device 10 periodically communicates with the server system 1100 using the first communication unit 351 to obtain a copy of the reservation information 700 related to the in-vehicle device 10 from the server system 1100 and starts control to store the copy as in-vehicle device reservation information 700c in the storage unit 320 (step S10).

[0086] The in-vehicle device 10, to which power is being supplied, automatically detects a communication connection with a user terminal 1500 that is present within the communication range of the second communication unit 352 (short-range wireless), and then establishes a communication connection with the detected user terminal 1500 (step S12) and executes a reservation authentication process (step S14).

[0087] In the reservation authentication process, the in-vehicle device 10 performs various authentications related to the start of use of the vehicle 5 based on the reservation information. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 acquires the user copy of reservation information 700t from the user terminal 1500 and compares it with the in-vehicle device reservation information 700c. The in-vehicle device 10 also compares the reservation date and time with the current date and time. In addition, authentication of the user account, password, etc. may also be performed as appropriate.

[0088] If the reservation authentication is properly performed and the use is recognized as legitimate based on a valid reservation, the vehicle-mounted device 10 executes a service-in process (step S16). The service-in process will be described later with reference to Figures 10 and 11. If the vehicle-mounted device 10 detects that the engine has been stopped after the service-in process (YES in step S160), it determines that the user may be leaving the service and executes a service-out process (step S162). If the engine has not been detected as stopped (NO in step S160), the vehicle-mounted device 10 repeats the process of step S160 until the engine is detected as stopped. The service-out process will be described later with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0089] 10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating the processing flow of the in-vehicle device 10 and the processing flow of the user terminal 1500 related to the service-in processing. In the service-in processing, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits a predetermined service-in start notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S30). This notification corresponds to an instruction to control the user terminal 1500 to emit a voice related to the voice guidance and display an image related to the guidance (guidance display) in conjunction with the control of the in-vehicle device 10 to emit the voice related to the voice guidance. Other notifications from the in-vehicle device 10 to the user terminal 1500 in the following description of the flowcharts have the same meaning.

[0090] The user terminal 1500 is in a state of waiting to receive a service start notification from the in-vehicle device 10 (NO in step S32), and upon receiving the service start notification (YES in step S32), displays an image of a predetermined unlocking operation icon on the screen (step S34) and accepts an unlocking operation input by the user. The user terminal 1500 determines that an unlocking operation has been performed based on the operation input to the icon (YES in step S36) and transmits a predetermined unlocking request to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S38). If there is no operation input to the icon in step S36 (NO), the user terminal 1500 waits until there is an operation input, or ends the screen display if there is no operation input to the icon after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0091] The user terminal 1500 starts emitting the opening operation guidance as part of the service start guidance from its own speaker (step S40), and displays an image of the opening operation guidance (guidance display) on the screen (step S42).

[0092] The opening operation guidance as part of the service-in guidance is one of the opening operation guidances that prompts the user to operate the opening / closing operation unit 12, and prompts the user to swing open the storage unit 60. For example, assuming that the vehicle-mounted device 10 is installed in a glove compartment, the opening operation guidance is a voice that reads out, "Please press the button on the top of the device in the glove compartment to open the tray."

[0093] The opening operation guidance may be of other wording and can be set as appropriate. For example, the wording "in the glove box" may be changed as appropriate as long as it is the name of the installation location of the in-vehicle device 10. It is preferable to provide a DIP switch on the control board 30 so that voice guide data 323 with different installation location names can be selected and applied depending on the setting of the DIP switch.

[0094] The display of the opening operation guidance image for service start is a display of an image that visually conveys the content of the opening operation guidance for service start to the user. When displaying the opening operation guidance image for service start, for example, illustrations such as those shown in Figures 14 and 15 are displayed alternately, or an animation that connects both is displayed.

[0095] 10, when the in-vehicle device 10 receives an unlock request (YES in step S50) from the standby state for receiving the unlock request (NO in step S50), it controls the first actuator 41 to unlock the doors of the vehicle 5 (step S52). Then, the in-vehicle device 10 turns on the guide light 24 (step S54) and starts emitting a sound of opening operation guidance for service entry from the speaker 26 (step S56).

[0096] By making the in-vehicle device 10 emit a sound for the opening operation guidance for service start, the user can be notified by the sound where the in-vehicle device 10 is installed in the vehicle 5. By lighting (including blinking) the guide light 24, the user who hears or sees the guidance can be informed of the part that should be operated, which is indicated by the guidance.

[0097] The user can find the installation position of the on-board device 10 in the vehicle 5 and swing the storage section 60 to open it much more easily than in a state without the audio guide or guide light 24, even if the on-board device 10 is installed in a dark glove box or in a dark environment such as at night or in bad weather.

[0098] The vehicle-mounted device 10 can know the open / closed state of the storage unit 60 from the input from the open / close detection unit 15. After starting to emit the sound of the opening operation guidance for service entry, the vehicle-mounted device 10 monitors whether the storage unit 60 has been swung to the open state (NO in step S58), and when it detects that the storage unit 60 is in the open state (YES in step S58), it stops emitting the sound of the guidance (step S60), turns off the guide light 24 (step S62), and turns on (including blinking) the illumination 20 (step S64).

[0099] By turning off the guide light 24 and turning on the light 20, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the part they need to operate has changed. The light 20 is useful for illuminating the area where the user is about to remove the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60. Even if the vehicle-mounted device 10 is installed in a dark glove compartment or in a dark environment such as at night or in bad weather, removing the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60 is much easier than when the light 20 is not present.

[0100] Next, the vehicle-mounted device 10 transmits a predetermined removal start notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S66), and starts emitting removal guidance, which is part of the service-in guidance, from the speaker 26 (step S68). The removal guidance urges the user to remove the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60. The removal guidance may be, for example, a voice reading, "Please remove the key and return the tray to its original position." The content of the voice reading is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate.

[0101] 11 , when the user terminal 1500 receives the removal start notification (YES in step S80) from the vehicle-mounted device 10 while waiting for the removal start notification (NO in step S80), it stops emitting the opening operation guidance for service start and stops displaying the opening operation guidance image for service start (step S82). The user terminal 1500 then starts emitting the removal guidance from the speaker (step S84) and starts displaying the removal guidance image (guidance display) on the screen (step S86). When displaying the removal guidance image, illustrations such as those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are alternately displayed. Alternatively, both illustrations are displayed as an animation connecting the two.

[0102] The user understands from the audio and visual removal guidance how to remove the electronic key 70 stored in the storage recess 62 of the storage unit 60 and what operations to perform after removal. The user uses the extension part 74 as a clue to remove the electronic key 70 and closes the storage unit 60 after removal.

[0103] When the vehicle-mounted device 10 detects that the storage section 60 is closed by the open / close detection section 15 (YES in step S100), the storage detection section 16 determines whether the electronic key 70 is stored (step S102).

[0104] If the electronic key 70 is not stored (NO in step S102), the vehicle-mounted device 10 assumes that the user has successfully removed the electronic key 70, turns off the light 20 (step S104), stops emitting the sound of the removal guidance (step S106), and sends a predetermined removal completion notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S108). If the electronic key 70 is stored (YES in step S102), the vehicle-mounted device 10 assumes that the user has not successfully removed the electronic key 70, and continues to turn on (including flashing) the light 20. The vehicle-mounted device 10 also continues to provide the removal guidance. This allows the user to quickly notice that the storage compartment 60 has been closed while the electronic key 70 is stored.

[0105] Next, the in-vehicle device 10 starts emitting advance guidance from the speaker 26 (step S110). The advance guidance is guidance that explains the procedures to be followed when the service is terminated. For example, the advance guidance is a voice reading, "When the service is terminated, please return the key to its original location." By emitting the advance guidance at the service-in stage, the user is able to familiarize themselves with the procedures to be followed when the service is terminated, and the user can smoothly carry out various procedures when the service is terminated.

[0106] On the other hand, when the user terminal 1500 receives the removal completion notification (YES in step S120) from the standby state for receiving the removal completion notification (NO in step S120), it stops emitting the removal guidance and stops displaying the removal guidance image (step S122). It starts emitting advance notice guidance from the speaker of the user terminal 1500 (step S124) and starts displaying the advance notice guidance image (guidance display) on the screen (step S126). The advance notice guidance image is displayed by alternately displaying illustrations such as those shown in Figures 18 and 19, or by displaying an animation that connects the two.

[0107] After the user successfully removes the electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60 following the procedure indicated by the removal guidance, the engine of the vehicle 5 will be started. The in-vehicle device 10 is able to acquire information regarding the engine's operating status by communicating with the powertrain MCU 403 (see FIG. 8 ). When the in-vehicle device 10 detects engine start (YES in step S140), it stops emitting the advance warning guidance (step S142), transmits a predetermined engine start notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S144), and ends the service-in process.

[0108] When the user terminal 1500 receives an engine start notification (YES in step S150) from a state of waiting to receive the engine start notification (NO in step S150), it stops emitting the advance warning guidance and ends the display of the advance warning guidance on the screen (step S152).

[0109] If the user starts using the vehicle 5 without removing the electronic key 70 from the in-vehicle device 10 in step S102 (YES in step S102), the device determines that the electronic key 70 remains stored, so the light 20 remains on and the removal guidance continues to be repeatedly emitted. It is then determined that the service start process was not performed correctly, and control is performed to prevent the engine from starting.

[0110] If the user removes the electronic key 70 and starts using the vehicle 5 without closing the storage compartment 60 (NO in step S100), the closed state of the storage compartment 60 is not detected in step S100, and the removal guidance continues to be repeatedly audibly output from both the in-vehicle device 10 and the user terminal 1500. Then, it is determined that the service start process has not been performed correctly, and control is performed to prevent the engine from starting.

[0111] If the vehicle-mounted device 10 is not installed in a glove box or console box, leaving the storage compartment 60 open may allow dust or other foreign matter to get into the storage compartment 60, causing problems. There is also the possibility that a user inside the vehicle 5 may bump into the storage compartment 60 and damage it. Therefore, it is important to properly close the storage compartment 60 after removing the electronic key 70.

[0112] 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating the process flow of the in-vehicle device 10 and the process flow of the user terminal 1500 for the service-out process. In this process, the in-vehicle device 10 turns on the guide light 24 (step S200) and transmits a predetermined service-out preparation notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S202). Next, the in-vehicle device 10 starts emitting a sound for the opening operation guidance as part of the service-out guidance (step S204).

[0113] The opening operation guidance as part of the service exit guidance is one of the opening and closing operation guidance. For example, assuming that the in-vehicle device 10 is installed in a glove compartment, the opening operation guidance reads out "To exit the service area, you must return the key. Press the button on the top of the device in the glove compartment to open the tray."

[0114] The words to be read out may be other than those mentioned above and can be set as appropriate. For example, the wording "in the glove compartment" may be changed as appropriate as long as it is the name of the installation location of the in-vehicle device 10. It is preferable to provide a DIP switch on the control board 30 so that voice guide data 323 with different installation location names can be selected and applied depending on the setting of the DIP switch.

[0115] When the user terminal 1500 receives the service-out preparation notification (YES in step S160) from the standby state for receiving the service-out preparation notification (NO in step S160), the user terminal 1500 starts emitting sound of the opening operation guidance as part of the service-out guidance from the speaker of the user terminal 1500 (step S162) and starts displaying an opening operation guidance image (guidance display) as part of the service-out guidance on the screen (step S164). The guidance image is displayed by alternately displaying illustrations such as those shown in Figures 20 and 21, or by displaying an animation that connects both.

[0116] The user understands from the audio and visual guidance of the opening operation for service exit that it is necessary to open the storage unit 60 as a procedure for service exit. The user operates the opening / closing operation unit 12 using the illumination of the guide light 24 as a guide to open the storage unit 60.

[0117] When the vehicle-mounted device 10 detects that the storage section 60 is open (YES in step S170) while detecting whether the storage section 60 is open (NO in step S170), it turns off the guide light 24 (step S172) and stops emitting the sound of the opening operation guidance for service exit (step S174).

[0118] The vehicle-mounted device 10 turns on the light 20 (step S176), transmits a predetermined accommodation start notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S178), and starts emitting accommodation guidance, which is part of the service out guidance, (step S180).

[0119] The storage guidance prompts the user to store the electronic key 70 in the storage unit 60. The storage guidance is, for example, a voice reading, "Place the key in the tray with the button facing up, and then close the tray to its original position."

[0120] When the user terminal 1500 receives the accommodation start notification (YES in step S190) from a standby state for receiving the accommodation start notification (NO in step S190), it starts emitting accommodation guidance from the speaker of the user terminal 1500 (step S192) and starts displaying an accommodation guidance image (guidance display) on the screen (step S194). The accommodation guidance image is displayed by alternately displaying illustrations such as those shown in Figs. 18 and 19, or by displaying an animation that connects the two.

[0121] The audio and visual guidance allows the user to immediately understand and carry out the correct procedure for storing the electronic key 70. Because the light 20 is on, the user can correctly fit the electronic key 70 into the storage recess 62 even in the glove compartment or at night.

[0122] The vehicle-mounted device 10 detects that the storage compartment 60 is closed (YES in step S200) from a state in which it is detecting whether the storage compartment 60 is closed (NO in step S200).The vehicle-mounted device 10 then detects whether the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage compartment 60 (NO in step S202).If it detects that the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage compartment 60 (YES in step S202), it turns off the light 20 (step S204) and ends the sound output of the storage guidance (step S206).

[0123] 13 , the in-vehicle device 10 then transmits a notification of completion of accommodation to the user terminal 1500 (step S208) and starts emitting audible guidance for getting out of the vehicle, which is part of the guidance for leaving the service (step S210). The guidance for getting out of the vehicle urges the user to get out of the vehicle and lock the doors from the user terminal 1500. The guidance for getting out of the vehicle is, for example, a voice reading, "Please get out of the vehicle and lock the doors from the user terminal."

[0124] When the user terminal 1500 receives the accommodation completion notification (YES in step S220) from the standby state for receiving the accommodation completion notification (NO in step S220), the user terminal 1500 starts emitting audible alighting guidance from the speaker of the user terminal 1500 (step S222) and starts displaying an alighting guidance image (guidance display) on the screen (step S224). The alighting guidance image is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 .

[0125] The in-vehicle device 10 can communicate with the body system MCU 405 via the in-vehicle network 400 to acquire information about the vehicle status, such as whether the doors of the vehicle 5 are open or closed (see FIG. 8 ). When the in-vehicle device 10 detects that the driver's door has been opened or closed (YES in step S230) after detecting whether the driver's door has been opened or closed (NO in step S230), the in-vehicle device 10 determines that the user has left the vehicle, transmits a locking request notification to the user terminal 1500 (step S232), stops emitting the audible exit guidance (step S234), and starts emitting the audible locking guidance (step S236).

[0126] The locking guidance prompts the user to perform a locking operation on the user terminal 1500. The locking guidance is a voice reading, for example, "When you operate the locking operation icon on the terminal, the vehicle will be locked and will be taken out of service."

[0127] When the user terminal 1500 receives the lock request notification (YES in step S240) from the waiting state for receiving the lock request notification (NO in step S240), it stops emitting the alighting guidance and stops displaying the alighting guidance image (step S242).The user terminal 1500 then starts emitting the locking guidance from the speaker of the terminal (step S244) and displays the locking operation icon on the screen (step S246).

[0128] When the user terminal 1500 detects that the user has input an operation into the locking operation icon (YES in step S250) from a state in which the user terminal 1500 is detecting whether or not the user has input an operation into the locking operation icon (NO in step S250), it sends a specified locking request to the vehicle-mounted device 10 (step S252).

[0129] When the vehicle-mounted device 10 receives a locking request (YES in step S260) from the locking request waiting state (NO in step S260), it executes locking operation control, driving the second actuator 42 to press the locking button 72 of the stored electronic key (step S262).The vehicle-mounted device 10 then stops emitting the locking guidance sound (step S264), establishes a communication connection with the server system 1100, transmits a predetermined service-out notification (step S266), and ends the service-out process.

[0130] As described above, according to this embodiment, the usability of the vehicle-mounted device 10 that accommodates the electronic key 70 can be improved.

[0131] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above configurations, and the components can be changed, added, or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0132] For example, a timeout can be set appropriately for the determination step in the above flowchart. It is also possible to set appropriate limits on the number of times or duration of sound emission for various guidance messages. It is also possible to omit sound emission of guidance messages from the user terminal 1500.

[0133] Furthermore, while the in-vehicle device 10 of the above embodiment is configured to include two light-emitting units 8, the illumination LED 21 of the light 20 and the emergency light 24, it is also possible to realize both of these units with a single light-emitting unit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23 , a light guide plate 22B is arranged to guide the light of the illumination LED 21 to the area below the opening / closing operation unit 12, and the emergency light 24 is omitted. Then, the steps of turning on / off the light 20 and the steps of turning on / off the emergency light 24 in the above flowchart can be read as steps of turning on / off the illumination LED 21. That is, in this configuration, the light 20 also serves as the emergency light 24 in the above embodiment.

[0134] [Summary] The disclosure of the present specification according to the above-described embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0135] An aspect of the present disclosure is an on-board device that stores an electronic key for a vehicle, and that includes a speaker, a light-emitting unit, a voice control unit that controls the speaker to emit a given voice guidance related to the handling procedure of the on-board device when using the vehicle, and a lighting control unit that controls the lighting of the light-emitting unit in conjunction with the voice control unit's control of the emission of the voice guidance.

[0136] According to this aspect, the in-vehicle device can emit audio guidance related to the handling procedures of the in-vehicle device when using the vehicle, and can control the lighting of the light-emitting unit in conjunction with the audio guidance. The user can be accurately notified of the timing and location of the operation. The lighting of the light-emitting unit can provide the illumination necessary for the electronic key removal / storage operation. According to this aspect, the usability of the in-vehicle device that stores the electronic key can be improved.

[0137] The device may further include a storage section for storing the electronic key and an opening / closing operation section for opening and closing the storage section, and the voice guidance may include removal guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage section and storage guidance for putting the electronic key away in the storage section.

[0138] The light-emitting unit may have a light that illuminates the storage unit, and the lighting control unit may control the lighting of the light in conjunction with the sound control of the removal guidance and the storage guidance by the audio control unit.

[0139] The light-emitting unit may have an emergency light indicating the opening / closing operation unit, the voice guidance may include an opening / closing operation guidance that prompts the user to operate the opening / closing operation unit, and the lighting control unit may control the lighting of the emergency light in conjunction with the voice control unit's control of the sound emission of the opening / closing operation guidance.

[0140] The light-emitting unit may have a light that illuminates the storage unit and a guide light that indicates the opening / closing operation unit, and the voice guidance may include, as service-in guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage unit, opening / closing operation guidance that prompts operation of the opening / closing operation unit, removal guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage unit, and, as service-out guidance for storing the electronic key in the storage unit, the opening / closing operation guidance and storage guidance for storing the electronic key in the storage unit. The lighting control unit may control the lighting of the guide light and then control the lighting of the light in conjunction with control of sound emission of service-in guidance by the voice control unit, and may control the lighting of the guide light and then control the lighting of the light in conjunction with control of sound emission of service-out guidance by the voice control unit.

[0141] The vehicle may further include a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal of a user using the vehicle, and a display instruction control unit that controls the user terminal to display a given guidance display via the communication unit in conjunction with the sound emission control of the voice guidance by the voice control unit.

[0142] It becomes possible to use the user terminal as an element for executing the guidance, thereby further improving usability.

[0143] The electronic key storage device may further include an actuator that performs a push button operation on the stored electronic key, and an operation control unit that operates the actuator when an instruction to open or close the vehicle door is received from the user terminal via the communication unit.

[0144] 3...sharing system 8...light emitting unit 10...vehicle-mounted device 11...main case section 12...opening / closing operation section 15...opening / closing detection section 16...storage detection section 20...lighting 21...lighting LED 22...light guide plate 24...guidance light 26...speaker 30...control board 41...first actuator 42...second actuator 50...intermediate member 60...storage section 61...sub-case section 62...storage recess 70...electronic key 71...unlock button 72...lock button 310...control section 311...reservation authentication section 313...audio control section 315...lighting control section 317...display instruction control section 319...operation control section 320...storage section 321...control program 323...audio guide data 330...input / output control section 340...audio signal generation section 351...first communication section 352...second communication section 1100...Server system 1500...User terminal

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key for a vehicle, A speaker and A light emitting portion; A control unit that controls the speaker and the light emitting unit, The control unit is a sound emission control for emitting a given voice guidance related to a handling procedure of the in-vehicle device when using the vehicle from the speaker; A lighting control for controlling lighting of the light emitting unit is performed. repeating the sound emission control and continuing the lighting control until it is detected that a predetermined action based on the handling procedure has been performed by the user; Onboard equipment.

2. a storage unit for storing the electronic key; An opening / closing operation unit for opening and closing the storage unit; Further comprising: The voice guidance includes a removal guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage unit, and a storage guidance for storing the electronic key in the storage unit. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1.

3. The light emitting unit has a light that illuminates the storage unit, The control unit controls the emission of sounds of the removal guidance and the storage guidance and controls the lighting of the light. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2.

4. The light emitting unit has an emergency light indicating the opening / closing operation unit, The voice guidance includes an opening / closing operation guidance that prompts the user to operate the opening / closing operation unit, The control unit controls the emission of sound of the opening / closing operation guidance and controls the lighting of the emergency exit light. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2.

5. The light emitting unit includes: A light for illuminating the storage section; An emergency light indicating the opening / closing operation unit; having The audio guidance includes: as service-in guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage unit, an opening / closing operation guidance for prompting an operation of the opening / closing operation unit, and a removal guidance for removing the electronic key from the storage unit; as service-out guidance for storing the electronic key in the storage unit, the opening / closing operation guidance and a storage guidance for storing the electronic key in the storage unit; Including, The control unit is Controlling the emission of the guidance sound for service in and controlling the illumination of the guide light, and then controlling the illumination of the light; The control unit 10 controls the emission of the guidance for service out and the lighting of the guide light, and then controls the lighting of the light. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2.

6. A communication unit that communicates with a user terminal of a user who uses the vehicle, The control unit causes the user terminal to display a given guidance display via the communication unit in conjunction with the sound emission control of the voice guidance. The vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. and an actuator that performs a push button operation on the stored electronic key. The control unit operates the actuator when a door opening / closing instruction of the vehicle is received from the user terminal via the communication unit. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 6.