Communication system and vehicle

Abstract

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

Description

Communication system and vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system and a vehicle.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when making a payment using a mobile terminal, the payment is executed by obtaining a password generated by an IC chip for authentication data embedded in an item worn by the user.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-149600

[0004] For example, a motorcycle driver may need to operate a navigation application (hereinafter simply referred to as an "app") on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone (hereinafter simply referred to as a "terminal") while stopped at a traffic light, etc. Furthermore, a motorcycle driver may need to operate a payment application on the terminal when refueling, etc. When using the terminal, biometric authentication or password entry is required to unlock the terminal.

[0005] However, when the driver P is wearing driver equipment such as a helmet or gloves, it may be difficult to perform biometric authentication using the driver's fingerprint information, face image, etc., or to input a password. From the perspective of improving convenience, it is preferable that the driver be able to unlock the terminal while wearing the equipment.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technique that enables a driver to unlock a terminal while wearing an accessory.

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication system having a vehicle, equipment of the driver that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, and a terminal of the driver having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from the equipment; a control unit that has at least a processing unit that processes the authentication information; and a communication unit that can communicate with the terminal, wherein the control unit, in response to acquisition of the authentication information by the acquisition unit, causes release information for determining whether or not to release the lock state of the driver's terminal to be transmitted to the terminal via the communication unit, and when the received release information satisfies a release condition, the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal, making the terminal usable.

[0008] According to the communication system of the present invention, the driver can unlock the terminal while wearing the accessory.

[0009] By using the vehicle's communication unit, it is no longer necessary to provide dedicated communication devices for communication with the terminal in the equipment, which reduces the number of dedicated communication devices, making it possible to reduce costs and improve convenience.

[0010] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. A diagram schematically showing the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. A right side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment. A diagram of the vehicle width direction as seen from the driver P side. A diagram explaining processing flow 1 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment. A diagram explaining processing flow 2 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment. A diagram explaining processing flow 3 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment. A diagram explaining processing flow 4 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] [Overview of Communication System] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system STM according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication system STM. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system STM includes a vehicle 1, a portable terminal such as a smartphone (hereinafter referred to as a terminal 230) carried by a driver P of the vehicle 1, and a transmission device 250 mounted on an accessory 240 worn by the driver P when driving the vehicle 1. The terminal 230 is held on the vehicle 1 by a holding member (not shown) with an operation display unit 234 facing rearward of the vehicle 1.

[0013] (Functional Configuration of the Transmission Device 250 Mounted on the Accessory 240) The accessory 240 includes, for example, gloves 241, a smartwatch 242, and a helmet 243. The accessory 240 may also be the helmet 243 or a headset 244 worn on the head of the driver P, which can input audio information using a microphone or the like.

[0014] The transmission device 250 mounted on the accessory 240 of the driver P has, as functional components, a biometric information acquisition unit 251, a storage unit 252, and a transmission unit 253. The transmission device 250 is, for example, a wireless communication tag capable of short-range wireless communication, or an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip device capable of short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the embodiment of the present application may not include the biometric information acquisition unit 251. Furthermore, the transmission device 250 in the embodiment of the present application may be mounted on the accessory 240 with the biometric information acquisition unit 251, the storage unit 252, and the transmission unit 253 each as separate devices, or any two of them as the same device.

[0015] The biometric information acquisition unit 251 stores biometric information of the driver P acquired from an external input device capable of short-range wireless communication in the storage unit 252. Here, the biometric information of the driver P includes, for example, fingerprint information, a facial image, etc. of the driver P. The fingerprint information and the facial image are input by the external input device, and the biometric information acquisition unit 251 stores the input biometric information of the driver P in the storage unit 252. The transmission unit 253 reads the biometric information of the driver P stored in the storage unit 252 and transmits it to the vehicle 1. Identification information unique to the accessory 240 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 252, and the transmission unit 253 may transmit the unique identification information stored in the storage unit 252 to the vehicle 1.

[0016] The vehicle 1 is provided with an acquisition unit 221 that acquires authentication information for authenticating the driver P from the driver P's equipment 240 (transmission device 250), and the acquisition unit 221 acquires, via the transmission unit 253, at least one of the biometric information of the driver P of the vehicle 1 or identification information stored in a tag (e.g., an IC tag) individually built into the equipment 240 as authentication information.

[0017] The acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information from the transmission device 250 through short-range wireless communication. For example, if the accessory 240 is a glove 241 or a smartwatch 242, by holding the accessory 240 over the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1, the acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of biometric information and identification information as authentication information from the transmission device 250. The acquisition unit 221 can be installed in any location of the vehicle 1. For example, the acquisition unit 221 may be provided in the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever), the handle switch 202, or the operator 200 including the ignition switch. The acquisition unit 221 may also be provided in the left handle lever 8b or the center of the handlebar 11. The number of acquisition units 221 is not limited to one, and multiple acquisition units 221 may be provided in the vehicle 1.

[0018] The acquisition unit 221 may also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). A communication link, for example, via short-range wireless communication, is established between the acquisition unit 221 and the transmission unit 253 of the vehicle 1. The acquisition unit 221 and the transmission unit 253 can exchange data via this communication link. For example, if the accessory 240 is a helmet 243 or a headset 244, the driver P operates a handlebar switch 202 or the like of the vehicle 1 to establish a communication link between the acquisition unit 221 and a transmission device 250 (transmission unit 253) of the helmet 243 or the headset 244. The acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of biometric information or identification information from the transmission device 250 as authentication information via this communication link.

[0019] In order to reduce the complexity of the operation, it is also possible to exchange data via an established communication link without holding the glove 241 or smart watch 242 over the acquisition unit 221.

[0020] (Functional Configuration of Terminal 230) The terminal 230 carried by the driver P of the vehicle 1 has, as internal configurations, a control unit 231 (authentication unit 232, communication unit 233), an operation display unit 234, and a storage unit 235. The operation display unit 234 functions as a touch panel type user interface capable of displaying a screen.

[0021] The control unit 231 is responsible for the overall processing of the terminal 230, and processes information acquired via the communication unit 233 or the operation display unit 234. When the terminal 230 is activated, the control unit 231 locks the terminal 230 so that it cannot be used. When the release information received from the vehicle 1 satisfies the release conditions, the control unit 231 releases the lock state of the terminal 230, making the terminal 230 usable.

[0022] The authentication unit 232 performs user authentication based on the release information received from the vehicle 1 or the information input from the operation display unit 234 .

[0023] The communication unit 233 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). A communication link based on short-range wireless communication, for example, is established between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230. The vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 can exchange data via this communication link.

[0024] The storage unit 235 stores various programs executed by the control unit 231, and also functions as a work area when the control unit 231 executes processing. The storage unit 235 also stores information acquired via the communication unit 233. The storage unit 235 can store, for example, information related to user authentication (cancellation conditions) in advance via the communication unit 233.

[0025] When the information directly input from the operation display unit 234 matches the unlocking conditions and the driver P is authenticated, the control unit 231 unlocks the terminal 230 and makes the terminal 230 available for use.

[0026] Furthermore, when the release information received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233 satisfies the release conditions, the control unit 231 releases the locked state of the terminal 230 to make the terminal 230 available. Releasing the locked state based on the release information will be described later with reference to the processing flows in FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0027] (Functional Configuration of Vehicle 1) In the vehicle 1, the operator 200 includes, as exemplary components, a throttle operator 8a, a handle switch 202 (handle SW), and an ignition switch 203 (ignition SW).

[0028] In the vehicle 1, the measurement device 210 has, as an exemplary configuration, a vehicle speed measurement unit 211 that measures the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. Note that the configuration of the measurement device 210 is not limited to this example, and various other measurement units are provided in the vehicle 1. For example, the measurement device 210 includes a rotation speed measurement unit that measures the rotation speed of the drive source 21, a throttle opening measurement unit that measures the operation amount (throttle opening) of the throttle operator 8a, a gear information measurement unit that measures the gear setting of the transmission 22, and a positioning measurement unit that measures position information of the vehicle 1.

[0029] The ECU 220 has, as its functional configuration, a control unit 222 and a storage unit 223. The ECU 220 is equipped with one or more central processing units (CPUs) as a processor that manages the overall control processing of the vehicle, and the processor reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 223 to implement the functions of the acquisition unit 221 and the control unit 222. The functional configuration of the ECU 220 may be implemented by an integrated circuit or the like as long as it performs similar functions.

[0030] The control unit 222 is responsible for overall processing in the vehicle 1, and processes information acquired via devices (including at least an acquisition unit and a communication unit) mounted on each vehicle. In response to acquisition of authentication information, the control unit 222 acquires release conditions from the terminal 230 of the driver P via the communication unit 224. In response to acquisition of the authentication information, the control unit 222 acquires release information for determining whether or not to release the locked state of the terminal 230 of the driver P via the acquisition unit, and if the release information satisfies the release conditions, outputs a signal to instruct the terminal 230 to release the locked state via the communication unit 224.

[0031] The control unit 231 of the terminal 230 releases the locked state of the terminal 230 based on the release instruction signal received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233, making the terminal 230 available for use. In this case, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 releases the locked state of the terminal 230 in response to the reception of the release instruction signal, without determining whether the release information matches the release condition. This reduces the processing load on the terminal 230.

[0032] The storage unit 223 stores various programs executed by the control unit 222, and also functions as a work area when the control unit 222 executes processing. The storage unit 223 also stores information acquired via the communication unit 224.

[0033] The ECU 220 acquires release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230 from the storage unit 223, the acquisition unit 221, or an operator of the vehicle 1. Here, the release information includes, for example, vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle 1. The storage unit 223 stores identification information for identifying the vehicle 1. This identification information is, for example, at least a portion of information registered in a vehicle inspection certificate or the like. If the vehicle 1 is owned by the driver P, the identification information for identifying the vehicle 1 can be used as release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230. The acquisition unit 221 acquires the identification information for identifying the vehicle 1 from the storage unit 223 of the vehicle 1 as release information.

[0034] The release information also includes, for example, at least one of the biometric information or identification information (authentication information) of the driver P acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit 221 acquires at least one of the biometric information or identification information as authentication information from the accessory 240 (transmission device 250) of the driver P via short-range wireless communication or an established communication link. The release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the terminal 230 also includes at least one of the biometric information (authentication information) or the identification information.

[0035] The release information also includes, for example, an operation pattern (first operation pattern) input from an operator of the vehicle 1. The operation pattern is set, for example, by a combination of operation patterns in which the driver P operates the handlebar switches 202, etc. For example, the operation pattern is set by a combination of operations of the cross keys 80A to 80D of the handlebar switches 202 on the left side of the vehicle 1. Various combinations of operation patterns are possible. For example, the cross key 80A (up) is pressed twice, and then the cross key 80B (down) is pressed twice. Then, the cross key 80C (left) is pressed once, and then the cross key 80D (right) is pressed once. The driver P can set any operation pattern in advance.

[0036] A plurality of types of operation patterns can be stored in the storage unit 223. For example, in addition to the above-described operation pattern (first operation pattern), an operation pattern (second operation pattern) that makes the terminal 230 available for use for a predetermined time period based on the state in which the vehicle 1 is powered off can be stored in the storage unit 223. As with the first operation pattern, the driver P can set any second operation pattern. The second operation pattern can also be included in the release information. In other words, the release information used by the acquisition unit 221 to determine whether to release the locked state of the driver P's terminal 230 includes the operation patterns (first operation pattern and second operation pattern) input from the operator of the vehicle 1.

[0037] The timing for registering the operation pattern can be, for example, before the vehicle 1 starts traveling, by the driver P operating the handlebar switches 202 (80A to 80D), the front brake lever 16a, the clutch lever 16b, or the throttle operator 8a, to register the operation pattern in advance in the memory unit 223. The operation pattern registered in the memory unit 223 is transmitted to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the memory unit 235. The operation pattern is stored in the memory unit 235 as a release condition.

[0038] The timing for registering the operation pattern is not limited to before the vehicle starts to travel, and the operation pattern can be registered at any timing as long as the vehicle 1 is powered on and stopped.

[0039] When the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 are provided by a sharing service, it is also possible to specify an operation pattern in advance on the terminal 230 or the like before or at the time of reserving the vehicle 1, and to register the specified operation pattern in advance. In this case, when a communication link is established between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230, the operation pattern registered in advance in the storage unit 223 of the vehicle 1 is transmitted to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the storage unit 235 of the terminal 230. The operation pattern is stored in the storage unit 235 as a release condition.

[0040] Furthermore, after reserving a vehicle 1, when the driver P uses a vehicle 1 provided by the sharing service, the driver P can operate the handlebar switches 202 (80A to 80D) or other controls to pre-register an operation pattern in the storage unit 223. In this case as well, the operation pattern registered in the storage unit 223 is transmitted to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224 and stored in the storage unit 235. The operation pattern is stored in the storage unit 235 as a release condition.

[0041] Furthermore, in order to improve the security of the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 provided by the sharing service, a two-stage unlocking determination may be performed based on unlocking conditions that combine authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 from the accessory 240 of the driver P with an operation pattern. In this case, for example, when the driver P holds the accessory 240 over the acquisition unit 221, and the authentication information acquired as unlocking information matches a first unlocking condition related to the recognition information, and the operation pattern input as unlocking information matches a second unlocking condition related to the operation pattern, the locked state of the terminal 230 may be unlocked.

[0042] The release information (vehicle identification information, authentication information, first operation pattern, and second operation pattern) is stored in advance as release conditions in the storage unit 235 of the terminal 230. When the release determination is made on the terminal 230 side, it is determined whether or not the release information received from the vehicle 1 matches the release conditions stored in the storage unit 235 (FIGS. 5 and 7). On the other hand, when the release determination is made on the vehicle 1 side, the vehicle 1 requests the terminal 230 to transmit the release conditions. Then, the vehicle 1 determines whether or not the release information matches the release conditions received from the terminal 230 (FIGS. 6 and 8).

[0043] The communication unit 224 may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). A communication link based on short-range wireless communication, for example, is established between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230. The vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 can exchange data via this communication link. In response to the acquisition of authentication information by the acquisition unit 221, the communication unit 224 transmits to the terminal 230 release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the terminal 230.

[0044] (Overview of Vehicle 1) Figure 3 is a right side view of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment, and Figure 4 is a view of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction as seen from the driver P side. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that are perpendicular to each other, with the X direction indicating the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle (first direction), the Y direction indicating the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction: second direction), and the Z direction indicating the up-to-down direction (third direction). The left and right of the vehicle are the left and right when viewed in the forward direction. Hereinafter, the front or rear in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle may be simply referred to as the front or rear. Furthermore, the inside or outside in the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction) may be simply referred to as the inside or outside.

[0045] Although the vehicle 1 is a touring motorcycle suitable for long-distance travel, the present invention is applicable to various types of vehicles, including other types of motorcycles. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to vehicles that use, as a drive source, other than an engine, such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) that runs on an electric motor driven by power supplied from a battery, or an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) that runs on an electric motor driven by power supplied from a fuel cell.

[0046] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a power unit 2 between the front wheels FW and the rear wheels RW. In this embodiment, the power unit 2 includes a drive source 21 and a transmission 22. The driving force of the transmission 22 is transmitted to the rear wheels RW via a drive shaft (not shown) to rotate the rear wheels RW (drive wheels). The rotating shaft of the drive source 21 is mechanically connected to the rear wheels RW (drive wheels) of the vehicle 1 via a predetermined gear position of the transmission 22.

[0047] The power unit 2 is supported by a body frame 3. The body frame 3 includes a pair of left and right main frames 31 extending in the X direction. A display device 228 (meter panel) that displays various information to the driver P is provided above the main frames 31.

[0048] A head pipe 32 is provided at the front end of the main frame 31, and rotatably supports a steering shaft (not shown) that is rotated by a throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and a left handle lever 8b. A pair of left and right pivot plates 33 is provided at the rear end of the main frame 31. The lower ends of the pivot plates 33 are connected to the front end of the main frame 31 by a pair of left and right lower arms (not shown), and the power unit 2 is supported by the main frame 31 and the lower arms. A pair of left and right seat rails provided at the rear end of the main frame 31 support a seat 4a on which the driver P sits, a seat 4b on which a passenger sits, a rear trunk 7b, etc. Left and right saddlebags 7a are provided on the sides above the rear wheels RW.

[0049] A front suspension mechanism 9 that supports a front wheel FW is configured at the front end of the main frame 31. The front suspension mechanism 9 includes an upper link 91, a lower link 92, a fork support 93, a cushion unit 94, and a pair of left and right front forks 95.

[0050] The upper link 91 and the lower link 92 are disposed at a distance above and below the front end of the main frame 31. The front ends of the upper link 91 and the lower link 92 are pivotally connected to a fork support 93. The upper link 91 and the lower link 92 each extend in the fore-and-aft direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] The cushion unit 94 has a structure in which a shock absorber is inserted into a coil spring, and its upper end is supported so as to be able to swing freely by the main frame 31. The lower end of the cushion unit 94 is supported so as to be able to swing freely by the lower link 92.

[0052] The fork support 93 is cylindrical and tilts rearward. The front end of an upper link 91 is rotatably connected to the front upper portion of the fork support 93. The front end of a lower link 92 is rotatably connected to the rear lower portion of the fork support 93.

[0053] A steering shaft 96 is supported by the fork support 93 so as to be rotatable about its axis. The steering shaft 96 has a shaft portion (not shown) that passes through the fork support 93. A bridge (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 96, and a pair of left and right front forks 95 are supported on this bridge. The front wheel FW is rotatably supported by the front forks 95. The upper end of the steering shaft 96 is connected via a link 97 to a handlebar 11 (steering shaft) that is rotated by the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b. The steering shaft 96 rotates when the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b are operated, and the front wheel FW is steered. The upper part of the front wheel FW is covered by a fender 10, which is supported by the front forks 95.

[0054] The front of the vehicle 1 is covered by a front cover 12, and the front sides of the vehicle 1 are covered by a pair of left and right side covers 14. A screen 13 is disposed above the front cover 12. The screen 13 is a windshield that reduces wind pressure experienced by the driver P while driving, and is formed, for example, from a transparent resin material. A pair of left and right side mirror units 15 are disposed on the sides of the front cover 12. The side mirror units 15 support side mirrors that enable the driver P to view the rear.

[0055] The handlebars 11 are provided symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the vehicle body (center in the vehicle width direction) and are composed of, for example, separate left and right handlebar members. The handlebars 11, which are made up of the left and right handlebar members, each extend diagonally upward from the upper end of the steering shaft 96 to the left and right outward. The throttle operator 8a (right handlebar lever) and the left handlebar lever 8b extend downward from the ends of the handlebars 11 toward the rear and downward of the vehicle. The throttle operator 8a (right handlebar lever) and the left handlebar lever 8b are each composed of a cylindrical member that extends linearly.

[0056] A throttle operator 8a (right handlebar lever) is rotatably supported on the tip end (outside the left and right sides of the vehicle body) of the right handlebar 11. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a hydraulic brake device, and a front brake lever 16a, which is one operator of the brake device, is provided in front of the right throttle operator 8a. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a hydraulic clutch device, and a clutch lever 16b, which is an operator of the clutch device, is provided in front of the left handlebar lever 8b on the left side.

[0057] A housing 80 that rotatably holds the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) is provided at the base end of the throttle operator 8a. The housing 80 is provided with various handle switches 202 (handle SW).

[0058] The throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b have a hollow structure, with a resin sleeve constituting the inner layer and a rubber grip body integrally attached to the outer periphery of the sleeve. An acquisition unit 221 is provided inside the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b. The acquisition unit 221 may be configured to be located inside either the left or right handle lever. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 221 may be provided inside the combination switch or the housing 80 of the handle switch 202.

[0059] (Processing Flow 1 in Communication System STM) Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. In Processing Flow 1 in Fig. 5, a processing flow related to a release determination based on the identification information of the vehicle 1 and biometric information (authentication information) acquired from the accessory 240 (transmission device 250) as release information is described.

[0060] In S510, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of the authentication information by the accessory 240. The acquisition unit 221 acquires biometric information of the driver P as authentication information from the accessory 240 (transmission device 250) of the driver P via short-range wireless communication or an established communication link. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires identification information for identifying the vehicle 1 as release information from the storage unit 223 of the vehicle 1. The release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the terminal 230 also includes biometric information (authentication information).

[0061] In S520, the communication unit 224 of the vehicle 1 transmits, to the terminal 230, release information for determining whether or not to release the locked state of the terminal 230 in response to the acquisition of the authentication information by the acquisition unit 221.

[0062] In S530 , the control unit 231 in the terminal 230 determines whether the release information received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233 matches the release conditions stored in the storage unit 235 .

[0063] If it is determined in the determination process of S530 that the release information matches the release condition (S530-YES), the process proceeds to S540, where the control unit 231 releases the locked state of the terminal 230, making the terminal 230 available (S540).

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of S530 that the unlocking information does not match the unlocking condition (S530-NO), the process proceeds to S550, where the control unit 231 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S550).

[0065] (Processing flow 2 in communication system STM) Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. In processing flow 1 described in Fig. 5, the processing flow in which the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 makes a release determination was described, but in Fig. 6, a processing flow in which the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 makes a release determination is described.

[0066] Processing flow 2 in Figure 6, like processing flow 1 in Figure 5, explains the processing flow for release determination based on the identification information of the vehicle 1 and biometric information obtained from the equipment 240 (transmission device 250) as release information.

[0067] In S610, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of the authentication information by the accessory 240. The processing of S610 is similar to S510, and the acquisition unit 221 acquires biometric information of the driver P from the accessory 240 (transmission device 250) of the driver P as authentication information. In addition, the acquisition unit 221 acquires identification information for identifying the vehicle 1 from the storage unit 223 of the vehicle 1 as release information.

[0068] In S620, the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 transmits a request signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, requesting transmission of the cancellation conditions.

[0069] In S630 , based on the reception of the request signal, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 transmits the cancellation conditions stored in the storage unit 235 to the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233 .

[0070] In S640, the control unit 222 in the vehicle 1 determines whether the release information acquired in S610 matches the release condition received from the terminal 230.

[0071] If it is determined in the determination process of S640 that the release information matches the release condition (S640-YES), the process proceeds to S650, and the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 transmits a release instruction signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224.

[0072] In S660, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 unlocks the locked state of the terminal 230 based on the unlock instruction signal received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233, making the terminal 230 available for use. In this case, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 unlocks the locked state of the terminal 230 in response to the reception of the unlock instruction signal, without determining whether the unlock information matches the unlock condition. This reduces the processing load on the terminal 230.

[0073] On the other hand, if the determination process of S640 shows that the release information does not match the release conditions (S640-NO), the process proceeds to S670, the control unit 222 does not send the release information, and the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S670).

[0074] (Processing flow 3 in communication system STM) Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. In processing flow 3 in Fig. 7, the processing flow relating to release determination based on an operation pattern as release information will be described.

[0075] In S710, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of the authentication information by the accessory 240. The processing in S710 is the same as that in S510.

[0076] In S715, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires the operation pattern (first operation pattern) input by the driver P as release information.

[0077] In S720, the communication unit 224 of the vehicle 1 transmits, to the terminal 230, release information for determining whether or not to release the locked state of the terminal 230 in response to the acquisition of the authentication information by the acquisition unit 221.

[0078] In S730, the control unit 231 in the terminal 230 determines whether the release information received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233 matches the release condition (first operation pattern) stored in the memory unit 235.

[0079] If it is determined in the determination process of S730 that the unlock information matches the unlock condition (S730-YES), the process proceeds to S740, where the control unit 231 unlocks the locked state of the terminal 230, making the terminal 230 available (S740).

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of S730 that the unlocking information does not match the unlocking condition (S730-NO), the process proceeds to S750, where the control unit 231 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S750).

[0081] (Processing flow 4 in communication system STM) Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the communication system STM according to the embodiment. In processing flow 3 described in Fig. 7, the processing flow in which the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 makes a release determination was described, but in Fig. 8, a processing flow in which the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 makes a release determination is described. In processing flow 4 in Fig. 8, a processing flow relating to a release determination based on an operation pattern as release information is described.

[0082] In S810, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information. This processing flow starts with the acquisition of the authentication information by the accessory 240. The processing in S810 is the same as that in S510.

[0083] In S820, the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 transmits a request signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, requesting transmission of the cancellation conditions.

[0084] In S830, based on the reception of the request signal, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 transmits the release condition (first operation pattern) stored in the memory unit 235 to the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233.

[0085] In S835, the acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires the operation pattern (first operation pattern) input by the driver P as release information.

[0086] In S840, the control unit 222 in the vehicle 1 determines whether the release information acquired in S835 matches the release condition received from the terminal 230.

[0087] If it is determined in the determination process of S840 that the release information matches the release condition (S840-YES), the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 advances the process to S850.

[0088] In S850, the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 transmits a release instruction signal to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224.

[0089] In S860, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 unlocks the locked state of the terminal 230 based on the unlock instruction signal received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233, making the terminal 230 available for use. In this case, the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 unlocks the locked state of the terminal 230 in response to the reception of the unlock instruction signal, without determining whether the unlock information matches the unlock condition. This reduces the processing load on the terminal 230.

[0090] On the other hand, if the determination process of S840 determines that the release information does not match the release condition (S840-NO), the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 proceeds to S870.

[0091] In S870, the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 does not transmit an unlock instruction signal, and the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 maintains the locked state of the terminal 230 (S870).

[0092] (Application Usage Restriction) The control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 measured by the vehicle speed measurement unit 211 at predetermined time intervals, and when the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 reaches or exceeds the predetermined vehicle speed, the control unit 222 restricts the applications available on the terminal 230 while maintaining the unlocked state. The driver P can set in advance the applications that will be available. The control unit 222 makes the applications set by the driver P available and sets the other applications to a restricted availability state that restricts the use of the other applications. Based on the driver P's setting, the control unit 222 makes only the applications necessary for driving, such as a map application or a navigation application, available and restricts the use of the other applications, thereby improving convenience while taking safety into consideration.

[0093] (Improved crime prevention) The acquisition unit 221 of the vehicle 1 acquires authentication information from the equipment 240 of the driver P at predetermined time intervals, and if the acquired authentication information has been changed from the information stored in the storage unit 223, the control unit 222 locks the terminal 230 so that it cannot be used. As for the timing for acquiring authentication information, the acquisition unit 221 can acquire authentication information, for example, when the vehicle 1 is started or taken off, or at regular time intervals while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0094] When the authentication information is changed, the control unit 222 transmits a lock instruction to the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224, and the control unit 231 of the terminal 230 locks the terminal 230 based on the lock instruction received from the vehicle 1 via the communication unit 233. For example, even if the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 are stolen, if the authentication information of a third party other than the driver P differs from the information pre-stored in the terminal, the terminal is locked to make it unusable, thereby improving crime prevention.

[0095] (Removal of Available State) When the locked state of the terminal 230 is released, the control unit 222 of the vehicle 1 monitors the communication state between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 via the communication unit 224. When communication between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 continues, the control unit 222 maintains the unlocked state, and when the communication between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 ends, the control unit 222 returns the terminal 230 to a locked state in which it cannot be used.

[0096] When communication between vehicle 1 and terminal 230 ends, control unit 222 transmits a lock instruction to terminal 230 via communication unit 224, and control unit 231 of terminal 230 places terminal 230 in a locked state based on the lock instruction received from vehicle 1 via communication unit 233. By using the end of communication between the vehicle and the terminal as a trigger to return to the locked state, it is possible to provide a terminal state that meets the driver P's wishes.

[0097] (Releasing temporary locked state after power is turned off) The control unit 231 of the terminal 230 acquires, via the communication unit 233, an operation pattern (second operation pattern) input from an operator of the vehicle 1 within a predetermined time (first time) before and after the state in which the vehicle 1 is turned off. The control unit 231 then compares the acquired operation pattern (second operation pattern) with information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the memory unit 235 of the terminal 230.

[0098] When the second operation pattern input from the operator matches the information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the memory unit 235 of the terminal 230, the terminal 230 is made available for a predetermined time (second time) even after the communication between the vehicle 1 and the terminal 230 has ended.

[0099] For example, when the vehicle is stopped at a gas station to refuel, the terminal can be operated for a certain period of time even after the power is turned off, allowing the locked state to be released with the equipment attached. This improves convenience when using the terminal for payments at gas stations, etc.

[0100] [Other Embodiments] The present invention can also be realized in such an embodiment that a program for realizing each function of the communication system described in the embodiment is supplied to a vehicle or a driver's terminal via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the vehicle or the driver's terminal can read and execute the program.

[0101] [Summary of the embodiment] The above embodiment discloses at least the following communication system and vehicle.

[0102] Configuration 1. The communication system (STM) of the above embodiment is a communication system (STM) having a vehicle (1), a driver's equipment (240) that provides the vehicle (1) with authentication information for authenticating the driver, and the driver's terminal (230) having a communication unit (233) capable of communicating with the vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) comprises: an acquisition unit (221) that acquires the authentication information from the equipment; a control unit (220) that has at least a processing unit (222) that processes the authentication information; and a communication unit (224) capable of communicating with the terminal, wherein the control unit (220) causes the terminal to transmit unlock information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal in response to acquisition of the authentication information by the acquisition unit via the communication unit, and the terminal (230) unlocks the terminal and makes the terminal usable when the received unlock information satisfies an unlock condition.

[0103] According to the communication system of configuration 1, the locked state of the terminal can be released even when the driver is wearing the accessory.

[0104] By using the vehicle's communication unit, it is no longer necessary to provide dedicated communication devices for communication with the terminal in the equipment, which reduces the number of dedicated communication devices, making it possible to reduce costs and improve convenience.

[0105] Configuration 2. The unlocking information includes identification information for identifying the vehicle, and the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) unlocks the locked state of the terminal (230) when the information stored in the storage unit (235) of the terminal matches the identification information.

[0106] According to the communication system of configuration 2, by using the vehicle identification information as unlocking information for unlocking the locked state, the driver can unlock the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while driving the vehicle and with the accessory attached.

[0107] Configuration 3. The unlocking information includes biometric information of the driver, and the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) unlocks the locked state of the terminal (230) when the information stored in the storage unit (235) of the terminal matches the biometric information.

[0108] According to the communication system of configuration 3, the driver's biometric information (authentication information) obtained from the driver's equipment is used as unlocking information for unlocking the locked state, so that the driver can unlock the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while wearing the equipment while driving the vehicle.

[0109] Configuration 4. The unlock information includes a first operation pattern input from an operator of the vehicle, and the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) unlocks the locked state of the terminal when the first operation pattern input from the operator of the vehicle matches information indicating the first operation pattern stored in a memory unit of the terminal.

[0110] According to the communication system of configuration 4, by using the first operation pattern input from the vehicle's operator as release information for releasing the locked state, the driver can release the locked state of the terminal without directly operating the terminal while driving the vehicle and with the equipment attached.

[0111] Configuration 5. The control unit (231) of the terminal (230) acquires from the vehicle the vehicle speed of the vehicle measured by a vehicle speed measurement unit provided in the vehicle, and when the vehicle speed of the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed or higher, the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) restricts applications that can be used on the terminal.

[0112] According to the communication system of configuration 5, when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed, the available applications are put into a restricted availability state, thereby achieving both convenience and safety.

[0113] The apps available in the limited availability state may be set in advance by the system or by the user. For example, the apps available in the limited availability state can be improved by only allowing apps necessary for driving, such as map apps and navigation apps, to be used.

[0114] In addition, by restricting the use of apps other than map applications and navigation applications, it is possible to further improve safety while driving.

[0115] Configuration 6. The acquisition unit (221) acquires the authentication information at predetermined time intervals, and the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) locks the terminal in a state where it cannot be used if the authentication information is changed from the information stored in the storage unit of the terminal.

[0116] According to the communication system of configuration 6, even if the vehicle and the terminal are stolen, if the authentication information of a third party other than the driver differs from the information pre-stored in the terminal, the terminal is locked so that it cannot be used, thereby improving crime prevention.

[0117] Configuration 7. When communication between the communication unit and the terminal is terminated while the locked state of the terminal is released, the control unit (231) of the terminal (230) returns the terminal to a locked state in which the terminal cannot be used.

[0118] According to the communication system of configuration 7, the termination of communication between the vehicle and the terminal is used as a trigger for returning to the locked state, so that the terminal state can be set in accordance with the driver's intention.

[0119] Configuration 8. The communication unit (224) transmits a second operation pattern input from an operator of the vehicle to the terminal within a predetermined time based on the state in which the vehicle is powered off, and the control unit of the terminal makes the terminal available for use for a predetermined time if the second operation pattern matches information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the storage unit of the terminal.

[0120] According to the communication system of configuration 8, the operation pattern input from the vehicle's controls within a predetermined time is set as the release condition for releasing the locked state, based on the power-off state, so that the driver P can release the locked state of the terminal while wearing the accessory without directly operating the terminal.

[0121] For example, when the vehicle is stopped at a gas station to refuel, the device can be operated for a certain period of time even after the power is turned off, allowing the device to be unlocked with the equipment still attached. This can improve convenience when making payments at gas stations, for example.

[0122] Configuration 9. The communication system of the above embodiment comprises: an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from equipment of the driver that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver; and a vehicle communication unit (224) that, in response to acquisition of the authentication information, acquires conditions for unlocking the terminal from the driver's terminal that has a communication unit that can communicate with the vehicle, wherein the acquisition unit (221) acquires, in response to acquisition of the authentication information, release information for determining whether or not to release the lock state of the driver's terminal from at least one of the authentication information or an operator that is provided on the vehicle and that the driver operates to input, and when the release information satisfies the release conditions, outputs a signal to instruct the terminal to release the lock state via the vehicle communication unit.

[0123] According to the communication system of configuration 9, the driver can unlock the terminal while wearing the accessory.

[0124] By using the vehicle's communication unit, it is no longer necessary to provide dedicated communication devices for communication with the terminal in the equipment, which reduces the number of dedicated communication devices, making it possible to reduce costs and improve convenience.

[0125] Configuration 10. The vehicle (1) of the above embodiment includes an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from an equipment of the driver that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, and a vehicle communication unit (224) that can communicate with an external terminal, wherein the acquisition unit (221) acquires, in response to acquisition of the authentication information, release information for determining whether to release a lock state of the driver's terminal having a communication unit that can communicate with the vehicle, from at least one of the authentication information or an operator provided on the vehicle that the driver operates to input, and the vehicle communication unit (224) transmits the release information to the terminal, and when the release information satisfies a predetermined release condition, the terminal releases the lock state of the terminal and makes the terminal usable.

[0126] Configuration 11. The vehicle of the above embodiment includes an acquisition unit (221) that acquires authentication information from an equipment of the driver that provides the vehicle with authentication information for authenticating the driver, and a vehicle communication unit (224) that, in response to acquisition of the authentication information, acquires, via the communication unit, unlock conditions for the terminal from the driver's terminal having a communication unit that can communicate with the vehicle, wherein the acquisition unit (221) acquires, in response to acquisition of the authentication information, unlock information for determining whether or not to unlock the driver's terminal from at least one of the authentication information or an operator that is provided on the vehicle and that the driver operates to input, the vehicle communication unit transmits the unlock information to the terminal, and when the unlock information satisfies predetermined unlock conditions stored in a storage unit of the vehicle, outputs an unlock instruction signal to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit.

[0127] According to the vehicle of configurations 10 and 11, the driver can unlock the terminal while the accessory is attached.

[0128] By using the vehicle's communication unit, it is no longer necessary to provide dedicated communication devices for communication with the terminal in the equipment, which reduces the number of dedicated communication devices, making it possible to reduce costs and improve convenience.

[0129] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0130] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173616, filed on October 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0131] 1: vehicle, 8a: throttle operator, 200: operator, 210: measurement device, 211: vehicle speed measurement unit, 220: ECU, 221: acquisition unit, 222: control unit, 223: storage unit, 224: communication unit, 230: terminal, 231: control unit, 232: authentication unit, 233: communication unit, 234: operation display unit, 235: storage unit, 240: equipment, 251: biometric information acquisition unit, 252: storage unit, 253: transmission unit

Claims

1. A vehicle, equipment of the driver that provides authentication information for authenticating the driver to the vehicle, and a terminal of the driver having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle, a communication system comprising: The vehicle includes: a control unit having at least an acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from the equipment and a processing unit that processes the authentication information; a communication unit capable of communicating with the terminal; The control unit: transmits a request signal to the terminal requesting transmission of a release condition for releasing the locked state via the communication unit; when the release condition received from the terminal matches the release information stored in the storage unit of the vehicle, transmits a release instruction signal to the terminal via the communication unit; The terminal releases the locked state of the terminal based on the received release instruction signal and makes the terminal available for use. Communication system.

2. The release information includes identification information for identifying the vehicle, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the terminal releases the locked state of the terminal when the information stored in the storage unit of the terminal matches the identification information.

3. The release information includes biometric information of the driver, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the terminal releases the locked state of the terminal when the information stored in the storage unit of the terminal matches the biometric information.

4. The release information includes a first operation pattern input from an operator of the vehicle, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the terminal releases the locked state of the terminal when the first operation pattern input from the operator of the vehicle matches the information indicating the first operation pattern stored in the storage unit of the terminal.

5. The control unit of the terminal acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle measured by a vehicle speed measurement unit provided in the vehicle from the vehicle, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle speed of the vehicle reaches a running state of a predetermined vehicle speed or higher, the control unit of the terminal restricts applications available on the terminal.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the authentication information at predetermined time intervals, The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit of the terminal sets the terminal to a locked state in which the terminal cannot be used when the authentication information is changed from the information stored in the storage unit of the terminal.

7. The control unit of the terminal returns the terminal to a locked state where the terminal cannot be used when communication between the communication unit and the terminal ends while the locked state of the terminal is released, according to the communication system of claim 1.

8. The communication unit transmits a second operation pattern input from an operator of the vehicle to the terminal within a predetermined time based on a state where the vehicle is powered off, and the control unit of the terminal makes the terminal available for use for a predetermined time when information indicating the second operation pattern stored in the storage unit of the terminal matches, according to the communication system of claim 7.

9. An acquisition unit that acquires authentication information from equipment of the driver that gives authentication information for authenticating the driver in the vehicle, A vehicle communication unit that acquires a lock release condition of the terminal from the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle in response to the acquisition of the authentication information, The acquisition unit is In response to the acquisition of the authentication information, acquires release information for determining whether to release the locked state of the driver's terminal from at least one of the authentication information or an operator provided in the vehicle for the driver to perform an operation input, A communication system that outputs a lock release instruction signal to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit when the release information satisfies a release condition.

10. A control unit having at least an acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from equipment of the driver that gives authentication information for authenticating the driver in the vehicle, and a processing unit that processes the authentication information, A vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, The control unit is Transmits a request signal to the external terminal requesting transmission of a release condition for releasing the locked state via the vehicle communication unit, When the release condition received from the external terminal matches the release information stored in the storage unit of the vehicle, transmits a release instruction signal to the external terminal via the vehicle communication unit, The external terminal unlocks the locked state of the external terminal based on the received release instruction signal and makes the external terminal available for use.

11. An acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from equipment of the driver that gives authentication information for authenticating the driver in the vehicle, A vehicle communication unit that acquires a lock release condition of the terminal via the communication unit from the driver's terminal having a communication unit capable of communicating with the vehicle in response to the acquisition of the authentication information, The acquisition unit acquires, in response to the acquisition of the authentication information, release information for determining whether or not to release the locked state of the driver's terminal from at least one of the authentication information or an operator provided in the vehicle for the driver to perform an operation input, the vehicle communication unit transmits the release information to the terminal, a vehicle that outputs a release instruction signal for releasing the locked state of the terminal to the terminal via the vehicle communication unit when the release information satisfies a predetermined release condition stored in a storage unit of the vehicle.