Method, information processing device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

The present invention improves a technique related to a service that is provided by connecting a vehicle and a terminal device. This method is executed by an information processing device and comprises: receiving, from a terminal device, a start request signal requesting start of a remote service related to a vehicle; determining a validity period of an operation interface that is used for the remote service; transmitting, to the terminal device, information for allowing the terminal device to function as the operation interface; generating an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle on the basis of an operation request signal indicating an operation request of the remote service input using the operation interface, upon receiving the operation request signal from the terminal device within the validity period; and transmitting the instruction signal to the vehicle.

Description

Method, information processing device and non-transitory computer-readable medium CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-032490, filed on March 4, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method, an information processing device, and a program.

[0003] There have been technologies relating to services provided by connecting a vehicle and a terminal device used by a user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle information communication system in which an information terminal used by a user can communicate with an in-vehicle device via a management center, and when the in-vehicle device detects an information terminal different from the previous one, the management center performs a user verification process to verify the user of the vehicle.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-265223

[0005] It is difficult for users to experience services provided by connecting a vehicle to a terminal device using an actual vehicle before purchasing the vehicle. As such, there is room for improvement in the technology related to services provided by connecting a vehicle to a terminal device.

[0006] The method disclosed herein is a method executed by an information processing device having a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit, requesting the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determines an expiration date of an operation interface to be used for the remote service; transmits information to the terminal device via the communication unit for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface; and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal; and transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

[0007] The information processing device according to the present disclosure is an information processing device including a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle, determines an expiration date of an operation interface to be used for the remote service, transmits information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface to the terminal device via the communication unit, and when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service that was input using the operation interface is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal, and transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

[0008] The program disclosed herein causes a computer as an information processing device having a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, to perform operations including receiving a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle, determining an expiration date of an operation interface to be used for the remote service, transmitting information to the terminal device via the communication unit that causes the terminal device to function as the operation interface, and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service input using the operation interface is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generating an instruction signal to control the vehicle based on the operation request signal, and transmitting the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology relating to services provided by connecting a vehicle and a terminal device.

[0010] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 20, and a vehicle 30. The devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 40 including, for example, the Internet.

[0013] The information processing device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center, etc. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server belonging to a cloud computing system or another computing system.

[0014] The terminal device 20 is held by a user. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In this embodiment, the terminal device 20 is used by a user who is considering purchasing the vehicle 30.

[0015] The vehicle 30 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle 30 may be capable of traveling by autonomous driving. Autonomous driving includes, for example, levels 1 to 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), but is not limited to these and may be defined arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the vehicle 30 is located at a store of a vehicle sales company. The vehicle 30 may be a vehicle that a user considering purchasing the vehicle 30 can temporarily test drive. However, the vehicle 30 is not limited to this, and may also be a vehicle managed by a rental car company or the like.

[0016] Network 40 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0017] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be provided later. The information processing device 10 receives a start request signal from the terminal device 20, requesting the start of a remote service related to the vehicle 30. The information processing device 10 determines the expiration date of the operation interface used for the remote service, and transmits information to the terminal device 20 for causing the terminal device 20 to function as the operation interface. When the information processing device 10 receives an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, from the terminal device 20 within the expiration date, the information processing device 10 generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle 30 based on the operation request signal. The information processing device 10 transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle 30.

[0018] According to this embodiment, a demonstration of a remote service provided after the purchase of the vehicle 30 can be smoothly provided to the user temporarily using the actual vehicle. As described below, since the user can freely operate the vehicle 30 while ensuring security, the vehicle sales company's personnel can safely recommend the temporary experience of the remote service to the user. For the user, the experience of the remote service can be used as a factor in considering the purchase of the vehicle 30. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology related to the services provided by connecting the vehicle and the terminal device.

[0019] The configuration of an information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0020] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10 while controlling each unit of the information processing device 10.

[0021] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 .

[0022] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that complies with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the information processing device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0023] The configuration of the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 again. The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a positioning unit 26.

[0024] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls each part of the terminal device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0025] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0026] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 23 communicates with devices other than the terminal device 20. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0027] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitance key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, a camera, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation to input data used for the operation of the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. The connection interface may be an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0028] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20. The output unit 25 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. The connection interface may be an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0029] The positioning unit 26 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. GNSS is, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 26 measures the position of the terminal device 20 and outputs the position to the control unit 21.

[0030] The configuration of the vehicle 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 again. The vehicle 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, an output unit 35, and a positioning unit 36.

[0031] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, at least one ECU, or any combination thereof. "ECU" is an abbreviation for electronic control unit. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 31 controls each part of the vehicle 30 and executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 30.

[0032] The storage unit 32 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 32 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores data used in the operation of the vehicle 30 and data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 30.

[0033] The communication unit 33 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a LAN interface. The communication unit 33 receives data used in the operation of the vehicle 30 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 30.

[0034] The input unit 34 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, a camera, or a microphone. The input unit 34 accepts an operation to input data used for the operation of the vehicle 30. The input unit 34 may be connected to the vehicle 30 as an external input device instead of being provided in the vehicle 30. Any connection method, such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark), can be used.

[0035] The output unit 35 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 35 outputs data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 30. The output unit 35 may be connected to the vehicle 30 as an external output device instead of being provided in the vehicle 30. Any connection method can be used, for example, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0036] The positioning unit 36 ​​includes at least one GNSS receiver. The GNSS may be, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. The positioning unit 36 ​​measures the position of the vehicle 30 and outputs the position to the control unit 31.

[0037] The functions of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor functioning as the control unit 11, the control unit 21, or the control unit 31. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 in accordance with the program.

[0038] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0039] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device with its processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may also be executed using a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions simply by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes something equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under the category of "something equivalent to a program."

[0040] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11, the control unit 21, or the control unit 31. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, or the vehicle 30 may be realized by hardware.

[0041] The operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. The operation of Figures 2A and 2B corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that communication between the information processing device 10 and an external device is performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 40.

[0042] 2A , the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives a start request signal from the terminal device 20 requesting the start of a remote service related to the vehicle 30. The remote service related to the vehicle 30 includes a service that enables remote control of each device of the vehicle 30. The remote service is not limited to this, and includes displaying various statuses of the vehicle 30 on an external device including the terminal device 20.

[0043] The start request signal may be transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10 in response to an arbitrary trigger. For example, when the terminal device 20 reads a predetermined code including the vehicle identification number of the vehicle 30 with a camera or the like, the start request signal may be transmitted to the information processing device 10. The code may include a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or the like, and may be installed at the store of the vehicle sales business. The control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 may transmit the start request signal to the information processing device 10 in response to an application made by the user on a predetermined web page. At this time, identification information for identifying the terminal device 20, such as the telephone number of the terminal device 20 or an identifier of the terminal device 20, may also be transmitted to the information processing device 10.

[0044] In S102 , the control unit 11 receives terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device 20 from the terminal device 20 , and receives vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30 .

[0045] In S103, the control unit 11 determines whether the distance between the location of the terminal device 20 indicated by the terminal location information received in S102 and the location of the vehicle 30 indicated by the vehicle location information is less than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be set in advance and stored in the memory unit 12. The predetermined distance may be, for example, 10 m, a distance that falls within the premises of the vehicle sales company's store where the vehicle 30 is located. If the distance is less than the predetermined distance (S103: YES), the processing operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S105. If the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (S103: NO), the processing operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S104.

[0046] In S104, the control unit 11 rejects the start request signal from the terminal device 20. After that, the processing operation of the control unit 11 returns to the beginning. As a result, only terminal devices 20 that are within a predetermined distance from the location of the vehicle 30 can remotely operate the vehicle 30. Since the temporary remote service is provided only to the user who uses the terminal device 20, security can be more reliably ensured.

[0047] In S105, the control unit 11 determines the expiration date of the operation interface used for the remote service. For example, the control unit 11 may communicate with a terminal device used by a vehicle sales company employee, receive information indicating the end date and time of the provision of the remote service from the terminal device, and determine the end date and time as the expiration date. For example, the control unit 11 may refer to information indicating time stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and determine the date and time calculated by adding the time to the current time as the expiration date. The time may be one hour, for example. After determining the expiration date, the control unit 11 may start a countdown to the expiration date.

[0048] In S106, the control unit 11 transmits information to the terminal device 20 to cause the terminal device 20 to function as an operation interface. The information includes the address of a web application that the terminal device 20 connects to and uses, settings for launching the application, and the like. The address includes a connection URL, etc. "URL" is an abbreviation for uniform resource locator. The web application is provided by the information processing device 10. The settings for launching the web application may include any information, such as a token or code. In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 connects to the web application using the settings from the address indicated by the information received from the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may permit a connection from the terminal device 20 based on the settings. This allows only remote operation via the web application provided by the information processing device 10, making it possible to more reliably ensure security in the provision of temporary remote services.

[0049] The control unit 11 may use the telephone number of the terminal device 20 to send an SMS containing the address to the terminal device 20. "SMS" is an abbreviation for Short Message Service. For example, the control unit 21 may accept a user operation via the input unit 24 in which the user selects the address contained in the SMS, and connect to a web application. By sending an SMS containing the address, the user can select the address and open the web application again even if the user accidentally closes the web application in the browser of the terminal device 20 before the expiration date.

[0050] The screen of the web application displayed on the output unit 25 of the terminal device 20 may be the same as the screen of an application that is downloaded and used after the vehicle 30 is purchased. The screen of the web application may display icons or the like that allow the user to input operation requests for the vehicle 30. The web application may be capable of sending and receiving messages and the like sent from the information processing device 10, or may have a chat function. In this way, the terminal device 20 can temporarily function as an operation interface.

[0051] In S107, the control unit 11 transmits a notification of the start of the remote service to the vehicle 30. The control unit 11 also rejects any subsequent start request signals from other terminal devices 20 different from the terminal device 20 in question. The control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 receives the start notification and sets each device of the vehicle 30 to an executable state. This enables the control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 to smoothly control each device of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the instruction signal described below.

[0052] As shown in S107, the control unit 11 rejects a start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device 20 during the expiration date. This denies other people from remotely operating the vehicle 30 while the user is receiving the remote service, making it possible to more reliably ensure security in the provision of the temporary remote service.

[0053] In S108, the control unit 11 receives an operation request signal indicating a remote service operation request from the terminal device 20. The remote service operation request includes a request to remotely unlock and lock the vehicle 30, a request to operate each device provided in the vehicle 30, etc. The devices of the vehicle 30 include windows, lights, air conditioners, interior lighting, audio equipment, wireless communication equipment, etc. The operation request signal may be generated by the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 based on a user input to a web application displayed on the output unit 25 of the terminal device 20. In this example, the remote service operation request is to unlock the vehicle 30.

[0054] In S109, the control unit 11 determines whether the transmission of the operation request signal is within the expiration date. If it is within the expiration date (S109: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to S110. If it is past the expiration date (S109: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to S118. As will be described below, after the operations of S118 and S119, the control unit 11 ends its operation.

[0055] 2B, the control unit 11 generates, based on the operation request signal, an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle 30. In this example, the control unit 11 generates an instruction signal for instructing the vehicle 30 to unlock.

[0056] In S111, the control unit 11 transmits the generated instruction signal to the vehicle 30. After that, the control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 receives the instruction signal and controls each device of the vehicle 30 based on the instruction signal. For example, the control unit 31 controls operations such as unlocking or locking the vehicle 30 and opening and closing windows. In this example, the control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 controls the keys of the doors of the vehicle 30 to unlock them.

[0057] As shown in S105 to S111, when the control unit 11 receives an operation request signal indicating a request for operation of a remote service, input using the operation interface, from the terminal device 20 within the expiration date, the control unit 11 generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle 30 based on the operation request signal. According to this embodiment, an instruction signal based only on an operation request signal within the expiration date is transmitted to the vehicle 30. This makes it possible to prevent operations on the vehicle 30 from being performed for an unnecessarily long time, and to more reliably ensure security.

[0058] In S112, the control unit 11 determines whether the current time is within the expiration date. If the current time is within the expiration date (S112: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to S113. If the expiration date has passed (S112: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to S118. As will be described below, after the operations of S118 and S119, the control unit 11 ends its operation.

[0059] In S113, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an end request signal requesting the end of the remote service has been received from the terminal device 20. If an end request signal has been received (S113: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to S117. If an end request signal has not been received (S113: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to S114.

[0060] First, a case where the control unit 11 determines that the termination request signal has not been received in S113 will be described. In S114, the control unit 11 receives terminal location information from the terminal device 20 and vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30.

[0061] In S115, the control unit 11 determines whether the distance between the location of the terminal device 20 indicated by the terminal location information received in S114 and the location of the vehicle 30 indicated by the vehicle location information is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12. If the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (S115: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to S116. If the distance is less than the predetermined distance (S115: NO), the control unit 11 returns to S108.

[0062] In S116, the control unit 11 rejects the operation request signal from the terminal device 20. This prevents a user from remotely operating the terminal device 20 from outside the range assumed for the temporary provision of the remote service, thereby ensuring security more reliably. After that, the processing operation of the control unit 11 returns to S108.

[0063] In S116, the control unit 11 may further generate information indicating that the user is away from the vehicle 30, such as a text message, and transmit the information to the terminal device 20. The control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 that has received the information outputs the information via the output unit 25. This allows the user to easily notice that the user has moved away from the vehicle 30 by more than the distance required for remote operation.

[0064] Next, a case will be described in which the control unit 11 determines in S113 that it has received an end request signal. In S117, the control unit 11 rejects any subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device 20 as an operation interface.

[0065] As shown in S113 and S117, when the control unit 11 receives a termination request signal requesting termination of the remote service from the terminal device 20, the control unit 11 rejects any subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device 20. This allows the user to terminate the remote operation of the vehicle 30 at a timing of their choice. This eliminates the need to manually take steps to terminate the temporary provision of the remote service, improving convenience for the vehicle sales business operator.

[0066] In S118, the control unit 11 transmits an end notification notifying the end of the remote service to the vehicle 30. The control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 receives the end notification and ends control of each device of the vehicle 30.

[0067] As shown in S112 to S118, when the expiration date has passed or when a termination request signal requesting termination of the remote service has been received from the terminal device 20, the control unit 11 transmits a termination notification notifying the termination of the remote service to the vehicle 30. This makes it possible to reliably terminate remote operation of the vehicle 30, improving convenience for the user and the vehicle sales company personnel.

[0068] In S119, the control unit 11 transmits a signal to the vehicle 30 instructing it to return the state of the vehicle 30 to the state before the start notification was transmitted (hereinafter also referred to as the "initial state"). Specifically, this signal is a signal instructing it to return all devices provided in the vehicle 30 that can be remotely controlled by the remote service to their initial states. The control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 receives this signal and returns the states of all devices of the vehicle 30 to their initial states. Thereafter, the operation of the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 ends.

[0069] The signal transmitted by the control unit 11 is not limited to the above, and may be a signal instructing the return of only some of the devices of the vehicle 30 to their initial states, or a signal instructing the return of all or some of the devices that can be remotely controlled by the remote service of the vehicle 30 to a predetermined state (hereinafter also referred to as a "default state"). Examples of the default state include a state in which the vehicle 30's windows are fully closed, the doors are locked, and the seats are tilted or positioned back to their predetermined positions. Information indicating the default state may be stored in the memory unit 12. This makes it possible to return any device of the vehicle 30 to any default state. For example, this eliminates the need for a vehicle sales company representative to manually restore the state of the vehicle 30, allowing for smoother preparation for the next temporary provision of the remote service.

[0070] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may further communicate with a master terminal device 20M that is different from the terminal device 20 used by the user. The master terminal device 20M is a management terminal device used by a vehicle sales company representative. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives management information from the master terminal device 20M that indicates whether provision of the remote service to the terminal device 20 is permitted or not permitted.

[0072] In this modification, the control unit 21 of the master terminal device 20M may receive an input of permission or denial from a vehicle sales company representative or the like via the input unit 24 and generate and acquire the management information. The management information may be stored in advance in the storage unit 22 of the master terminal device 20M. If the management information received from the master terminal device 20M indicates permission, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 permits the start request signal received from the terminal device 20 in S101 described above, and if the management information indicates denial, the control unit 11 rejects the start request signal. This makes it easier for the vehicle sales company representative to directly permit or deny the provision of remote services, enabling the representative to safely operate the vehicle 30.

[0073] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 receives a master start request signal requesting the start of a remote service from the master terminal device 20M via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 may reject subsequent operation request signals from the terminal devices 20. In this case, the control unit 11 may subsequently generate an instruction signal for the vehicle 30 based only on the operation request signal from the master terminal device 20M and transmit it to the vehicle 30. This makes it possible to prioritize remote operation by the master terminal device 20M over remote operation by the terminal devices 20. This enables safer and more appropriate operation of the vehicle 30.

[0074] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 receives information indicating an instruction to extend the expiration date from the master terminal device 20M, the control unit 11 may update the expiration date in accordance with the instruction and start a countdown to the updated expiration date. This allows the vehicle sales company's staff to provide temporary remote services to users more flexibly.

[0075] As another modification of the present embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines in the above-described S103 that the distance between the position of the terminal device 20 and the position of the vehicle 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the control unit 11 may generate information indicating that the terminal device 20 is away from the vehicle 30, as in the above-described S116, and transmit the information to the terminal device 20. This allows the user to easily grasp the distance required to remotely operate the vehicle 30 at the initial stage of experiencing the remote service.

[0076] As another variation of the present embodiment, the information processing device 10 may be provided in the vehicle 30. In this case, the terminal device 20 and the vehicle 30 are connected via close-proximity wireless communication such as Wi-Fi using terminal identification information on the network 40, such as an IP address. "IP" is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol. In this variation, when the terminal device 20 connects to the vehicle 30 via Wi-Fi using the vehicle 30 as an access point, information indicating a web page for selecting a request to start a remote service is transmitted from the vehicle 30 equipped with the information processing device 10 to the terminal device 20. Based on the information, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 changes the screen displayed on the output unit 25 to the screen of the web page. The control unit 21 accepts a user input requesting the start of remote operation via the input unit 24. Based on the accepted user input, the control unit 21 transmits a start request signal to the information processing device 10 equipped in the vehicle 30.

[0077] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 performs a predetermined authentication process, such as inputting a password. If authentication is successful, the control unit 11 may determine an expiration date and transmit information to the terminal device 20 for causing the terminal device 20 to function as an operation interface, similar to S105 and S106 described above. The terminal device 20 receives the information, displays an operation screen of the web application according to the above-described embodiment, and transmits an operation request signal indicating an operation request input by the user to the information processing device 10. Similar to S109 to S111 described above, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle 30 based on the operation request signal received within the expiration date and outputs it to the control unit 31 of the vehicle 30. The control unit 31 of the vehicle 30 controls each device of the vehicle 30 based on the instruction signal. Thus, when the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 is connected to the terminal device 20 via Wi-Fi, the control unit 11 receives and accepts the operation request signal from the terminal device 20. When the control unit 11 is not connected, i.e., when the distance to the vehicle 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the control unit 11 does not accept the operation request signal and consequently rejects the operation request signal. As described above, according to this modification, the information processing device 10 can impose distance-based operation restrictions on the terminal device 20 without using terminal location information measured by GPS or the like.

[0078] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Supplementary Note 1] A method executed by an information processing device including a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives, from the terminal device via the communication unit, a start request signal that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determines an expiration date of an operation interface used for the remote service; transmits, to the terminal device via the communication unit, information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface; and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service input using the operation interface is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal; and transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit. [Supplementary Note 2] The method described in Supplementary Note 1, further including the control unit rejecting the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device within the expiration date. [Supplementary Note 3] The method described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising the control unit receiving, from the terminal device via the communication unit, terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device, receiving, from the vehicle via the communication unit, vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle, determining whether a distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and rejecting the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device if the distance is less than the predetermined distance. [Supplementary Note 4] The method described in any one of Supplements 1 to 3, further comprising the control unit, when receiving, from the terminal device via the communication unit, an end request signal requesting the end of the remote service within the expiration date, rejecting any subsequent operation request signal from the terminal device.[Supplementary Note 5] The method according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, further comprising the control unit: receiving, from the terminal device via the communication unit, terminal location information indicating a location of the terminal device; receiving, from the vehicle via the communication unit, vehicle location information indicating a location of the vehicle; determining whether a distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information; and rejecting the operation request signal from the terminal device if the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. [Supplementary Note 6] The method according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, further comprising: when the control unit receives the start request signal from the terminal device, transmitting a start notification to the vehicle via the communication unit notifying the start of the remote service; and when the expiration date has passed or an end request signal requesting the end of the remote service is received from the terminal device via the communication unit, transmitting an end notification to the vehicle via the communication unit notifying the end of the remote service. [Supplementary Note 7] The method described in Supplementary Note 6, further comprising the control unit transmitting to the vehicle via the communication unit a signal instructing to return the state of the vehicle to the state before the start notification was transmitted. [Supplementary Note 8] The method described in any one of Supplements 1 to 7, further comprising the control unit receiving, via the communication unit, management information from a master terminal device different from the terminal device, indicating permission or denial of provision of the remote service to the terminal device, and refusing the start request signal from the terminal device if the management information indicates denial. [Supplementary Note 9] The method described in Supplementary Note 8, further comprising the control unit, upon receiving from the master terminal device via the communication unit a master start request signal requesting the start of the remote service, refusing any subsequent operation request signal from the terminal device.[Supplementary Note 10] The method according to any one of Supplements 1 to 9, wherein the information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface includes at least one of an address to a web application and settings for launching the web application. [Supplementary Note 11] An information processing device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle; and a control unit, wherein the control unit: receives a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit, requesting the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determines an expiration date of an operation interface to be used for the remote service; transmits information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface to the terminal device via the communication unit; and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generates an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal, and transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit. [Supplementary Note 12] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the control unit rejects the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device within the expiration date. [Supplementary Note 13] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 11 or 12, wherein the control unit receives terminal location information indicating a location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receives vehicle location information indicating a location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determines whether a distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and if the distance is less than the predetermined distance, rejects the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device. [Supplementary Note 14] The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 13, wherein, if the control unit receives an end request signal requesting end of the remote service from the terminal device via the communication unit during the expiration date, the control unit rejects subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device.[Supplementary Note 15] The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 11 to 14, wherein the control unit receives terminal location information indicating a location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receives vehicle location information indicating a location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determines whether a distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and rejects the operation request signal from the terminal device if the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. [Supplementary Note 16] The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 11 to 15, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the start request signal from the terminal device, transmits a start notification to the vehicle via the communication unit notifying the start of the remote service, and, if the expiration date has passed or an end request signal requesting the end of the remote service is received from the terminal device via the communication unit, transmits an end notification to the vehicle via the communication unit notifying the end of the remote service. [Supplementary Note 17] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 16, wherein the control unit transmits to the vehicle via the communication unit a signal instructing the vehicle to return the state of the vehicle to the state before the start notification was transmitted. [Supplementary Note 18] The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 11 to 17, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, management information from a master terminal device different from the terminal device, indicating permission or denial of provision of the remote service to the terminal device, and rejects the start request signal from the terminal device if the management information indicates denial. [Supplementary Note 19] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein, when the control unit receives from the master terminal device via the communication unit a master start request signal requesting the start of the remote service, the control unit rejects subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device.[Supplementary Note 20] A program causing a computer as an information processing device, which includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, to perform operations including: receiving, from the terminal device via the communication unit, a start request signal that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determining an expiration date of an operation interface used for the remote service; transmitting, to the terminal device via the communication unit, information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface; and, when an operation request signal that indicates an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generating an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal; and transmitting the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

[0079] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 10 Information processing device 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Communication unit 20 Terminal device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 24 Input unit 25 Output unit 26 Positioning unit 30 Vehicle 31 Control unit 32 Storage unit 33 Communication unit 34 Input unit 35 Output unit 36 ​​Positioning unit 40 Network

Claims

1. A method executed by an information processing device having a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, the method including the control unit receiving a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle, determining an expiration date of an operation interface to be used for the remote service, transmitting information to the terminal device via the communication unit that causes the terminal device to function as the operation interface, and when an operation request signal that indicates an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generating an instruction signal to control the vehicle based on the operation request signal, and transmitting the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit rejecting the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device within the expiration period.

3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit receiving terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receiving vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determining whether the distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and rejecting the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device if the distance is less than the predetermined distance.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit rejecting subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device when the control unit receives, within the expiration date, a termination request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit, requesting termination of the remote service.

5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit receiving terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receiving vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determining whether the distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and rejecting the operation request signal from the terminal device if the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit transmitting a start notification to the vehicle via the communication unit when it receives the start request signal from the terminal device, notifying the vehicle of the start of the remote service, and transmitting an end notification to the vehicle via the communication unit when the expiration date has passed or when it receives an end request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit requesting the end of the remote service, notifying the vehicle of the end of the remote service.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the control unit transmitting to the vehicle via the communication unit a signal instructing the vehicle to return to the state before the start notification was transmitted.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit receiving, via the communication unit, management information from a master terminal device different from the terminal device, indicating whether provision of the remote service to the terminal device is permitted or not permitted, and rejecting the start request signal from the terminal device if the management information indicates that it is not permitted.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the control unit rejecting subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device when the control unit receives a master start request signal from the master terminal device via the communication unit, the master start request signal requesting the start of the remote service.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface includes at least one of an address to a web application and settings for launching the web application.

11. An information processing device comprising a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, wherein the control unit: receives a start request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit, requesting the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determines an expiration date of an operation interface used for the remote service; transmits information to the terminal device via the communication unit to cause the terminal device to function as the operation interface; and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generates an instruction signal to control the vehicle based on the operation request signal; and transmits the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

12. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit rejects the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device during the validity period.

13. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit receives terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receives vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determines whether the distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and if the distance is less than the predetermined distance, rejects the start request signal from a terminal device other than the terminal device.

14. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit, upon receiving a termination request signal from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, requesting termination of the remote service, rejects any subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device.

15. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit receives terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal device from the terminal device via the communication unit, receives vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle from the vehicle via the communication unit, determines whether the distance between the terminal device and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance based on the terminal location information and the vehicle location information, and rejects the operation request signal from the terminal device if the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance.

16. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the start request signal from the terminal device, transmits a start notification notifying the vehicle of the start of the remote service via the communication unit, and, upon receiving the expiration date or an end request signal requesting the end of the remote service from the terminal device via the communication unit, transmits an end notification notifying the vehicle of the end of the remote service via the communication unit.

17. An information processing device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit transmits to the vehicle via the communication unit a signal instructing the vehicle to return to the state before the start notification was transmitted.

18. An information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, management information from a master terminal device different from the terminal device, indicating whether provision of the remote service to the terminal device is permitted or not permitted, and if the management information indicates not permitted, rejects the start request signal from the terminal device.

19. An information processing device according to claim 18, wherein when the control unit receives a master start request signal requesting the start of the remote service from the master terminal device via the communication unit, it rejects any subsequent operation request signals from the terminal device.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer as an information processing device, which has a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device and a vehicle, and a control unit, to perform operations including receiving, from the terminal device via the communication unit, a start request signal that requests the start of a remote service related to the vehicle; determining an expiration date of an operation interface used for the remote service; transmitting, to the terminal device via the communication unit, information for causing the terminal device to function as the operation interface; and, when an operation request signal indicating an operation request for the remote service, input using the operation interface, is received from the terminal device via the communication unit within the expiration date, generating an instruction signal for controlling the vehicle based on the operation request signal; and transmitting the instruction signal to the vehicle via the communication unit.

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