Remote operation method, server, and remote operation system

Abstract

This remote operation system comprises a terminal, a server, a remote operation target unit mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with the terminal, and a vehicle control unit for controlling the remote operation target unit on the basis of a remote operation signal. The terminal transmits a prescribed period including a prescribed time to a mode instruction unit. Before the remote operation signal is transmitted, the mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit so as to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remote operation target unit to an activation mode in the prescribed period.

Description

Remote operation method, server, and remote operation system

[0009] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote operation method, a server, and a remote operation system.

[0002] There is known a technique of detecting the activation of an application program for remote operation on a user terminal and transmitting a command signal for shifting an ECU mounted on a vehicle from a sleep state to an activation state to a communication terminal of the vehicle, triggered by the detection of the activation of the application program (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023 - 121998

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when it takes time from the activation of the application program on the user terminal until the ECU of the vehicle shifts to the activation state and the remote operation of the vehicle becomes executable, there is a problem that the response of the vehicle to the remote operation still becomes slow.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a remote operation method, a server, and a remote operation system in which a vehicle can respond faster to a remote operation.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by transmitting a mode instruction signal to a vehicle communication unit so as to set the modes of a remote operation target unit and a vehicle control unit that controls the remote operation target unit based on a remote operation signal transmitted from a terminal to an activation mode for a predetermined period before the remote operation signal is transmitted.

[0007] According to the present invention, a vehicle can respond faster to a remote operation.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a remote operation system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an app screen of a terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the on / off switching of the activation modes of a PCU and each in - vehicle device in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart for explaining a remote operation method executed by the remote operation system of the present embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a remote operation system according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the remote control system according to this embodiment. The remote control system according to this embodiment is a system for an operator outside the vehicle to remotely control the vehicle. Remote control means transmitting instruction signals from a distance to control the operation of in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle. Outside the vehicle is not particularly limited as long as it is a location away from the vehicle body. The operator is, for example, the vehicle user. The vehicle user may be the vehicle owner or a user of a ride-hailing service, etc. When the user is at a location away from the vehicle, such as before the user gets in the vehicle or after the user gets out of the vehicle, the user remotely controls the vehicle using the remote control system. The remote control system 100 includes a terminal 10, a cloud server 20, a PCU 30, an IVC 31, in-vehicle equipment 32, a CAN master 33, a vehicle status acquisition unit 34, and a power supply system 40. The PCU 30, IVC 31, in-vehicle equipment 32, CAN master 33, vehicle status acquisition unit 34, and power supply system 40 are mounted on the vehicle 1 and are connected to each other by an in-vehicle communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor. The vehicle 1 may also be a vehicle that obtains power from an engine (ICE vehicle). In Figure 1, the arrows connecting each block indicate communication lines. Although omitted in Figure 1, the PCU 30, IVC 31, in-vehicle equipment 32, and CAN master 33 are connected to the power supply system 40 by power lines.

[0011] PCU 30, IVC 31, and CAN master 33 are electronic control units (ECUs). The in-vehicle equipment 32 is equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU), and its operation is controlled by the electronic control unit. PCU 30 is an example of a device equipped with the "vehicle control unit" described in the claims. IVC 31 is an example of a device equipped with the "vehicle communication unit" described in the claims. The in-vehicle equipment 32 is an example of a "remotely controlled unit" described in the claims. The cloud server 20 is an example of a "server" described in the claims.

[0012] Terminal 10 is a device used by an external operator of vehicle 1 to remotely control vehicle 1. The target of remote control is the in-vehicle equipment of vehicle 1. Terminal 10 is equipped with a computer having hardware and software, and this computer includes ROM which stores programs, a CPU (processor) which executes the programs stored in ROM, and RAM which functions as an accessible storage device.

[0013] Terminal 10 is equipped with a display for displaying images to the operator operating Terminal 10. The display may be an example of a liquid crystal display. Terminal 10 is equipped with an input device for the operator to input various operation information. For example, the input device is composed of a touch panel. Terminal 10 has a touchscreen in which a touch panel is superimposed on the display. The operator views the images displayed on the display and performs operation input on the touch panel.

[0014] Terminal 10, controlled by a computer, provides the operator with necessary information by coordinating the operation of each device within Terminal 10, and instructs the operator to remotely control Vehicle 1. Each device within Terminal 10 is connected to each other via a LAN or the like so that information can be exchanged. Terminal 10 accepts operation input via touch operation on the display, identifies control items corresponding to the operation input, and sends signals corresponding to the control items to the cloud server 20. The display receives instruction signals from the computer and displays images to the operator. The input device accepts operation input from the user and outputs signals related to the operation input to the computer.

[0015] Terminal 10 is wirelessly connected to the cloud server 20 via a wireless network and includes a terminal communication unit capable of communicating with the IVC 31 via the cloud server 20. Terminal 10 uses the terminal communication unit to transmit various signals to the cloud server 20 and to receive various signals from the cloud server 20. For example, when a user inputs an operation command to remotely control the in-vehicle device 32, terminal 10 transmits a remote control signal to the IVC 31 via the cloud server 20 for remote control of the in-vehicle device 32.

[0016] In scenarios where a user is remotely operating the vehicle, the user is away from the vehicle 1 and the ignition switch of the vehicle 1 is set to the off state, so the vehicle 1, including the in-vehicle equipment 32, is in sleep mode. In this embodiment, the user can set the vehicle 1 to the start mode in advance via the terminal 10. Specifically, when the user makes an operation input for mode setting, the terminal 10 transmits a mode instruction signal including a predetermined period to the mode instruction unit 200 provided on the cloud server 20. The mode instruction signal is a signal for setting the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to the start mode. The predetermined period is a time period that the user can set as desired, and is the time period during which the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 are set to the start mode. That is, the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 are set to the start mode for the duration of the predetermined period. The predetermined period includes a predetermined time. For example, the predetermined period includes a predetermined start time and a predetermined end time, and is specified as the period between the predetermined start time and the predetermined end time. The user sets the predetermined period by selecting a predetermined start time and a predetermined end time. Furthermore, the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 may be set to sleep mode for periods other than the set predetermined period. Alternatively, the user may set the period for which the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 are set to sleep mode. In this case, the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 are set to start mode for periods other than the period for which they are set to sleep mode. In start mode, each device of the vehicle 1 is in an activated state. In sleep mode, each device of the vehicle 1 is in a sleep state.

[0017] In this embodiment, the user pre-specifies a predetermined period for setting the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the startup mode, in line with the scheduled time for remote operation of the in-vehicle device 32. For example, the user specifies a predetermined period such that the scheduled time for remote operation of the in-vehicle device 32 is included within that period. That is, the predetermined start time is specified as a time before the time the user plans to launch the application for remote operation. When the user sets the mode including the predetermined period, the terminal 10 transmits the predetermined period to the cloud server 20. The mode setting is performed before remote operation. The cloud server 20 transmits a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle device 32 to the startup mode during the set predetermined period. In accordance with the mode instruction signal, the in-vehicle device 32 remains in the startup state for the predetermined period. As a result, since the in-vehicle device 32 is already in the startup state by the time the user remotely operates the in-vehicle device 32, the user does not need to wait for the time required for the in-vehicle device 32 to switch from sleep mode to startup mode and become remotely controllable. In particular, users no longer have to wait between launching the remote control application and the vehicle becoming remotely controllable, allowing the vehicle to respond to remote control more quickly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, vehicle 1 is set to startup mode during a predetermined period, and remains in sleep mode outside of that period, thus minimizing power consumption.

[0018] Furthermore, if there are multiple in-vehicle devices 32 that can be remotely controlled, the user may select the in-vehicle device 32 to be remotely controlled and mode-set. The terminal 10 receives user input to select the target in-vehicle device 32 and a predetermined period. The terminal 10 transmits the in-vehicle device 32 and the predetermined period selected by the user to the mode instruction unit 200.

[0019] Here, an example of user input will be explained using Figure 2. Terminal 10 accepts input for selecting the on / off state of the startup mode and input for selecting a predetermined time on the display mounted on Terminal 10. For example, Terminal 10 has a display that includes an input section for selecting the on / off state of the startup mode and an input section for selecting a predetermined time. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the application screen of the terminal according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the Rapid Mode setting screen is displayed on the display D of Terminal 10. Rapid Mode is an example of a "startup mode". The on state and off state of Rapid Mode correspond to the startup mode and sleep mode, respectively.

[0020] Terminal 10 is equipped with an application for remote control and an application (software) for setting Rapid Mode. Remote control of the in-vehicle device 32 and control of the display are performed by the application. The application for setting the startup mode may be included in the application for remote control, or it may be separated into a different application. When the user turns on the main switch of the display, terminal 10 displays the top screen on the display. The user touches the Rapid Mode icon or the remote control icon as the application to launch from the menu displayed on the top screen, and the display detects the touch operation. Terminal 10 launches the application for setting Rapid Mode or the application for remote control. If terminal 10 launches the application for setting Rapid Mode, it displays the Rapid Mode settings screen. When the user touches the Rapid Mode settings screen to input the startup mode settings, terminal 10 sends the startup mode settings to the cloud server 20. For example, if a user performs a touch operation to input a predetermined period, terminal 10 sends the predetermined period to cloud server 20.

[0021] Here, Figure 2 shows an example of the input section in the Rapid Mode setting screen. The input section displayed on Display D shows the Rapid Mode switching section Rm and the desired time zone setting section Dh. Display D also shows the Mode setting display section St. The Mode setting display section St shows the mode setting status and the charge status (SOC). The mode setting status indicates whether Rapid Mode is "active" or "inactive". The charge status shows the estimated value of the charge status at a predetermined time. The displayed estimated value is the estimated result of the change in the charge status of the vehicle battery. In the example in Figure 2, the estimated value of SOC at 19:00 is shown to be 67%. The Rapid Mode switching section Rm is the part that switches the state of the startup mode; if the toggle is on the right, it indicates the active (on) state, and if it is on the left, it indicates the inactive (off) state. The user can switch the position of the toggle with a touch operation. The desired time slot setting unit Dh is a button used to set the desired time slot for setting the in-vehicle device 32 to Rapid mode. When the user operates (presses) this button, the displayed desired time slot can be changed. In the example in Figure 2, the desired time slot is displayed as "Desired Hours Weekdays 6:00-19:00". The desired time slot displayed on the screen corresponds to the "specified period".

[0022] When the application for remote control is launched, terminal 10 displays the remote control application screen. When the user performs a touch operation on the application screen to instruct the remote control of the in-vehicle device 32, terminal 10 sends a remote control signal to the IVC 31 via the cloud server 20. This allows the user to perform remote control using the display while managing the remote control from the application screen.

[0023] In this embodiment, if the startup mode setting of the in-vehicle device 32 is not operable, the terminal 10 displays on its display that the startup mode setting of the in-vehicle device 32 is not operable. For example, if the startup mode setting is not operable because the in-vehicle device 32 is performing a predetermined process, the terminal 10 displays on its display that the startup mode setting is not operable because the in-vehicle device 32 is performing a predetermined process, and the time when the startup mode setting will become operable. Here, the predetermined process refers to, for example, a time-limited process such as reprogramming. The time when the startup mode setting will become operable is, for example, the scheduled completion time of the reprogramming. If the startup mode setting is not operable because the charge level of the in-vehicle battery is below a predetermined value, the terminal 10 displays on its display that the startup mode setting is not operable because the charge level of the in-vehicle battery is below a predetermined value, and the conditions under which the startup mode setting will become operable. The conditions under which the startup mode setting will become operable are, for example, remote charging to raise the charge level above a predetermined value. The in-vehicle battery is, for example, a high-voltage battery.

[0024] Here, using Figure 2, an example of a notification indicating that the startup mode setting is inoperable will be explained. A message screen is displayed on the display D so as to overlap each input. In the example in Figure 2, the message screen is displayed in the rectangular area M represented by the dotted line. The message screen is, for example, a pop-up screen. In this embodiment, when the Rapid mode setting is inoperable, a message screen indicating that the Rapid mode setting is inoperable is displayed. At this time, the message screen is displayed in a position where the mode setting status (mode setting display unit St) can be seen by the user. For example, when the charge amount is less than a predetermined value, a message screen M1 is displayed, as shown in Figure 2, indicating that the Rapid mode setting is inoperable because the charge amount is less than a predetermined value. In addition, a message screen M2 may be displayed that includes a message prompting the user to perform remote charging, in addition to the message indicating that the Rapid mode setting is inoperable because the charge amount is less than a predetermined value. For example, when the in-vehicle device 32 is being reprogrammed, a message screen M3 may be displayed, as shown in Figure 2, indicating that the Rapid mode setting is inoperable because it is being reprogrammed.

[0025] Furthermore, notification information including the result of changing the mode setting or the result of remote operation may be displayed on the terminal 10's display via push notifications or the like. The mode setting status may be displayed on the Rapid mode setting screen and / or the top screen. In addition, terminal 10 may display the progress of the vehicle battery charge status, or output notification information indicating that vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state for security purposes.

[0026] The cloud server 20 is an external server located outside of vehicle 1, for example, a server built on a cloud computing environment. The cloud server 20 is wirelessly connected to terminal 10 and IVC 31 via a wireless network and is a server capable of communicating with terminal 10 and IVC 31. The cloud server 20 relays the transmission and reception of information between terminal 10 and IVC 31. The cloud server 20 is equipped with a computer having hardware and software, and this computer includes a ROM that stores programs, a CPU (processor) that executes the programs stored in the ROM, and RAM that functions as an accessible storage device. The cloud server 20 is configured as a functional block that includes at least a mode instruction unit 200 and an operation instruction unit 201, and executes each function through the cooperation of software for realizing each function or executing each process and hardware. In this embodiment, the functions of the cloud server 20 are divided into two blocks and the functions of each functional block are explained, but the functions of the cloud server 20 do not necessarily need to be divided into two blocks, and may be divided into one functional block or three or more functional blocks.

[0027] The mode instruction unit 200 transmits a mode instruction signal to set the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to either the startup mode or the sleep mode. For example, the mode instruction unit 200 transmits a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to the startup mode for a predetermined period of time. The mode instruction unit 200 may also transmit a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to the sleep mode for a predetermined period of time.

[0028] Here, the method for determining the predetermined period by the mode instruction unit 200 will be explained. When the mode instruction unit 200 receives a predetermined period (desired time period) selected by the user from the terminal 10, it determines the selected predetermined period (desired time period) as the predetermined period for setting the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle device 32 to the activation mode. Alternatively, the mode instruction unit 200 may determine the predetermined period for setting the modes of the PCU 30 and the in-vehicle device 32 to the activation mode based on the user's past usage of the in-vehicle device 32. For example, the mode instruction unit 200 may determine the predetermined period to include the time period in which the user frequently remotely operates the in-vehicle device 32.

[0029] Furthermore, if there are multiple in-vehicle devices 32 that are subject to remote control, the mode instruction unit 200 may select the in-vehicle devices 32 that are subject to remote control and mode setting, and determine a predetermined period for setting each selected in-vehicle device 32 to the startup mode. When the mode instruction unit 200 receives the in-vehicle device 32 selected by the user and the predetermined period from the terminal 10, it sends a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 selected by the user to the startup mode for the predetermined period. The mode instruction unit 200 also selects the in-vehicle device 32 to be set to the mode and the predetermined period according to the user's past usage of the in-vehicle device 32. For example, the mode instruction unit 200 determines the in-vehicle device 32 to be set to the startup mode and the predetermined period to be set to the startup mode according to the user's execution log and activity history data. The mode instruction unit 200 sends a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the mode of the selected in-vehicle device 32 to the startup mode for the predetermined period.

[0030] Here, the timing of the transmission of the mode instruction signal by the mode instruction unit 200 will be explained. The mode instruction unit 200 transmits the mode instruction signal before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal 10. Specifically, before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal 10 is before the user launches the application for remote control on the terminal 10. For example, when the current time reaches the start time of a predetermined period (predetermined start time), the mode instruction unit 200 transmits a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the modes of the vehicle control unit 300 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to the activation mode. Specifically, the mode instruction unit 200 is equipped with a timer with a timing function and acquires the current time. The mode instruction unit 200 determines whether the current time has reached the predetermined start time. When the current time reaches the predetermined start time, the mode instruction unit 200 transmits a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the modes of the vehicle control unit 300 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to the activation mode. Furthermore, the mode instruction unit 200 determines whether the current time has reached the end time of a predetermined period (predetermined end time). When the current time reaches a predetermined end time, the mode instruction unit 200 transmits a mode instruction signal to the IVC 31 to set the mode of the vehicle control unit 300 and the in-vehicle equipment 32 to sleep mode.

[0031] Alternatively, the mode instruction unit 200 may transmit a mode instruction signal including a predetermined period to the IVC 31 at the timing when it receives a predetermined period from the terminal 10, before the current time becomes the predetermined start time. In this case, the PCU 30, which has acquired the predetermined period via the IVC 31, determines whether or not the current time has become the start time of the predetermined period.

[0032] The mode indicator unit 200 may display the progression of the vehicle battery's charge state (e.g., SOC) on the terminal 10. Based on a set predetermined period, the mode indicator unit 200 obtains the period during which the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32 are set to sleep mode and the period during which they are set to start mode, respectively. Based on the period during which the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32 are set to sleep mode and the period during which they are set to start mode, the mode indicator unit 200 estimates the amount of power consumed by the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32. For example, the mode indicator unit 200 stores in advance the amount of power consumed per unit time for the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32 when they are set to sleep mode and the amount of power consumed per unit time for the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32 when they are set to start mode, and estimates the amount of power consumed by the PCU 30 and the vehicle device 32 based on the length of each period. Based on the estimated amount of power consumed, the mode indicator unit 200 estimates the progression of the vehicle battery's charge state. For example, the mode indicator unit 200 obtains the current charge state of the onboard battery from the IVC 31 and estimates the progression of the onboard battery's charge state by subtracting the amount of power consumed over time from the current charge state. Note that the estimation of the progression of the charge state is not limited to being performed by the mode indicator unit 200, but may also be performed by a device in the vehicle 1, such as the PCU 30.

[0033] The operation instruction unit 201 transmits a remote control signal to the IVC 31. For example, the operation instruction unit 201 transmits a remote control signal to the IVC 31 when it receives a remote control signal from the terminal 10. The remote control signal includes information for identifying the in-vehicle device 32 to be remotely controlled and control content.

[0034] The IVC 31 is a communication terminal that wirelessly connects the vehicle to the outside via a wireless network. The IVC 31 can communicate with terminal 10 via cloud server 20. The IVC 31 receives various signals from terminal 10 via cloud server 20. The received signals include remote control signals. The IVC 31 also receives various signals from cloud server 20. The received signals include mode instruction signals. The IVC 31 outputs the received signals to PCU 30. The IVC 31 also transmits various signals to terminal 10 via cloud server 20. For example, when the startup mode is started in vehicle 1, the IVC 31 sends a mode start signal to terminal 10 indicating that the startup mode has started.

[0035] The PCU 30 is a device that controls various devices mounted on the vehicle 1, such as in-vehicle equipment 32. The PCU 30 is an ECU equipped with a computer having hardware and software, and this computer includes a ROM that stores a control program, a CPU (processor) that executes the control program stored in the ROM, and RAM that functions as an accessible storage device. In this embodiment, the PCU 30 controls the in-vehicle equipment 32 based on remote control signals transmitted from the terminal 10. Specifically, the PCU 30 transmits control signals to the in-vehicle equipment 32 according to the control content instructed by the remote control signals. The PCU 30 is configured as a functional block and includes at least a vehicle control unit 300, a charging state determination unit 301, and a security determination unit 302, and each function is executed by the cooperation of software and hardware to realize each of the above functions or to execute each of the above processes. In this embodiment, the functions of the PCU 30 are divided into three blocks, and the functions of each block are explained. However, the functions of the PCU 30 do not necessarily need to be divided into three blocks; they may be divided into two or fewer function blocks, or even four or more function blocks.

[0036] When the vehicle control unit 300 receives a mode instruction signal from the mode instruction unit 200 via the IVC 31, it switches to startup mode and enters a startup state. The vehicle control unit 300 then sets the mode of the in-vehicle equipment 32 to startup mode according to the mode instruction signal. For example, the vehicle control unit 300 outputs a mode instruction signal to the in-vehicle equipment 32. If an in-vehicle equipment 32 to be set in mode is selected, the vehicle control unit 300 outputs a mode instruction signal to the selected in-vehicle equipment 32. In addition, when the vehicle control unit 300 outputs a mode instruction signal to the in-vehicle equipment 32, it also outputs a mode instruction signal to the CAN master 33 and outputs a signal to the power supply system 40 to instruct power supply.

[0037] Here, the timing of the output of the mode instruction signal by the vehicle control unit 300 will be explained. If the cloud server 20 is determining whether the current time has reached a predetermined time, the vehicle control unit 300 will output a mode instruction signal to the in-vehicle device 32 when it receives the mode instruction signal. Alternatively, the vehicle control unit 300 may determine whether the current time has reached a predetermined time. In this case, the vehicle control unit 300 is equipped with a timer with a timing function and acquires the current time. The vehicle control unit 300 determines whether the current time has reached a predetermined start time. If the current time has reached the predetermined start time, the vehicle control unit 300 outputs a mode instruction signal to the in-vehicle device 32 to set the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the start mode. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 300 determines whether the current time has reached the end time of a predetermined period (predetermined end time). If the current time has reached the predetermined end time, the vehicle control unit 300 sends a mode instruction signal to the in-vehicle device 32 to set the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to sleep mode, and the device transitions to sleep mode.

[0038] Here, an example of switching the startup mode on and off will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the switching of the startup mode on and off for the PCU and each in-vehicle device in this embodiment. The upper part of Figure 3 shows the vehicle usage situation and the transition of the mode state along the time axis, and the lower part shows the on / off state of the startup mode of the PCU and each in-vehicle device in each mode state. The time axis shows an example of a daily schedule. The user travels by vehicle from home to work in the morning, travels by vehicle from work in the afternoon to home, and charges the vehicle at home at night. The startup mode state transitions hourly through a first inactive state, a first active state, a second active state, a third active state, a fourth active state, a fifth active state, and a second inactive state. The targets of mode setting include the PCU, air conditioning system (HVAC), door lock, and camera, as shown in the block diagram. In the block diagram, blocks represented by solid lines indicate the active state, and blocks represented by dotted lines indicate the inactive state. The PCU and in-vehicle equipment are in an active state when the mode state is active, and are in a sleep state when the mode state is inactive.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the startup mode state is a first inactive state until 6:00, and then a first active state from 6:00 to 8:00. In the first active state, the PCU and HVAC are in startup mode. In the example in Figure 3, the user operates terminal 10 at 6:50 as pre-conditioning before using vehicle 1, sending a remote control signal to vehicle 1 to remotely control the air conditioning system. After that, the startup mode state transitions to a second active state from 8:00. In the second active state, the PCU and door locks are in startup mode. In the example in Figure 3, after using vehicle 1, the user operates terminal 10 at 8:10 to send a remote control signal to vehicle 1 to remotely control the door locks. Next, the startup mode state transitions to a third active state. In the third active state, the PCU and cameras are in startup mode. At 13:00, the user operates terminal 10 to send a remote control signal to vehicle 1 to remotely control the cameras.

[0040] Subsequently, the startup mode transitions to a fourth active state. In the fourth active state, the PCU and the air conditioning system are in startup mode. As pre-air conditioning before using vehicle 1, the user operates terminal 10 at 16:50 to send a remote control signal to vehicle 1 for remote operation of the air conditioning system. Furthermore, the startup mode transitions to a fifth active state from 18:00. In the fifth active state, the PCU and door locks are in startup mode. After using vehicle 1, the user operates terminal 10 at 19:00 to send a remote control signal to vehicle 1 for remote operation of the door locks. Finally, the startup mode transitions to a second inactive state from 19:30. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the in-vehicle equipment 32 is set to startup mode before the user starts the application on terminal 10 to remotely operate the in-vehicle equipment 32. In other words, when the user launches the application for remote control, the in-vehicle device 32 is already set to startup mode and ready for remote control. Therefore, the user does not need to wait for the in-vehicle device 32 to switch from sleep mode to startup mode after launching the application for remote control.

[0041] Furthermore, the PCU 30 is not limited to setting the in-vehicle device 32 to startup mode only when it has received a mode instruction signal from the cloud server 20. It may also determine whether the conditions for setting to startup mode are met in combination with other conditions. These other conditions are also called mode permission conditions. For example, the mode permission conditions may include the condition that the charge state of the in-vehicle battery is above a predetermined value. The charge state determination unit 301 determines whether the charge state of the in-vehicle battery is above a predetermined value. The charge state of the in-vehicle battery is, for example, the SOC of the high-voltage battery mounted in the vehicle 1. The charge state determination unit 301 obtains the charge state of the high-voltage battery from the high-voltage battery system 50. The vehicle control unit 300 sets the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to startup mode when the charge state determination unit 301 determines that the charge state is above a predetermined value. The vehicle control unit 300 sets the mode of the vehicle control unit 300 and the in-vehicle device 32 to sleep mode when the charge state determination unit 301 determines that the charge state is below a predetermined value.

[0042] Furthermore, the mode permission conditions may include the condition that the in-vehicle device 32 is not undergoing FOTA reprogramming. The vehicle control unit 300 determines whether an in-vehicle device 32 that requires CAN sleep and high-voltage relay off during FOTA reprogramming is undergoing FOTA reprogramming. If the vehicle control unit 300 determines that the in-vehicle device 32 is not undergoing FOTA reprogramming, it sets the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the start mode. If the vehicle control unit 300 determines that the in-vehicle device 32 is undergoing FOTA reprogramming, it sets the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to sleep mode. In this case, the vehicle control unit 300 sets the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the start mode when the FOTA reprogramming of the in-vehicle device 32 is completed.

[0043] Further, the mode permission condition may include the condition that there is no abnormality in the DC-DC converter mounted on the vehicle 1. The vehicle control unit 300 acquires the state of the DC-DC converter from the power supply system 40 and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the DC-DC converter. When there is no abnormality in the DC-DC converter, the vehicle control unit 300 sets the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the activation mode. When there is an abnormality in the DC-DC converter, the vehicle control unit 300 prohibits setting the mode of the in-vehicle device 32 to the activation mode. Note that the vehicle control unit 300 is not limited to setting to the activation mode when all of the above conditions are satisfied, and may be set to the activation mode when at least any one of the conditions is satisfied.

[0044] The security determination unit 302 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security based on the state of the vehicle 1 acquired by the vehicle state acquisition unit 34. When the vehicle control unit 300 and the camera are in the sleep mode and the security determination unit 302 determines that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security, the security determination unit 302 sets the modes of the vehicle control unit 300 and the camera to the activation mode. Further, the security determination unit 302 causes the terminal 10 to output notification information indicating that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security. For example, based on the detection result of the sonar, when a moving object is approaching the vehicle 1 at a predetermined speed, the security determination unit 302 determines that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security. Also, the security determination unit 302 acquires the detection result of the G sensor and determines that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security when the vehicle 1 is vibrating with a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined vibration amplitude. Further, the security determination unit 302 acquires the detection result of the door lock sensor and determines that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security when the door lock of the vehicle 1 is in the unlocked state. When the camera is in the standby state in a ready state where imaging can be started with the activation mode set, and the security determination unit 302 determines that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security, the security determination unit 302 may start imaging by the camera and cause the terminal 10 to output notification information indicating that the vehicle 1 is in an abnormal state in terms of security.

[0045] The in-vehicle device 32 performs predetermined operations under the control of the PCU 30. Specifically, when the in-vehicle device 32 receives a control signal from the PCU 30, it performs operations to realize the functions of each device in accordance with the control signal. The PCU 30 outputs a control signal based on remote operation to the in-vehicle device 32, thereby remotely controlling the in-vehicle device 32 to perform predetermined operations. The in-vehicle device 32 includes at least one of the following: the door lock of the vehicle 1, the air conditioning system, the camera, the charging device, the horn, and the lights. The camera is a so-called DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The camera transmits the captured video to the terminal 10, thereby realizing a function that allows the captured video from the camera to be viewed on the terminal 10, such as Remote Live Monitor. When the in-vehicle device 32 receives a mode instruction signal from the PCU 30, it is set to either the startup mode or the sleep mode in accordance with the mode instruction signal. The in-vehicle device 32 set to startup mode or sleep mode transitions to the startup state or sleep state. If the in-vehicle device 32 is a camera, the camera waits in a ready state to start imaging when it is set to startup mode.

[0046] The CAN master 33 manages the in-vehicle communication network, such as the CAN (Controller Area Network). The CAN master 33 sets the CAN to either start mode or sleep mode. For example, when performing reprogramming using FOTA, the CAN master 33 sets the CAN to sleep mode. Also, when the CAN master 33 receives a mode instruction signal from the PCU 30, it sets the CAN to either start mode or sleep mode according to the mode instruction signal.

[0047] The vehicle state acquisition unit 34 acquires the state of the vehicle 1. The vehicle state acquisition unit 34 is, for example, sensors such as a sonar, a G-sensor, and a door lock sensor. The sonar is a ranging device for calculating the relative distance and relative speed between the vehicle and an object around the vehicle. The G-sensor detects the vibration of the vehicle. The G-sensor is provided on the body (vehicle body) of the vehicle. The door lock sensor is a sensor installed in the door lock, and acquires an unlock signal indicating that the door is unlocked or a lock signal indicating that the door is locked. The vehicle state acquisition unit 34 outputs the detection value to the PCU 30.

[0048] The power supply system 40 is a system that supplies power to the devices mounted on the vehicle 1. The power supply system 40 includes a high-voltage battery system 50 and a low-voltage battery system 60. The high-voltage battery system 50 includes a high-voltage battery such as an HV battery, a DC-DC converter, and a high-voltage relay, and is a system that supplies power from the high-voltage battery. The low-voltage battery system 60 includes a low-voltage battery such as a lead battery, and is a system that supplies power from the low-voltage battery. The low-voltage battery can be charged by the power from the high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery is connected to the low-voltage battery via a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter converts the output voltage of the high-voltage battery and outputs it as the charging voltage of the low-voltage battery. The high-voltage relay functions as a switch for switching on and off the power supply from the high-voltage battery.

[0049] In the power supply system 40, when set to startup mode, the low-voltage battery receives power from the high-voltage battery. The low-voltage battery supplies power to the PCU 30, IVC 31, and in-vehicle equipment 32 while receiving power from the high-voltage battery. For example, when the PCU 30 is set to startup mode, it outputs a signal to the low-voltage battery system 60 instructing it to supply power in startup mode. When the low-voltage battery system 60 receives an input signal instructing it to supply power in startup mode, it outputs a signal to the high-voltage battery system 50 instructing it to supply power. When the high-voltage battery system 50 receives an input signal from the low-voltage battery system 60 instructing it to supply power, it starts supplying power from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage battery via a DC-DC converter. The low-voltage battery system 60 supplies power from the low-voltage battery to the PCU 30, IVC 31, and in-vehicle equipment 32. When set to sleep mode, the low-voltage battery supplies power to the PCU 30, IVC 31, and in-vehicle equipment 32 without receiving power from the high-voltage battery.

[0050] The high-voltage battery system 50 manages the charge state of the high-voltage battery and the state of the DC-DC converter. The high-voltage battery system 50 detects the charge state of the high-voltage battery (e.g., SOC) and outputs the charge state of the high-voltage battery to the PCU 30. The high-voltage battery system 50 also detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the DC-DC converter and outputs whether or not there is a malfunction in the DC-DC converter to the PCU 30.

[0051] Next, the procedure for the remote control method using the remote control system of this embodiment will be explained based on the sequence chart in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a sequence chart for explaining the remote control method performed by the remote control system of this embodiment. When the user inputs a predetermined period to set the startup mode on the terminal 10, the terminal 10 starts the control process from step S1.

[0052] In step S1, terminal 10 sends a predetermined period to cloud server 20. Cloud server 20 receives the predetermined period. In step S2, cloud server 20 determines whether the predetermined period has started. Specifically, cloud server 20 determines that the predetermined period has started if the current time is the start time of the predetermined period received from terminal 10, and proceeds to step S3. If the current time is not the start time of the predetermined period, cloud server 20 returns to step S2 and repeatedly performs the determination in step S2 until the current time becomes the start time of the predetermined period. In step S3, cloud server 20 sends a mode instruction signal to IVC 31. IVC 31 receives the mode instruction signal.

[0053] In step S4, the IVC 31 outputs a mode instruction signal to the PCU 30. In step S5, the PCU 30 enters startup mode. In step S6, the PCU 30 checks the mode permission conditions. For example, the PCU 30 checks whether the mode permission conditions for setting to startup mode are met based on the charge state of the vehicle battery, the reprogramming state, and the state of the DCDC converter. If the mode permission conditions are met, the PCU 30 outputs a mode instruction signal to the vehicle equipment 32 in step S7. The vehicle equipment 32 receives the mode instruction signal and enters the startup state. In step S8, the PCU 30 outputs a power supply signal to the power supply system 40 to instruct power supply.

[0054] In step S9, the power supply system 40 starts supplying power. In step S10, the power supply system 40 notifies the PCU 30 that it has started supplying power. In step S11, the PCU 30 notifies the cloud server 20 that the startup mode has started. In step S12, the cloud server 20 sends a display signal to the terminal 10 indicating that the mode setting has been updated. The terminal 10 notifies the user that the startup mode has been set in response to the display signal. In this embodiment, the sequence shown in Figure 4 does not need to include all of steps S1 to S12, and some steps may be omitted, or may be modified as appropriate to include steps from other embodiments. The processing order of each step in the processing sequence may also be changed as appropriate.

[0055] As described above, the remote control method according to this embodiment is a remote control method performed by a remote control system comprising a terminal, a server, a remote control target unit mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle communication unit that can communicate with the terminal via the server, and a vehicle control unit that controls the remote control target unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal. The terminal transmits a predetermined period including a predetermined time to a mode instruction unit provided in the server, and the mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the activated mode for the predetermined period before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal. This allows the vehicle to respond to remote control more quickly.

[0056] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, when the vehicle control unit receives a mode instruction signal from the mode instruction unit via the vehicle communication unit, it switches to the activation mode and sets the mode of the remotely controlled unit to the activation mode according to the mode instruction signal. This allows the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remotely controlled unit to be set to the activation mode for a predetermined period of time.

[0057] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the vehicle control unit sets the mode of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to sleep mode when the charge level of the on-board battery is below a predetermined value. This allows the mode of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to be set to sleep mode when the vehicle is not sufficiently charged.

[0058] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the vehicle control unit determines whether a remote control target unit that requires the in-vehicle communication network to sleep and the high-voltage relay to be turned off during FOTA reprogramming is performing FOTA reprogramming. If it is determined that the remote control target unit is performing FOTA reprogramming, the vehicle control unit sets the mode of the remote control target unit to sleep mode, and when the FOTA reprogramming of the remote control target unit is completed, the vehicle control unit sets the mode of the remote control target unit to start mode. This makes it possible to switch the mode of the remote control target unit depending on whether or not it is performing FOTA reprogramming.

[0059] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the vehicle control unit determines whether or not there is a malfunction in the DC-DC converter mounted on the vehicle, and if there is a malfunction in the DC-DC converter, it prohibits setting the mode of the remotely controlled unit to the start mode. As a result, if there is a malfunction in the DC-DC converter, the mode of the remotely controlled unit can be maintained in sleep mode.

[0060] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the remote control target unit includes a camera mounted on the vehicle, and the camera is in a waiting state ready to start imaging when set to the startup mode. This allows imaging to start quickly when remote control is requested while suppressing power consumption.

[0061] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the mode instruction unit determines whether the current time has reached a predetermined time, and if the current time has reached the predetermined time, it sends a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the activation mode for a predetermined period. This makes it possible to give setting instructions that take into account the latest server settings.

[0062] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, when the mode instruction unit receives a predetermined period from the terminal, it transmits a mode instruction signal including the predetermined period to the vehicle communication unit, and the vehicle control unit determines whether the current time has reached the predetermined time, and if the current time has reached the predetermined time, it sets the mode of the remote control target unit to the activation mode for the predetermined period. This reduces the amount of communication required to transmit the instruction signal and allows the activation mode to be set according to the time even if the signal between the vehicle and the server is interrupted.

[0063] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, when the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit are set to start mode, they receive power from a low-voltage battery that receives power from a high-voltage battery, and when they are set to sleep mode, they receive power from a low-voltage battery that does not receive power from a high-voltage battery. This makes it possible to stably supply the necessary power according to the mode setting of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit.

[0064] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the remote control target unit includes at least one of the vehicle's door lock, air conditioning, camera, charging device, horn, and lights. The terminal receives user input to select the remote control target unit to be set to mode and a predetermined period. The terminal transmits the remote control target unit and predetermined period selected by the user to the mode instruction unit. The mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the remote control target unit selected by the user to the activation mode for the predetermined period. This allows the user to set a predetermined period for each remote control target unit.

[0065] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the remote control target unit includes at least one of the vehicle's door lock, air conditioning, camera, charging device, horn, and lights, and the mode instruction unit selects the remote control target unit and a predetermined period to be set in mode according to the user's past usage of the remote control target unit, and transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the selected remote control target unit to the activation mode for the predetermined period. This makes it possible to set a predetermined period for each remote control target unit according to the user's past usage.

[0066] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the mode instruction unit acquires the period set to sleep mode and the period set to start mode for the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit, respectively. Based on the periods set to sleep mode and start mode for the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit, the unit estimates the amount of power consumed by the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit. Based on the amount of power consumed, the unit estimates the progression of the charging state of the onboard battery and displays the progression of the charging state of the onboard battery on the terminal. This allows the user to check the progression of the charging state according to the mode setting.

[0067] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the remote control system further comprises a vehicle status acquisition unit that acquires the status of the vehicle, and a security determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in an abnormal security state based on the status of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle status acquisition unit, wherein the remote control target unit is the vehicle's camera, and when the security determination unit determines that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state while the vehicle control unit and camera are in sleep mode, it sets the vehicle control unit and camera to activation mode and outputs notification information to the terminal indicating that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state. This allows the user to confirm that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state.

[0068] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the remote control system further comprises a vehicle status acquisition unit that acquires the status of the vehicle, and a security determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in an abnormal security state based on the status of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle status acquisition unit. The remote control target unit is the vehicle's camera, and when the security determination unit determines that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state while the camera is set to activation mode and waiting in a ready state to start imaging, it starts imaging with the camera and outputs notification information indicating that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state to the terminal. This allows the user to confirm that the vehicle is in an abnormal security state more quickly.

[0069] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, the terminal receives operation inputs on the display mounted on the terminal for selecting whether to turn the startup mode on or off and for selecting a predetermined time. This allows the user to set the startup mode and select a predetermined time via the terminal.

[0070] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, if the remote control target unit is being reprogrammed and the mode setting of the remote control target unit cannot be operated, the terminal displays a statement indicating that the remote control target unit is being reprogrammed and the mode setting of the remote control target unit cannot be operated, as well as the time when the remote control target unit will become operable. This allows the user to confirm that the mode setting of the remote control target unit cannot be operated.

[0071] Furthermore, in the remote control method according to this embodiment, if the charge level of the vehicle battery is below a predetermined value and the mode setting of the remotely controlled unit cannot be operated, the terminal displays a statement indicating that the charge level of the vehicle battery is below a predetermined value and the mode setting of the remotely controlled unit cannot be operated, as well as the conditions under which the remotely controlled unit becomes remotely controllable. This allows the user to confirm that the mode setting of the remotely controlled unit cannot be changed.

[0072] Furthermore, the server according to this embodiment is a server capable of communicating with a terminal and a vehicle communication unit, and includes a vehicle control unit that controls a remotely controlled unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal, and a mode instruction unit that instructs the mode setting of the remotely controlled unit. The mode instruction unit receives a predetermined period including a predetermined time from the terminal, and before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal, it transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remotely controlled unit to the activation mode for the predetermined period. This allows the vehicle to respond to remote control more quickly.

[0073] Furthermore, the remote control system according to this embodiment comprises a terminal, a server, a remote control target unit mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle communication unit that can communicate with the terminal via the server, and a vehicle control unit that controls the remote control target unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal. The server includes a mode instruction unit that instructs the mode setting of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit. The terminal transmits a predetermined period including a predetermined time to the mode instruction unit, and the mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the activated mode within the predetermined period before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal. This allows the vehicle to respond to remote control more quickly.

[0074] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0075] 1...Vehicle 10...Terminal 20...Cloud server 200...Mode instruction unit 30...PCU 300...Vehicle control unit 301...Charging status determination unit 302...Anti-theft determination unit 31...IVC 32...In-vehicle equipment 100...Remote control system

Claims

1. A remote control method performed by a remote control system comprising: a terminal; a server; a remote control target unit mounted on a vehicle; a vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with the terminal via the server; and a vehicle control unit that controls the remote control target unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal, wherein the terminal transmits a predetermined period including a predetermined time to a mode instruction unit provided on the server; and the mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal, so as to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the start mode during the predetermined period.

2. A remote control method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control unit transitions to the startup mode when it receives the mode instruction signal from the mode instruction unit via the vehicle communication unit, and sets the mode of the remote control target unit to the startup mode in accordance with the mode instruction signal.

3. A remote control method according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle control unit, after transitioning to the startup mode, sets the mode of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to sleep mode when the charge state of the on-board battery is below a predetermined value.

4. A remote control method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vehicle control unit, after transitioning to the startup mode, determines whether the remote control target unit, which requires the in-vehicle communication network to sleep and the high-voltage relays to be turned off during FOTA reprogramming, is performing the FOTA reprogramming; if it is determined that the remote control target unit is performing the FOTA reprogramming, sets the mode of the remote control target unit to sleep mode; and when the FOTA reprogramming of the remote control target unit is completed, sets the mode of the remote control target unit to the startup mode.

5. A remote control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vehicle control unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the DC-DC converter mounted on the vehicle, and if an abnormality has occurred in the DC-DC converter, prohibits setting the mode of the remote control target unit to the start mode.

6. A remote control method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the remote control target unit includes a camera mounted on a vehicle, and the camera is in a waiting state ready to start imaging when set to the startup mode.

7. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mode instruction unit determines whether the current time has reached the predetermined time, and if the current time has reached the predetermined time, transmits the mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the start mode for the predetermined period.

8. A remote operation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mode instruction unit transmits the mode instruction signal including the predetermined period to the vehicle communication unit when it receives the predetermined period from the terminal, and the vehicle control unit determines whether the current time has reached the predetermined time, and if the current time has reached the predetermined time, sets the mode of the remote operation target unit to the start mode for the predetermined period.

9. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit receive power from a low-voltage battery that receives power from a high-voltage battery when set to the start mode, and receive power from a low-voltage battery that does not receive power from the high-voltage battery when set to sleep mode.

10. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the remote control target unit includes at least one of the following: a vehicle door lock, air conditioning, camera, charging device, horn, and lights; the terminal receives user input to select the remote control target unit to be set to a mode and the predetermined period; transmits the remote control target unit and the predetermined period selected by the user to the mode instruction unit; and the mode instruction unit transmits the mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the remote control target unit selected by the user to the activation mode during the predetermined period.

11. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the remote control target unit includes at least one of the following: a vehicle door lock, air conditioning, camera, charging device, horn, and lights, and the mode instruction unit selects the remote control target unit and the predetermined period to be subject to mode setting according to the user's past usage of the remote control target unit, and transmits the mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit to set the mode of the selected remote control target unit to the activation mode during the predetermined period.

12. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mode indicator unit acquires the period set to sleep mode and the period set to start mode for the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit, respectively; estimates the amount of power consumed by the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit based on the period set to sleep mode and the period set to start mode for the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit, respectively; estimates the progression of the charge state of the vehicle battery based on the amount of power consumed; and displays the progression of the charge state of the vehicle battery on the terminal.

13. A remote operation method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the remote operation system further comprises: a vehicle status acquisition unit for acquiring the status of a vehicle; and a security determination unit for determining whether the vehicle is in an abnormal security state based on the status of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle status acquisition unit, wherein the remote operation target unit is the camera of the vehicle, and the security determination unit, when it determines that the vehicle is in the abnormal security state while the mode of the vehicle control unit and the camera is in sleep mode, sets the mode of the vehicle control unit and the camera to the start mode and outputs notification information to the terminal indicating that the vehicle is in the abnormal security state.

14. A remote operation method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the remote operation system further comprises: a vehicle status acquisition unit that acquires the status of a vehicle; and a security determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in an abnormal security state based on the status of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle status acquisition unit, wherein the remote operation target unit is the camera of the vehicle, and the security determination unit, when the camera is set to the activation mode and waiting in a ready state to start imaging, determines that the vehicle is in the abnormal security state, causes the camera to start imaging and outputs notification information indicating that the vehicle is in the abnormal security state to the terminal.

15. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the terminal receives an operation input for selecting the on / off status of the startup mode and an operation input for selecting a predetermined time on a display mounted on the terminal.

16. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the terminal displays a statement indicating that the remote control target unit is performing a predetermined process and the mode setting of the remote control target unit is not operable, and the time when the mode setting of the remote control target unit will become operable.

17. A remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the terminal displays a statement indicating that the charge state of the vehicle battery is below a predetermined value and the mode setting of the remote control target unit is not operable, and the conditions under which the mode setting of the remote control target unit becomes operable.

18. A server capable of communicating with a terminal and a vehicle communication unit, comprising a vehicle control unit that controls a remotely controlled unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal, and a mode instruction unit that instructs the mode setting of the remotely controlled unit, wherein the mode instruction unit receives a predetermined period including a predetermined time from the terminal, and transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit before the remote control signal is transmitted from the terminal, so as to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remotely controlled unit to the start mode during the predetermined period.

19. A remote control system comprising: a terminal; a server; a remote control target unit mounted on a vehicle; a vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with the terminal via the server; and a vehicle control unit that controls the remote control target unit based on a remote control signal transmitted from the terminal, wherein the server includes a mode instruction unit that instructs the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to set their modes; the terminal transmits a predetermined period including a predetermined time to the mode instruction unit; and the mode instruction unit transmits a mode instruction signal to the vehicle communication unit before the terminal transmits the remote control signal, instructing the vehicle communication unit to set the modes of the vehicle control unit and the remote control target unit to the start mode during the predetermined period.

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