JP6664048B2 - vehicle - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-102321 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 16, 2014, and discloses a Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-102321. The entire contents are incorporated by reference into this international application.

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control system capable of remotely controlling a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Electronic key systems that allow a user to lock / unlock a door and start / stop an engine by wireless communication between an electronic key carried by a user and a vehicle without touching the key are widely used ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)

JP 2006-341768 A

  It is convenient if more various functions can be realized by directly or indirectly using wireless communication between the electronic key and the vehicle. In one aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to be able to provide a highly convenient vehicle control system using an electronic key.

  A vehicle control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electronic key capable of wireless communication with a vehicle, and a communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key. The communication terminal includes a designation input unit and a command transmission unit. The designation input unit accepts a designation input of a process item indicating the content of the process to be executed for causing the vehicle to execute a specific process. The command transmission unit transmits a processing command indicating a processing item input by the designation input unit to the electronic key. The electronic key includes a command transmission unit that, when receiving a processing command from the communication terminal, transmits a processing command indicating a processing item corresponding to the processing command to the vehicle.

According to such a configuration, the user of the vehicle can remotely control the vehicle by relaying the electronic key by operating the communication terminal.
Note that the electronic key is a portable wireless communication device that can perform at least wireless communication with the vehicle and can transmit various data to the vehicle by wireless communication. When various data are transmitted from the electronic key to the vehicle, data for verification necessary for verification of the electronic key with the vehicle is also transmitted. When the vehicle receives various data from the electronic key, it refers to the collation data included in the data, and when it confirms that the data is collation data from a legitimate electronic key, the vehicle receives the data from the electronic key. The various data obtained are validated and various processes based on the various data are executed.

  The designation input unit is a means for receiving designation of a process item (that is, a content of a process to be executed on a vehicle) by a user. The specification input unit receives a processing item to be executed by the vehicle. The command transmission unit is a unit that wirelessly transmits a processing command indicating a processing item to the electronic key. The process item accepted by the designation input unit is wirelessly transmitted to the electronic key by the command transmission unit. Thereby, the electronic key can recognize the processing item specified by the user in the communication terminal.

  Further, in the above configuration, the communication terminal includes a terminal-side storage unit in which predetermined terminal-side specific information is stored, and the command transmission unit is configured to store the processing instruction in the terminal-side storage unit when transmitting a processing command to the electronic key. Terminal-side specific information may be transmitted. In that case, the electronic key may include a key-side storage unit and a unique information determination unit. The key-side storage unit stores predetermined key-side unique information. When receiving the processing command and the terminal-side unique information from the communication terminal, the unique information determining unit has a specific relationship between the received terminal-side unique information and the key-side unique information stored in the key-side storage unit. It is determined whether or not. The command transmitting unit may transmit the processing command when the specific information determining unit determines that the specific relationship is established.

  Note that the terminal-side unique information stored in the communication terminal means whether or not the processing command may be validated when the electronic key receives the processing command from the communication terminal (that is, whether the processing command is relayed to the vehicle as a processing command). This information is used to make a determination (hereinafter, also referred to as “authentication”).

  On the other hand, the key-side unique information stored in the electronic key is information for comparison with the terminal-side unique information for performing the authentication. The terminal-side unique information may be, for example, the above-described verification data (data used by the vehicle for verification of the electronic key).

  Further, the unique information determination unit of the electronic key is a means for performing the above authentication when receiving a processing command from the communication terminal. That is, when receiving the processing command from the communication terminal, the unique information determination unit compares the terminal-side unique information received together with the processing command with the key-side unique information stored in the electronic key. Then, when the two have a specific relationship (for example, they match), the processing command from the communication terminal is validated, and a processing command corresponding to the processing exception is transmitted to the vehicle.

According to such a configuration, unauthorized operation of the vehicle can be suppressed, and the security performance of the system can be improved.
Further, in the above configuration, the communication terminal may include at least one of an imaging unit capable of capturing a moving image and a sound input unit capable of inputting sound. The designation input unit may be capable of accepting a designation input of a process item based on at least one of a user's gesture photographed by the imaging unit and a user's voice input to the voice input unit.

  According to such a configuration, when controlling the vehicle from the communication terminal, the user of the vehicle can specify a desired processing item by various methods. That is, it is possible to provide a user-friendly system.

  The present invention provides, in addition to the above-described vehicle control system, various devices (communication terminals, electronic keys) and vehicles included in the vehicle control system, a vehicle, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit constituting the various devices, and a vehicle control system. It can be realized in various forms such as a method.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a usage image of the vehicle control system, and FIG. 1B is a top view of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a smartphone. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing specific contents of an operation menu screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic key. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing a method of supplying power from a smartphone to an electronic key using a charging cable. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle operation application executed by the smartphone according to the first embodiment. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of a vehicle operation process in FIG. 7. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic key control process executed by the electronic key according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the relay process in FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control process executed by the vehicle according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing details of a function restriction confirmation process in the remote control process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a tag correspondence process. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of an electronic key of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the electronic key control processing which the electronic key of 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the vehicle information notification process which a vehicle performs. It is a flowchart which shows the vehicle information display process which a smart phone performs. It is a flowchart which shows the system information transmission process which an electronic key performs. It is a flowchart which shows the system state notification process which a smart phone performs. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of a smartphone. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the vehicle. It is a flowchart of the information provision process performed by a smart phone. It is a flowchart of the smart phone information alerting | reporting process performed by a vehicle. It is a flowchart of the surroundings monitoring process performed in the vehicle. It is a flowchart of the surrounding information alerting | reporting process performed by a smart phone. It is a flowchart of a vehicle position notification process executed by the smartphone. It is a flowchart of the SNS cooperation process performed in a vehicle. It is a flowchart of SNS processing performed by a smart phone. It is a flowchart of a physical condition management process performed by a smartphone. It is a flow chart of physical condition information correspondence processing performed in a vehicle.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2, 80 ... Electronic key, 3 ... Smartphone, 4 ... Outside transmitter, 5 ... Car interior transmitter, 6 ... Receiver, 7, 35, 55 ... 1st communication part, 8, 57 ... No. 2 communication unit, 9, 37 ... GPS reception unit, 10, 31, 51, 81 ... control unit, 11 ... engine unit, 12 ... brake unit, 13 ... steering unit, 14 ... air conditioner, 15 ... door, 16 ... luggage door, 17 window, 18 door mirror, 19 wiper, 20 headlight, 21 blinker, 25, 32, 52, 82 memory, 33, 85 display unit, 34 touch panel, 34a fingerprint detection unit, 36 56 BT communication unit, 39 USB receptacle, 40, 59 battery, 41, 60 regulator, 42, 61 non-contact power receiving and feeding unit, 43 camera, 44 image processing unit, 45, 83 my , 46, 84 ... voice processing unit, 48 ... operation menu screen, 53 ... transmission unit, 54 ... reception unit, 58, 86 ... operation input unit, 62 ... power input jack, 70 ... charging cable, 400 ... outside detection area , 500: Vehicle interior detection area.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
(1) Overall Configuration of Vehicle Control System The vehicle control system of the present embodiment includes a vehicle 1, an electronic key 2, and a smartphone 3, as shown in FIG. 1A, and relays the electronic key 2 from the smartphone 3. This is a system that can control the vehicle 1 by using the system.

  The electronic key 2 is used for unlocking and locking the door of the vehicle 1 and starting the traveling drive source (the engine in the present embodiment) of the vehicle 1 without directly inserting a mechanical key into the vehicle 1. Key provided with a wireless communication function. As will be described later, a request signal is periodically transmitted from the vehicle 1, and when the electronic key 2 enters an area where the request signal can be received, the request signal is received by the electronic key 2. When receiving the request signal from the vehicle 1, the electronic key 2 transmits a response signal and a user ID to the vehicle 1. When receiving the response signal and the user ID from the electronic key 2, the vehicle 1 checks the user ID of the vehicle 1 with the user ID. If the user ID matches, the vehicle 1 can unlock and lock the door and start the driving source for traveling. Operable state. During the operable state, when the user touches, for example, a touch sensor on a handle of the door, the door is unlocked. When the user presses a specific start button in the vehicle compartment, the engine starts.

  Therefore, the user of the vehicle 1 approaches the vehicle 1 while holding the electronic key 2 in a pocket, bag, or the like, thereby unlocking and locking the vehicle 1 without using a mechanical key as in the related art. Or start the engine.

  The above-described functions are basic functions that can be realized by using the electronic key 2, and are functions that are already generally known and have been put to practical use. In the present embodiment, in addition to the basic functions described above, a relay function for relaying communication between the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1 is provided, as described later. An advanced control system that can be remotely operated is realized.

  FIG. 1A illustrates a state in which a user 4 carrying the electronic key 2 in a jacket pocket is operating the smartphone 3 near the vehicle 1. By operating the smartphone 3, the user 4 can operate each part of the vehicle 1, move the vehicle 1, and acquire information from the vehicle 1.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram in which the vehicle 1 is viewed from above. The vehicle 1 is provided with four doors 15, a luggage door 16, a total of two door mirrors 18, a wiper 19, two headlights 20 provided on both right and left sides of the front end of the vehicle, and four corners, a total of four doors 15, front and rear and left and right. And four turn signals 21. Each door 15 is provided with a window (window) 17.

  Further, a fixed portion 22 and a vehicle interior camera 24 are provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 1. The fixing portion 22 is provided on a rear ceiling in the vehicle interior. The fixing unit 22 is configured to be able to fix various communication terminals including the smartphone 3. The fixing portion 22 is provided with a USB plug 23.

The vehicle interior camera 24 is provided on the front ceiling in the vehicle interior. The vehicle interior camera 24 is provided so as to be able to capture substantially the entirety of the vehicle interior from the front side of the vehicle interior.
The vehicle 1 has a detection area in which the vehicle 1 can detect the presence of the electronic key 2. Specifically, the outside detection area 400 is formed outside the vehicle 1, and the inside detection area 500 is formed inside the vehicle 1. These detection areas 400 and 500 are respectively formed by a vehicle exterior transmitter 4 and a vehicle interior transmitter 5 (both are not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, see FIG. 6), which will be described later.

  The vehicle interior detection area 500 is an area where the electronic key 2 can receive a request signal transmitted from the vehicle interior transmitter 5 provided inside the vehicle 1. The exterior detection area 400 is an area where the electronic key 2 can receive a request signal transmitted from the exterior transmitter 4 provided on the side of the vehicle 1 outside the vehicle 1.

  It should be noted that the ranges of the areas 400 and 500 shown in FIG. 1B are merely examples. The specific range of the outside detection area and the inside detection area may be adjusted by adjusting the installation position and the number of the transmitters 4 and 5 or by appropriately setting the transmitters 4 and 5 having the desired radio emission characteristics. The selection can be made as appropriate.

(2) Description of Smartphone 3 A specific configuration of the smartphone 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The smartphone 3 is a multifunctional portable information terminal having a plurality of types of communication functions including a voice communication function via a mobile phone network. The smartphone 3 includes, as wireless communication functions, at least wireless communication according to a first communication method (hereinafter abbreviated as “first communication”) and wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “BT communication”) using Bluetooth (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter). ) Are provided.

  The first communication is a communication method capable of wireless communication over a long distance, and in the present embodiment, is a wireless communication method using, for example, a cellular phone network. Therefore, as long as the smartphone 3 exists within the communication range of the mobile phone, the user of the smartphone 3 can perform voice communication and data communication in the first communication. BT communication is a well-known short-range wireless communication system using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 3 includes a control unit 31, a memory 32, a display unit 33, a touch panel 34, a first communication unit 35, a BT communication unit 36, a GPS receiving unit 37, a USB interface (Hereinafter abbreviated as “USB I / F”) 38, a USB receptacle 39, a battery 40, a regulator 41, a non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 42, a camera 43, an image processing unit 44, a microphone 45, and audio processing A unit 46 and a tag reader / writer 47 are provided.

  The control unit 31 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like, not shown. The control unit 31 controls various circuits and functional blocks in the smartphone 3 including each unit connected to the control unit 31. Various programs including a vehicle operation application 32a described later are executed by the CPU of the control unit 31.

  The memory 32 is a nonvolatile memory whose storage content is electrically rewritable, and is a flash memory in the present embodiment. The memory 32 stores various programs and data. The programs and data stored in the memory 32 include a vehicle operation application 32a, vehicle operation menu data 32b, a voice pattern 32c, a gesture pattern 32d, ID information 32e, and authentication information 32f.

  The display unit 33 is a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) that can display various images and information. The touch panel 34 is a well-known input device capable of performing an input operation by touching with a pointer such as a fingertip or a dedicated pen. The touch panel 34 is disposed so as to overlap almost the entire image display area of the display unit 33. Further, the touch panel 34 includes a fingerprint detection unit 34a. When a human finger touches the touch panel 34, the fingerprint detection unit 34a detects the fingerprint of the touched portion. Fingerprint data (fingerprint data) detected by the fingerprint detection unit 34a is input to the control unit 31. In addition, the method of detecting a fingerprint may be another method. Although not shown, the smartphone 3 includes at least one switch pressed by a user as an input device in addition to the touch panel 34.

  The first communication unit 35 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the first communication. The BT communication unit 36 is a wireless communication interface for implementing BT communication. The GPS receiver 37 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and outputs information included in the received radio waves to the controller 31. The control unit 31 can detect the current position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the smartphone 3 based on the information received by the GPS receiving unit 37.

  The USB I / F 38 is an interface for performing serial communication of the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The USB receptacle 39 is capable of inserting a USB plug. Note that a data communication interface of another standard may be provided instead of the USB, or a data communication interface of another standard may be provided in addition to the USB.

  Battery 40 is a rechargeable secondary battery. However, the battery 40 may be other power storage means (for example, a primary battery, a fuel cell, or the like) other than the secondary battery. The same applies to a battery 59 (see FIG. 4) of the electronic key 2 described later. The regulator 41 is a power supply circuit for converting the voltage of the battery 40 to a constant voltage having a predetermined voltage value and supplying the constant voltage to the control unit 31 and other circuits.

  The non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 42 can supply power to the outside by a non-contact power feeding method or receive power from the outside. When supplying electric power to the outside, the non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 42 discharges the DC power of the battery 40 to the outside by, for example, an electromagnetic induction method. When receiving power from the outside, the non-contact power receiving / supplying unit 42 converts the power received from the outside into DC and outputs the DC to at least one of the battery 40 and the regulator 41. The operation of the non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 31.

  The camera 43 is an imaging device that can capture a still image and a moving image. The image processing unit 44 processes a still image or a moving image captured by the camera 43 (for example, generates data of a still image or a moving image) and inputs the processing result to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 can recognize the content of a still image or a moving image captured by the camera 43 based on the data input from the image processing unit 44.

  The microphone 45 converts an external sound into an electric signal. The audio processing unit 46 processes the audio signal collected by the microphone 45 and converted into an electric signal into digital audio data, and outputs the digital audio data to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 can recognize the content of the sound collected by the microphone 45 based on the sound data input from the sound processing unit 46.

  The tag reader / writer 47 is a communication module for performing non-contact data communication with an RF tag external to the smartphone 3. By holding the smartphone 3 over an external RF tag, the tag reader / writer 47 becomes in a state capable of data communication with the RF tag, and can read data from the RF tag and write data to the RF tag.

  In the present embodiment, an RF tag 63 is built in the electronic key 2 as described later. Therefore, by holding the smartphone 3 over the electronic key 2, the tag reader / writer 47 of the smartphone 3 can perform data communication with the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2.

  The vehicle operation application 32 a stored in the memory 32 is application software for controlling the vehicle 1 by relaying the electronic key 2 from the smartphone 3. The vehicle operation application 32a can be provided via a medium or an electric communication line from a manufacturer or a dealer of the vehicle 1, and can be installed in the smartphone 3.

  The vehicle operation menu data 32b stored in the memory 32 is a database used when the vehicle operation application 32a is executed, is provided together with the vehicle operation application 32a, and is stored in the memory 32 when the vehicle operation application 32a is installed. However, it is also possible to install or update separately from the vehicle operation application 32a. The vehicle operation menu data 32b includes various data for displaying the operation menu screen 48 shown in FIG.

  The operation menu screen 48 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a screen in which icons of operation content items that can operate the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3 are listed. The icons displayed on the operation menu screen 48 include a “light blinking” icon indicating an operation item for blinking the headlight 20 for a certain period of time, a “flashing blinker” icon indicating an operation item for blinking the blinker 21 for a predetermined period of time, and turning on the air conditioner. “Air conditioner on” icon indicating an operation item to be started (started), “Air conditioner off” icon indicating an operation item to turn off (stop) the air conditioner, “Engine start” icon indicating an operation item to start the engine, operation to stop the engine An “engine stop” icon indicating an item, a “door mirror close” icon indicating an operation item for closing the door mirror 18, an “door mirror open” icon indicating an operation item for opening the door mirror 18, and the steering wheel is rotated leftward by a predetermined angle (that is, the steering wheel is turned). Steer to the left by a certain amount) "Steer left" icon, "steer right" icon indicating an operation item for turning the steering wheel to the right by a fixed angle (that is, turning the steered wheels to the right by a certain amount), and "operation item for returning the steering to the neutral state" "Steer neutral" icon, "Slow forward" icon indicating an operation item that causes the vehicle to travel forward a minute distance (eg, 30 cm) at a minute speed (eg, 3 km / h), and a minute distance (eg, 20 cm) at a minute speed (eg, 2 km / h) ) "Slow reverse" icon indicating an operation item to be driven backward, "Driving distance" icon indicating an operation item for acquiring the cumulative mileage of the vehicle, "Electronic key control" indicating an operation item for controlling the function of the electronic key 2. Icon, “door lock open / close” icon indicating an operation item for opening / closing the lock of each door 15 of the vehicle, vehicle maintenance information For example, a "maintenance information" icon indicating an operation item for obtaining an oil remaining amount or a battery remaining amount, a "diag information" icon indicating an operation item for obtaining a vehicle diagnosis information, and an operation item for obtaining a vehicle interior temperature of the vehicle. There is an icon corresponding to various operation items, such as an "in-vehicle temperature" icon indicating an "in-vehicle temperature" icon indicating an operation item for acquiring in-vehicle image information.

  Note that the number of icons that can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit 33 is limited. Icons not displayed on the display unit 33 can be displayed by performing a vertical swipe operation or a flick operation on the touch panel 34 to scroll the display content in the vertical direction.

  When the user selects, for example, an icon for closing the door mirror on the operation menu screen 48 (for example, tap operation), the selection information is transmitted to the vehicle 1 via the electronic key 2 as described later, and the door mirror 18 of the vehicle 1 is turned on. Closes automatically.

  Further, for example, when the user selects the “door lock open / close” icon, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the user is prompted to determine which door is to be operated and whether the door to be operated is to be opened or closed. A plurality of icons for selection are displayed. When the user selects an icon corresponding to the desired operation content from the plurality of icons, the selection information is transmitted to the vehicle 1 via the electronic key 2, and the door lock is opened and closed according to the selected operation content. . Therefore, for example, the user can open and close the locks of all the doors 15 or selectively open and close only the locks of the specific doors 15.

  Further, for example, when the user selects the “electronic key control” icon, the selection information (specifically, an electronic key control command described later) is transmitted to the electronic key 2. When receiving the electronic key control command from the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2 executes a command corresponding process (S124 in FIG. 10 described later) corresponding to the electronic key control command.

  For example, when the user selects the “vehicle interior image information” icon, the selected information is transmitted to the vehicle 1 via the electronic key 2. That is, an operation command indicating a request to acquire a vehicle interior image is transmitted to the vehicle 1. When receiving the operation command, the vehicle 1 operates the vehicle interior camera 24 to acquire a still image or a moving image in the vehicle interior. Then, the obtained still image or moving image is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by, for example, the first communication. When receiving the photographing data of the in-vehicle camera 24 from the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3 displays the photographing data on the display unit 33.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the user selectively selects a plurality of operation items set as the vehicle operation menu data 32b for the vehicle 1 using the vehicle operation application 32a installed on the smartphone 3. Can be executed.

  In controlling the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3 using the vehicle operation application 32a, the operation items are specified by voice or gesture in the present embodiment, in addition to the selection operation on the operation menu screen 48 illustrated in FIG. It is possible. The memory 32 stores voice data corresponding to each operation item as a voice pattern 32c. Therefore, when the user speaks to the microphone 45 a word indicating a specific operation item (any of the voices stored as the voice pattern 32c), the control unit 31 determines that the execution request of the operation item has been made. Judgment is performed, and a process required to execute the operation item is executed. For example, when the user speaks “close the door mirror”, the control unit 31 recognizes that the operation of closing the door mirror 18 has been requested, and causes the door mirror 18 to close. That is, in this example, it is possible to obtain the same result as when tapping the icon for closing the door mirror on the operation menu screen 48 shown in FIG.

  In the memory 32, gestures corresponding to each operation item are stored as a gesture pattern 32d. Therefore, when the user makes a gesture indicating one of the specific operation items toward the camera 43 (any of the gestures stored as the gesture pattern 32d), the control unit 31 determines that the execution request of the operation item has been made. Then, a process necessary to execute the operation item is executed.

  The ID information 32e stored in the memory 32 includes a terminal ID unique to the smartphone 3. In addition, the ID information 32e includes a user ID unique to the vehicle 1 that is necessary for remotely controlling the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3. This user ID is also stored in the electronic key 2 and the vehicle 1. The storage of the user ID in the vehicle 1 and the electronic key 2 is performed by a vehicle maker or a dealer when the vehicle 1 is shipped, for example. The storage of the user ID in the smartphone 3 is notified, for example, from a manufacturer or a dealer of the vehicle 1 through a predetermined procedure, and the user inputs the notification to the smartphone 3. The storage of the user ID in the smartphone 3 may be realized by other various methods and timings. For example, the user can bring the electronic key 2 and the smartphone 3 to a dealer of the vehicle 1 and have the dealer memorize the electronic key 2 and the smartphone 3.

  The authentication information 32f stored in the memory 32 includes at least one authentication data for authenticating whether or not the user of the smartphone 3 is a legitimate user. Specifically, the authentication information 32f includes, as the authentication data, fingerprint data of a regular user (registered fingerprint data), face image data of a regular user (registered face data), and voice data of a regular user (registered voice data). , At least one of which is included. The user can arbitrarily register (store) each of these registration data.

(3) Description of Electronic Key 2 A specific configuration of the electronic key 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic key 2 is a light and small portable communication terminal that can be easily carried by a user. The electronic key 2 has a first communication and a BT communication as a wireless communication function, similarly to the smartphone 3. Further, the electronic key 2 has a wireless communication function (hereinafter abbreviated as “second communication”) according to a second communication method as a wireless communication function. Like the first communication, the second communication is a communication method capable of wireless communication over a long distance. The second communication may be, for example, a wireless LAN or another wireless communication method. Further, the electronic key 2 also has a wireless communication function (hereinafter referred to as “smart communication”) for receiving a request signal from the vehicle 1 and returning a response signal and a user ID in response to the request signal, similarly to the conventional electronic key.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic key 2 includes a control unit 51, a memory 52, a transmission unit 53, a reception unit 54, a first communication unit 55, a BT communication unit 56, and a second communication unit 57. , An operation input unit 58, a battery 59, a regulator 60, a non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 61, and a power input jack 62.

  The control unit 51 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like, not shown. The control unit 51 controls various circuits and functional blocks in the electronic key 2 including each unit connected to the control unit 51.

  The memory 52 is a nonvolatile memory whose stored contents can be electrically rewritten, and is a flash memory in the present embodiment. The memory 52 stores various programs and data. The data stored in the memory 52 includes ID information 52a and BT pairing information 52b.

  The ID information 52a includes a user ID unique to the vehicle 1. This user ID is the same as the user ID stored in the memory 32 of the smartphone 3 as one of the ID information 32e, and is also stored in the vehicle 1 as described above. The BT pairing information 52b connects the two by BT communication, such as unique information (eg, a link key) generated when the BT communication is paired between the electronic key 2 and another communication device. Contains the information needed for When the pairing is performed and the unique information is generated, the generated unique information and the user information of the pairing partner are provided for each of the other communication devices of the pairing partner (that is, for each of the other users capable of performing BT communication). Are stored in association with each other. Therefore, the electronic key 2 can identify the user of the communication partner by performing authentication based on the unique information of the communication partner when starting the BT communication with another communication device.

  The receiving unit 54 receives and demodulates a request signal transmitted from the vehicle 1 by radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, and outputs the request signal to the control unit 51. When receiving the request signal from the receiving unit 54, the control unit 51 generates response data and outputs it to the transmitting unit 53. The response data includes a predetermined response signal and a user ID stored in the memory 52 as ID information 52a. The transmission unit 53 modulates the response data input from the control unit 51 into radio waves in a predetermined frequency band and transmits the radio waves to the vehicle 1.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in the present embodiment, each detection area 400, 500 that can receive a request signal is set. Therefore, when the electronic key 2 is not in any of the detection areas 400 and 500, the request signal is not received. On the other hand, when the electronic key 2 enters one of the detection areas 400 and 500, the electronic key 2 can receive a request signal from the vehicle 1. The request signal from the vehicle 1 is repeatedly transmitted at a constant period, as described later. Therefore, the request signal is periodically received by the electronic key 2 while the electronic key 2 is in any of the detection areas 400 and 500. Each time the electronic key 2 receives the request signal, it transmits a response signal to the request signal.

  The first communication unit 55 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the first communication. The BT communication unit 56 is a wireless communication interface for implementing BT communication. The second communication unit 57 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the second communication. The operation input unit 58 is an input device that can receive an input operation by a user. A specific configuration of the operation input unit 58 includes, for example, a push-button switch. A touch panel may be provided as the operation input unit 58.

  In the present embodiment, the battery 59 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged. The regulator 60 is a power supply circuit for converting the voltage of the battery 59 to a constant voltage having a predetermined voltage value and supplying the constant voltage to the control unit 51 and other circuits. The non-contact power supply / reception unit 61 has the same configuration as the non-contact power reception / power supply unit 42 of the smartphone 3, and is a module capable of supplying power to the outside or receiving power from the outside by a non-contact power supply method. It is. The operation of the non-contact power receiving and feeding unit 61 is controlled by the control unit 51. The power input jack 62 is a jack into which a plug of an external charging adapter is inserted and removed. The battery 59 can be charged by inputting DC power from the outside via the power input jack 62, or the DC power of the battery 59 can be supplied to the outside.

  Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery 59 of the electronic key 2 becomes low and the electronic key 2 cannot operate normally, DC power is taken in from the power input jack 62 or power is supplied from the outside by the non-contact power supply / reception unit 61. By receiving power, the electronic key 2 can be operated normally and the battery 59 can be charged.

  When the user wants to charge the battery 59 of the electronic key 2 using the smartphone 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the charging can be performed by using a charging cable 70. The charging cable 70 includes a USB plug 71, a USB cable 72, a power supply adapter 73, a pin cable 74, and a power plug 75. When the USB plug 71 is connected to the USB receptacle 39 of the smartphone 3 and the power supply plug 75 is inserted into the power input jack 62 of the electronic key 2, the DC power of the battery 40 of the smartphone 3 is supplied to the electronic key 2 via the power supply adapter 73. Is done.

  In addition, both the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 include a non-contact power receiving and feeding unit. Therefore, when the two contactless power receiving and feeding units 42 and 61 face each other within a predetermined distance, power can be supplied from one to the other.

  Therefore, even if the battery 59 of the electronic key 2 has a shortage of capacity, it receives power from another device such as the smartphone 3 in a non-contact manner or using a cable to charge the battery 59 or to operate the regulator 60. By operating, each part in the electronic key 2 can be operated normally.

  The electronic key 2 has a built-in RF tag 63. The user ID is stored in the RF tag 63. The RF tag 63 acquires a user ID from the smartphone 3 when the smartphone 3 is held over and starts data communication with the tag reader / writer 47 of the smartphone 3. Then, the user ID is compared with the user's own ID, and when they match, the user's own ID and the application start request are transmitted to the smartphone 3.

(4) Description of Vehicle 1 A specific configuration of the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is a vehicle having an engine (internal combustion engine) as a driving source for traveling. The vehicle 1 includes a control unit 10 as shown in FIG. The control unit 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like (not shown). The control unit 10 controls various circuits and functional blocks in the vehicle 1 including each unit connected to the control unit 10.

  In the present embodiment, various circuits and functional blocks controlled by the control unit 10 include an engine unit 11, a brake unit 12, a steering unit 13, an air conditioner 14, a door 15, a luggage door 16, a window 17, It has at least a door mirror 18, a wiper 19, a headlight 20, a blinker 21, a vehicle interior camera 24, a display unit 26, and a USB I / F 27. Note that a plurality of doors 15, windows 17, door mirrors 18, wipers 19, headlights 20, and blinkers 21 are actually provided as shown in FIG. 1B.

  The engine unit 11 includes an engine and an engine control unit that controls the engine. The control unit 10 can control the operation of the engine via an engine control unit in the engine unit 11. The brake unit 12 includes a brake mechanism provided in the vehicle 1 and a brake control unit that controls the brake mechanism. The steering unit 13 includes a steering mechanism that steers wheels of the vehicle 1 and a steering control unit that controls the steering mechanism. The steering system of the present embodiment is a so-called steer-by-wire electric steering system. In other words, the steering wheel operated by the driver and the steering shaft are not directly mechanically connected, and the steering shaft is driven by the motor in accordance with the operation of the steering wheel by the driver. Therefore, the control unit 10 can move the steered wheels freely by controlling the steering unit 13.

  The control unit 10 executes various functions based on various programs and data stored in the memory 25. The memory 25 is a nonvolatile memory whose storage contents can be electrically rewritten, and is a flash memory in the present embodiment. The data stored in the memory 25 includes ID information 25a and function restriction information 25b.

  The ID information 25a includes a user ID unique to the vehicle 1. This user ID is the same as the user ID stored in the memory 32 of the smartphone 3 and the memory 52 of the electronic key 2. The function restriction information 25b is information for restricting functions of the vehicle 1 according to a positional relationship among the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3, and the electronic key 2. Whether the electronic key 2 is located inside the vehicle interior detection area 500, outside the vehicle interior detection area 400, or outside the detection area of the vehicle 1, and where the smartphone 3 is located (for example, whether the inside of the vehicle 1 or outside the vehicle 1) According to the above, information as to whether or not the functions of the vehicle 1 are to be limited and, if so, which functions are to be specifically and how to be limited, is stored as the function restriction information 25b. Some of the function restriction information 25b are stored in advance by default when the vehicle 1 is shipped, but can be customized by the user of the vehicle 1.

  By appropriately customizing the function restriction information 25b, for example, when the child is in the room of the vehicle 1 with the smartphone 3 but the parent is outside the vehicle 1 with the electronic key 2, a specific function is performed. It is also possible to limit. Further, for example, when the electronic key 2 exists in the detection area of the vehicle 1 but the smartphone 3 exists at a position far from the vehicle 1 (that is, when the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 are far apart). Can restrict certain functions.

  The vehicle 1 includes a first communication and a second communication as a wireless communication function. The first communication unit 7 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the first communication, and the second communication unit 8 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the second communication.

  The GPS receiving unit 9 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and outputs information included in the received radio waves to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 can detect the current position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 1 based on the information received by the GPS receiving unit 9.

  Further, the vehicle 1 also has a wireless communication (smart communication) function of periodically transmitting a request signal to the electronic key 2 and receiving a response signal from the electronic key 2 to the request signal and a user ID. The outside transmitter 4, the inside transmitter 5, and the receiver 6 are provided to realize this smart communication.

  The exterior transmitter 4 and the interior transmitter 5 periodically transmit a request signal based on a command from the control unit 10. Actually, a plurality of outside transmitters 4 and inside transmitters 5 are provided, respectively. That is, the plurality of vehicle interior transmitters 5 form a vehicle interior detection area 500 (an area where a request signal from any vehicle interior transmitter 5 can be received) shown in FIG. 1B. In addition, the plurality of exterior transmitters 4 form an exterior detection area 400 (an area where a request signal from any of the exterior transmitters 4 can be received) illustrated in FIG. 1B.

  The receiver 6 can receive various signals transmitted from the electronic key 2. The signal received by the receiver 6 from the electronic key 2 includes a response signal to the request signal transmitted from each of the transmitters 4 and 5. The request signal includes identification information indicating the sender of the request signal. When the electronic key 2 receives the request signal, the electronic key 2 transmits a response signal corresponding to the request signal to the identification information included in the request signal. Add and send. Therefore, when the response signal is received by the receiver 6, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 determines whether at least the electronic key 2 is located inside or outside the vehicle 1 based on the identification information added to the response signal. Can be determined.

The display unit 26 is a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) that can display various images and information.
The USB I / F 27 is an interface for performing USB standard serial communication. The USB plug 23 can connect a USB receptacle.

  When the smartphone 3 is mounted on the fixing portion 22 (see FIG. 1B) of the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3 is fixed in a state where the rear of the vehicle 1 can be photographed by the camera 43. That is, the camera 43 is fixed with the lens facing the rear of the vehicle. When the smartphone 3 is mounted on the fixed portion 22 of the vehicle 1, the USB receptacle 39 of the smartphone 3 is connected to the USB plug 23 of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 6), and the USB data is transmitted between the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1. Communication becomes possible.

  The control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 can acquire various kinds of information from the smartphone 3 while the smartphone 3 can perform data communication with the smartphone 3 via USB. One of the information that the control unit 10 can obtain from the smartphone 3 is a still image or a moving image captured by the camera 43 of the smartphone 3.

  The control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 acquires the photographing data of the camera 43 of the smartphone 3 in real time at a predetermined timing (for example, when the gear is set to reverse) or in response to a user operation, and displays the acquired data on the display unit 26. Can be displayed. That is, by fixing the smartphone 3 to the fixing unit 22 of the vehicle 1, the user of the vehicle 1 displays an image behind the vehicle 1 on the display unit 26 as necessary, thereby displaying the situation behind the vehicle 1. You can check.

  Note that the communication interface for the control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 to acquire the imaging data from the smartphone 3 is not limited to USB. The imaging data may be obtainable using a communication interface other than USB. For example, the imaging data may be obtainable from the smartphone 3 by wireless communication such as first communication.

  The vehicle 1 of the present embodiment can exhibit functions equivalent to those of a conventional electronic key system by smart communication with the electronic key 2. That is, when the user having the electronic key 2 enters the detection areas 400 and 500 of the vehicle 1, the user locks / unlocks the doors 15 and starts / stops the engine without touching the keys. be able to. However, in this case, the unlocking of each door 15 is realized by the user touching the touch sensor of the door handle. Further, the lock of each door 15 is realized by a user pressing a door lock switch of a door handle. The start / stop of the engine is realized by the user pressing a push switch provided near the driver's seat.

  In addition to having the function of such a basic electronic key system, in the present embodiment, the user can remotely control the vehicle 1 by relaying the electronic key 2 from the smartphone 3 without directly touching the vehicle 1. And a remote control function by the smartphone 3.

Hereinafter, various processes executed in the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2, and the vehicle 1 to realize the remote control function will be sequentially described.
(5) Description of Vehicle Operation App on Smartphone 3 First, processing contents of the vehicle operation application 32a installed in the smartphone 3 to realize the remote control function will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 (specifically, the CPU in the control unit 31) reads and executes the program of the vehicle operation application 32a from the memory 32 when a predetermined application activation process is performed by the user.

  When starting the execution of the vehicle operation application 32a, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 performs application user authentication in S10. The application user authentication is a process of determining whether or not the user who is executing the vehicle operation application 32a is a user who is permitted to execute the application (permitted user). Application user authentication is performed using at least one of a user's fingerprint, voice, and face image.

  As described above, the registered fingerprint data, the registered face data, and the registered voice data are stored in the memory 32 of the smartphone 3 as the authentication information 32f. Therefore, for example, the user is allowed to input a fingerprint and the input fingerprint matches the registered fingerprint data. Also, for example, whether the user's face image is captured by the camera 43 and the face image matches the registered face data. Alternatively, for example, the application user can be authenticated by making the user speak out and determining whether or not the registered voice data matches the registered voice data.

  In S12, it is determined whether or not the user executing the vehicle operation application 32a is an authorized user based on the result of the application user authentication in S10. If the user executing the vehicle operation application 32a is not an authorized user (S12: NO), a predetermined user authentication error process is executed in S20, and the process of the vehicle operation application 32a ends.

  If the user executing the vehicle operation application 32a is an authorized user (S12: YES), an authentication request signal is transmitted to the electronic key 2 by the first communication in S14. This authentication request signal includes the user ID stored in the smartphone 3. In response to the authentication request signal, the electronic key 2 performs user ID authentication, as described later, to determine whether or not the electronic ID matches the user ID stored in the electronic key 2. If they match, an operation permission signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2, and if they do not match, an operation rejection signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2.

  In S16, it is determined which of the operation permission signal and the operation rejection signal has been received from the electronic key 2 in response to the authentication request signal transmitted in S14. If the operation rejection signal has been received (S16: NO), the process proceeds to S20, where a user authentication error process is performed. When the operation permission signal has been received (S16: YES), the process proceeds to S18, and the vehicle operation process is executed.

  The details of the vehicle operation process in S18 are as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the process proceeds to the vehicle operation process, the selection of the vehicle operation method by the user is accepted in S22. In the present embodiment, the user can specify the operation content to the smartphone 3 using any of the three types of instruction methods. As described with reference to FIG. 3, one of the three instruction methods is to display the operation menu screen 48 on the display unit 33 and tap the icon of a desired operation item (operation content) from the operation menu screen 48. This is a method of making the user select. The other two of the three instruction methods are the above-described methods using voice or gestures. The user can select which method among the tap operation, the voice, and the gesture is used to specify the operation content.

In S24, the selection result of the vehicle operation method accepted in S22 is determined, and if a tap operation is selected, the process proceeds to S26, if a gesture is selected, the process proceeds to S32, and if a voice is selected, The process moves to S40.
In S26 to which the operation proceeds when the tap operation is selected as the vehicle operation method, the operation menu screen 48 (see FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 33. In S28, any one selection from the list of operation items displayed on the operation menu screen 48 is accepted. In S30, an operation command corresponding to the operation item selected in S28 is generated. For example, when "slow speed advance" is selected as the operation item, an operation command corresponding to the slow speed advance for causing the vehicle 1 to advance a small distance is generated. After S30, the process proceeds to S48.

  In S32 to which the operation proceeds when the gesture is selected as the vehicle operation method, the camera 43 is activated to start capturing a moving image of the user. In S34, based on the moving image captured by the camera 43, it is determined whether or not the user has indicated a gesture corresponding to a prescribed gesture pattern. This determination is made by determining whether or not the gesture indicated by the user matches any of the prescribed gestures stored in the memory 32 as the gesture pattern 32d. Then, when the user indicates a gesture that matches the prescribed gesture pattern, the gesture is recognized.

  In S36, the operation content corresponding to the prescribed gesture pattern recognized in S34 is displayed on the display unit 33. This allows the user to confirm whether the gesture indicated by the user has been correctly recognized. In S38, an operation command corresponding to the prescribed gesture pattern recognized in S34 is generated. For example, when the user indicates a gesture indicating “air conditioner on” (a gesture stored as the gesture pattern 32d) and recognizes the gesture correctly, the air conditioner on for operating the air conditioner of the vehicle 1 is supported. Generate an operation command. After S38, the process proceeds to S48.

  In S40 to which the process proceeds when the voice is selected as the vehicle operation method, the voice input by the microphone 45 is set to the standby state. That is, the input and recognition of the voice are made executable. In S42, based on the user's voice input to the microphone 45, it is determined whether the user has spoken a word corresponding to a prescribed voice pattern. This determination is made by determining whether the word spoken by the user matches any of the words stored in the memory 32 as the voice pattern 32c. Then, when the user speaks a word corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern, the voice pattern is recognized.

  In S44, the operation content corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern recognized in S42 is displayed on the display unit 33. Thereby, the user can confirm whether or not the words spoken by the user have been correctly recognized. In S46, an operation command corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern recognized in S42 is generated. For example, when the user speaks a word indicating “close door mirror” (a word stored as the voice pattern 32c) and recognizes the word correctly, the door mirror for closing the door mirror 18 of the vehicle 1 is closed. Generate a corresponding operation command. After S46, the process proceeds to S48.

  In S48, the operation command generated in S30, S38, or S46, the user ID, the terminal ID, and the position information of the smartphone 3 are transmitted to the electronic key 2 by the first communication. The position information of the smartphone 3 is position information (GPS information) detected based on the information received by the GPS receiver 37. If information indicating the current position of the smartphone 3 can be obtained in addition to the GPS information, the information may be transmitted as position information.

  In S50, it is determined whether an error notification has been received from the electronic key 2 in the first communication. Note that, as described later, the error notification that the smartphone 3 may receive from the electronic key 2 includes a first error notification (see S120 in FIG. 10), a second error notification (see S136 in FIG. 10), and a third error notification. There is a notification (see S140) and a fourth error notification (S144).

  If the error notification has not been received from the electronic key 2 (S50: NO), the process proceeds to S54. If any error notification has been received from the electronic key 2 (S50: YES), a predetermined error is displayed on the display unit 33 in S52, and the process proceeds to S58. The error display displayed in S52 may be common display contents or different display contents for each of the four types of error notifications.

  In S54, it is determined whether a relay completion signal has been received from the electronic key 2. This relay completion signal is a signal transmitted from the electronic key 2 in S146 of FIG. If a relay completion signal has been received from the electronic key 2 (S54: YES), the flow proceeds to S58. If the relay completion signal has not been received from the electronic key 2 (S54: NO), the communication error information is displayed on the display unit 33 in S56.

  The fact that neither the error notification nor the relay completion signal is received from the electronic key 2 with respect to the transmission processing of S48 indicates that the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 cannot be normally communicated. Therefore, the communication abnormality information in S56 is information for notifying the user that the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 cannot communicate normally.

  As another example, for example, by using BT communication, it is determined whether or not the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 are present at a short distance from each other (that is, whether BT communication is possible with each other). If it is determined that the smartphone 3 does not exist at a short distance after it is determined that the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 have been separated, the user may be notified of the fact by image or voice. Good.

  In S58, it is determined whether or not a predetermined ending operation for ending the vehicle operation application 32a has been performed by the user. If the end operation has not been performed (S58: NO), the process returns to S22. When the end operation has been performed (S58: YES), the vehicle operation application 32a ends.

(6) Description of Electronic Key Control Process in Electronic Key 2 Next, an electronic key control process executed by the electronic key 2 to realize the remote control function will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic key control processing program is stored in the memory 52 of the electronic key 2. The control unit 51 of the electronic key 2 (in detail, the electronic key control process shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle.

  When starting the electronic key control process, the control unit 51 of the electronic key 2 determines whether or not a request signal transmitted from the vehicle 1 by smart communication has been received in S102. When the request signal from the vehicle 1 has not been received (S102: NO), the process proceeds to S106. When the request signal from the vehicle 1 is received (S102: YES), a response process is executed in S104, and the process proceeds to S106. The response process of S104 is a process of transmitting a response signal and a user ID to the vehicle 1 by smart communication (that is, from the transmission unit 53).

  In S106, it is determined whether an authentication request signal has been received from the smartphone 3 in the first communication. If the authentication request signal has not been received (S106: NO), the process proceeds to S114. If the authentication request signal has been received (S106: YES), in S108, it is determined whether the user ID included in the authentication request signal matches the user ID stored in the electronic key 2 (that is, whether the user ID collation).

  As a result of the user ID collation, when it is determined that the two user IDs do not match (S108: NO), the process proceeds to S112. In S112, an operation rejection signal is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication. After the processing in S112, the process proceeds to S114. If the two user IDs match as a result of the user ID comparison (S108: YES), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the operation permission signal is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication. After the processing in S110, the process proceeds to S114.

  In S114, it is determined whether or not data has been received from the smartphone 3 in the first communication. Here, the data means the operation command, the user ID, the terminal ID, and the position information of the smartphone 3 transmitted in S48 of FIG. If the data has not been received from the smartphone 3 in the first communication (S114: NO), the electronic key control process ends. If the data has been received from the smartphone 3 by the first communication (S114: YES), the process proceeds to the relay process of S116.

  Details of the relay processing in S116 are as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, when the process proceeds to the relay process, in S118, it is determined whether or not the user ID included in the data received from the smartphone 3 matches the user ID stored in the electronic key 2. (That is, user ID collation) is performed. As a result of the user ID comparison, if it is determined that the two user IDs do not match (S118: NO), a first error notification is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication in S120, and the electronic key control process ends. . As a result of the user ID collation, when it is determined that both user IDs match (S118: YES), the process proceeds to S122.

  In S122, it is determined whether or not the operation command in the received data is an electronic key control command. As described above, the electronic key control command is an operation command transmitted when the “electronic key control” icon is selected on the operation menu screen 48 (see FIG. 3). When the operation command is not the electronic key control command (S122: NO), the process proceeds to S126. If the operation command is an electronic key control command (S122: YES), a command corresponding process is executed in S124.

  The specific contents of the instruction processing can be determined as appropriate. For example, a part of the function of the electronic key 2 (for example, a process of responding to a request signal from the vehicle 1) can be stopped, or all the functions of the electronic key 2 can be stopped. Further, for example, the operation state of the electronic key 2 can be transmitted from the electronic key 2. Specifically, the remaining amount of the battery 59 of the electronic key 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “battery remaining amount”) is transmitted, and information on whether the electronic key 2 is present in the detection area of the vehicle 1 is transmitted. Or can be.

  In S126, an operation command corresponding to the operation command included in the data received from the smartphone 3 is generated. For example, when an operation command indicating that the door mirror is closed is received, an operation command indicating that the door mirror is closed is generated.

  In S128, it is determined whether or not the electronic key 2 exists in the detection area of the vehicle 1. Specifically, based on whether the request signal from the vehicle 1 is received by the receiving unit 54, if the request signal is not received, it is determined that the request signal exists outside the detection area. It is determined that it exists in the detection area.

  If the electronic key 2 is present in the detection area of the vehicle 1 (S128: YES), the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the operation command generated in S126, and the user ID, terminal ID, and position information of the smartphone 3 included in the data received from the smartphone 3 are transmitted to the vehicle 1 by smart communication. After the transmission, the process proceeds to S138.

  If the electronic key 2 is not present in the detection area of the vehicle 1 (S128: NO), it is determined in S132 whether remote control of the vehicle 1 by the smartphone 3 is permitted. Whether the remote operation is permitted or not is determined based on the remote operation permission information stored in the memory 52 of the electronic key 2. Whether or not to permit the remote operation can be arbitrarily determined by the user of the vehicle 1. For example, a user who does not want (or does not use) the remote operation can have the dealer store the remote operation permission / non-permission information indicating that the remote operation is not permitted at the time of purchase of the vehicle 1. However, the remote operation availability information stored in the electronic key 2 can be arbitrarily changed from the smartphone 3 having the same user ID as the user ID stored in the electronic key 2.

  Note that the remote operation availability information does not necessarily need to be possessed by the electronic key 2, but may be possessed by the smartphone 3 and transmitted from the smartphone 3. Further, when the smartphone 3 has the remote operation permission information, if the remote operation permission information is information indicating that the remote operation is not permitted, the smartphone 3 may not transmit the operation command. .

  If the remote operation is not permitted in S132 (S132: NO), in S136, a second error notification is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication, and the electronic key control process ends. In S132, when the remote operation is permitted (S132: YES), in S134, the operation command generated in S126, the user ID included in the data received from the smartphone 3, the terminal ID, and the The position information is transmitted to the vehicle 1 by the second communication. After the transmission, the process proceeds to S138.

  In S138, it is determined whether or not an ID mismatch notification has been received from vehicle 1. The ID mismatch notification is transmitted from the vehicle 1 by smart communication or the second communication when the user ID transmitted to the vehicle 1 in S130 or S134 does not match the user ID of the vehicle 1.

  If the ID mismatch notification is received from the vehicle 1 in S138 (S138: YES), a third error notification is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication in S140, and the electronic key control process ends. If the ID mismatch notification has not been received from the vehicle 1 in S138 (S138: NO), the process proceeds to S142.

  In S142, it is determined whether or not a non-permission notification has been received from vehicle 1. The non-permission notification is transmitted from the vehicle 1 by smart communication or second communication when it is determined that the function of the operation item corresponding to the operation command transmitted to the vehicle 1 in S130 or S134 cannot be executed in the vehicle 1. come.

  If a non-permission notification is received from the vehicle 1 in S142 (S142: YES), a fourth error notification is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication in S144, and the electronic key control process ends. If the disapproval notification has not been received from the vehicle 1 in S142 (S142: NO), a relay completion signal is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication in S146.

(7) Description of Remote Control Process in Vehicle 1 Next, a remote control process executed in the vehicle 1 to realize a remote control function will be described with reference to FIG. The program of the remote control process is stored in the memory 25 of the vehicle 1. The control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 (specifically, the CPU in the control unit 10) reads the remote control processing program shown in FIG. 11 from the memory 25 after startup, and repeatedly executes the program at a constant control cycle.

  When starting the remote control process, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 transmits a request signal by smart communication from each of the transmitters 4 and 5 in S152. As described above, the detection areas 400 and 500 are formed by transmitting the request signal. In S154, it is determined whether data has been received from the electronic key 2. The data referred to here is an operation command, a user ID, a terminal ID, and position information of the smartphone 3 transmitted in S130 or S134 of FIG. 9 or a response transmitted by smart communication to a request signal. Signal and user ID. If data has not been received from the electronic key 2 by the smart communication or the second communication (S154: NO), the remote control process ends. When data is received from the electronic key 2 by the smart communication or the second communication (S154: YES), the process proceeds to S156.

  In S156, it is determined whether or not the user ID included in the data received from the electronic key 2 matches the user ID stored in the memory 25 of the vehicle 1 (user ID collation). As a result of the user ID comparison, if it is determined that the two user IDs do not match (S156: NO), an ID mismatch notification is transmitted to the electronic key 2 in S158, and the remote control process ends. In S158, if the user ID of the electronic key 2 determined to be mismatched in S156 has been received by smart communication, an ID mismatch notification is transmitted by smart communication. In S158, if the user ID of the electronic key 2 determined to be mismatched in S156 has been received in the second communication, an ID mismatch notification is transmitted in the second communication.

  If it is determined in S156 that the two user IDs match (S156: YES), the process proceeds to S160. In S160, it is determined whether the data (information) received from the electronic key 2 is an operation command or a response signal to a request signal.

  If the information received from the electronic key 2 includes a response signal to the request signal, a predetermined electronic key corresponding process is executed in S162, and the remote control process ends. The electronic key corresponding process in S162 is a basic process performed in a conventional electronic key system, such as unlocking each door 15 when a user touches a touch sensor of a door handle.

  If the operation command is included in the information received from the electronic key 2 in S160, the operation item to be executed is grasped in S164 based on the received operation command. In S166, a function restriction confirmation process is executed. Details of the function restriction confirmation process in S166 are as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the process proceeds to the function restriction confirmation process, in S202, the data from the electronic key 2 (the received data that is the basis of the affirmative determination in S154 of FIG. 11) is the one received by the smart communication. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is not received by the smart communication (that is, it is received by the second communication) (S202: N0), the process proceeds to S206. The fact that the electronic key 2 is not received by the smart communication means that the electronic key 2 exists outside each of the detection areas 400 and 500 of the vehicle 1.

  If the data from the electronic key 2 has been received by the smart communication (S202: YES), the location of the electronic key 2 (whether indoor or outdoor of the vehicle 1) is confirmed in S204. This confirmation can be performed based on the above-described identification signal added to the response signal.

  In S206, the position information of the smartphone 3 is obtained. Since the position information of the smartphone 3 is received from the electronic key 2 together with the operation command, it can be obtained from the received data. In S208, the vehicle position information (position information of the vehicle 1 itself) is acquired. Specifically, the detection is performed based on the information received by the GPS receiver 9.

In S210, the terminal ID of the smartphone 3 is obtained.
In S212, the own vehicle position based on the own vehicle position information acquired in S208, the position of the smartphone 3 based on the position information acquired in S206, the terminal ID acquired in S210, and the electronic key 2 determined in the processing in S202 to S204. It is determined based on the position of whether or not there is a restriction on the function of the operation item specified by the operation command (that is, the operation content requested from the smartphone 3). That is, it is determined whether the function of the designated operation item can be executed, is restricted (prohibited), or is partially restricted with respect to the positional relationship between the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3, and the electronic key 2. . This determination can be made based on the function restriction information 25b stored in the memory 25. After the processing of S212, the process proceeds to S168 (FIG. 11).

  In addition, based on the terminal ID in addition to the positional relationship of the three parties, it may be determined whether the function of the designated operation item is executable, is restricted (prohibited), or is partially restricted. Good. For example, a certain function may be executed only when specified by the smartphone 3 owned by a certain user, and may not be executed when specified by another smartphone 3. Regarding which terminal ID is to be restricted what kind (or whether there is no restriction) may be stored in the memory 25 in advance as the function restriction information 25b.

  In S168, it is determined whether execution of the function of the designated operation item is permitted based on the result of the function restriction confirmation processing in S166. If execution of the function of the specified operation item is permitted (S168: YES), the function of the specified operation item is executed in S170. If a part of the function is permitted but is restricted, the function is executed within the restricted range.

  In S170, if the designated operation item is a request to acquire information on the vehicle 1, the requested information is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, various information such as the traveling distance of the vehicle 1, maintenance information, diagnostic information, vehicle interior temperature, and vehicle interior image information is transmitted from the smartphone 3 to the vehicle 1 via the electronic key 2. Can be requested. The vehicle 1 transmits various information of the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 by the first communication in response to a request from the smartphone 3.

  If the execution of the function of the designated operation item is not permitted, that is, if the execution of the function is restricted (prohibited) (S168: NO), the process proceeds to S172. In S172, a non-permission notice is transmitted to the electronic key 2, and the remote control process ends. In S172, if the operation command is received by the smart communication, a non-permission notification is transmitted by the smart communication, and if the operation command is received by the second communication, the second communication is performed. To send a non-permission notice.

  Here, a supplementary description will be given of a method of activating the vehicle operation application 32a in the smartphone 3. The vehicle operation application 32a of the smartphone 3 can be activated by performing a predetermined activation operation on the smartphone 3 by the user himself, and can also be activated by holding the smartphone 3 over the electronic key 2.

  That is, the smartphone 3 stores a tag-compatible program as a part of the vehicle operation application 32a or as another program that operates in cooperation with the vehicle operation application 32a. Then, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 repeatedly executes the tag corresponding program at a predetermined cycle.

  FIG. 13 shows the tag correspondence processing executed by the tag correspondence program. When starting the tag corresponding process of FIG. 13, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 determines whether or not the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2 has been detected in S252. That is, it is determined whether the tag reader / writer 47 has received the user ID and the application activation request from the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2. As described above, the data communication between the tag reader / writer 47 and the electronic key 2 is started, and when the user IDs of the electronic key 2 match, the user ID of the electronic key 2 and the application start request are transmitted from the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2. Is sent. The detection of the RF tag 63 in the process of S252 means, in other words, the reception of the user ID and the application activation request transmitted from the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2.

  If the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2 has not been detected (S252: NO), that is, if the tag reader / writer 47 has not received the user ID and the application activation request from the RF tag 63, the process proceeds to S256.

  When the RF tag 63 of the electronic key 2 is detected (S252: YES), that is, when the tag reader / writer 47 receives the user ID and the application activation request from the RF tag 63, the user ID is collated in S254. Specifically, the user ID collation is performed to determine whether the received user ID matches the user ID stored in the smartphone 3 itself.

  In S256, the result of the user ID comparison in S254 is determined. As a result of the user ID collation, if it is determined that the user IDs match (S256: YES), an application activation process is executed in S258. Specifically, the vehicle operation application 32a is substantially activated. To start substantially means to start the processing from S10 shown in FIG. As a result, from the viewpoint of the user, as a result, the vehicle operation application 32a is automatically activated simply by holding the smartphone 3 over the electronic key 2. As a result of the user ID collation, when it is determined that the user IDs do not match (S256: NO), the tag corresponding process ends.

(8) Effects of First Embodiment According to the vehicle control system of the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) By operating the smartphone 3, the user can control the vehicle 1 by relaying the electronic key 2.

(B) Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the smartphone 1 can cause the vehicle 1 to perform various operations and acquire various information from the vehicle 1.
(C) The user can input operation items for the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 by various methods. Specifically, an operation menu screen 48 is displayed on the display unit 33, and an operation item can be designated from the operation menu screen 48 by a tap operation. The desired operation item can also be designated by showing a gesture corresponding to the desired operation item in front of the camera 43. The desired operation item can also be designated by speaking a word corresponding to the desired operation item into the microphone 45.

  Therefore, the user can move the vehicle 1 or operate each part of the vehicle 1 while talking to the smartphone 3. Further, the user can move the vehicle 1 or operate each part of the vehicle 1 while showing a gesture toward the camera 43 of the smartphone 3.

  (D) The user can check the operation of each part of the vehicle 1 without getting on the vehicle 1. For example, whether the headlights 20 are normally lit can be easily confirmed from outside the vehicle 1. Further, for example, when it is desired to move the position of the vehicle 1 after getting off the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 can be moved without getting on the vehicle 1 again. For example, when it is desired to back the vehicle 1 a little more (several tens of cm), the vehicle 1 can be controlled to move backward (slow reverse) while watching the vehicle 1 from the outside of the vehicle 1. Further, for example, the temperature inside the vehicle 1 may be acquired from a location away from the vehicle 1, and when the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is high, the window 17 may be opened or the air conditioner 14 may be operated.

  (E) When remotely controlling the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3, user authentication is performed based on a fingerprint, voice, or face image, and only the authorized user can remotely control the vehicle 1 (FIG. 7). S10 to S12). Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized remote control from being performed.

  (F) When receiving an operation command from the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2 transmits an operation command to the vehicle 1 when the user ID received with the operation command does not match the user ID of the electronic key 2. Instead, an error is notified to the smartphone 3. Further, also in the vehicle 1, when an operation command is received from the electronic key 2, the user ID of the vehicle 1 is collated with the user ID received together with the operation command. That is, when all of the user IDs of the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2, and the vehicle 1 match, the vehicle 1 can be remotely operated from the smartphone 3. Therefore, the security of remote control by the smartphone 3 can be enhanced.

  (G) The function of the operation content requested from the smartphone 3 is prohibited or restricted depending on the positions of the vehicle 1, the electronic key 2, and the smartphone 3. The operation items are used to determine how the positional relationship between the three parties is to be determined (permitted, restricted, or prohibited), and what is specifically restricted when restricted. Each time, it can be set arbitrarily in advance. Therefore, security performance can be further improved.

  (H) The electronic key 2 is provided with various communication methods such as a first communication, a second communication, and a BT communication as a wireless communication method, in addition to the smart communication included in the conventional electronic key system. Therefore, even if the electronic key 2 exists outside each of the detection areas 400 and 500 of the vehicle 1, communication with the vehicle 1 can be performed by the second communication. That is, even if the user holding the electronic key 2 and the smartphone 3 is outside the detection areas 400 and 500 of the vehicle 1, the user can remotely control the vehicle 1 from outside.

  (J) When the battery 59 of the electronic key 2 is exhausted, it is possible to receive power from the smartphone 3 in a non-contact manner to charge the battery 59 or operate the electronic key 2. Also, the electronic key 2 has a power input jack 62, and can receive power from the power input jack 62 (see FIG. 5). Note that, as described above, the electronic key 2 of the present embodiment can be operated by receiving power supply from the outside by various means even when the battery 59 is exhausted. Therefore, the mechanical key included in the conventional general electronic key does not include the electronic key 2 of the present embodiment. However, needless to say, the electronic key 2 may have a built-in mechanical key.

  Note that the smartphone 3 corresponds to an example of the communication terminal of the present invention. The process that can be selected on the operation menu screen 48 illustrated in FIG. 3, that is, the process that can request the vehicle 1 via the electronic key 2 corresponds to an example of a specific process of the present invention. The touch panel 34, the camera 43, and the microphone 45 of the smartphone 3 correspond to an example of the designation input unit of the present invention. The first communication unit 35 of the smartphone 3 corresponds to an example of the command transmission unit of the present invention. The memory 32 of the smartphone 3 corresponds to an example of the terminal-side storage unit of the present invention, and the user ID stored in the memory 32 corresponds to an example of the terminal-side unique information of the present invention. The operation command transmitted from the smartphone 3 to the electronic key 2 corresponds to an example of the processing command of the present invention, and the operation command transmitted from the electronic key 2 to the vehicle 1 corresponds to an example of the processing command of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the processing of S28, S34, and S42 corresponds to an example of the processing of the designation input unit of the present invention, and the processing of S48 corresponds to an example of the processing of the command transmitting unit of the present invention.

  Further, the memory 52 of the electronic key 2 corresponds to an example of the key-side storage unit of the present invention, and the user ID stored in the memory 52 corresponds to an example of the key-side unique information of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the process of S118 corresponds to an example of the process of the unique information determination unit of the present invention, and the processes of S130 and S134 correspond to an example of the process of the command transmission unit of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel 34, the camera 43, and the microphone 45 are illustrated as examples of the designation input unit of the present invention, but these are merely examples. As long as the user can specify a process to be executed by the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 (and, consequently, the smartphone 3 can transmit an operation command indicating the input process to the electronic key 2), The method and what input interface can be used for designation can be determined as appropriate.

[Second embodiment]
A vehicle control system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The vehicle control system according to the second embodiment is a system that can directly control the vehicle 1 (FIG. 6) from an electronic key.

  That is, in the second embodiment, in remotely controlling the vehicle 1, no communication device other than the electronic key is required. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the electronic key is different from that of the electronic key 2 of the first embodiment because the electronic key is used to remotely control the vehicle 1.

  The configuration of the electronic key 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the electronic key 80 according to the second embodiment includes a control unit 81, a memory 82, a microphone 83, an audio processing unit 84, a display unit 85, an operation input unit 86, a transmission unit 53, a receiving unit 54, a battery 59, a regulator 60, a non-contact power receiving / feeding unit 61, and a power input jack 62. Among them, the transmitting unit 53, the receiving unit 54, the battery 59, the regulator 60, the non-contact power receiving / feeding unit 61, and the power input jack 62 are the same as those of the electronic key 2 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

  The microphone 83 and the audio processing unit 84 are mounted on the smartphone 3 in the first embodiment, and are mounted on the electronic key 80 in the second embodiment. The microphone 83 converts an external sound into an electric signal. The audio processing unit 84 processes the audio signal collected by the microphone 83 and converted into an electric signal into digital audio data, and outputs the digital audio data to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 can recognize the content of the sound collected by the microphone 83 based on the sound data input from the sound processing unit 84.

  The display unit 85 is a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) that can display various images and information. The operation input unit 86 is an input device that can receive an input operation by a user. A specific configuration of the operation input unit 86 is, for example, a push-button switch. A touch panel may be provided as the operation input unit 86.

  The control unit 81 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like (not shown). The control unit 81 controls various circuits and functional blocks in the electronic key 80, including each unit connected to the control unit 81. An electronic key control process described later (see FIG. 15) is executed by the CPU of the control unit 81.

  The memory 82 is a nonvolatile memory whose storage contents can be electrically rewritten, and is a flash memory in the present embodiment. The memory 82 stores various programs and data. The data stored in the memory 82 includes vehicle operation menu data 82a, a voice pattern 82b, and ID information 82c.

  The ID information 82c is the same as the ID information 52a in the electronic key 2 of the first embodiment. The vehicle operation menu data 82a is the same as the vehicle operation menu data 32b in the smartphone 3 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, icons for each operation item are displayed on the display unit 85 of the electronic key 80 in the same manner as the operation menu screen 48 described with reference to FIG. 3, and the user selects a desired operation item from the icons. You can choose. The voice pattern 82b is the same as the voice pattern 32c in the smartphone 3 of the first embodiment.

  Note that the display unit 85 of the electronic key 80 of the present embodiment has a smaller display area than the display unit 33 of the smartphone 3 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the number of icons that can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit 85 is smaller than the number of icons on the operation menu screen 48 illustrated in FIG. Information to be displayed on the display unit 85 (image information for each operation item for selecting an operation item) does not necessarily have to be an icon, and may be, for example, text indicating an operation item. As long as the user can select a desired operation item, what kind of image information is to be displayed on the display unit 85 can be determined as appropriate.

  As described above, the electronic key 80 according to the second embodiment can perform wireless communication (that is, smart communication) with the vehicle 1 by the transmission unit 53 and the reception unit 54, but has other wireless communication functions. Not. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be remotely controlled from the electronic key 80 when the electronic key 80 and the vehicle 1 can execute data communication by smart communication, that is, when the electronic key 80 This is a case where the area exists in the areas 400 and 500.

  An electronic key control process performed by the control unit 81 in the electronic key 80 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 81 of the electronic key 80 repeatedly executes the electronic key control process shown in FIG. 15 at a predetermined control cycle.

  When starting the electronic key control process, the control unit 81 of the electronic key 80 determines whether a request signal has been received from the vehicle 1 in S302. If the request signal has not been received (S302: NO), the electronic key control process ends.

  If the request signal has been received from the vehicle 1 (S302: YES), a vehicle operation standby display is displayed on the display unit 85 in S304. That is, a display indicating that the vehicle 1 can be controlled from the electronic key 80 is performed. In S306, it is determined whether or not a voice input request operation has been performed by the user. When remotely operating the vehicle 1 from the electronic key 80, the user can select whether to specify (select) the operation content by operating the operation input unit 86 or to specify the operation content by voice. When it is desired to specify the operation content by voice, a predetermined voice input request operation is performed via the operation input unit 86, whereby the operation content can be specified by voice.

  If the voice input request operation has not been performed in S306 (S306: NO), the process proceeds to S308. In S308, an operation menu list is displayed on the display unit 85. The operation menu list is a list of information images (for example, icons or texts) indicating operation items.

  In S310, it is determined whether or not a specific operation item is selected and input from among the operation items listed in S308. If the operation item has not been selected (S310: NO), the process returns to S306. When an operation item is selected and input (S310: YES), the process proceeds to S312. In S312, an operation command corresponding to the selected operation item is generated, and the process proceeds to S314.

  If a voice input request operation has been performed in S306 (S306: YES), the flow proceeds to S316. In S316, the sound input by the microphone 83 is set to the standby state. That is, the input and recognition of the voice are made executable. In S318, it is determined whether or not a voice has been input from the microphone 83. If no voice has been input (S318: NO), it is determined in S320 whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the voice input was set to the standby state in S316. If the fixed time has not elapsed, the process returns to S318, and if the fixed time has elapsed, the process returns to S302.

  If a voice has been input in S318 (S318: YES), it is determined in S322 whether or not the user has spoken a word corresponding to a prescribed voice pattern based on the user's voice input to the microphone 83. This determination is made by determining whether the word spoken by the user matches any of the words stored in the memory 82 as the voice pattern 82b. Then, when the user speaks a word corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern, the voice pattern is recognized.

  In S324, the operation content corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern recognized in S322 is displayed on the display unit 85. In S326, an operation command corresponding to the prescribed voice pattern recognized in S322 is generated. After S326, the process proceeds to S314. In S314, the operation command generated in S312 or S326 and the user ID are transmitted to the vehicle 1 by smart communication.

  On the other hand, in the vehicle 1, also in the second embodiment, the remote control process shown in FIG. 11 is executed. Therefore, when the operation command and the user ID transmitted from the electronic key 80 are received by the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 executes the processing according to the remote control processing shown in FIG. Is executed. However, as in the first embodiment, if the user ID collation does not match, the designation operation is not executed. Further, as in the first embodiment, when the designation operation is prohibited or restricted in the function restriction confirmation process (S166 in FIG. 11), the designation operation is not executed or executed within the restricted range. You. In the function restriction confirmation process according to the second embodiment, the function of the operation content requested from the electronic key 80 is prohibited or restricted according to the positional relationship between the electronic key 80 and the vehicle 1.

According to the vehicle control system of the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) The user can remotely control the vehicle 1 from the electronic key 80 by operating the electronic key 80. Thereby, the user can check the operation of each part of the vehicle 1 without getting on the vehicle 1.

  (B) The user can input operation items for the vehicle 1 to the electronic key 80 by various methods. Specifically, an operation menu list is displayed on the display unit 85, and an operation item can be designated from the list. The desired operation item can also be designated by speaking a word corresponding to the desired operation item into the microphone 83. Therefore, the user can move the vehicle 1 or operate each part of the vehicle 1 while talking to the electronic key 80. Note that a camera may be mounted on the electronic key 80 so that an operation item can be designated by a gesture as in the first embodiment.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the first embodiment, the vehicle control system capable of operating the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3 via the electronic key 2 has been described, but the vehicle 1 can be directly operated without relaying the electronic key 2 from the smartphone 3. You may.

  Specifically, in the flowchart of the vehicle operation application 32a of the smartphone 3 shown in FIG. 7, an authentication request signal is transmitted to the vehicle 1 instead of the electronic key 2 in S14, and an operation permission signal is received from the vehicle 1 in S16. It may be determined whether or not it has been done. Then, when it is determined in S16 that the operation permission signal has been received from the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3 may execute the processing of S304 and subsequent steps in FIG. In this case, in S314, the operation command and the user ID may be transmitted to the vehicle 1 by, for example, the first communication or another communication method instead of the smart communication.

  Then, in the vehicle 1, when the operation command and the user ID transmitted from the smartphone 3 are received, first, user authentication based on the user ID may be performed. Then, as a result of the user authentication, when it is determined that the operation command is from the authorized user, the operation item indicated by the operation command may be executed. When the user authentication fails, an operation rejection signal may be transmitted to the smartphone 3 to notify that the remote operation from the smartphone 3 cannot be accepted.

  As a configuration example in which the vehicle 1 can be directly operated without relaying the electronic key from the smartphone, for example, the smartphone has some or all of the configuration and functions of the electronic key 80 of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted.

  (2) In the second embodiment, the electronic key 80 has only the same smart communication function as a conventional electronic key as a wireless communication function. However, the electronic key 80 can perform wireless communication in a system other than the smart communication. It may be. For example, in addition to the smart communication, at least one of the first communication, the second communication, the BT communication, or the wireless communication of another communication method described in the first embodiment may be provided.

  By providing a wireless communication function of a communication method other than the smart communication, even if the electronic key 80 exists outside the detection area of the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 can be remotely controlled from the electronic key 80. Good.

  (3) In the second embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is remotely controlled from the electronic key 80, the user is authenticated based on the fingerprint, voice, or face image, similarly to the smartphone 3 of the first embodiment. Is also good.

  (4) As the contents of the vehicle operation menu data 32b, that is, the contents that can be remotely controlled with respect to the vehicle 1, the plurality of operation items shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples. The contents of the operation items that can be remotely controlled can be determined as appropriate.

  (5) A wireless communication method that can be executed in each of the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2, and the vehicle 1 can be appropriately determined. Further, it is possible to appropriately determine which communication method is used for the two-party communication between the smartphone 3 and the electronic key 2 and the two-party communication between the electronic key 2 and the vehicle 1.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the vehicle 1 may be able to recognize the user of the smartphone 3 using the pairing information in the BT communication between the electronic key 2 and the smartphone 3. That is, when an operation command is received from the smartphone 3 with the electronic key 2, the electronic key 2 attempts BT communication with the smartphone 3 and, if BT communication is possible, based on the pairing information between the two. Acquire user information of the smartphone 3. Then, when transmitting the operation command to the vehicle 1, the electronic key 2 also transmits the acquired user information with the acquired user information.

  Thereby, the vehicle 1 can recognize from which user the request for the remote operation has been made, and can execute different control for each user. For example, it is possible to restrict the function according to the user, or to expand the function according to the user. Further, even with the same function, detailed contents can be varied for each user.

  (7) A camera or microphone may be mounted on the vehicle, and the user may be able to instruct an operation on the vehicle by showing a gesture to the vehicle-mounted camera or talking to the vehicle-mounted microphone from outside the vehicle.

  At this time, first, the user operates the smartphone 3 to transmit remote control start information indicating that the vehicle is remotely controlled from outside the vehicle to the vehicle 1 directly or via the electronic key 2 to the vehicle 1. When the vehicle 1 receives the remote operation start information, the vehicle 1 may activate a vehicle-mounted camera or a vehicle-mounted microphone to accept the remote operation. Alternatively, the remote operation start information may be transmitted from the electronic key 2 to the vehicle 1 by operating the electronic key 2 without using the smartphone 3.

  The electronic key 2 may transmit the remote operation start information to the vehicle 1 only when wireless communication with the vehicle 1 is possible by smart communication, or the second key when the smart communication with the vehicle 1 is not possible. The remote operation start information may be transmitted to the vehicle 1 by communication.

  The vehicle 1 registers gestures and sounds corresponding to acceptable operation items in a memory in advance, and when a gesture or a sound input by a vehicle-mounted camera or a vehicle-mounted microphone is stored in the memory, Processing corresponding to the gesture or voice may be executed.

  With such a configuration, after the user of the vehicle 1 finishes driving the vehicle 1 and gets off the vehicle 1, for example, when the user wants to move the vehicle 1 a little more backward (or forward), the user of the vehicle 1 The vehicle 1 can be moved without re-entering the vehicle 1 by showing a gesture indicating “slow reverse” (or “slow forward”) or issuing a sound. In addition, since the vehicle 1 can be remotely controlled from outside the vehicle, the vehicle 1 can be appropriately moved while confirming the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 1 and its surroundings.

  Further, a function of detecting the relative positional relationship between the electronic key 2 and the vehicle 1 in real time may be provided so that the vehicle 1 can move following the electronic key 2. For example, when the user moves the electronic key 2 in front of the vehicle 1 and issues a command to move the vehicle 1 at a very low speed, the vehicle 1 automatically starts running toward the electronic key 2. Then, when the distance from the electronic key 2 is within a predetermined distance, the operation is automatically stopped. Thereafter, when the user releases the electronic key 2 from the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 starts running toward the electronic key 2 again. The same is true for the reverse.

  Also in the case of this configuration, authentication may be performed between the electronic key 2 and the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 can be remotely operated when the authentication is successful. Alternatively, authentication may be performed among the smartphone 3, the electronic key 2, and the vehicle 1, and the remote control of the vehicle 1 may be performed when the authentication is successful.

  (8) While the user is driving in the vehicle 1, various information during the driving is collected as learning information, and the learning information is transferred to the user's smartphone 3 when the user gets off the vehicle. Is also good. Then, when the user gets on the vehicle 1 again or gets on another vehicle 1 other than the vehicle 1, the learning information stored in the smartphone 3 is transmitted to the boarding vehicle, and the learning information is reflected. You may make it do.

  The learning information includes, for example, a seat position and a steering position adjusted by a user, an angle of a rearview mirror, an angle of a door mirror, and operation contents of an audio device.

  Such a function is convenient when applied to, for example, a so-called car sharing service in which one vehicle is shared by many users. The user takes in various types of information when he / she was driving into the smartphone 3 as learning information, and deploys the learning information to the vehicle when driving again, thereby automatically setting the setting according to his / her preference. And it can be realized quickly. That is, even though the vehicle is shared by other users, the vehicle can be felt and handled as if it were a vehicle used only by the user.

  (9) When the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1 can directly communicate with each other, information may be appropriately transmitted from the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3. For example, when the electronic key 2 is separated from the detection areas 400 and 500 of the vehicle 1, the doors of the vehicle 1 are open, all the doors are not locked, or specific electric components (for example, headlights, interior lights, etc.) ) May be notified to the smartphone 3 when the device is operating or abnormal behavior is detected. Further, for example, when the vehicle 1 is a vehicle provided with a motor as a driving source for traveling and a battery for driving the motor can be charged from the outside, when the charging is completed, the fact may be notified to the smartphone 3. .

  A more specific example of information transmission from the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are examples in which the position information of the vehicle 1 can be notified to the smartphone 3, or when an abnormality has been detected in the vehicle 1, the fact can be notified to the smartphone 3. is there.

  The control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 repeatedly executes the vehicle information notification process of FIG. 16 at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 repeatedly executes the vehicle information display process of FIG. 17 at a predetermined cycle.

  First, the vehicle information notification processing in FIG. 16 will be described. As a premise, similarly to the above embodiments, the request signals are periodically transmitted from the transmitters 4 and 5 of the vehicle 1 by smart communication.

  When starting the vehicle information notification process in FIG. 16, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 determines in S404 whether a response signal from the electronic key 2 to the request signal has been received. If the response signal has not been received (S404: NO), the process proceeds to S416. If a response signal has been received (S404: YES), the flow proceeds to S406.

  In step S <b> 406, it is determined whether the door lock has been opened or closed by operating the electronic key 2 or by an operation command from the smartphone 3 via the electronic key 2. If the door lock has not been opened or closed (S406: NO), the process returns to S404. If the door lock has been opened / closed (S406: YES), the flow proceeds to S408.

  In S408, similarly to S404, it is determined whether a response signal from the electronic key 2 to the request signal has been received. This determination is repeated while the response signal is being received. If the response signal has not been received (S408: NO), the process proceeds to S410.

  In S410, it is determined whether or not the door locks are fully closed, that is, whether or not the door locks of all the doors 15 are closed. If the door lock is not completely closed (S410: NO), the process proceeds to S416. If the door lock is fully closed (S410: YES), the process proceeds to S412. That the door lock is determined to be fully closed in S410 means that the electronic key 2 once enters the detection area of the vehicle 1 and the door lock is opened and closed via the electronic key 2, and thereafter, That is, the electronic key 2 has left the detection area of the vehicle 1 with the door lock fully closed. Such a situation may occur, for example, when the user of the vehicle 1 parks the vehicle 1 in a parking lot and goes away from the vehicle 1.

  In S412, vehicle position information (information indicating the current position of the vehicle 1) is acquired based on the information received by the GPS receiving unit 9. In S414, the vehicle position information acquired in S412 is transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication. Thus, even if the user of the smartphone 3 parks the vehicle 1 in a parking lot and is away from the vehicle 1, for example, the user can determine where the vehicle 1 is parked based on the vehicle position information transmitted from the vehicle 1. You can easily find out.

  In S416, it is determined whether an abnormality has been detected in vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has a function of detecting various abnormalities. For example, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a sensor, such as an acceleration sensor or a vibration sensor, that can detect an external impact on the vehicle 1. The control unit 10 of the vehicle 1 detects the presence or absence of an external impact on the vehicle 1 based on the detection signal from the sensor, and when the impact is detected, an improper act such as mischief or theft is performed on the vehicle 1. It is determined that there is a possibility that the abnormality has occurred, and the occurrence of an abnormality is detected. In addition, the vehicle interior camera 24 is operated periodically to analyze the captured image, for example, to detect an intruder in the vehicle interior, or to detect a suspicious person around the vehicle (for example, a person looking into the vehicle interior). Also in this case, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred. In addition, for example, a functional abnormality of the vehicle 1 such as a voltage drop of an on-vehicle battery or oil leakage may be detected.

  In S416, when the abnormality of the vehicle 1 is not detected (S416: NO), the vehicle information notification process ends. When the abnormality of the vehicle 1 is detected (S416: YES), the process proceeds to S418. In S418, abnormality information indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the vehicle 1 and the content of the detected abnormality is transmitted to the smartphone 3 through the first communication.

  Next, the vehicle information display processing of FIG. 17 will be described. When starting the vehicle information display process of FIG. 17, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 determines whether or not data has been received from the vehicle 1 by the first communication in S452. If data has not been received from the vehicle 1 (S452: NO), it is determined in S464 whether a predetermined user operation for displaying vehicle position information has been performed. If the predetermined user operation for displaying the vehicle position information has not been performed (S464: NO), the vehicle information display process ends. If a predetermined user operation for displaying vehicle position information has been performed (S464: YES), the flow proceeds to S466.

In S466, the vehicle position information stored in the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 26. Thereby, the user can confirm the position of the vehicle 1.
If data is received from the vehicle 1 in S452 (S452: YES), it is determined in S454 whether vehicle position information is received (that is, whether the received data includes vehicle position information). If the vehicle position information has been received (S454: YES), the received vehicle position information is stored in the memory 32 in S456.

  If the vehicle position information is not included in the data received from the vehicle 1 (S454: NO), in S458, whether or not abnormal information has been received (that is, whether or not the received data includes abnormal information). to decide. When the abnormality information is received (S458: YES), the received abnormality information is displayed on the display unit 26 in S460. This allows the user to know that an abnormality has been detected in the vehicle 1 and the details of the abnormality.

If the data received from the vehicle 1 does not include the abnormality information (S458: NO), a predetermined reception corresponding process based on the received data is performed in S462.
(10) The types of various information that can be provided from the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 are not limited to the information described with reference to FIG. In addition to the information described with reference to FIG. 3, for example, information on the total mileage of the vehicle 1, the remaining amount of the battery, the remaining amount of fuel, the date when the engine oil and other various oils are changed, Various kinds of information such as the total mileage of the vehicle may be provided to the smartphone 3 as vehicle information.

  Then, the vehicle information may be provided from the vehicle 1 to the smartphone 3 directly or at a specific timing via the electronic key 2. When vehicle information can be provided via the electronic key 2, not only vehicle information but also information on the electronic key 2 (for example, the remaining battery level of the electronic key 2) may be provided to the smartphone 3.

  A more specific example of the above-described function of providing various information to the smartphone 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 9. The control unit 51 of the electronic key 2 repeatedly executes the system information transmission process of FIG. 18 at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 repeatedly executes the system state notification process of FIG. 19 at a predetermined cycle.

  First, the system information transmission process of FIG. 18 will be described. Note that the vehicle 1 is configured to be able to transmit the above-described vehicle information in the vehicle 1 to the electronic key 2 in response to a request for vehicle information from the electronic key 2.

  When starting the system information transmission process of FIG. 18, the control unit 51 of the electronic key 2 determines whether a request signal has been received from the vehicle 1 in S552. If the request signal has been received (S552: YES), it is determined in S560 whether the information notification flag is set. The information notification flag is a flag used to transmit system information (details will be described later) to the smartphone 3 only once during a period in which the request signal is continuously received, and is set in S568 and cleared in S558. You.

  If the information notification flag has already been set in S560 (S560: YES), the system information transmission process ends. If the information notification flag is not set (S560: NO), in S562, vehicle information is requested to the vehicle 1 by the first communication or the second communication, and the vehicle information from the vehicle 1 in response to the request is transmitted to the first communication. Acquired by communication or second communication.

  In S564, the remaining battery level of the electronic key 2 is detected. The electronic key 2 is configured to periodically monitor the voltage of the battery 40 and the charging / discharging history from the battery 40, and detect the remaining battery level based on the monitoring result.

  In S566, the vehicle information acquired in S562 and the information including the remaining battery level detected in S564 are transmitted to the smartphone 3 by the first communication as system information indicating the state of the vehicle 1 and the electronic key 2. Then, the information notification flag is set in S568, and the system information transmission processing ends.

  If the request signal has not been received from the vehicle 1 in S552 (S552: NO), it is determined in S554 whether the information notification flag has been cleared. If the information notification flag has been cleared (S554: YES), the system information transmission process ends. When the information notification flag is set (S554: NO), the process proceeds to S556.

  In S556, it is determined whether or not the request signal has not been continuously received from the vehicle 1 for a certain period or more. If the predetermined period has not elapsed after the reception of the request signal (S556: NO), the system information transmission process ends. If a certain period or more has elapsed since the request signal is no longer received (S556: YES), the information notification flag is cleared in S558, and the system information transmission process ends.

  Next, the system state notification processing of FIG. 19 will be described. When starting the system state notification process of FIG. 19, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 3 determines whether or not the system information has been received from the electronic key 2 by the first communication in S502. If the system information has not been received (S502: NO), the process proceeds to S512. If the system information has been received (S502: YES), the received system information is stored in the memory 32 in S504.

  In S506, the user is notified that the system information has been received from the electronic key 2. This notification can be performed, for example, by voice or by displaying predetermined reception notification information on the display unit 33. When the smartphone 3 has a so-called vibration function, the user may be notified by using the vibration function (that is, by causing the smartphone 3 to generate vibration).

  In S508, it is determined whether or not a predetermined display request operation for displaying system information has been performed by the user. If the display request operation has not been performed (S508: NO), the process proceeds to S512. If the display request operation has been performed (S508: YES), the process proceeds to S510. In S510, the system information stored in the memory 32 in S504 is displayed on the display unit 33. Thereby, the user can confirm the latest system information.

  In S512, the necessity of maintenance is determined based on the system information stored in the memory 32. For example, a certain number of days or more have elapsed since the most recent oil change date, the vehicle has traveled a certain distance or more from the total travel distance at the time of the most recent oil change, the remaining fuel amount is less than a predetermined amount, If the remaining battery power is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, it is determined that maintenance is required.

  In S514, it is determined whether there is an item requiring maintenance based on the determination result in S512. If it is not determined in S512 that maintenance is required, it is determined that there is no maintenance-required item (S514: NO), and the system state notification process ends. If it is determined in S512 that maintenance is necessary, it is determined that there is an item requiring maintenance (S514: YES), and the process proceeds to S516.

  In S516, the maintenance information is displayed on the display unit 33. The maintenance information to be displayed here is information on items requiring maintenance. For example, in S512, when it is determined that the vehicle has traveled a certain distance or more from the total travel distance at the time of the latest oil change, the item requiring maintenance is oil change. Therefore, in this case, information indicating that the oil change should be performed is displayed on the display unit 33 as maintenance information. At this time, the grounds for performing the coil replacement (that the cumulative traveling distance from the previous oil replacement has exceeded a certain distance) may be displayed together.

  In S518, it is determined whether the user has performed an operation for requesting display of guidance on the maintenance method. If the guidance display request operation has not been performed (S518: NO), the system state notification processing ends. If a guidance display request operation has been performed (S518: YES), guidance processing is performed in S520. The guidance process is a predetermined process for providing a user with a specific maintenance method for items requiring maintenance.

  The transmission timing of the system information from the electronic key 2 to the smartphone 3 is not limited to the timing shown in FIG. For example, the electronic key 2 is configured to be able to request the system information from the smartphone 3 at an arbitrary timing from the smartphone 3. It may be transmitted to. Then, in the smartphone 3, the system information stored in the memory 32 may be displayed on the display unit 33 at an arbitrary timing.

  (11) A function of operating the vehicle 1 from the smartphone 3 via the electronic key 2 and acquiring information from the vehicle 1 as in the first embodiment, and directly from the electronic key 2 as in the second embodiment. It may have a function of operating the vehicle 1 and acquiring information from the vehicle 1.

  In this case, the functions that can be operated from the smartphone 3 and the functions that can be directly operated from the electronic key 2 do not always need to be completely matched. For example, the types of functions that can be operated from the smartphone 3 may be smaller than the types of functions that can be directly operated from the electronic key 2. In addition, for example, a specific type of function (for example, a function having a relatively high importance such as opening a door lock or moving the vehicle 1) cannot be operated from the smartphone 3 and can be performed only from the electronic key 2. Is also good. In addition, for example, the smartphone 3 has the electronic key 2 periodically notify whether or not the electronic key 2 is present in the detection area of the vehicle 1, and according to the content (that is, the electronic key 2 and the vehicle 1 The distance that can be operated from the smart phone 3 via the electronic key 2 may be changed in accordance with the distance relationship.

  (12) As a communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key 2, the smartphone 3 described in the above embodiment is merely an example. In addition to the smartphone 3, for example, any type of communication terminal capable of wireless communication, such as a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer, can be used.

  (13) The smartphone and the vehicle may be configured to enable direct data communication. In that case, various services may be provided to the user using data communication between the two.

  For example, it is possible to acquire weather forecast, road traffic information, and other various information with a smartphone, transmit a part or all of the acquired information to a vehicle as appropriate, and notify a driver of the vehicle. Alternatively, an information providing service may be provided.

  Further, for example, a vehicle periphery monitoring service that can acquire information about the periphery of the vehicle and transmit the acquired information to the smartphone as appropriate may be provided.

  Further, for example, in a smartphone, it is possible to provide a vehicle position notification service capable of acquiring position information of a vehicle from a vehicle and notifying a user of the smartphone of information on the position of the vehicle based on the acquired position information. It may be.

In addition, for example, the face of the driver is photographed in the vehicle, and information corresponding to the content of the photographed face image (that is, the expression of the driver, and further, the emotions (e.g., emotions, sorrows, etc.) the driver has) is displayed on the smartphone. An SNS (Social Networking Service) application that can be passed to an SNS application may be provided.

  Further, for example, the driver's physical condition is grasped directly or indirectly from various angles, and the driving of the vehicle by the driver is permitted or prohibited according to the grasped contents (that is, according to the driver's physical condition). It may be possible to provide a driving permission / inhibition judging service that can perform the operation.

Hereinafter, the various services described above will be described more specifically.
(13-1) Configuration of Smartphone First, a configuration of the smartphone 110 capable of realizing the various services described above will be described with reference to FIG. The smartphone 110 illustrated in FIG. 20 further includes a motion sensor group 50 in addition to the hardware configuration of the smartphone 3 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. The control unit 31 has a built-in RTC (real-time clock) 31a. The control unit 31 can acquire information such as the current time and the date and time based on the RTC 31a. The RTC 31a is also built in the smartphone 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The motion sensor group 50 includes at least one of various sensors capable of detecting the movement and the direction of the object. Examples of these various sensors include a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. Here, the description will be made assuming that the motion sensor group 50 includes at least a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor.

  The geomagnetic sensor is a sensor also called a so-called electronic compass, and is a sensor capable of detecting an azimuth. The control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 can detect the azimuth in a specific direction around the smartphone 110 based on the detection signal from the geomagnetic sensor. The specific direction can be determined as appropriate. The smartphone 110 has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape. Therefore, here, as an example, the axis of the smartphone 110, which is parallel to the rectangular plate surface and parallel to the long side direction and passes through a specific position in the housing of the smartphone 110, is viewed from the specific position as the specific axis. One axial direction of the specific axis is defined as a specific direction.

  The acceleration sensor can detect at least three-axis acceleration. The control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 can detect a movement of the smartphone 110 (a movement in a three-dimensional space) based on a detection signal from the acceleration sensor. Further, the control unit 31 can detect the number of steps of the holder of the smartphone 110 based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor.

  In addition, in the memory 32 of the smartphone 110, in addition to the storage contents in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), an information provision application 32g, a surrounding information notification application 32h, a vehicle position notification application 32j, an SNS application 32k, and Each application of the physical condition management application 32m is stored. The memory 32 stores the forward video data 32n and the stolen vehicle data 32p by executing the surrounding information notification application.

(13-2) Configuration of Vehicle Next, a configuration of the vehicle 120 capable of realizing the various services described above will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle 120 shown in FIG. 21 includes a HUD (head-up display) 27, a front camera 28, and a BT communication unit 30 in addition to the hardware configuration of the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. ing.

  The front camera 28 is a camera that can photograph the front of the vehicle 120. The front camera 28 is attached to a specific position (for example, the front end of the ceiling in the vehicle compartment) of the vehicle 120 where the front can be photographed. The front camera 28 operates and performs photographing when a preset photographing condition is satisfied. Here, it is assumed that the moving image is constantly captured at least while the vehicle 120 is running. Moving image data (front video data 25h) captured by the front camera 28 is stored in the memory 25. The forward video data 25h stored in the memory 25 is moving image data for the latest several hours. Note that a period and a timing (that is, photographing conditions) during which photographing is performed by the front camera 28 can be determined as appropriate. In addition, how long the data of the moving image captured in the past is stored in the memory 25 (that is, whether the data is stored as the forward video data 25h) can be appropriately determined.

  The memory 25 of the vehicle 120 has, in addition to the contents stored in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), a smartphone information notification program 25d, a surroundings monitoring program 25e, an SNS cooperation program 25f, and a physical condition information correspondence program 25g. , Are stored. The memory 25 stores the forward video data 25h by executing the surrounding monitoring program 25e.

(13-3) Information Providing Service Next, the information providing service among the various services described above will be described with reference to FIGS. The information providing service is basically realized by the smartphone 110 executing the information providing application 32g and the vehicle 120 executing the smartphone information notification program 25d. As a usage mode of the information providing service, a mode in which a user having the smartphone 110 gets on the vehicle 120 (that is, a mode in which the smartphone 110 exists in the vehicle 120) is mainly assumed.

  After activation, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 reads the information providing application 32g from the memory 32, and repeatedly executes an information providing process that is a process according to the information providing application 32g at a predetermined cycle. The information providing process is a process of acquiring various information from various servers (for example, various websites or the like) and transmitting a part or all of the information to the vehicle as needed. FIG. 22 shows an example of the information providing process.

  When the information providing process of FIG. 22 starts, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 detects the current position of the smartphone 110 based on the information received by the GPS receiving unit 37 in S602.

  In S604, the weather information providing site is accessed by the first communication, and the current position information indicating the current position of the smartphone 110 is transmitted to the weather information providing site, thereby requesting the weather information around the current position. Then, weather information around the current position transmitted from the weather information providing site in response to the request is acquired.

  In S606, the traffic information providing site is accessed by the first communication, and the current position information indicating the current position of the smartphone 110 is transmitted to the traffic information providing site, thereby requesting traffic information around the current position. Then, traffic information around the current position transmitted from the traffic information providing site in response to the request is acquired. Note that the traffic information that can be acquired includes, for example, various information such as accident information around the current position, traffic congestion information, and traffic regulation information.

  In S608, by accessing the alert information providing site by the first communication and transmitting a predetermined search condition to the alert information providing site, various information corresponding to the search condition is requested. Then, various information transmitted from the alert information providing site in response to the request is obtained. The search conditions include the current position of the smartphone 110, the current position of the vehicle 120, the current time, information related to the driver (eg, driver preference, schedule, etc.), information related to the vehicle 120 (eg, vehicle type), and the like. And various conditions. When at least one of these various conditions is transmitted to the alert information providing site as a search condition, information corresponding to the search condition is searched and transmitted to the smartphone 110. Examples of the information corresponding to the search conditions include, for example, facility information and event information around the current position, information on various events held within a certain period of time from now on, information on facilities and the like that appeal to the driver, and the like. Various information is mentioned.

  In S610, it is determined whether or not the information acquired in S604, S606, and S608 includes information updated from the information acquired up to the previous time. Specifically, based on the information stored in the memory 32, it is determined whether or not each of the information obtained in S604, S606, and S608 has already been obtained and stored in the previous information providing process. Then, if the information acquired this time is already stored, the information providing process ends. On the other hand, if the information acquired this time includes information that is not stored in the memory 32 (that is, updated information), the updated information is transmitted to the vehicle 120 by BT communication in S612. I do.

  On the other hand, after starting, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 reads the smartphone information notification program 25d from the memory 25, and repeatedly executes the smartphone information notification process, which is a process according to the smartphone information notification program 25d, at a predetermined cycle. The smartphone information notification process is a process of notifying the driver of various information received from the smartphone 110. FIG. 23 is an example of a smartphone information notification process.

  When starting the smartphone information notification process of FIG. 23, control unit 10 of vehicle 120 determines in S652 whether or not update information (information transmitted in S612 of FIG. 22) has been received from smartphone 110 by BT communication. . If the update information has not been received, the smartphone information notification process ends. When the update information has been received, the received update information is notified to the driver in S654. Specifically, for example, the update information may be output as sound from a speaker (not shown), the update information may be displayed on the display unit 26, or the update information may be displayed on the HUD 27.

  In the information providing process of FIG. 22, it is not essential to transmit updated information among various information obtained from each site to the vehicle, and a part or all of the various information obtained from each site is appropriately transmitted to the vehicle. May be sent. When transmitting a part of various types of information, it is possible to appropriately determine what information is to be transmitted.

Further, the fact that the data communication method between the smartphone 110 and the vehicle 120 is BT communication is merely an example, and data communication may be performed using another communication method.
(13-4) Vehicle Perimeter Monitoring Service Next, the vehicle perimeter monitoring service among the various services described above will be described with reference to FIGS. The vehicle surrounding monitoring service is basically realized by executing the surrounding information notifying application 32h on the smartphone 110 and executing the surrounding monitoring program 25e on the vehicle 120. Similar to the above-described information providing service, the usage mode of the vehicle periphery monitoring service mainly assumes a mode in which a user having the smartphone 110 is in the vehicle 120.

  After starting, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 reads the surroundings monitoring program 25e from the memory 25, and repeatedly executes a surroundings monitoring process which is a process according to the surroundings monitoring program 25e at a predetermined cycle. The surroundings monitoring process includes a function of transmitting the number information of the surrounding vehicle to the smartphone 110 when the number of the surrounding vehicle is recognized from an image (still image) captured by the front camera 28, a function of transmitting the forward video data 32n to the smartphone 110, And a function of notifying the presence of a stolen vehicle based on a notification from the smartphone 110. FIG. 24 is an example of the surrounding monitoring process.

  When the surroundings monitoring process of FIG. 24 is started, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 acquires an image (still image) captured by the front camera 28 in S702. In S704, recognition processing of an image of the surrounding vehicle is performed from the still images acquired in S702. In S706, it is determined whether the number of the surrounding image has been recognized from the still images. If the number has not been recognized, the process proceeds to S710. If the number has been recognized, in S708, number information indicating the recognized number is transmitted to the smartphone 110 by BT communication.

  In S710, the front video data 32n is transmitted to the smartphone 110 by BT communication. The forward video data 32n transmitted here is an update from the forward video data 32n transmitted in the previous process of S710, that is, a portion newly stored after the previous process of S710 and before the execution of the current process of S710. It is. However, it is not essential to transmit only the update in this way.

  In S712, it is determined whether or not stolen vehicle discovery information has been received from the smartphone 110 by BT communication. If the stolen vehicle discovery information has not been received, the surrounding monitoring process ends. When the stolen vehicle discovery information is received, the presence of the stolen vehicle is notified to the driver in S714. The stolen vehicle discovery information transmitted from the smartphone 110 includes that the number information transmitted in S708 includes a number that may be a stolen vehicle, and includes the number. Therefore, in S714, the driver is informed at least that the vehicle that may be the stolen vehicle is traveling ahead of the host vehicle, and the number thereof. Various specific notification methods are conceivable. For example, as described in S654 of FIG. 23, notification by voice may be used, or notification by the display unit 26 or the HUD 27 may be used.

  On the other hand, after activation, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 reads the surrounding information notifying application 32h from the memory 32, and repeatedly executes the surrounding information notifying process, which is a process according to the surrounding information notifying application 32h, at a predetermined cycle. The surrounding information notification process has a function of determining the presence or absence of a stolen vehicle based on the number information transmitted from the vehicle and transmitting the determination result to the vehicle, and a function of storing the forward video data 32n transmitted from the vehicle. This is the process for realizing it. FIG. 25 is an example of the surrounding information notifying process.

  When the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 starts the surrounding information notifying process in FIG. 25, in S752, the control unit 31 accesses a specific website in which information on the stolen vehicle is stored in the first communication, and obtains the number of the stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle data 32p, which is the data of the stolen vehicle, is acquired and stored in the memory 32. If the data is already stored, the stored data is updated based on the newly obtained data.

  In S754, it is determined whether or not the number information has been received from vehicle 120 by BT communication. If the number information has not been received, the process proceeds to S760. If the number information has been received, in S756, it is determined whether or not the number corresponding to the stolen vehicle is included in the received number information with reference to the stolen vehicle data 32p. When the number corresponding to the stolen vehicle is not included, the process proceeds to S760. When the number corresponding to the stolen vehicle is included, the stolen vehicle discovery information is transmitted to the vehicle 120 by BT communication in S758.

  In S760, it is determined whether or not forward video data has been received from vehicle 120 by BT communication. If the forward video data has been received, in S762, the forward video data 32n stored in the memory 32 is updated based on the received forward video data. The forward video data 32n stored in the memory 32 can be reproduced on the display unit 33 by performing a predetermined moving image reproducing operation.

  The acquisition of the stolen vehicle data performed by the smartphone 110 (S752) and the determination of the presence or absence of the number corresponding to the stolen vehicle (S756) may be performed by the vehicle 120 itself. In this case, the stolen vehicle discovery information may be transmitted from the vehicle 120 to the smartphone 110, and the smartphone 110 may store the information, or the smartphone 110 may notify the smartphone 110 of the information.

(13-5) Vehicle Position Notification Service Next, the vehicle position notification service among the various services described above will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle position notification service is basically realized by executing the vehicle position notification application 32j on the smartphone 110. As a usage mode of the vehicle position notification service, it is mainly assumed that the user having the smartphone 110 is away from the vehicle 120.

  After activation, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 reads the vehicle position notification application 32j from the memory 32, and repeatedly executes a vehicle position notification process that is a process according to the vehicle position notification application 32j at a predetermined cycle. The vehicle position notifying process is a process for realizing a function of notifying the user of the smartphone 110 of the current position of the vehicle 120 and various information related to the current position. FIG. 26 is an example of a vehicle position notification process.

  When the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 starts the vehicle position notification process of FIG. 26, in S552, the control unit 31 acquires the position information (current position of the vehicle) of the vehicle 120 from the vehicle 120 by the first communication. Specifically, when position information is requested from the vehicle 120 in the first communication, information on the current position detected in the vehicle 120 is transmitted from the vehicle 120. S552 is a process of acquiring the current position of the vehicle by receiving the information of the current position transmitted from the vehicle 120.

  In S554, the current position (smartphone current position) of the smartphone 110 is detected based on the information received by the GPS receiving unit 37. In S556, a map image in a predetermined range including the current vehicle position acquired in S552 and the current smartphone position acquired in S554 is displayed on the display unit 33. In S558, a vehicle mark indicating the vehicle 120 is displayed at a position corresponding to the current vehicle position in the map image, and a smartphone mark indicating the smartphone 110 is displayed at a position corresponding to the current smartphone position. Accordingly, the user of the smartphone 110 can grasp the position of the vehicle 120 in addition to grasping his / her own position (that is, the position of the smartphone 110).

  In S560, vehicle position related information is calculated based on the current vehicle position and the current smartphone position, and is displayed on the display unit 33. The vehicle position related information is information indicating directly or indirectly the relative position of the vehicle 120 with respect to the current smartphone position. As the vehicle position related information, for example, a linear distance from the current smartphone position to the current vehicle position, a distance along a predetermined route from the current smartphone position to the current vehicle position, along a predetermined route from the current smartphone position to the current vehicle position The number of steps required to go on foot, the direction of the current position of the vehicle viewed from the current position of the smartphone, and the like.

  In S562, the direction of the smartphone 110 (specifically, the azimuth in the specific direction described above) is detected based on the detection signal from the motion sensor group 50. In S564, it is determined whether or not the orientation of the smartphone 110 detected in S562 substantially matches the direction of the vehicle 120 (ie, the azimuth of the current vehicle position viewed from the current smartphone position). For example, if the difference between the directions (azimuths) is within a predetermined angle, it is determined that they substantially match.

  If the direction of the smartphone 110 is substantially the same as the direction of the vehicle 120, the user of the smartphone 110 is notified that the smartphone 110 is facing the vehicle 120 in S566. This notification may be performed, for example, by voice, by operating a vibration mechanism (not shown) to mechanically vibrate the smartphone 110, or by displaying predetermined information on the display unit 33. May go.

  By this vehicle position notification process, the user of the smartphone 110 can acquire various information related to the position of the vehicle 120. In particular, by the processing of S546 and S566, the user of the smartphone 110 can search for the direction of the vehicle 120 while changing the direction of the smartphone 110 in various ways.

(13-6) SNS Link Service Next, the SNS link service among the various services described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. The SNS cooperation service is basically realized by executing the SNS application 32k on the smartphone 110 and executing the SNS cooperation program 25f on the vehicle 120. The use form of the SNS cooperation service is mainly a form in which the user holding the smartphone 110 is driving the vehicle 120 (in other words, a form in which the driver's smartphone 110 is present in the vehicle 120). Is assumed.

  After starting, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 reads the SNS cooperation program 25f from the memory 25, and repeatedly executes the SNS cooperation processing, which is the processing according to the SNS cooperation program 25f, at a predetermined cycle. The SNS cooperation process is a process of determining the mood of the driver from the image of the driver's face and transmitting the determination result to the smartphone 110. FIG. 27 is an example of the SNS link processing.

  When the SNS cooperation process of FIG. 27 starts, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 acquires a captured image (still image) of the front camera 28 in S802. In S804, an image (still image) captured by the in-vehicle camera 24 is acquired.

  In S806, a process of recognizing the image of the driver's face from the still image acquired in S804 is performed. In step S808, the driver's mood (for example, emotion, emotion, and so on) is determined based on the image of the driver's face recognized in step S806. In S810, mood information indicating the determination result (mood of the driver) in S808 is transmitted to the smartphone 110 by BT communication.

  On the other hand, after activation, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 reads the SNS application 32k from the memory 32, and repeatedly executes an SNS process that is a process according to the SNS application 32k at a predetermined cycle. The SNS application 32k is an application that can realize functions equivalent to known applications that can enjoy SNS, such as LINE (registered trademark) and TWITTER (registered trademark). In particular, the SNS application 32k has a function of automatically transmitting various images and messages according to the mood information transmitted from the vehicle 120, in addition to the functions of the known similar application. FIG. 28 is an example of the SNS process.

  When the SNS process of FIG. 28 starts, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 determines whether or not the mood information has been received from the vehicle 120 in S852. If the mood information has not been received, other prescribed processing is executed in S854. The prescribed process is a process equivalent to various processes executed in a known SNS application, such as receiving a message from an external terminal or a server and transmitting a message to an external terminal or a server.

  When the mood information is received from the vehicle 120 in S852, a notification image indicating the mood of the user of the smartphone 110 (that is, the driver of the vehicle 120) is determined in S856. The notification image may be any image as long as the content shows the mood of the driver. For example, if the driver has an angry emotion, a text “Annoyed!” May be generated and determined as the notification image, or the text of the face illustration image stored in advance may be used. An illustration image of an angry expression may be extracted from the inside and determined to be the notification image. Further, for example, when the driver has a feeling of surprise or impression, a text “I saw a great thing!” May be generated and determined as the notification image, or the text may be stored in advance. An illustration image of a surprised expression may be extracted from the illustration image of the present face, and may be determined as the notification image.

  In S858, the notification image determined in S856 is transmitted to the specific external terminal or server by the first communication. Thereby, for example, the notification image is transmitted to the terminal of another user registered as a transmission target, and the notification image is displayed on the terminal of another user. The other user can know the current situation (feel, etc.) of the driver by looking at the displayed notification image. When transmitting the notification image, an image around the vehicle 120 (an image captured by the front camera 28) or an image of the driver (an image captured by the vehicle interior camera 24) may be transmitted.

  The notification image data may be transmitted to the vehicle 120, and the notification image may be displayed on the vehicle 120 by a predetermined method. For example, a device that irradiates a window glass with laser light is provided, and by operating the device to display a notification image on the window glass with the laser light, a person outside the vehicle 120 can feel the driver's feelings of the vehicle 120. May be known. At that time, the notification image may be visually recognized from outside for a certain period of time by disposing a light storage material capable of storing the light of the wavelength of the laser light for a certain period of time on the window glass.

(13-7) Driving Availability Determination Service Next, among the various services described above, the driving availability determination service will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. The driving availability determination service is basically realized by executing the physical condition management application 32m on the smartphone 110 and executing the physical condition information corresponding program 25g on the vehicle 120. As a usage mode of the driving availability determination service, it is mainly assumed that a user having the smartphone 110 is driving the vehicle 120.

  After activation, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 reads the physical condition management application 32m from the memory 32, and repeatedly executes a physical condition management process as a process according to the physical condition management application 32m at a predetermined cycle. The physical condition management process is a process of acquiring information related to the physical condition of the user of the smartphone 110 and transmitting the information to the vehicle 120. FIG. 29 is an example of a physical condition management process.

  When starting the physical condition management process of FIG. 29, the control unit 31 of the smartphone 110 determines whether or not the vehicle 120 has requested physical condition related information in S902. The physical condition-related information is various information directly or indirectly related to the physical condition of the user of the smartphone 110, and includes, for example, the number of steps for each specific period (for example, every day), the pulse rate, the heart rate, the body temperature, and the like. .

  If the physical condition related information has not been requested in S902, the physical condition management processing ends. If physical condition related information has been requested, physical condition related information is acquired in S904. For example, the number of steps can be acquired based on the detection signal from the motion sensor group 50 as described above. Further, for example, regarding the pulse, the heart rate, the correspondence, and the like, the smartphone 110 itself may be provided with a sensor capable of detecting them, and may be obtained based on a detection signal from the sensor, or provided with a function of detecting these. It may be obtained by data communication from another terminal (for example, a wristwatch-type information processing terminal).

In S906, the physical condition related information acquired in S904 is transmitted to the vehicle 120 by BT communication.
On the other hand, when the driver performs a specific start operation after starting, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 reads the physical condition information corresponding program 25g from the memory 25, and performs physical condition information processing according to the physical condition information corresponding program 25g. The corresponding process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. The start operation includes, for example, an operation of turning on an ignition switch. Further, in an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like, an operation of turning on a so-called power switch for putting the vehicle on standby in a runnable state is exemplified.

  The physical condition information corresponding process is a process of acquiring physical condition related information of the user of the smartphone 110 (that is, the driver) from the smartphone 110, and permitting or prohibiting the driver from driving the vehicle 120 according to the physical condition related information. FIG. 30 shows an example of the physical condition information correspondence processing.

  When the control unit 10 of the vehicle 120 starts the physical condition information corresponding process of FIG. 30, in S952, the control unit 10 requests the smartphone 110 for physical condition related information by BT communication. Then, in response to the request, the physical condition related information transmitted from the smartphone 110 by BT communication is received to acquire the physical condition related information.

  In S954, it is determined whether or not the driver can drive the vehicle 120 based on the physical condition related information acquired in S952 (that is, information related to the physical condition of the driver). For example, when the driver's pulse and heart rate are out of the normal ranges, it is determined that driving is impossible. Further, for example, when the total number of steps for one day yesterday is equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit, it is determined that driving is not possible because the lack of exercise is recommended to recommend a moving method other than the vehicle 120 (for example, walking or cycling). Conversely, when both the pulse and the heart rate are within the normal range, or when the total number of steps for one day yesterday exceeds the lower limit, it is particularly necessary to hesitate to cause the driver to drive the vehicle 120. If there are no circumstances, it is determined that driving is possible.

  In S956, it is determined whether or not the driver can drive the vehicle 120 (whether or not it is determined that driving is possible) based on the determination result in S954. If it is determined that the vehicle can be driven, the operation state of the vehicle 120 is shifted to the traveling standby state in S958. In the traveling standby state, the driver can drive the vehicle 120. If it is not determined that driving is possible in S956 (that is, if it is determined that driving is not possible in S954), a driving prohibition process is executed in S960. Specifically, even if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, it is invalidated so that the vehicle 120 is not forcibly driven.

  (14) A portable communication terminal with a built-in motion sensor (for example, a wristwatch-type terminal) is attached to the arm of an instructor in a parking lot, an instructor performing traffic guidance, an arm of a police officer, or the like. Alternatively, the movement of the arm (i.e., the hand gesture) may be detected so as to be able to recognize what meaning the hand gesture indicates (what kind of instruction by a guide member or the like). The hand gesture recognition may be performed by the portable communication terminal mounted on the arm, or may be performed by transmitting the detection signal of the motion sensor to another communication terminal (for example, the above-described smartphone) or the vehicle and transmitting the signal to the vehicle. You may. Recognizable gestures include, for example, a stop instruction, an entry prohibition instruction, and a start enable instruction. Then, the recognition result may be reported to the user by the smartphone, or may be reported to the driver of the vehicle in the vehicle.

  For example, the smartphone receives the detection signal of the motion sensor from the portable communication terminal worn by the guidance staff on the arm, performs the hand gesture recognition with the smartphone, notifies the recognition result with the smartphone, or transmits the recognition result to the vehicle. May be notified by a vehicle.

  (15) The vehicle to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the vehicle 1 of the above-described embodiment using an engine as a driving source for driving, but may be a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or any other vehicle of various driving systems. Further, the present invention is not limited to passenger cars, and can be applied to commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, railway vehicles, and all other types of vehicles.

  (16) In addition, the present invention is not limited to the specific means, structures, and the like shown in the above embodiments, and can take various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed as a plurality of components, or the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be replaced with a known configuration having the same function. Further, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted as long as the problem can be solved. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another above-described embodiment. Note that all aspects included in the technical idea specified by the language described in the claims are embodiments of the present invention.

[Technical idea grasped from the embodiment]
At least the following technical ideas can be ascertained from the various embodiments described in detail above.
(A) an electronic key capable of wirelessly communicating with a vehicle using two different types of wireless communication methods,
A communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key;
With
One of the two wireless communication systems has a shorter communicable distance than the other wireless communication system,
The communication terminal,
A designation input unit for receiving a designation input of a process item indicating the content of the process to be executed, for causing the vehicle to execute a specific process;
A command transmitting unit that transmits a processing command indicating the processing item input by the designation input unit to the electronic key,
With
The electronic key is
When receiving the processing command from the communication terminal, a processing command generating unit that generates a processing command indicating the processing item corresponding to the processing command,
A communication method determining unit that determines whether wireless communication is possible with the vehicle and the one wireless communication method,
When it is determined by the communication method determining unit that wireless communication is possible with the one wireless communication method, the processing command is transmitted to the vehicle using the one wireless communication method, and the one communication method determining unit determines If it is determined that wireless communication in the wireless communication system is not possible, a command transmitting unit that transmits the processing command to the vehicle in the other wireless communication system,
A vehicle control system comprising:

  According to such a configuration, wireless communication between the electronic key and the vehicle is performed by an appropriate method according to a relative distance between the two. Therefore, wireless communication between the electronic key and the vehicle can be efficiently performed.

(B) In the above (A),
The electronic key is
Permission for determining whether transmission of the processing command by the other wireless communication method is permitted when the communication method determination unit determines that wireless communication in the one wireless communication method is not possible; Equipped with a judgment unit,
The command transmission unit, when the communication method determination unit determines that the wireless communication in the one wireless communication method is not possible, the permission determination unit transmits the processing command in the other wireless communication method. A vehicle control system for transmitting the processing command to the vehicle by the other wireless communication system when it is determined that the vehicle is permitted.

According to such a configuration, when the electronic key cannot perform wireless communication with the vehicle in one wireless communication system (for example, when the electronic key is far away from the vehicle), the processing command to the vehicle in the other wireless communication system is issued. Can be arbitrarily determined. If transmission by the other wireless communication method is permitted, the vehicle can be remotely controlled even when the electronic key is away from the vehicle. Conversely, if transmission by the other wireless communication method is prohibited, if the electronic key is longer than a certain distance (a distance at which wireless communication by one wireless communication method is possible) from the vehicle, the vehicle is Can not be operated remotely, so that the security performance can be improved.
(C) an electronic key capable of wireless communication with the vehicle;
A communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key;
With
The communication terminal,
A display unit,
A display control unit configured to display a process item image, which is an image indicating a process item that can be executed on the vehicle, on the display unit;
A designation input unit for receiving a designation input for designating at least one of the process item images displayed on the display unit by the display control unit;
A command transmission unit that transmits a processing command corresponding to the processing item indicated by the processing item image specified by the specification input unit to the electronic key,
With
The electronic key is
A vehicle control system, comprising: a command transmission unit that, when receiving the processing command from the communication terminal, transmits a processing command indicating the processing item corresponding to the processing command to the vehicle.

According to such a configuration, the user easily searches for and specifies a desired process item image (a process item image corresponding to a process to be executed by the vehicle) from the process item images displayed on the communication terminal. be able to. Note that each icon illustrated in FIG. 3 corresponds to an example of the processing item image.
(D) an electronic key capable of wireless communication with the vehicle;
A communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key;
With
The communication terminal,
At least one of an imaging unit capable of capturing a moving image, and an audio input unit capable of inputting audio,
A process accepting unit that accepts at least one of the gesture of the user captured by the imaging unit and the user's voice input to the voice input unit as process designation information,
A transmission unit that transmits the process designation information to the electronic key,
With
The electronic key is
When the process designation information is received from the communication terminal, a process command corresponding to the process item indicated by the received process designation information is sent to the vehicle among the process items that can be executed for the vehicle. A vehicle control system comprising a command transmission unit for transmitting.

  According to such a configuration, the communication terminal only needs to have a function of transmitting the process designation information indicating the gesture or voice of the user to the electronic key, and what does the process designation information input by the user mean? You do not need to know if you are. The process of recognizing what the process specification information input by the user means is performed by an electronic key. Therefore, the processing load on the communication terminal can be reduced.

  Note that the processing of S34 to S38 and the processing of S42 to S46 in FIG. 8 correspond to an example of the processing of the processing reception unit. In addition, the gesture pattern recognized in S34 or the operation content corresponding thereto, and the voice pattern recognized in S42 or the operation content corresponding thereto correspond to an example of the process designation information.

(E) a vehicle;
An electronic key capable of wireless communication with the vehicle;
A communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the electronic key;
With
The communication terminal,
At least one of an imaging unit capable of capturing a moving image, and an audio input unit capable of inputting audio,
A process accepting unit that accepts at least one of the gesture of the user photographed by the imaging unit and the user's voice input to the voice input unit as process designation information,
A terminal-side transmitting unit that transmits the process designation information to the electronic key,
With
The electronic key includes a relay transmission unit that, when receiving the process specification information transmitted from the communication terminal, relays the received process specification information and transmits the process specification information to the vehicle,
The vehicle is
A vehicle control system comprising: a process execution unit that executes a process item indicated by the process designation information when the process designation information is received from the electronic key.

  According to such a configuration, both the communication terminal and the electronic key only need to have a function of transmitting the processing designation information indicating the gesture or voice of the user, and what does the processing designation information input by the user mean? You don't need to know what you are doing. The process of recognizing what the process specification information input by the user means is performed in the vehicle. Therefore, the processing load on the communication terminal and the electronic key can be reduced.

(F) an electronic key capable of wireless communication with a vehicle,
A designation input unit for receiving a designation input of a process item indicating the content of the process to be executed, for causing the vehicle to execute a specific process;
A command transmission unit that transmits a processing command indicating the processing item input by the designation input unit to the vehicle,
An electronic key comprising:

Claims (3)

A vehicle configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with an electronic key,
The electronic key is configured to wirelessly transmit a key-side command indicating a function to be executed by the vehicle,
The vehicle is
A command receiving unit configured to receive the key-side command transmitted from the electronic key,
A storage unit in which function restriction information indicating whether or not the function is restricted with respect to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the electronic key is stored;
A position obtaining unit configured to obtain the position of the vehicle and the position of the electronic key in response to the key-side command being received by the command receiving unit,
A function execution unit configured to execute the function indicated by the received key-side command in response to the key-side command being received by the command receiving unit, and stored in the storage unit. If the function is restricted with respect to the positional relationship of each position acquired by the position acquisition unit based on the function restriction information that has been set, the function is executed within the restricted range. A function execution unit configured in
Equipped with a,
The vehicle configured to execute the function of transmitting the information of the vehicle. A vehicle configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with an electronic key,
The electronic key is configured to wirelessly transmit a key-side command indicating a function to be executed by the vehicle,
The vehicle is
A command receiving unit configured to receive the key-side command transmitted from the electronic key,
A storage unit in which function restriction information indicating whether or not the function is restricted with respect to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the electronic key is stored;
A position obtaining unit configured to obtain the position of the vehicle and the position of the electronic key in response to the key-side command being received by the command receiving unit,
A function execution unit configured to execute the function indicated by the received key-side command in response to the key-side command being received by the command receiving unit, and stored in the storage unit. If the function is restricted with respect to the positional relationship of each position acquired by the position acquisition unit based on the function restriction information that has been set, the function is executed within the restricted range. A function execution unit configured in
With
The electronic key is configured to be capable of wireless communication with a communication terminal,
The communication terminal is configured to receive designation of the function, and wirelessly transmit a terminal-side command indicating the designated function,
The electronic key is configured to, when receiving the terminal-side command transmitted from the communication terminal, wirelessly transmit the key-side command indicating the function corresponding to the terminal-side command,
In the vehicle,
The position obtaining unit is further configured to obtain a position of the communication terminal,
The function restriction information indicates whether there is a restriction on the function with respect to the positional relationship between the vehicle, the electronic key, and the communication terminal,
vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The position acquisition unit may be configured such that the electronic key is a specific vehicle interior detection area in the vehicle interior, a specific vehicle exterior detection area outside the vehicle interior, and the vehicle interior detection area and the vehicle exterior detection area. It is configured to be able to acquire which of the two external
The vehicle in which the function restriction information differs in the presence or absence of the function restriction depending on at least one or a combination of two or more of the following (a) to (c).
(A) whether or not the electronic key is in the vehicle interior detection area; (b) whether or not the electronic key is in the exterior detection area; (c) if the electronic key is in the vehicle interior detection area And whether the vehicle is outside both of the outside detection areas

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