JP2006004180A - Information communication system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information communication system for a vehicle capable of providing detailed services closely fitted to a user while ensuring security. <P>SOLUTION: A vehicle ID such as the registered number of a vehicle 1, a personal ID based on unique biological information of a user, and a user terminal ID of each user terminal are associated with each other, and registered as customer data in a shop-side customer database server 3 with personal information such as family structure, age, address, etc., vehicle information such as use history, repair history, etc. of the vehicle, and data of visiting history and the like. Under authentication based on the registered information, short-range radio communication between the vehicle side and the shop side through an on-vehicle antenna 6 and a shop-side antenna 7 and short-range communication between the vehicle and shop side and the user terminal 2 are established. Therefore, detailed services closely fitted to the user can be provided while ensuring the security. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information communication system for a vehicle that performs information communication with the outside of the vehicle by a wireless communication device provided in the vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in vehicles such as automobiles, computerization of in-vehicle devices has progressed, and many devices have a complicated system configuration in which a plurality of devices communicate with each other via a network. In such an in-vehicle system, once an abnormality occurs, not only a high level of knowledge and judgment is required for investigating the cause, but it may take time to identify the faulty part.

For this reason, the applicant of Patent Document 1 transmits the data of the control device mounted on the vehicle of the individual user to the central information management center in real time and accumulates it in the database in Patent Document 1, thereby A vehicle management system has been proposed that can manage information in real time to improve preventive safety and provide information about vehicle health to individual users.
JP 2002-168734 A

  However, the system disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document 1 is mainly intended to provide user services by managing vehicle health conditions such as the operating state of vehicle-mounted devices and the degree of progress of deterioration. Data from individual vehicles is consolidated and managed collectively. For this reason, while it is possible to ensure strong security, it is difficult to provide fine-tuned services that are closely linked to individuals when providing individual users with not only vehicle health but other high-value-added services. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle information communication system capable of providing a detailed service that is in close contact with a user while ensuring security.

  To achieve the above object, a first vehicle information communication system according to the present invention is connected to an in-vehicle network and is equipped with a wireless communication device capable of wireless communication with the outside, and wireless communication with the wireless communication device is possible. An information terminal authenticated by the user, a database for registering the specific information of the user of the vehicle, the identification information of the vehicle and the identification information of the information terminal in association with each other, and connectable to the database. And a terminal device capable of performing wireless communication with at least one of the wireless communication device and the information terminal under authentication based on the read registration information and transmitting service information according to the registration information.

  A second vehicle information communication system according to the present invention includes a vehicle including a wireless communication device connected to an in-vehicle network and capable of wireless communication outside, a portable terminal having a wireless communication function, and a user of the vehicle. And a terminal device capable of rewriting authentication information for wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the portable terminal based on the unique information.

  The vehicle information communication system according to the present invention can provide a detailed service that is close to the user while ensuring security.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 6 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a vehicle information communication system, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a customer database, and FIG. 3 is a system configuration example in the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing registration processing in a store-side computer terminal, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing registration processing in a user terminal, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing registration processing in a vehicle.

  The vehicle information communication system shown in FIG. 1 is a system constructed between a user's vehicle and a store such as a dealer, and a vehicle (user vehicle) 1 including an in-vehicle system as a minimum configuration on the user side. And a user terminal 2 that is assumed to be a mobile device such as a portable terminal (PDA), a notebook personal computer, or a mobile phone possessed by the user. As a minimum configuration on the store side, a customer database server 3 and the customer database server 3 and a biometric information reader 5 for registering customer-specific personal identification information (personal ID) based on the biometric information of the customer.

  Examples of customer-specific biometric information include personal fingerprints and palm prints, finger and palm vein shapes, retinal shapes and iris patterns, facial features such as facial contours and eye / nose positions, voice waveforms and speed, etc. Information can be used, and the biometric information reader 5 that reads the biometric information may be installed as a store-side device, or may use a biometric authentication function provided in a PDA or the like owned by the user. good.

  The vehicle 1, the user terminal 2, and the customer information computer terminal 4 each have a built-in short-range wireless communication device, and use a security code that can be rewritten through authentication using a personal ID registered in the customer database server 3. Through the short-range wireless communication, it is possible to transmit various vehicle information such as diagnostic data from the vehicle side and provide various services to the user from the store side.

  Customer data in which the user's vehicle 1 and the user terminal 2 are associated (associated) is registered in the customer database server 3, and various services are provided by utilizing the cooperation function between the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 2. Can do. As shown in the following (a) to (d), several types of patterns are assumed for the association between the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 2.

(A) One user terminal for one customer, one vehicle (b) One user terminal for one customer, two or more vehicles (c) User terminal 2 for one customer One or more vehicles, one vehicle (d) For one customer, two or more user terminals, two or more vehicles

  If the pattern of (a) is a general case, the pattern of (b) is an example in which a terminal is shared by a couple or family, and the pattern of (c) is a user who owns a plurality of mobile devices, Or it is the example which assumes the case where a vehicle is shared by a couple or family. Further, the pattern (d) is an example assuming the case of a family or a couple who owns a plurality of mobile devices.

  FIG. 2 shows the contents of a database registered between the vehicle side and the store side. The vehicle ID such as the registration number of the vehicle 1, the personal ID based on the user-specific biometric information, and the user for each user terminal 2 The terminal ID is linked and registered in the customer database server 3 together with data such as family information, personal information such as age and address, vehicle information such as car use history and repair history, and store visit history on the store side. Customer database has been built. Under authentication based on the registration information of the customer database, near field communication between the vehicle side and the store side via the antenna 6 of the vehicle 1 and the antenna 7 of the customer information computer terminal 4 on the store side, the vehicle and the store side And short-range communication with the user terminal 2 are established.

  Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the user's personal ID is registered on the vehicle side and the store side, it may be registered only on either side.

  The user terminal 2 associated with the vehicle 1 can be registered under authentication based on customer-specific biometric information. The registration of the user terminal 2 is performed not only for the individual owner of the vehicle 1 but also for each individual user who uses the vehicle 1 such as a family member or a couple, and the following (1) to ( Based on the basic policy shown in 3), security for each individual can be strictly managed.

(1) The user's car use history, repair history, store visit history, etc. are not disclosed without the permission of the user.
(2) When the vehicle user is a minor or a spouse, the information of (1) is disclosed to the vehicle owner with the approval of the vehicle owner and the guardian.
(3) By associating the vehicle with the user terminal, it is possible to prevent a third party from seeing or falsifying the vehicle information.

  Further, as a service on the store side realized through the above personal authentication and device registration, as shown in the following (A1) to (A3), the service according to the vehicle and the service for the individual and the family share The service can be realized separately, and a more precise service can be provided.

(A1) Service according to the vehicle The user terminal 2 is provided with repair history, guidance for periodic inspection such as oil change, new vehicle information according to the age of the vehicle, and the like.
(A2) Services tailored to the individual Services according to the individual's gender, age, owned cars, accident-free history, etc., new car information, campaign information, scoring service for the number of visits, download of music data and image data according to personal preferences Service information or the like is provided to the user terminal 2.
(A3) Family use service Realizes services, score sharing, etc. according to hobbies, leisure information, shared vehicles, etc. common to families.

  Further, by connecting the vehicle 1, the user terminal 2, and the customer information computer terminal 4 by short-range wireless communication, for example, as shown in the following (B1) to (B4), providing a high-function service Can do.

(B1) By reading the repair history, failure history, etc. recorded in the vehicle, it is possible to grasp the operation status and driving state of the vehicle and enable precise maintenance and management.
(B2) A function as a sub-instrument panel by displaying real-time data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, water temperature, voltage, etc. by transmitting data of a vehicle control unit such as an engine control unit to the user terminal 2 in real time Can be used for daily inspection of the user himself / herself.
(B3) On the store side, the vehicle real-time data can be collected via the customer information computer terminal 4, and the operation state, driving state, diagnosis record, etc. of the vehicle are stored in the customer database server 3 and the user. It is possible to accurately manage the health condition of the vehicle.
(B4) The customer information computer terminal 4 on the store side feeds back to the vehicle 1 or the user terminal 2 data such as the store name used by the user, the date and time of the store visit, the inspection items, and the presence / absence of an abnormality, and the user By making it possible to share the maintenance record with another desired store, the service area and convenience for the user can be expanded.

  For example, when a user visits a store, a vehicle enters the communication area of the antenna 7 installed at the store entrance, and short-range wireless communication is established through the in-vehicle antenna 6 and the antenna 7 on the store side, customer information on the store side is established. The computer terminal 4 retrieves customer information from the vehicle ID acquired by wireless communication, and checks whether there is a store visit schedule such as repair reservation, vehicle inspection reservation, business negotiation reservation or the like.

  When there is a reservation for visiting the store, a sales person is greeted in advance by e-mail, an in-house telephone or the like, and the customer name, purpose of visiting, etc. are displayed on the computer terminal of the reception counter. Further, immediately after the user's vehicle 1 enters the communication area, the data stored in the vehicle together with the vehicle ID is stored in the customer database server 3 on the store side via wireless communication, and the check according to the usage history is appropriately performed. Therefore, a program and a command for simply testing an in-vehicle sensor or actuator are transmitted.

  Furthermore, various digital content services can be performed according to the customer information retrieved from the vehicle ID regardless of whether or not there is a store visit reservation. For example, software updates to improve functions for in-vehicle computers, digital map updates for car navigation devices, entertainment content such as music data and video data, store service information, campaign notice information, manufacturer's new car notice, malfunctions Recall information or the like is transmitted to the vehicle 1 or the user terminal 2 of the user who has visited the store by short-range wireless communication.

  The short-range wireless communication between the vehicle 1, the user terminal 2, and the customer information computer terminal 4 uses, for example, a wireless station without a license using an ISM (Industrial Science Medical) band of 2.4 GHz. As the spread modulation method, a communication method using a spread spectrum technique such as a direct spread method or a frequency hopping method can be employed. In particular, when wireless communication based on the frequency hopping Bluetooth standard is used, a Bluetooth communication module is incorporated in each of the vehicle 1, the user terminal 2, and the customer information computer terminal 4, and a customer database is stored in each Bluetooth communication module. By storing a personal identification number (PIN code) that can be rewritten under authentication by the unique ID registered in the server 3, a short-range wireless communication system can be easily constructed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a system configuration of the vehicle 1. The communication gateway 10 that manages the communication network in the vehicle is connected to the power train control unit, the body control system, the information communication system unit, and the vehicle theft prevention immobilizer unit. 11. In addition to an ETC communication unit 12 for an automatic toll collection system (ETC) on a highway, a personal ID recording unit 13a for recording a personal ID and a terminal ID recording unit 13b for recording a user full-time ID A vehicle authentication database 13 comprising a vehicle ID recording unit 13c for recording a vehicle ID is connected. Then, the vehicle data is transmitted to the user terminal 2 or the customer information computer terminal 4 via the Bluetooth communication module 15 connected to the communication gateway 10, and the received data is transmitted from the communication gateway 10 to the corresponding device.

  The powertrain control unit includes an ADA (Active Drive Asist) unit 20, a steering control unit 21, a brake control unit 22, a mission control unit 23, an engine control unit 24, and the like for assisting the driving operation of the driver. The body control system unit includes an air conditioner control unit 25, a power window control unit 26, and the like. The information communication system unit includes a data broadcast receiving unit 27, a telematics unit 28, an audio unit 29, a car navigation (car navigation) unit 30 and the like for information providing / exchange service.

  The link function via the short-range wireless communication between the user-side vehicle 1 and user terminal 2 and the store-side customer information computer terminal 4 is stored in the store-side customer database with a personal ID based on the customer's biometric information. This is realized by registering the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1 and registering the user terminal 2 after authentication based on the registration information. Next, the registration process of the user terminal 2 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 4 shows processing in the customer information computer terminal 4 on the store side, and new registration or rewriting of authentication information is performed on the condition that the user is present. In this process, first, the customer database server 3 is connected and the customer database is read in step S1, and then the customer authentication program is called in step S2.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S3, where the biometric information reader 5 reads the biometric information of the individual customer, and in step S4, identity verification is performed through verification with the personal ID registered in the customer database. If it is not confirmed that the customer is registered in the customer database, the process ends. If it is confirmed that the customer is registered, the process proceeds from step S4 to step 5 and subsequent steps.

  In step S5, the user terminal 2 in the communication area is searched by wireless processing, and the connectable terminals are displayed in step S6. Then, in step S7, when the operator of the customer information computer terminal 4 selects the user terminal 2 via an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse under the confirmation of the customer, the selected user terminal 2 is changed to the customer in step S8. In step S9, the store ID is transmitted to the user terminal 2.

  Next, the process proceeds from step S9 to step S10 to search for vehicles in the store-side communication area by wireless processing, and in step S11, connectable vehicles registered in the customer database are displayed. Then, when the target customer vehicle 1 is selected in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13, and the user terminal ID of the user terminal 2 registered in the previous process (step S8) is transmitted to the selected vehicle 1, Further, in step S14, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 1 to be linked is transmitted to the user terminal 2 and the present process is terminated.

  The store ID and vehicle ID transmitted to the user terminal 2 by the above-described store-side process are registered in the user terminal 2 by the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, and the user terminal ID transmitted to the vehicle 1 is 6 is registered in the vehicle 1 by the process shown in FIG.

  First, the processing of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. In a first step S21, a search program for searching for a communication partner is activated, and in step S22, a store to be communicated is searched by wireless processing. Next, when the user selects communication with the customer information computer terminal 4 in the store in step S23, the process waits for a password in step S24.

  When the input passwords match, in steps S25 and S26, the store ID transmitted from the customer information computer terminal 4 on the store side (processing A to the user terminal in step S9 in FIG. 4), vehicle, respectively. The ID (process B to the user terminal in step S14 in FIG. 4) is stored in its own internal memory, the store and vehicle linked as communication targets are registered, and the process ends. A plurality of vehicles may be associated with one user terminal 2, and in that case, a plurality of vehicle IDs are registered.

  In the process of the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 6, a search program for searching for a communication partner is started in the first step S31, and a store to be communicated is searched by wireless processing in step S32. Next, when communication with the target customer information computer terminal 4 is selected in step S33, in step S34, the user terminal ID transmitted from the store customer information computer terminal 4 (the vehicle in step S13 in FIG. 4). Is registered in the terminal ID recording unit 13b of the vehicle authentication database 13, and the registration process for the new user terminal 2 is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the wireless communication between the terminal owned by the user and the vehicle is authenticated based on the personal biometric information registered in the specific facility, the specific information of the user is not specified. Without being intercepted by others, it is possible to provide a fine-tuned service that is close to the user while ensuring security.

Overall configuration diagram showing a vehicle information communication system Explanatory diagram showing customer database Explanatory drawing showing a system configuration example in the vehicle The flowchart which shows the registration process in the computer terminal of a shop side Flow chart showing registration process in user terminal Flow chart showing registration process in vehicle

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 User terminal 3 Customer database server 4 Computer terminal for customer information 5 Biometric information reader
Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

A vehicle having a wireless communication device connected to the in-vehicle network and capable of wireless communication with the outside;
An information terminal authenticated so as to be able to perform wireless communication with the wireless communication device;
A database for registering the specific information of the user of the vehicle, the identification information of the vehicle and the identification information of the information terminal in association with each other;
Connected to the database and capable of wirelessly communicating with at least one of the wireless communication device and the information terminal under authentication based on registration information read from the database and transmitting service information according to the registration information A vehicle information communication system comprising a terminal device. A vehicle having a wireless communication device connected to the in-vehicle network and capable of wireless communication with the outside;
A portable terminal equipped with a wireless communication function;
A vehicle information communication system comprising: a terminal device capable of rewriting authentication information for wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the portable terminal based on unique information of the user of the vehicle.   The vehicle information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the unique information of the user is information based on the biometric information of the individual user.

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