JP2006044491A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute remote driving of on-vehicle apparatus on the basis of operation of a portable terminal under suitable conditions, concerning a remote controller. <P>SOLUTION: The remote controller remotely controls driving of a predetermined on-vehicle apparatus by operation of the portable terminal of a vehicle user. The remote controller comprises a relative distance detecting means for detecting a relative distance between a vehicle and the portable terminal; and an apparatus drive controlling means prohibiting driving of the predetermined on-vehicle apparatus at the time of operation in case that the operation of the portable terminal is carried out under a condition that the relative distance is not less than a predetermined distance, and starting driving of the predetermined on-vehicle apparatus when the relative distance becomes less than the predetermined distance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device, and more particularly to a mobile terminal provided in a vehicle, a mobile terminal operated by a vehicle user, or a center that mediates information exchange between the vehicle and a mobile terminal operated by the vehicle user. The present invention relates to a remote control device suitable for controlling driving (so-called remote operation) of a predetermined vehicle-mounted device mounted on a vehicle by operating a terminal.

Conventionally, a remote control system including a portable terminal operated by a vehicle user and an in-vehicle device equipped with a predetermined in-vehicle device such as a vehicle engine or an air conditioner is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this system, when a mobile terminal is operated by a vehicle user, an instruction for driving the predetermined in-vehicle device is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the in-vehicle device, thereby driving the predetermined in-vehicle device. Therefore, according to the above-described system, it is possible to remotely drive a predetermined in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle by operating the mobile terminal even when the vehicle user is located away from the vehicle. It becomes.
JP 2003-78593 A

  However, in the above-described system, if remote driving of a predetermined in-vehicle device is always performed when the mobile terminal is operated, the in-vehicle system can be installed even when the distance between the person who operated the mobile terminal and the vehicle is greatly separated. Since the device can be remotely driven, there is a risk of safety or energy loss.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can perform remote driving of an in-vehicle device based on an operation of a mobile terminal under an appropriate situation. To do.

  The object is to provide a remote control device for remotely controlling the driving of a predetermined in-vehicle device by operating a mobile terminal by a vehicle user, wherein the relative distance between the vehicle and the mobile terminal is determined. When the portable terminal is operated in a situation where the relative distance detection means detects and the relative distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the driving of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device is prohibited at the time of the operation, and then the relative distance is This is achieved by a remote control device comprising device drive control means for starting driving of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device when the distance becomes less than a predetermined distance.

  In the present invention, when the mobile terminal is operated in a situation where the relative distance between the vehicle and the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, the driving of the predetermined in-vehicle device is prohibited at the time of the operation. It starts when the relative distance becomes less than the predetermined distance. In such a configuration, when the vehicle user operates the portable terminal while being far away from the vehicle, the predetermined vehicle-mounted device is driven when the vehicle user approaches the vehicle thereafter. It is possible to avoid inconveniences caused by remotely driving the in-vehicle device in a state far away from the user.

  In this case, as described in claim 2, in the remote control device according to claim 1, the device drive control unit is configured to operate the portable terminal after the relative distance is not less than the predetermined distance. If the relative distance does not become less than the predetermined distance before the predetermined time elapses, if the driving of the predetermined in-vehicle device is stopped, the time from the operation of the mobile terminal to the driving of the predetermined in-vehicle device It is possible to prevent a long period of time.

  As described in claim 3, in the remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, there are a plurality of the predetermined vehicle-mounted devices, and the predetermined distance is set for each of the predetermined vehicle-mounted devices to be controlled. Also good.

  The above object is also a remote control device for remotely controlling the driving of a predetermined vehicle-mounted device by operating a portable terminal by a vehicle user, as described in claim 4, Based on the distance and the relative movement speed, when an operation of the mobile terminal is performed, an arrival determination means for determining whether or not a vehicle user carrying the mobile terminal arrives at the vehicle within a predetermined time, When it is determined by the arrival determination means that the vehicle user does not arrive within the predetermined time, the predetermined vehicle-mounted device is prohibited from being driven, while the arrival determination means allows the vehicle user to be within the predetermined time. When it is determined that the vehicle arrives at the vehicle, this is achieved by a remote control device that includes device drive control means for driving the predetermined vehicle-mounted device.

  In the present invention, when a mobile terminal is operated, driving of a predetermined in-vehicle device is prohibited when a vehicle user who carries the mobile terminal is predicted not to arrive in the vehicle within a predetermined time, It is executed when the vehicle user is predicted to arrive at the vehicle within a predetermined time. In such a configuration, when it is predicted that the time until the vehicle user arrives at the vehicle is long, the driving of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device based on the operation of the mobile terminal is prohibited, so that the state after the vehicle-mounted device is driven Can be prevented from being maintained for a long period of time.

  In addition, as described in claim 5, in the remote control device according to claim 4, there are a plurality of the predetermined vehicle-mounted devices, and the predetermined time may be set for each predetermined vehicle-mounted device to be controlled. .

  According to invention of Claim 1 thru | or 5, execution of the remote drive of the vehicle equipment based on operation of a portable terminal can be performed under an appropriate condition.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system of the present embodiment includes an in-vehicle terminal 10 mounted on a vehicle, and a mobile terminal 12 such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a PDA that is carried and operated by an authorized vehicle user such as a driver or owner of the vehicle. The center 14 manages information between the in-vehicle terminal 10 and the portable terminal 12. The remote control system according to the present embodiment is a remote operation system that remotely controls driving of an in-vehicle device (described later) of the in-vehicle terminal 10 when the mobile terminal 12 is operated.

  The in-vehicle terminal 10 includes an in-vehicle electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle ECU) 20 having a timer function. The in-vehicle ECU 20 operates according to a software program stored in advance in a storage device such as a ROM. The in-vehicle ECU 20 has a storage device that stores identification information including the telephone number of the host vehicle and the telephone number of the center 14 described above.

  A transceiver 22 is connected to the in-vehicle ECU 20. The transceiver 22 can perform wireless communication with the center 14 through a predetermined communication network. The transceiver 22 has a function of transmitting information of the in-vehicle terminal 10 to the center 14 via the communication network and a function of receiving information transmitted from the center 14 via the communication network to the in-vehicle terminal 10. . The in-vehicle ECU 20 exchanges transmission data and reception data with the transceiver 22.

  A GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 24 is also connected to the in-vehicle ECU 20. The GPS receiver 24 supplies a signal corresponding to the absolute position of the host vehicle to the in-vehicle ECU 20 by receiving radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites. The in-vehicle ECU 20 detects the absolute position of the host vehicle based on the signal from the GPS receiver 24. The in-vehicle ECU 20 transmits the absolute position data of the host vehicle from the transceiver 22 to the center 14 in association with the identification information of the host vehicle as necessary.

  The in-vehicle ECU 20 is further connected with an engine start actuator 26, a window actuator 28, a door lock actuator 30 and the like as in-vehicle devices. The engine start actuator 26 is a device that starts an engine that is vehicle power, and starts the engine in accordance with a command supplied from the in-vehicle ECU 20. The window actuator 28 is a device that opens and closes a window provided in each vehicle door, and opens or closes the window according to a command supplied from the in-vehicle ECU 20. The door lock actuator 30 is a device that locks and unlocks each vehicle door, and locks or unlocks the vehicle door from the unlocked state in accordance with a command supplied from the in-vehicle ECU 20.

  As will be described later in detail, when the request signal transmitted from the center 14 is received by the transmitter / receiver 22, the in-vehicle ECU 20 appropriately functions for the engine start actuator 26, the window actuator 28, or the door lock actuator 30. A command signal for demonstrating the above is supplied. The in-vehicle ECU 20 instructs the actuators 26 to 30 to perform their functions when a direct operation or the like is performed inside or outside the vehicle using a vehicle key or the like corresponding to the vehicle. A signal may be supplied.

  The portable terminal 12 includes a portable electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as a portable ECU) 32 having a timer function. The mobile ECU 32 operates according to a software program stored in advance in a storage device such as a ROM. The mobile ECU 32 has a storage device for storing the telephone number of the vehicle corresponding to the own mobile terminal 12, identification information including the mail address and telephone number of the own mobile terminal 12, the telephone number of the center 14 described above, and the like.

  A transceiver 34 is connected to the portable ECU 32. The transceiver 34 can wirelessly communicate with the center 14 through a predetermined communication network. The transceiver 34 has a function of transmitting information of the portable terminal 12 to the center 14 via the communication network and a function of receiving information transmitted from the center 14 via the communication network to the portable terminal 12. . The portable ECU 32 exchanges transmission data and reception data with the transceiver 34.

  A GPS receiver 36 is also connected to the portable ECU 32. Similar to the GPS receiver 24 described above, the GPS receiver 36 supplies a signal corresponding to the absolute position of its own mobile terminal 12 to the mobile ECU 32 by receiving radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites. The mobile ECU 32 detects the absolute position of the mobile terminal 12 based on the signal from the GPS receiver 36. The portable ECU 32 transmits the absolute position data of the own portable terminal 12 with the identification information of the own portable terminal 12 from the transceiver 34 to the center 14 as necessary.

  The portable ECU 32 is connected to an input / output unit 38 that is input by the vehicle user and outputs a display to the vehicle user. The mobile terminal 12 has a web browser, can browse files and data stored in an external web server via a communication network by an input operation to the input / output unit 38, and is provided by the center 14. It is possible to acquire a web screen for requesting a remote operation described later (specifically, driving of the on-vehicle devices 26 to 30 described above).

  The center 14 includes a host computer 40 capable of high-speed calculation. The host computer 40 operates according to a software program stored in advance in a storage device such as a ROM. A large capacity database 42 is connected to the host computer 40. The database 42 stores customer information such as identification information of a regular user of a vehicle who is a user who uses the center 14, a mail address and a telephone number of the portable terminal 12, and identification information and a telephone number of the vehicle. The database 42 further stores information on the relative distance threshold value between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 described later corresponding to each vehicle user. The information regarding the threshold value of the relative distance is information set for each mode of remote operation (specifically, engine start, window opening, and door unlocking) by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30. The setting can be changed from the outside every 26-30.

  A transceiver 44 is connected to the center 14. The transceiver 44 can perform wireless communication with the in-vehicle terminal 10 and the mobile terminal 12 through a predetermined communication network. The transmitter / receiver 44 transmits the information of the center 14 to the in-vehicle terminal 10 and the portable terminal 12 via the communication network, and the information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 10 and the portable terminal 12 via the communication network to the center 14. It has a function to receive. The host computer 40 of the center 14 exchanges transmission data and reception data with the transceiver 44.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the remote control system of this embodiment will be described. First, the basic operation of the remote control system of this embodiment is performed according to the following procedure. That is, in this embodiment, the vehicle user opens the window of the vehicle door at a point away from the vehicle to drive the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 to start the engine for warming up or to prevent theft. To close completely or to some extent from the closed state, to open the door of the vehicle door to some extent or completely from the closed state to suppress an increase in the cabin temperature, etc., to lock the vehicle door to prevent theft, or When it is desired to unlock the vehicle door for boarding or the like, the web browser is activated by operating the input / output unit 38 of the portable terminal 12.

  The center 14 stores a format for requesting a remote operation (driving the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30) necessary for driving the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 of the in-vehicle terminal 10 remotely by operating the mobile terminal 12. The mobile terminal 12 is wirelessly connected to the center 14 via the communication network in accordance with an operation by the vehicle user with the web browser activated, and provides a web screen for requesting a remote operation of the center 14. 14 to request. The center 14 provides the mobile terminal 12 with a web screen for requesting remote operation in accordance with a request from the mobile terminal 12. The mobile terminal 12 acquires a web screen for requesting remote operation from the center 14 according to the above processing.

  This web screen is provided with a remote operation item that can be remotely controlled by operating the mobile terminal 12. The mobile terminal 12 determines which of the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is desired by the vehicle user based on the presence or absence of a check in a check box provided for each remote operation item that can be remotely controlled. Determine. When a transmission request is made in a state where any of the above check boxes is checked by an operation by a vehicle user, the mobile terminal 12 is desired to remotely drive the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 corresponding to the check. To the center 14, the remote operation request information is transmitted to the center 14.

  When the center 14 receives the remote operation request information transmitted from the mobile terminal 12 after providing the mobile terminal 12 with a web screen for requesting the remote operation, the center 14 performs a specific in-vehicle device 26 by the operation on the mobile terminal 12. Remote operation request information indicating that remote driving of ˜30 is requested is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 10. When receiving the remote operation request information transmitted from the center 14, the in-vehicle terminal 10 executes driving of the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 according to the remote operation request.

  As described above, in the remote control system of the present embodiment, the driving of the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is remotely controlled via the center 14 by operating the mobile terminal 12. For this reason, the vehicle user can drive the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 in a place away from the vehicle even if the vehicle user is not on the vehicle. Therefore, according to the system of the present embodiment, engine start by the engine start actuator 26, window opening / closing by the window actuator 28, and vehicle door lock / unlock by the door lock actuator 30 can be realized by remote control. Yes.

  By the way, if the remote drive of the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is always performed every time the mobile terminal 12 is operated by the vehicle user, the remote control can be performed even when the distance between the vehicle user and the vehicle is far away. The operation is actually performed, and in some cases, there may be a problem in terms of safety or energy loss. Specifically, remote engine starting, window opening, and vehicle door unlocking using the portable terminal 12 are for the purpose of warming up the engine and suppressing the temperature increase in the passenger compartment. Or, it is generally performed immediately before boarding the vehicle for the purpose of boarding. Therefore, in a situation where the vehicle user carrying the mobile terminal 12 and the vehicle are in a position that is far away from each other, an engine start request, a window open request, or a door unlock request is made by an operation on the mobile terminal 12. If driving by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is executed, the idling state of the vehicle is continued for a long period of time, engine driving is wasted, and the security of the vehicle is significantly reduced. End up.

  Therefore, the system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 are remotely driven based on the operation of the mobile terminal 12 in consideration of such points. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the characteristic part of a present Example is demonstrated. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed in the remote control system of the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when the vehicle stops and the accessory is turned off, the in-vehicle terminal 10 transmits / receives data on the absolute position of the own vehicle detected using the GPS receiver 24 in association with the identification information of the own vehicle. The data is transmitted from the machine 22 to the center 14 (step 100). Then, when the center 14 receives the position data of the host vehicle from the in-vehicle terminal 10 by the transceiver 44, the center 14 obtains the position data in relation to the identification information of the vehicle (step 200).

  In addition, when the mobile terminal 12 requests that the web screen for requesting remote operation be provided to the center 14 connected by wireless communication via the communication network in a state where the web browser is activated in accordance with the operation by the vehicle user, Then, a web screen for a remote operation request provided from the center 14 is acquired (step 300). The mobile terminal 12 is requested to transmit a check box for a predetermined remote operation (specifically, engine start, window opening, and door unlock) on the web screen according to the operation by the vehicle user. Then, in order to notify the center 14 that the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 are desired to be remotely driven, the predetermined remote operation request information is associated with the identification information of the portable terminal 12 from the transceiver 34 and the center. 14 (step 302).

  The transmission of the remote operation request information from the mobile terminal 12 to the center 14 in step 302 described above includes the absolute position data of the mobile terminal 12 detected by the mobile terminal 12 using the GPS receiver 36. When the center 14 receives the predetermined remote operation request information from the portable terminal 12 by the transmitter / receiver 44, the center 14 associates the predetermined remote operation request information with the identification information of the portable terminal 12 and the identification information of the vehicle corresponding to the portable terminal 12. The operation request is acquired, and the position data of the portable terminal 12 is acquired (step 202).

  In addition, after acquiring the web screen from the center 14, the mobile terminal 12 checks a check box related to a remote operation other than the above-described predetermined remote operation (specifically, window closing and door unlocking for security improvement). Even if a transmission request is made in a state where “” is entered, the remote operation request information is transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 34 to the center 14 in association with the identification information of the portable terminal 12, similar to the processing in step 302. . In this case, as soon as the center 14 acquires the remote operation request, the remote operation request indicating that the remote operation (window closing or door lock) by the in-vehicle devices 28 and 30 is requested by the operation of the mobile terminal 12. Information is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 10. When the in-vehicle terminal 10 receives the remote operation request information related to the window closing or door lock transmitted from the center 14, the in-vehicle terminal 10 acquires the remote operation request and closes the window to the window actuator 28 or the door lock actuator 30. Alternatively, a command signal for executing the door lock is supplied.

  When the center 14 acquires a remote operation request related to engine start, window opening, or door unlocking in step 202, the center 14 acquires the vehicle position data of the in-vehicle terminal 10 acquired in step 200 and the portable information acquired in step 202. Based on the position data of the terminal 12, it is determined whether or not the relative distance (relative movement distance or linear distance) between the two positions is a predetermined distance or more (step 204). The predetermined distance is the minimum relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 that is determined that the idle state of the vehicle continues excessively to warm up the engine or that the state of reduced security continues excessively. . Further, this predetermined distance can be set appropriately depending on whether the required remote operation is engine start, window open or door unlock, respectively. The setting can be changed according to the operation on the web screen.

  When the center 14 determines in step 204 that the relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 is less than the predetermined distance, the center 14 assumes that the operation of the portable terminal 12 is an occupant's action immediately before boarding. The predetermined remote operation request information indicating that a predetermined remote operation (engine start, window opening, and door unlocking) by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is requested by the operation of 12 is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 10 ( Step 206). When receiving the predetermined remote operation request information transmitted from the center 14, the in-vehicle terminal 10 acquires the predetermined remote operation request (step 102). Then, the in-vehicle ECU 20 of the in-vehicle terminal 10 supplies a command signal for causing the engine start actuator 26, the window actuator 28, or the door lock actuator 30 to start the engine, open the window, or unlock the door (step 104). ).

  On the other hand, when the center 14 determines in step 204 that the relative distance between the vehicle and the mobile terminal 12 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, the center 14 determines that the operation of the mobile terminal 12 is not an occupant's action immediately before boarding. The vehicle user who possesses the portable terminal 12 does not transmit predetermined remote operation request information to the vehicle and does not permit engine starting, window opening, or door unlocking in the current positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12. In order to notify, the mail which shows the content is transmitted with respect to the portable terminal 12 (step 208). After transmitting predetermined remote operation request information in accordance with the operation by the vehicle user, the portable terminal 12 receives an email from the center 14 indicating that remote operation is not permitted at present (step 304), and inputs / outputs the contents. A display is output on the display of the unit 38 or a sound is output from a speaker.

  Here, the portable terminal 12 detects itself using the GPS receiver 36 for a certain period of time after the remote operation request information is transmitted or until a remote operation completion notification is received from the center 14. Data on the absolute position of the terminal 12 is transmitted from the transceiver 34 to the center 14 (step 306). When the center 14 receives the position data transmitted from the portable terminal 12 by the transceiver 44, the center 14 obtains the position data in association with the identification information of the vehicle corresponding to the portable terminal 12 (step 210).

  When the center 14 makes an affirmative determination in step 204, thereafter, the center 14 periodically transmits the vehicle position data of the in-vehicle terminal 10 acquired in step 200 and the portable terminal 12 in the same manner as in step 204. Based on the position data of the portable terminal, it is determined whether or not the relative distance between the two positions is a predetermined distance or more (step 212). As a result, when an affirmative determination is made, such determination is continuously performed until a predetermined time elapses after the remote operation request is acquired in step 202 (until an affirmative determination is made in step 214). This fixed time is a continuation time for holding the remote operation request.

  When the relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 does not become less than the predetermined distance even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the center 14 determines that the vehicle user who owns the portable terminal 12 has not approached the vehicle. In addition to canceling the remote operation request from the terminal 12, an email indicating the content is transmitted to the mobile terminal 12 in order to notify the vehicle user who owns the mobile terminal 12 that the remote operation has been stopped (step 216). ). When the portable terminal 12 transmits predetermined remote operation request information in accordance with the operation by the vehicle user and then receives an email from the center 14 indicating that the remote operation request has been canceled and the remote operation has been stopped (step 308). The content is displayed on the display of the input / output unit 38 or is output from the speaker.

  Further, the center 14 determines that the vehicle user holding the portable terminal 12 has approached the vehicle when the relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 is less than the predetermined distance before the predetermined time elapses. Predetermined remote operation request information indicating that a predetermined remote operation (engine start, window opening, and door unlocking) by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is requested by the operation of the terminal 12 is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 10. (Step 218). When the in-vehicle terminal 10 receives the predetermined remote operation request information transmitted from the center 14, the in-vehicle terminal 10 acquires the predetermined remote operation request (step 102), and sends it to the engine start actuator 26, the window actuator 28, or the door lock actuator 30. A command signal for starting the engine, opening the window, or unlocking the door is supplied (step 104).

  Thus, in the remote control system of the present embodiment, when a remote operation request is made from the portable terminal 12 to the center 14 to perform engine start, window opening, and door unlocking by remotely driving the in-vehicle devices 26-30. When the position at which the vehicle is present and the position at which the portable terminal 12 is not so far apart when the portable terminal 12 is operated, the center 14 supplies remote operation request information to the in-vehicle terminal 10, whereby the in-vehicle device 26. Engine startup, window opening, and door unlocking are performed by remote driving of ˜30. On the other hand, when both positions are far apart at the time of operation of the mobile terminal 12, the engine start request information is not supplied from the center 14 to the in-vehicle terminal 10, and the above-described remote operation in the vehicle is prohibited / restricted.

  Further, in the remote control system of the present embodiment, the remote operation related to engine start, window opening, and door unlocking is caused by the vehicle position and the mobile terminal position being far apart at the time of operation of the mobile terminal 12. When the vehicle is prohibited, the remote operation is started when both positions approach to some extent, that is, when the vehicle user holding the portable terminal 12 approaches the vehicle, and the engine is started, the window is opened, and the door is opened. Unlock is executed.

  That is, according to the system of the present embodiment, when a vehicle user operates the mobile terminal 12 to request a specific remote operation, the remote operation is prohibited when the relative distance between the mobile terminal 12 and the vehicle is large. It becomes possible to control, and after such prohibition / regulation, the remote operation can be executed only when the vehicle user approaches the vehicle and the relative distance between the two becomes small. Therefore, the engine start, the window opening, and the door unlocking by the remote vehicle-mounted devices 26 to 30 using the mobile terminal 12 do not continue the idling state of the vehicle for a long period, that is, useless engine driving is caused. It is possible to realize under an appropriate situation that does not continue for a long period of time, or a deterioration in security due to window opening or door unlocking.

  Further, in the system of the present embodiment, the vehicle user once operates the mobile terminal 12 in a state where the vehicle position and the mobile terminal position are far apart so as to request a predetermined remote operation of the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30. Thereafter, when the user approaches the vehicle, it is not necessary to operate the portable terminal 12 again to realize the remote operation. For this reason, the convenience improvement of operation of the portable terminal 12 by the vehicle user in implement | achieving predetermined remote operation of the vehicle equipment 26-30 is achieved.

  In the system of the present embodiment, a specific time period after a specific remote operation by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 is prohibited due to a large relative distance between the mobile terminal 12 and the vehicle when the mobile terminal 12 is operated. When the relative distance does not become small even after elapse of time, the remote operation request is canceled at the time of elapse, and the remote operation is stopped, so that the engine start based on the operation of the operated portable terminal 12, the window is opened, And door unlocking is avoided. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the time from the operation of the portable terminal 12 to the actual remote operation by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 from being unnecessarily long.

  Furthermore, in the system of the present embodiment, the threshold of whether or not the remote operation request information stored in the center 14 of the relative distance between the portable terminal 12 and the vehicle is transmitted to the vehicle is set to the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30. Is set for each mode of remote operation (specifically, engine starting, window opening, and door unlocking). In this respect, since each threshold value can be set to an appropriate value according to its own remote operation mode, engine start and window opening by remote in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 using portable terminal 12 , And all remote operations related to door unlocking can be realized under appropriate conditions.

  Further, in the system of this embodiment, the relative distance threshold value can be set and changed by the owner in accordance with an operation on the web screen using the portable terminal 12. In this respect, since the threshold value can be appropriately changed according to the preference and characteristics of the vehicle user, the engine is started by the remote in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 using the mobile terminal 12, the window is opened, In addition, it is possible to perform remote operation related to door unlocking under an appropriate situation according to the vehicle user.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the center 14 corresponds to the “remote control device” described in the claims, and the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 correspond to the “predetermined in-vehicle devices” described in the claims. In addition, the host computer 40 of the center 14 detects the relative distance between the vehicle position acquired at step 200 and the mobile terminal position acquired at steps 202 and 210 in the routine shown in FIG. The “relative distance detecting means” described in (1) executes the processing of steps 204, 208, 212, 214, and 218, thereby realizing the “apparatus drive control means” described in the claims.

  In the first embodiment, the center 14 determines whether the relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, and transmits remote operation request information from the center 14 to the in-vehicle terminal 10. Although specific remote operation is prohibited / restricted by not supplying it, the mobile terminal 12 is allowed to acquire vehicle position data from the in-vehicle terminal 10 via the center 14 and the relative relationship between the vehicle and the mobile terminal 12 Whether or not the distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance and restricting a specific remote operation request in the mobile terminal 12 (for example, disabling a check box for a specific remote operation in the input unit 38) Etc.) or by not sending remote operation request information from the mobile terminal 12 to the center 14 It is also possible to regulate. Further, the in-vehicle terminal 10 is caused to acquire position data of the mobile terminal 12 from the mobile terminal 12 via the center 14 and determine whether or not the relative distance between the vehicle and the mobile terminal 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. In addition, based on the determination result, the specific remote operation may be prohibited / restricted even when specific remote operation request information is transmitted / supplied from the mobile terminal 12 or the center 14.

  In the first embodiment described above, the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 are remotely driven when the vehicle user carrying the mobile terminal 12 approaches the vehicle to some extent. On the other hand, in the system of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the operation of the mobile terminal 12 is performed by the vehicle user, the relative movement speed and the relative distance between the vehicle user and the vehicle at that time are determined. Only when the vehicle user is predicted to arrive at the vehicle within a predetermined time, the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 are remotely driven. The system of the present embodiment is realized by causing the in-vehicle terminal 10, the portable terminal 12, and the center 14 to execute the routine shown in FIG. 3 instead of the routine shown in FIG. 2 in the system shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed in the remote control system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, steps that execute the same processing as the steps shown in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified.

  That is, in the remote control system of the present embodiment, after the mobile terminal 12 transmits the remote operation request information to the center 14, the mobile terminal 12 detects the absolute position of the mobile terminal 12 using the GPS receiver 36 last time, and then the unit. When the time elapses, the GPS receiver 36 is used again to detect the absolute position of the portable terminal 12 and the position data is transmitted from the transceiver 34 to the center 14. After acquiring the remote operation request related to engine start, window opening, or door unlocking in Step 202, the center 14 is based on the vehicle position data acquired in Step 200 and the position data of the mobile terminal 12 acquired as appropriate. The relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 is detected, and the change of the detected relative distance per unit time, that is, the relative movement speed between the two is detected.

  Based on the detection result of the relative distance and the detection result of the relative movement speed, the center 14 determines whether or not the vehicle user holding the mobile terminal 12 arrives at the vehicle within a predetermined time (step 250). The predetermined time is the minimum time when it is determined that the idling state of the vehicle is excessively continued to warm up the engine or the state of reduced security is excessively continued. Further, the predetermined time may be appropriately set depending on whether the requested remote operation is engine start, window open or door unlock, respectively. The setting may be changed according to the operation on the web screen.

  When the vehicle user is predicted to arrive at the vehicle within a predetermined time in step 250, the center 14 performs predetermined remote operations (engine start, window opening, and door opening) by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 by operating the mobile terminal 12. Predetermined remote operation request information indicating that lock is requested is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 10 (step 206). In this case, the in-vehicle terminal 10 supplies a command signal to the engine start actuator 26, the window actuator 28, or the door lock actuator 30 to execute engine start, window opening, or door unlock (step 102).

  On the other hand, when it is predicted in step 250 that the vehicle user does not arrive at the vehicle in step 250, the center 14 does not transmit the predetermined remote operation request information to the in-vehicle terminal 10, and In order to inform the vehicle user who has the portable terminal 12 that engine starting, window opening, or door unlocking is not permitted in the positional relationship, a mail indicating the contents is transmitted to the portable terminal 12 (step 208). . In this case, after transmitting the remote operation request information according to the operation by the vehicle user, the mobile terminal 12 receives an email indicating that remote remote operation is not permitted from the center 14 (step 304). A display is output on the display of the input / output unit 38 or a sound is output from a speaker.

  Thus, in the remote control system of the present embodiment, when a remote operation request is made from the portable terminal 12 to the center 14 to perform engine start, window opening, and door unlocking by remotely driving the in-vehicle devices 26-30. When the vehicle user carrying the portable terminal 12 is predicted to arrive in the vehicle within a predetermined time, the center 14 supplies remote operation request information to the in-vehicle terminal 10, thereby remotely driving the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30. The engine is started, the window is opened, and the door is unlocked. On the other hand, when it is predicted that the vehicle user who possesses the portable terminal 12 will not arrive in the vehicle within a predetermined time, the remote operation request information is not supplied from the center 14 to the in-vehicle terminal 10, and the remote control in the vehicle described above is performed. Operation is prohibited / restricted.

  In such a configuration, when the vehicle user operates the portable terminal 12 to request remote operation, even if the relative distance between the portable terminal 12 and the vehicle is large, if the relative movement speed between the two is large on the approaching side, While it is possible to execute a remote operation, even if the relative distance between the mobile terminal 12 and the vehicle is small, the remote operation is prohibited / restricted if the relative movement speed between the two is small on the approaching side or on the separating side. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, according to the system of the present embodiment, the engine start, the window opening, and the door unlocking by the remote in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 using the mobile terminal 12 are not continued for a long period of time. In other words, it is possible to realize an appropriate situation that does not cause unnecessary engine drive or an appropriate situation that does not continue the deterioration of security due to window opening or door unlock for a long period of time. Thus, after such remote operation is performed, it is possible to prevent the state from being wasted for a long time.

  Furthermore, in the system of the present embodiment, a predetermined time for determining whether or not the vehicle user carrying the mobile terminal 12 arrives at the vehicle is a remote operation by the in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 (specifically, , Engine start, window opening, and door unlocking). In this regard, since each predetermined time can be set to an appropriate value according to its own remote operation mode, engine start by remote in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 using the mobile terminal 12, window opening, And all of the remote operations related to door unlocking can be realized under appropriate circumstances.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the predetermined time can be set and changed by the owner according to the operation on the web screen using the portable terminal 12. In this respect, since the predetermined time can be appropriately changed according to the preference and characteristics of the vehicle user, the engine is started by the remote in-vehicle devices 26 to 30 using the mobile terminal 12, the window is opened, and Remote operation related to door unlocking can be performed under an appropriate situation that matches the vehicle user.

  By the way, in the second embodiment, the center 14 executes the process of step 250 in the routine shown in FIG. By executing the process, the “apparatus drive control means” described in the claims is realized.

  In the second embodiment, the center 14 determines whether or not the vehicle user who has the portable terminal 12 arrives at the vehicle within a predetermined time, and the remote control request is sent from the center 14 to the in-vehicle terminal 10. Although specific remote operation is prohibited / restricted by not transmitting / supplying information, the mobile terminal 12 is allowed to acquire vehicle position data from the in-vehicle terminal 10 via the center 14 and the vehicle user is predetermined. Whether to arrive at the vehicle within the time or not, and restricting a specific remote operation request in the portable terminal 12 (for example, disabling a check box for a specific remote operation in the input unit 38) Etc.) or by not sending remote operation request information from the mobile terminal 12 to the center 14 - it is also possible to regulate. Further, the in-vehicle terminal 10 is caused to acquire the position data of the portable terminal 12 from the portable terminal 12 via the center 14 and determine whether or not the vehicle user arrives at the vehicle within a predetermined time. Based on the determination result, the specific remote operation may be prohibited / restricted even when specific remote operation request information is transmitted / supplied from the mobile terminal 12 or the center 14.

  In the second embodiment described above, the position data of the portable terminal 12 is transmitted from the portable terminal 12 to the center 14, and the relative movement speed of both is determined from the time change of the relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal 12 at the center 14. Although it is supposed to be detected, the mobile terminal 12 may detect its own moving speed, and the detected moving speed may be simply used as the relative moving speed between the vehicle and the mobile terminal 12.

  By the way, in said 1st and 2nd Example, the remote control system is comprised by the vehicle-mounted terminal 10 mounted in a vehicle, the portable terminal 12 carried by a vehicle user, and the center 14 which performs information management. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a system including the in-vehicle terminal 10 and the portable terminal 12 that do not have the center 14.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, as an in-vehicle device to be remotely driven, an engine start actuator 26 for starting the engine, a window actuator 28 for opening and closing the window, and a vehicle door are locked / unlocked. Although the door lock actuator 30 is used, for example, a device that opens or closes a vehicle door or trunk, a device that opens or closes a slide roof provided on the vehicle ceiling, a device that turns off lights, a horn or a buzzer, etc. Or it is also possible to apply to the apparatus etc. which perform alarm cancellation.

It is a block diagram of the remote control system which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart of the control routine performed in the remote control system of a present Example. It is a flowchart of the control routine performed in the remote control system which is 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 In-vehicle terminal 12 Portable terminal 14 Center 26 Engine start actuator 28 Window actuator 30 Door lock actuator 42 Database

Claims (5)

A remote control device that remotely controls driving of a predetermined in-vehicle device by operation of a mobile terminal by a vehicle user,
A relative distance detecting means for detecting a relative distance between the vehicle and the portable terminal;
When the mobile terminal is operated in a situation where the relative distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the driving of the predetermined in-vehicle device is prohibited at the time of the operation, and then the relative distance becomes less than the predetermined distance. Device drive control means for starting driving of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device;
A remote control device comprising:   When the relative distance does not become less than the predetermined distance after a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the mobile terminal is performed in a situation where the relative distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein driving of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device is stopped. There are a plurality of the predetermined vehicle-mounted devices,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is set for each predetermined vehicle-mounted device to be controlled. A remote control device that remotely controls driving of a predetermined in-vehicle device by operation of a mobile terminal by a vehicle user,
Based on the relative distance and relative movement speed between the vehicle and the mobile terminal, arrival determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle user who has the mobile terminal arrives at the vehicle within a predetermined time;
When the portable terminal is operated, when the arrival determining means determines that the vehicle user does not arrive within the predetermined time, the predetermined vehicle-mounted device is prohibited from being driven. Device drive control means for driving the predetermined vehicle-mounted device when it is determined by the means that the vehicle user arrives in the vehicle within the predetermined time;
A remote control device comprising: There are a plurality of the predetermined vehicle-mounted devices,
The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined time is set for each predetermined vehicle-mounted device to be controlled.

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