JP2015151767A - On-vehicle communication system, communication device and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-vehicle communication system, a communication device and a communication control method capable of simplifying operation of a user by automatically executing a start-up of a predetermined vehicle-related program on the communication device or activation of a wireless communication LAN function with the on-vehicle device when the user intends to get in a vehicle.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle communication system comprises: a communication device which has wireless communication means with a machine in a predetermined range and switching means which activates or deactivates a wireless communication function of the wireless communication means; and an on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle. In the on-vehicle communication system, the communication device communicates with the on-vehicle device through the wireless communication means. The communication device has detection means which detects that a door of the vehicle is unlocked. The switching means activates the wireless communication function of the wireless communication means when the detection means detects unlocking.

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle communication system that uses a communication device possessed by a user, and more particularly to an in-vehicle communication system, a communication device, and a communication control method that can simplify user operations.

  In recent years, a communication device such as a mobile phone possessed by a user who has entered the vehicle, a communication terminal device called a so-called smartphone or a tablet-type communication terminal device has various functions in cooperation with a device mounted in the vehicle. A system that demonstrates it has been put into practical use.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that improves security in authentication of an electronic key of a vehicle by a communication device that is a smartphone communicating with an in-vehicle device.

JP 2013-166447 A

  Communication between the in-vehicle device and the communication device brought into the vehicle is often realized by wireless LAN communication such as WiFi. The wireless LAN communication function in the communication device at this time is not always effective. Rather, in order to prevent power consumption in the communication apparatus, the user often disables the wireless LAN communication function except when using the wireless LAN. In order to start cooperation between the in-vehicle device and the communication device, the user needs to manually activate the wireless LAN communication in the communication device, which is complicated for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and at the timing when the user tries to get into the vehicle, when a predetermined program related to the vehicle in the communication device is activated or the wireless communication LAN function with the in-vehicle device is activated. An object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle communication system, a communication device, and a communication control method that can be automatically executed together to simplify user operations.

  An in-vehicle communication system according to the present invention is mounted on a communication device including a wireless communication unit with a device existing within a predetermined distance, and a switching unit that switches between valid / invalid of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit, and a vehicle. In the in-vehicle communication system in which the communication device communicates with the in-vehicle device by the wireless communication unit, the communication device includes a detecting unit that detects that the door of the vehicle is unlocked. The switching means is configured to validate a wireless communication function of the wireless communication means when the detecting means detects unlocking.

  An in-vehicle communication system according to the present invention includes a transmitter that wirelessly transmits a key signal instructing to unlock / lock the door of the vehicle, a receiving unit that receives the key signal from the transmitter, and the key signal. And a lock control device having a control unit for controlling the unlocking / locking of the door, the lock control device transmitting a predetermined signal to the transmitter when unlocking the door, and the communication The apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives the predetermined signal, and the detecting unit detects unlocking when the receiving unit receives the predetermined signal.

  The in-vehicle communication system according to the present invention further includes a lock control device that is mounted on the vehicle and controls unlocking / locking of the door, and the lock control device receives a key signal that instructs unlocking / locking of the door. A receiving unit for receiving wirelessly and a transmitting unit for transmitting a predetermined signal at the time of unlocking / locking, wherein the communication device transmits a key signal for instructing unlocking / locking of the door of the vehicle And a receiving unit that receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the lock control device, and the detecting means detects unlocking when the receiving unit receives the predetermined signal. It is characterized by.

  An in-vehicle communication system according to the present invention is mounted on the vehicle and notifies a door unlocking or locking to the outside of the vehicle via an external communication network, and an unlocking or locking notification notified from the notification device. A transmission device that receives the lock information and transmits the received unlock information to the communication device via an external communication network, and the communication device includes unlock information indicating unlocking of the door of the vehicle. Means is provided for receiving from the transmitting device, and the detecting means detects the unlocking of the door when the unlocking information is received.

  A communication device according to the present invention is a communication device including a wireless communication unit with a device existing within a predetermined distance, and a switching unit that switches between valid / invalid of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit. A transmission unit that transmits a key signal instructing unlocking / locking of the door; and a reception unit that receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the specific vehicle when unlocking the door; When the reception unit receives the predetermined signal, the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit is validated.

  In the communication control method according to the present invention, a communication device including a wireless communication unit with a device existing within a predetermined distance and a switching unit that switches validity / invalidity of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit is mounted on a vehicle. In the communication control method for starting communication by the in-vehicle device and the wireless communication means, the communication device detects that the door of the vehicle is unlocked, and when detecting unlocking, the switching means The wireless communication function of the wireless communication means is validated.

  In the present invention, when the communication device is linked with the in-vehicle device, the wireless communication function in the communication device is validated with the door being unlocked for the user to get on.

  In the present invention, a communication device includes a receiver that receives a signal transmitted and received between an electronic key that transmits and receives a predetermined key signal for unlocking the door and a lock control device that controls the unlocking / locking of the door. The communication device detects unlocking of the door by receiving a signal transmitted when the communication device is unlocked.

  In the present invention, an electronic key for transmitting and receiving a predetermined key signal to unlock the door is built in the communication device, and a signal instructing unlocking of the door is transmitted from the communication device or on the vehicle side. When the communication device receives a signal transmitted when unlocking from the lock control device that controls the unlocking / locking, the communication device detects unlocking of the door.

  In the present invention, the external device is notified that the door has been unlocked from the lock control device that controls unlocking / locking of the door, and further, the communication device is notified of the unlocking of the door via the external device. Thereby, the communication apparatus detects unlocking of the door.

  According to the present invention, in order for the user to get on, the wireless communication function in the communication device is activated and the predetermined program is automatically started, triggered by the door being unlocked. Thereby, the user can automate the activation of the wireless LAN communication in the communication apparatus or the activation of a predetermined program, and the operation is simplified.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an in-vehicle communication system in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle communication system in a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for enabling a wireless LAN communication function of a communication device in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle communication system in a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a control unit of a communication device according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an in-vehicle communication system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle communication system in a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for enabling a wireless LAN communication function of a communication device in an in-vehicle communication system according to a third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system includes a communication device 1 and an electronic key 3 possessed by a user D, an in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 mounted on a vehicle V, a relay device 4, and a key ECU (Electronic Controller Unit) 50.

  The communication device 1 is a portable communication terminal device called a smartphone, and has a wireless LAN communication function such as WiFi. In addition, the communication device 1 may be a wireless communication terminal device such as a tablet terminal device or a portable game machine.

  The in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 has a wireless LAN communication function corresponding to the communication device 1 and can communicate with the communication device 1 in which the wireless LAN communication function is enabled. The in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 can communicate with other devices such as the key ECU 50 in the in-vehicle network via the relay device 4 based on a protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

  The electronic key 3 is a key having a function of transmitting / receiving a signal for unlocking / locking the door VD of the driver's seat of the vehicle V and the door lock R of the door of another seat by wireless communication. The frequency band used by the electronic key 3 for signal transmission / reception is different from the wireless LAN communication between the communication device 1 and the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2.

  The relay device 4 is a device that is connected to the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 and the key ECU 50 in the in-vehicle network and relays communication between both devices. The relay device 4 includes a CPU and transceivers according to a plurality of communication standards, and relays communication between a plurality of different communication lines according to the communication standards of the respective communication lines.

  The key ECU 50 is one of a plurality of ECUs mounted on the vehicle, and is an ECU that transmits / receives a signal to / from the electronic key 3 and controls locking / unlocking of the door lock R. The key ECU 50 is connected to the relay device 4 and can communicate with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 and other ECUs via the relay device 4. The key ECU 50 may be an ECU that performs not only locking / unlocking of the door lock R but also body system control including control of an air conditioner and the like.

  In the in-vehicle communication system configured as described above, the in-vehicle device 2 performs in-vehicle information obtained from various application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications) that are started up in the communication device 1 by performing wireless LAN communication with the communication device 1. Various functions are exhibited by cooperation, such as acquisition by the wireless communication device 2 or acquisition of information from a communication network such as the Internet using the communication function of the communication device 1 with a base station. When enjoying such a function, if the wireless LAN communication function in the communication device 1 is disabled, it is necessary to enable and activate a predetermined application. In the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment, is the wireless LAN communication function automatically enabled in the communication device 1 triggered by the user D unlocking the door lock R of the door VD with the electronic key 3? Or, a predetermined application is activated.

  A detailed internal configuration of each device for enabling the wireless LAN communication function or starting a predetermined application using the unlocking of the door lock R of the door VD as a trigger will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the in-vehicle communication system in the first embodiment.

  The communication device 1 includes a control unit 10, a temporary storage unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a base station communication unit 14, a wireless communication unit 15, and a reception unit 16.

  The control unit 10 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 10 executes each of a plurality of programs including a program for each application stored in the storage unit 12, controls each component based on each program, and exhibits various functions.

  The temporary storage unit 11 uses a RAM such as an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). The temporary storage unit 11 stores various information generated by the processing of the control unit 10.

  The storage unit 12 uses a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores information that the control unit 10 refers to during processing. The storage unit 12 is a basic OS (Operating System) program read by the control unit 10 and a computer program for each application, and the control unit 10 switches the validity / invalidity of the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15. The control program 1P and the application program 1A for linking with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 are stored.

  The operation unit 13 uses a touch panel built-in display. Based on the control of the control unit 10, the operation unit 13 displays an object such as an icon related to the operation on the display, detects contact with a user's finger or a display such as a pen, and notifies the control unit 10.

  The base station communication unit 14 is a communication module for realizing communication by connecting to a base station. The base station communication unit 14 enables voice communication via a mobile communication network and data communication via a public communication network such as the Internet.

  The wireless communication unit 15 uses a WiFi module including a wireless LAN antenna and a WiFi chip. The wireless communication part 15 implement | achieves wireless communication between the vehicle-mounted wireless communication apparatuses 2 which exist in the range which a wireless signal reaches | attains. The wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit 15 can be switched between valid / invalid and periodically performs a process of searching for a communication target device while being activated. Switching between valid / invalid is performed based on an instruction from the control unit 10. Note that the communication standard by the wireless communication unit 15 is not limited to the WiFi-compatible wireless LAN, and other wireless LANs may be used, as well as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, or optical communication corresponding to the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2. It is good also as a structure using wireless communication, such as.

  The receiving unit 16 uses a module including an antenna, a modulator, and the like for receiving a radio signal. The frequency band used for the signal received by the receiving unit 16 corresponds to the frequency band used by the receiving unit 31 of the electronic key 3 and the transmitting unit 54 of the key ECU 50 described later. As will be described later, the receiving unit 16 receives the authentication signal from the key ECU 50, demodulates the received authentication signal, and notifies the control unit 10 of information extracted from the signal.

  The in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 includes a control unit 20, an in-vehicle communication unit 21, and a wireless communication unit 22.

  The control unit 20 uses a CPU and a RAM. The control unit 20 incorporates a nonvolatile memory such as a mask ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. The control unit 20 reads out a control program stored in advance in the RAM and executes it to control each component unit to exhibit various functions. Note that information generated by the CPU is temporarily stored in the RAM.

  The in-vehicle communication unit 21 realizes communication with the relay device 4 based on a standard such as CAN or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The in-vehicle communication unit 21 transmits the information given from the control unit 20 to the relay device 4 and gives the information received from the relay device 4 to the control unit 20.

  The wireless communication unit 22 uses a WiFi module including a wireless LAN antenna and a WiFi chip. When the communication standard of the wireless communication unit 15 in the communication device 1 is other than WiFi, the wireless communication unit 22 may use corresponding communication standard hardware. The wireless communication part 22 implement | achieves wireless communication between the communication apparatuses 1 which exist in the range which a radio signal reaches | attains. The wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit 22 is effective while the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 is activated.

  The electronic key 3 includes a transmission unit 30 and a reception unit 31.

  The transmission unit 30 uses a module including an antenna and a modulator for transmitting a radio signal. The frequency band used for transmitting a signal by the transmission unit 30 includes a frequency band for wireless communication used for wireless LAN communication between the communication device 1 and the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2, and a key ECU 50 used by the reception unit 31 from the electronic frequency band. It is different from the frequency used for communication to the key 3. For example, the transmission unit 30 uses a frequency on the higher frequency side than LF (UHF (Ultra High Frequency) or the like).

  The receiver 31 uses a module including an antenna and a demodulator that transmits a radio signal. The frequency band used for the reception unit 31 to receive a signal is different from the frequency band used for wireless LAN communication between the communication device 1 and the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2. For example, the receiving unit 31 uses LF (Low Frequency).

  The key ECU 50 is one of a plurality of ECUs 5 constituting the in-vehicle network, and is a control device that performs switching control of unlocking / locking of the door lock R of the door VD. The key ECU 50 includes a control unit 51, an in-vehicle communication unit 52, a reception unit 53, and a transmission unit 54.

  The control unit 51 uses a microcomputer. The control unit 51 is connected to the door lock R, and controls the unlocking / locking switching of the door lock R based on information received via the in-vehicle network based on a control program stored in advance in the built-in memory. Do.

  The in-vehicle communication unit 52 realizes communication with another ECU 5 or the relay device 4 based on a standard such as CAN or LIN. The in-vehicle communication unit 52 transmits the information given from the control unit 51 to the communication line, and gives the information received from the ECU 5 or the relay device 4 to the control unit 51.

  The transmission unit 54 uses a module including an antenna and a modulator corresponding to the reception unit 31 of the electronic key 3. The frequency band used by the transmission unit 54 is, for example, LF.

  The reception unit 53 uses a module including an antenna and a demodulator corresponding to the transmission unit 30 of the electronic key 3. The frequency band used by the receiving unit 53 is on the higher frequency side than LF.

  In the in-vehicle communication system configured as described above, the communication device 1 activates the wireless LAN communication function using the reception unit 16 as a trigger when receiving the authentication signal transmitted from the key ECU 50. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for enabling the wireless LAN communication function of the communication device 1 in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, processing procedures in the electronic key 3, the key ECU 50, and the communication device 1 are shown in parallel, and processing correspondence between the devices is shown.

  In the electronic key 3, when the unlocking button (not shown) is pressed by the user D, the transmitting unit 30 transmits an unlocking signal (step S31). When the unlocking signal reaches the key ECU 50, it is received by the receiving unit 53 of the key ECU 50, and a detection signal for detecting the key position is transmitted from the transmitting unit 54 of the key ECU 50 accordingly. The electronic key 3 receives the detection signal from the reception unit 31 (step S32), and transmits a response signal to the detection signal from the transmission unit 30 (step S33). The response signal includes information indicating whether or not the signal is from the electronic key 3 uniquely corresponding to the vehicle V.

  In the key ECU 50, the unlocking signal transmitted from the electronic key 3 is received by the receiving unit 53 (step S51), and the control unit 51 transmits a detection signal for detecting the position of the electronic key 3 from the transmitting unit 54. (Step S52). When the electronic key 3 is present within a predetermined range from the position of the vehicle V, the response signal corresponding to the detection signal is transmitted from the electronic key 3 as described above. Is received (step S53). The key ECU 50 verifies whether or not the transmission source of the response signal is the valid electronic key 3 based on the response signal received by the receiving unit 53 by the control unit 51 and determines whether or not the authentication is successful (step). S54). When the authentication is successful (S54: YES), the control unit 51 transmits an authentication signal from the transmission unit 54 (step S55), unlocks the door lock R (step S56), and ends the process. If the control unit 51 fails to authenticate (S54: NO), the process ends.

  In the communication device 1, the control unit 10 periodically executes the following process when the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 is invalidated based on the control program 1 </ b> P.

  Based on the control program 1P, the control unit 10 determines whether the receiving unit 16 has received an authentication signal (step S1).

  When determining that the authentication signal has been received (S1: YES), the control unit 10 reads and activates the application program 1A for cooperation with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 (step S2).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the application program 1A is activated for the first time (step S3). When the control unit 10 determines that the activation is the first time (S3: YES), the operation unit 13 receives user authentication for automatic activation of the wireless LAN communication function and connection with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2. Is displayed (step S4), and it is determined whether or not it is authenticated (step S5). When it is determined that the control unit 10 has been authenticated (S5: YES), the control unit 10 validates the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 based on the activated application program 1A (step S6). The control unit 10 performs processing for establishing pairing with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 by the wireless communication unit 15 (step S7), and determines whether pairing has been established within a certain period (step S8). ). When it is determined that pairing has been established (S8: YES), the control unit 10 ends the process. Thereafter, the control unit 10 executes cooperation processing by the application program 1A.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S1 that the authentication signal is not received (S1: NO), the process ends.

  When it is determined in step S3 that the activation is not the first time (S3: NO), the control unit 10 skips steps S4 and 5 and advances the process to step S6.

  When the control unit 10 determines in step S5 that the permission operation is not performed (S5: NO), the wireless LAN communication function is not automatically validated and the connection with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 is not authenticated. The process is terminated as it is.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S8 that pairing is not established within a certain period (S8: NO), the control unit 10 invalidates the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 (step S9) and ends the process. .

  The control unit 10 may automatically disable the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 when the application program 1A ends. In addition, the control unit 10 may detect the case where the pairing is canceled regardless of whether the application program 1A is executed or not, and invalidate the wireless LAN communication function. Even if established, if communication has not been performed for a predetermined period or longer, it may be automatically invalidated.

  It should be noted that the order of steps S2 and S3 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 is not limited and may be executed concurrently. In the above-described example, since the process of enabling the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 is performed via the application program 1A, the application program 1A is activated (S2) first.

  By such processing, the communication device 1 receives an authentication signal transmitted from the key ECU 50 when the door lock R is unlocked, thereby detecting the unlocking of the door VD and using the detection of unlocking as a trigger for the wireless LAN. The communication function can be automatically activated. Thereby, when the user D gets on, the pairing between the communication apparatus 1 and the in-vehicle wireless communication apparatus 2 is automatically established, and the user D does not need to perform an operation to validate the wireless LAN communication function.

  The above-described processing is not limited to the configuration using the electronic key 3 for the user D to press the unlock button to unlock the door lock R, and the electronic key 3 is not provided with the unlock button. It can also be applied to. Specifically, the electronic key 3 periodically transmits a signal, and the door lock R is opened when the electronic key 3 approaches within a predetermined range from the vehicle V and can be received by the key ECU 50. In this configuration, the door lock R is locked when the electronic key 3 is separated out of a predetermined range and cannot be received by the key ECU 50. Also in this case, when the key ECU 50 authenticates the electronic key 3 as a result of the exchange of signals between the electronic key 3 and the key ECU 50 (S54: YES), an authentication signal is similarly transmitted from the key ECU 50. (S55) The communication apparatus 1 receives the authentication signal, and the subsequent processing is executed.

  The electronic key 3 may be provided with a human body communication function, and a human body communication transmitter may be provided outside the door knob of the vehicle door VD of the vehicle V. In the modification, instead of pressing the unlock button with the electronic key 3, the electronic key 3 is triggered by the fact that the human body communication unit of the electronic key 3 has received a predetermined signal from the transmitter of the doorknob. The unlock signal is transmitted from (S31). The subsequent processing of each device is the same as described above.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the communication device 1 is configured to be integrated with the electronic key 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the in-vehicle communication system in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the electronic key 3 is not included in the in-vehicle communication system, and the details of the internal configuration of the communication device 1 are different from those in the first embodiment. Since other hardware configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to common configurations, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment includes a communication device 1 possessed by a user D, an in-vehicle wireless communication device 2, a relay device 4, and a key ECU 50 mounted on the vehicle V.

  The communication device 1 includes a control unit 10, a temporary storage unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a base station communication unit 14, a wireless communication unit 15, a reception unit 16, and a transmission unit 17.

  In the second embodiment, the storage unit 12 of the communication device 1 stores a control program 2P for switching validity / invalidity of the wireless LAN communication function in the communication device 1 integrally including an electronic key.

  The transmitter 17 uses a module including an antenna and a modulator for transmitting a radio signal. The frequency band used for transmitting a signal by the transmission unit 17 is a frequency band for wireless communication used for wireless LAN communication between the communication device 1 and the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2, and communication from the key ECU 50 used by the reception unit 16. It is different from the frequency used for communication to the device 1. For example, the transmission unit 17 uses a frequency on the higher frequency side than LF.

  A processing procedure for enabling the wireless LAN communication function in the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit 10 of the communication device 1 according to the second embodiment. When the control program 2P is activated by the operation of the user D and the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 is invalidated, the control unit 10 of the communication device 1 executes the following process. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the steps common to the processing procedure described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Based on the control program 2P, the control unit 10 causes the operation unit 13 to display a screen for accepting the unlocking / locking operation of the door lock R of the vehicle V (step S21), and the unlocking operation is performed on the display screen. It is determined whether or not (step S22).

  When the unlocking operation is not performed in step S22 (S22: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S22 and waits until the unlocking operation is performed.

  When it is determined that the unlocking operation has been performed in step S22 (S22: YES), the control unit 10 transmits an unlocking signal from the transmission unit 17 (step S23). When the unlocking signal reaches the key ECU 50, it is received by the receiving unit 53 of the key ECU 50, and a detection signal for detecting the key position is transmitted from the transmitting unit 54 of the key ECU 50 accordingly. The control unit 10 receives the detection signal from the reception unit 16 (step S24), and transmits a response signal to the detection signal from the transmission unit 17 (step S25). The response signal includes information indicating whether or not the signal is from the electronic key 3 uniquely corresponding to the vehicle V. The control unit 10 determines whether or not the authentication signal has been received by the receiving unit 16 (step S26). When the authentication signal is received (S26: YES), the application program for cooperation with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 1A is read and activated (S2), and the processes of steps S3 to S9 are executed.

  When it is determined that the authentication signal has not been received in step S26 (S26: NO), the control unit 10 ends the process as it is.

  Also in the second embodiment, the control unit 10 automatically disables the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 when the application program 1A ends. When the pairing is canceled regardless of whether or not the application program 1A is executed, the control unit 10 may detect this and invalidate the wireless LAN communication function, or the pairing is established. However, if communication is not performed for a predetermined period or longer, it may be automatically invalidated.

  In the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment, the configuration in which the electronic key of the vehicle V is integrated with the communication device 1 does not require the user D to have the electronic key 3. In the communication device 1, the user D needs to perform the unlocking / locking operation, but since the unlocking is triggered, the wireless LAN communication function is automatically activated and the application program 1A for cooperation is started. There is no need to activate the wireless LAN communication function. Further, since the wireless LAN communication function of only the communication device 1 having information for authenticating the electronic key is validated, the communication target of the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 can be specified.

(Embodiment 3)
In Embodiments 1 and 2, the communication device 1 is configured to include at least the receiving unit 16 similar to the electronic key 3. In the third embodiment, the wireless LAN communication function is automatically enabled using the unlocking of the door lock R as a trigger, even if the communication device 1 does not include the receiving unit 16. The hardware configuration of the in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the internal configuration of the communication device 1, the navigation ECU 55, and the server device 7 are further included. Therefore, in the following description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which is common in Embodiment 1, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the in-vehicle communication system in the third embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment includes a communication device 1 and an electronic key 3 possessed by a user D, an in-vehicle wireless communication device 2, a relay device 4, a key ECU 50, a navigation ECU 55, and a vehicle mounted on the vehicle V. And a server device 7 managed by a V sales company or the like.

  The navigation ECU 55 is an existing ECU for realizing a navigation system. The navigation ECU 55 is connected to the relay device 4 of the in-vehicle network and can communicate with the base station AP. The navigation ECU 55 can communicate with the server device 7 via a network N including a mobile communication network and a public communication network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the server device 7 is managed by the sales company of the vehicle V, and the communication function of the navigation ECU 55 allows the registered vehicle to present surrounding traffic information and store information based on the vehicle position. A communication apparatus for providing a service.

  In the third embodiment, in the in-vehicle communication system configured as shown in FIG. 6, information on unlocking / locking of the door lock R in the vehicle V is communicated via the server device 7 using the communication function of the navigation ECU 55. Notify the device 1.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the in-vehicle communication system in the third embodiment. The communication device 1 includes a control unit 10, a temporary storage unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a base station communication unit 14, and a wireless communication unit 15. In the third embodiment, the storage unit 12 of the communication device 1 stores a control program 3P for detecting unlocking of the door lock R of the vehicle V via the server device 7 and switching validity / invalidity of the wireless LAN communication function. Has been.

  The navigation ECU 55 is one of a plurality of ECUs 5 constituting the in-vehicle network, is installed so as to be visible from the driver, has a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception function, and maps the current position of the vehicle V to map information. It is a device which displays together. The navigation ECU 55 includes a control unit 56, an in-vehicle communication unit 57, an operation unit 58, and a base station communication unit 59. The navigation ECU 55 also includes a GPS antenna (not shown).

  The control unit 56 uses a microcomputer. Based on a control program stored in advance in a built-in memory, the navigation function is exhibited using GPS.

  The in-vehicle communication unit 57 realizes communication with another ECU 5, the key ECU 50, or the relay device 4 based on a standard such as CAN or LIN. The in-vehicle communication unit 57 transmits the information given from the control unit 56 to the communication line, and gives the information received from the ECU 5 or the relay device 4 to the control unit 56.

  The operation unit 58 uses a touch panel built-in display. Based on the control of the control unit 56, the operation unit 58 displays objects such as a map image, a current position icon, and an icon related to the operation on the display, and detects the touch of the user's finger on the display. To notify.

  The base station communication unit 59 is a communication module for realizing communication by connecting to a base station. By the base station communication unit 59, the control unit 56 can communicate with the server device 7 via the network N via the base station AP.

  The server device 7 uses a server computer. The server device 7 includes a control unit 70, a communication unit 71, and a storage unit 72.

  The control unit 70 uses a CPU. The control unit 70 controls the communication unit 71 and the storage unit 72, and provides a server computer with services such as presentation of surrounding traffic jam information and store information based on the position of the vehicle with respect to the registered vehicle. To function as.

  The communication unit 71 is a communication module that is connected to the network N and realizes communication with other devices via the network N.

  The storage unit 72 uses a storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 72 stores vehicle identification information of a vehicle registered at a sales company. The storage unit 72 stores communication device identification information for identifying the communication device 1 owned by the owner of each vehicle in association with the stored vehicle identification information. The communication device identification information is a unique target such as a telephone number, an identification number such as IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier), or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier), or a serial number of the communication device 1. It is information specific to Further, vehicle status information including the current position of each vehicle may be stored in association with each vehicle identification information.

  In the in-vehicle communication system configured as described above, the key ECU 50 registers unlocking information indicating unlocking via the relay device 4, the navigation ECU 55, and the server device 7 when unlocking the door lock R. The communication device 1 is notified. The communication device 1 receives the notification of unlocking information and uses this as a trigger to validate the wireless LAN communication function. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for enabling the wireless LAN communication function of the communication device 1 in the in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, processing procedures in the key ECU 50 and the communication device 1 are shown in parallel, and processing correspondence between the devices is shown. Also, among the processing procedures shown below, the same steps as those described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the user D operates the electronic key 3 and presses the unlocking button, the following processing is executed. The processing procedure in the electronic key 3 is omitted.

  In the key ECU 50, the control unit 51 receives an unlocking signal transmitted from the electronic key 3 at the receiving unit 54 (S51), transmits a detection signal (S52), and receives a response signal transmitted from the electronic key 3. It receives (S53), verifies the source of the response signal, and determines whether or not it has been authenticated (S54). When the control unit 51 can authenticate in step S54 (S54: YES), the in-vehicle communication unit 52 transmits unlocking information to notify the communication device 1 that the unlocking is performed (step S505). The control unit 51 unlocks the door lock R (S56) and ends the process. If the control unit 51 fails to authenticate in step S54 (S54: NO), the control unit 51 ends the process.

  The unlocking information transmitted from the in-vehicle communication unit 52 by the key ECU 50 is received by the relay device 4 and transmitted to the navigation ECU 55 by the relay device 4. The unlocking information is received by the in-vehicle communication unit 57 of the navigation ECU 55 and transmitted from the base station communication unit 59 to the server device 7 via the base station AP. At this time, the unlocking information is transmitted together with the vehicle identification information. The unlocking information may be stored in the storage unit 72 in association with the vehicle identification information received by the communication unit 71 in the server device 7 and transmitted together. The unlocking information is transmitted from the communication unit 71 to the communication device 1 based on the communication device identification information stored in the storage unit 72 in association with the vehicle identification information transmitted together.

  In the communication device 1, the control unit 10 periodically executes the following processing when the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 14 is invalidated based on the control program 3P.

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the unlock notification has been received by the base station communication unit 14 (step S41). When it is determined that the unlocking notification has been received (S41: YES), the control unit 10 reads and activates the application program 1A for cooperation with the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 (S2), and performs steps S3 to S9. Execute.

  When it is determined that the notification of unlocking is not received (S41: NO), the control unit 10 ends the process as it is.

  Also in the third embodiment, the control unit 10 automatically disables the wireless LAN communication function by the wireless communication unit 15 when the application program 1A ends. When the pairing is canceled regardless of whether or not the application program 1A is executed, the control unit 10 may detect this and invalidate the wireless LAN communication function, or the pairing is established. However, if communication is not performed for a predetermined period or longer, it may be automatically invalidated.

  In the third embodiment, since the receiving unit 16 is not necessary for the communication device 1, the existing hardware can be obtained by executing the control program 3P on an existing smartphone and adding a function of notifying the key ECU 50 of the unlocking. The present invention can be realized by the configuration. In the in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment, the communication device 1 is notified of the unlocking based on the communication device identification information registered in the server device 7 in advance. Thus, the wireless LAN communication function is validated only by the communication device 1 of the user D registered as the owner. That is, the in-vehicle wireless communication device 2 performs communication by selecting the communication device 1 in which identification information is stored in advance. Therefore, the safety of the in-vehicle communication system can be improved.

  In the first to third embodiments, the control programs 1P, 2P, and 3P that realize the processing by the control unit 10 may be incorporated into a WiFi control program that has been conventionally used in smartphones or the like, or a wireless communication unit 15 may be incorporated into an application control program that monitors and controls the application.

  It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed above is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 communication device 10 control unit (detection means, switching means)
15 Wireless communication unit (wireless communication means)
16 Receiver 17 Transmitter 1P, 2P, 3P Control Program 2 In-vehicle wireless communication device (in-vehicle device)
3 Electronic key (transmitter)
30 transmitter 31 receiver (detection means)
50 key ECU (lock control device)
53 Receiver 54 Transmitter 55 Navigation ECU (Notification Device)
7 Server device (transmitting device)
R Door lock

Claims (6)

A communication device comprising: a wireless communication means for communicating with a device existing within a predetermined distance; and a switching means for switching validity / invalidity of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication means; In an in-vehicle communication system in which a device communicates with the in-vehicle device by the wireless communication means,
The communication device
A detecting means for detecting that the door of the vehicle is unlocked;
The switching means is configured to validate a wireless communication function of the wireless communication means when the detection means detects unlocking. A transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a key signal instructing unlocking / locking of the vehicle door;
A lock control device having a receiving unit for receiving the key signal from the transmitter and a control unit for controlling the unlocking / locking of the door by the key signal;
The lock control device transmits a predetermined signal to the transmitter when unlocking the door,
The communication apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives the predetermined signal,
The in-vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects unlocking when the receiving unit receives the predetermined signal. A lock control device mounted on the vehicle for controlling unlocking / locking of the door;
The lock control device
A receiver that wirelessly receives a key signal instructing to unlock / lock the door;
A transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal at the time of unlocking / locking,
The communication device
A transmitter for transmitting a key signal for instructing unlocking / locking of the vehicle door;
A receiving unit that receives the predetermined signal transmitted from the lock control device;
The in-vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects unlocking when the receiving unit receives the predetermined signal. A notification device mounted on the vehicle and notifying the vehicle of the unlocking or locking of the door via the external communication network;
A transmission device that receives unlocking information indicating unlocking or locking notified from the notification device, and transmits the received unlocking information to the communication device via an external communication network; and
The communication device
Means for receiving unlocking information indicating unlocking of the door of the vehicle from the transmission device;
The in-vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the unlocking information is received, the detecting means detects unlocking of the door. In a communication apparatus comprising a wireless communication means with a device existing within a predetermined distance, and a switching means for switching between valid / invalid of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication means,
A transmission unit that transmits a key signal instructing to unlock / lock a door of a specific vehicle;
A receiving unit that receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the specific vehicle when unlocking the door;
The communication device, wherein the switching unit is configured to enable a wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit when the receiving unit receives the predetermined signal. An in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and the wireless communication unit comprising: a wireless communication unit that communicates with a device existing within a predetermined distance; and a switching unit that switches between enabling / disabling of the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit. In the communication control method for starting communication by
The communication device
Detecting that the door of the vehicle is unlocked,
A communication control method, comprising: enabling a wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit by the switching unit when unlocking is detected.

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