JP4243517B2 - Communications system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system that locks and unlocks a door lock of a house or a vehicle, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in automobiles and the like, not only improvement in basic performance and safety but also improvement in security level and convenience are required. Therefore, a smart entry system or the like that automatically unlocks the door lock when the owner (driver) approaches the vehicle and automatically locks the door lock when leaving the vehicle has been proposed (for example, (See Patent Document 1).
[0003]
The smart entry system includes a portable device owned by the owner and a locking / unlocking control device mounted on the vehicle. An ID code individually set for each portable device is stored in the portable device, and an ID code identical to the ID code of the regular portable device is stored in the locking / unlocking control device. When the owner approaches the vehicle, the portable device transmits an ID signal including an ID code to the vehicle in response to a request signal transmitted from the vehicle. When the ID signal from the portable device is received, the locking / unlocking control device compares the ID code contained in the ID signal with the ID code stored in advance, and unlocks the door lock on condition that they match. To do. On the other hand, when the owner leaves the vehicle and no ID signal is received from the portable device, the locking / unlocking control device locks the door lock on the condition.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-121944
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the smart entry system, since the ID signal transmitted from the portable device is not received within a predetermined time as a condition that the locking / unlocking control device locks the door lock, the owner who has moved out of the communication area, Some means of notifying that the door lock was locked was necessary. Therefore, a method of blinking the vehicle light when the door lock is locked by wireless communication has been proposed in the past, but it is difficult for the owner to see the vehicle light during the day or when leaving the vehicle. Therefore, it may not be possible to confirm that the door lock is locked. For these reasons, there has been a strong demand to build a system that allows the owner to reliably check the locked / unlocked state of the door lock even at a location away from the vehicle.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system capable of easily and reliably confirming information on an object.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with a portable device having a communication function and an operating portion provided on an object that can automatically communicate with each other between the portable device. In a communication system including an operation control device that controls operation, an information signal output unit that is provided in the object and transmits an information signal indicating information on the object to the portable device, and the object that is provided in the portable device Storage means for storing information on the object, notification means for notifying information on the object to the outside, control means for controlling the notification means based on data stored in the storage means, and information signal based a rewriting means for rewriting the data stored in the storage means, the operation control device, the operation based on the ID signal outputted from the portable unit in response to a request signal from said object And an answer back signal is transmitted to the portable device as the information signal based on the completion of the operation of the working unit, and the object and the portable device can communicate with the answer back signal. The gist of the communication distance is set to be longer than the communication distance at which the object and the portable device can communicate with each other by the request signal .
[0008]
According to this configuration, since the portable device is provided with a storage unit that stores information on the object and a notification unit that notifies the information on the object to the outside, the owner has moved out of the communication area. However, as long as you have a portable device, you can check the information on the object at hand. Therefore, for example , the owner can easily and reliably confirm the information on the object using the portable device even at a place away from the object such as a vehicle.
[0010]
Also, the object and the portable unit and the available communication distance of the vehicle such as, for example, by answerback signal is set to be longer than the object and the portable unit can communicate communication distance of the vehicle such as, for example, by the request signal . For this reason, in response to the request signal from the object , the information signal output from the information signal output means that the operation unit that operates based on the ID signal output from the portable device is completed as an answerback signal Can be included. And by this information signal being memorize | stored in the memory | storage means of a portable machine, an owner confirms that the action | operation part completed operation | movement even if it is a place away from objects , such as a vehicle, for example Can do.
[0011]
The gist of the invention described in claim 2 is that, in the invention described in claim 1, the notification means is a display device that is provided on the outer surface of the portable device and displays information on the object.
[0012]
According to this configuration, since the information on the object stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display device provided on the outer surface of the portable device, the owner can easily confirm the information on the object. .
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a communication system embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, a smart entry system 11 as a communication system includes a portable device 12 possessed by an owner (driver) of a vehicle 2, and a locking / unlocking control device as an operation control device mounted on the vehicle 2. 13. The locking / unlocking control device 13 automatically performs mutual communication with the portable device 12, and performs locking / unlocking control of the door lock 3 as an operating unit equipped in the vehicle 2.
[0015]
Various sensors 14 are mounted on the vehicle 2 as an object. In this case, the various sensors 14 are used for the vehicle 2 such as door lock / unlock state, battery voltage drop, fuel level, door / trunk open / close, lamps on / off, tire pressure, etc. Corresponding information (hereinafter simply referred to as “vehicle information”) is detected.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2, the portable device 12 includes a case main body 16 formed in a card shape, and a display serving as an informing means for informing the vehicle information to the outside on one surface as the outer surface of the case main body 16. A device 17 is provided. As the display device 17, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like is used, and vehicle information, date and time of data update, and the like are displayed by characters, graphics, and the like.
[0017]
Next, the electrical configuration of the smart entry system 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
The portable device 12 includes a portable device side receiving circuit 20, a portable device side transmitting circuit 21, and a portable device side microcomputer 22. A portable device side receiving antenna 20 a is connected to the portable device side receiving circuit 20, and a portable device side transmitting antenna 21 a is connected to the portable device side transmitting circuit 21.
[0018]
The portable device side receiving circuit 20 is connected to the portable device side microcomputer 22. When receiving the request signal from the vehicle 2, the portable device side receiving circuit 20 demodulates the request signal into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal to the portable device side microcomputer 22. The portable device side transmission circuit 21 is connected to the portable device side microcomputer 22. The portable device side transmission circuit 21 modulates the ID signal output from the portable device side microcomputer 22 into a radio wave of a predetermined frequency, and transmits the modulated signal via the portable device side transmission antenna 21a.
[0019]
The portable device side microcomputer 22 includes a portable device side memory 24. The portable device-side memory 24 stores data such as an ID code and vehicle information set individually for each portable device 12. When the request signal is input from the mobile device side receiving circuit 20, the mobile device side microcomputer 22 outputs an ID signal including the ID code recorded in the mobile device side memory 24 in response to the request signal.
[0020]
A display device 17 is connected to the portable device side microcomputer 22. The portable device side microcomputer 22 as the control means performs display control of the display device 17 based on the vehicle information stored in the portable device side memory 24. The portable device side receiving circuit 20 demodulates the answer back signal received from the vehicle 2 into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal to the portable device side microcomputer 22. The portable device side microcomputer 22 as the rewriting means rewrites the vehicle information stored in the portable device side memory 24 based on the input answerback signal, and stores the date and time when the data was updated in the portable device side memory 24. To do.
[0021]
In the vehicle 2, the locking / unlocking control device 13 includes a vehicle-side receiving circuit 30, a vehicle-side transmitting circuit 31, and a vehicle-side microcomputer 32 as information signal output means. A vehicle side receiving antenna 30 a is connected to the vehicle side receiving circuit 30, and a vehicle side transmitting antenna 31 a is connected to the vehicle side transmitting circuit 31. The vehicle-side transmission circuit 31 converts the request signal output from the vehicle-side microcomputer 32 into a radio wave or a magnetic signal, and outputs it to a predetermined area outside the vehicle compartment via the vehicle-side transmission antenna 31a.
[0022]
The vehicle-side receiving circuit 30 can receive an ID signal transmitted from the portable device 12 via the vehicle-side receiving antenna 30a. The vehicle-side receiving circuit 30 demodulates the received ID signal into a pulse signal and outputs it to the vehicle-side microcomputer 32. The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 includes a vehicle-side memory 34 in which the same ID code as the ID code of the regular portable device 12 is recorded. The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 compares the ID code included in the ID signal with the ID code recorded in the vehicle-side memory 34 (ID code verification). The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 performs control to unlock the door lock when the ID codes match, and monitors the reception state when the ID codes do not match, and controls to lock the door lock when reception is impossible. Do.
[0023]
The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 is connected to a vehicle-side transmission circuit 31, a door lock driving device 37, and various sensors 14. The door lock drive device 37 includes an actuator that locks and unlocks the door lock, and performs drive control of the actuator based on an electric signal output from the vehicle-side microcomputer 32.
[0024]
The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 generates an answerback signal based on the detection signals output from the various sensors 14 and the ID code recorded in the vehicle-side memory 34. The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 controls the vehicle-side transmission circuit 31 so that the transmission strength (power) of the answerback signal is higher than that of the request signal. The answerback signal generated in this way is set such that the communication distance at which the vehicle 2 and the portable device 12 can communicate is longer than the communication distance at which the vehicle 2 and the portable device 12 can communicate by the request signal. This is because the locking / unlocking control device 13 locks the door lock 3 because the ID signal transmitted from the portable device 12 is not received within a predetermined time, and the door lock 3 is locked. Is included in the answer back signal.
[0025]
The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 outputs an answerback signal as an information signal indicating vehicle information to the vehicle-side transmission circuit 31. The vehicle-side transmission circuit 31 modulates an answerback signal output from the vehicle-side microcomputer 32, and transmits the modulated answerback signal to the portable device 12 with a radio wave having a predetermined frequency via the vehicle-side transmission antenna 31a.
[0026]
Next, the operation mode of the smart entry system 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
(Operation mode when the owner approaches the vehicle)
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the portable device 12, vehicle information stored in the portable device-side memory 24 is displayed on the display device 17 (S11). In the vehicle 2, a request signal is transmitted from the locking / unlocking control device 13 (S12). When the owner enters the predetermined area where the request signal can be received, the ID signal is automatically transmitted from the portable device 12 responding to the request signal to the vehicle 2 (S13).
[0027]
When the vehicle 2 receives the ID signal from the portable device 12, the vehicle-side microcomputer 32 compares the ID code included in the ID signal with the previously stored ID code (S14). As a result of the ID collation by the vehicle-side microcomputer 32, the door lock is automatically unlocked when both ID codes match, so that the owner can get into the vehicle interior without the key or other unlocking operation. It becomes. On the other hand, when both ID codes do not match, the door lock is not unlocked and the locked state is maintained, so that it is impossible to get into the vehicle interior.
(Operation mode when the owner leaves the vehicle)
As shown in FIG.4 (b), in the vehicle 2, the request signal is transmitted from the locking / unlocking control apparatus 13 (S21). When the owner is moving within the predetermined area, an ID signal is automatically transmitted to the vehicle 2 from the portable device 12 in response to the request signal (S22). However, if the owner moves outside the predetermined area, the portable device 12 does not transmit the ID signal without responding to the request signal.
[0028]
In the vehicle 2, a request signal is transmitted from the locking / unlocking control device 13 (S 23). Thereafter, if the ID signal is not received from the portable device 12 within a predetermined time, the locking / unlocking control device 13 unlocks the door lock in the unlocked state. Lock (S24). And the answer back signal which shows that the door lock 3 was locked is transmitted from the locking / unlocking control apparatus 13 to the portable device 12 (S25).
[0029]
When the portable device 12 receives the answer back signal from the vehicle 2, the portable device side microcomputer 22 stores the vehicle information included in the answer back signal in the portable device side memory 24 (S26). At this time, the portable device side microcomputer 22 rewrites the data stored in the portable device side memory 24 and displays the vehicle information on the display device 17 based on the newly stored data (S27).
[0030]
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The portable device-side memory 24 stores vehicle information detected by the various sensors 14, and the portable device 12 is provided with a display device 17 for displaying the vehicle information. For this reason, even if the owner is outside the predetermined area, the owner can check the vehicle information at hand as long as the portable device 12 is held. Therefore, the owner can easily check the vehicle information by carrying the portable device 12 even at a place away from the vehicle 2.
[0031]
(2) The vehicle-side microcomputer 32 controls the vehicle-side transmission circuit 31 so that the transmission strength (power) of the answerback signal is higher than that of the request signal. For this reason, it can be included in the answer back signal that the door lock 3 is locked. Therefore, even if the owner is outside the predetermined area, as long as the portable device 12 is held, the owner can confirm that the door lock 3 is locked at hand. Therefore, the owner can surely confirm that the door lock 3 is locked by carrying the portable device 12 even at a place away from the vehicle 2.
[0032]
(3) A display device 17 is provided on the outer surface of the case body 16, and vehicle information, date and time of data update, and the like are displayed on the display device 17 by characters, graphics, and the like. For this reason, the owner can easily and surely confirm the vehicle information simply by taking out the portable device 12 from the pocket or wallet of the clothes and visually observing the display device 17 of the portable device 12.
[0033]
(4) The answerback signal output from the vehicle 2 includes the ID code recorded in the vehicle-side memory 34. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of vehicles 2 are parked in a parking lot or the like, the answer back signal transmitted from the regular vehicle 2 and the answer back signal transmitted from the other vehicle 2 are identified. And the reliability of the vehicle information displayed on the portable device 12 can be improved.
[0034]
(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The smart entry system 41 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the display device 17 of the portable device 12 according to the first embodiment is only changed, and thus detailed description of the same parts is omitted.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, the portable device 42 includes a connector 47 at the edge of the case body 46. The connector 47 is detachable from a cable 60 connected to an external device 50 such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). That is, the portable device 42 is configured to be detachable from the external device 50 that is separate from the portable device 12 via the cable 60. The display device 17 shown in the first embodiment is not installed in the case main body 46 of the portable device 42 shown in the second embodiment.
[0036]
Next, the electrical configuration of the smart entry system 41 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the portable device 42 is connected to the external device 50 via the cable 60.
[0037]
The portable device side microcomputer 52 is connected to the portable device side receiving circuit 20 and the display unit 51 of the external device 50. The portable device side microcomputer 52 performs display control of the display unit 51 of the external device 50 based on the data stored in the portable device side memory 24. In this case, the notification means for notifying the vehicle information to the outside is the portable device side microcomputer 52 that performs display control of the display unit 51 of the external device 50, and when the portable device 42 and the external device 50 are connected, The portable device side microcomputer 52 displays the vehicle information detected by the various sensors 14 on the display unit 51 of the external device 50.
[0038]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the features described in (1) to (4) in the first embodiment, the following features can be obtained.
(5) Since vehicle information can be displayed on the display unit 51 of the external device 50 such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), a display that requires a large installation space on the case body 16 of the mobile device 12 The device 17 can be omitted. Accordingly, the size reduction of the portable device 12 can be achieved, and the portability of the portable device 12 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to easily cope with a model change of the external device 50.
[0039]
In addition, you may change each said embodiment as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the operating unit is embodied as a door lock of the vehicle 2, but the operating unit may be embodied in an electrical component of the vehicle 2 such as an air conditioner or a headlight.
[0040]
In each of the above embodiments, the information signal indicating the vehicle information is an answerback signal that is output when the owner leaves the vehicle 2, but this information signal is received when the owner approaches the vehicle 2. It may be a request signal.
[0041]
In each of the above embodiments, the smart entry system 11 that automatically locks and unlocks the door lock 3 of the vehicle 2 has been embodied. However, the present invention may be applied to one that locks and unlocks a door lock of a house or the like.
[0042]
-In 1st Embodiment, although the portable device 12 displayed the vehicle information etc. on the display apparatus 17, it displays the communication state with the vehicle 2, the battery remaining charge of the portable device 12, etc. besides this. Furthermore, arbitrary information such as a schedule and personal information may be displayed.
[0043]
-In 1st Embodiment, although the portable device 12 displayed the vehicle information etc. on the display apparatus 17 with the character and the figure, for example, the warning of the buzzer, the vibration of the vibrator, etc. You may make it alert | report vehicle information. Further, the vehicle information may be notified to the owner of the portable device 12 by combining the display by the display device 17, the alarm sound by the buzzer, the vibration by the vibrator, and the like.
[0044]
-You may provide the connector 47 shown by 2nd Embodiment in the portable device 12 of 1st Embodiment. In this way, the vehicle information can be normally displayed on the display device 17 of the portable device 12, and the vehicle information can be displayed on the external device 50 such as a mobile phone only in an emergency when the display device 17 breaks down. That is, the display method of the vehicle information can be changed according to the usage status of the portable device 12.
[0045]
Described, has the following technical ideas are the grasp each of the embodiments and alternative examples.
(1) In the communication system, the notification means, based on the data stored in the storage means, and this for controlling the display of the portable device and the display unit provided separately from comprising an external device.
[0046]
(2) In the communication system, the information signal can indicate whether a previously stored ID code on the object is included.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, information on an object can be easily confirmed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a smart entry system in the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable device that is also used in the smart entry system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the smart entry system.
FIG. 4A is a sequence chart showing an operation mode of a smart entry system when an owner approaches a vehicle. (B) is the sequence chart which shows the operation | movement aspect of a smart entry system when an owner leaves | separates from a vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a connection structure of a portable device and an external device used in another example smart entry system.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of another example smart entry system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Vehicle (object), 3 ... Door lock (operation part), 11 , 41 ... Smart entry system (communication system), 12, 42 ... Portable machine, 13 ... Locking / unlocking control device (operation control device), 17 ... Display device (notification means), 22: portable machine side microcomputer (control means), (rewrite means), 24 ... portable machine side memory (storage means), 32 ... vehicle side microcomputer (information signal output means), 50 ... external device , 51... Display unit, 52... Portable device side microcomputer (notification means).

Claims (2)

In a communication system including a portable device having a communication function and an operation control device that can automatically communicate with each other between the portable device and controls an operation unit provided on an object.
An information signal output means for transmitting an information signal provided on the object and indicating information on the object to the portable device;
Storage means provided in the portable device for storing information of the object;
Informing means for informing outside of the information of the object;
Control means for controlling the notification means based on data stored in the storage means;
Rewriting means for rewriting data stored in the storage means based on the information signal ,
The operation control device controls the operation of the operation unit based on an ID signal output from the portable device in response to a request signal from the object, and answers based on the completion of the operation of the operation unit. The back signal is transmitted to the portable device as the information signal, and the communication distance in which the object and the portable device can communicate with each other by the answer back signal is communicable between the object and the portable device by the request signal. A communication system characterized in that the communication distance is set longer than a proper communication distance . The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a display device that is provided on an outer surface of the portable device and displays information on the object .

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