JP4329634B2 - Method for setting transmitter identifier with setter having unique identifier and tire pressure monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a so-called tire pressure monitoring system, and more particularly to a technique for setting an ID in a transmitter used in a tire pressure monitoring system.

  Today, in passenger cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles with wheels that have tires assembled on rims (wheels), tire conditions such as tire pressure and temperature are constantly monitored, and whether the tires are abnormal based on the monitoring results. There is known a tire pressure monitoring device that improves the safety of a vehicle by determining and notifying a driver of abnormality such as tire pressure when necessary.

  For example, a pressure sensor that measures air pressure and a transmitter that wirelessly transmits air pressure data measured by the pressure sensor in a tire cavity region that is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the tire and the bottom surface of the rim bottom and is filled with air Are provided as a unit. Since such a sensor and transmitter (hereinafter simply referred to as a transmitter) is attached to each wheel or tire, an ID code is assigned so as to be distinguished. Each transmitter transmits its ID code together when transmitting information such as air pressure collected by the sensor. On the other hand, an antenna of a receiver that receives information from a transmitter is provided in the vicinity of the tire house on the vehicle body side, and air pressure data is received by this antenna.

  In the receiver, the received ID code is compared with the ID registered in the receiver (for example, Patent Document 1), and it is determined at which position the transmitted ID code belongs to the tire. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the air pressure of the tire specified in this way is abnormal, and if it is abnormal, the driver is notified that the air pressure is abnormal.

As a technique for setting and registering a transmitter ID, for example, there is Patent Document 2. In Patent Document 2, the setting device wirelessly transmits an ID to be set in the transmitter to the transmitter and sets the ID in the transmitter, and receives the ID and wheel mounting position information separately set and input. By wirelessly transmitting to the machine, the receiver associates the ID with the mounting position, and the result of this association is set and registered.
JP 07-507513 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-109565

As described above, in a conventional tire pressure monitoring system, a transmitter ID is registered by transmitting a transmitter ID set individually and registering it in a receiver. . However, this method has the following problems.
-Each transmitter must have a unique transmitter ID, and the work and management of giving an ID to each transmitter at the time of manufacture is expensive. For this purpose, a setting device having a function of setting a transmitter ID in the transmitter and registering the set ID in the receiver is required.
-It takes much time to input the transmitter ID for each transmitter when registering from the setting device.
-If another setter registers the same transmitter ID as the transmitter ID set and registered by a setter, there is a risk of causing malfunction between systems.
When the third party rewritten the transmitter ID, there was no means for the administrator to know this.

  Considering the above points, the setter automatically generates a transmitter ID as necessary, and can set it in the transmitter and register it in the receiver, and the set transmitter ID can be set by a different setter. It would be advantageous if there was a system that would not overlap with the transmitter ID that was set. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a transmitter ID management method and setting device.

  In order to achieve the above object, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method for setting a transmitter identifier in a transmitter of a tire pressure monitoring system. In the transmitter identifier setting method of the present invention, a unique setter identifier is written in a non-rewritable memory for each identifier setter to be shipped, and a predetermined initial value for a variable code having a predetermined number of digits is stored in a nonvolatile rewritable memory. In accordance with a setting instruction by a predetermined operation and a setting instruction by a predetermined operation, a value obtained by advancing the variable code of the last set transmitter identifier by one unit and a value in a range allowed for each identifier setting device And a step of generating a new transmitter identifier and a step of transmitting the new transmitter identifier.

In the generation step, it is desirable to generate a new transmitter identifier by concatenating a value obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit after the setter identifier.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a setting device for setting a transmitter identifier in a transmitter of a tire pressure monitoring system. The setting device of the present invention is a setting device for setting a transmitter identifier in the transmitter of the tire pressure monitoring system, and a non-rewritable storage means for storing a unique setting device identifier, and the last or next setting Non-volatile rewritable storage means for storing a variable code having a predetermined number of digits constituting a part of the transmitter identifier to be set, and the variable code is set at the end according to a setting instruction by a predetermined operation When a part of the transmitted transmitter identifier is configured, a new transmitter is obtained by combining the setter identifier with a value that is in a range allowed for each setter and that is obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit. After generating the identifier, write the value advanced by one unit as the variable code in the rewritable storage means, and when the variable code constitutes a part of the transmitter identifier to be set next, Above After generating a new transmitter identifier by combining a constant identifier and the variable code, the rewritable storage is a value in a range allowed for each set value and a value obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit. Means for writing to the means as the variable code, and means for transmitting the new transmitter identifier.

The generating means preferably generates a new transmitter identifier by concatenating a value obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit or a variable code after the setter identifier.
Means for inputting a tire position; and means for transmitting the new transmitter identifier in association with the tire position after transmitting the new transmitter identifier. Good.

  Means for inputting the number of transmitters to be set, means for receiving the setting instructions for the number, and setting according to the setting instructions for the number after the operation according to the setting instructions for the number is completed. It may further comprise means for transmitting the transmitter identifier so that the correspondence with each tire position can be known.

  In one embodiment, the means for transmitting so as to know the correspondence with the tire positions comprises means for transmitting transmitter identifiers set in accordance with the number of the setting instructions in the order of setting.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to manage transmitter identifiers at all, regardless of whether the transmitter identifiers are individually registered or collectively registered, and the identifiers can be automatically assigned.

According to the present invention, each setter has a unique setter ID, and the transmitter identifier is generated using the setter identifier. Therefore, if the transmitter ID is illegally rewritten, it is easy to find.
In addition, since the transmitter identifiers are given in order, the approximate registration date can be specified from the transmitter identifier.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. In addition, when showing the same element in several drawing, the same referential mark is attached | subjected.
FIG. 1 shows a tire pressure monitoring system 1 for a large vehicle 90 such as a truck or a bus. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 90 has a plurality of wheels 92, and each wheel 92 is an assembly of tires and rims (wheels), and each wheel is mounted at a predetermined mounting position. T1 to T6 specify a position where the tire 92 is mounted, and may be a simple sequence number or a combination of letters and numbers.

  The transmitter 4 is installed and fixed on the bottom surface of the rim constituting one wall surface of the tire cavity region of each wheel 92, and wirelessly transmits measured air pressure data and the like. The transmitter mainly has a receiving function for receiving a predetermined signal in addition to a transmitting function for transmitting air pressure data and temperature data. Since the transmitter 4 is attached to each tire 92, it can be identified by the tire position information T1 to T6 in the same manner as the tire.

  A receiver communication unit 5 is provided in the vicinity of each mounting position where the wheels 92 of the vehicle 90 are mounted, and receives information transmitted from the transmitter 4 by radio. The receiver communication unit 5 includes an antenna and an amplifier, and is connected to the receiver main body unit 6 with a cable or the like. And each receiver communication part 5 communicates with the transmitter 4 with which the nearby tire was mounted | worn.

The receiver main body 6 is connected to a display 7 that notifies the driver of air pressure data.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the transmitter 4 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the transmitter 4 includes a communication control unit 24, a pressure sensor 9, and a temperature sensor 10.

  The pressure sensor 9 measures tire air pressure using a semiconductor pressure sensor, a capacitance pressure sensor, or the like that measures gauge pressure, differential pressure, or absolute pressure. The temperature sensor 10 is a semiconductor temperature sensor or a resistance element type temperature sensor, and measures the temperature in the cavity region of the tire. The communication control unit 24 includes an AD conversion circuit 11, a timer circuit 12, a microprocessor 13, a memory 14, an RF (radio frequency) transmission circuit 15, and an LF (low frequency) reception circuit 16 connected to the pressure sensor 9 and the temperature sensor 10. , A transmitting antenna 17, a receiving antenna 18, and a battery 19 as a power source for each circuit. When the tire air pressure is within a predetermined allowable range set in advance, the timer circuit 12 sends the tire air pressure and temperature measurement results from the transmitting antenna 17 to the receiver communication unit at regular intervals, for example, every 10 minutes. Management of the measurement interval and transmission interval for repeated transmission toward.

  When the AD converter circuit 11, the microprocessor 13 and the RF transmitter circuit 15 are always driven, a large amount of driving power is required. Therefore, when the tire air pressure is normal by the timer circuit 12, the AD converter circuit 11, the microprocessor 13 and the RF transmitter circuit 15 are driven at regular time intervals. Is a sleep mode in which processing and transmission of the transmitter 4 (simply indicated as 4 except for a specific transmitter) are suspended. Thereby, consumption of the battery 19 is reduced, and the transmitter 4 can monitor the tire pressure over a long period of time.

  The microprocessor 13 uses the air pressure data and temperature data obtained by AD conversion, and the identification information (TID) and data signal (data such as word length) of the transmitter 4 called from the memory 14 to arrange in the vicinity. A transmission signal to be transmitted to the installed receiver communication unit 5 is generated. Further, a new TID is stored and held in the memory 14, and the operation of each circuit is controlled.

In addition to storing and holding the TID of the transmitter 4, the memory 14 can store measured air pressure data, temperature data, and the like.
The RF transmission circuit 15 modulates and amplifies the carrier wave in accordance with an oscillation circuit (not shown) that generates a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency, for example, 315 MHz, and a transmission signal generated by the microprocessor 13 and transmits the carrier wave. Any suitable carrier wave modulation method may be used.

  According to the present invention, the LF receiving circuit 16 receives a signal transmitted from a setting device to be described later, and when the received signal strength, frequency, duration, and the like satisfy predetermined conditions, the TID transmission instruction A signal indicating that the signal is to the microprocessor 13.

  In order to make it possible to change the transmitter TID, the TID included in the signal received by the microprocessor 13 is extracted from the received signal, including the TID input and set in the setting device. May be stored in the memory 14 as a new TID of the transmitter.

  The antenna 17 is configured to radiate a radio wave of, for example, 315 MHz toward the receiver communication unit 5a and the setting device. The antenna 18 is configured to receive, for example, a 125 kHz radio wave from the setting device. Since the operating frequency which is the operating condition of the radio waves in the antennas 17 and 18 is extremely different, the antenna 17 and the antenna 18 have different configurations so that the antenna can transmit and receive efficiently. As the battery 19, a known battery such as CR-613 (coin-type manganese dioxide lithium battery) is used.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the receiver body 6 and the receiver communication unit 5 connected thereto. Each receiver communication unit 5 includes an antenna 20 and an amplifier circuit (AMP) 21. The antenna 20 is configured to receive radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 4.

  The receiver main unit 6 includes a demodulation circuit 22 that demodulates a signal from a high-frequency signal supplied from each receiver communication unit 5, a timer circuit 23, a microprocessor 24, a memory 25, and a signal processing circuit 26. The As the power source, the battery of the truck vehicle 2 is used. Alternatively, a battery or the like built in the receiver main body 6 may be used.

  The microprocessor 24 acquires the transmitter TID, air pressure data, temperature data, and the like from the signals supplied from the respective demodulation circuits 22, and stores the transmitter TID stored in the memory 25 in association with the wheel mounting position information. , The tire position at which the mounting position is determined by the air pressure data and the temperature data is specified from the acquired TID. The memory 25 stores and holds the measured pressure and temperature in addition to the set TID. The interface (IF) 26 converts the data received from the microprocessor 24 into a format suitable for the display 7.

Note that the receiver communication unit 5 described above can change the number of antennas depending on the vehicle type. For example, reception from all transmitters may be received by a single antenna.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the setting device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, a setting device 8 communicates with various switches 830 that enable data input and operation by a user, a controller 820 that controls the entire setting device, a display device 810 that displays various information, and a transmitter 4. And an RF transmission circuit 842 for communicating with the receiver 6, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 820. Antennas 844 and 848 are connected to the RF transmission circuit 842 and the RF reception circuit 846, respectively. An antenna 852 is connected to the LF transmission circuit 850. Controller 822 is a microprocessor-based device as is well known and includes memory 822.

The operation of the tire pressure monitoring system 1 according to the present invention having the above hardware configuration will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a difference in a transmitter ID setting method according to the present invention of the prior art. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 4A, since a unique number is assigned to each transmitter 4 of the same manufacturer as a transmitter identifier, IDs must be set and managed without duplication in many transmitters 4.

  On the other hand, according to the principle of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4B, a unique setting device identifier SIDi (i is a setting manufactured by the manufacturer) for each setting device 8 whose shipment number is much smaller than that of the transmitter 4. Assigned). The setting device identifier SIDi may be a combination of numbers or arbitrary characters (for example, alphabets, ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) characters). This SIDi is written in the ROM 824 that constitutes the memory 822 of the setting device 8. In addition, an area for storing a variable number VN that can be set by the setting device 8 is secured in the nonvolatile memory 826 that constitutes the memory 822. At the time of shipment of the setting device 8, for example, a number in which all the digits are zero is written as an initial value of the variable number VN. Of course, this variable number VN does not necessarily need to be a number, and consists of an appropriate number of digits, and each digit may be a number or an arbitrary number. In this sense, it may be called a variable code.

  In this way, the user who has obtained the setting device 8 in which the initial values of the setting device identifier SIDi and the variable number VN unique to the setting device 8 are set in advance is transmitted to the transmitter 4 attached to the wheel of the vehicle to be owned or managed. The transmitter ID can be automatically set using the setting device 8. When the setting device 8 newly issues a transmitter identifier TID, the setting device identifier SIDi (hereinafter referred to as a single setting device 8 and simply referred to as SID) written in the ROM 824 and the nonvolatile memory 826. A new transmitter identifier TID is generated by simply concatenating the number VN + 1 obtained by adding 1 to the variable number VN written in, and then the value of VN + 1 is written to the nonvolatile memory 826 as VN. Therefore, VN stored in the nonvolatile memory 826 indicates the final number of the TID set so far. Therefore, VN is referred to as the last variable number. In this way, according to the setting device 8 of the present invention, the TID of the transmitter 4 can be automatically assigned, so that the management of the transmitter identifier is not bothered. For example, if the SID is 111 and the VN is 001, a new TID can be automatically obtained as a new TID by concatenating 002 (= 001 + 1) after 111.

Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process in which the setting device 8 sets and registers a transmitter identifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the setting device 8 is turned on to use the setting device 8, in step 70, batch registration for setting TIDs for all transmitters 4 of one vehicle or individual registration for setting TIDs for specific transmitters 4 is performed. Is selected using the appropriate switch 830. If individual registration is selected, in step 72, the tire position where the transmitter 4 to be registered is attached is input.

  Next, in step 90, TID setting for a specific transmitter 4 is performed. Specifically, in step 73, the setting device 8 is brought close to the tire 92 on which the transmitter 4 to set the TID is mounted, and the TID is pressed by a predetermined operation such as pressing a setting button included in the switches 830, for example. Instruct the setting. In step 74, the setting device identifier SID and the final variable number VN are read from the memory 822. Then, in a determination step 76, it is determined whether or not the number (VN + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the read last variable number is within a predetermined range (range allowed by the setting device 8). If it is not within the range, a registration process failure message is displayed in step 88 and the setting process is terminated. If VN + 1 is within the predetermined range at decision step 76, a new TID is generated from SID and VN + 1 at step 78 and stored in relation to the tire position input at step 72. Next, in step 80, the generated transmitter identifier TID is transmitted and set in the transmitter 4. Then, in a decision step 82, it is determined whether or not a response is returned from the transmitter 4. If not, the registration process failure message is displayed in step 88 and the setting process is terminated. If a response is returned in step 82, VN + 1 is written as VN in the nonvolatile memory 826 in step 83. Thereby, the step 90 for setting the TID for the specific transmitter 4 is completed.

  Next, in a determination step 84, it is determined whether or not a registration completion instruction has been issued by the user. If registration is not complete, the process returns to step 72 to set an identifier of another transmitter 4. If the registration is completed in step 84, in step 86, the TID set by the processes in steps 72 to 84 is transmitted to the receiver 6 in association with the tire position. In response to this, the receiver 6 registers the received TID in association with the tire position.

  On the other hand, if the batch registration is selected in the determination step 70, the user is prompted to input the number T of tires or transmitters 4 to be registered in step 92. In step 94, the process waits for the user to input the number T, and if input, in step 96, the input number T is substituted into the variable t. In step 90 described above, TID setting is performed for the target transmitter 4. At this time, a user shall set in order of a predetermined tire position (for example, T1-T6 etc.). By doing so, TIDs are assigned in the order of predetermined tire positions, so the setting device 8 can automatically associate the set TIDs with the tire positions. After step 90, t is decremented in step 98, and it is determined in step 100 whether t has become zero. If t is not zero, return to step 90. If t is zero, setting has been completed for all the scheduled transmitters 4. Therefore, in step 86, the TID that has been set by the processing of steps 90, 98, and 100 so far is related to the tire position in the receiver. 6 to send.

  In this example, in the case of collective registration, the setting device 8 associates the TID with the tire position. However, after step 100, the setting TID is set by transmitting the set TID to the receiver 6 in the setting order. The receiver 6 may associate the TID with the tire position.

Thus, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to manage the transmitter identifier at all in the case of individual registration or batch registration.
One embodiment is effective even when the TID of a transmitter 4 for which a TID has already been set is changed or when a TID is newly set for a transmitter 4 for which no TID has been set.

  According to the present invention, each setter has a unique setter ID (SID), and a transmitter identifier is generated using the setter identifier. Therefore, the identifier of the transmitter 4 set by a specific setter is used. Since the SID of the setter is at the top, the setter that has been set can be identified by examining the identifier of the transmitter. Therefore, it is easy to find out if the transmitter ID is rewritten illegally.

In addition, since the transmitter identifiers are given in order, the approximate registration date can be specified from the transmitter identifier.
The above are merely examples for explaining the present invention. Accordingly, it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various changes, modifications, or additions to the above-described embodiments in accordance with the technical idea or principle of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, VN is the last set variable number or code, but may be a transmitter identifier to be newly set. In this case, the VN read from the memory 822 may be added to the setter identifier SID as it is. Then, after setting, VN + 1 may be written to the memory 822 as VN.

  In the above example, TID is generated by adding VN after SID. However, the order of SID and VN may be reversed. Furthermore, the SID may be separated at intermediate digits, and VN may be inserted between them. The reverse may be performed. In short, a TID can be generated by appropriately combining SID and VN.

  In the above embodiment, VN is described as a number consisting of numbers. However, as described above, VN may be a code having a predetermined number of digits, and a part or all of digits are in a specific ordered character set (for example, Alphabet). That is, any character set in which a certain order is determined can be used. For such a digit using the ordered character set, the above-described “add 1” operation may advance the character by one character.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a tire pressure monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the transmitter 4 of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the receiver communication part 5 and the receiver main body 6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the setting method of the conventional transmitter ID. It is a figure which shows the setting method of transmitter ID by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the setting device 8 sets and registers a transmitter identifier by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows making it generate | occur | produce a new transmitter identifier by this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the setting device by one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tire pressure monitoring system 4 Transmitter 5 Receiver communication part 6 Receiver main body 7 Display device 8 Setting device 9 Pressure sensor 10 Temperature sensor 11 A / D conversion circuit (AD)
12, 23 Timer circuit 13, 24 Microprocessor (MP)
14 Memory 15 RF transmitter circuit 16 LF receiver circuit 17, 18, 20 Antenna 19 Battery 21 Amplifier (AMP)
22 Demodulator 24 Communication Controller 25 Memory 26 Interface Circuit (IF)
30 Start push button 32 Switch control circuit 34 Battery 36 Switch circuit 38 Trigger signal transmitter 90 Vehicle 92 Wheel

Claims (7)

A unique setter identifier for each identifier setter to be shipped is written in a non-rewritable memory, and a predetermined initial value for a variable code having a predetermined number of digits is written in a non-volatile rewritable memory;
By combining a setter identifier with a value obtained by advancing the variable code of the last set transmitter identifier, which is a value within a range allowed for each identifier setter, according to a setting instruction by a predetermined operation Generating a new transmitter identifier; and
A method of setting a transmitter identifier in a transmitter of a tire pressure monitoring system, comprising: transmitting the new transmitter identifier. The tire pressure according to claim 1, wherein the generating step includes a step of generating the new transmitter identifier by concatenating a value obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit after the setter identifier. A method of setting a transmitter identifier for a transmitter of a monitoring system. A setting device that sets the transmitter identifier in the transmitter of the tire pressure monitoring system.
A non-rewritable storage means for storing a unique setter identifier;
Non-volatile rewritable storage means for storing a variable code having a predetermined number of digits that constitutes a part of a transmitter identifier that is set last or to be set next;
If the variable code constitutes a part of the last set transmitter identifier in response to a setting instruction by a predetermined operation, the variable code is a value within a range allowed for each setter. After a value advanced by one unit and the setter identifier are combined to generate a new transmitter identifier, the value advanced by one unit is written as the variable code in the rewritable storage means, and the variable code is When configuring a part of the transmitter identifier to be set next, after generating a new transmitter identifier by combining the setter identifier and the variable code, within the allowable range for each set value Generating means for writing a value, which is a value and advancing the variable code by one unit, into the rewritable storage means as the variable code;
And a means for transmitting the new transmitter identifier. The generating means includes means for generating the new transmitter identifier by concatenating a value obtained by advancing the variable code by one unit or the variable code as it is after the setter identifier. Item 3. The setting device according to item 3. Means for allowing the tire position to be entered;
The setting device according to claim 3 , further comprising means for transmitting the new transmitter identifier in association with the tire position after transmitting the new transmitter identifier. Means for entering the number of transmitters to be set;
Means for accepting the number of setting instructions;
And a means for transmitting a transmitter identifier set in accordance with the number of setting instructions after the operation corresponding to the number of setting instructions has been completed so that the correspondence with each tire position can be understood. The setting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: 7. The setting according to claim 6, wherein the means for transmitting so as to understand the correspondence with the tire positions comprises means for transmitting transmitter identifiers set in accordance with the number of the setting instructions in the order of setting. vessel.

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