JP4897548B2 - Portable device, communication control device, and communication control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable device having a wireless communication function, a communication control device applied as, for example, a door locking / unlocking device that performs locking / unlocking control of a door lock of a vehicle based on wireless communication with the portable device, and the portable device The present invention relates to a communication control system comprising a machine and a communication control device.

Conventionally, as a communication control system for remotely operating a security device by wireless mutual communication, for example, a vehicle communication control system described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.
In this vehicle communication control system, the door lock of the vehicle is automatically locked and unlocked by allowing wireless communication between the portable device possessed by the vehicle user and the communication control device mounted on the vehicle. Or allow the engine to start.

Specifically, the communication control device transmits a request signal to a predetermined area around the vehicle and a predetermined area in the vehicle interior. Further, when the portable device receives a request signal transmitted from the corresponding communication control device, the portable device automatically returns an ID code signal including an identification code (ID code) set in advance. When the communication control device receives the ID code signal, the communication control device compares (collates) the ID code of the ID code signal with the ID code set in advance, and on condition that the ID codes match. The door lock is automatically unlocked or the engine is allowed to start.
JP 2001-31333 A

  By the way, for example, when a disturbance such as noise is mixed in an ID code signal transmitted from a portable device, the data of the ID code included in the ID code signal is altered, and the communication control device is configured to use the original ID code. Cannot be recognized. In particular, when the periodically generated noise is synchronized with the transmission cycle of the ID code signal, there is a possibility that the conventional communication control system may continuously cause a communication failure. For this reason, the conventional communication control system has room for improvement in terms of noise resistance.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a portable device, a communication control device, and a communication control system that can suppress the occurrence of communication failure due to disturbance such as noise. It is in.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the invention described in claim 1, a wireless communication is performed with a corresponding communication control device, and a response signal corresponding to a response request signal transmitted from the communication control device is received. A portable device having a transmission / reception function for transmitting, comprising: a transmission means capable of transmitting the response signal at a plurality of types of frequencies; and a transmission control means for controlling a transmission frequency of the response signal, and receiving the response request signal In some cases, the transmission control unit causes the response signal to be transmitted from the transmission unit at one frequency of the plurality of types, and a next-stage transmission signal transmitted from the communication control device on condition that the response signal is received. The gist is to perform retransmission control for retransmitting the response signal from the transmission means at a different frequency when reception is impossible.

  According to the above configuration, when the portable device transmits a response signal corresponding to the response request signal from the communication control device but cannot receive the next-stage transmission signal from the communication control device, the portable device has another frequency. Resend the response signal with. For this reason, even if the communication control device cannot normally receive the response signal due to a disturbance such as noise mixed in the response signal, the communication signal can be retransmitted at a different frequency by retransmitting the response signal. Communication with the control device can be established. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a communication failure with the communication control device due to the mixing of disturbance.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to the first aspect, when the transmission control means receives the first response request signal as the response request signal, the transmission control means outputs the first response signal as the response signal. When the second response request signal is received as the next-stage transmission signal, the second response request signal is transmitted at the same frequency as the first response signal that satisfies the transmission condition of the second response request signal. The gist is to transmit a response signal from the transmission means.

  According to the above configuration, when the portable device receives the second response request signal, the frequency of the first response signal that satisfies the transmission condition of the second response request signal, that is, the frequency of the first response signal transmitted last, A second response signal is transmitted at the same frequency. Since the second response request signal is transmitted from the communication control device when the first response signal is normally received, the second response signal is transmitted from the portable device at the same frequency as the first response signal. The probability that the communication control device can normally receive the second response signal can be increased. That is, communication failure between the portable device and the communication control device can be suppressed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to the first or second aspect, when the transmission control unit receives the response request signal including the frequency command data, the transmission command unit includes the frequency command data. The gist is that the response signal is transmitted from the transmission means at a frequency based on the frequency, and the retransmission control is performed when the next-stage transmission signal cannot be received.

  According to the above configuration, when the portable device receives a response request signal including frequency command data, the portable device transmits the response signal at a frequency based on the frequency command data. For this reason, for example, when frequency command data having a communication establishment history between the portable device and the communication control device is transmitted from the communication control device, the portable device receives the next-stage transmission signal without performing retransmission control. It becomes easy. That is, it becomes easy to establish communication with the communication control apparatus without performing retransmission control. In addition, the portable device performs retransmission control when a response signal is transmitted at a frequency based on such frequency command data but the next-stage transmission signal cannot be received. For this reason, it becomes easy to establish communication with a communication control apparatus, and the communication failure with the communication control apparatus resulting from mixing of disturbance is also suppressed suitably.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to the first aspect, when the transmission control means receives the first response request signal as the response request signal, the transmission control means outputs the first response signal as the response signal. When the second response request signal including frequency command data is received as the next-stage transmission signal, the second response signal is transmitted from the transmission unit at a frequency based on the frequency command data. Is the gist.

  According to the above configuration, when the portable device receives the second response request signal including the frequency command data after transmitting the first response signal in response to the first response request signal, the portable device is based on the frequency command data. A second response signal is transmitted at a frequency. For this reason, the communication control apparatus that communicates with the portable device causes the portable device to perform retransmission control to transmit the first response signal at a plurality of types of frequencies, and among these first response signals, the frequency that is most suitable for communication. By transmitting the frequency command data indicating that the second response request signal is included, the second response signal can be transmitted from the portable device at the selected frequency. That is, the communication control device can control the frequency of the second response signal transmitted from the portable device. Therefore, by using such a portable device, communication can be performed at an optimum frequency.

  In the invention according to claim 5, a communication control device that transmits a response request signal for requesting transmission of a response signal to a portable device having a wireless communication function, and performs corresponding control on condition that the response signal is received And receiving means capable of receiving radio signals of a plurality of types of frequencies, transmission control for transmitting the response request signal, and control based on reception of the response signal, and controlling the reception frequency of the receiving means. The communication control means for changing the reception frequency of the reception means every time a preset reception waiting time elapses after the transmission of the response request signal. And performing the next-stage transmission control for transmitting the next-stage transmission signal when the response signal from the portable device transmitted at the corresponding frequency is received.

  According to the above configuration, after the response request signal is transmitted, the reception frequency of the reception unit is changed by the communication control unit each time the reception standby time elapses, and the response signal from the portable device transmitted at the corresponding frequency is received. When received by the receiving means, a next-stage transmission signal is transmitted. For this reason, wireless communication can be reliably performed between portable devices that transmit response signals at different frequencies and portable devices that can transmit response signals at multiple types of frequencies. And since the frequency band which can be received increases, a disturbance performance can be improved and the communication failure with a portable device resulting from a disturbance mixing in the response signal from a portable device can be suppressed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to the fifth aspect, the communication control means transmits a first response request signal as the response request signal and a corresponding first response signal from the portable device. When the first response signal is received, a second response request signal for requesting transmission of a second response signal is transmitted as the next-stage transmission signal, and then the reception frequency of the receiving means is received. Is set to the same frequency as the reception frequency of the first response signal to enter a standby state for reception of the second response signal.

  According to the above configuration, when the communication control apparatus normally receives the first response signal from the portable device transmitted in response to the first response request signal, the communication control apparatus transmits the second response request signal and the first response signal. The wireless signal having the same frequency as the response signal can be received. For this reason, when the second response signal is transmitted from the portable device at the same frequency as the first response signal, the probability that the second response signal can be normally received can be increased. Therefore, communication failure between the portable device and the communication control device can be suppressed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the communication control means receives the response signal from the portable device by the receiving means and performs the frequency change control. And the next-stage transmission control is performed.

  According to the above configuration, when a response signal transmitted at a corresponding frequency is received by the receiving unit, the frequency change control is terminated at that point and the next-stage transmission control is performed. For this reason, the time to shift from the frequency change control to the next-stage transmission control can be shortened, and a decrease in communication responsiveness with the portable device is suitably suppressed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to the fifth aspect, the communication control means transmits a first response request signal as the response request signal and a corresponding first response signal from the portable device. When the first response signal is received, a second response request signal requesting transmission of a second response signal is transmitted as the next-stage transmission signal, and the second response request signal When the second response signal cannot be received by the receiving means after transmission, retransmission control is performed to retransmit the second response signal from the portable device at a different frequency, and the reception frequency of the receiving means is The gist is to perform reception frequency change control for changing to the frequency of the second response signal to be retransmitted.

  According to the above configuration, even when the communication control device cannot normally receive the second response signal, the communication between the portable device and the communication control device is performed by changing the transmission frequency of the second response signal and the reception frequency of the receiving means. Can be established.

  In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the reception unit has a reception intensity detection function of detecting a reception intensity of the received radio signal, The communication control means determines whether or not a radio signal is received based on the reception intensity detected by the receiving means, and as a result, when the radio signal is not received, the transmission control is performed again without performing the reception frequency change control. And performing the reception frequency change control when receiving a radio signal different from the response signal.

  According to the above configuration, although the reception strength of the radio signal is detected by the receiving means, the presence / absence of reception of the radio signal is determined based on the reception strength, and reception frequency change control is performed when a radio signal different from the response signal is received. The reception frequency change control is not performed when no radio signal is received. Usually, when there is no disturbance such as a portable device or noise around the receiving means, a radio signal is not received. For this reason, reception frequency change control is performed only when necessary, and an increase in power consumption of the communication control device is suitably suppressed.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, the frequency of the response signal when communication with the portable device is established is recorded as communication history information. Recording means, and the communication control means selects the priority order of the transmission frequency of the response signal and the reception frequency of the reception means based on the communication history information recorded in the recording means, and the priority order of the frequencies The response command signal is transmitted while including the response request signal, and the reception frequency of the reception means is changed based on the priority when the reception frequency change control is performed.

  According to the above configuration, a response request including frequency command data indicating that a frequency having a history of establishment of communication with a portable device is preferentially selected and a response signal is preferentially transmitted at the selected frequency. A signal is transmitted. For this reason, when the response request signal is received by the portable device, a response signal having a frequency based on the frequency command data is preferentially transmitted from the portable device. Therefore, the probability that communication with a portable device will be established at an early stage increases.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication control device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the communication control means includes a first response request signal as the response request signal during the reception frequency change control. , The first response signal transmitted from the portable device in response to the first response request signal is in a reception standby state waiting for reception at all frequencies that can be changed by the reception frequency change control, At the time of the next-stage transmission control, a selection process is performed for selecting the optimum response signal by comparing the radio signals of the respective frequencies received by the reception frequency change control, and the response signal determined to be optimal by the selection process. The reception frequency of the reception means is set as a reception frequency, and a second response request signal including frequency command data indicating the reception frequency is transmitted as the next-stage transmission signal. More, the second response signal in response to the second response request signal and summarized in that the frequency optimization process which is transmitted from the portable device at the same frequency as the reception frequency.

  According to the above configuration, the transmission frequency of the second response signal transmitted from the portable device and the reception frequency of the receiving means when receiving the second response signal are the first from the portable device transmitted at various frequencies. Of the response signals, the same frequency as the first response signal received with the highest accuracy is set. For this reason, the optimal frequency for the communication at that time is selected, and the communication accuracy with the portable device is improved.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a portable device having a transmission / reception function for performing wireless communication with a corresponding communication control device and transmitting a corresponding response signal when receiving a response request signal transmitted from the communication control device; A communication control system including a communication control device that transmits the response request signal to the portable device and performs corresponding control on condition that the response signal is received, the portable device including the response A transmitting means capable of transmitting a signal at a plurality of types of frequencies, and at the time of receiving the response request signal, the response signal is transmitted from the transmitting means at one of the plurality of frequencies, and the reception of the response signal is a condition. Transmission control for performing retransmission control for retransmitting the response signal from the transmission unit at a different frequency when the next-stage transmission signal transmitted from the communication control device cannot be received The communication control device performs reception based on reception means capable of receiving radio signals of a plurality of types of frequencies, transmission control for transmitting the response request signal, and control based on reception of the response signal, and After transmission of the response request signal, the reception frequency change control is performed to change the reception frequency of the reception means every time a preset reception standby time elapses, and from the portable device transmitted at the corresponding frequency Communication control means for performing next-stage transmission control for transmitting the next-stage transmission signal when receiving the response signal, and changing the transmission frequency of the portable device, the change time, and the reception frequency of the communication control device The gist is that the change pattern and the change time are set to be synchronized.

  According to the above configuration, when the portable device transmits a response signal corresponding to the response request signal from the communication control device but cannot receive the next-stage transmission signal from the communication control device, the portable device has another frequency. Resend the response signal with. On the other hand, after the transmission of the response request signal, the communication control device changes the reception frequency of the reception unit every time the reception standby time elapses, and the response signal from the portable device transmitted at the corresponding frequency is the reception unit. The next-stage transmission signal is transmitted when received by. For this reason, even if the communication control device cannot normally receive the response signal due to a disturbance such as noise mixed in the response signal, the response signal is retransmitted at a different frequency from the portable device. In addition, since the reception frequency of the communication control device is also changed, communication between the portable device and the communication control device is easily established. That is, it is possible to suppress a communication failure with the communication control device due to the mixing of disturbance.

  Moreover, since the change pattern and change time of the transmission frequency of the portable device and the change pattern and change time of the reception frequency of the communication control device are set to be synchronized, how the transmission frequency of the response signal is changed. However, communication between the two is performed reliably.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication control device capable of suppressing the occurrence of communication failure due to disturbance such as noise.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as a vehicle communication control system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle communication control system 1 includes a portable device 10 possessed by the owner (user) of the vehicle 2 and a communication control device 20 disposed in the vehicle 2.
<Configuration of portable device 10>
The portable device 10 has a wireless communication function and can communicate with the communication control device 20. Specifically, the portable device 10 includes a control unit 11 configured by a computer unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, a reception circuit 12 and a transmission unit 13 electrically connected to the control unit 11, and the portable device. 10 is provided on the design surface and can be operated by the user.

  When receiving various wireless signals (WAKE signal, request signal) transmitted from the communication control device 20, the receiving circuit 12 demodulates the wireless signal into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal to the control unit 11.

  The transmission unit 13 modulates a data signal including an ID code signal, a locking / unlocking operation signal, or a retransmission signal input from the control unit 11 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency and transmits the modulated signal to the outside. Further, the transmission unit 13 can modulate the data signal into radio waves having a plurality of types of frequencies, and can change the transmission frequency based on a frequency control signal input from the control unit 11.

  Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the transmission unit 13 includes a plurality (here, two) of transmission circuits (first transmission circuit 31 and second transmission circuit 32) and the transmission circuits 31 and 32. And a control unit 11 and a first changeover switch 33 and a second changeover switch 34 provided between the transmission circuits 31 and 32 and the transmission antenna 13a. The first transmission circuit 31 modulates the data signal input from the control unit 11 to the first frequency fa and transmits the data signal to the outside via the transmission antenna 13a. On the other hand, the second transmission circuit 32 modulates the data signal input from the control unit 11 to a second frequency fb different from the first frequency fa and transmits the data signal to the outside via the transmission antenna 13a. In this example, each change-over switch 33, 34 is constituted by a single-pole double-throw switch, and the connection state of the contacts is changed based on a frequency control signal (switch control signal) from the control unit 11. . Then, by switching the connection states of the changeover switches 33 and 34, the connection state of “control unit 11—first transmission circuit 31—transmission antenna 13a” and “control unit 11—second transmission circuit 32—transmission antenna 13a” are established. "Is selected.

The transmission unit 13 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured as shown in FIG. 2B or FIG. 2C, for example.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the transmission unit 13 includes one oscillation circuit 41 and a plurality of (here, two) vibrators (first vibrator 42 (frequency fa) and first vibrator) having different frequencies. 2 oscillators 43 (frequency fb)) and a changeover switch 44 provided between the oscillation circuit 41 and each of the oscillators 42 and 43 may be provided. In this case, the connection state of the changeover switch 44 is switched based on the frequency control signal (switching control signal) output from the control unit 11, and the connection state of “oscillation circuit 41-first vibrator 42” and “oscillation” The connection state of “circuit 41-second vibrator 43” is selectively switched. Then, the oscillation circuit 41 modulates the data signal from the control unit 11 based on the frequencies fa and fb of the selected vibrators 42 and 43, and transmits the modulated signal to the outside from the transmission antenna 13a.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the transmission unit 13 may include a single transmission circuit 51 and a PLL circuit 52 that changes the transmission frequency of the transmission circuit 51. In this case, the output frequency from the PLL circuit 52 to the transmission circuit 51 is determined based on the frequency control signal output from the control unit 11, and the transmission circuit 51 modulates the data signal from the control unit 11 based on the output frequency. Then, it transmits to the outside from the transmission antenna 13a.

  The operation unit 14 is configured by, for example, a push button switch, and is configured by an unlocking operation switch for performing an unlocking operation and a locking operation switch for performing a locking operation. When the operation unit 14 is operated, the operation signals (locking operation signal, unlocking operation signal) are input to the control unit 11.

  The control unit 11 includes a non-volatile memory 11M, and a unique ID code set in advance, a lock code, and an unlock code are recorded in the memory 11M. Then, when an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14 or various demodulated signals are input from the reception circuit 12, the control unit 11 outputs corresponding data signals (ACK signal, ID code signal, unlocking / unlocking operation signal). Perform output control. Specifically, when an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 outputs a corresponding locking / unlocking operation signal. Further, when the WAKE signal as the first response request signal is input from the receiving circuit 12, the control unit 11 outputs an ACK signal as the first response signal, and the receiving circuit 12 transmits the second response request signal and the next stage transmission. When a request signal as a signal is input, an ID code signal is output as a second response signal. The ACK signal is a signal including a response code corresponding to the WAKE signal, the locking / unlocking operation signal is a signal including a locking code or an unlocking code and an ID code, and the ID code signal includes an ID code. Signal.

  By the way, the control unit 11 performs frequency change control for changing the transmission frequency of the ACK signal, the ID code signal, and the locking / unlocking operation signal based on the reception timing of the request signal by the receiving circuit 12 and the operation mode of the operation unit 14. Therefore, the frequency change control performed by the control unit 11 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Process during mutual communication control>
First, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 11 determines whether an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14. When determining that the operation signal is not input from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 is received by the reception circuit 12 in step S2. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 has not been received by the receiving circuit 12, the processing here is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the WAKE signal has been received by the receiving circuit 12, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating that the transmission frequency is the first frequency fa to the transmission unit 13 in step S3. At the same time, an ACK signal is output to the transmitter 13. Thereby, the ACK signal of the first frequency fa is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 13 via the transmission antenna 13a.

  Subsequently, in step S4, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reception circuit 12 has received the request signal from the communication control device 20 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the ACK signal transmission processing. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the request signal is received within the request reception waiting time Δt1, the ID code signal including the ID code recorded in the memory 11M is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 to the transmission antenna 13a in step S5. Via the first frequency fa.

  On the other hand, when the request signal cannot be received within the request reception waiting time Δt1, in step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the transmission frequency of the transmitted ACK signal is the second frequency fb. Then, when the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb, the control unit 11 temporarily ends the process, and when the transmission frequency is not the second frequency fb, that is, when the transmission frequency is the first frequency fa. Shifts to the process of step S7.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating that the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb to the transmission unit 13 and outputs an ACK signal to the transmission unit 13. For this reason, when the request reception waiting time Δt1 elapses after the ACK signal is transmitted at the first frequency fa, the ACK signal of the second frequency fb is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 13 via the transmission antenna 13a. It becomes. And the control part 11 transfers to the process of step S4 again, after the process of this step S7 is complete | finished. That is, after transmitting the ACK signal at the first frequency fa, the control unit 11 changes the transmission frequency to the second frequency fb and transmits the ACK signal again when the request signal cannot be received within the request reception waiting time Δt1. Retransmission control is performed.

<Processing during unidirectional communication control>
By the way, when the control unit 11 determines in step S1 that an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the operation signal is an operation signal that can be determined as a locking / unlocking operation. The operation signal that can be determined as the unlocking operation is, for example, the locking operation signal or the unlocking operation signal when the locking operation signal or the unlocking operation signal is not input continuously but is input only for a short time. Indicates. As a specific example, the controller 11 determines that the locking / unlocking operation signal is input only once per second, and determines that the locking / unlocking operation signal is input twice or more per second, For example, when a locking / unlocking operation signal is continuously input for 2 seconds or more, it is not determined that the locking / unlocking operation is performed.

  As a result, if the control unit 11 determines that the unlocking / unlocking operation has been performed, in step S9, the control unit 11 outputs the unlocking / unlocking operation signal at the transmission frequency set at that time (the first frequency fa at the initial time). Then, the transmitting unit 13 transmits to the outside via the transmitting antenna 13a, and the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when it cannot be determined that the locking / unlocking operation has been performed, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S10 without performing step S9.

  In step S10, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the input operation signal is a frequency change operation for changing the transmission frequency. Specifically, when a lock / unlock operation signal including a lock operation signal or an unlock operation signal is input in a preset manner from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 changes the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13. It is determined that the change operation has been performed by the operation unit 14. As specific examples of the frequency changing operation, the locking operation switch and the unlocking operation switch of the operation unit 14 are alternately operated 3 times every 3 seconds, or one of the locking operation switch and the unlocking operation switch is operated for 3 seconds. An operation different from a normal locking / unlocking operation, such as a long press, can be mentioned.

  When the control unit 11 determines that the operation is a frequency change operation based on the operation signal from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 performs a transmission frequency change process in step S11 and the changed transmission frequency in step S12. Then, the locking / unlocking operation signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 13 to the outside, and the processing here is temporarily terminated. That is, in step S11, when the transmission frequency at that time is the first frequency fa, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating the second frequency fb to the transmission unit 13, and at that time When the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb, a frequency control signal indicating the first frequency fa is output to the transmission unit 13. And the control part 11 transmits a locking / unlocking operation signal based on the operation signal (locking operation signal, unlocking operation signal) last input in frequency change operation.

  For this reason, at the time of one-way communication control, it is possible to freely change the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal by performing the frequency changing operation by the operation unit 14. In addition, the locking / unlocking operation signal can be transmitted along with the change of the transmission frequency.

<Configuration of Communication Control Device 20>
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control device 20 includes a communication control unit 21 as data processing means configured by a computer unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The communication control unit 21 is electrically connected to a transmission circuit 22 and a reception unit 23 as a reception unit.

  When a response request signal (WAKE signal, request signal) is input from the communication control unit 21, the transmission circuit 22 modulates these response request signals into radio waves of a predetermined frequency and transmits them to the periphery of the vehicle 2. Note that the transmission circuit 22 transmits the response request signal with a strength that enables communication with the portable device 10 in a narrow region of about 1 to 2 m around the vehicle 2.

  The receiving unit 23 can receive the locking / unlocking operation signal, the ID code signal, and the retransmission signal transmitted from the portable device 10. Then, the receiving unit 23 demodulates these signals into pulse signals and outputs them to the communication control unit 21.

  Specifically, the receiving unit 23 is configured by a superheterodyne receiver. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the receiving unit 23 includes a high-frequency filter 61, a high-frequency amplifier 62, an image cancellation mixer 63, an intermediate unit, which are sequentially connected from the receiving antenna 23a to the communication control unit 21. A wave filter 64, an intermediate wave amplifier 65, a demodulation circuit 66, a changeover switch 67 connected to the image cancellation mixer 63, and a first local oscillator 68 a and a second local oscillator 68 b connected to the changeover switch 67. Yes. In this example, the change-over switch 67 is constituted by a single-pole double-throw switch, and the connection state of the contacts is changed based on a frequency control signal (switching control signal) from the communication control unit 21. Then, by switching the connection state of the changeover switch 67, a connection state of “image cancellation mixer 63—first local oscillator 68a” and a connection state of “image cancellation mixer 63—second local oscillator 68b” are selected. Is selected. The first local oscillator 68a and the second local oscillator 68b are set to different oscillation frequencies.

  Therefore, there are two different frequencies in the state where the image cancel mixer 63 and the first local oscillator 68a are connected by the changeover switch 67 and in the state where the image cancel mixer 63 and the second local oscillator 68b are connected. Can be received (detected). That is, the receiving unit 23 can detect the radio wave of the first frequency fa when the image cancel mixer 63 and the first local oscillator 68a are connected, and the image cancel mixer 63 and the second local oscillator 68b are connected. In this state, the radio wave having the second frequency fb can be detected.

  Specifically, for example, when the local oscillation frequency of the first local oscillator 68a is set to 312.605 MHz, the local oscillation frequency of the second local oscillator 68b is set to 313.515 MHz, and the intermediate frequency is set to 455 kHz, the first local oscillator is set. In a state where 68a is selected, it is possible to detect a radio wave of “first frequency fa = 312.1150 MHz”. On the other hand, in a state where the second local oscillator 68b is selected, it is possible to detect a radio wave of “second frequency fb = 313.060 MHz”. That is, the receiving unit 23 can detect radio waves of two types of frequencies by switching control of the connection state of the changeover switch 67 by the communication control unit 21. Note that each of the units 61 to 66 constituting the receiving unit 23 has a well-known configuration, and its function is also well-known, so detailed description thereof is omitted here.

By the way, the receiving part 23 is not limited to such a structure, For example, you may become a structure as shown in FIG.4 (b) and FIG.4 (c).
That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the receiving unit 23 includes a high frequency filter 61, a high frequency amplifier 62, an image cancellation mixer 63, two intermediate wave filters (a first intermediate wave filter 64a and a second intermediate wave filter 64b). The intermediate wave amplifier 65 and the demodulation circuit 66, one local oscillator 68 connected to the image cancel mixer 63, and the image cancel mixer 63 and the intermediate wave filters 64a and 64b are connected to each other, and the communication control unit 21 And a changeover switch 69 for switching the connection state of the contacts based on the frequency control signal (switching control signal) from the terminal. Then, by switching the connection state of the changeover switch 67, the connection state becomes “image cancel mixer 63-first intermediate wave filter 64a” and the connection state becomes “image cancellation mixer 63-second intermediate wave filter 64b”. Is selected. Therefore, by setting the passing frequencies of the intermediate wave filters 64a and 64b to different frequencies, the receiving unit 23 can detect radio waves of two different frequencies according to the connection state of the changeover switch 69. In this example, the intermediate wave amplifier 65 is compatible with a wide band.

  Specifically, for example, when the local oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 68 is set to 315.515 MHz, the pass frequency of the first intermediate wave filter 64a is set to 1365 kHz, and the pass frequency of the second intermediate wave filter 64b is set to 455 kHz, When the first intermediate wave filter 64a is selected, radio waves of “first frequency fa = 312.150 MHz” are detected, and when the second intermediate wave filter 64b is selected, radio waves of “second frequency fb = 313.060 MHz” are detected. It becomes possible.

  4C, the receiving unit 23 includes a high frequency filter 61, a high frequency amplifier 62, an image cancellation mixer 63, one intermediate wave filter 64, an intermediate wave amplifier 65, a demodulation circuit 66, and an image cancellation mixer. The configuration may include one local oscillator 68 connected to 63. However, in this case, the image cancel mixer 63 switches the image frequency to be canceled based on the frequency control signal (switch control signal) from the communication control unit 21. That is, the image cancel mixer 63 performs switching between HI (High) / LO (Low) based on the switching control signal, and is input from the local oscillator 68 to the image cancel mixer 63 in the signal band received by the receiving antenna 23a. One of the upper and lower local oscillation signals is received and the other is canceled as an image signal. For this reason, in the state set to HI, the image cancellation mixer 63 cancels the signal on the upper side of the local oscillation signal as an image signal, and the reception signal band becomes lower than the local oscillation signal. On the other hand, in the state set to LO, the image cancel mixer 63 cancels the lower signal of the local oscillation signal as an image signal, and the reception signal band becomes higher than the local oscillation signal.

  Specifically, for example, when the local oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 68 is set to 312.605 MHz and the intermediate frequency is set to 455 kHz, the image cancel mixer 63 is set to HI by the switching control signal from the communication control unit 21. In this case, the radio wave of “first frequency fa = 312.1150 MHz” can be detected. In addition, when the image cancel mixer 63 is set to LO by the switching control signal, it is possible to detect a radio wave of “second frequency fb = 313.060 MHz”. Therefore, when such a configuration is used, there is an advantage that the number of parts of the receiving unit 23 can be reduced as compared with the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

  Furthermore, the receiving unit 23 may have a configuration using a PLL circuit like the transmitting unit 13 of the portable device 10 shown in FIG. 2C, and the local oscillation frequency can be made variable by such a PLL circuit. By doing so, it may be possible to detect radio waves of two different frequencies.

  The communication control unit 21 includes a non-volatile memory 21M, and an ACK code equivalent to the ACK code set in the corresponding portable device 10 and an ID code equivalent to the ID code are recorded in the memory 21M. In addition, a door lock device 24 is electrically connected to the communication control unit 21. The door lock device 24 is a device that automatically locks and unlocks the door using an actuator. When the unlock signal is input from the communication control unit 21, the door lock is unlocked and the lock signal is input. Then, the door lock is locked, and a locking / unlocking state signal indicating the locking / unlocking state of the door lock is output to the communication control unit 21. For this reason, the communication control unit 21 can recognize the lock / unlock state of the door lock based on the lock / unlock state signal input from the door lock device 24.

  Such a communication control unit 21 performs transmission control of a response request signal (WAKE signal and request signal), and on the condition that mutual communication with the portable device 10 based on the WAKE signal and request signal transmitted to the outside is established. Door lock control for driving and controlling the door lock device 24 is performed. Specifically, the communication control unit 21 outputs a WAKE signal and a request signal to the transmission circuit 22 to transmit the signals to the outside. And if the response signal (ACK signal, ID code signal) transmitted from the portable device 10 in response to these signals is received by the receiving unit 23, the communication control unit 21 will correspond to the portable device to which these response signals correspond. 10 is performed to determine whether or not the information is transmitted from the terminal 10. Specifically, when receiving the ACK signal, the communication control unit 21 compares the ACK code included in the ACK signal with the ACK code recorded in the memory 21M, and the mobile phone corresponding to the case where the two ACK codes match. It is recognized as an ACK signal from the machine 10. In addition, when receiving the ID code signal, the communication control unit 21 compares the ID code included in the ID code signal with the ID code recorded in the memory 21M (ID code verification). As a result, when the ID code collation is established, the communication control unit 21 determines that mutual communication with the portable device 10 is established, and enters a state in which drive control of the door lock device 24 is permitted. When a preset vehicle operation is performed in such a drive permission state of the door lock device 24, the communication control unit 21 outputs a lock signal or an unlock signal to the door lock device 24 to output the door. Lock or unlock the lock.

  Note that the preset vehicle operation indicates, for example, a contact operation with respect to a door handle sensor provided on the outside door handle, an operation of a lock switch provided on the outside door handle, or the like. The communication control unit 21 is not limited to the case where such a vehicle operation is performed. When the ID code verification is matched, the communication control unit 21 automatically unlocks the door lock or when the ID code verification is not matched. The door lock may be automatically locked.

  By the way, when a disturbance such as noise is mixed in the ACK signal or ID code signal from the portable device 10, the ACK code or ID code included in the signal is altered, and the communication control unit 21 normally converts these signals. There is a risk of being unable to recognize (receive). That is, mutual communication between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 may be hindered due to the mixing of disturbance. Therefore, the communication control unit 21 performs reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency so as to suppress communication failure due to such disturbance. Hereinafter, communication processing including reception frequency change control performed by the communication control unit 21 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

<Communication processing by the communication control unit 21>
As shown in FIG. 5, the communication control unit 21 performs a unidirectional communication process in step S20 and performs a bidirectional communication process in step S30.

[One-way communication processing]
As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S21, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the first frequency fa. That is, for example, when the receiving unit 23 includes the changeover switch 67 and the two local oscillators 68a and 68b as shown in FIG. 4A, the communication control unit 21 sends a changeover control signal to the changeover switch 67. The first local oscillator 68a is connected to the image cancel mixer 63. As a result, the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the first frequency fa.

  In subsequent step S <b> 22, the communication control unit 21 determines whether the receiving / unlocking operation signal transmitted from the portable device 10 at the first frequency fa is received by the receiving unit 23. As a result, when it is determined that the locking / unlocking operation signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S23 and activates the door lock device 24 based on the locking / unlocking code included in the received locking / unlocking operation signal. The door lock is locked or unlocked by controlling, and the process here is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, when determining that the locking / unlocking operation signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S24 and switches the reception frequency from the first frequency fa to the second frequency fb. That is, the communication control unit 21 outputs a switching control signal to the changeover switch 67 and connects the second local oscillator 68 b to the image cancel mixer 63.

  In step S <b> 25, the communication control unit 21 determines whether the receiving / unlocking operation signal transmitted from the portable device 10 at the second frequency fb is received by the receiving unit 23. As a result, when determining that the locking / unlocking operation signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S23. On the other hand, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the locking / unlocking operation signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 temporarily ends the process, and proceeds to the bidirectional communication process in step S30.

[Bidirectional communication processing]
When the communication control unit 21 shifts to the bidirectional communication process, as shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S31, the communication control unit 21 outputs a WAKE signal to the transmission circuit 22, and the WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. Let In step S32, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the first frequency fa. Note that the order of processing in steps S31 and S32 may be reversed.

  In step S33, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the ACK signal from the portable device 10 has been received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the WAKE signal transmission process. As a result, if it is determined that the ACK signal from the portable device 10 has been received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S34 and outputs a request signal to the transmission circuit 22 to A request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. And the communication control part 21 will be in the reception standby state of the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 in response to this request signal. Note that the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is maintained as it is in the reception standby state of the ID code signal. That is, the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is maintained at the reception frequency when the ACK signal is received. In the present embodiment, the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 is equal to the time obtained by adding the ACK signal transmission time and the request reception waiting time Δt1 in the portable device 10, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is set to be. For this reason, the change pattern and change time of the transmission frequency of the portable device 10 and the change pattern and change time of the reception frequency of the communication control device 20 are synchronized.

  In subsequent step S <b> 35, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the receiving unit 23 has received the ID code signal from the corresponding portable device 10. As a result, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 temporarily terminates the process. If the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 determines in step S36. The lock / unlock control permission state for permitting the lock / unlock control of the door lock by the door lock device 24 is entered, and the process here is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the ACK signal cannot be received within the ACK reception standby time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S37. In step S37, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the current reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb. As a result, when the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb, the communication control unit 21 ends the process here, and the reception frequency is not set to the second frequency fb. If this is the case, that is, if the first frequency fa is set, the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb. That is, the communication control unit 21 outputs a switching control signal to the changeover switch 67 of the receiving unit 23, and the second local oscillator 68b and the image cancellation mixer are connected from the connection state of the first local oscillator 68a and the image cancellation mixer 63. By switching to the connection state with 63, the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is switched from the first frequency fa to the second frequency fb. That is, after receiving the WAKE signal, the communication control unit 21 performs reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 when the ACK signal cannot be received within the ACK reception standby time Δt2.

Next, the operation of the communication control system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to time charts shown in FIGS.
<Example of mutual communication establishment without disturbance>
As indicated by a point P1 in FIG. 8A, when a WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 of the communication control device 20, and the WAKE signal is received by the reception circuit 12 of the portable device 10, as indicated by a point P2. In addition, an ACK signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 at the first frequency fa.

  The reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 sets the reception frequency to the first frequency fa within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the transmission of the WAKE signal. The signal can be received. When the ACK signal is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 as indicated by a point P3.

  When the request signal is received by the reception circuit 12 of the portable device 10 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the transmission of the ACK signal, the ID code signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 at the first frequency fa as indicated by a point P4. Is sent. Usually, when the ACK signal of the first frequency fa is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, there is a high probability that the ID code signal transmitted at the same frequency can be normally received. The ID code signal is normally received with high probability by the unit 23. Therefore, the communication control device 20 enters the locking / unlocking control permission state by receiving the ID code signal normally.

  Therefore, when the ACK signal transmitted from the portable device 10 at the first frequency fa is normally received by the communication control device 20, the control units 11 and 21 of the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 change the frequency. The mutual communication is completed without performing control.

<Example of mutual communication establishment in the presence of disturbance>
On the other hand, as indicated by a point P11 in FIG. 8B, the ACK signal from the portable device 10 transmitted in response to the WAKE signal at the first frequency fa cannot be normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20. In this case, a request signal is not transmitted from the communication control device 20.

  Then, as indicated by point P12, after transmitting the ACK signal at the first frequency fa, the portable device 10 transmits the ACK signal at the second frequency fb when the request reception waiting time Δt1 elapses without receiving the request signal. Send. In addition, after transmitting the WAKE signal, the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb when the ACK reception standby time Δt2 elapses without receiving the ACK signal at the first frequency fa. . That is, the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 and the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 are changed almost synchronously. For this reason, the communication control apparatus 20 can receive the ACK signal from the portable device 10 transmitted at the second frequency fb. When the ACK signal transmitted at the second frequency fb is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 as indicated by a point P13.

  When this request signal is received by the receiving circuit 12 of the portable device 10, the ID code signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 13 at the second frequency fb as indicated by a point P14. And the communication control apparatus 20 will be in a locking / unlocking control permission state by receiving this ID code signal normally.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the portable device 10 cannot receive the request signal from the communication control device 20 even though it transmits the ACK signal corresponding to the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 at the first frequency fa, The response signal is retransmitted at another frequency (second frequency fb). For this reason, even if the communication control device cannot normally receive the ACK signal due to the mixing of disturbances such as noise, the portable device 10 retransmits the ACK signal at a different frequency. Communication with the communication control device 20 can be established.

  On the other hand, after the transmission of the WAKE signal, the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 from the first frequency fa to the second frequency fb when the ACK reception standby time Δt2 elapses, with the corresponding frequency. A request signal is transmitted when the transmitted ACK signal from the portable device 10 is received. For this reason, according to such a communication control device 20, wireless communication can be reliably performed even with the portable device 10 that changes the transmission frequency of the ACK signal. In addition, since the frequency band that can be received increases, the disturbance performance is also improved. Therefore, according to such a communication control system 1, it is possible to suppress a communication failure between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 due to a disturbance mixed in the ACK signal from the portable device 10.

  (2) When the portable device 10 receives the request signal, the portable device 10 transmits the ID code signal at the same frequency as the frequency of the ACK signal that satisfies the transmission condition of the request signal, that is, the frequency of the last transmitted ACK signal. . On the other hand, when the communication control apparatus 20 normally receives the ACK signal from the portable device 10 transmitted in response to the WAKE signal, the communication control apparatus 20 transmits a request signal and sets the same reception frequency as the frequency of the ACK signal. To do. Usually, when the ACK signal is normally received, the request signal is transmitted from the communication control device 20, so that the ID code signal is transmitted from the portable device 10 at the same frequency as the ACK signal, and the communication control device 20 By setting the reception frequency to that frequency, it is possible to increase the probability that the communication control device 20 can normally receive the ID code signal. That is, communication failure between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 can be suppressed.

  (3) When the communication control device 20 normally receives the ACK signal, the communication control device 20 ends the frequency change control at that time and performs transmission of the request signal (next-stage transmission control). For this reason, the time to shift from the frequency change control to the next-stage transmission control can be shortened, and a decrease in communication responsiveness between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 can be suitably suppressed.

  (4) The portable device 10 changes the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal by performing a frequency changing operation using the operation unit 14. Further, since the communication control device 20 periodically changes the reception frequency within the transmission time of the locking / unlocking operation signal from the portable device 10 during the one-way communication processing, the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal is the first. The communication control device 20 can reliably receive the locking / unlocking operation signal regardless of whether the frequency is the first frequency fa or the second frequency fb. Therefore, for example, when the locking / unlocking operation signal is transmitted from the portable device 10 at the first frequency fa, if the disturbance of the first frequency fa is mixed in the locking / unlocking operation signal, the communication control device 20 normally sets the locking / unlocking operation signal. Can not be recognized. In such a case, the communication control device 20 can recognize the locking / unlocking operation signal normally by changing the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal to the second frequency fb by the frequency changing operation. Become. Therefore, it is possible to suitably reduce the occurrence of communication failure between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20.

  (5) When the frequency changing operation is performed by the operation unit 14 of the portable device 10, the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal transmitted from the transmission unit 13 is changed to another frequency. For this reason, even if the communication control device 20 cannot normally receive the locking / unlocking operation signal due to a disturbance such as noise mixed in the locking / unlocking operation signal, the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal is different. By changing to this frequency, communication with the communication control device 20 can be established. Therefore, communication failure between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 due to the mixing of disturbance can be suppressed.

  (6) In the portable device 10, an operation for transmitting the locking / unlocking operation signal (transmission operation) and an operation for changing the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal (frequency changing operation) are common operation units. The control unit 11 performs transmission control and frequency change control by discriminating these operation modes. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide an operation unit for performing a transmission operation and an operation unit for performing a frequency change operation in the portable device 10, and the structure of the portable device 10 can be simplified. Further, since the frequency changing operation is set to be a complicated operation compared to the transmission operation, it is possible to suitably suppress the frequency changing operation from being performed against the user's will.

  (7) When the frequency changing operation is performed by the operation unit 14, the portable device 10 changes the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal and transmits the locking / unlocking operation signal at the changed transmission frequency. That is, when the frequency changing operation is performed, the portable device 10 performs a transmission / removal operation signal transmission process as well as a transmission frequency changing process. This eliminates the need for the user to perform an operation for transmitting the locking / unlocking operation signal after performing the frequency changing operation. Therefore, the usability of the portable device 10 can be improved. In particular, when one of the locking operation switch and the unlocking operation switch constituting the operation unit 14 is set as the frequency change operation that is operated continuously a plurality of times (for example, 3 times), the user By continuously performing the operation for locking or unlocking a plurality of times, it is possible to easily change the transmission frequency and transmit the locking / unlocking operation signal. In addition, in this case, since the user can perform the transmission frequency changing operation by extending the transmission operation of the locking / unlocking operation signal, the user can perform the transmission frequency changing operation without much awareness. Therefore, the usability of the portable device 10 is significantly improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each of the following embodiments including this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and common points will be simply denoted by the same member numbers, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the function and processing of the communication control device 20. Therefore, here, a difference between the communication control device 20 and the first embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20 has a reception intensity detection function for detecting the reception intensity of the received radio wave. When receiving the radio wave, the receiving unit 23 detects the reception intensity of the radio wave and outputs an intensity detection signal indicating the detected reception intensity to the communication control unit 21. Therefore, the communication control unit 21 can recognize the intensity of the radio wave received by the receiving unit 23 based on the intensity detection signal from the receiving unit 23.

  And the communication control part 21 performs reception frequency change control which changes a reception frequency using the intensity | strength detection signal from the receiving part 23. FIG. The communication control unit 21 performs the same processing as that of the first embodiment in the unidirectional communication processing, and the bidirectional communication processing is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the bidirectional communication process performed by the communication control unit 21 of the present embodiment will be described below according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Bidirectional communication processing by communication control unit 21>
When the communication control unit 21 shifts from the unidirectional communication process to the bidirectional communication process as in the first embodiment, first, in step S41, the communication control unit 21 outputs a WAKE signal to the transmission circuit 22, as shown in FIG. The WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. In step S42, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the first frequency fa. Note that the order of the processes in steps S41 and S42 may be reversed.

  In step S43, the communication control unit 21 determines that the reception strength of the radio wave received by the reception unit 23 within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the WAKE signal transmission process is based on the intensity detection signal input from the reception unit 23. It is determined whether it is larger than a preset intensity threshold Th. As a result, when the communication control unit 21 determines that the reception intensity is equal to or less than the intensity threshold Th, the process here is temporarily terminated. For this reason, the communication control unit 21 temporarily performs the process here when the received radio wave does not exceed the strength threshold Th, as well as when the radio wave is not received by the receiving unit 23 within the ACK reception standby time Δt2. finish.

  On the other hand, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the received intensity is greater than the intensity threshold Th, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S44, and the received radio wave is an ACK signal transmitted from the corresponding portable device 10. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the communication control unit 21 determines that the received radio wave is the ACK signal, the communication control unit 21 sequentially performs the processes of steps S45 to S47 according to the conditions, and determines that the received radio wave is not the ACK signal. In such a case, the processes in steps S48 and S49 are sequentially performed according to the conditions. Note that the processes in steps S45 to S49 are the same as the processes in steps S34 to S38 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Moreover, the communication control part 21 will perform the process of said step S43 again, after the process of step S49 is complete | finished.

Next, the operation of the communication control system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to time charts shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).
<Example of mutual communication establishment without disturbance>
In this case, since the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

<Example of mutual communication failure without disturbance>
As indicated by a point P21 in FIG. 10 (a), after the WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 of the communication control device 20, a radio wave having a reception intensity exceeding the intensity threshold Th is received within the ACK reception standby time Δt2. If not received, the WAKE signal is transmitted again at a predetermined intermittent period, as indicated by point P22. That is, when the radio wave exceeding the intensity threshold Th cannot be received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control device 20 determines that the portable device 10 does not exist in the communication area, and does not perform frequency change control.

<Example of mutual communication establishment in the presence of disturbance>
On the other hand, as indicated by a point P31 in FIG. 10B, the ACK signal from the portable device 10 transmitted in response to the WAKE signal from the first frequency fa is received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, If the communication control unit 21 cannot recognize the ACK signal due to noise or other disturbances mixed in the ACK signal, the request signal is not transmitted from the communication control device 20.

  Then, as indicated by point P32, after transmitting the ACK signal at the first frequency fa, the portable device 10 transmits the ACK signal at the second frequency fb when the request reception waiting time Δt1 elapses without receiving the request signal. Send. In addition, after transmitting the WAKE signal, the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb when the ACK reception standby time Δt2 elapses without receiving the ACK signal at the first frequency fa. . That is, the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 and the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 are changed almost synchronously. For this reason, the communication control apparatus 20 can receive the ACK signal from the portable device 10 transmitted at the second frequency fb. When the ACK signal transmitted at the second frequency fb is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 as indicated by a point P33.

  When this request signal is received by the receiving circuit 12 of the portable device 10, the ID code signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 13 at the second frequency fb as indicated by a point P34. And the communication control apparatus 20 will be in a locking / unlocking control permission state by receiving this ID code signal normally.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the above (1) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(8) The communication control unit 21 determines whether or not a radio signal (radio wave) is received based on the detected reception intensity received by the reception unit 23, and as a result, when the radio wave exceeding the reception threshold cannot be received, Therefore, it is determined that the portable device 10 does not exist in the communication area, and reception frequency change control is not performed. For this reason, the reception frequency change control by the communication control device 20 is performed only when necessary, and an increase in power consumption of the communication control device 20 can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in communication processing by the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 and bidirectional communication processing by the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20. Therefore, communication processing of the control unit 11 and the communication control unit 21 will be described.

<Bidirectional communication processing by communication control unit 21>
First, bidirectional communication processing performed by the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the communication control unit 21 shifts from the unidirectional communication process to the bidirectional communication process as in the first embodiment, first, in step S51, the communication control unit 21 outputs a WAKE signal to the transmission circuit 22, as shown in FIG. The WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. In step S52, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the first frequency fa. Note that the order of processing in steps S51 and S52 may be reversed.

  In step S53, the communication control unit 21 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb when the ACK reception standby time Δt2 has elapsed after transmitting the WAKE signal.

  Thereafter, in step S54, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not an ACK signal transmitted from the corresponding portable device 10 has been received. As a result, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the ACK signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 terminates the processing here. If the communication control unit 21 determines that the ACK signal has been received, the frequency selection is performed in step S55. Process.

  Specifically, in step S55, the communication control unit 21 selects an optimal frequency from the frequencies fa and fb based on the pulse length and reception intensity of each ACK signal received at the first frequency fa and the second frequency fb. That is, the communication control unit 21 receives the ACK signal at all selectable frequencies (here, the first frequency fa and the second frequency fb) by the reception unit 23, and the most suitable ACK signal among the ACK signals Select a frequency. In this optimal frequency selection process, the communication control unit 21 may select an optimal frequency based on only one of the pulse length and reception strength of the ACK signal. Incidentally, when the communication control unit 21 selects an optimum frequency based only on the pulse length of the ACK signal, the reception unit 23 does not necessarily detect the reception intensity of the received radio wave and It is not necessary to output the indicated intensity detection signal to the communication control unit 21. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the receiving unit 23 and the processing of the communication control unit 21.

  In step S56, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the selected frequency, and causes the transmission circuit 22 to transmit a request signal including a frequency command code indicating the selected frequency in step S57. .

  Thereafter, in step S58, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the ID code signal from the corresponding portable device 10 has been received by the receiving unit 23. As a result, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 temporarily ends the process. If the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 determines in step S59. The lock / unlock control permission state for permitting the lock / unlock control of the door lock by the door lock device 24 is entered, and the process here is temporarily terminated.

<Communication processing by the control unit 11>
Next, communication processing performed by the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Process during mutual communication control>
As shown in the figure, in step S61, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14. When determining that the operation signal is not input from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 is received by the reception circuit 12 in step S62. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 has not been received by the receiving circuit 12, the processing here is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the WAKE signal has been received by the receiving circuit 12, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating that the transmission frequency is the first frequency fa to the transmission unit 13 in step S63. At the same time, an ACK signal is output to the transmitter 13. Thereby, the ACK signal of the first frequency fa is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 13 via the transmission antenna 13a.

  Subsequently, in step S64, the control unit 11 transmits a frequency control signal indicating that the transmission frequency is set to the second frequency fb when the request reception waiting time Δt1 has elapsed after the transmission processing of the ACK signal at the first frequency fa. In addition to outputting to the unit 13, an ACK signal is output to the transmitting unit 13. Thereby, the ACK signal of the second frequency fb is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 13 via the transmission antenna 13a.

  In step S65, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reception circuit 12 has received the request signal from the communication control device 20 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the transmission processing of the ACK signal at the second frequency fb. to decide. As a result, when it is determined that the request signal has not been received within the request reception waiting time Δt1, the control unit 11 terminates the processing here, and when it is determined that the request signal has been received, the control unit 11 performs step S66. Transition to processing.

  In step S66, the control unit 11 sets the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 based on the frequency command code included in the request signal. That is, the control unit 11 sets the transmission frequency to the first frequency fa if the frequency command code indicates the first frequency fa, and sets the transmission frequency if the frequency command code indicates the second frequency fb. Is set to the second frequency fb.

  In step S67, the control unit 11 transmits an ID code signal including the ID code recorded in the memory 11M from the transmission unit 13 to the outside through the transmission antenna 13a at the set transmission frequency.

<Control during unidirectional communication control>
By the way, when it is judged that the operation signal was input from the operation part 14 in the said step S61, the control part 11 performs the process of step S68-S71 according to conditions. Note that the processes in steps S68 to S71 are the same as the processes in steps S8 to S11 shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the communication control system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to a time chart shown in FIG.
As shown by a point P41 in FIG. 13, when a WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 of the communication control device 20, and the WAKE signal is received by the reception circuit 12 of the portable device 10, as shown by a point P42, An ACK signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 of the device 10 at the first frequency fa. At this time, since the reception frequency of the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20 is set to the first frequency fa, the communication control device 20 can receive the ACK signal transmitted at the first frequency fa.

  Thereafter, as indicated by a point P43, when the request reception waiting time Δt1 has elapsed, an ACK signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 at the second frequency fb. In addition, since the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 is also changed to the second frequency fb, it is possible to receive the ACK signal transmitted at the second frequency fb.

  When the communication control device 20 receives the ACK signal transmitted at the first frequency fa and the ACK signal transmitted at the second frequency fb, the communication control device 20 performs frequency selection processing, and the point P44. As shown, the request signal including the frequency command code indicating the frequency selected as a result is transmitted.

  Then, when the request signal is received by the receiving circuit 12 of the portable device 10 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the transmission of the ACK signal, as shown by a point P45, it is based on the frequency command code included in the request signal. An ID code signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 at a transmission frequency.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the above (1) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(9) Upon receiving the WAKE signal, the portable device 10 transmits an ACK signal at all selectable transmission frequencies. Thereafter, when the portable device 10 receives a request signal including frequency command data, the portable device 10 transmits the request signal at a frequency based on the frequency command data. On the other hand, after transmitting the WAKE signal, the communication control apparatus 20 receives the ACK signal at all selectable reception frequencies by performing reception frequency change control. Then, the communication control device 20 selects an optimum ACK signal from all the received ACK signals, and transmits a request signal including a frequency command code indicating the frequency of the selected ACK signal. An ID code signal is transmitted from the portable device 10. That is, the communication control device 20 controls the transmission frequency of the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 10. For this reason, the ID code signal can be transmitted at a frequency optimal for communication at that time, and the communication accuracy between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 14, and FIG.

  As indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, a position information acquisition device 71 is electrically connected to the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 in the present embodiment. The position information acquisition device 71 includes, for example, a car navigation system mounted on the vehicle 2, and outputs the acquired position information of the vehicle 2 to the communication control unit 21.

  Further, when the communication control unit 21 normally receives the ID code signal and the locking / unlocking operation signal transmitted from the portable device 10, that is, when communication with the portable device 10 is established, the reception unit 23 when the communication is established. The communication history information in which the received frequency is associated with the position information is recorded in the memory 21M.

  Then, the communication control unit 21 performs frequency change control based on the position information from the position information acquisition device 71 and the communication history information recorded in the memory 21M. Therefore, the bidirectional communication processing of the communication control unit 21 in this embodiment will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The unidirectional communication process is the same as that in each of the embodiments described above, and a description thereof is omitted here.

<Bidirectional communication processing by communication control unit 21>
When the communication control unit 21 shifts from the unidirectional communication process to the bidirectional communication process as in the first embodiment, first, in step S81, the communication control unit 21 starts from the position information acquisition device 71 as shown in FIG. The communication frequency is selected based on the position information and the communication history information recorded in the memory 21M. Specifically, the communication control unit 21 reads out communication history information corresponding to the acquired position information from the memory 21M. As a result, when the corresponding communication history information exists in the memory 21M, the communication control unit 21 selects the frequency indicated by the communication history information as the communication frequency. In addition, when the corresponding communication history information does not exist in the memory 21M, the communication control unit 21 selects the frequency with the highest number of established communications among all the communication history information recorded in the memory 21M. Select as If communication history information is not recorded in the memory 21M, a preset initial frequency (here, the first frequency fa) is selected as the communication frequency.

  In subsequent step S82, the communication control unit 21 causes the transmission circuit 22 to transmit a WAKE signal including a frequency command code indicating the selected communication frequency. At the same time, in step S83, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the selected communication frequency. Note that the process of step S82 and the process of step S83 may be performed in reverse order.

  In subsequent step S84, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the ACK signal from the corresponding portable device 10 is received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the transmission of the WAKE signal. As a result, when the communication control unit 21 determines that the ACK signal is received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S85 and causes the transmission circuit 22 to transmit the request signal. And the communication control part 21 will be in the reception standby state of the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 in response to this request signal. Note that the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is maintained as it is in the reception standby state of the ID code signal.

  In subsequent step S <b> 86, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the receiving unit 23 has received the ID code signal from the corresponding portable device 10. As a result, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has not been received, the communication control unit 21 temporarily terminates the process. If the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 determines in step S87. The lock / unlock control permission state for permitting the lock / unlock control of the door lock by the door lock device 24 is entered, and the process here is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S84 that the ACK signal cannot be received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S88. In step S88, the communication control unit 21 determines whether there is an unselected frequency as a communication frequency among all selectable frequencies (here, the first frequency fa and the second frequency fb). As a result, when there is no unselected frequency, the communication control unit 21 temporarily terminates the processing here, and when there is an unselected frequency, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the processing of step S89, and the unselected frequency. One of the frequencies is set as the reception frequency. And the communication control part 21 performs the process of step S84 again.

<Communication processing by the control unit 11>
Next, communication processing performed by the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Process during mutual communication control>
First, in step S <b> 91, the control unit 11 determines whether an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14. When determining that the operation signal is not input from the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 is received by the reception circuit 12 in step S92.

  As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the WAKE signal from the communication control device 20 has not been received by the receiving circuit 12, the processing here is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the WAKE signal has been received by the receiving circuit 12, the control unit 11 sets the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 based on the frequency command code included in the WAKE signal in step S93. That is, for example, if the frequency command code indicates the first frequency fa, the control unit 11 sets the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 to the first frequency fa. In subsequent step S94, the control unit 11 causes the transmission unit 13 to transmit an ACK signal at the set transmission frequency.

  Subsequently, in step S95, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reception circuit 12 has received the request signal from the communication control device 20 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the ACK signal transmission processing. As a result, when determining that the request signal is received within the request reception waiting time Δt1, the control unit 11 causes the transmission unit 13 to transmit an ID code signal including the ID code recorded in the memory 11M in step S96. At this time, the control unit 11 transmits the ID code signal at the same transmission frequency as the ACK signal. In step S97, the control unit 11 records the transmission frequency of the transmitted ID code signal in the memory 11M as frequency history information.

  On the other hand, when the request signal cannot be received within the request reception waiting time Δt1 in step S95, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S98 and determines whether or not an unselected frequency exists as a transmission frequency. . As a result, when there is no unselected frequency, the control unit 11 temporarily terminates the process here, and when there is the unselected frequency, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S99, and the unselected frequency. One of these is set as the transmission frequency. And the control part 11 performs the process of step S94 again. That is, after transmitting an ACK signal at a frequency based on the frequency command code, the control unit 11 changes the transmission frequency to another frequency and receives the ACK signal again when the request signal cannot be received within the request reception waiting time Δt1. Retransmission control is performed.

<Control during unidirectional communication control>
By the way, when the control unit 11 determines in step S91 that an operation signal is input from the operation unit 14, the process proceeds to step S100. In step S100, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the operation signal is an operation signal that can be determined as a locking / unlocking operation.

  As a result, when determining that the locking / unlocking operation has been performed, the control unit 11 selects a transmission frequency based on the frequency history information recorded in the memory 11M in step S101. Specifically, among the frequency history information recorded in the memory 11M, the largest frequency is selected as the transmission frequency. In step S102, the control unit 11 causes the transmission unit 13 to transmit a locking / unlocking operation signal corresponding to the locking / unlocking operation at the selected frequency.

  In addition, after the process of step S102 is completed or when it is determined in step S100 that the transmission signal from the operation unit 14 is not a locking / unlocking operation, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S103, and the operation unit 14 determines whether or not the operation signal from 14 is a frequency change operation. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the operation signal from the operation unit 14 does not indicate a frequency change operation, the control unit 11 temporarily ends the process, and determines that the operation signal indicates the frequency change operation. In step S104, a transmission frequency changing process is performed, and the process is temporarily terminated. That is, in step S11, when the transmission frequency at that time is the first frequency fa, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating the second frequency fb to the transmission unit 13, and at that time When the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb, a frequency control signal indicating the first frequency fa is output to the transmission unit 13.

For this reason, at the time of one-way communication control, it is possible to freely change the transmission frequency of the locking / unlocking operation signal by performing the frequency changing operation by the operation unit 14.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the above (1) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (10) The communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 selects the communication frequency based on the position of the vehicle 2 and the history in which communication with the portable device 10 is established at the position. . Then, the communication control device 20 transmits a WAKE signal including frequency command data in order to transmit a response signal (WAKE signal, ID code signal) from the portable device 10 at the selected communication frequency. On the other hand, when receiving the WAKE signal including the frequency command data selected based on the position information and the communication history information from the communication control device 20, the portable device 10 transmits an ACK signal at a frequency based on the frequency command data. Then, retransmission control is performed when a request signal for the ACK signal cannot be received. For this reason, the portable device 10 preferentially transmits an ACK signal and an ID code signal having a frequency based on the frequency command data. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the communication between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 is established early.

  (11) When changing the transmission frequency of the operation signal, the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 preferentially selects a frequency having a high priority based on the frequency history information recorded in the memory 11M. For this reason, a frequency with a high communication establishment probability is preferentially selected and set as the transmission frequency of the operation signal. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of frequency change operations necessary until the communication is established, and it is possible to suitably suppress a delay in the time until the communication is established.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in two-way communication processing by the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 and two-way communication processing by the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20. Therefore, communication processing of the control unit 11 and the communication control unit 21 will be described.

<Bidirectional communication processing by control unit 11>
The bidirectional communication process performed by the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  Similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 sequentially performs the processing up to step S5 according to the conditions, and proceeds to the processing of step S13 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 13, the control unit 11 determines whether the reception circuit 12 has received the confirmation signal from the communication control device 20 within the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt <b> 3 after the ID code signal transmission processing. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the confirmation signal has been received within the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt3, the process here is temporarily terminated. Here, the confirmation signal is a signal transmitted when the communication control device 20 receives the ID code signal from the portable device 10.

  On the other hand, when the confirmation signal cannot be received within the confirmation signal reception waiting time Δt3, in step S14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the transmission frequency of the transmitted ID code signal is the second frequency fb. When the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb, the control unit 11 temporarily ends the processing. When the transmission frequency is not the second frequency fb, that is, when the transmission frequency is the first frequency fa, The process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 14, the control unit 11 outputs a frequency control signal indicating that the transmission frequency is the second frequency fb to the transmission unit 13 and outputs an ID code signal to the transmission unit 13. For this reason, when the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt3 elapses after the ID code signal is transmitted at the first frequency fa, the ID code signal of the second frequency fb is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 13 via the transmission antenna 13a. Will be. And the control part 11 transfers to the process of step S13 again, after the process of this step S14 is complete | finished. That is, after transmitting the ID code signal at the first frequency fa, the control unit 11 changes the transmission frequency to the second frequency fb and changes the ID again when the confirmation signal cannot be received within the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt3. Retransmission control for transmitting a code signal is performed.

<Bidirectional communication processing by communication control unit 21>
The bidirectional communication process performed by the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the communication control unit 21 shifts from the unidirectional communication process to the bidirectional communication process as in the first embodiment, first, in step S131, the communication control unit 21 outputs a WAKE signal to the transmission circuit 22 as shown in FIG. The WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. In step S132, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the first frequency fa. Note that the order of processing in steps S131 and S132 may be reversed.

  In step S133, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not an ACK signal is received from the portable device 10 within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the WAKE signal transmission process. As a result, when it is determined that the ACK signal from the portable device 10 has been received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S134 and outputs a request signal to the transmission circuit 22 to A request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 to the outside. And the communication control part 21 will be in the reception standby state of the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 in response to this request signal. Note that the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is maintained as it is in the reception standby state of the ID code signal. That is, the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is maintained at the reception frequency when the ACK signal is received. In this embodiment, the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 is set to be equal to the sum of the transmission time of the ACK signal and the request reception waiting time Δt1 in the portable device 10, for example, as shown in FIG. Has been. For this reason, the change pattern and change time of the transmission frequency of the portable device 10 and the change pattern and change time of the reception frequency of the communication control device 20 are synchronized.

  In subsequent step S135, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the receiving unit 23 has received the ID code signal from the corresponding portable device 10. As a result, if the communication control unit 21 determines that the ID code signal has been received, the communication control unit 21 enters a lock / unlock control permission state in which the door lock device 24 is permitted to lock / unlock the door lock in step S136. The process is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S133 that the ACK signal cannot be received within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S137. In step S137, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the current reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb. As a result, when the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb, the communication control unit 21 ends the process here, and the reception frequency is not set to the second frequency fb. If this is the case, that is, if the first frequency fa is set, the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb. That is, after receiving the WAKE signal, the communication control unit 21 performs reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 when the ACK signal cannot be received within the ACK reception standby time Δt2.

  If it is determined in step S135 that the ID code signal cannot be received within the ID code reception standby time Δt4, the communication control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S139. In step S139, the communication control unit 21 determines whether the current reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb. As a result, when the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 is set to the second frequency fb, the communication control unit 21 ends the process here, and the reception frequency is not set to the second frequency fb. If this is the case, that is, if the first frequency fa is set, the process proceeds to step S140. In step S140, the communication control unit 21 sets the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb. That is, after receiving the ID code signal, the communication control unit 21 performs reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 when the confirmation signal cannot be received within the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt3.

Next, the operation of the communication control system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to a time chart shown in FIG.
<Example of mutual communication establishment without disturbance>
In this case, since the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

<Example of mutual communication establishment in the presence of disturbance>
In this case, the operation is the same as the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

<Example of mutual communication when there is a disturbance after sending a request signal>
As indicated by a point P51 in FIG. 18A, when a WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 of the communication control device 20, and the WAKE signal is received by the reception circuit 12 of the portable device 10, it is indicated by a point P52. In addition, an ACK signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 at the first frequency fa.

  The reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 sets the reception frequency to the first frequency fa within the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 after the transmission of the WAKE signal. The signal can be received. When the ACK signal is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 as indicated by a point P53.

  When the request signal is received by the reception circuit 12 of the portable device 10 within the request reception waiting time Δt1 after the transmission of the ACK signal, the ID code signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 at the first frequency fa as indicated by a point P54. Is sent. However, when the ID code signal from the portable device 10 transmitted at the first frequency fa in response to the request signal cannot be normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, the communication control device 20 Does not send a confirmation signal.

  Then, as indicated by point P55, when the confirmation signal reception standby time Δt3 elapses in a state in which the portable device 10 cannot receive the confirmation signal transmitted at the first frequency fa, the ID code signal is transmitted at the second frequency fb. Send. In addition, after transmitting the request signal, the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 to the second frequency fb when the ID code reception standby time Δt4 elapses without receiving the ID code signal at the first frequency fa. change. That is, the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 and the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 are changed almost synchronously. For this reason, the communication control apparatus 20 can receive the ID code signal from the portable device 10 transmitted at the second frequency fb. When the ID code signal transmitted at the second frequency fb is normally received by the receiving unit 23 of the communication control device 20, a confirmation signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 22 as indicated by a point P56.

  The communication control device 20 enters the locking / unlocking control permission state by normally receiving the ID code signal. When the confirmation signal is received by the receiving circuit 12, the portable device 10 ends the process once.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the above (1), (2), (4) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(12) When the portable device 10 cannot receive the confirmation signal from the communication control device 20 even though it transmits the ID code signal corresponding to the request signal from the communication control device 20 at the first frequency fa. Then, the response signal is retransmitted at another frequency (second frequency fb). For this reason, the portable device 10 retransmits the ID code signal at a different frequency even if the communication control device cannot normally receive the ID code signal because of disturbances such as noise. Thus, communication with the communication control device 20 can be established.

  On the other hand, after the transmission of the request signal, the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 from the first frequency fa to the second frequency fb when the ID code reception standby time Δt4 has elapsed, and the corresponding frequency. When the ID code signal transmitted from the portable device 10 is received, a confirmation signal is transmitted. For this reason, according to such a communication control device 20, wireless communication can be reliably performed even with the portable device 10 that changes the transmission frequency of the ID code signal.

In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.
-In the said 3rd Embodiment, the control part 11 of the portable device 10 may become the same processing aspect as the control part 11 of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. That is, in the embodiment, the control unit 11 transmits the ACK signal at the first frequency fa, and then always transmits the ACK signal at the second frequency fb when the request reception waiting time Δt1 has elapsed, regardless of whether the request signal is received. A signal is transmitted. However, if the control unit 11 transmits an ACK signal at the first frequency fa and then determines that the request signal has been received within the request reception waiting time Δt1, the control unit 11 causes the ACK signal to be transmitted at the second frequency fb. Alternatively, an ID code signal may be transmitted. Even in such a case, the communication control device 20 of the third embodiment does not immediately transmit a request signal even if it receives an ACK signal at the first frequency fa, and during the ACK reception waiting time Δt2 In order to receive the ACK signal transmitted at the second frequency fb, as a result, the control unit 11 performs the same processing as in the third embodiment.

  -In the said 4th Embodiment, the communication control part 21 of the communication control apparatus 20 does not necessarily need to select a communication frequency from a positional information and communication history information, for example, it selects a communication frequency only from communication history information. It may be. In this way, the position information acquisition device 71 does not require the communication control unit 21 and the amount of information to be recorded in the memory 21M of the communication control unit 21 can be reduced.

  -In the said 5th Embodiment, the receiving part 23 of the communication control apparatus 20 may perform the same function and process as the receiving part 23 of 2nd Embodiment. That is, the reception unit 23 has a reception intensity detection function for detecting the reception intensity of the received radio wave, and the communication control unit 21 uses the intensity detection signal from the reception unit 23 to change the reception frequency. Control may be performed. In this way, similarly to the second embodiment, the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not a radio signal (radio wave) is received based on the detected reception intensity received by the reception unit 23, and as a result, If radio waves exceeding the reception threshold cannot be received, it is determined that the portable device 10 does not exist in the communication area, and reception frequency change control is not performed. For this reason, the reception frequency change control by the communication control device 20 is performed only when necessary, and an increase in power consumption of the communication control device 20 can be suppressed.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 transmits the ID code signal at the first frequency fa as shown in FIG. 18B, the reception standby time Δt3 has elapsed. The ID code signal may always be transmitted at the second frequency fb. In this way, it is not necessary to transmit a confirmation signal from the communication control device 20, and the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 does not need to change processing according to the presence or absence of the confirmation signal from the communication control device 20.

  -In each said embodiment, the frequency which can be changed by the transmission part 13 of the portable device 10 and the receiving part 23 of the communication control apparatus 20 is not restricted to two types, the 1st frequency fa and the 2nd frequency fb, but is 3 or more types. There may be.

  In addition, when there are three or more frequencies that can be changed, the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 in the fourth embodiment is recorded in the memory 21M in step S89 shown in FIG. Based on the communication history information, the communication history information may be preferentially set as the reception frequency in descending order of communication establishment frequency. Similarly, even during the unidirectional communication control of the control unit 11 of the portable device 10, the control unit 11 counts the number of established communications among the frequency history information recorded in the memory 11M in step S104 shown in FIG. The transmission frequency may be preferentially set in order from the largest number.

  -Furthermore, when there are three or more frequencies that can be changed, the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 in the fourth embodiment is based on the position information and the communication history information. A sorting process for narrowing down only a part (for example, two types) of the signals as selectable frequencies may be performed. At the same time, the communication control unit 21 may transmit a WAKE signal including a frequency command code in which priority is given to these selected frequencies. Then, when receiving the WAKE signal, the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 may perform a process of selecting a selectable frequency from the changeable frequencies based on the frequency command code.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, there are eight types of frequencies (first frequency fa to eighth frequency fh) that can be changed, and the frequencies fa to f recorded in the memory 21M of the communication control unit 21. The communication establishment frequency of fh is “fa = 8”, “fb = 7”, “fc = 6”, “fd = 5”, “fe = 4”, “ff = 3”, “fg = 2”, In the case of “fh = 1”, the communication control unit 21 selects the upper two types of frequencies (the first frequency fa and the second frequency fb in this case) among the frequencies fa to fh that have the highest number of established communications. Filter as selectable frequencies. Then, the communication control unit 21 transmits a WAKE signal including a frequency command code in which priority is given to the selected first frequency fa and second frequency fb.

  On the other hand, when receiving the WAKE signal by the receiving circuit 12, the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 selects a frequency that can be selected as a transmission frequency based on the frequency command code included in the WAKE signal as the first frequency fa and the second frequency. Filter to fb.

  If comprised in this way, since the communication control part 21 will select the optimal communication frequency according to an actual communication condition after narrowing down beforehand the frequency with high communication establishment probability from the past communication history. The frequency selection time is shortened. Further, since the communication frequency is finally selected from the actual communication situation, it is possible to efficiently select the optimum communication frequency.

  Furthermore, in particular, as in the third embodiment, the communication control device 20 causes the portable device 10 to transmit ACK signals at a plurality of types of frequencies during bidirectional communication processing, and selects an optimal communication frequency from these ACK signals. In this case, the portable device 10 does not need to transmit an ACK signal at all frequencies that can be changed. For this reason, the transmission time of the ACK signal of the portable device 10 can be shortened, the power consumption of the portable device 10 can be reduced, and the communication time between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 can be shortened. . Moreover, since only a part of all the frequencies estimated to have a high communication establishment probability is selected, there is a high probability that communication will be established with the selected frequencies. Therefore, according to such a modified example, communication failure between the portable device 10 and the communication control device 20 can be improved and occurrence of communication failure can be suppressed.

  In addition, the frequency narrowed down by the selection process is not limited to two types, and may be three or more types. When communication with the portable device 10 is not established due to the selected frequency, the communication control unit 21 may select another frequency that has not been selected and perform communication with the portable device 10. . In this case, it is desirable that the communication control unit 21 sequentially selects the ones with the largest number of established communications.

  In each embodiment, when the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 sets the transmission frequency of the ACK signal according to the reception status of the ACK signal from the portable device 10, the ID code signal is also transmitted at the transmission frequency. It is supposed to let you. However, the communication control unit 21 may change the transmission frequency of the ID code signal and change the reception frequency of the ID code signal according to the reception status of the ID code signal.

  In each of the embodiments, the control unit 11 of the portable device 10 changes the transmission frequency when a frequency change operation is performed by the operation unit 14 in the unidirectional communication control as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example. It is like that. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the communication control unit 21 of the communication control device 20 changes the reception frequency to the first frequency fa and the second frequency fb during the unidirectional communication process. However, in such unidirectional communication, the transmission frequency of the transmission unit 13 of the portable device 10 and the reception frequency of the reception unit 23 of the communication control device 20 may not be changed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the communication control system 1 is embodied as a vehicle locking / unlocking control system that controls locking / unlocking of the door lock of the vehicle 2. However, such a communication control system 1 is not necessarily limited to controlling the locking and unlocking of the door lock. For example, the engine start permission control is performed based on wireless communication with the portable device 10 or the vehicle 2 is controlled. The present invention may be embodied as a vehicular security control system for setting / releasing security. The communication control system 1 is not limited to the vehicle 2 and is embodied as a building security control system that controls locking / unlocking of door locks in buildings such as houses, and performs other security settings / releases. Also good. Furthermore, the communication control system 1 may be configured so that the communication control apparatus 20 performs some control based on wireless communication with the portable device 10 and does not necessarily perform security control.

Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.
(1) A portable device that performs wireless communication with a corresponding communication control device and has a transmission / reception function for transmitting a corresponding response signal when receiving a response request signal transmitted from the communication control device, wherein the response signal Transmission means capable of transmitting at a plurality of types of frequencies, and transmission control means for controlling the transmission frequency of the response signal, wherein the transmission control means receives the first response request signal as the response request signal. Transmits the first response signal as the response signal sequentially from the transmission means at the plurality of types of frequencies, and when receiving the second response request signal including frequency command data as the next-stage transmission signal, the frequency command A portable device characterized in that a second response signal is transmitted from the transmission means at a frequency based on data. According to the technical idea described in (1), the communication control device can select an optimum frequency based on the first response signal from the portable device, and can provide frequency command data indicating the selected frequency. By transmitting the second response request signal including the second response signal, the second response signal can be transmitted from the portable device at an optimum frequency. Therefore, by using such a portable device, communication between the portable device and the communication control device can be reliably performed.

  (2) In the communication control device according to claim 8 or 10, the recording unit includes position information indicating a position of the communication control device when communication with the portable device is established, and the communication history information. The communication control means selects the priority order of the transmission frequency of the response signal and the reception frequency of the reception means based on the communication history information and the position information recorded in the recording means. thing. According to the technical idea described in (2), when the communication control device is mounted on a moving object such as a vehicle, the optimal communication frequency (the transmission frequency of the response signal and the reception frequency of the receiving means) is more suitably used. Can be selected.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication control system of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(c) is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of the transmission means of a portable device, respectively. The flowchart which shows the process performed by the transmission control means of the portable machine of the embodiment. (A)-(c) is a block diagram which respectively shows the structural example of the receiving means of a communication control apparatus. The flowchart which shows the process performed by the communication control means of the communication control apparatus of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the unidirectional communication process performed by the communication control means of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication process performed by the communication control means of the embodiment. (A), (b) is a time chart which shows the example of bidirectional | two-way communication of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication process performed by the communication control means of 2nd Embodiment. (A), (b) is a time chart which shows the example of bidirectional | two-way communication of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication process performed by the communication control means of 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process performed by the transmission control means of the portable machine of the embodiment. The time chart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication example of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication process performed by the communication control means of 4th Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process performed by the transmission control means of the portable machine of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the bidirectional | two-way communication process performed by the communication control means of 5th Embodiment. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating bidirectional communication processing performed by the transmission control unit of the portable device according to the embodiment. (A) is a time chart which shows the example of bidirectional | two-way communication of the embodiment, (b) is a time chart which shows the example of bidirectional | two-way communication of other embodiment. The figure which shows typically the example of a frequency selection of other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication control system, 2 ... Vehicle, 10 ... Portable machine, 11 ... Control part as transmission control means, 13 ... Transmission part as transmission means, 20 ... Communication control apparatus, 21 ... Communication control part as communication control means , 21M... Memory as recording means, 23... Receiving unit as receiving means.

Claims (12)

A portable device that performs wireless communication with a corresponding communication control device and has a transmission / reception function for transmitting a corresponding response signal when a response request signal transmitted from the communication control device is received,
Transmission means capable of transmitting the response signal at a plurality of types of frequencies, and transmission control means for controlling the transmission frequency of the response signal,
At the time of reception of the response request signal, the transmission control means transmits the response signal from the transmission means at one frequency among the plurality of types, and is transmitted from the communication control device on condition that the response signal is received. When the next-stage transmission signal cannot be received, the portable device performs retransmission control for retransmitting the response signal from the transmission unit at a different frequency.   The transmission control means, when receiving a first response request signal as the response request signal, causes the transmission means to transmit a first response signal as the response signal, and a second response request signal as the next-stage transmission signal. The second response signal is transmitted from the transmission unit at the same frequency as the frequency of the first response signal that satisfies the transmission condition of the second response request signal when received. Portable machine.   When the transmission control means receives the response request signal including frequency command data, the transmission control means transmits the response signal from the transmission means at a frequency based on the frequency command data and cannot receive the next-stage transmission signal. 3. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the retransmission control is performed in the case.   The transmission control means causes the first response signal to be transmitted from the transmission means as the response signal when the first response request signal is received as the response request signal, and includes frequency command data as the next-stage transmission signal. 2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein when the two response request signal is received, the second response signal is transmitted from the transmission unit at a frequency based on the frequency command data. A communication control device that transmits a response request signal for requesting transmission of a response signal to a portable device having a wireless communication function, and performs corresponding control on condition that the response signal is received,
Receiving means capable of receiving radio signals of a plurality of types of frequencies, transmission control for transmitting the response request signal, and communication control means for performing control based on reception of the response signal and controlling the receiving frequency of the receiving means And
After the transmission of the response request signal, the communication control means performs reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency of the reception means every time a preset reception standby time elapses, and at a corresponding frequency. A communication control apparatus that performs next-stage transmission control for transmitting a next-stage transmission signal when receiving a transmitted response signal from the portable device.   The communication control means transmits a first response request signal as the response request signal to enter a reception standby state for the corresponding first response signal from the portable device, and when receiving the first response signal, After transmitting a second response request signal requesting transmission of two response signals as the next-stage transmission signal, the reception frequency of the receiving means is set to the same frequency as the reception frequency of the first response signal, and the second response 6. The communication control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the communication control apparatus enters a signal reception standby state.   7. The communication control unit according to claim 5, wherein when the response signal from the portable device is received by the reception unit, the frequency change control is terminated and the next-stage transmission control is performed. The communication control device described.   The communication control means transmits a first response request signal as the response request signal to enter a reception standby state for the corresponding first response signal from the portable device, and when receiving the first response signal, A second response request signal requesting transmission of a two response signal is transmitted as the next-stage transmission signal, and after the second response request signal is transmitted, the second response signal cannot be received by the receiving means; Re-transmission control for re-transmitting the second response signal from the portable device at a frequency of the received frequency, and reception frequency change control for changing the reception frequency of the receiving means to the frequency of the second response signal to be re-transmitted. The communication control device according to claim 5. The reception means has a reception intensity detection function for detecting the reception intensity of the received radio signal,
The communication control means determines whether or not a radio signal is received based on the reception intensity detected by the receiving means, and as a result, when the radio signal is not received, the transmission control is performed again without performing the reception frequency change control. The communication control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reception frequency change control is performed when a radio signal different from the response signal is received. Recording means for recording the frequency of the response signal when communication with the portable device is established as communication history information;
The communication control means selects the priority order of the transmission frequency of the response signal and the reception frequency of the reception means based on the communication history information recorded in the recording means, and frequency command data indicating the priority order of the frequencies The response request signal is transmitted, and when the reception frequency change control is performed, the reception frequency of the reception unit is changed based on the priority order. The communication control apparatus according to item 1. In the reception frequency change control, the communication control means transmits a first response request signal as the response request signal, and then transmits a first response request signal transmitted from the portable device in response to the first response request signal. The response signal is in a reception standby state in which reception is waited at all frequencies that can be changed by the reception frequency change control,
At the time of the next-stage transmission control, a selection process is performed in which a radio signal having each frequency received by the reception frequency change control is compared to determine an optimal response signal, and the response signal determined to be optimal by the selection process. Corresponding to the second response request signal by setting the reception frequency of the receiving means as the reception frequency and transmitting a second response request signal including frequency command data indicating the reception frequency as the next-stage transmission signal 7. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein a frequency optimization process for transmitting the second response signal from the portable device at the same frequency as the reception frequency is performed. A portable device that performs wireless communication with a corresponding communication control device and has a transmission / reception function for transmitting a corresponding response signal when a response request signal transmitted from the communication control device is received, and the response to the portable device A communication control system comprising a communication control device that transmits a request signal and performs corresponding control on condition that the response signal is received,
The portable device transmits the response signal at a plurality of types of frequencies, and causes the response unit to transmit the response signal at one of the plurality of frequencies at the time of receiving the response request signal. Transmission control means for performing retransmission control for retransmitting the response signal from the transmission means at a different frequency when the next-stage transmission signal transmitted from the communication control apparatus cannot be received on condition that the response signal is received; Prepared,
The communication control apparatus performs reception based on reception means capable of receiving radio signals of a plurality of frequencies, transmission control for transmitting the response request signal, and reception of the response signal, and transmission of the response request signal. Later, every time a preset reception standby time elapses, reception frequency change control is performed to change the reception frequency of the reception means, and a response signal from the portable device transmitted at the corresponding frequency is received. Communication control means for performing next-stage transmission control for transmitting the next-stage transmission signal when
A communication control system configured to synchronize a change pattern and change time of a transmission frequency of the portable device with a change pattern and change time of a reception frequency of the communication control device.

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