JP5081051B2 - Automatic locking system for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic lock system for electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a portable electronic terminal, and a notebook computer.

  Conventionally, it is assumed that a user such as a mobile phone uses a main body (electronic device) and an unlocking device as a pair, and this unlocking is performed by intermittently wirelessly transmitting an unlocking signal from the unlocking device to the main body. Prior art of a system in which the operation of the main body is automatically locked when the lock is released while the main body intermittently receives the signal while the unlocking signal cannot be received for a certain period of time is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

According to the above prior art, when the main body is close to a legitimate user, the main body is automatically unlocked, so that the user can arbitrarily operate the main body. On the other hand, for example, if the user misplaces the main body or if the main body leaves the user's hand, the unlocking signal cannot be received and the operation of the main body is automatically locked. Unauthorized use and information leakage can be reliably prevented.
JP 2007-325035 A

  In the above prior art, both the unlocking device and the main body of the electronic device are driven by a built-in battery. For this reason, the prior art does not always transmit / receive a lock release signal between the lock release device and the electronic device, but suppresses extreme battery consumption by performing intermittent communication. In this case, it is considered that if the time interval of intermittent communication is simply increased, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly, and the battery life can be further extended.

  However, if the communication interval is increased too much, the reaction time for the automatic lock system to operate becomes longer, and the functionality is greatly reduced. However, increasing the size of the built-in battery is not preferable because it hinders the convenience of carrying.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing power consumption while maintaining a reaction time required for system operation.

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having individual identifiers that enable individuals to be distinguished from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an electronic device. It is an automatic lock system provided with a receiver that can receive an unlock signal. In this automatic lock system, when the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, while the unlock signal is If the included identifier information does not match the individual identifier, or if the unlock signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period, the acceptance of the operation on the electronic device is restricted.

And in order to solve said subject, a lock release apparatus is the identifier information contained in a lock release signal in each transmission timing of the intermittent transmission means which transmits a lock release signal intermittently, and the lock release signal by an intermittent transmission means. Either complete data having a predetermined data length that does not overlap each other between different electronic devices, or shortened data that shortens the predetermined data length in a state where duplication between each individual electronic device can occur Data selection means for selecting one of them. The lock release signal includes the next data. This next data indicates whether the data to be selected by the data selection means as the identifier information corresponds to the complete data or the shortened data at the next transmission timing of the unlock signal by the intermittent transmission means.

  According to the automatic lock system of the present invention, either complete data or shortened data is selected at every transmission timing of an unlock signal that arrives intermittently, and wireless communication is performed with this being included in the unlock signal as identifier information. Is done. That is, the lock release apparatus has two transmission formats, one of which is a full data format including complete data as identifier information, and the other is a shortened data format including shortened data. In the “selection” here, not only the complete data or the shortened data is adopted at each transmission timing, but also the data format is designated in advance for a plurality of transmission timings ( For example, it is patterned in advance.

  For this reason, an unlock signal of a full data format is transmitted from a lock release device at a certain transmission timing, thereby enabling reliable verification of identifier information in an electronic device, and an unlock signal of a shortened data format at another transmission timing. By transmitting, necessary communication time can be shortened. Therefore, when viewed over a long period of time, compared with the case where only the lock release signal of the full data format is transmitted, the overall communication time (integrated time) can be shortened, and the power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

Even if the user is away from the electronic device, if there is no other user (other unlock device paired with another electronic device with a different individual identifier) near to the short data, The lock function is not hindered. Further, even when there is another user whose shortened data overlaps in the vicinity, the unlocking signal of the full data format (a signal whose identifier information does not match) is intermittent from the unlocking device of that user (other person). Therefore, the time until the lock function operates becomes long, but finally the lock function itself of the system operates normally.
In addition, since the next data format can be known in advance on the receiver side, the receiver can be activated for a minimum amount of time accordingly, and power saving can be achieved accordingly. For example, if the next data received by the receiver in this intermittent communication indicates “shortened data”, the shortened reception time may be set in accordance with the lock release signal of the shortened data format in the next intermittent communication. . On the other hand, if the next data received in this intermittent communication indicates "complete data", a sufficient reception time can be set in accordance with the unlock signal of the full data format in the next intermittent communication. No communication error occurs.

  Preferably, when the electronic device includes abbreviated data in the unlock signal received by the receiver, the electronic device allows the electronic device to accept an operation even when the identifier information does not completely match the individual identifier. And

  As described above, since the shortened data format lock release signal includes the shortened data as the identifier information, even if this is compared with the individual identifier, it does not completely match. However, since at least a part of the shortened data matches the individual identifier, in this case, the user's convenience can be maintained by the automatic lock system continuing to unlock the electronic device. In addition, if the receiver can receive the unlock signal of the shortened data format, at least the electronic device can recognize that communication is being performed with the unlock device (there is a user nearby). By continuing to unlock the electronic device, the system can maintain user convenience.

  The data selection means preferably selects complete data at least once every time the shortened data is continuously selected a predetermined number of times at each transmission timing of the unlock signal by the intermittent transmission means.

  In this case, the unlocking device (intermittent transmission means) transmits, for example, a shortened data format unlock signal N times (N is an integer), and transmits a full data format unlock signal at least the next (N + 1) times. The cycle will be repeated. As a result, the interval at which the lock release signal in the full data format is transmitted becomes constant, and the interval for checking the complete data with the individual identifier in the electronic device can be set to an appropriate time (a time that is not extremely long). it can.

  In the automatic lock system of the present invention, it is preferable that the lock release signal further includes self data in addition to the next data. This self-data indicates whether complete data or shortened data is included as current data selected as identifier information by the data selection means. The intermittent transmission means transmits the self data prior to the identifier information within the transmission time of the lock release signal.

  Normally, the next data received by the receiver in the previous intermittent communication and the self data actually received in the current intermittent communication match. In addition, in the present invention, the same self-data as the next data is further transmitted, so that the type of data format can be surely discriminated by the current intermittent communication even if the previous intermittent communication could not be received. . For this reason, even when the communication state temporarily deteriorates, more reliable communication can be realized between the lock release device and the receiver.

  In addition, when the next data or self data is included in the unlock signal as described above, the receiver preferably sets the reception time of the unlock signal based on at least one of the next data or the self data.

  In this case, for example, even if the self-data cannot be normally received in the current intermittent communication, if the next data can be normally received in the previous intermittent communication, an appropriate reception time should be set based on the next data. Can do. Or, even if the next data indicates “abbreviated data”, if the self data indicates “complete data”, the information of the self data is given priority to the lock release signal of the full data format. To set the reception time.

  Moreover, when including self-data in a lock release signal, the aspect in which the function data for controlling operation | movement of an electronic device is contained in a lock release signal is preferable.

  In this case, for example, when a user loses sight of an electronic device (such as a mobile phone), a function that makes the user easily find the electronic device can be realized by performing control to ring the electronic device with function data. When sending such function data, the data format needs to be complete data because the shortened data may cause malfunction. Therefore, even when the previous data of the previous time indicates “abbreviated data”, when transmitting function data, it is necessary to correctly control the electronic device by indicating that it is “complete data” using its own data. Can do. Further, by indicating to the electronic device (such as a mobile phone) that the current unlocking signal is “complete data” by self-data, it is possible to prompt the electronic device to respond quickly.

  The intermittent transmission means preferably sequentially transmits the lock release signals having the same content using a plurality of channels having different frequencies within the lock release signal transmission time.

  In this way, by sequentially transmitting the lock release signal while changing the frequency in intermittent communication, it is possible to reduce communication failure due to radio wave interference, noise, or the like with other wireless devices (devices close to the frequency band).

  In addition, when the lock release signal is sequentially transmitted using a plurality of channels in one intermittent communication, reception of the second and subsequent channels starts depending on the data format at that time (whether it includes shortened data or complete data) The timing will be different. In this case, the receiver side needs to adjust the frequency switching timing in accordance with the data format. However, in the present invention, the next data or self data can be included in the unlock signal as described above. The reception start timing of the second and subsequent channels can be accurately specified based on the next data received by communication and the self data first received by this intermittent communication.

  As described above, according to the automatic lock system for electronic devices of the present invention, the communication time can be shortened as a whole and the power consumption of the system can be kept small without inadvertently increasing the interval of intermittent communication.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The automatic lock system of the present invention can take a preferred embodiment, for example, as a lock system for a mobile phone which is a generally widely used electronic device.

[System Overview]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a combination example of devices constituting the automatic lock system 10. The automatic lock system 10 includes a mobile phone 12 and an unlock device 14. The mobile phone 12 is an electronic device that can perform voice calls, information communication, and the like by key operations, for example, and is mainly used by a user.

  Among these, the mobile phone 12 is assigned an ID (Identification) code as an individual identifier. The ID code is stored in a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory or a dedicated IC built in the mobile phone 12, for example. Alternatively, if a central processing unit (CPU) having an ID code such as a security chip is used for the mobile phone 12, an individual identifier is assigned to the mobile phone 12 by the ID code.

  One lock release device 14 is paired with the mobile phone 12, and the mobile phone 12 is assumed to be used by the user as a set with the lock release device 14 paired therewith. Specifically, the lock release device 14 has a function of transmitting a lock release signal to the mobile phone 12, and the lock release signal includes an ID code of the mobile phone 12 paired with the lock release device 14. It is included.

  The automatic lock system 10 is basically used by a user who is an authorized owner of the mobile phone 12 holding the lock release device 14 as a set and using them in close proximity to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to improve the convenience of carrying the user by using the lock release device 14 as a key holder type, for example. Alternatively, the lock release device 14 may be in the form of a card type or a neck-down type. Note that the unlocking device 14 does not always have to be placed near the mobile phone 12, and for example, the user may wear it with clothes or put it in a hand-held bag.

[Outline of automatic lock function]
The cellular phone 12 has a function of automatically locking or unlocking key operations, a so-called automatic lock function. Here, although generally referred to as “key operation”, the operation of the mobile phone 12 includes functions of the mobile phone 12 such as a rotary wheel operation, a toggle switch operation, and an input operation through a touch panel. Various operations necessary to utilize the are included.

  When the automatic lock function is activated, the key operation of the cellular phone 12 is locked (restricted). In this state, key operations are not accepted even when the mobile phone 12 is powered on. Conversely, in a state where the automatic lock function is not working, the key operation lock as described above is released, and the user can perform the key operation as usual.

  Usually, when the user carries the mobile phone 12 and the unlocking device 14 together, the mobile phone 12 and the unlocking device 14 are close to the user, so that wireless communication can be performed satisfactorily between them. it can. In this state, the receiver (not shown in FIG. 1) of the mobile phone 12 receives the unlock signal transmitted from the unlock device 14, and the ID code extracted (decoded) therefrom is its own ID code. The mobile phone 12 allows the user to accept key operations. In this case, the cellular phone 12 displays an address book, a communication history, an e-mail document, an image, and the like through the display screen 12a in addition to a voice call and information communication according to a user key operation.

  On the other hand, if the cellular phone 12 cannot receive the unlock signal or if it can receive the unlock signal but the ID code included in the unlock signal does not match the own ID code, the mobile phone 12 operates the key by the automatic lock function. Is locked (regulated). According to such an automatic lock function, the mobile phone 12 can prevent a key operation by another person who is not a regular user. As a result, the address book, schedule, mail document, image, and the like in the memory of the mobile phone 12 are not looked into by another person, a call is made by another person, and data communication is not performed.

  Note that the case where the ID code included in the unlock signal received by the mobile phone 12 does not match the own ID code means that the mobile phone 12 is paired with another person's mobile phone (with a different ID code) near the mobile phone 12. This is a case where there is a lock release device and a lock release signal is received from the lock release device. In this case, since the ID codes do not match in the mobile phone 12, the key operation lock of the mobile phone 12 is not released by another person's lock release device. A specific control method of the automatic lock function will be described later.

[Remote control function]
The lock release device 14 is provided with, for example, a push button 14a. The push button 14 a is for causing the lock release device 14 to function as a remote controller for the mobile phone 12. For example, when the user places the mobile phone 12 in the vicinity but presses the push button 14a while losing sight of the location, the mobile phone 12 sounds in response (outputs an electronic sound or drives a vibrator). be able to. Thereby, it is possible to realize a function for the user to easily find the mobile phone 12 using the lock release device 14. A specific control method for such a remote control function will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configuration examples of the mobile phone 12 and the lock release device 14. Hereinafter, each configuration example will be described.

[Configuration of unlocking device]
The lock release device 14 includes a CPU 140, a communication unit 142, a timer circuit 144, a switch input circuit 145, and a battery 148. The communication unit 142 is provided with a built-in antenna 150, for example.

  The CPU 140 incorporates a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 140a, a RAM 140b, and an EEPROM 140c together with a CPU core (not shown), for example. The EEPROM 140c is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the EEPROM 140c stores information on the ID code, function, etc. of the mobile phone 12 to be paired.

  A unique ID code for each individual is assigned to the mobile phone 12 at the time of manufacture, and the ID code of the mobile phone 12 is written in the EEPROM 140c in the unlocking device 14 paired therewith. In place of the EEPROM 140c, a dedicated IC storing an ID code may be used.

  The function represents an instruction code for controlling the mobile phone 12, and for example, a code corresponding to an instruction to unlock the key operation, an instruction to lock the key operation, or an instruction to ring the mobile phone 12. It is.

  The ROM 140a stores a communication program that controls transmission of the unlock signal. The CPU 140 reads out a communication program stored in the ROM 140a and executes it. Further, when executing the communication program, the CPU 140 reads an ID code and a function from the EEPROM 140c and generates a transmission frame including these. The data format of the transmission frame will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  The timer circuit 144 has a function of measuring an elapsed time from the start-up under the control of the CPU 140. The timer circuit 144 may be replaced by a timer built in the CPU 140.

  The switch input circuit 145 is linked to the push button 14a. For example, a micro switch (not shown) is attached to the switch input circuit 145, and when the user presses the push button 14a, the contact of the micro switch is thereby closed (ON). In response to this, the switch input circuit 145 inputs a button operation signal (ON signal) to the CPU 140.

[Configuration of mobile phone]
The mobile phone 12 has a built-in receiver 12b. The receiver 12b is a built-in module for receiving an unlock signal in the mobile phone 12, and is different from a receiver for voice call and packet communication. For example, the receiver 12b may be built in as a substrate module that is a part of the mobile phone 12, or may be built in as an independent device.

  The receiver 12b also includes a CPU 120, a communication unit 122, a timer circuit 124, and the like, and the communication unit 122 includes a built-in antenna 126. Similarly, the CPU 120 incorporates a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 120a, a RAM 120b, and an EEPROM 120c together with a CPU core (not shown).

  The ROM 120a stores a communication program, and the CPU 120 reads out the communication program stored in the ROM 120a and executes it. The communication unit 122 operates based on the control of the CPU 120 and receives the unlock signal transmitted from the unlock device 14. The CPU 120 also functions as a decoder that extracts an ID code and a function from the unlock signal as the communication program is executed.

  In the EEPROM 120c, information relating to an ID code (own individual identifier) unique to the mobile phone 12 and a function is registered. The CPU 120 determines whether or not the extracted ID code matches the ID code unique to the mobile phone 12 as the communication program is executed, and executes processing related to the automatic lock function based on the result. Further, the CPU 120 outputs the extracted function (instruction code).

  The receiver 12 b is equipped with an interface 128, and processing results and function outputs related to the automatic lock function by the CPU 120 are transferred to the main body 130 of the mobile phone 12 through the interface 128. The main body 130 of the mobile phone 12 has a main body CPU 132 that comprehensively controls the operation of the mobile phone 12, a communication function unit 134 as a basic functional element, a display driving unit 136, a key operation receiving unit 138, a speaker. A driving unit 190, an LED driving unit 192, a vibrator driving unit 194, and a power source unit 196 are provided. When the main body CPU 132 of the main body unit 130 receives an instruction from the CPU 120, the main body CPU 132 controls the key operation receiving unit 138, the speaker driving unit 190, the LED driving unit 192, or the vibrator driving unit 194 based on the instruction.

  In addition, since the structure of the main-body part 130 can apply a well-known thing, only an outline | summary is demonstrated here. That is, the communication function unit 134 realizes a function of performing voice call or packet communication in the mobile phone 12. The display driving unit 136 realizes a function of displaying various character information and images on the display screen 12a.

  The key operation accepting unit 138 realizes a function of accepting a key operation through a user interface (not shown) and causing the main body CPU 132 to recognize an interrupt signal generated by the key operation. The speaker driving unit 190 realizes a function of driving a speaker (not shown) to output a call voice or a ringtone.

  The LED driving unit 192 realizes a function of lighting or blinking an incoming notification LED (not shown), for example. And the vibrator drive part 194 implement | achieves the function which drives the vibration motor which is not shown in figure and vibrates the mobile telephone 12. FIG. The power source unit 196 supplies necessary power to the main body unit 130 and the receiver 12b from a battery (not shown), and monitors the state of charge of the battery.

  The main body CPU 132 executes a control program related to the automatic lock function and other functions. In this control program, when an instruction for unlocking is received from the CPU 120 of the receiver 12b, the key operation accepting unit 138 is caused to function normally, thereby permitting the user to accept key operations by the mobile phone 12 (unlocking). Processing is performed. On the other hand, when an automatic lock execution instruction is issued, the function of the key operation receiving unit 138 is stopped, and processing for restricting reception of key operations (key operation lock) is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the transmission frame of the lock release signal for each format. 3A shows the transmission frame 20 in the full data format, and FIG. 3B shows the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format. Hereinafter, the transmission frames 20 and 30 will be described for each format.

  In FIG. 3, (A): The transmission frame 20 in the full data format has a data structure (binary data) in which a function 24 and an ID code 26 are sandwiched between a header 22 and a parity 28 at the end. .

  “Preamble” in the header 22 is a signal (010101...) For stabilizing the analog (high frequency) circuit in the communication unit 122 of the receiver 12b and for surely synchronizing the analog circuit with the unlock signal. “Syncword” in the header 22 is a delimiter between the “Preamble” and the actual data, and represents the start of the actual data in the transmission frame 20. In this example, the data length of the header 22 is, for example, 16 bits.

  The function 24 is a signal for a remote control function such as ringing the mobile phone 12 as described above. Here, as an example, the data length is 5 bits. The next ID code 26 has a data length of 24 bits in a full data format. With such a data length, millions or more unique identifiers can be set in the ID code 26. The ID code 26 at the time of the full data format is complete data that does not overlap each other between different mobile phones 12.

  The parity 28 at the end is a signal for determining whether the actual data is correct (parity check), and is, for example, 4 bits here. There is no error correction function using the parity 28.

  In FIG. 3, (B): the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format shortens the data length of the ID code 36 to 8 bits, for example, and omits the parity 28 so that the entire data length is longer than that of the transmission frame 20 of the full data format. It is shortened. The ID code 36 at the time of such a shortened data format is a shortened data that can be duplicated between different mobile phones 12 because the data length is shorter than the full data format (the number of digits is small). . Both the header 32 and the function 34 are common to the full data format.

  The communication unit 142 of the lock release device 14 modulates one of the transmission frames 20 and 30 at every intermittent transmission timing, and transmits this from the antenna 126 as a lock release signal.

  Next, operation examples of the automatic lock system 10 will be described with some examples.

[First operation example]
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the transmission state of the unlock signal, the reception state, and the unlock operation related to the first operation example. In this first operation example, the basic transmission interval τ of the unlock signal by the communication unit 142 is set to 3 sec (seconds), for example. It is assumed that at each transmission timing every 3 seconds, either the full data format transmission frame 20 or the shortened data format transmission frame 30 is selectively transmitted. However, here, every time the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format is continuously transmitted nine times, the transmission frame 20 in the full data format is transmitted once.

  For example, when a lock release signal is transmitted in the transmission frame 20 of the full data format by the lock release device 14 from a certain transmission timing (time t1 in the figure), this lock release signal is received by the receiver 12b of the mobile phone 12. The In the first operation example, the reception time (standby time) of the receiver 12b is set according to the transmission frame 20 in the full data format. Although exaggerated in FIG. 4, the transmission time in the full data format is 18 ms (milliseconds), for example.

  From the next transmission timing (time t2 in the figure), the lock release signal is transmitted in the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format. Thereafter, the lock release signal is transmitted in the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format 9 times continuously as described above. Note that the transmission time in the shortened data format is, for example, 8 ms.

  When 9 transmissions are performed in the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format, the transmission frame 20 in the full data format is selected at the next transmission timing (time t4 in the figure) and the unlock signal is transmitted. Sent. When transmission is performed once in the transmission frame 20 in the full data format in this way, transmission is performed in the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format nine times continuously from the next transmission timing (time t5 in the figure). Done. As a result of repeating the above intermittent transmission pattern, the transmission interval T of the lock release signal by the transmission frame 20 in the full data format is 30 sec.

  In any case, when a legitimate user carries the lock release device 14 and the mobile phone 12 in pairs, the lock release signal is normally intermittently received by the receiver 12b of the mobile phone 12. Therefore, the key operation of the mobile phone 12 is not locked, and the unlocked state continues. As a result, the user can freely operate the mobile phone 12.

  In contrast, when the user loses the mobile phone 12 or is stolen, the receiver 12b of the mobile phone 12 cannot receive the unlock signal for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds or more). Thus, the key operation of the mobile phone 12 is shifted to a locked state (for example, time t3 in the figure). As a result, unauthorized use of the mobile phone 12 by another person and leakage of information can be reliably prevented.

  In addition, in the first operation example, the transmission interval T in the full data format is set to 30 sec, and the lock release signal is transmitted in the abbreviated data format in all nine intermittent transmissions that arrive during that time. For this reason, compared with the case where only the transmission frame 20 of a full data format is transmitted by every intermittent transmission, the whole communication time can be shortened.

  Next, an example of the communication program for realizing the first operation example will be described. In the automatic lock system 10, the CPU 140 of the unlocking device 14 and the CPU 120 of the receiver 12 b each execute the following program, thereby realizing the first operation example.

[Transmission management processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of transmission management processing that constitutes a part of the communication program. The CPU 140 of the unlocking device 14 executes the following transmission management process during startup.

  Step S10: The CPU 140 executes a transmission timer count process. In this process, the CPU 140 activates the timer circuit 144 and counts a transmission cycle every 3 seconds, for example. The CPU 140 repeats counting and resetting of the timer circuit 144 at a cycle of 3 seconds.

  Step S12: Next, the CPU 140 checks whether or not the transmission timing has come every 3 seconds based on the rising edge of the reset pulse of the timer circuit 144, for example. If it is confirmed that the transmission timing has actually arrived (Yes), the CPU 140 next executes step S14.

  Step S14: The CPU 140 executes transmission data setting processing. In this process, the CPU 140 selects either the full data format or the shortened data format as the transmission format of the lock release signal. Details of the process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S16: After selecting the transmission format, the CPU 140 next executes a frequency-specific transmission process. In this process, the same lock release signal is sequentially transmitted using a plurality of channels (for example, two channels having different frequencies) within the transmission time. That is, if the transmission frame 20 is in the full data format, it is transmitted from the communication unit 142 on the first channel, and then the same transmission frame 20 is transmitted from the communication unit 142 on the second channel. This process is performed in order to perform communication using the frequency hopping technique between the unlocking device 14 and the receiver 12b, assuming that the unlocking signal cannot be normally received due to noise from other wireless devices, for example. belongs to. Although the number of channels is two here, the number of channels may be three or more.

  Step S18: While the transmission timing is not reached in the intermittent transmission (step S12: No), the CPU 140 performs a forced transmission execution process. In this process, the CPU 140 monitors the input of a button operation signal from the switch input circuit 145, and if there is an input, forcibly generates an interrupt accordingly and transmits the transmission frame 20 in the full data format. At this time, for example, by assigning the remote control function to the ID code 26 of the transmission frame 20, the mobile phone 12 can be forced to ring. Here, when the push button 14a is not specifically pressed, the CPU 140 completes step S18 without executing the remote control function.

[Transmission data setting process]
Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the transmission data setting process (step S14 in FIG. 5). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S100: The CPU 140 loads a transmission counter. For example, in the RAM 140b of the unlocking device 14, a count area is secured in a part of the storage area, and the value of the transmission counter is stored (updated) in this count area.

  Step S102: Next, the CPU 140 checks whether or not the value of the loaded transmission counter is “0”. At this time, if the value of the transmission counter is actually “0” (Yes), the CPU 140 next executes step S104.

  Step S104: In this case, the CPU 140 selects the transmission frame 20 of the full data format as the transmission format of the lock release signal, and transfers this transmission frame 20 to the transmission buffer of the communication unit 142. As a result, transmission of the transmission frame 20 in the full data format is executed from the communication unit 142 at the current transmission timing.

  Step S106: Next, the CPU 140 increments the transmission counter by one. As a result, “1” is added to the value of the transmission counter. When the above procedure is executed, the CPU 140 returns (returns) to the previous transmission management process.

  Thereafter, when the transmission timing from the next time onward arrives, the value of the transmission counter is no longer “0”. In this case, when proceeding to the transmission data setting process, the CPU 140 confirms in step S102 that the value of the transmission counter is not “0” (No), and then executes step S108.

  Step S108: The CPU 140 checks whether or not the value of the transmission counter is less than the set value. This set value is “10”, for example. For example, the value of the transmission counter is less than the set value “10” after the transmission frame 20 of the full data format is first transmitted until the lock release signal is transmitted 10 times thereafter. In this case (Yes), the CPU 140 next executes step S110.

  Step S110: The CPU 140 selects the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format as the transmission format of the lock release signal, and transfers this transmission frame 30 to the transmission buffer of the communication unit 142. As a result, the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format is transmitted from the communication unit 142 at the second to tenth transmission timings. After this, the CPU 140 proceeds to step S106 and increments the transmission counter.

  When the tenth transmission ends, the value of the transmission counter reaches “10” at that time. In this case, when the CPU 140 executes the transmission data setting process at the next transmission timing, in step S108, the CPU 140 confirms that the value of the transmission counter has reached the set value “10” (No), and then performs step S112. Run.

  Step S112: In this case, the CPU 140 selects the transmission frame 20 of the full data format again as the transmission format of the lock release signal, and transfers this transmission frame 20 to the transmission buffer of the communication unit 142. As a result, the transmission frame 20 in the full data format is transmitted from the communication unit 142 at the transmission timing this time (11th counting from the beginning).

  Step S114: Next, the CPU 140 resets the transmission counter. As a result, the value of the transmission counter returns to “0”. When the above procedure is completed, the CPU 140 returns to the transmission management process.

[Automatic lock processing]
Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an automatic lock process executed by the CPU 120 of the receiver 12b. The automatic lock process is composed of a series of program module groups, for example. Specifically, in the automatic lock process, the CPU 120 sequentially executes subroutines of an initial setting process (step S200), a timing tuning process (step S202), an intermittent reception process (step S204), and a lock instruction process (step S206). To do. The outline of each process will be described below.

  Step S200: In the initial setting process, the CPU 120 executes initial settings necessary for the operation of the automatic lock function. Specifically, the CPU 120 accesses the code storage area of the EEPROM 120c and confirms whether or not its own ID code is stored. Further, the CPU 120 loads a setting value stored in the EEPROM 120, for example, and checks whether or not the current automatic lock function setting is valid. If the ID code is not stored, the data is damaged, or the setting of the automatic lock function is invalid, the CPU 120 does not execute the subsequent processing.

  Step S202: When it is confirmed that the ID code is normally stored and the automatic lock function setting is valid, the CPU 120 executes timing tuning processing. In this process, the CPU 120 attempts to receive the unlock signal transmitted from the unlock device 14 over a certain long span, and detects the transmission interval from the change in the signal waveform. Then, the reception timing of each receiver 12b is set in synchronization with the detected transmission interval (here, 3 sec).

  Step S204: The CPU 120 drives the communication unit 122 each time the reception timing set in the previous timing tuning process arrives, and executes the reception operation of the lock release signal.

  Step S206: Next, the CPU 120 executes a lock instruction process based on the result of the reception operation executed in the previous intermittent reception process. In this process, for example, when it is confirmed that the ID code 26 (during full data formatting) included in the lock release signal matches its own ID code, the CPU 120 instructs the main body CPU 132 to release the automatic lock. In response to this, the main body CPU 132 validates the function of the key operation accepting unit 138. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the state in which the unlock signal cannot be received continues for a certain period of time or the ID code 26 (during full data formatting) included in the received unlock signal does not match the own ID code, The CPU 120 instructs the main body CPU 132 to execute automatic locking. As a result, the main body CPU 132 invalidates the function of the key operation receiving unit 138.

  In this embodiment, since the lock release signal may be transmitted in the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format, for example, the logic in the lock instruction process can be set in the following plural ways.

(1) The CPU 120 collates the ID code 36 included in the transmission frame 30 in the shortened data format with its own ID code, and the ID code 36 partially matches the own ID code (for example, the lower one byte matches) If you confirm that you want to do, continue to instruct the automatic lock release.

(2) When the CPU 120 receives the lock release signal in the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format, the CPU 120 treats the ID code 36 included therein as valid and continues without confirming the coincidence with its own ID code. Instructs the automatic lock release.

  In any case, if the unlock signal from the unlock device 14 can be normally received, the mobile phone 12 can continue to release the automatic lock. In any case, since the lock release signal is transmitted in the transmission frame 20 of the full data format at intervals of 30 sec, the verification is finally performed using the ID code 26 in the full data format.

  Even if any of the above logics (1) and (2) is adopted, when the user loses the cellular phone 12 or is stolen, the ID code 36 at the time of the abbreviated data format is matched. If the user is not near by accident, the automatic lock function can be normally activated.

  In the logic of (1) above, when another user who coincides with the ID code 36 at the time of the shortened data format is close by chance, the automatic lock function does not operate only while the unlock signal is transmitted in the shortened data format. However, since the lock release signal of the full data format is transmitted at intervals of 30 sec, the ID code 26 becomes inconsistent there, and the automatic lock function can be normally operated finally.

[Second operation example]
Next, a second operation example of the automatic lock system 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the transmission frames 40 and 60 used in the second operation example for each data format. 8A shows the transmission frame 40 in the full data format, and FIG. 8B shows the transmission frame 60 in the shortened data format.

  In each format, the headers 42 and 62, the functions 46 and 66, the ID codes 50 and 70, the parity 52, and the like are all the same as in the case of the first operation example, and redundant description is omitted here.

  In this second operation example, a structure in which the own data 44, 64 and the next data 46, 66 are included in each transmission frame 40, 60 is adopted. Among these, the self data 44 and 64 is data indicating whether each of the current transmission frames 40 and 60 corresponds to the full data format or the shortened data format. The next data 46 and 66 are data indicating which data format is scheduled to be transmitted at the next transmission timing.

[Reception time setting by next data]
Thereby, the CPU 120 of the receiver 12b can predict the next data format from the next data 46 and 66 of the unlock signal received this time, and can control the next reception time according to each data format. For example, if the next data 46 and 66 indicate a shortened data format, the CPU 120 sets the reception time (for example, 8 ms + α) at the time of the shortened data format in the next intermittent communication. Thereby, it is possible to suppress battery consumption by shortening the communication time on the receiver 12b side as well. On the other hand, if the next data 46 and 66 indicate the full data format, the CPU 120 can set the reception time (for example, 18 ms + α) in the full data format in the next intermittent communication.

[Revision of reception time based on self-data]
Further, based on the next data 46 and 66 received next time, the CPU 120 sets the reception time at the time of the shortened data format and waits for the received self data 44 and 64 to be in the full data format. If indicated, the reception time can be corrected to the setting at the time of the full data format (and vice versa). As a result, the reception time waiting in the shortened data format is extended to the reception time in the full data format, and all the data in the transmission frame 60 can be completely received.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the self-data 44 and 64 are transmitted before the ID codes 50 and 70 in the transmission frames 40 and 60 (transmitted next to the headers 42 and 62). Thus, for example, even when waiting for the reception time at the time of the shortened data format, when the reception of the lock release signal is actually started and the self-data 44 indicating the full data format is received, the CPU 120 on the receiver 12b side does By extending the subsequent reception time, the ID code 50 in the full data format can be reliably received.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the lock release signal transmission state, the reception state, and the lock release operation related to the second operation example. Also in the second operation example, the basic transmission interval τ of the unlock signal by the communication unit 142 is, for example, 3 sec (seconds). Similarly to the case of the first operation example, every time the transmission frame 60 in the shortened data format is continuously transmitted nine times, the transmission frame 40 in the full data format is transmitted once.

  In the case of the second operation example, for example, when a lock release signal is transmitted in the transmission frame 40 in the full data format by the lock release device 14 from a certain transmission timing (time t1 in the figure), the next data included in this lock release signal 46, the next reception time (standby time) is set for the shortened data format.

  Then, from the next transmission timing (time t2 in the figure), the lock release signal is transmitted by the lock release device 14 in the transmission frame 30 of the shortened data format. At this time, since the CPU 120 on the receiver 12b side sets the reception time for the shortened data format in advance, all the data in the transmission frame 60 can be reliably received within that time.

  Thereafter, when transmission / reception of the unlock signal is repeated up to nine times in the shortened data format as in the first operation example, the next data 66 indicating the full data format is included in the ninth unlock signal. For this reason, from the next transmission timing (time t4 in the figure), the receiver 12b can set the reception time in the full data format and wait for the lock release signal.

  Even when the unlocking signal is sequentially transmitted from the unlocking device 14 using a plurality of channels, the receiver 12b side is based on the next data 46 and 66 at the timing according to the data format at that time. You can change the channel. For example, when the current reception time is set for the shortened data format, the receiver 12b changes the second channel at the timing when the transmission of the transmission frame 40 in the shortened data format is completed on the first channel. The lock release signal can be received as it is.

[Intermittent reception processing]
Next, a program for realizing the reception operation of the second operation example will be described with an example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the intermittent reception process (step S204 in FIG. 7) executed by the CPU 120 on the receiver 12b side. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S300: The CPU 120 loads the next data 46 and 66 from the unlock signal stored at the previous reception. Note that the previously received unlock signal is stored, for example, in the data buffer area of the RAM 120b.

  Step S302: Next, the CPU 120 confirms whether or not all data of the unlocking signal has been normally received at the previous reception. For example, if the previous unlock signal is the transmission frame 40 in the full data format, the CPU 120 confirms whether or not the data is normal based on the parity 52 therein. If the previous unlock signal is the transmission frame 60 in the shortened data format, the CPU 120 checks whether the data is normal based on the total bit length. If it is confirmed that the previous data is normal (Yes), the CPU 120 next executes step S304.

  Step S304: The CPU 120 confirms whether or not the next data 46 and 66 indicate a full data format. If the result indicates a full data format (Yes), then the CPU 120 executes step S306.

  Step S306: In this case, the CPU 120 sets the reception time in the full data format.

  On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the previously received data is normal (step S302: No), or when it is confirmed that the next data 46 and 66 indicate a shortened data format (step S302). (S304: No), CPU120 performs step S308.

  Step S308: In this case, the CPU 120 sets the reception time for the shortened data format.

  Step S310: In any case, when the reception time is set, the CPU 120 drives the communication unit 122 with the set reception time and starts receiving the lock release signal.

  Step S312: Subsequently, the CPU 120 extracts its own data from the lock release signal received this time, and checks whether or not it indicates a full data format. As a result, if it indicates a full data format (Yes), the CPU 120 next executes step S314.

  Step S314: The CPU 120 changes (resets) the reception time to the full data format. As a result, for example, even when waiting for the reception time at the time of the shortened data format, the reception time can be immediately extended for the full data format.

  When the above procedure is completed, the CPU 120 returns to the automatic lock process. Alternatively, if it is confirmed in the previous step S312 that the self data indicates a shortened data format (No), the CPU 120 returns to the automatic lock process without executing step S314. In this case, the reception operation is performed with the reception time in the shortened data format.

  In the second operation example as well, the above-described remote control function can be utilized when the user presses the push button 14a of the unlocking device 14. In this case, it is possible to prevent malfunctions by forcibly transmitting interrupted data in a full data format. At this time, even if the reception time of the shortened data format is set on the receiver 12b side, since the self-data is included in the unlock signal, the self-data indicating the full data format is confirmed in the above step S312. Thus, the reception time can be reset for the full data format.

  According to the first and second operation examples described above, the power consumption can be suppressed lower than when the unlock signal is always transmitted in the full data format, and the consumption of the battery 148 can be suppressed accordingly. Thereby, it can contribute to the further size reduction and weight reduction of the lock release apparatus 14, without enlarging the battery 148.

  Further, if the reception time is set in accordance with the data format as in the second operation example, the consumption of the automatic lock system 10 as a whole can be reduced by reducing the battery usage of the mobile phone 12 (receiver 12b). The power can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, in the second operation example, since the reception time is set again based on the self data actually received, even if reception of the next data becomes defective in the previous reception, a more reliable transmission / reception of the unlock signal is performed. Can be realized.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, each configuration of one embodiment can be omitted, or another configuration can be arbitrarily combined.

  In the first and second operation examples, an example in which a transmission frame in a full data format is transmitted once every time transmission frames in a shortened data format are transmitted nine times continuously is described. Setting is optional. Further, the transmission frame of the full data format may be transmitted continuously twice.

  In one embodiment, the mobile phone 12 is cited as an example of the electronic device. However, the present invention has a property that it is preferable that the operation is locked when the user or the owner leaves the hand. You may employ | adopt the other electronic device which has. Examples of other electronic devices include a portable information terminal, a portable game machine, and a notebook computer.

  In addition, the transmission frames listed in each data format are merely examples, and other data may be included in the transmission frame, or some of the data may be replaced with other data.

It is an external view which shows the example of a combination of the apparatus which comprises an automatic lock system. It is a block diagram which shows each structural example of a mobile telephone and a lock release apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data structure of the transmission frame of a lock release signal according to a format. It is the timing chart which showed the relevance of the transmission state of the lock release signal regarding the 1st example of operation, its receiving state, and lock release operation. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the transmission management process which comprises some communication programs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a transmission data setting process (step S14 in FIG. 5). It is a flowchart of the automatic lock process which CPU of a receiver performs. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data structure of the transmission frame used by a 2nd operation example according to data format. It is the timing chart which showed the relationship of the transmission state of the lock release signal regarding the 2nd operation example, its receiving state, and lock release operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an intermittent reception process (step S204 in FIG. 7).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic lock system 12 Mobile telephone 12b Receiver 14 Unlocking device 20, 30, 40, 60 Transmission frame 120, 140 CPU
122, 142 Communication unit 138 Key operation acceptance unit

Claims (7)

An electronic device having an individual identifier that enables the individual to be distinguished from each other;
An unlocking device for transmitting an unlocking signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device;
A receiver attached to the electronic device and capable of receiving the unlock signal;
When the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, while the unlock signal includes In an automatic lock system of an electronic device in which reception of an operation on the electronic device is restricted when the included identifier information does not match the individual identifier or the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period ,
The unlocking device is:
Intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting the unlocking signal;
At each transmission timing of the unlocking signal by the intermittent transmission means, the identifier information included in the unlocking signal is complete data having a predetermined data length that does not overlap between different individuals of the electronic device, or Data selection means for selecting any one of the shortened data obtained by shortening the predetermined data length in a state where duplication between the individual electronic devices can occur ,
In the unlock signal,
Ru contains next data indicating whether data to be in the next transmission timing of the lock release signal by the intermittent transmission means said data selection means for selecting as the identifier information corresponds to any of the full data or the abbreviated data An automatic locking system for electronic equipment. The electronic device automatic lock system according to claim 1,
The electronic device is
When the shortened data is included in the lock release signal received by the receiver, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation even when the identifier information does not match the individual identifier. Electronic device automatic lock system. In the automatic lock system of the electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The data selection means includes
An automatic lock system for electronic equipment, wherein at each transmission timing of the unlocking signal by the intermittent transmission means, the complete data is selected at least once each time the shortened data is continuously selected a predetermined number of times. . In the automatic lock system of the electronic device in any one of Claim 1 to 3,
In the unlock signal,
The present data selected as the identifier information by the data selection means further includes self data indicating whether the complete data or the shortened data is included,
The intermittent transmission means includes
Automatic locking system for an electronic apparatus, characterized that you send the self-data prior to the identifier information in the transmission time of the unlocking signal. In the automatic lock system of the electronic device according to claim 4,
The receiver
An electronic device automatic lock system , wherein a reception time of the unlock signal is set based on at least one of the next data or the self data . The electronic device automatic locking system according to claim 4 or 5,
In the unlock signal ,
Automatic locking system for an electronic apparatus, characterized in Rukoto contains function data for controlling the operation of the electronic device. In the automatic locking system of the electronic device in any one of Claim 4 to 6,
The intermittent transmission means includes
Wherein at the lock release signal transmission time, an automatic locking system for an electronic apparatus, characterized that you sequentially transmits the unlock signal having the same contents with different multiple channels of frequencies.

Images