JP2001254549A - Control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience, to reduce the power consumption, and to enhance the crime preventive performance of a control device which carries out radio communication of signals inclusive of collating information between a main machine and a portable machine, and carries out some type of control by the main machine which has confirmed and verified that the portable machine is the one concerned. SOLUTION: The portable machine 10 is switched from a sleeping state (reply disabled state) to an activated state (replay enabled state) by the operation of an operating section (unlocking switch 12 etc.). When the portable machine 10 receives a request signal which is intermittently transmitted by the main machine 20, the portable machine 10 automatically transmits an answer signal inclusive of an identification code. Then, the main machine 20 which has received the answer signal confirms and verifies the identification code, and then the main machine 20 carries out some kind of control.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation (for example, unlocking of a vehicle door) in a system requiring security and convenience, such as an entry system of a vehicle, which involves verification of an authentication code (so-called ID authentication). The present invention relates to a control device that realizes the above operation without requiring a troublesome operation of a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a system including such a control device, for example, there is a keyless entry system for a vehicle which has been widely used in recent years. It has a portable device that can be carried by the user and a main unit (in this case, an on-board unit) installed on the control target side (in this case, the vehicle side), and an authentication code is transmitted therebetween by wireless communication. Check the collation of
A predetermined operation (unlocking operation or locking operation) of a predetermined control object (in this case, a locking device for a vehicle door) is realized by controlling the main unit, on condition that the matching result is a match. is there. An initial and general type of such a system is that a specific operation signal including an authentication code (for example, a vehicle door) is transmitted from the portable device when a user operates a specific button or the like provided on the portable device. Unlocking order)
Is transmitted wirelessly, and after confirming that the authentication code included in the received signal corresponds to the authentication code set in advance in the main body,
A configuration for performing a predetermined output (for example, a control signal output for unlocking a vehicle door) for controlling a predetermined control target, that is, a portable device (in this case, a transmitter)
Is a one-way communication type in which only one-way communication is performed from the device to a main unit (in this case, a receiver). The above-mentioned operation means such as the button of the portable device may be only one, or a plurality of operation means may be provided and operated (for example, unlocking / unlocking a vehicle door, unlocking a trunk, starting an engine, etc.). Some are possible.

However, in such a general one-way communication type, when unlocking a vehicle door, for example, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to take out the portable device and operate its buttons etc. after entering the predetermined range around the vehicle equipped with the device, and if you have baggage etc as shown in the figure,
It becomes a very troublesome task. So, for example,
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-34262, a state is set in which a signal (for example, a signal including an unlock command and an authentication code) is continuously (continuously or intermittently) transmitted from a portable device by turning on a power switch of the portable device. In this state, when the user carrying the portable device approaches the vehicle, enters the communicable range and the main unit (receiver) of the vehicle receives this signal, the authentication code is collated, and as a result, An apparatus has been proposed in which an unlocking operation is executed when the collation confirmation is performed (when the collation matches). According to this device, for example, as shown in FIG.
By operating the buttons of the portable device in advance (in a house away from the vehicle), the unlocking operation can be automatically performed just by approaching the vehicle, even with baggage as shown in the figure. Since it is executed, the communicable range apparently expands arbitrarily from the actual case, and the convenience is greatly improved.

[0004]

However, the apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication has the following problems. (1) Since the portable device continuously or intermittently transmits the signal including the authentication code for a certain period of time, there is a disadvantage that the risk that important information including the authentication code is stolen by another person is increased. (2) In addition, since the portable device constantly transmits signals after the power is turned on, the battery mounted on the portable device is greatly consumed, and the battery life is shortened or the battery is enlarged to obtain a sufficient battery life. There is a problem to do. (3) Further, in the case where the above-described pre-operation for unlocking is performed, the unlocking operation is executed even when the user is at a position far away from the vehicle or the like (a position at the very end of the communicable range). Therefore, there is a risk that the vehicle or vehicle-mounted components may be stolen before the user gets near the vehicle. The problem (3) can be suppressed by simply narrowing the communicable range (so-called communication distance is shortened). However, in this case, there is a problem that the convenience of remote operation (for example, a locking operation from a long distance) deteriorates, and this is not a solution. Therefore, the present invention is a control device that can expand the apparent communicable range by the prior operation of the portable device as described above, and solves the above-described problems, consumes less power, has high crime prevention, It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device with high user convenience.

[0005]

A control device according to the first invention of the present application is mounted on, attached to, or connected to a portable device that can be carried by a user, and is connected to an object including a control target. A main unit that performs control processing for realizing a predetermined operation of the control target after performing wireless communication between the mobile devices to verify that the mobile device is a predetermined portable device, and the portable device An operation unit for switching a state is provided, and is switched to a reply possible state or a reply impossible state by an operation of the operation unit,
In a reply-possible state, the main unit has a function of wirelessly transmitting an answer signal including a control authentication code registered in advance in the portable device, on condition that a request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received. The device transmits the request signal wirelessly constantly or intermittently, and upon receiving the answer signal, the control authentication code included in the answer signal corresponds to the control authentication code registered in advance in the main unit. It has a function of judging whether or not the collation has been confirmed if the judgment result is affirmative.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned FIG.
A convenient operation of the control target as shown in FIG. That is, the user operates the operation unit of the portable device in advance at an arbitrary place outside the communicable range (a place where communication with the main unit is not possible) and carries the portable device in the reply-enabled state. Even if the user holds the baggage or the like, the request signal is received and the answer signal is transmitted only by approaching the main unit, and the main unit receives the answer signal and checks the result of the verification of the control authentication code. If they match, a predetermined operation of the control target is automatically executed. For this reason, apparently, the communicable range is arbitrarily expanded from the actual range, and the convenience is remarkably improved. When the user carrying the portable device operates the operation unit within the communicable range, the signal transmission / reception and collation determination operations immediately proceed, so that the conventional keyless entry (described above). The same operation as the one-way communication type) can be performed. Moreover, in the present apparatus, the portable device only returns to a ready state by an advance operation of the operation unit of the portable device, and the portable device normally transmits a signal only once in one operation (in response to the request signal). An answer signal is usually transmitted only once), and a signal including an important authentication code is not continuously transmitted after the operation of the operation unit as in the conventional apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication. For this reason, the risk of information such as important authentication codes being stolen by others is significantly reduced compared to conventional devices, and the battery mounted on the portable device is consumed little, resulting in longer battery life and smaller size. Can be realized.

Here, the "object containing the control object" may be the control object itself, and more specifically, may be a vehicle such as a vehicle, a machine, a device, a building, or a facility. Further, the “predetermined operation of the control target” is not limited to the locking / unlocking operation of the vehicle door, and may include various specific examples. For example, there may be an operation, activation, or activation permission setting of a mounted object or an accessory of the vehicle. Here, as the vehicle-mounted or attached objects, for example, a motorcycle anti-theft device,
There may be a drive source such as an engine or a motor, a drive mechanism such as a transmission, an air conditioner, an audio system, a navigation system, lighting, and the like. Among them, for example, if the present invention is applied to the drive source and the drive mechanism and the collation confirmation is required, a third party cannot easily perform an operation operation (for example, an engine start operation). Help prevent. Further, there may be a locking / unlocking operation of a door, a shutter, a safe, and the like of a building. The “replyable state” is a state in which the request signal is received and the answer signal is transmitted in response to the request signal, and a simple power-on state in which all functions of the portable device are enabled or The starting state is also included. The “reply impossible state” is a state in which the request signal cannot be received (including a state in which the reception function itself is not working and a state in which reception of the request signal is invalidated by software). A state in which the answer signal cannot be transmitted, or a state in which the request signal can be received but the answer signal cannot be transmitted in response thereto (a state in which the transmission function itself is not operating, or a state in which software (Including a state in which the transmission of the answer signal is prohibited)).
The “reply impossible state” also includes a simple power-off state or a stopped state (so-called sleep state or the like) in which all functions of the portable device are disabled. Further, the "operation unit for switching the response possible / impossible state" is an operation unit for switching the state of the portable device to the above-mentioned reply possible state or the reply impossible state, and may be shared with the operation instruction. In addition, the portable device may not send an answer signal including an authentication code inadvertently, or in order to further reduce power consumption, for example, after sending the answer signal (immediately after or after a predetermined time elapses, for example). It is preferable to adopt a configuration that automatically returns to the state. The functions of the portable device and the main device as described above are as follows.
For example, it is realized by a control circuit including a microcomputer.

In a preferred aspect of the first invention, the portable device or the user approaches, retreats, or moves relative to the main unit or the object, or a user associated with a predetermined operation of the controlled object. Alternatively, the apparatus further comprises a detecting means for detecting an operation of the object, wherein the main body executes the control processing based on a detection result of the detecting means after confirming the collation. That is, the detection result of the detection means is a trigger (trigger) of the execution of the control processing, and even if the collation is confirmed, the control processing is not executed depending on the detection result of the detection means. With such a configuration, even if the user who carries the portable device by performing the preliminary operation of the operation unit approaches the main unit and enters the communicable range,
Only the transmission / reception of the request signal and the answer signal and the collation confirmation are performed, and the predetermined operation of the control object is not executed. For example, the approach of the user to the object (for example, the vehicle) is detected by the detection unit. Only when the predetermined operation is performed is performed. For this reason, even if the user just enters the communicable range, the user is considerably away from the object (or the user's operation intention is not clear), but a predetermined operation is performed. Can be avoided. For example,
If the control target is a vehicle door locking device and the predetermined operation is the unlocking operation, the unlocking operation is automatically performed until the user goes near the vehicle and gets on the vehicle. As a result, the danger of the vehicle or the vehicle-mounted components being stolen can be significantly reduced. Here, the detection means may be a sensor (for example, a magnetic or optical proximity sensor) for detecting the body of the user as described later, or an operating state of a door knob of the vehicle as the object. May be detected.

Further, the second invention of this application is the first invention.
In the invention, the main unit transmits the request signal based on a detection result of the detection unit described above. That is, the request signal is transmitted by using the detection result of the detection means as a trigger. Even in this configuration, even if the user who carries the portable device by performing the preliminary operation of the operation unit approaches the main device and enters the communicable range, the request signal is not transmitted. The predetermined operation is not executed, and the predetermined operation is executed only after the detection means detects, for example, the approach of the user to the object (for example, the vehicle). For this reason, even if the user just enters the communicable range, the user is considerably away from the object (or the user's operation intention is not clear), but a predetermined operation is performed. Can be avoided. Further, in this case, the request signal is transmitted only when the trigger by the detection means is established, and the request signal is not transmitted in a state without such a trigger. For this reason, there is an advantage that the power consumption of the main unit can be remarkably reduced, and a request signal for reading a request signal transmitted from a vehicle without a portable device can be prevented from being stolen. However, in this case, the transmission and reception of the request signal and the answer signal, and the collation confirmation associated therewith are executed only after the above-described trigger is established, so that the predetermined operation of the control target is executed from the establishment of the trigger. The delay time before the delay increases. Therefore, from the viewpoint of minimizing such a delay time, as described above, a mode in which the predetermined operation of the control target is executed by using the detection means as a trigger (the time until the verification is confirmed when the vehicle enters the communicable range). The configuration in which the operation is performed is excellent.

The request signal includes a request authentication code different from the control authentication code, and the portable device that has received the request signal transmits the request authentication code included in the request signal. It may be configured such that it is determined whether or not it corresponds to a request authentication code registered in advance in the portable device, and that the answer signal is transmitted wirelessly on the further condition that this determination result is affirmative. With such a configuration, there is obtained an advantage that the portable device does not transmit an answer signal in response to a request signal from another vehicle equipped with the same type of main unit. Further, since the request authentication code is different from the control authentication code, theft of the control authentication code directly linked to a third party's misconduct with respect to the control target (for example, theft of a vehicle) is highly reliable. Can be prevented.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, the portable device further comprises an operation unit for switching a reply possible state, and receives the first request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit in the reply possible state. Under the condition that the first answer signal is wirelessly transmitted, the first answer signal is wirelessly transmitted, and then the second request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received. Has a function of wirelessly transmitting a second answer signal including the controlled authentication code, and the main unit transmits the first request signal constantly or intermittently according to a first communication specification having a relatively large communicable range. On condition that radio transmission is performed and the first answer signal is received, the communication range is switched to the second communication specification in which the communication range is limited to a relatively narrow range near the control target. Wirelessly transmitting the second request signal based on the detection result of the detection means (that is, transmitting the second request signal triggered by the detection result of the detection means), and further after transmitting the second request signal When the second answer signal is received, it is determined whether or not the control authentication code included in the second answer signal corresponds to the control authentication code registered in advance in the main unit, and the determination result is affirmative. If it is a target, it has a function that the collation confirmation is made.

According to the device of the third invention, a convenient operation based on the preliminary operation of the operation unit as shown in FIG. 12B can be performed, and the same effects as those of the first invention can be obtained. Is obtained. Moreover, in this case, the user who carried out the pre-operation of the portable device at an arbitrary place outside the first communicable range (the first communicable range on the main unit side) corresponding to the first communication specification (the portable device was carried). User) approaches the controlled object,
First, when the vehicle enters the first communicable range, transmission and reception (first communication) of the first request signal and the first answer signal are performed. After that, the communication range is switched to the second communication specification whose communication range is relatively narrow, and the user enters the second communication range (the main unit side second communication range) corresponding to the second communication specification, and further the detection means When the predetermined trigger is established, transmission / reception (second communication) of the second request signal and the second answer signal and at least verification of the control authentication code are performed. After the two-stage communication and at least the verification of the control authentication code are performed, the predetermined operation desired by the user is executed for the first time. Therefore, in order for a third party to illegally perform a predetermined operation of the control target, it is necessary to steal at least a plurality of pieces of information (the first answer signal and the second answer signal including the control authentication code). There are more difficult. Further, in this case, the important code for the final collation confirmation for performing the predetermined operation of the control target (that is, the control authentication code included in the second answer signal) is set in the second communicable range having a narrow communicable range. Since it is transmitted only by setting, it is extremely difficult for a third party to receive this important code illegally. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an excellent effect that the security is further improved while the convenience of the user is highly secured is obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the portable device further includes an operation unit for switching a reply permission / prohibition state, and receives the first request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit in the reply possible state. Under the condition that the first answer signal is wirelessly transmitted, the first answer signal is wirelessly transmitted, and then the second request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received. It has a function of wirelessly transmitting a second answer signal including a registered control authentication code, while the main unit transmits the first request signal constantly or intermittently according to a first communication specification having a relatively wide communicable range. Communicable range is limited to a relatively narrow range near the control target, on condition that the first answer signal is received wirelessly.
After switching to the communication specification, the second request signal is transmitted continuously or intermittently by radio (at least,
The transmission is continued until the answer signal is received). When the second answer signal is received in a state where the communication mode is switched to the second communication specification, the control authentication code included in the second answer signal is stored in the main unit in advance. It is determined whether or not it corresponds to the registered control authentication code, and if the result of this determination is affirmative, it is assumed that the collation confirmation has been made. According to the device of the fourth invention, the aforementioned FIG.
A convenient operation as shown in FIG.
The same effect as that of the invention can be obtained. And in this case,
Unlike the third invention, even if the predetermined trigger is not established,
When the user enters the second communicable range (the second communicable range of the main unit), the second communication and at least the verification of the control authentication code are performed. For this reason, a smoother control operation becomes possible. The communicable range includes the communicable range of the main unit (a position range that extends around the antenna of the main unit) in which the signal transmitted from the main unit can be received by the portable unit, and the signal transmitted from the main unit. There is a portable device-side communicable range that can be received by the handset (a range of positions extending around the antenna of the portable device), but unless otherwise specified in this specification, the former (main unit-side communicable range) is used. means.

According to a preferred aspect of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the portable device performs wireless transmission of the first answer signal according to a first communication specification having a relatively wide communication range. It is preferable that the second answer signal is wirelessly transmitted in the second communication specification having a relatively narrow possible range. That is, the portable device-side communicable range is also changed to a narrower direction in accordance with the switching of the vehicle-mounted device-side communicable range. With such a configuration, the second answer signal with high importance is transmitted only in the setting of the narrow range of the portable device side communication range, so that the third party may illegally receive the second answer signal also. Becomes extremely difficult. Therefore, it is possible to further contribute to the improvement of security.

In another preferred aspect of the third invention and the fourth invention, the first request signal includes a request authentication code different from the control authentication code. The portable device that has received the signal performs a collation determination between the request authentication code included in the first request signal and a request authentication code registered in advance in the mobile device, and the determination result is positive. As a further condition, there is a configuration for performing the wireless transmission of the first answer signal. Or,
The first answer signal includes an answer authentication code different from the control authentication code, and the main unit that has received the first answer signal outputs the answer authentication code included in the first answer signal and The configuration may be such that a collation determination is performed with an answer authentication code registered in advance in the main unit, and the wireless transmission of the second request signal is performed on the further condition that the determination result is affirmative. With such a configuration, the number of authentication codes that a third party needs to obtain in order to perform an unauthorized operation further increases, so that security is significantly improved. In addition, since the request authentication code and the answer authentication code are different from the control authentication code, the control authentication code of the control object directly linked to a third party's misconduct with respect to the control target (for example, theft of a vehicle). Theft can be reliably prevented.
Also, there is an advantage that the portable device does not transmit the first answer signal in response to the first request signal from another main unit of the same type.

Further, in the control device of each invention of the present application, the object is a vehicle (for example, an automobile, a small airplane, etc.), and the controlled object is a locking device for locking or unlocking a door of the vehicle. The control process may be a control signal output for realizing a locking operation or an unlocking operation of the lock device. In this case, the above-described effects of the present invention (enhancement of crime prevention, reduction of power consumption, and the like) can be exhibited in a vehicle locking and unlocking system (that is, a so-called entry system).

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a control device of an entry system of, for example, a two-door type vehicle 1 as shown in FIG. This device, as shown in FIG.
The portable device 10 includes a main unit 20 (including antennas and sensors as peripheral devices) mounted on the vehicle 1. The portable device 10 includes a portable device-side communication unit (not shown) for wirelessly communicating a signal at a predetermined communication frequency (for example, a frequency in a UHF band), and at least an authentication code (ID code,
Or a key code, etc.), a storage device (not shown) for storing the portable device, a control circuit (not shown) including a microcomputer for controlling the entire portable device and performing necessary information processing, a built-in battery, A power supply circuit (not shown) that supplies power of the built-in battery to a power consuming element (such as the portable device-side communication means and the control circuit) is provided inside. A lock switch 11 and an unlock switch 12, which are push-button operation units, are provided on the operation surface of the portable device 10.
(Shown in FIG. 1B). FIG.
2A, reference numeral 31 denotes a door lock actuator that is a driving source of a door lock device of the vehicle 1.

Here, the detailed configuration of the portable-unit-side communication means and the like is not particularly limited in the present invention, and at least various well-known configurations can be adopted. Explaining the outline of the main elements, the portable device side communication means,
An antenna and a circuit (a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, a transmission circuit, or the like) for performing wireless communication at a predetermined communication frequency via the antenna are provided. The control circuit includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output circuit. The portable device-side storage means includes a writable and erasable non-volatile memory (for example, E ² PRO) for storing an authentication code.
M). Further, the power supply circuit has a circuit for performing necessary voltage conversion, voltage stabilization processing, and the like.
In this case, for example, the power supply circuit is provided with a power supply control means (consisting of a switching element, an electromagnetic relay, a semiconductor relay, or the like) for turning on / off the power supply (or the main power supply) of the entire portable device 10. When the power control unit turns off the power of the entire portable device 10 (or only the main power source) by a circuit control command (sleep command), the operation of the entire portable device 10 stops, and the power consumption is zero (or almost zero). The so-called sleep state (corresponding to the non-replyable state of the present invention) is adopted. Further, in this sleep state, when the operation unit (in this case, the lock switch 11 or the unlock switch 12) is operated, the power control means is driven to supply power to the entire portable device 10 (or to supply the main power). Supply) is turned on and the portable device 1
0 is activated and the sleep command is output again until
This startup state (corresponding to the reply enabled state of the present invention) is maintained.

Further, the control circuit has a function of executing the following processing operation by setting an operation program of the microcomputer. That is, when the lock switch 11 or the unlock switch 12 is operated and activated, as shown in FIG. 1B, the request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit 20 is received by the portable unit communication means. On the condition, an authentication code (corresponding to a control authentication code of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as an authentication code for locking and unlocking) used for locking and unlocking control registered in advance in the portable device side storage means, and a type of switch (In this case, a locking command signal or an unlocking command signal) and wirelessly transmit an answer signal including the answering signal by the portable device-side communication means (this will be described later in detail). The answer signal is transmitted within the communicable range, and when these are received by the main unit 20, the control function of the main unit 20 checks the collation and immediately locks or unlocks the door of the vehicle 1. Is performed. That is, the portable device 10 and the main device 2
The control device according to the present embodiment, which is set to 0, has a configuration that also realizes the same function as a control device of a general keyless entry system (one-way communication type described above).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1A, the main unit 20 includes a control unit 21, an antenna 22,
And sensors such as door knob sensors 26 and 27.
The antenna 22 is, for example, a coil antenna provided inside the vehicle 1 (for example, near a window). The number of main unit antennas is not necessarily limited to one, and a plurality of antennas may be provided at a plurality of locations in a room or inside and outside a vehicle. Further, it may be provided only outside the vehicle (for example, inside the door mirror). Also,
If the main unit has a function other than door lock / unlock (keyless entry) control (for example, a function as a so-called immobilizer that permits after checking the start of the engine or the like), an antenna dedicated to that function is installed indoors. They may be provided separately.

The door knob sensors 26 and 27 are proximity sensors for detecting the body (for example, a finger Y) of a user who approaches the door knob 2 or the vicinity thereof in order to operate the door knob 2 of the vehicle 1. Specifically, for example, the door knob sensor 27
Is a light emitting unit 27a and a light receiving unit 2 as shown in FIG.
7b, and may be of an optical type that changes its output by blocking the light beam transmitted and received between them. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, an optical type that detects based on the reception state of the reflected wave may be used. Note that the door knob sensors 26 and 27 and a trigger (FIGS. 8 to 8) for controlling a door locking or unlocking operation are described later.
This is a sensor (detection means of the present invention) for forming the conditions (determined in steps S7a, S1a, and S40). Also, in place of the door knob sensors 26 and 27, FIG.
A door knob operation sensor 29 as shown in (b) may be provided. The door knob operation sensor 29 is a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the door knob 2 is pulled.

Then, the control unit 21
A microcomputer including PU, ROM and RAM
Control circuit (not shown) and a predetermined communication frequency.
Communication circuit for main unit for wireless communication of signals
(Omitted) and main unit storage means (not shown) for storing an authentication code.
And a power supply circuit (not shown). here
For the detailed configuration of the main unit side communication circuit, etc.
The invention is not particularly limited, and at least various known configurations are employed.
Since it can be used, it is not particularly described. Provides an overview of key elements
To be more specific, the portable device-side communication circuit includes, for example, an antenna 2
2 (or a separate antenna as described above)
Circuits for wireless communication at the communication frequency (modulation circuits and demodulators)
Control circuit or transmission circuit). Also
The control circuit has a CPU, ROM, RAM and input / output circuits.
I can. Further, the main unit storage means stores the authentication code.
Write / erase non-volatile memory (eg, E ²
PROM). Further, the power supply circuit is provided in the vehicle 1.
Use the on-board battery as input power to
And a circuit for performing voltage stabilization processing, etc.
Power supply to the power consuming elements of the main unit 20
It is carried out.

Further, the control circuit has a function of executing the following processing operation by setting an operation program of the microcomputer or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, basically, a request signal including a request authentication code (preferably a code different from the lock / unlock authentication code for controlling door lock / unlock) is transmitted to the main unit. When the answer signal is received by the main unit side communication circuit from the portable device 10,
It is determined whether or not the lock / unlock authentication code included in the answer signal corresponds to the lock / unlock authentication code registered in advance in the main unit side storage means. And has a function of executing a predetermined control process according to the operation information included in the answer signal (described later in detail).

Next, an example of a characteristic operation of the present control device will be described together with the contents of control processing of the portable device 10 and the main device 20 for that purpose. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the control device. First, by the processing of the main unit 20 (processing of the control circuit of the control unit 21), the request signal including the above-described request authentication code is intermittently transmitted as shown in FIG. S1). In the case of this operation example, the transmission of the request signal does not require a trigger (a condition for triggering the operation), and as long as power is supplied to the main unit 20 and the main unit 20 is activated. It is performed unconditionally continuously. For this reason, in order to secure security against theft of the authentication code, the request authentication code should be different from the authentication code used for locking and unlocking control.
If the authentication code for request is different from the authentication code for locking and unlocking, even if the authentication code for request is stolen by another wireless device M as shown in FIG. This does not immediately lead to theft of the vehicle, etc.). This request authentication code is used to prevent the portable device from transmitting an answer signal in response to a request signal from another vehicle equipped with the same type of main unit, and should be included in the request signal. Is preferred, but needless to say, it is not essential. Next, the operation unit of the portable device 10 (in this case, the lock switch 11 or the unlock switch 1
By operating 2), communication for some control operation is enabled (step S2). That is, the portable device 10 is normally in the sleep state (reply impossible state), and even if it is located in the communicable range where the request signal can be received, it cannot receive the response signal and return the answer signal. In this state, communication for collation confirmation and the like is impossible in this state. In other words, the state in which the main unit 20 unilaterally transmits the request signal only continues without performing any control operation. However, when the operation unit is operated, the portable device 10 is activated by the operation of the above-described power supply control means of the portable device 10. In this activated state, it is possible to receive a request signal and transmit an answer signal thereto. (Reception waiting set state; corresponding to a reply enabled state of the present invention). In the present embodiment, the operation of the operation unit serves as both a start command and an operation command. For example, the type of the operation unit operated when the control circuit of the portable device 10 is started (in this case, the locking switch 11 is operated). Fire or unlock switch 1
2 is read and stored as operation information.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the portable device 10 is mounted on the own vehicle (the vehicle 1 on which the corresponding main device 20 is mounted).
Enter the communication range of (or pre-enter),
Upon receiving the request signal, the control circuit of the portable device 10 compares the request authentication code included in the request signal with the request authentication code stored in the portable device-side storage means, and determines whether or not they match. A determination is made (steps S3, S4). Here, if the portable device 10 does not receive the request signal, the operation does not proceed forever. Therefore, after the portable device 10 is started, the reception waiting time set without receiving the request signal (for example,
(Several minutes to tens of minutes), the processing of the control circuit,
It is preferable that the storage of the operation information is erased and the operation returns to the sleep state. In this way, when the operation unit of the portable device 10 is inadvertently operated, or when the user cancels the operation of getting into the vehicle (approaching operation) after the operation of the operation unit, the normal operation is automatically performed. Returning to the state (in this case, the sleep state), the portable device 10 runs down for a long time, and the battery is exhausted. When the portable device 10 enters the communicable range, the previous operation suddenly works later. A trouble in which an unlocking operation or the like is performed carelessly can be avoided. If the verification result of the request authentication code matches, the control circuit of the portable device 10 executes a process of transmitting an answer signal including the operation information and the lock / unlock authentication code (step S5). If the results do not match, the control circuit outputs the sleep command, and the portable device 10 returns to the sleep state (that is, returns to step S1 as a whole operation). However, if the configuration returns to the sleep state after a single mismatch, the operation of the operation unit may be performed only once by receiving the request signal of another vehicle before entering the communicable range of the vehicle after the operation of the operation unit. In this case, when the request signal indicating that the matching result does not match is received a plurality of times, the storage of the operation information may be erased to return to the sleep state. Alternatively, if the collation results are inconsistent, the operation may return to step S3 and repeat, and the portable device 10 may accept the request signal any number of times until the reception waiting time elapses.

Thereafter, since the answer signal transmitted as described above is transmitted within the communicable range, the answer signal is naturally received by the main unit 20 unless there is a failure such as an abnormal decrease in the transmission output of the portable device 10. Upon receiving the answer signal, the control circuit of the main unit 20 compares the authentication code for locking and unlocking contained in the received answer signal with the authentication code for locking and unlocking stored in the main unit side storage means. It is determined whether they match (step S6). If they match, the operation information included in the answer signal is read (step S7), and a control process for realizing a predetermined operation of the operation target corresponding to the operation information is executed (step S8). In this case, specifically, if the operation unit operated at the time of activation of the portable device 10 is the locking switch 11, a control signal output for instructing the door lock actuator 31 to perform a locking operation is executed. If the switch 12 is an unlocking switch, it outputs a control signal for instructing the door lock actuator 31 to perform an unlocking operation. After the transmission of the answer signal (step S5), the portable device 10 needs to return to the sleep state at some point. The return to the sleep state is performed by the control of the control circuit of the portable device 10. Then, for example, the configuration may be performed at a timing immediately after the transmission of the answer signal (or after the lapse of the set time). Alternatively, the control circuit of the main unit 20 is configured to transmit a signal for instructing the portable device 10 to return to the sleep state after receiving the answer signal (or after the control operation in step S8), for example. Is received by the portable device 10, the sleep command may be output under the control of the control circuit of the portable device 10, and the portable device 10 may return to the sleep state.

According to the device of the present embodiment as described above, the convenient operation of the lock device of the vehicle 1 as shown in FIG. That is, even with this device, as shown in FIG. 12B, for example, the user operates the operation unit of the portable device 10 at an arbitrary place outside the communicable range (in this case, in a house away from the vehicle). If you operate it in advance and carry it, even if you hold baggage etc. as shown in the figure, the unlocking operation will be performed automatically just by approaching the vehicle, so the apparent communicable range is apparently Is also arbitrarily expanded, and the convenience is greatly improved. When the user carrying the portable device 10 operates the operation unit within the communicable range, the above-described steps S1 to S8 are performed.
Since the operations described above immediately proceed, the same operation as the conventional keyless entry (one-way communication type described above) is also possible. In addition, in this apparatus, the portable device 10 is only activated (the response is possible) by the operation of the portable device, and the portable device 10 normally transmits the signal only once by one operation (the answer signal is normally transmitted). Only once) and does not continuously transmit a signal containing an important authentication code as in the conventional apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication. For this reason, the risk that an important authentication code is stolen by another person is significantly reduced as compared with the conventional device, and the consumption of the battery or the like of the portable device becomes small, so that the battery life and size can be realized. . In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the portable device 1 is in a normal state.
Since 0 is in the sleep state as described above and consumes little power, it can contribute to prolonging the life of the battery.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the content of the control processing operation of the main unit 20 in the first embodiment is partially changed. The description of the hardware configuration and other components having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment will be omitted (hereinafter, the description is omitted).
Similar). That is, in this case, even if the control signal of the control circuit of the main unit 20 receives the answer signal and verifies the authentication code for locking and unlocking, the predetermined control processing (ie, the operation of step S8) is performed immediately. Step S8 is not performed unconditionally, but only when the detection signal of the finger Y is output by the door knob sensor 26 or 27 (detection means) described above (that is, assuming that a predetermined trigger is established as a further necessary condition). (The step S7a in FIG. 8 is added). In detail, even if the operation of step S7 has been progressed, if the predetermined trigger of step S7a is not established for a long time, for example, when a predetermined set time has elapsed, the control circuit of the main unit 20 A configuration in which the operation information of the received answer signal is invalidated (for example, deleted from a predetermined memory area) and a process for returning to a normal state (a state in which the request signal is simply output intermittently) is performed. It is necessary to

The control device of this embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, in the case where the above-described pre-operation for unlocking is performed, the risk that the vehicle or the vehicle-mounted components is stolen before the user gets close to the vehicle can be significantly reduced. . That is, in this case, a preliminary operation for unlocking (that is, an operation of the unlocking switch 12) is performed at a distant place outside the communicable range, and the user carrying the portable device 10 moves to the own vehicle. When approaching and entering the communicable range, the aforementioned step S
Only the control operation up to 7 (operation whose progress is unknown to a third party) proceeds, and the unlocking operation itself is not yet performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), when the user A tries to get on the own vehicle and approaches his / her hand near the door knob 2 or puts his hand on the door knob 2 (or pulls the door knob 2). , The aforementioned door knob sensor 26 or 27
(Or the doorknob operation sensor 29) outputs a detection signal serving as the trigger, so that the step S
8 (in this case, a control signal output for instructing the unlocking operation) is executed, and the unlocking operation is executed immediately before the door opening operation. Therefore, for example, a third person lurking near the vehicle 1 detects the unlocking operation from the movement of the lock knob and the unlocking operation sound during the unlocking operation, and gets into the vehicle 1 when the owner is away. It becomes virtually impossible to execute theft or the like. In this case, user A:
Except for operating the operation unit in advance, the operation is exactly the same as opening the unlocked door without performing any operation for unlocking, as shown in FIG. It is the same as in the first embodiment that the user can get into the vehicle 1 that has been used.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the control processing of the control circuit of the main unit 20 in the first embodiment is partially changed. That is, in this case, the control processing content of the control circuit of the main unit 20 is configured not to execute transmission of the request signal unless a predetermined trigger is established (step S1a in FIG. 9 is added). . More specifically, when the predetermined trigger is established, the request signal may be intermittently transmitted by the control processing of the control circuit of the main unit 20 until a preset predetermined time elapses.

The control device according to the present embodiment has the same effects as the second embodiment. That is, in this case, a preliminary operation for unlocking (that is, the operation of the unlock switch 12) is performed at a distant place outside the communicable range, and the user carrying the portable device 10 approaches the own vehicle to perform communication. Since the request signal has not been transmitted even when the mobile device 1
0 has just started and it is in the reception waiting set state,
No other control operation is performed. When the user approaches the doorknob 2 or puts his hand on the doorknob 2 (or pulls the doorknob 2) in order to get on the vehicle, the doorknob sensor 2 described above is used.
6 or 27 (or the door knob operation sensor 29) outputs the detection signal serving as the trigger, so that the control processing of steps S1 to S8 is executed for the first time at this time. And the unlocking operation is executed. Therefore, it is practically impossible for a third party to detect the unlocking operation based on the movement of the lock knob or the unlocking operation sound during the unlocking operation and to perform theft or the like.
Further, in the present embodiment, the request signal is transmitted on the condition that the above-described trigger is established, and the request signal is not transmitted in a state without such a trigger. For this reason, there is an advantage that the power consumption of the main unit 20 can be remarkably reduced, and theft of reading the signal transmitted from the vehicle 1 and reading the request authentication code even without the portable device 10 can be prevented. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the transmission and reception of the request signal and the answer signal are not performed until the trigger as described above is established.
In addition, since the verification of each authentication code is performed, the delay time from when the trigger is established to when the desired control process (in the above example, the unlocking operation) is performed increases accordingly. Therefore, from the viewpoint of minimizing the delay time, the aspect of the second embodiment described above is excellent.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the range of the communicable range is switchable, and the control processing of the portable device 10 and the main unit 20 is changed. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. First, switching of the communicable range will be described.
Note that the communicable range includes a main unit-side communicable range in which a signal transmitted from the main unit 20 can be received by the portable device 10 (a position range extending around the antenna of the main unit 20).
There is a portable device-side communicable range in which the main unit 20 can receive a signal transmitted from the portable device 10 (a position range that extends around the antenna of the portable device 10). Here, both can be switched. First, the communication range of the main unit is
In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, a first communicable range (a main unit side first communicable range) in which wireless communication from a long distance considerably away from the vehicle 1 is possible as usual, and A relatively narrow second communicable range (in this case, particularly near the door) and a second communicable range (main body side second communicable range) are set,
These are switched by the control of each control circuit. In addition, when the portable device 1 is located within the first communicable range on the main unit side, the portable unit side communicable range is a minimum necessary for the main unit 20 to be able to reliably receive a signal transmitted from the portable unit 10. (The first communicable range of the portable device) and the portable device 1 within the second communicable range of the main unit.
Is set, the minimum necessary range (the portable device-side second communicable range) within which the main unit 20 can reliably receive the signal transmitted from the portable device 10 is set, and these are controlled by the control circuits. Can be switched. As is well known, such switching of the communicable range changes the transmission output of the main unit 20 or the portable unit 10 and changes the antenna of the main unit 20 or the portable unit 10 (any of a plurality of antennas having different characteristics). Is selectively used), or the reception sensitivity of the main unit 20 or the portable unit 10 is changed. In this specification, the communication specifications (transmission output, antenna characteristics, reception sensitivity, and the like) of the main unit 20 or the portable device 10 that realize the first communicable range as described above are referred to as first communication specifications. The communication specification of the main unit 20 or the portable device 10 that realizes such a second communicable range is referred to as a second communication specification.

Next, a description will be given of a characteristic operation example of the apparatus of the fourth embodiment together with the control processing contents of the portable device 10 and the main unit 20 for that purpose. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of this embodiment. First, step S2
In steps 1 to S27, control operations substantially the same as steps S1 to S7 in the first embodiment (FIG. 7) are executed. However,
In step S25, the answer signal transmitted is a first answer signal that does not include the authentication code for locking and unlocking, unlike the answer signal of the first embodiment. The first answer signal includes an answer authentication code for distinguishing from the answer signal from another portable device of the same type, and in this case, also includes operation information corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. In step S26, the main unit 20 receives the second answer signal and collates the answer authentication code. Here, the request signal transmitted in step S21 is the same as the second request signal (second request signal) transmitted in step S41 described later.
This is the second request signal, and corresponds to the first request signal of the present invention. The answer authentication code may be the same as the request authentication code. Further, there may be a mode in which the first answer signal does not include verification data such as the answer authentication code (a mode in which verification of the authentication code is not performed in step S26). Also,
The request signal (first signal) in steps S21 and S23
Request signal), steps S25, S26
The transmission and reception of the answer signal (first answer signal) is performed according to the above-described first communication specification.

In the present embodiment, if the collation result of the answer authentication code in step S26 is the same, the control circuit of the main unit 20 reads the operation information included in the first answer signal (step S26). S7) Then, after switching to the above-described second communication specification in which the communicable range is limited to a relatively narrow range near the vehicle 1, a state of waiting for transmission (that is, a state of waiting for the establishment of a trigger described later). ) (Steps S28 and S30). On the other hand, at this time, at a predetermined timing after the transmission of the first answer signal, the control circuit of the portable device 10 also switches to the second communication specification and waits for reception (the second request signal described later). And waits (steps S28 and S29). Note that the switching of the portable device 10 to the second communication specification is performed by the control circuit of the portable device 10 by independently determining, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the first answer signal. Alternatively, the main unit 20 may perform the first
A configuration may be adopted in which a notification signal notifying that the answer signal has been properly received is transmitted, and the control circuit of the portable device 10 receives the notification signal and executes switching to the second communication specification.

Thereafter, for example, the above-described door knob sensor 2
When the detection signal of the finger Y is output by 6 or 27 (detection means) (that is, when a predetermined trigger is established), as shown in steps S40 and S41, the processing of the control circuit of the main unit 20 performs the second time. Is continuously or intermittently wirelessly transmitted (continuously transmitted until a second answer signal described later is received). The second request signal includes, for example, the same request authentication code as the first request signal described above (that is, the same signal as the first request signal).
However, in order to improve security, a request authentication code different from the second request signal may be included. Next, for example, the user A who carries the portable device 10
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the vehicle enters the second communicable range of the vehicle (vehicle 1) (or enters in advance) and receives the second request signal, the control circuit of the portable device 10 The request authentication code included in the second request signal is compared with the corresponding request authentication code stored in the portable device-side storage means, and it is determined whether or not they match (steps S42 and S43). Here, if the portable device 10 does not receive the second request signal, the operation does not proceed. Therefore, after the portable device 10 transmits, for example, the first answer signal, the setting is performed without receiving the second request signal. Reception waiting time (for example, several minutes to several tens of minutes)
It is preferable that the control circuit erases the storage of the operation information and returns to the sleep state by the processing of the control circuit. If the verification result of the request authentication code matches, the control circuit of the portable device 10 executes a process of transmitting a second answer signal including the lock / unlock authentication code (step S44). If step S4
1 and the operation is repeated, and the portable device 10 accepts the request signal any number of times until the reception waiting time elapses.

Thereafter, since the second answer signal transmitted as described above is transmitted from within the second communicable range (the second communicable range on the main unit side), the transmission output of the portable device 10 is abnormally reduced. If the second answer signal is received, the main unit 20 receives the second answer signal.
The control circuit compares and authenticates the lock / unlock authentication code included in the received second answer signal with the corresponding lock / unlock authentication code stored in the main unit storage means, and determines whether or not they match. Is determined (step S45). And
If they match, control processing for realizing a predetermined operation of the operation target corresponding to the operation information confirmed in step S27 is executed (step S46). In this case, specifically, the operation unit operated when the portable device 10 is activated is the lock switch 1.
If 1, the control signal output to instruct the door lock actuator 31 to perform the locking operation is executed. If the switch 12 is an unlocking switch, it outputs a control signal for instructing the door lock actuator 31 to perform an unlocking operation. The portable device 10 transmits the second answer signal (step S4).
After executing 4), it is necessary to return to the sleep state at some point. However, the return to the sleep state is controlled by the control circuit of the portable device 10, for example, immediately after the transmission of the second answer signal (or , After the set time has elapsed). Alternatively, the control circuit of the main unit 20 transmits a signal for instructing the portable device 10 to return to the sleep state after receiving the second answer signal (or after the control operation in step S46), for example, When the portable device 10 receives this signal, the portable device 1
A configuration may be employed in which the sleep command is output under the control of the control circuit 0, and the portable device 10 returns to the sleep state.

According to the apparatus of the present embodiment as described above, the vehicle 1 as shown in FIG.
The convenient operation of the lock device can be performed, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the user A who has previously operated the portable device 10 at an arbitrary place outside the first communicable range (the first communicable range on the main unit side) is in the vehicle. When approaching No. 1, first, when the first communication range is entered, the transmission and reception of the first request signal and the first answer signal and the collation of the code contained therein (the first communication and the first collation) are performed. Will be Thereafter, the communicable range is switched to the second communicable range, which is relatively narrow, and FIG.
As shown in (b), when the user A enters the second communicable range (the second communicable range on the main unit side) and further approaches his / her hand near the door knob 2 (when a predetermined trigger is established). ), The transmission and reception of the second request signal and the second answer signal and the collation of the code contained therein (the second communication and the second collation) are performed. Then, after the transmission and reception of these two-stage signals and the collation confirmation are performed, the control process (in this case, the unlocking operation or the locking operation) desired by the user A is executed for the first time. Therefore, in order for a third party to illegally perform the locking / unlocking operation of the vehicle 1, a plurality of different information (in this case, the first answer signal including at least the answer authentication code) is required together with the operation information. , And a second answer signal including the lock / unlock authentication code), and the necessity of triggering must be known, which is extremely difficult. Further, in this case, an important signal for final collation confirmation for performing the locking / unlocking operation (that is, a second answer signal including the authentication code for locking / unlocking) and a signal required for extracting the signal from the portable device 10 ( That is, the second request signal including the request authentication code) is transmitted only in the setting of the second communicable range where the communicable range is narrow.
It is extremely difficult for a person to receive. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an excellent effect that the security is significantly improved while the convenience of the user is highly secured is obtained. In this case, when the user who carries the portable device 10 operates the operation unit within the first communicable range, the above-described operations in steps S21 to S30 immediately proceed, and thereafter, the operation is performed. When the user approaches his / her hand near the doorknob 2 or the like, the operations in steps S40 to S46 proceed immediately, and an operation almost the same as the conventional keyless entry (one-way communication type described above) can be performed. Become.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 11, the control processing content (FIG. 10) of the fourth embodiment is partially changed, and the other configuration is similar to that of the fourth embodiment.
This is the same as the embodiment. Hereinafter, a characteristic operation example of the device of this embodiment will be described together with the control processing contents of the portable device 10 and the main device 20 for that purpose. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of this embodiment. In this case, the fourth
Step S3 in the control processing content of the embodiment (FIG. 10)
0 and S40 are deleted, and in step S41a provided instead of step S41, only the proper first answer signal is received by the processing of the control circuit of the main unit 20 without waiting for the establishment of the predetermined trigger. Subject to 2
The first request signal (second request signal) is transmitted continuously or intermittently by radio (continuously transmitted until a second answer signal described later is received). In this case, the transmission of the second request signal may be started immediately after the communicable range is switched in step S28 described above, for example.

According to the apparatus of the present embodiment described above, the vehicle 1 as shown in FIG.
This makes it possible to operate the lock device conveniently and obtain the same effects as in the fourth embodiment. Moreover, in this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the user A who has previously operated the portable device 10 at an arbitrary place outside the first communicable range (the first communicable range on the main unit side) is in the vehicle. When approaching No. 1, first, when the first communication range is entered, the transmission and reception of the first request signal and the first answer signal and the collation of the code contained therein (the first communication and the first collation) are performed. Will be Thereafter, the communicable range is switched to the second communicable range, which is relatively narrow, and the user A sets the second communicable range (the main unit side second communicable range).
Upon entering, the transmission and reception of the second request signal and the second answer signal and the collation of the codes contained therein (the second communication and the second collation) are performed. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, unlike the case of the fourth embodiment, even when the predetermined trigger is not established, when the user A enters the second communicable range (the main body side second communicable range). , A second communication and a second verification are performed. Therefore, a smoother entry operation can be performed.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may have various modifications and aspects. For example, in addition to the control processing operation by the two-way communication as in the above embodiment, the control processing operation by the normal one-way communication can be configured. For example, a portable device is provided with a reception waiting switch for setting a reception waiting state (replyable state) separately from operation switches such as a lock switch and an unlock switch, and the lock switch and the unlock switch are simply provided. When pressed, the above-mentioned answer signal (or the second answer signal) is immediately transmitted simply to enable the same operation as the previous keyless entry (one-way communication type described above). FIG.
In the case of using as shown in FIG. 2 (b), for example, if the user presses the reception waiting switch and further presses any operation switch (locking switch or unlocking switch) within a predetermined time (for example, several seconds). Alternatively, the portable device may be configured to be in the reception waiting set state described above. The portable device 10 is provided with an LED display unit or the like that indicates that the device is in a reception waiting set state (a reply-enabled state according to the present invention, which is an activated state in the case of the above embodiment). You may make it clear that it is in the waiting set state.

The present invention is not limited to the locking and unlocking of vehicle doors, and various control targets and control contents are possible as described in the section of means for solving the problems. By the way, the present invention can be widely applied to any device or facility that performs some kind of control after performing collation confirmation by wireless communication between the portable device and the main device, in addition to a vehicle entry system and the like. Further, the present invention can be applied to other control (engine start control, engine start permission control) in a vehicle, and the like. Further, even when the present invention is applied to control of a door lock device of a vehicle or the like, the present invention may be applied only to an unlocking operation (for a locking operation, for example, only a conventional keyless entry method may be used. Good).
This is because the usage (control operation by prior operation) as shown in FIG. 12B is particularly significant in the case of unlocking, and the unlocking operation is particularly important also in terms of security. Further, the portable device 10 may further be provided with a plurality of switches, and may be configured to be capable of performing various remote operations or pre-operations as shown in FIG.
For example, a switch for remotely controlling the opening and closing of a trunk, an engine room, a fuel supply port, and the like, and a panic switch for sounding a horn of a vehicle when attacked by a thug, etc., may be appropriately provided. Needless to say. In the case where the control content of the control target is one type (for example, only locking / unlocking of the lock device), the operation unit includes, for example, one operation unit, and transmission or confirmation of the operation information is not particularly performed. It may be a configuration. For example,
In the entry system of the embodiment described above, only one operation switch is provided on the portable device 10, and when this operation switch is operated, the collation confirmation is performed by the processing operation as described above, and then the main unit 20 Determines the locked / unlocked state of the door, and performs the unlocking control as the final control processing (control processing such as step 8 in FIG. 7) if the door is locked, and the final control processing if the door is unlocked. A configuration in which locking control is performed may be employed. In the case of the control operation shown in FIG. 7 (when the trigger is not used), it goes without saying that the detection means such as the door knob sensor 26 or 27 may be deleted (it is unnecessary).

[0042]

According to the control device of the present invention, the aforementioned FIG.
A convenient operation of the control target as shown in FIG. That is, the user operates the operation unit of the portable device in advance at an arbitrary place outside the communicable range (a place where communication with the main unit is not possible) and carries the portable device in the reply-enabled state. Even if the user holds the baggage or the like, the request signal is received and the answer signal is transmitted only by approaching the main unit, and the main unit receives the answer signal and checks the result of the verification of the control authentication code. If they match, a predetermined operation of the control target is automatically executed. For this reason, apparently, the communicable range is arbitrarily expanded from the actual range, and the convenience is remarkably improved. When the user carrying the portable device operates the operation unit within the communicable range, the signal transmission / reception and collation determination operations immediately proceed, so that the conventional keyless entry (described above). The same operation as the one-way communication type) can be performed.
Moreover, in the present apparatus, the portable device only returns to a ready state by an advance operation of the operation unit of the portable device, and the portable device normally transmits a signal only once in one operation (in response to the request signal). An answer signal is usually transmitted only once), and a signal including an important authentication code is not continuously transmitted after the operation of the operation unit as in the conventional apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication. For this reason, the risk of information such as important authentication codes being stolen by others is significantly reduced compared to conventional devices, and the battery mounted on the portable device is consumed little, resulting in longer battery life and smaller size. Can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a control device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a door knob sensor.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a door knob operation sensor and the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation content (first embodiment example) of the control device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control operation content (second embodiment example) of the control device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control operation content (third embodiment) of the control device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation content (a fourth embodiment example) of the control device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control operation content (fifth embodiment) of the control device.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of a control device in comparison with a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Portable device 11 Locking switch (operation part) 12 Unlocking switch (operation part) 20 Main unit 21 Control unit 22 Antenna 26, 27 Door knob sensor (detection means) 29 Door knob operation sensor (detection means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2E250 AA21 BB08 BB25 BB35 DD06 FF23 FF24 FF27 FF36 HH01 JJ03 KK03 LL01 LL13 LL14 LL15 SS00 SS01 SS05 TT04 3G084 BA00 BA28 CA01 CA07 DA03 DA28 EA11 EB00 EB00 FA06

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A portable device which can be carried by a user and which is mounted on, attached to, or connected to an object including a control target, and performs wireless communication with the portable device to verify that the portable device is a predetermined portable device. A main unit that executes a control process for realizing a predetermined operation of the control target after confirmation, wherein the portable device includes an operation unit for switching a reply permission / prohibition state, and a reply can be made by operating the operation unit. The mobile terminal switches to a state or a reply impossible state, and in the reply possible state, on condition that a request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received, an answer signal including a control authentication code registered in advance in the portable device is wirelessly transmitted. The main unit transmits the request signal wirelessly at all times or intermittently, and upon receiving the answer signal, the control authentication code included in the answer signal is applied. Controller determines whether or not to correspond to the control authentication code previously registered in the main body unit, the determination result is characterized by having a function of said cross-check if affirmative is made. 2. A detection for detecting an approach, a retreat, or a relative movement of the portable device or the user to the main unit or the object, or an operation of the user or the object related to a predetermined operation of the control target. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a unit, wherein the main unit executes the control processing based on a detection result of the detection unit after performing the collation check. 3. A portable device that can be carried by a user, mounted on, attached to, or connected to an object including a control target, and performs wireless communication with the portable device to verify that the portable device is a predetermined portable device. A main unit that executes a control process for realizing a predetermined operation of the control target after confirmation; and an approach, retreat, or relative movement of the portable device or the user to the main unit or the object, or the control. Detecting means for detecting an operation of the user or the object related to the predetermined operation of the target, the portable device includes an operation unit for switching a reply permission / prohibition state; Switching to a reply impossible state, and in a reply possible state, on condition that a request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received, an answer signal including a control authentication code registered in advance in the portable device is transmitted. The main unit transmits the request signal wirelessly based on the detection result of the detection unit, and upon receiving the answer signal after transmitting the request signal, the authentication unit included in the answer signal The control has a function of determining whether the code corresponds to a control authentication code registered in advance in the main unit, and if the determination result is affirmative, determining that the verification has been performed. apparatus. 4. The request signal includes a request authentication code different from the control authentication code, and the portable device that has received the request signal transmits the request authentication code included in the request signal. It is determined whether or not the authentication code corresponds to a request authentication code registered in advance in the portable device, and the wireless transmission of the answer signal is executed on the further condition that the determination result is affirmative. The control device according to claim 1. 5. A portable device that can be carried by a user, mounted on, attached to, or connected to an object including a control target, and performs wireless communication with the portable device to verify that the portable device is a predetermined portable device. A main unit that executes a control process for realizing a predetermined operation of the control target after confirmation; and an approach, retreat, or relative movement of the portable device or the user to the main unit or the object, or the control. Detecting means for detecting an operation of the user or the object related to the predetermined operation of the target, the portable device includes an operation unit for switching a reply permission / prohibition state; Switching to a reply impossible state, and in the reply possible state, on condition that a first request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received,
Wirelessly transmitting a first answer signal, and further, after wirelessly transmitting the first answer signal, on condition that a second request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received;
The portable device has a function of wirelessly transmitting a second answer signal including a control authentication code registered in advance in the portable device, wherein the main unit uses the first communication specification having a relatively wide communicable range and the first request signal. Is transmitted constantly or intermittently by radio,
On condition that an answer signal is received, the communicable range is switched to the second communication specification in which the communicable range is limited to a relatively narrow range near the control target, and then the second request is set based on the detection result of the detection means. When the signal is transmitted wirelessly and the second answer signal is received after the transmission of the second request signal, the control authentication code included in the second answer signal is replaced with the control authentication code registered in advance in the main unit. A control device having a function of judging whether or not it is compatible, and if the judgment result is affirmative, determining that the collation confirmation has been made. 6. A portable device that can be carried by a user and is mounted, attached, or connected to an object including a control target, and performs wireless communication with the portable device to verify that the portable device is a predetermined portable device. A main unit that executes a control process for realizing a predetermined operation of the control target after confirmation, wherein the portable device includes an operation unit for switching a reply permission / prohibition state, and a reply can be made by operating the operation unit. To a state or a reply impossible state, and in the reply possible state, on condition that a first request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received.
Wirelessly transmitting a first answer signal, and further, after wirelessly transmitting the first answer signal, on condition that a second request signal wirelessly transmitted from the main unit is received;
The portable device has a function of wirelessly transmitting a second answer signal including a control authentication code registered in advance in the portable device, wherein the main unit uses the first communication specification having a relatively wide communicable range and the first request signal. Is transmitted constantly or intermittently by radio,
On condition that an answer signal is received, the communication range is switched to the second communication specification in which the communication range is limited to a relatively narrow range near the control target, and then the second request signal is transmitted continuously or intermittently. After transmitting and further receiving the second answer signal in a state of switching to the second communication specification, the control authentication code included in the second answer signal corresponds to the control authentication code registered in advance in the main unit. A control device having a function of determining whether or not the verification has been performed, and if the determination result is affirmative, determining that the verification has been performed. 7. The portable device performs wireless transmission of the first answer signal according to a first communication specification having a relatively large communicable range, and uses the second communication specification according to a second communication specification having a relatively small communicable range. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the answer signal is transmitted wirelessly. 8. The portable device that has received the first request signal, wherein the first request signal includes a request authentication code different from the control authentication code.
It is determined whether or not the request authentication code included in the request signal corresponds to the request authentication code registered in advance in the portable device. As a further condition, if the determination result is affirmative, the second The control device according to claim 5, wherein wireless transmission of one answer signal is performed. 9. The first answer signal includes an answer authentication code different from the control authentication code, and the main unit that has received the first answer signal includes the answer code included in the first answer signal. It is determined whether or not the answer authentication code corresponds to the answer authentication code registered in advance in the main unit, and the wireless transmission of the second request signal is performed on the further condition that the determination result is affirmative. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the control device executes: 10. The object is a vehicle, and the control target is a lock device for locking or unlocking a door of the vehicle, and the control processing realizes a locking operation or an unlocking operation of the lock device. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device outputs a control signal.