JP2006127014A - Method for locating tire state detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for locating a plurality of tire state detecting devices on a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: At first, all antennas in a vehicle are maintained in an operating state, and a signal to be transmitted from one of tire state detecting devices is received and decoded, and signal strength is obtained. When it is confirmed that the signal is continuously transmitted by the tire state detecting device, the antenna is alternately turned on and off, and a plurality of signal strength change values are obtained. Then, the antenna which generates the maximum value of the signal strength change values is made to correspond to the position of the tire state detecting device which transmits the signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an orientation method for a tire condition detection device that detects a tire condition, and more particularly to an orientation method for automatically identifying the position of a vehicle tire condition detection device.

  When the pneumatic tire of a vehicle becomes insufficient in the room pressure, there are disadvantages such as at least a reduction in fuel consumption and a reduction in tire durability and life. In the worst case, there was a puncture that threatened the lives of passengers. Since the tire monitoring system can check the tire state such as the tire pressure and temperature at any time while the driver is in the vehicle, the safety of the vehicle can be effectively improved.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 10 equipped with a conventional tire condition detection system 11. The tire condition detection system 11 is adjacent to a plurality of tire condition detection devices 12, 14, 16, 18 provided on four tires, and a tire condition detection device 12, 14, 16, 18 provided on a vehicle body. The antennas 22, 24, 26, 28 are connected to a receiver 30 (having a signal receiving circuit) located in the vehicle body.

  In operation, each tire condition detector alternately transmits tire condition signals wirelessly. When the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 receive signals, the signals are transmitted to the receiver 30, so that the driver can know the condition of the tire through a display device (not shown).

  When the receiver 30 receives the signal, the tire condition detection system 11 first identifies the position of the tire condition detection device that is transmitting this signal, and informs the driver which tire the signal is from.

  In general, in the conventional technique for identifying the relative position between the state detection device and the tire, an operator performs a step of depressurizing the tire one by one and then pressurizing the tire, and each tire state detection device has a tire condition due to rapid depressurization of each tire. When the signal regarding is transmitted, the signal is decoded, and the identification code of one specific tire state detection device can be obtained.

  Therefore, it is possible to establish a correspondence relationship between the tire state detection device and the tire position. Accordingly, when the receiver receives and decodes the signal during operation, a signal identification code is obtained, and the position of the tire transmitting the signal is known from the correspondence between the tire condition detection device and the tire position described above.

  However, the above-described conventional technology cannot be automatically performed, and thus has to be performed manually. In other words, the step of depressurizing the tires one by one in the prior art is very time consuming, and when the tire is newly replaced or repositioned, the position of the tire condition detection device is identified again. There must be. For this reason, the prior art is inefficient, requires time and labor, and cannot satisfy the demands of consumers.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a tire condition detection device locating method that can reduce labor and resources and meet consumer demands by automatically identifying the position of the tire condition detection device and greatly reducing the identification time. It was done.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this point, and it aims at providing the orientation method of the tire condition detection apparatus which identifies the position of a tire condition detection apparatus not manually but automatically. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for locating a tire condition detection device that significantly reduces the time for identifying the tire condition detection device.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a tire condition detecting device locating method for identifying positions of a plurality of tire condition detecting devices provided on a vehicle, and the method includes the following steps. Preparing a plurality of antennas provided in the vicinity of the tire condition detection device, turning on all the antennas, receiving and decoding the signal, and the signal is a first tire in the plurality of tire condition detection devices A step including an identification code belonging to the state detection device, a step of continuously transmitting the signal for a specific period to obtain a first determination result, and an antenna jointly when the first determination result is yes A signal is transmitted when a signal strength generated after receiving the signal, a step of determining whether the identification code belongs to the vehicle, a second determination result, and a determination result is yes A signal position identifying step for identifying a position. Also, the signal position identification step generates a plurality of signal intensity change values by quickly turning on and off the antennas after the antennas jointly receive the signals, and maintains the on / off state of each antenna for a certain period. A step of comparing a signal intensity change value to obtain a maximum value, determining a position of a first tire condition detection device that transmits a signal, and setting the maximum value when the first antenna of the antenna is on or off And the first tire condition detection device corresponds to the first antenna.

  Therefore, when the present invention is applied, the position of the tire condition detection device can be automatically identified, so that manual operation is not necessary. Further, since the time for identifying the tire condition detection device is greatly shortened, labor and resources can be effectively saved, and the consumer's requirements can be satisfied.

  The feature of the present invention is that when it is confirmed that the tire condition detecting device is transmitting a signal, the antenna is turned on and off alternately to obtain a plurality of signal intensity change values, and the maximum value of these signal intensity change values is generated. The antenna to be is in a position corresponding to the tire condition detection device that is transmitting a signal.

  The present invention can be applied to a tire state detection system as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, although the orientation method of the tire condition detection apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated with FIG. 4, this invention is not necessarily limited only to this. The present invention can be applied to any vehicle (such as an automobile or motorcycle) having any number of tires (including spare tires).

  FIG. 1 is a graph showing an orientation method of the tire condition detection device of the present embodiment. The tire condition detection devices 12, 14, 16, and 18 are alternately specified for each specific period (for example, 1 minute) (for example, 1 minute). (For example, 10 ms) Send a signal continuously.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when one tire condition detection device that is transmitting a signal is detected at time t0, the tire condition detection system enters the orientation mode.

  Between t0 and t1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “first period”), the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 jointly receive a signal related to a specific tire. This signal is transmitted to the receiver 30 and decoded. Since this signal includes the identification code of one tire condition detection device, it can be understood that, for example, it is a signal transmitted from the tire condition detection device 14. That is, the receiver 30 monitors a plurality of tire condition detection devices based on signals transmitted from the plurality of tire condition detection devices. However, at this time, the system does not know which tire the tire condition detecting device 14 is located on, so it is not known which tire condition caused the signal to be generated.

  Thereafter, the system determines whether the receiver 30 has continuously received a signal, for example, whether the receiver 30 has continuously received a signal during the above-described period (t0 to t1).

  When the determination result is yes, the system receives a signal jointly received by the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28, and then the first signal strength generated by the receiver 30 (for example, a signal curve shown between t0 and t1). 70 signal strength average values, etc.).

  Subsequently, the system determines whether or not the above-described identification code belongs to the system itself (for example, determines whether or not the signal is transmitted from a tire condition detection device of a vehicle provided with the system).

  When the identification code belongs to the system, a signal position identification step is performed. At time t1, all antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 are first turned off, and then each antenna 22, 24, 26, and 28 are alternately turned on and then off, and the on state of each antenna is constant. A period (eg, 0.44 ms) is maintained. For example, after all the antennas 22, 24, 26, 28 are turned off, the antennas 22 are turned on at time t1.

  At time t2, the antenna 22 is turned off and the antenna 24 is turned on. Then, at time t3, the antenna 24 is turned off and the antenna 26 is turned on. At time t4, antenna 26 is turned off and antenna 28 is turned on.

  Thereafter, at time t5, all the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 are turned on, and the period of t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5 is, for example, 0.44 ms.

  As the antenna quickly turns on and off alternately, the first signal strength of the signal curve 70 changes to a plurality of second signal strengths of the signal curves 72, 74, 76, 78.

  Then, a plurality of signal strength change values (difference values) are obtained by comparing the second signal strength and the first signal strength.

  Next, the signal intensity change value is compared to obtain the maximum value, which is the signal curve 74. The fact that the signal curve 74 is generated when the antenna 24 is turned on or off indicates that the antenna 24 is closest to the tire condition detection device that is transmitting the signal.

  The tire condition detection device must have the above-described identification code, and since the identification code belongs to the tire condition detection device 14, the system uses the tire condition detection device 14 to indicate the tire condition corresponding to the antenna 24. Can be detected.

  Thereafter, after time t5, the system receives signals transmitted from the tire condition detectors 12, 16, 18 respectively, and after the above steps are repeated, the system repeats all of the tire condition detectors 12, 16, 18 Can be identified.

  It should be noted here that since the tire condition detection devices 12, 14, 16, and 18 emit a signal continuously for a period of 10 ms, for example, for 1 minute, this embodiment is a single tire condition detection device. Must be found within 10 ms (for example, t0 to t1).

  Therefore, the signal receiving circuit used in the present embodiment has a feature that reacts to all signals within 10 ms. Further, all the antennas used in this embodiment are of the same standard format.

  On the other hand, in the signal position identification step according to the present embodiment, the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 are first maintained in an on state, and then the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 are alternately turned off and then turned on. The off state of each antenna may be maintained for a certain period (for example, 0.44 ms).

  For example, antenna 22 is turned off at time t1, antenna 22 is turned on, and antenna 24 is turned off at time t2. At time t3, the antenna 24 is turned on and the antenna 26 is turned off. At time t4, antenna 26 is turned on and antenna 28 is turned off. Thereafter, at time t5, all the antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28 are turned on, and the interval between times t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5 is, for example, 0.44 ms (hereinafter simply referred to as “second period”). "). As the antenna is turned on and off quickly, the first signal strength of the signal curve 70 becomes weaker and becomes the second signal strength.

  Thereafter, the second signal strength and the first signal strength are compared to obtain a plurality of signal strength change values (difference values). Subsequently, these signal intensity change values are compared to obtain the maximum value (the one with the greatest decrease). The tire corresponding to the antenna having this maximum value is positioned at the position of the tire condition detection device that is transmitting the signal. It will be in the place to do.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing a location method and a signal position identification step of the tire condition detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S100, a plurality of antennas are prepared. These antennas are provided near the tire condition detection device, and the tire condition detection device is provided on the vehicle. The tire state detection system enters the orientation mode (step S110), and in step S120, all the antennas are turned on.

  Subsequently, in step S130, a signal is received and decoded. This signal includes an identification code belonging to the first tire condition detection device of the tire condition detection device.

  Thereafter, in step S140, it is determined whether the signal has been transmitted continuously, for example, whether the signal has been transmitted for a certain period of time.

  If the determination result in step S140 is yes, in step S150, the signal strength generated after the antennas jointly receive a signal (eg, a signal received by the receiver) is obtained.

  In step S160, it is determined whether the identification code belongs to the vehicle. If the determination result is yes in step S160, the process proceeds to signal position identification step S170.

  If the determination result in step S140 or step S160 is no, the system returns to step S130 and continues to receive and decode new signals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the signal position identification step, in step S172, the antennas are first turned on and off quickly and alternately, and a plurality of signal strength change values can be generated after the receiver receives the signal. Alternatively, the off state is maintained for a certain period.

  As described above, before the signal position identification step S170 is performed, all antennas are first turned off, then the antennas are alternately turned on and then turned off, and the on state of each antenna is maintained for a certain period. Alternatively, after maintaining the antennas in the on state, the antennas are alternately turned off and then on, and the off state of each antenna is maintained for a certain period.

  Subsequently, in step S174, the signal intensity change values are compared to obtain a maximum value. Next, in step S176, the position of the first tire state detection device that transmits the signal is determined. Since the maximum value is generated when the first antenna of the antenna is turned on / off, the first tire state detection device corresponds to the first antenna.

  That is, for example, the first tire state detection device detects a tire corresponding to the first antenna. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated several times to identify the positions of all tire condition detection devices.

  As can be seen from the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has the following advantages. The position of the tire condition detection device can be automatically identified instead of being manually operated. Since the time for identifying the tire condition detection device can be greatly shortened, it is possible to effectively save labor and resources, and to satisfy consumer demand.

  In the present invention, preferred embodiments have been disclosed as described above, but these are not intended to limit the present invention in any way, and anyone who is familiar with the technology can make various modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Changes and modifications can be made. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is based on the contents specified in the claims.

The figure which shows the signal curve of the orientation method of the tire condition detection apparatus by this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the orientation method of the tire condition detection apparatus by this embodiment A flowchart showing a signal position identification step according to the present embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the structure of a conventional tire condition detection system

Explanation of symbols

11 Tire condition detection system 12, 14, 16, 18 Tire condition detection device 22, 24, 26, 28 Antenna 30 Receiver 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 Signal curve t0, t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 Time

Claims (18)

A tire condition detecting device for identifying a position of a tire condition detecting device for detecting a condition of each of a plurality of tires provided on a vehicle,
Preparing a plurality of antennas respectively corresponding to the tire condition detection devices;
Turning on an antenna that receives and decodes a signal transmitted from one of the tire condition detection devices;
Generating a first signal strength including an identification code belonging to one of the plurality of tire condition detection devices that transmit the signal;
Alternately turning on and off each of the plurality of antennas to obtain a plurality of second signal strengths;
Comparing the second signal strength with the first signal strength to obtain a plurality of signal strength change values;
Comparing the signal intensity change values to obtain a maximum value;
Based on the identification code, the position of one of the tire condition detection devices that transmits the signal is determined, and one of the plurality of antennas that are turned on and off when the maximum value is generated is determined. And determining one of the determined tire state detection devices to correspond to one of the antennas.   The step of generating the first signal strength is performed when it is determined whether the signal is continuously transmitted during the first period and the determination result is yes. Method for locating tire condition detectors in Japan.   The tire state detection device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of tire state detection devices continuously and continuously transmit signals for a predetermined period every predetermined period until reaching the first period. Orientation method.   The total time of the first period and an operation time necessary for performing the step of alternately turning on and off each of the plurality of antennas is shorter than the specific period. A method for locating the tire condition detection device described.   When the determination result as to whether or not the signal is continuously transmitted during the first period is NO, the step of receiving and decoding the signal by turning on the antenna is performed again. A method for locating a tire condition detection device according to claim 2.   The step of alternately turning on and off each of the plurality of antennas to obtain a plurality of second signal strengths determines whether or not the identification code obtained in the step of obtaining the first signal strengths belongs to the vehicle. 2. The method for locating a tire condition detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the locating method is performed when a result of the determination is yes.   The tire according to claim 6, wherein when the determination result of whether or not the identification code belongs to the vehicle is no, the step of receiving and decoding the signal with the antenna turned on is performed again. A method for locating a state detection device.   2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving and decoding the signal with the antenna turned on is performed after an orientation mode for identifying positions of the plurality of tire state detection devices is set. A method for locating a state detection device.   After all of the plurality of antennas are turned off, the step of alternately turning on / off each of the plurality of antennas is performed, and in this step, the plurality of antennas when the antennas are alternately turned on and then turned off are performed. The on-state of each of the antennas is maintained during the second period, and the orientation method of the tire state detection device according to claim 1, wherein:   Before performing the step of alternately turning on and off each antenna among the plurality of antennas, maintaining the antenna in an on state, and then turning off and turning on the antenna alternately. The tire state detection device locating method according to claim 1, wherein the off-state of the antenna is maintained during the second period.   The tire condition detecting method according to claim 1, further comprising a signal receiving circuit that reacts to the signal intensity change value.   2. The method for locating a tire condition detecting device according to claim 1, wherein all the antennas have the same standard format. A tire condition detection device locating method for identifying positions of a plurality of tire condition detection devices provided on a vehicle, wherein the tire condition detection device alternately transmits a signal every predetermined period for a specific period. There,
Preparing a plurality of antennas provided near the tire condition detection device;
Entering the orientation mode,
Turning on all the antennas;
Receiving and decoding a signal, the signal including an identification code belonging to a first tire condition detector of the tire condition detector;
Transmitting the signal continuously during a first period to obtain a first determination result;
Obtaining a signal strength generated after the antennas jointly receive the signal when the first determination result is yes;
Determining whether the identification code belongs to the vehicle and obtaining a second determination result;
A signal position identification step for identifying the transmission position of the signal when the determination result is yes,
The signal position identifying step includes:
After the antennas jointly receive the signal, a plurality of signal strength change values are generated by quickly turning the antennas alternately on and off, and the on / off state of each of the plurality of antennas is maintained during the second period. And a step of making a total time of the first period and an operation time necessary for performing the step of alternately turning on and off the antenna shorter than the specific period;
Comparing the signal intensity change values to obtain a maximum value;
The position of the first tire condition detection device that transmits the signal is determined, and the maximum value is generated when the first antenna among the plurality of antennas is turned on / off, so that the first tire condition detection is performed. A method for locating a tire condition detecting device, wherein the device includes a step corresponding to the first antenna. The signal position identifying step includes:
First turning off all the antennas;
The tire condition detecting method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of alternately turning on and off the antennas and maintaining an on state of each of the plurality of antennas during the second period. The signal position identifying step includes:
The tire state detection according to claim 13, further comprising: turning off each antenna among the plurality of antennas and then turning on the antenna, and maintaining the off state of each of the plurality of antennas during the second period. Device orientation method.   The tire condition detecting method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of reacting to the signal intensity change value during the second period using a signal receiving circuit.   14. The method for locating a tire condition detecting device according to claim 13, wherein all the antennas have the same standard format.   The tire condition detecting method according to claim 13, wherein when the first determination result or the second determination result is no, the antenna continuously receives and decodes the signal.

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