JP2007045202A - Tire air pressure monitoring system - Google Patents

Tire air pressure monitoring system Download PDF

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JP2007045202A
JP2007045202A JP2005229198A JP2005229198A JP2007045202A JP 2007045202 A JP2007045202 A JP 2007045202A JP 2005229198 A JP2005229198 A JP 2005229198A JP 2005229198 A JP2005229198 A JP 2005229198A JP 2007045202 A JP2007045202 A JP 2007045202A
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tire
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receiving means
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JP4458274B2 (en
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Norio Matsuura
憲隆 松浦
Taro Tsukamoto
太郎 塚本
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Mitsubishi Motors Corp
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Mitsubishi Motors Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tire air pressure monitoring system capable of determining the mounting position of the tire in a short determination time while keeping correctness of the determination. <P>SOLUTION: The radio wave intensity average value of reception of a first predetermined reception number of times N<SB>1</SB>is obtained for each tire sensor when the first predetermined reception number of times is N<SB>1</SB>. If the absolute value of the difference of the average value in each tire sensor is not less than a first determination value D<SB>1</SB>, the determination of front or rear wheel is performed from the result. When it is less than the first determination value D<SB>1</SB>, the radio wave intensity average value of reception of a second predetermined reception number of times N<SB>2</SB>is obtained for each tire sensor when the second predetermined reception number of times N<SB>2</SB>is larger than the first predetermined reception number of times N<SB>1</SB>. If the absolute value of the difference of the average value in each tire sensor is not less than the second predetermined determination value D<SB>2</SB>smaller than the first determination value D<SB>1</SB>, the determination of front or rear wheel is performed from the result. The state of each tire is monitored by the state signal for the determined tire. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、車両等のタイヤの空気圧を監視するタイヤ空気圧監視システムに関する。   The present invention relates to a tire air pressure monitoring system for monitoring the air pressure of a tire of a vehicle or the like.

タイヤ空気圧監視システムは、タイヤ内に設置されたタイヤ空気圧センサ(以降、タイヤセンサと略す。)から、無線(電波)により定期的に送信された空気圧データを、車体に設置された受信機(ECU)で受信し、受信した空気圧の値が所定の値より低い場合には、インストルメントパネル(以降、インパネと略す。)内に設置された警告灯を点灯させて、ドライバーに警告するものである。タイヤセンサは、個々に固有のID番号を持っており、各タイヤセンサのID番号と装着タイヤの位置の関係を、車体に装着した電波強度センサでの電波強度から、自動的に認識している。又、前輪と後輪では設定空気圧が異なり、警告すべき所定の空気圧値が前輪と後輪で異なる場合でも、受信機は前輪か後輪かを認識することで、正しく空気圧低下の警告を出すことができる。   The tire pressure monitoring system is a receiver (ECU) installed on a vehicle body that receives air pressure data periodically transmitted by radio (radio waves) from a tire pressure sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as a tire sensor) installed in a tire. ), And if the received air pressure value is lower than the predetermined value, the warning light installed in the instrument panel (hereinafter abbreviated as instrument panel) is turned on to warn the driver. . Each tire sensor has a unique ID number, and automatically recognizes the relationship between the ID number of each tire sensor and the position of the attached tire from the radio wave intensity of the radio wave intensity sensor attached to the vehicle body. . In addition, even if the set air pressure differs between the front and rear wheels, and the prescribed air pressure value to be warned differs between the front and rear wheels, the receiver will issue a warning that the air pressure has fallen correctly by recognizing whether it is the front wheel or the rear wheel. be able to.

特開2004−291951号公報JP 2004-291951 A

タイヤセンサからの電波強度は、走行中の環境の影響等で変動するため、装着タイヤの位置を誤判定する可能性がある。誤判定を避け、正確性を増すためには、多くの電波強度データを取得すればよいが、多くの電波強度データを取得すると、その判定に時間がかかってしまう。   Since the radio wave intensity from the tire sensor fluctuates due to the influence of the traveling environment, the position of the mounted tire may be erroneously determined. In order to avoid misjudgment and increase accuracy, it is sufficient to acquire a large amount of radio wave intensity data. However, if a large amount of radio wave intensity data is acquired, the determination takes time.

本発明は上記課題に鑑みなされたもので、判定の正確性を保ちながら、短い判定時間でタイヤの装着位置を判定できるタイヤ空気圧監視システムを提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tire air pressure monitoring system capable of determining a tire mounting position in a short determination time while maintaining accuracy of determination.

上記課題を解決する第1の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両に設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する1つ又は複数の受信手段と、
前記受信手段で検出した前記識別信号、前記状態信号及び前記信号強度が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記受信手段が各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と他の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、前記受信手段の位置と、任意の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対する他の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値の大小とに基づいて、任意の送信手段が装着されたタイヤの位置を特定し、
前記平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記受信手段が各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と他の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、前記受信手段の位置と、任意の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対する他の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値の大小とに基づいて、任意の送信手段が装着されたタイヤの位置を特定して、
特定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とする。
A tire pressure monitoring system according to a first invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is as follows.
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
One or a plurality of receiving means provided in a vehicle, for receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the state signal, and detecting a signal strength of the signal;
Signal processing means for inputting the identification signal, the state signal and the signal strength detected by the receiving means;
The signal processing means includes
When the receiving means receives a signal from each transmitting means for a first predetermined number of times, the signal intensity of a signal from any transmitting means and the signal strength of a signal from another transmitting means is a first predetermined value at the receiving means. Find the average value for each number of times,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the magnitude of the average value of the signal strength of the other transmitting means relative to the position of the receiving means and the average value of the signal strength of any transmitting means Based on the above, the position of the tire on which any transmission means is mounted is specified,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is less than the first determination value, when the receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit for a second predetermined number of times greater than the first predetermined number of times, any transmission is performed. For each of the signal strength of the signal from the means and the signal strength of the signal from the other transmission means, obtain an average value for the second predetermined number of times at the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than a second determination value smaller than the first determination value, the position of the reception unit and the other transmission units with respect to the average value of the signal strength for any transmission unit Based on the magnitude of the average value of the signal strength, specify the position of the tire where any transmission means is mounted,
The condition of each tire is monitored by the condition signal for the identified tire.

上記課題を解決する第2の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、
上記第1の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムにおいて、
前記受信手段は、車両前方又は後方側に設けられ、
前記送信手段は、各タイヤの状態信号として、各タイヤの回転方向を示す回転方向情報を送信するものであり、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記回転方向情報と車両の進行方向を示す進行方向情報とに基づいて、前記送信手段が左側又は右側の何れかに装着されているかを特定し、
前記受信手段が同じ側に装着された各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、同じ側の一方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と同じ側の他方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、一方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対して、他方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値が小さければ、一方の送信手段が車両前方又は後方のタイヤに装着されたと判定し、
前記平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記受信手段が前記同じ側の各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、同じ側の一方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と同じ側の他方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、一方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対して、他方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値が小さければ、一方の送信手段が車両前方又は後方のタイヤに装着されたと判定することを特徴とする。
A tire pressure monitoring system according to a second invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.
In the tire pressure monitoring system according to the first invention,
The receiving means is provided on the front or rear side of the vehicle,
The transmission means transmits rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction of each tire as a state signal of each tire,
The signal processing means includes
Based on the rotation direction information and the traveling direction information indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle, specify whether the transmission means is mounted on the left side or the right side,
When the reception means receives a signal from each transmission means mounted on the same side for the first predetermined number of times, the signal strength of the signal from one transmission means on the same side is the signal strength from the other transmission means on the same side. For the signal strength, an average value for the first predetermined number of times in the receiving means is obtained,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is greater than or equal to the first determination value, if the average value of the signal strength for the other transmission means is smaller than the average value of the signal strength for one transmission means, It is determined that the transmission means is attached to a tire in front of or behind the vehicle,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is less than the first determination value, the receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit on the same side for a second predetermined number of times greater than the first predetermined number of times. , For the signal strength of the signal from the other transmitting means on the same side as the signal strength of the signal from one transmitting means on the same side, respectively, obtain an average value for the second predetermined number of times in the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than a second determination value that is smaller than the first determination value, the average of the signal strength for the other transmission means with respect to the average value of the signal strength for one transmission means If the value is small, it is determined that one of the transmission means is attached to a tire in front of or behind the vehicle.

上記課題を解決する第3の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両に設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する第1受信手段と、
前記第1受信手段とは車両の前後方向に離れて設置され、前記送信手段からの信号の信号強度を検出する第2受信手段と、
前記第1受信手段で検出した信号強度と、前記第2受信手段で検出した信号強度と、前記第1受信手段で検出した前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力されると共に、前記第1受信手段と一体に構成された信号処理手段とを備え、
前記送信手段は、各タイヤの状態信号として、各タイヤの回転方向を示す回転方向情報を送信するものであり、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記回転方向情報と車両の進行方向を示す進行方向情報とに基づいて、前記送信手段が左側又は右側の何れかに装着されているかを特定し、
前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
同じ側の送信手段についての前記第1受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の任意の1つと、同じ側の他の1つの送信手段についての前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の和と、前記他の1つの送信手段の前記第1受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値と前記任意の1つの送信手段の前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の和の差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、平均値の和が大きい方の前記組み合わせのうち、前記第1受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第1受信手段側に、前記第2受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第2受信手段側に配置されていると判断し、
前記2組の平均値の和の値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
同じ側の送信手段についての前記第1受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の任意の1つと、同じ側の他の1つの送信手段についての前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の和と、前記他の1つの送信手段の前記第1受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値と前記任意の1つの送信手段の前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の和の差の絶対値が第2判定値以上の場合に、平均値の和が大きい方の前記組み合わせのうち、前記第1受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第1受信手段側に、前記第2受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第2受信手段側に配置されていると判断し、
特定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とする。
A tire pressure monitoring system according to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is as follows.
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A first receiving means provided on a vehicle for receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the state signal, and detecting a signal intensity of the signal;
The first receiving means is installed away from the vehicle in the front-rear direction, and the second receiving means detects the signal strength of the signal from the transmitting means,
The signal intensity detected by the first receiving means, the signal intensity detected by the second receiving means, the identification signal and the status signal detected by the first receiving means are inputted, and the first receiving means And signal processing means configured integrally with
The transmission means transmits rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction of each tire as a state signal of each tire,
The signal processing means includes
Based on the rotation direction information and the traveling direction information indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle, specify whether the transmission means is mounted on the left side or the right side,
When the first receiving means and the second receiving means receive a signal from each transmitting means for a first predetermined number of times, the first receiving means and the second receiving means with respect to the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means. Each average value for the first predetermined number of times at
Arbitrary one of the first predetermined number of times at the first receiving means for the transmitting means on the same side and the first predetermined number of times at the second receiving means for the other one transmitting means on the same side The sum of the average values of the minutes, the average value for the first predetermined number of times at the first receiving means of the other one transmitting means, and the first predetermined value at the second receiving means of the arbitrary one transmitting means When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the average values for the number of times is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the transmission unit that has the radio field intensity at the first reception unit out of the combination with the larger sum of the average values is the above The first receiving means side determines that the transmitting means having the radio wave intensity at the second receiving means is disposed on the second receiving means side,
When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the two sets of average values is less than the first determination value, the first receiving means and the second receiving means send the signals from the transmitting means to the first When receiving a second predetermined number of times greater than one predetermined number of times, an average value for the second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means and the second receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means,
Arbitrary one of the second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means for the transmitting means on the same side and the second predetermined number of times at the second receiving means for the other one transmitting means on the same side A sum of average values of minutes, an average value of a second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means of the other one transmission means, and a second predetermined value at the second receiving means of any one of the transmission means When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the average values for the number of times is equal to or greater than the second determination value, the transmission unit that is the radio wave intensity at the first reception unit out of the combination with the larger sum of the average values is the above The first receiving means side determines that the transmitting means having the radio wave intensity at the second receiving means is disposed on the second receiving means side,
The condition of each tire is monitored by the condition signal for the identified tire.

上記課題を解決する第4の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両の各輪近傍に各々設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する複数の受信手段と、
前記複数の受信手段で検出した信号強度、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
1つの任意の受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記任意の受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信した送信手段を、前記任意の受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定し、
前記最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記任意の受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記任意の受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信した送信手段を、前記任意の受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定して、
判定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とする。
A tire pressure monitoring system according to a fourth invention for solving the above-described problem is
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A plurality of receiving means provided near each wheel of the vehicle, receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the status signal, and detecting the signal strength of the signal;
Signal strength detected by the plurality of receiving means, signal processing means to which the identification signal and the status signal are input,
The signal processing means includes
When one arbitrary receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit for a first predetermined number of times, the signal intensity of the signal from each transmitting unit is averaged for the first predetermined number of times by the arbitrary receiving unit. Seeking each
The transmission means that has transmitted the signal that is the maximum average value when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value among all the average values that are obtained, It is determined that it is attached to a tire near the position of the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value, the arbitrary reception unit outputs a signal from each transmission unit more than the first predetermined number of times. When the second predetermined number of times is received, the average value for the second predetermined number of times at the arbitrary receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means,
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or larger than the second determination value smaller than the first determination value, a signal that becomes the maximum average value is transmitted. Determining that the transmission means is attached to a tire near the position of the arbitrary reception means,
The state of each tire is monitored by the state signal for the determined tire.

上記課題を解決する第5の発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両の各輪近傍に各々設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する複数の受信手段と、
前記複数の受信手段で検出した信号強度、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
各受信手段が、1つの任意の送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、前記任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、各受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、前記任意の送信手段を、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定し、
前記最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、各受信手段が、前記任意の送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、前記任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、各受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、前記任意の送信手段を、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定して、
判定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とする。
A tire pressure monitoring system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is as follows.
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A plurality of receiving means provided near each wheel of the vehicle, receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the status signal, and detecting the signal strength of the signal;
Signal strength detected by the plurality of reception means, signal processing means to which the identification signal and the status signal are input,
The signal processing means includes
When each receiving means receives a signal from one arbitrary transmitting means for the first predetermined number of times, the average value for the first predetermined number of times at each receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from the arbitrary transmitting means. Seeking each
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the arbitrary transmission means receives a signal that has the maximum average value. It is determined that the tire is mounted on a tire near the position of the receiving means.
When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value, each reception unit outputs a signal from the arbitrary transmission unit more than the first predetermined number of times. When the second predetermined number of times is received, the average value for the second predetermined number of times at each receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from the arbitrary transmitting means,
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or larger than the second determination value smaller than the first determination value, the arbitrary transmission means is set to the maximum It is determined that the tire is mounted in the vicinity of the position of the receiving means that has received the average signal.
The state of each tire is monitored by the state signal for the determined tire.

本発明によれば、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定することができ、判定されたタイヤに対する状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を、迅速かつ確実に監視することができる。   According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the mounting position of a tire as early as possible while maintaining the accuracy of the determination, and quickly and reliably monitor the state of each tire based on the state signal for the determined tire. can do.

タイヤ空気圧監視システムにおいて、タイヤセンサからの電波強度は、走行中の環境の影響等で変動するため、複数の受信回数の電波強度の平均値を用いることで、変動の影響は緩和できる。そして、より多くの受信回数の電波強度の平均値を使用すれば、その変動幅も小さくできる。但し、このようにすると、多くの受信回数の電波強度の平均値を使用するため、長い判定時間が必要となってしまう。タイヤ空気圧監視システムにおいて、例えば、走行中には、タイヤの空気圧の異常を早期に検知することが望ましく、そのためには、できるだけ少ない受信回数の電波強度で判定を行えることが望ましい。   In the tire pressure monitoring system, the radio wave intensity from the tire sensor fluctuates due to the influence of the traveling environment or the like, and therefore the influence of fluctuation can be mitigated by using the average value of the radio wave intensities of a plurality of reception times. If the average value of the radio field intensity of a larger number of receptions is used, the fluctuation range can be reduced. However, if this is done, a long determination time is required because the average value of the radio field intensity of many receptions is used. In the tire pressure monitoring system, for example, it is desirable to detect an abnormality in tire air pressure early during traveling, and for this purpose, it is desirable to be able to make a determination with the radio wave intensity with as few receptions as possible.

そこで、本発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムでは、取得する電波強度データ数と判定値に、段階を設けて判定処理を行うことで、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定するようにしている。その具体的な実施形態のいくつかを図1〜5に示し、その詳細を以下に説明する。   Therefore, in the tire pressure monitoring system according to the present invention, the number of radio wave intensity data to be acquired and the determination value are set in stages, and the determination process is performed, thereby maintaining the accuracy of the determination and mounting the tire as early as possible. The position is determined. Some of the specific embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and will be described in detail below.

図1は、本発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムの実施形態の一例を示す概略構成図であり、図1(a)は、電波強度センサを含むメイン受信機、タイヤセンサの配置を示し、図1(b)は、メイン受信機の構成を示すものである。   FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a tire pressure monitoring system according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a) shows a main receiver including a radio wave intensity sensor and an arrangement of tire sensors. (B) shows the configuration of the main receiver.

図1に示すように、本実施例のタイヤ空気圧監視システムは、前輪T1、後輪T2内に設置され、ID番号等、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号や空気圧値等、各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号等、これらを含む信号を、定期的に無線(電波)で送信するタイヤセンサS1、S2と、車体10に設置され、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの電波の強度値を検知する1つの電波強度センサを有し、電波強度センサからの電波強度値が入力されると共にタイヤセンサS1、S2からの空気圧値、ID番号を含む信号を受信し、所定の演算処理を行う1つのメイン受信機1を有するものである。   As shown in FIG. 1, the tire pressure monitoring system of the present embodiment is installed in the front wheel T1 and the rear wheel T2, and each tire has an identification signal such as an ID number and an air pressure value that can individually identify each tire. Tire sensors S1 and S2 that periodically transmit signals including these, such as state signals indicating the state, and the vehicle body 10, and detect intensity values of radio waves from the tire sensors S1 and S2. One main unit that has a single radio field intensity sensor, receives a radio field intensity value from the radio field intensity sensor, receives a signal including an air pressure value and an ID number from the tire sensors S1 and S2, and performs a predetermined calculation process A receiver 1 is provided.

メイン受信機1は、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの空気圧値、ID番号を含む信号を受信するアンテナ3と、アンテナ3からの信号を処理し、空気圧値、ID番号を検出する信号受信部4と、アンテナ3での信号の電波強度を検出し、検出した電波強度値を送信する強度検知部5と、強度検知部5から送信される電波強度値と、信号受信部4で認識された空気圧値、ID番号とを用いて所定の演算処理を行う演算部6とを有する。このように、メイン受信機1は、信号受信部4と強度検知部5がアンテナ3を共有するように構成されたものであり、アンテナ3と強度検知部5とにより、メイン受信機1の内部に1つの電波強度センサを有する構成である。以降、アンテナ3と強度検知部5とからなる電波強度センサを、便宜的に、電波強度センサD1と呼ぶ。   The main receiver 1 includes an antenna 3 that receives a signal including an air pressure value and an ID number from the tire sensors S1 and S2, and a signal receiving unit 4 that processes the signal from the antenna 3 and detects the air pressure value and the ID number. , An intensity detector 5 that detects the radio field intensity of the signal at the antenna 3 and transmits the detected radio field intensity value; the radio field intensity value transmitted from the intensity detector 5; and the air pressure value recognized by the signal receiver 4 And an arithmetic unit 6 that performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the ID number. As described above, the main receiver 1 is configured such that the signal receiver 4 and the intensity detector 5 share the antenna 3, and the antenna 3 and the intensity detector 5 are connected to the inside of the main receiver 1. 1 has one radio wave intensity sensor. Hereinafter, the radio wave intensity sensor including the antenna 3 and the intensity detector 5 is referred to as a radio wave intensity sensor D1 for convenience.

演算部6においては、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの信号受信時の電波強度センサD1での電波強度値の比較から、タイヤセンサS1、S2が装着されたタイヤの位置を認識する。例えば、メイン受信機1(電波強度センサD1)を車両前方側に配置した場合、前輪T1に装着されたタイヤセンサS1の発信する電波は相対的に強く(図1(a)中の電波強度値R1f,N)、逆に、後輪T2に装着されたタイヤセンサS2の発信する電波は相対的に弱い(図1(a)中の電波強度値R2f,N)。このような電波強度の比較により、タイヤセンサS1は前輪にタイヤセンサ2は後輪に装着されていることが認識できる。そして、受信した空気圧値が所定の値より低い場合には、インパネ内に設置された警告灯7を点灯させて該当するタイヤをドライバーに警告する演算処理を行っている。 The calculation unit 6 recognizes the position of the tire on which the tire sensors S1 and S2 are mounted from the comparison of the radio wave intensity values at the radio wave intensity sensor D1 when signals are received from the tire sensors S1 and S2. For example, when the main receiver 1 (the radio wave intensity sensor D1) is arranged on the front side of the vehicle, the radio wave transmitted by the tire sensor S1 attached to the front wheel T1 is relatively strong (the radio wave intensity value in FIG. 1A). R 1f, N ), on the contrary, the radio wave transmitted by the tire sensor S2 attached to the rear wheel T2 is relatively weak (the radio wave intensity value R 2f, N in FIG. 1A). From the comparison of the radio field intensities, it can be recognized that the tire sensor S1 is attached to the front wheel and the tire sensor 2 is attached to the rear wheel. When the received air pressure value is lower than a predetermined value, a calculation process is performed in which a warning lamp 7 installed in the instrument panel is turned on to warn the driver of the corresponding tire.

タイヤの左輪右輪の識別は、例えば、タイヤの空気圧を検出するタイヤセンサに加えて、タイヤの回転方向を検出するタイヤ回転方向センサを、タイヤセンサS1、S2に設けた構成とすることで可能となる。この場合、タイヤセンサS1、S2は、空気圧値、ID番号と共に回転方向情報を送信し、メイン受信機1において、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの回転方向情報と、車両10の進行方向情報とから左輪右輪を認識する。例えば、図2に示すように、車両10が前進している場合には、前左輪T1LのタイヤセンサS1Lと、前右輪T1RのタイヤセンサS1Rとの回転方向が異なるため、タイヤセンサS1L、S1Rからの回転方向情報により、前左輪T1Lであるか前右輪T1Rであるか認識可能となる。同様に、後左輪T2LのタイヤセンサS2Lと、後右輪T2RのタイヤセンサS2Rとの回転方向も異なるため、タイヤセンサS2L、S2Rからの回転方向情報により、後左輪T2Lであるか後ろ右輪T2Rであるか認識可能となる。つまり、メイン受信機1における電波強度の比較により、車両10の前輪後輪を認識可能となり、タイヤセンサS1L、S1R、S2L、S2Rから送信される回転方向情報により、車両10の左輪右輪を認識可能となる。 The left and right wheels of the tire can be identified by, for example, a configuration in which tire sensors S1 and S2 are provided with a tire rotation direction sensor that detects a tire rotation direction in addition to a tire sensor that detects tire air pressure. It becomes. In this case, the tire sensors S1 and S2 transmit the rotational direction information together with the air pressure value and the ID number. In the main receiver 1, the left wheel is determined from the rotational direction information from the tire sensors S1 and S2 and the traveling direction information of the vehicle 10. Recognize the right wheel. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the vehicle 10 is moving forward, since the front and tire sensors S1 L of the left wheel T1 L, the direction of rotation of the tire sensors S1 R of the front right wheel T1 R different tire Whether the front wheel is the front left wheel T1 L or the front right wheel T1 R can be recognized by the rotation direction information from the sensors S1 L and S1 R. Similarly, the left rear wheel T2 L tire sensor S2 of L, also different for the rotating direction of the tire sensor S2 R of the rear right wheel T2 R, the rotation direction information from the tire sensor S2 L, S2 R, left rear wheel T2 L Or the rear right wheel T2 R. That is, it becomes possible to recognize the front and rear wheels of the vehicle 10 by comparing the radio field intensity in the main receiver 1, and the left wheel of the vehicle 10 is determined by the rotation direction information transmitted from the tire sensors S1 L , S1 R , S2 L , S2 R. The right wheel can be recognized.

次に、本実施例のメイン受信機1の演算部6で行われる所定の演算処理について、図3を用いて、その詳細を説明する。なお、図3は、電波強度センサD1を有するメイン受信機1が車体前方の1カ所に配置された場合、換言すれば、電波強度センサD1が車体前方の1カ所のみに配置された場合のタイヤの位置認識手順を示すフローチャートである。   Next, the details of the predetermined calculation process performed by the calculation unit 6 of the main receiver 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a tire when the main receiver 1 having the radio wave intensity sensor D1 is arranged at one place in front of the vehicle body, in other words, when the radio wave intensity sensor D1 is arranged at only one place in front of the vehicle body. It is a flowchart which shows the position recognition procedure of.

<ステップS1>
イグニッション(IG)ONでタイヤの位置認識手順が開始する。
<Step S1>
The tire position recognition procedure starts when the ignition (IG) is turned on.

<ステップS2>
自車に登録してあるID番号の信号を受信したか判断し、自車に登録してあるID番号であれば、ステップS3へ進み、そうでなければ、ステップS1へ戻る。これは、他車のタイヤセンサからの信号を排除する目的がある。
<Step S2>
It is determined whether the signal of the ID number registered in the own vehicle has been received. If the signal is the ID number registered in the own vehicle, the process proceeds to step S3. Otherwise, the process returns to step S1. This has the purpose of eliminating signals from tire sensors of other vehicles.

<ステップS3>
受信した信号に含まれる空気圧値が警告閾値以下であるか判断し、空気圧値が警告閾値以下であれば、空気圧警告を行って(ステップS4)、ステップS5へ進み、そうでなければ、そのまま、ステップS5へ進む。
<Step S3>
It is determined whether or not the air pressure value included in the received signal is equal to or lower than the warning threshold value. If the air pressure value is equal to or lower than the warning threshold value, an air pressure warning is issued (step S4), and the process proceeds to step S5. Proceed to step S5.

<ステップS4>
タイヤ位置に対するタイヤセンサS1、S2の配置位置の記録から(後述のステップS13、S14参照)、該当する位置のタイヤに対して、インパネの警告灯7を点灯させて、空気圧警告を表示する。このとき、前輪T1と後輪T2で設定空気圧が異なるのであれば、タイヤ位置に対するタイヤセンサS1、S2の配置位置の記録から、警告対象が前輪T1であるのか後輪T2あるのか認識する。そして、前輪T1であれば、警告すべき前輪T1の設定空気圧値と比較し、後輪T2であれば、警告すべき後輪の設定空気圧値と比較して、空気圧低下の警告を出すようにしている。
<Step S4>
From the record of the arrangement position of the tire sensors S1, S2 with respect to the tire position (see steps S13, S14 described later), the warning light 7 on the instrument panel is turned on for the tire at the corresponding position to display a pneumatic warning. At this time, if the set air pressure is different between the front wheel T1 and the rear wheel T2, it is recognized from the record of the arrangement positions of the tire sensors S1, S2 with respect to the tire position whether the warning object is the front wheel T1 or the rear wheel T2. If it is the front wheel T1, it is compared with the set air pressure value of the front wheel T1 that should be warned, and if it is the rear wheel T2, it is compared with the set air pressure value of the rear wheel that should be warned. ing.

<ステップS5>
信号に含まれる左右輪情報を確認し、左輪であれば、ステップS6へ進み、ステップS6〜S16までの処理を行う。又、右輪であれば、ステップS17へ進む。なお、ステップS17では、ステップS6〜S16と全く同等の処理を行っているため、図2中では、その詳細な手順を省略して示している。
<Step S5>
The left and right wheel information included in the signal is confirmed. If it is the left wheel, the process proceeds to step S6, and the processes from step S6 to S16 are performed. If it is the right wheel, the process proceeds to step S17. Note that, in step S17, processing exactly the same as that in steps S6 to S16 is performed, so the detailed procedure is omitted in FIG.

<ステップS6>
受信した左輪のID番号について、電波強度値R1f,N、R2f,Nを記憶し、ステップS7へ進む。ここで、R1f,Nは、第1のタイヤセンサS1からの電波強度センサD1での電波強度値であり、R2f,Nは第2のタイヤセンサS2からの電波強度センサD1での電波強度値である。又、Nは、受信順に連続して付与される受信番号である。
<Step S6>
For the received ID number of the left wheel, the radio field intensity values R 1f, N and R 2f, N are stored, and the process proceeds to step S7. Here, R 1f, N is the radio field intensity value at the radio field intensity sensor D1 from the first tire sensor S1, and R 2f, N is the radio field intensity at the radio field intensity sensor D1 from the second tire sensor S2. Value. N is a reception number assigned consecutively in the order of reception.

<ステップS7>
信号に含まれるID番号について、そのカウンタNiを一つ加算し(Ni=Ni+1)、ステップS8へ進む。なお、iは、S1又はS2の何れかであり、第1のタイヤセンサS1に対するカウンタNS1と、第2のタイヤセンサS2に対するカウンタNS2を有する構成となる。
<Step S7>
For the ID number included in the signal, one counter N i is added (N i = N i +1), and the process proceeds to step S8. Incidentally, i is, either S1 or S2, a counter N S1 for the first tire sensor S1, a configuration having a counter N S2 for the second tire sensor S2.

<ステップS8>
s1、Ns2のうち、いずれか小さい方が、第1所定回数N1以上であるかを確認する。第1所定回数N1以上であれば、ステップS9へ進み、第1所定回数N1未満であれば、ステップS1へ戻り、受信回数が第1所定回数N1以上になるまで、電波強度値R1f,N、R2f,Nの受信、記憶を繰り返す。
<Step S8>
It is confirmed whether the smaller one of N s1 and N s2 is the first predetermined number of times N 1 or more. If the first predetermined number N 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S9, if the first less than the predetermined number N 1, the flow returns to step S1, until the number of receptions reaches the first predetermined number N 1 or more, the radio wave strength value R Repeat reception and storage of 1f, N and R2f, N.

<ステップS9>
以下の式(1)を計算し、その計算結果が判定値D1以上であるかを確認する。判定値D1以上であれば、ステップS12へ進み、判定値D1未満であれば、ステップS10へ進む。
<Step S9>
It calculates the following equation (1), checks whether it is the calculation result is judged value D 1 or more. If the judgment value D 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S12, if less than the determination value D 1, the process proceeds to step S10.

Figure 2007045202
ここで、「Ave()」を、括弧内の数値の平均値を求める関数と規定する。
Figure 2007045202
Here, “Ave ()” is defined as a function for obtaining an average value of numerical values in parentheses.

<ステップS10>
s1、Ns2のうち、いずれか小さい方が、第2所定回数N2(>N1)以上であるかを確認する。第2所定回数N2以上であれば、ステップS11へ進み、第2所定回数N2未満であれば、ステップS1へ戻り、第2所定回数N2以上になるまで繰り返す。つまり、ここでは、上記式(1)の計算結果が、判定値D1未満の場合、受信した電波強度の精度を確保するため、受信回数が第1所定回数N1より大きい第2所定回数N2となるまで、電波強度値R1f,N、R2f,Nの受信、記憶を繰り返す。
<Step S10>
It is confirmed whether the smaller one of N s1 and N s2 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times N 2 (> N 1 ). If the second predetermined number N 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S11, if it is smaller than the second predetermined number N 2, the flow returns to step S1, and repeats until the second predetermined number N 2 or more. That is, here, when the calculation result of the above formula (1) is less than the determination value D 1, the second predetermined number of times N that is larger than the first predetermined number N 1 in order to ensure the accuracy of the received radio wave intensity. The reception and storage of the radio field intensity values R 1f, N and R 2f, N are repeated until 2 .

<ステップS11>
以下の式(2)を計算し、その計算結果が判定値D2(<D1)以上であるかを確認する。判定値D2以上であれば、ステップS12へ進み、判定値D2未満であれば、ステップS16へ進む。
<Step S11>
The following equation (2) is calculated, and it is confirmed whether the calculation result is equal to or greater than the determination value D 2 (<D 1 ). If the judgment value D 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S12, if less than the determination value D 2, the flow advances to step S16.

Figure 2007045202
Figure 2007045202

<ステップS12>
ステップS9から本ステップに進んできた場合、以下の式(3)計算し、式(3)を満たす場合は、ステップS13へ、式(3)を満たさない場合は、ステップS14へ進む。
又、ステップS11から本ステップに進んできた場合、以下の式(4)計算し、式(4)を満たす場合は、ステップS13へ、式(4)を満たさない場合は、ステップS14へ進む。
<Step S12>
When the process proceeds from step S9 to this step, the following expression (3) is calculated. If expression (3) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S13. If expression (3) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S14.
If the process proceeds from step S11 to this step, the following expression (4) is calculated. If the expression (4) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S13. If the expression (4) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S14.

Ave(R1f,N-N1+1〜R1f,N)>Ave(R2f,N-N1+1〜R2f,N) ・・・ (3)
Ave(R1f,N-N2+1〜R1f,N)>Ave(R2f,N-N2+1〜R2f,N) ・・・ (4)
Ave ( R1f, N-N1 + 1 to R1f, N )> Ave ( R2f, N-N1 + 1 to R2f, N ) (3)
Ave ( R1f, N-N2 + 1 to R1f, N )> Ave ( R2f, N-N2 + 1 to R2f, N ) (4)

<ステップS13>
第1のタイヤセンサS1を電界強度センサD1に近い車軸(前輪T1)の左側タイヤと判定して、記憶し、ステップS15へ進む。
<Step S13>
The first tire sensor S1 is determined to be the left tire of the axle (front wheel T1) close to the electric field strength sensor D1, stored, and the process proceeds to step S15.

<ステップS14>
第2のタイヤセンサS2を電界強度センサD1に近い車軸(前輪T1)の左側タイヤと判定して、記憶し、ステップS15へ進む。
<Step S14>
The second tire sensor S2 is determined to be the left tire of the axle (front wheel T1) close to the electric field strength sensor D1, stored, and the process proceeds to step S15.

<ステップS15>
カウンタNiを0へリセットし、フローを終了する。
<Step S15>
The counter N i is reset to 0, the flow ends.

<ステップS16>
ステップS11において、式(2)の計算結果が判定値D2未満であった場合、異常警告のため、判定不能エラーを出力して、ステップS15へ進む。
<Step S16>
In step S11, when the calculation result of formula (2) is less than the determination value D 2, since the error warning, and outputs the determination unrecoverable error, the process proceeds to step S15.

つまり、要約すると、本実施例では、装着タイヤ位置の判定方法として、第1所定受信回数N1の時、各タイヤセンサS1、S2について、電波強度センサでのN1回分の受信の電波強度平均値の差(式(1)参照)が、第1判定値D1以上であれば、この結果から前輪後輪の判定を行い、D1未満であれば判定を保留し、その後、N1より大きい第2所定受信回数N2の時、各タイヤセンサS1、S2について、電波強度センサでのN2回分の受信の電波強度平均値の差(式(2)参照)が、D1より小さい第2判定値D2以上であれば、この結果から前輪後輪の判定を行うようにしている。このように、本実施例では、判定を2段階として、第2所定受信回数N2の時のN2回分の受信の電波強度平均値の差の判定値D2までで判定を行っている。そのため、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定することが可能となる。 That is, in summary, in the present embodiment, as a method for determining the position of the mounted tire, when the first predetermined number of reception times N 1 , for each of the tire sensors S1 and S2, the reception intensity average of N 1 receptions by the radio field intensity sensor. If the difference in values (see equation (1)) is greater than or equal to the first determination value D 1 , the determination of the front and rear wheels is made from this result, and if it is less than D 1 , the determination is suspended, and then from N 1 When the second predetermined number of times of reception N 2 is large, the difference in the radio field intensity average value of N 2 receptions by the radio field intensity sensor (see formula (2)) is smaller than D 1 for each of the tire sensors S1 and S2. if the second judgment value D 2 or more, and to perform the determination of the front wheel-rear wheel from the results. Thus, in the present embodiment, the determination as two steps, is performed judged up determination value D 2 of the difference between the radio wave intensity average value of N 2 times of reception when the second predetermined number of times of receiving N 2. Therefore, it is possible to determine the mounting position of the tire as early as possible while maintaining the accuracy of the determination.

ここで、図1を参照して、図3に示した手順の具体的な処理を説明する。
図1に示すように、車体の前方にメイン受信機1(電波強度センサD1)が配置されており、例えば、標準値として、前輪T1のタイヤセンサS1からの電波強度平均値Ave(R1f,N)を30dBとし、後輪T2のタイヤセンサS2からの電波強度平均値Ave(R2f,N)を25dBとする。又、第1所定受信回数N1を10回、第2所定受信回数N2を20回として考える。
Here, a specific process of the procedure shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a main receiver 1 (radio wave intensity sensor D1) is disposed in front of the vehicle body. For example, as a standard value, the radio wave intensity average value Ave (R 1f, N ) is set to 30 dB, and the radio field intensity average value Ave (R 2f, N ) from the tire sensor S2 of the rear wheel T2 is set to 25 dB. Further, it is assumed that the first predetermined reception number N 1 is 10 times and the second predetermined reception number N 2 is 20 times.

第1所定受信回数N1=10回の受信の電波強度平均値の変動幅は、経験的に、±4dB程度であり、第2所定受信回数N2=20回の受信の電波強度の平均値の変動幅は、経験的に、±2dB程度であった。 The fluctuation range of the first predetermined reception number N 1 = 10 reception radio wave intensity average values is empirically about ± 4 dB, and the second predetermined reception number N 2 = 20 reception radio wave average values The fluctuation range of was empirically about ± 2 dB.

このような場合、N1=10回受信した時点での10回分の電波強度平均値は、前輪T1のタイヤセンサS1からの電波強度平均値Ave(R1f,N)は、26〜34dB(=30±4dB)であり、後輪T2のタイヤセンサS2からの電波強度平均値Ave(R2f,N)は、21〜29dB(=25±4dB)となる。従って、最悪の場合を考慮しても、第1判定値D1=3dB(=29−26dB)以上と設定しておけば、誤判定することはない。又、第1判定値D1=3dBは、標準値の差の5dB(=30−25dB)より小さく、多くの場合、第1所定受信回数N1=10回受信した時点で、タイヤの位置認識の判定が可能である。 In this case, 10 times of the radio wave intensity average value at the time of receiving N 1 = 10 times, radio intensity average value Ave (R 1f, N) from the tire sensor S1 of the front wheel T1 is, 26~34dB (= 30 ± 4 dB), and the radio field intensity average value Ave (R 2f, N ) from the tire sensor S2 of the rear wheel T2 is 21 to 29 dB (= 25 ± 4 dB). Therefore, even if the worst case is taken into consideration, if the first determination value D 1 = 3 dB (= 29−26 dB) or more is set, no erroneous determination will occur. Further, the first determination value D 1 = 3 dB is smaller than the standard value difference of 5 dB (= 30−25 dB), and in many cases, the tire position is recognized when the first predetermined reception number N 1 = 10 times is received. Can be determined.

もし、N1=10回受信時点で判定保留となった場合、N2=20回受信の時点での20回分の電波強度平均値は、前輪T1のタイヤセンサS1からの電波強度平均値Ave(R1f,N)は、28〜32dB(=30±2dB)、後輪T2のタイヤセンサS2からの電波強度平均値Ave(R2f,N)は、23〜27dB(=25±2dB)となる。この場合、電波強度平均値Ave(R1f,N)と電波強度平均値Ave(R2f,N)には、必ず有意差があるため、第2判定値D2=0dBと設定しておけば、必ず判定可能である。以上の判定から、検出された電波強度値が比較的強いものが前輪T1から、比較的弱いものが後輪T2からと認識することができる。 If the determination is put on hold when N 1 = 10 times of reception, the average value of the radio field intensity for 20 times at the time of reception of N 2 = 20 times is the average value Ave of the radio field intensity from the tire sensor S1 of the front wheel T1. R 1f, N ) is 28 to 32 dB (= 30 ± 2 dB), and the radio field intensity average value Ave (R 2f, N ) from the tire sensor S2 of the rear wheel T2 is 23 to 27 dB (= 25 ± 2 dB). . In this case, since the radio wave intensity average value Ave (R 1f, N ) and the radio wave intensity average value Ave (R 2f, N ) always have a significant difference, the second determination value D 2 = 0 dB is set. It is always possible to determine. From the above determination, it is possible to recognize that the detected field intensity value is relatively strong from the front wheel T1, and the relatively weak field intensity value from the rear wheel T2.

図4は、本発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムの実施形態の他の一例を示す概略構成図であり、図4(a)は、電波強度センサ、メイン受信機、タイヤセンサの配置を示し、図4(b)、図4(c)は、メイン受信機の構成例を示すものである。なお、図4において、実施例1の図1で示したものと同等の構成には、同じ符号を付し、重複する説明は省略する。   FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the embodiment of the tire pressure monitoring system according to the present invention. FIG. 4A shows the arrangement of the radio wave intensity sensor, the main receiver, and the tire sensor. 4 (b) and FIG. 4 (c) show configuration examples of the main receiver. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

図4(a)に示すように、本実施例のタイヤ空気圧監視システムも、前輪T1、後輪T2内に設置されたタイヤセンサS1、S2と、車体10内に設置され、内部に電波強度センサD1を有する1つのメイン受信機1A(1B)とを有するものであり、更に、車体10において、メイン受信機1A(1B)とは異なる位置に設置された1つの電波強度センサD2とを有する。   As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the tire pressure monitoring system of the present embodiment is also equipped with tire sensors S1, S2 installed in the front wheels T1 and rear wheels T2, a vehicle body 10 and a radio wave intensity sensor inside. It has one main receiver 1A (1B) having D1, and further has one radio wave intensity sensor D2 installed in a position different from the main receiver 1A (1B) in the vehicle body 10.

図4(b)、(c)は、メイン受信機1A(1B)、電波強度センサD2の構成例を示すものである。   FIGS. 4B and 4C show configuration examples of the main receiver 1A (1B) and the radio wave intensity sensor D2.

例えば、図4(b)においては、メイン受信機1Aは、実施例1におけるメイン受信機1と同様に、アンテナ3、信号受信部4、強度検知部5、演算部6とを有し、更に、メイン受信機1Aとは異なる位置(車両後方側)に設置され、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの信号を受信するアンテナ8と、メイン受信機1Aの内部に設けられ、アンテナ8での電波強度を検知し、検出した電波強度値を送信する強度検知部9とを有する。メイン受信機1Aにおいては、強度検知部5と、信号受信部4と共有するアンテナ3とにより、メイン受信機1の内部に1つの電波強度センサD1を有する構成であり、又、強度検知部9と車両後方側に配置されたアンテナ8とにより他の電波強度センサを有する構成である。以降、アンテナ8と強度検知部9とからなる電波強度センサを、便宜的に、電波強度センサD2と呼ぶ。   For example, in FIG. 4B, the main receiver 1A includes the antenna 3, the signal receiving unit 4, the intensity detecting unit 5, and the calculating unit 6, like the main receiver 1 in the first embodiment. The antenna 8 is installed at a position different from the main receiver 1A (rear side of the vehicle) and receives signals from the tire sensors S1 and S2, and the radio wave intensity at the antenna 8 is provided inside the main receiver 1A. And an intensity detector 9 for detecting and transmitting the detected radio field intensity value. The main receiver 1 </ b> A has a configuration in which one radio wave intensity sensor D <b> 1 is provided inside the main receiver 1 by the intensity detector 5 and the antenna 3 shared with the signal receiver 4, and the intensity detector 9 And an antenna 8 disposed on the rear side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the radio wave intensity sensor including the antenna 8 and the intensity detector 9 is referred to as a radio wave intensity sensor D2 for convenience.

又、図4(c)においては、メイン受信機1Bは、実施例1におけるメイン受信機1と同様に、アンテナ3、信号受信部4、強度検知部5、演算部6とを有し、アンテナ3と強度検知部5とにより、メイン受信機1の内部に1つの電波強度センサD1を有する構成であり、更に、メイン受信機1Bとは異なる位置(車両後方側)に他の電波強度センサD2が設置された構成である。電波強度センサD2は、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの信号を受信するアンテナ8と、アンテナ8での電波強度を検知し、検出した電波強度値をメイン受信機1Bの演算部6に送信する強度検知部9とを有する。   In FIG. 4C, the main receiver 1B includes the antenna 3, the signal receiving unit 4, the intensity detecting unit 5, and the calculating unit 6 like the main receiver 1 in the first embodiment. 3 and the intensity detection unit 5 have one radio wave intensity sensor D1 inside the main receiver 1, and another radio wave intensity sensor D2 at a position (rear side of the vehicle) different from the main receiver 1B. Is a configuration in which is installed. The radio field intensity sensor D2 detects the radio field intensity at the antenna 8 that receives signals from the tire sensors S1 and S2, and transmits the detected radio field intensity value to the arithmetic unit 6 of the main receiver 1B. Part 9.

このように、本実施例では、システム中に複数(図4(b)、(c)中では2つ)の電波強度センサD1、D2を有する構成である。   As described above, in this embodiment, the system has a plurality of (two in FIGS. 4B and 4C) radio wave intensity sensors D1 and D2.

本実施例では、電波強度センサD1を含むメイン受信機13を前輪T1側に配置し、電波強度センサD2を後輪T2側に配置し、電波強度センサD1、D2で検出した電波強度値をメイン受信機1A(1B)へ送信して、所定の演算処理を行うことで、ノイズの影響を受けにくく、前輪後輪を確実に認識できるようにしている。なお、図2に示すように、タイヤセンサS1L、S1R、S2L、S2Rが、タイヤ回転方向センサを有する構成とすれば、送信される回転方向情報により、車両10の左輪右輪も認識可能となる。 In this embodiment, the main receiver 13 including the radio wave intensity sensor D1 is arranged on the front wheel T1 side, the radio wave intensity sensor D2 is arranged on the rear wheel T2 side, and the radio wave intensity values detected by the radio wave intensity sensors D1 and D2 are the main. By transmitting to the receiver 1A (1B) and performing predetermined calculation processing, it is difficult to be affected by noise, and the front and rear wheels can be reliably recognized. As shown in FIG. 2, if the tire sensors S1 L , S1 R , S2 L , S2 R have a tire rotation direction sensor, the left and right wheels of the vehicle 10 are also changed according to the transmitted rotation direction information. It becomes possible to recognize.

演算部6においては、タイヤセンサS1、S2からの信号受信時の電波強度センサD1、D2での電波強度値の比較から、タイヤセンサS1、S2が装着されたタイヤの位置を認識する。例えば、車両前方側に配置されたメイン受信機1(電波強度センサD1)では、前輪T1に装着されたタイヤセンサS1の発信する電波は相対的に強く(図4(a)中の電波強度値R1f,N)、逆に、後輪T2に装着されたタイヤセンサS2の発信する電波は相対的に弱い(図1(a)中の電波強度値R1r,N)。又、車両後方側に配置された電波強度センサD2では、前輪T1に装着されたタイヤセンサS1の発信する電波は相対的に弱く(図4(a)中の電波強度値R2f,N)、逆に、後輪T2に装着されたタイヤセンサS2の発信する電波は相対的に強い(図1(a)中の電波強度値R2r,N)。このような電波強度の比較により、タイヤセンサS1は前輪に、タイヤセンサ2は後輪に装着されていることが認識できる。そして、受信した空気圧値が所定の値より低い場合には、インパネ内に設置された警告灯7を点灯させて該当するタイヤをドライバーに警告する演算処理を行っている。 The calculation unit 6 recognizes the position of the tire on which the tire sensors S1 and S2 are mounted from the comparison of the radio wave intensity values at the radio wave intensity sensors D1 and D2 when signals are received from the tire sensors S1 and S2. For example, in the main receiver 1 (radio wave intensity sensor D1) disposed on the front side of the vehicle, the radio wave transmitted by the tire sensor S1 attached to the front wheel T1 is relatively strong (the radio wave intensity value in FIG. 4A). R 1f, N ), on the contrary, the radio wave transmitted by the tire sensor S2 mounted on the rear wheel T2 is relatively weak (the radio wave intensity value R 1r, N in FIG. 1A). Further, in the radio wave intensity sensor D2 disposed on the rear side of the vehicle, the radio wave transmitted from the tire sensor S1 mounted on the front wheel T1 is relatively weak (the radio wave intensity value R 2f, N in FIG. 4A). Conversely, the radio wave transmitted by the tire sensor S2 attached to the rear wheel T2 is relatively strong (the radio wave intensity value R 2r, N in FIG. 1A). From the comparison of the radio field intensities, it can be recognized that the tire sensor S1 is attached to the front wheel and the tire sensor 2 is attached to the rear wheel. When the received air pressure value is lower than a predetermined value, a calculation process is performed in which a warning lamp 7 installed in the instrument panel is turned on to warn the driver of the corresponding tire.

次に、本実施例のメイン受信機1A(1B)の演算部6で行われる所定の演算処理について、図5を用いて、その詳細を説明する。なお、図5は、電波強度センサD1を有するメイン受信機1A(1B)が車体前方の1カ所に配置され、他の電波強度センサD2が車体後方の1カ所に配置された場合のタイヤの位置認識手順を示すフローチャートである。   Next, details of a predetermined calculation process performed by the calculation unit 6 of the main receiver 1A (1B) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the position of the tire when the main receiver 1A (1B) having the radio wave intensity sensor D1 is arranged at one place in front of the vehicle body and the other radio wave intensity sensor D2 is arranged at one place behind the vehicle body. It is a flowchart which shows a recognition procedure.

<ステップS21>
イグニッション(IG)ONでタイヤの位置認識手順が開始する。
<Step S21>
The tire position recognition procedure starts when the ignition (IG) is turned on.

<ステップS22>
自車に登録してあるID番号の信号を受信したか判断し、自車に登録してあるID番号であれば、ステップS23へ進み、そうでなければ、ステップS21へ戻る。これは、他車のタイヤセンサからの信号を排除する目的がある。
<Step S22>
It is determined whether the signal of the ID number registered in the own vehicle has been received. If the signal is the ID number registered in the own vehicle, the process proceeds to step S23, and if not, the process returns to step S21. This has the purpose of eliminating signals from tire sensors of other vehicles.

<ステップS23>
受信した信号に含まれる空気圧値が警告閾値以下であるか判断し、空気圧値が警告閾値以下であれば、空気圧警告を行って(ステップS24)、ステップS25へ進み、そうでなければ、そのまま、ステップS25へ進む。
<Step S23>
It is determined whether or not the air pressure value included in the received signal is equal to or lower than the warning threshold value. If the air pressure value is equal to or lower than the warning threshold value, an air pressure warning is issued (step S24), and the process proceeds to step S25. Proceed to step S25.

<ステップS24>
タイヤ位置に対するタイヤセンサS1、S2の配置位置の記録から(後述のステップS32、S33参照)、該当する位置のタイヤに対して、インパネの警告灯7を点灯させて、空気圧警告を表示する。このとき、前輪T1と後輪T2で設定空気圧が異なるのであれば、タイヤ位置に対するタイヤセンサS1、S2の配置位置の記録から、警告対象が前輪T1であるのか後輪T2あるのか認識する。そして、前輪T1であれば、警告すべき前輪T1の設定空気圧値と比較し、後輪T2であれば、警告すべき後輪の設定空気圧値と比較して、空気圧低下の警告を出すようにしている。
<Step S24>
From the record of the arrangement positions of the tire sensors S1 and S2 with respect to the tire position (see steps S32 and S33 described later), the warning light 7 on the instrument panel is turned on for the tire at the corresponding position, and an air pressure warning is displayed. At this time, if the set air pressure is different between the front wheel T1 and the rear wheel T2, it is recognized from the record of the arrangement positions of the tire sensors S1, S2 with respect to the tire position whether the warning object is the front wheel T1 or the rear wheel T2. If it is the front wheel T1, it is compared with the set air pressure value of the front wheel T1 that should be warned, and if it is the rear wheel T2, it is compared with the set air pressure value of the rear wheel that should be warned. ing.

<ステップS25>
受信したタイヤのID番号について、電波強度値R1f,N、R1r,N、R2f,N、R2r,Nを記憶し、ステップS26へ進む。ここで、R1f,Nは、第1のタイヤセンサS1からの前方側の電波強度センサD1での電波強度値であり、R1r,Nは、第1のタイヤセンサS1からの後方側の電波強度センサD2での電波強度値である。又、R2f,Nは第2のタイヤセンサS2からの前方側の電波強度センサD1での電波強度値であり、R2r,Nは、第2のタイヤセンサS2からの後方側の電波強度センサD2での電波強度値である。又、Nは、受信順に連続して付与される受信番号である。
<Step S25>
For the received tire ID number, the radio field intensity values R 1f, N , R 1r, N , R 2f, N , R 2r, N are stored, and the process proceeds to step S26. Here, R 1f, N is a radio field intensity value at the front side radio wave intensity sensor D1 from the first tire sensor S1, and R 1r, N is a rear side radio wave from the first tire sensor S1. It is a radio wave intensity value at the intensity sensor D2. R 2f, N is a radio field intensity value at the front side radio field intensity sensor D1 from the second tire sensor S2, and R 2r, N is a rear side radio field intensity sensor from the second tire sensor S2. It is a field intensity value at D2. N is a reception number assigned consecutively in the order of reception.

<ステップS26>
信号に含まれるID番号について、そのカウンタNiを一つ加算し(Ni=Ni+1)、ステップS27へ進む。なお、iは、S1又はS2の何れかであり、第1のタイヤセンサS1に対するカウンタNS1と、第2のタイヤセンサS2に対するカウンタNS2を有する構成となる。
<Step S26>
With respect to the ID number included in the signal, one counter N i is added (N i = N i +1), and the process proceeds to step S27. Incidentally, i is, either S1 or S2, a counter N S1 for the first tire sensor S1, a configuration having a counter N S2 for the second tire sensor S2.

<ステップS27>
s1、Ns2のうち、いずれか小さい方が、第1所定回数N1以上であるかを確認する。第1所定回数N1以上であれば、ステップS28へ進み、第1所定回数N1未満であれば、ステップS21へ戻り、第1所定回数N1以上になるまで、電波強度値R1f,N、R1r,N、R2f,N、R2r,Nの受信、記憶を繰り返す。
<Step S27>
It is confirmed whether the smaller one of N s1 and N s2 is the first predetermined number of times N 1 or more. If the first predetermined number N 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S28, if the first less than the predetermined number N 1, the flow returns to step S21, until the first predetermined number N 1 or more, the radio wave strength value R 1f, N , R 1r, N , R 2f, N and R 2r, N are repeatedly received and stored.

<ステップS28>
以下の式(5)を計算し、その計算結果が判定値D1以上であるかを確認する。判定値D1以上であれば、ステップS31へ進み、判定値D1未満であれば、ステップS29へ進む。
<Step S28>
It calculates the following equation (5), checks whether it is the calculation result is judged value D 1 or more. If the judgment value D 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S31, if less than the determination value D 1, the process proceeds to step S29.

Figure 2007045202
Figure 2007045202

<ステップS29>
s1、Ns2のうち、いずれか小さい方が、第2所定回数N2(>N1)以上であるかを確認する。第2所定回数N2以上であれば、ステップS30へ進み、第2所定回数N2未満であれば、ステップS21へ戻り、第2所定回数N2以上になるまで繰り返す。つまり、ここでは、上記式(3)の計算結果が、判定値D1未満の場合、受信した電波強度の精度を確保するため、受信回数が第1所定回数N1より大きい第2所定回数N2となるまで、電波強度値R1f,N、R1r,N、R2f,N、R2r,Nの受信、記憶を繰り返す。
<Step S29>
It is confirmed whether the smaller one of N s1 and N s2 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times N 2 (> N 1 ). If the second predetermined number N 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S30, if it is smaller than the second predetermined number N 2, the flow returns to step S21, and repeats until the second predetermined number N 2 or more. That is, here, when the calculation result of the above formula (3) is less than the determination value D 1, the second predetermined number N of times that the number of receptions is larger than the first predetermined number N 1 in order to ensure the accuracy of the received radio wave intensity. The reception and storage of the radio field intensity values R 1f, N , R 1r, N , R 2f, N , R 2r, N are repeated until 2 .

<ステップS30>
以下の式(6)を計算し、その計算結果が判定値D2(<D1)以上であるかを確認する。判定値D2以上であれば、ステップS31へ進み、判定値D2未満であれば、ステップS35へ進む。
<Step S30>
The following equation (6) is calculated, and it is confirmed whether the calculation result is equal to or greater than the determination value D 2 (<D 1 ). If the judgment value D 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S31, if less than the determination value D 2, the flow advances to step S35.

Figure 2007045202
Figure 2007045202

<ステップS31>
ステップS28から本ステップに進んできた場合、以下の式(7)計算し、式(7)を満たす場合は、ステップS32へ、式(7)を満たさない場合は、ステップS33へ進む。
又、ステップS30から本ステップに進んできた場合、以下の式(8)計算し、式(8)を満たす場合は、ステップS32へ、式(8)を満たさない場合は、ステップS33へ進む。
<Step S31>
When the process proceeds from step S28 to this step, the following expression (7) is calculated. If the expression (7) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S32. If the expression (7) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S33.
If the process proceeds from step S30 to this step, the following expression (8) is calculated. If expression (8) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S32. If expression (8) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S33.

Ave(R1f,N-N1+1〜R1f,N)+Ave(R2r,N-N1+1〜R2r,N)>Ave(R2f,N-N1+1〜R2f,N)+Ave(R1r,N-N1+1〜R1r,N) ・・・ (7)
Ave(R1f,N-N2+1〜R1f,N)+Ave(R2r,N-N2+1〜R2r,N)>Ave(R2f,N-N2+1〜R2f,N)+Ave(R1r,N-N2+1〜R1r,N) ・・・ (8)
Ave ( R1f, N-N1 + 1 to R1f, N ) + Ave ( R2r, N-N1 + 1 to R2r, N )> Ave ( R2f, N-N1 + 1 to R2f, N ) + Ave ( R1r, N-N1 + 1 to R1r, N ) (7)
Ave ( R1f, N-N2 + 1 to R1f, N ) + Ave ( R2r, N-N2 + 1 to R2r, N )> Ave ( R2f, N-N2 + 1 to R2f, N ) + Ave ( R1r, N-N2 + 1 to R1r, N ) (8)

<ステップS32>
第1のタイヤセンサS1を前輪T1側、第2のタイヤセンサS2を後輪T2側と判定して、記憶し、ステップS34へ進む。
<Step S32>
The first tire sensor S1 is determined to be the front wheel T1 side, and the second tire sensor S2 is determined to be the rear wheel T2 side, stored, and the process proceeds to step S34.

<ステップS33>
第2のタイヤセンサS2を前輪T1側、第1のタイヤセンサS1を後輪T2側と判定して、記憶し、ステップS34へ進む。
<Step S33>
The second tire sensor S2 is determined to be the front wheel T1 side, and the first tire sensor S1 is determined to be the rear wheel T2 side, stored, and the process proceeds to step S34.

<ステップS34>
カウンタNiを0へリセットし、フローを終了する。
<Step S34>
The counter N i is reset to 0, the flow ends.

<ステップS35>
ステップS30において、式(6)の計算結果が判定値D2未満であった場合、判定不能エラーを出力して、ステップS34へ進む。
<Step S35>
In step S30, when the calculation result of formula (6) is less than the determination value D 2, and outputs the determination unrecoverable error, the process proceeds to step S34.

つまり、要約すると、本実施例では、装着タイヤ位置の判定方法として、2つの電波強度センサD1、D2を用い、各電波強度センサD1、D2における強い(最大の)電波強度の平均値の和{Ave(R1f,N)+Ave(R2r,N)}と他の電波強度の平均値の和{Ave(R1r,N)+Ave(R2f,N)}とを比較することで、前輪後輪の判定を行っている。具体的には、第1所定受信回数N1の時、N1回分の受信の電波強度平均値により、それらの差(式(5)参照)を比較し、第1判定値D1以上であれば、この結果から前輪後輪の判定を行い、D1未満であれば判定を保留し、その後、N1より大きい第2所定受信回数N2の時、N2回分の受信の電波強度平均値により、それらの差(式(6)参照)を比較し、D1より小さい第2判定値D2以上であれば、この結果から前輪後輪の判定を行うようにしている。このように、本実施例でも、判定を2段階として、第2所定受信回数N2の時のN2回分の受信の電波強度平均値の差の判定値D2までで判定を行っている。そのため、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定することが可能となる。 That is, in summary, in the present embodiment, two radio wave intensity sensors D1 and D2 are used as a method for determining the position of the mounted tire, and the sum of the average values of strong (maximum) radio wave intensity at each of the radio wave intensity sensors D1 and D2 { By comparing Ave (R 1f, N ) + Ave (R 2r, N )} with the sum of the average values of other radio wave strengths {Ave (R 1r, N ) + Ave (R 2f, N )} The wheel is being judged. Specifically, when the first predetermined number of receptions N 1 , the difference (see equation (5)) is compared with the N 1 reception radio field intensity average values, and if the difference is equal to or greater than the first determination value D 1. if, as a result makes a determination of the front wheel-rear wheel from pending determination is less than D 1, then when N 1 is greater than a second predetermined number of times of receiving N 2, radio intensity average value of N 2 times of reception Thus, the difference between them (see equation (6)) is compared, and if it is equal to or larger than the second determination value D 2 which is smaller than D 1, the determination of the front and rear wheels is performed from this result. Thus, also in the present embodiment, the determination is made in two stages, and the determination is made up to the determination value D 2 of the difference in the received radio field intensity average value for N 2 times at the second predetermined number of reception times N 2 . Therefore, it is possible to determine the mounting position of the tire as early as possible while maintaining the accuracy of the determination.

上述した実施例1、2においては、判定段階を2段階として、前輪後輪の判定を行っているが、本発明は、更に、3段階以上に判定段階を分けるようにしてもよい。3段階目における第3所定受信回数をN3、N3回分の受信の電波強度平均値の差の判定値である第3判定値をD3とすると、例えば、第1所定受信回数N1を10回、第1判定値D1を3dB、第2所定受信回数N2を15回、第2判定値D2を2dB、第3所定受信回数N3を20回、第3判定値D3を0dBというようにすればよい。 In the first and second embodiments described above, the determination stage is set to two stages and the determination of the front and rear wheels is performed. However, in the present invention, the determination stage may be further divided into three or more stages. Assuming that the third predetermined number of receptions in the third stage is N 3 , and the third determination value that is the determination value of the difference in radio field intensity average value for N 3 receptions is D 3 , for example, the first predetermined number of receptions N 1 is 10 times, the first determination value D 1 is 3 dB, the second predetermined reception number N 2 is 15, the second determination value D 2 is 2 dB, the third predetermined reception number N 3 is 20, and the third determination value D 3 is It may be set to 0 dB.

本実施例においては、実施例2の図4に示した電波強度センサD2を更に増やし、各車輪の近傍に各電波強度センサを設けるようにしたものである。例えば、図2を参照すると、4輪の車両の場合、前輪T1L、T1R、前輪T2L、T2Rの各車輪の近傍に、つまり、タイヤセンサS1L、S1R、S2L、S2Rの近傍に、4つの電波強度センサが設けられた構成である。又、本実施例の場合、各電波強度センサは、タイヤセンサからの信号の電波強度を検出すると共に、信号からのID番号、空気圧値等の状態信号を検出するものが望ましい。このような構成を用いて、本実施例では、1つの電波強度センサにおいて、最大の電波強度で受信されるタイヤセンサを検出して、検出されたタイヤセンサが、その電波強度センサの配置位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定するようにしている。 In the present embodiment, the radio wave intensity sensors D2 shown in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment are further increased, and the respective radio wave intensity sensors are provided in the vicinity of the respective wheels. For example, referring to FIG. 2, in the case of a four-wheel vehicle, in the vicinity of the front wheels T1 L , T1 R , front wheels T2 L , T2 R , that is, tire sensors S1 L , S1 R , S2 L , S2 R. Is a configuration in which four radio wave intensity sensors are provided in the vicinity of. In the case of this embodiment, it is desirable that each radio wave intensity sensor detects the radio wave intensity of the signal from the tire sensor and also detects a status signal such as an ID number and an air pressure value from the signal. With this configuration, in this embodiment, in one radio wave intensity sensor, a tire sensor received at the maximum radio wave intensity is detected, and the detected tire sensor is in the vicinity of the arrangement position of the radio wave intensity sensor. It is determined that the tire is attached to the tire.

ここで、本実施例における具体的な判定手順を説明する。本実施例においても、実施例1〜3と同様に、取得する電波強度データ数と判定値に、段階を設けて判定処理を行うことで、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定するようにしている。   Here, a specific determination procedure in the present embodiment will be described. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, the determination process is performed by providing stages to the number of radio wave intensity data to be acquired and the determination value, thereby maintaining the determination accuracy as early as possible. The tire mounting position is determined.

具体的には、1つの任意の電波強度センサが、各タイヤセンサからの信号を第1所定回数N1回受信したとき、各タイヤセンサからの信号の信号強度について、任意の電波強度センサでの第1所定回数N1回分の平均値を各々求め、求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値D1以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信したタイヤセンサを、任意の電波強度センサの位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定している。 Specifically, when one arbitrary radio wave intensity sensor receives a signal from each tire sensor for the first predetermined number N 1 times, the signal intensity of the signal from each tire sensor is each the average value of the first predetermined number N 1 times, among all the average values obtained, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum mean value and the other average value of the first determination value D 1 or more, It is determined that the tire sensor that has transmitted the signal having the maximum average value is attached to the tire in the vicinity of the position of the arbitrary radio wave intensity sensor.

最大の平均値と他の平均値との差が第1判定値D1未満の場合には、任意の電波強度センサが、各タイヤセンサからの信号を、第1所定回数N1より多い第2所定回数N2回受信したとき、各タイヤセンサからの信号の信号強度について、任意の電波強度センサでの第2所定回数N2回分の平均値を各々求め、求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値D1より小さい第2判定値D2以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信したタイヤセンサを、任意の電波強度センサの位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定している。そして、判定されたタイヤに対する空気圧値等の状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視している。 If the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value D 1 , the arbitrary radio wave intensity sensor outputs the signal from each tire sensor to the second greater than the first predetermined number N 1 . When receiving a predetermined number N 2 times, the signal intensity of the signal from each tire sensor is determined for an average value of the second predetermined number of times N 2 at any radio wave intensity sensor, and among all the obtained average values, If the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average values is equal to or greater than the second determination value D 2 that is smaller than the first determination value D 1, the tire sensor that has transmitted the signal that is the maximum average value is arbitrarily selected It is determined that the tire is mounted on a tire near the position of the radio wave intensity sensor. The state of each tire is monitored by a state signal such as an air pressure value for the determined tire.

本実施例においても、実施例4と同様に、電波強度センサD2を更に増やし、各車輪の近傍に各電波強度センサを設けるようにしたものである。又、本実施例の場合も、各電波強度センサは、タイヤセンサからの信号の電波強度を検出すると共に、信号からのID番号、空気圧値等の状態信号を検出するものが望ましい。このような構成を用いて、本実施例では、複数の電波強度センサにおいて、1つのタイヤセンサから送信される信号の信号強度が最大となる電波強度センサを検出して、そのタイヤセンサが、検出された電波強度センサの配置位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定するようにしている。   Also in the present embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the number of radio wave intensity sensors D2 is further increased, and each radio wave intensity sensor is provided in the vicinity of each wheel. Also in the present embodiment, it is desirable that each radio wave intensity sensor detects the radio wave intensity of the signal from the tire sensor and the status signal such as the ID number and the air pressure value from the signal. Using this configuration, in this embodiment, a plurality of radio wave intensity sensors detect a radio wave intensity sensor that maximizes the signal intensity of a signal transmitted from one tire sensor, and the tire sensor detects It is determined that the tire is mounted on a tire near the position where the radio wave intensity sensor is arranged.

本実施例における具体的な判定手順も、実施例1〜3と同様に、取得する電波強度データ数と判定値に、段階を設けて判定処理を行うことで、判定の正確性を保ちながら、可能な限り早期にタイヤの装着位置を判定するようにしている。   As in the first to third embodiments, the specific determination procedure in the present embodiment is also performed by determining the number of radio wave intensity data to be acquired and the determination value while performing the determination process, while maintaining the accuracy of the determination, The tire mounting position is determined as early as possible.

具体的には、各電波強度センサが、1つの任意のタイヤセンサからの信号を第1所定回数N1回受信したとき、任意のタイヤセンサからの信号の信号強度について、各電波強度センサでの第1所定回数N1回分の平均値を各々求め、求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値D1以上の場合に、任意のタイヤセンサを、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した電波強度センサの位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定している。 Specifically, when each radio wave intensity sensor receives a signal from one arbitrary tire sensor for the first predetermined number N 1 times, the signal intensity of the signal from the arbitrary tire sensor is each the average value of the first predetermined number N 1 times, among all the average values obtained, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum mean value and the other average value of the first determination value D 1 or more, It is determined that an arbitrary tire sensor is attached to a tire in the vicinity of the position of the radio wave intensity sensor that has received the signal having the maximum average value.

最大の平均値と他の平均値との差が第1判定値D1未満の場合には、各電波強度センサが、任意のタイヤセンサからの信号を、第1所定回数N1より多い第2所定回数N2回受信したとき、任意のタイヤセンサからの信号の信号強度について、各電波強度センサでの第2所定回数N2回分の平均値を各々求め、求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値D1より小さい第2判定値D2以上の場合に、任意のタイヤセンサを、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した電波強度センサの位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定している。そして、判定されたタイヤに対する状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視している。 When the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value D 1 , each radio wave intensity sensor outputs a signal from an arbitrary tire sensor that is greater than the first predetermined number N 1 . When receiving a predetermined number N 2 times, for each signal intensity of the signal from any tire sensor, an average value for the second predetermined number N 2 of each radio wave intensity sensor is obtained, and among all the obtained average values, When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average values is equal to or greater than the second determination value D 2 that is smaller than the first determination value D 1 , any tire sensor receives a signal that is the maximum average value It is determined that the tire is mounted on a tire near the position of the radio field intensity sensor. And the state of each tire is monitored by the state signal with respect to the determined tire.

本発明は、車両のタイヤの空気圧を監視するタイヤ空気圧監視システムに適用するものであるが、ノイズ等が厳しい環境において、無線によって対象物を監視するものであれば、どのようなものにも適用可能である。   The present invention is applied to a tire air pressure monitoring system that monitors the tire air pressure of a vehicle. However, the present invention is applicable to any object that wirelessly monitors an object in a severe noise environment. Is possible.

本発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムの実施形態の一例を示す概略構成図であり、(a)は、メイン受信機、タイヤセンサの配置を示し、(b)は、メイン受信機の構成を示すものである。It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of embodiment of the tire pressure monitoring system which concerns on this invention, (a) shows arrangement | positioning of a main receiver and a tire sensor, (b) shows the structure of a main receiver. It is. 車両の進行方向とタイヤセンサの回転方向を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the advancing direction of a vehicle and the rotation direction of a tire sensor. 電波強度センサが車体前方の1カ所に配置された場合のタイヤの位置認識手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the position recognition procedure of the tire when a field intensity sensor is arrange | positioned in one place ahead of a vehicle body. 本発明に係るタイヤ空気圧監視システムの実施形態の他の一例を示す概略構成図であり、(a)は、メイン受信機、タイヤセンサ、電波強度センサの配置を示し、(b)は、メイン受信機の構成を示し、(c)は、メイン受信機の更なる他の構成例を示すものである。It is a schematic block diagram which shows another example of embodiment of the tire pressure monitoring system which concerns on this invention, (a) shows arrangement | positioning of a main receiver, a tire sensor, and a field intensity sensor, (b) is main reception. (C) shows still another configuration example of the main receiver. 電波強度センサが2カ所に配置された場合のタイヤの位置認識手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the position recognition procedure of the tire when a field intensity sensor is arrange | positioned in two places.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1、1A、1B メイン受信機(受信手段、第1受信手段)
D2 電波強度センサ(第2受信手段)
3、8 アンテナ
4 信号受信部
5、9 強度検知部
6 演算部(信号処理手段)
7 警告灯
10 車両
S1、S2 タイヤセンサ(送信手段)
T1 前輪
T2 後輪
1, 1A, 1B main receiver (receiving means, first receiving means)
D2 radio wave intensity sensor (second receiving means)
3, 8 Antenna 4 Signal receiving unit 5, 9 Strength detection unit 6 Calculation unit (signal processing means)
7 Warning light 10 Vehicle S1, S2 Tire sensor (transmission means)
T1 front wheel T2 rear wheel

Claims (5)

車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両に設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する1つ又は複数の受信手段と、
前記受信手段で検出した前記識別信号、前記状態信号及び前記信号強度が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記受信手段が各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と他の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値以上の場合に、前記受信手段の位置と、任意の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対する他の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値の大小とに基づいて、任意の送信手段が装着されたタイヤの位置を特定し、
前記平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記受信手段が各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と他の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、前記受信手段の位置と、任意の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対する他の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値の大小とに基づいて、任意の送信手段が装着されたタイヤの位置を特定して、
特定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とするタイヤ空気圧監視システム。
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
One or a plurality of receiving means provided in a vehicle, for receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the state signal, and detecting a signal strength of the signal;
Signal processing means for inputting the identification signal, the state signal and the signal strength detected by the receiving means;
The signal processing means includes
When the receiving means receives a signal from each transmitting means for a first predetermined number of times, the signal intensity of a signal from any transmitting means and the signal strength of a signal from another transmitting means is a first predetermined value at the receiving means. Find the average value for each number of times,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the position of the receiving unit and the average value of the signal strengths of other transmitting units relative to the average value of the signal strength of any transmitting unit Based on the size, identify the position of the tire with any transmission means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is less than the first determination value, when the receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit for a second predetermined number of times greater than the first predetermined number of times, any transmission is performed. For each of the signal strength of the signal from the means and the signal strength of the signal from the other transmission means, obtain an average value for the second predetermined number of times at the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than a second determination value smaller than the first determination value, the position of the reception unit and the other transmission units with respect to the average value of the signal strength for any transmission unit Based on the magnitude of the average value of the signal strength, specify the position of the tire where any transmission means is mounted,
A tire pressure monitoring system for monitoring the state of each tire based on the state signal for the identified tire.
請求項1に記載のタイヤ空気圧監視システムにおいて、
前記受信手段は、車両前方又は後方側に設けられ、
前記送信手段は、各タイヤの状態信号として、各タイヤの回転方向を示す回転方向情報を送信するものであり、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記回転方向情報と車両の進行方向を示す進行方向情報とに基づいて、前記送信手段が左側又は右側の何れかに装着されているかを特定し、
前記受信手段が同じ側に装着された各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、同じ側の一方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と同じ側の他方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、一方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対して、他方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値が小さければ、一方の送信手段が車両前方又は後方のタイヤに装着されたと判定し、
前記平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記受信手段が前記同じ側の各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、同じ側の一方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度と同じ側の他方の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
該平均値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、一方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値に対して、他方の送信手段についての信号強度の平均値が小さければ、一方の送信手段が車両前方又は後方のタイヤに装着されたと判定することを特徴とするタイヤ空気圧監視システム。
In the tire pressure monitoring system according to claim 1,
The receiving means is provided on the front or rear side of the vehicle,
The transmission means transmits rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction of each tire as a state signal of each tire,
The signal processing means includes
Based on the rotation direction information and the traveling direction information indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle, specify whether the transmission means is mounted on the left side or the right side,
When the reception means receives a signal from each transmission means mounted on the same side for the first predetermined number of times, the signal strength of the signal from one transmission means on the same side is the signal strength from the other transmission means on the same side. For the signal strength, an average value for the first predetermined number of times in the receiving means is obtained,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is greater than or equal to the first determination value, if the average value of the signal strength for the other transmission means is smaller than the average value of the signal strength for one transmission means, It is determined that the transmission means is attached to a tire in front of or behind the vehicle,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is less than the first determination value, the receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit on the same side for a second predetermined number of times greater than the first predetermined number of times. , For the signal strength of the signal from the other transmitting means on the same side as the signal strength of the signal from one transmitting means on the same side, respectively, obtain an average value for the second predetermined number of times in the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the average values is equal to or greater than a second determination value that is smaller than the first determination value, the average of the signal strength for the other transmission means with respect to the average value of the signal strength for one transmission means If the value is small, it is determined that one of the transmission means is attached to a tire in front of or behind the vehicle.
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両に設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する第1受信手段と、
前記第1受信手段とは車両の前後方向に離れて設置され、前記送信手段からの信号の信号強度を検出する第2受信手段と、
前記第1受信手段で検出した信号強度と、前記第2受信手段で検出した信号強度と、前記第1受信手段で検出した前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力されると共に、前記第1受信手段と一体に構成された信号処理手段とを備え、
前記送信手段は、各タイヤの状態信号として、各タイヤの回転方向を示す回転方向情報を送信するものであり、
前記信号処理手段は、
前記回転方向情報と車両の進行方向を示す進行方向情報とに基づいて、前記送信手段が左側又は右側の何れかに装着されているかを特定し、
前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
同じ側の送信手段についての前記第1受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の任意の1つと、同じ側の他の1つの送信手段についての前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の和と、前記他の1つの送信手段の前記第1受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値と前記任意の1つの送信手段の前記第2受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値の和の差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、平均値の和が大きい方の前記組み合わせのうち、前記第1受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第1受信手段側に、前記第2受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第2受信手段側に配置されていると判断し、
前記2組の平均値の和の値の差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記第1受信手段及び前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
同じ側の送信手段についての前記第1受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の任意の1つと、同じ側の他の1つの送信手段についての前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の和と、前記他の1つの送信手段の前記第1受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値と前記任意の1つの送信手段の前記第2受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値の和の差の絶対値が第2判定値以上の場合に、平均値の和が大きい方の前記組み合わせのうち、前記第1受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第1受信手段側に、前記第2受信手段での電波強度となる送信手段は前記第2受信手段側に配置されていると判断し、
特定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とするタイヤ空気圧監視システム。
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A first receiving means provided on a vehicle for receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the state signal, and detecting a signal intensity of the signal;
The first receiving means is installed away from the vehicle in the front-rear direction, and the second receiving means detects the signal strength of the signal from the transmitting means,
The signal intensity detected by the first receiving means, the signal intensity detected by the second receiving means, the identification signal and the status signal detected by the first receiving means are inputted, and the first receiving means And signal processing means configured integrally with
The transmission means transmits rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction of each tire as a state signal of each tire,
The signal processing means includes
Based on the rotation direction information and the traveling direction information indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle, specify whether the transmission means is mounted on the left side or the right side,
When the first receiving means and the second receiving means receive a signal from each transmitting means for a first predetermined number of times, the first receiving means and the second receiving means with respect to the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means. Each average value for the first predetermined number of times at
Arbitrary one of the first predetermined number of times at the first receiving means for the transmitting means on the same side and the first predetermined number of times at the second receiving means for the other one transmitting means on the same side The sum of the average values of the minutes, the average value for the first predetermined number of times at the first receiving means of the other one transmitting means, and the first predetermined value at the second receiving means of the arbitrary one transmitting means When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the average values for the number of times is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the transmission unit that has the radio field intensity at the first reception unit out of the combination with the larger sum of the average values is the above The first receiving means side determines that the transmitting means having the radio wave intensity at the second receiving means is disposed on the second receiving means side,
When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the two sets of average values is less than the first determination value, the first receiving means and the second receiving means send the signals from the transmitting means to the first When receiving a second predetermined number of times greater than one predetermined number of times, an average value for the second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means and the second receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means,
Arbitrary one of the second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means for the transmitting means on the same side and the second predetermined number of times at the second receiving means for the other one transmitting means on the same side A sum of average values of minutes, an average value of a second predetermined number of times at the first receiving means of the other one transmission means, and a second predetermined value at the second receiving means of any one of the transmission means When the absolute value of the difference between the sums of the average values for the number of times is equal to or greater than the second determination value, the transmission unit that is the radio wave intensity at the first reception unit out of the combination with the larger sum of the average values is the above The first receiving means side determines that the transmitting means having the radio wave intensity at the second receiving means is disposed on the second receiving means side,
A tire pressure monitoring system for monitoring the state of each tire based on the state signal for the identified tire.
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両の各輪近傍に各々設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する複数の受信手段と、
前記複数の受信手段で検出した信号強度、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
1つの任意の受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記任意の受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信した送信手段を、前記任意の受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定し、
前記最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、前記任意の受信手段が、各送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、各送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、前記任意の受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、最大の平均値となる信号を送信した送信手段を、前記任意の受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定して、
判定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とするタイヤ空気圧監視システム。
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A plurality of receiving means provided near each wheel of the vehicle, receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the status signal, and detecting the signal strength of the signal;
Signal strength detected by the plurality of receiving means, signal processing means to which the identification signal and the status signal are input,
The signal processing means includes
When one arbitrary receiving unit receives a signal from each transmitting unit for a first predetermined number of times, the signal intensity of the signal from each transmitting unit is averaged for the first predetermined number of times by the arbitrary receiving unit. Seeking each
The transmission means that has transmitted the signal that is the maximum average value when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value among all the average values that are obtained, It is determined that it is attached to a tire near the position of the receiving means,
When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value, the arbitrary reception unit outputs a signal from each transmission unit more than the first predetermined number of times. When the second predetermined number of times is received, the average value for the second predetermined number of times at the arbitrary receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from each transmitting means,
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or larger than the second determination value smaller than the first determination value, a signal that becomes the maximum average value is transmitted. Determining that the transmission means is attached to a tire near the position of the arbitrary reception means,
A tire pressure monitoring system for monitoring the state of each tire based on the state signal for the determined tire.
車両の各タイヤに設けられ、各タイヤを個別に識別可能な識別信号と、空気圧を含む各タイヤの状態を示す状態信号とを送信する送信手段と、
車両の各輪近傍に各々設けられ、前記送信手段からの信号を受信して、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号を検出すると共に前記信号の信号強度を検出する複数の受信手段と、
前記複数の受信手段で検出した信号強度、前記識別信号及び前記状態信号が入力される信号処理手段とを備え、
前記信号処理手段は、
各受信手段が、1つの任意の送信手段からの信号を第1所定回数受信したとき、前記任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、各受信手段での第1所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が第1判定値以上の場合に、前記任意の送信手段を、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定し、
前記最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値未満の場合には、各受信手段が、前記任意の送信手段からの信号を、前記第1所定回数より多い第2所定回数受信したとき、前記任意の送信手段からの信号の信号強度について、各受信手段での第2所定回数分の平均値を各々求め、
求めた全ての平均値の内、最大の平均値と他の平均値との差の絶対値が前記第1判定値より小さい第2判定値以上の場合に、前記任意の送信手段を、最大の平均値となる信号を受信した受信手段の位置近傍のタイヤに装着されたものと判定して、
判定されたタイヤに対する前記状態信号により、各タイヤの状態を監視することを特徴とするタイヤ空気圧監視システム。
Transmitting means that is provided in each tire of the vehicle and transmits an identification signal that can individually identify each tire, and a state signal that indicates the state of each tire including air pressure;
A plurality of receiving means provided near each wheel of the vehicle, receiving a signal from the transmitting means, detecting the identification signal and the status signal, and detecting the signal strength of the signal;
Signal strength detected by the plurality of receiving means, signal processing means to which the identification signal and the status signal are input,
The signal processing means includes
When each receiving means receives a signal from one arbitrary transmitting means for the first predetermined number of times, the average value for the first predetermined number of times at each receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from the arbitrary transmitting means. Seeking each
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or greater than the first determination value, the arbitrary transmission means receives a signal that has the maximum average value. It is determined that the tire is mounted on a tire near the position of the receiving means.
When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and the other average value is less than the first determination value, each reception unit outputs a signal from the arbitrary transmission unit more than the first predetermined number of times. When the second predetermined number of times is received, the average value for the second predetermined number of times at each receiving means is obtained for the signal strength of the signal from the arbitrary transmitting means,
Among all the obtained average values, when the absolute value of the difference between the maximum average value and other average values is equal to or larger than the second determination value smaller than the first determination value, the arbitrary transmission means is set to the maximum It is determined that the tire is mounted in the vicinity of the position of the receiving means that has received the average signal.
A tire pressure monitoring system for monitoring the state of each tire based on the state signal for the determined tire.
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WO2015076292A1 (en) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-28 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Tire position determination system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015076292A1 (en) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-28 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Tire position determination system
JP2015101209A (en) * 2013-11-25 2015-06-04 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Tire position determination system

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