JP2012026189A - Electronic key system, on-board unit, and portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic key system, an on-board unit, and a portable device, by which a user is allowed to board or start engine when wireless communication between the portable device and the on-board unit is unavailable.SOLUTION: An on-board unit transmits a response request signal through the radio wave in the first frequency band, estimates presence/absence of jamming to the radio wave in the second frequency band based on the reception state of the response signal transmitted from the portable device with the radio wave in the second frequency band, identifies a transmission timing of the response request signal upon generation of jamming, and transmits a notification instruction signal that contains the transmission timing for instructing notification of operation guide information that guides with respect to the operation of the portable device corresponding to the transmission timing. The portable device notifies the operation guide information based on the transmission timing contained in the received notification instruction signal upon reception of the notification instruction signal from a receiver of the first portable device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic key system for a vehicle, an in-vehicle device, and a portable device.

  With the advance of computerization of vehicles, an electronic key system composed of an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle and a portable device possessed by the user of the vehicle has been put into practical use. This type of electronic key system can control door locking / unlocking and engine start without performing mechanical key operations, as long as wireless communication is used between the in-vehicle device and the portable device. It is a mechanism that can be executed.

  This portable device is usually stored in, for example, a pocket of clothes or a bag, and is rarely obtained by a user when riding or driving the vehicle. That is, even if the area where the portable device exists can be specified using the portable device search device, the user may not know where the portable device is in the area.

  Therefore, when a search signal for searching for a portable device is transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the portable device, the notification means provided on the portable device side is activated, and by notifying the surrounding that the portable device exists, An electronic key system has been devised that makes it easier to find a portable device (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-163633 A

  In electronic key systems including well-known keyless entry systems and smart entry systems, the UHF band (for example, the 300 MHz band in Japan) is used for transmission from a portable device to an in-vehicle device. It has been broken. However, since this frequency band is also used in other systems such as a wireless door phone, interference is likely to occur. That is, the operation as an electronic key system may not be performed normally.

  In transmission from a vehicle to a portable device using an electronic key system such as a smart entry system, the LF band (100 kHz band) is used to limit the communication area to the periphery of the vehicle from the viewpoint of security. . For this reason, the communication in the LF band is not easily disturbed because it is a short distance and relatively strong power (magnetic field) communication.

  The above-mentioned electronic key system portable device has a mechanical key and inductive coupling of LF (Low Frequency) band as a backup when wireless communication with the in-vehicle device cannot be performed due to battery exhaustion or interference or radio wave interference. Some devices have a transponder function that communicates with the electric power of

  By using this function, the mechanical key is taken out from the portable device and the door lock is unlocked, and then the portable device is held over the engine start switch or inserted into a slot provided at a specific position of the vehicle, so that the transponder communication Thus, the engine can be started.

  However, users who have become accustomed to not operating the mobile device usually have difficulty in recalling the above work in the case of a bag, and it is necessary to get on the vehicle and read the instruction manual again. In some cases, there was a problem such as getting stuck in the vehicle and getting stuck.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 1, it can be seen where the portable device is, but no countermeasure is disclosed when wireless communication between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is not possible.

  Against the background of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic key system, an in-vehicle device, and a portable device that allow a user to get on or start an engine even when wireless communication between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is not possible. It is to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

An electronic key system for solving the above problems is as follows.
In-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle and a portable device carried by the user, the portable device is in response to the response request signal, the first portable device side receiving unit that receives the response request signal from the in-vehicle device, A second portable device-side transmitter that transmits a response signal to the in-vehicle device using radio waves in the second frequency band, and the in-vehicle device transmits a response request signal to the portable device using radio waves in the first frequency band. A first in-vehicle device-side transmission unit and a second in-vehicle device-side reception unit that receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device, and the second in-vehicle device-side reception unit uses the response signal received by the in-vehicle device. An electronic key system that executes predetermined control,
The in-vehicle device includes a radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of a response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit, and radio interference has occurred. A transmission timing specifying unit that specifies the transmission timing of the response request signal when the estimation is made, and the first in-vehicle device side transmission unit estimated that the radio interference is occurring. Sometimes including a transmission timing, characterized by transmitting a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information for guiding the operation of the portable device corresponding to the transmission timing,
The portable device includes an operation guide information notifying unit that notifies operation guide information corresponding to a transmission timing included in the received notification instruction signal when the notification instruction signal is received by the first portable device-side receiving unit. And

  With the above-described configuration, even when collation is not normally performed due to radio wave interference, the user can know what operation (a workaround) should be performed.

  In the electronic key system of the present invention, in the portable device, when the second portable device-side transmission unit receives the notification instruction signal from the first portable device-side reception unit, the operation guide information reception response to the in-vehicle device. The operation guide information notification unit transmits the signal, and notifies the operation guide information after a predetermined time has elapsed after the second portable device-side transmission unit transmits the operation guide information reception response signal.

  With the above configuration, even when the in-vehicle device erroneously estimates that radio interference has occurred and has transmitted a notification instruction signal, it is possible to recognize an estimation error with normal reception of the operation guide information reception response signal. In order to avoid reporting the operation guide information by transmitting a response request signal other than the notification instruction signal, for example, a verification request signal, to the portable device within a predetermined time, avoid false notification to the user. Can do.

  Further, in the in-vehicle device, the electronic key system of the present invention is configured such that when the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit receives the operation guide information reception response signal after the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit transmits the notification instruction signal, The first in-vehicle device side transmission unit transmits a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information, and the first portable device side reception unit transmits the notification stop signal within a predetermined time in the portable device. When received, the operation guide information notification unit does not notify the operation guide information.

  The fact that communication with UHF means that there is no radio interference, the operation guide information can be obtained even if the in-vehicle device erroneously estimates that radio interference has occurred and has transmitted a notification instruction signal. Can be stopped, so that misreporting to the user can be avoided.

An electronic key system for solving the above problems is
In-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle and a portable device carried by the user, the portable device is in response to the response request signal, the first portable device side receiving unit that receives the response request signal from the in-vehicle device, A second portable device-side transmitter that transmits a response signal to the in-vehicle device using radio waves in the second frequency band, and the in-vehicle device transmits a response request signal to the portable device using radio waves in the first frequency band. A first in-vehicle device-side transmission unit and a second in-vehicle device-side reception unit that receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device, and the second in-vehicle device-side reception unit uses the response signal received by the in-vehicle device. An electronic key system that executes predetermined control,
The in-vehicle device includes a radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of a response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit;
A state for responding to a state confirmation request signal transmitted from a portable device with a radio wave in the second frequency band, and a transmission timing specifying unit for specifying a transmission timing of a response request signal when it is estimated that radio wave interference has occurred A second in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit that transmits the confirmation response signal using radio waves in the second frequency band, and the first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit includes the electromagnetic interference estimating unit, and the electromagnetic interference has occurred. Transmission of a status confirmation request signal to the in-vehicle device together with a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information that guides the operation of the portable device corresponding to the transmission timing. A communication request signal including content requesting,
The portable device further includes a second portable device-side receiver that receives a state confirmation response signal from the in-vehicle device, and the second portable device receives the notification instruction signal and the communication request signal by the first portable device-side receiver. Transmits a status confirmation request signal from the machine-side transmitter, and is transmitted when the second portable device-side receiver does not receive a status confirmation response signal within a predetermined time after transmitting the status confirmation request signal. An operation guide information notifying unit for notifying operation guide information corresponding to the timing is further provided.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of radio wave interference by checking the state of the portable device with respect to the in-vehicle device. When the confirmation can be made, UHF communication is possible, that is, there is no radio interference, so even if the estimation of radio interference on the vehicle-mounted device side is incorrect, it is possible to avoid false reports to the user. .

  In the electronic key system according to the present invention, the radio wave interference estimating unit in the in-vehicle device has a radio wave in the second frequency band when the level of the signal received by the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. It is estimated that there is radio interference for

  With the above configuration, the notification instruction signal is transmitted by the first in-vehicle device side transmission unit only when the possibility of radio wave interference is higher, so that power consumption in the in-vehicle device can be suppressed.

  The electronic key system of the present invention is the first in-vehicle device in the in-vehicle device when the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit receives the response signal after the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit transmits the notification instruction signal. The side transmission unit transmits a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information, and the operation guide information notification unit of the portable device operates until the first portable device side reception unit receives the notification stop signal. Continue to broadcast information.

  For example, if notification can be stopped by a switch operation of a portable device, for example, if the user unintentionally presses the switch in a pocket or a bag, the operation method becomes unclear. However, the above configuration does not stop the notification even when an unintended switch operation is performed, so that it is understood how to operate.

  The operation guide information notifying unit of the portable device in the electronic key system of the present invention guides how to use the mechanical key included in the portable device when the transmission timing is a response request signal transmitted outside the vehicle cabin. When it is notified as information and the transmission timing transmits a response request signal to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an engine start method using the portable device is notified as operation guide information.

  By notifying only necessary information by the said structure, it can prevent spurring a user's confusion.

  In addition, the operation guide information notifying unit in the electronic key system of the present invention is configured to include a display that does not consume power to continue display.

  For example, many electronic paper displays are characterized in that they do not consume power to continue display. With the configuration described above, it is possible to continue notification of operation guide information even when the battery capacity of the portable device is low or the battery is exhausted.

  In the electronic key system of the present invention, the radio wave in the first frequency band is the LF band, and the radio wave in the second frequency band is the UHF band.

  In the case of a smart entry system, for communication in the first frequency band, it is preferable that the detection area of the portable device can be easily limited to about 1 to 3 m around the vehicle, so the LF band is suitable. For communication in the second frequency band, it is preferable that a communication distance of several hundred to 1,000 m can be secured by increasing the output by several tens of meters even if the transmission output is weak, and the detection area can be easily set wide. The UHF band is suitable.

Moreover, the in-vehicle device for solving the above-mentioned problem is
A first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit that transmits a response request signal using radio waves in the first frequency band to a portable device carried by the user, and from the mobile device using radio waves in the second frequency band in response to the response request signal. A second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit that receives a response signal to be transmitted, and an in-vehicle device that executes predetermined control based on the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit,
Based on the reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit, when estimating that the radio wave interference has occurred, and the radio wave interference estimating unit for estimating the presence or absence of the radio wave interference to the radio wave in the second frequency band A transmission timing specifying unit that specifies the transmission timing of the response request signal, and the first in-vehicle device side transmission unit transmits the radio interference when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that radio interference has occurred. A notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information that includes the timing and guides the operation of the portable device corresponding to the transmission timing is transmitted.

  With the above-described configuration, even when collation is not normally performed due to radio wave interference, the user can know what operation (a workaround) should be performed.

Moreover, the in-vehicle device for solving the above-mentioned problem is
A first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit that transmits a response request signal using radio waves in the first frequency band to a portable device carried by the user, and from the mobile device using radio waves in the second frequency band in response to the response request signal. A second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit that receives a response signal to be transmitted, and an in-vehicle device that executes predetermined control based on the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit,
Based on the reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit, when estimating that the radio wave interference has occurred, and the radio wave interference estimating unit for estimating the presence or absence of the radio wave interference to the radio wave in the second frequency band A transmission timing specifying unit that specifies the transmission timing of the response request signal, and the first in-vehicle device side transmission unit transmits the radio interference when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that radio interference has occurred. A communication request signal including timing and a notification request signal for instructing notification of operation guide information for guiding the operation of the portable device corresponding to the transmission timing, as well as content requesting transmission of a state confirmation request signal to the in-vehicle device In response to the communication request signal, a state confirmation response signal for responding to the state confirmation request signal transmitted from the portable device by the radio wave of the second frequency band is transmitted in the second frequency band. And further comprising a second in-vehicle device side transmission unit that transmits at a wave.

  Since communication using UHF means that there is no radio interference, even if the radio interference on the in-vehicle device side is not correctly estimated, the above configuration can prevent false notification to the user.

  The radio interference estimation unit in the in-vehicle device of the present invention has radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band when the level of the signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. Estimated.

  With the above configuration, since the transmission by the first in-vehicle device side transmission unit is performed only when there is a higher possibility of radio wave interference, power consumption in the in-vehicle device can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit receives the response signal after the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit has transmitted the notification instruction signal, the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit is A notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information is transmitted.

  The fact that communication with UHF means that there is no radio interference, the operation guide information can be obtained even if the in-vehicle device erroneously estimates that radio interference has occurred and has transmitted a notification instruction signal. Can be stopped, so that misreporting to the user can be avoided.

  Moreover, the radio wave of the 1st frequency band in the vehicle-mounted apparatus of this invention is a LF band, and the radio wave of a 2nd frequency band is a UHF band.

  For communication in the first frequency band, it is preferable that the detection area of the portable device can be easily limited to about 1 to 3 m around the vehicle, so the LF band is suitable. For communication in the second frequency band, it is preferable that a communication distance of several hundred to 1,000 m can be secured by increasing the output by several tens of meters even if the transmission output is weak, and the detection area can be easily set wide. The UHF band is suitable.

In addition, a portable device for solving the above problems is
When the response request signal is received by the first portable device-side receiver that receives the response request signal by using the first frequency band from the in-vehicle device, the second frequency band After the response signal is transmitted by the second portable device side transmitting unit that transmits the response signal at the second portable device side transmitting unit, the first portable device side receiving unit guides the operation of the portable device from the in-vehicle device. An operation guide information notifying unit for notifying operation guide information corresponding to a transmission timing of a response request signal included in the notification instruction signal when a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of the operation guide information is received. It is characterized by.

  With the above-described configuration, even when collation is not normally performed due to radio wave interference, the user can know what operation (a workaround) should be performed.

  In addition, when the second portable device-side transmission unit in the portable device of the present invention receives the operation guide information by the first portable device-side reception unit, the second portable device-side transmission unit transmits an operation guide information reception response signal to the in-vehicle device. The guide information notification unit notifies the operation guide information after a predetermined time has elapsed after the second portable device-side transmission unit transmits the operation guide information reception response signal.

  With the above configuration, even when the in-vehicle device erroneously estimates that radio wave interference has occurred and has transmitted a notification instruction signal, it is possible to recognize the estimation error through normal reception of the operation guide information reception response signal. Therefore, the notification of the operation guide information can be stopped by transmitting a response request signal other than the notification instruction signal, for example, a verification request signal, to the portable device within a predetermined time. It can be avoided.

  Further, when the first portable device-side receiving unit receives a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information within a predetermined time, the operation guide information notification unit Do not broadcast guide information.

  The fact that communication with UHF means that there is no radio interference, the operation guide information can be obtained even if the in-vehicle device erroneously estimates that radio interference has occurred and has transmitted a notification instruction signal. Can be stopped, so that misreporting to the user can be avoided.

In addition, a portable device for solving the above problems is
When the response request signal is received by the first portable device-side receiver that receives the response request signal by using the first frequency band from the in-vehicle device, the second frequency band And a second portable device-side transmitter that transmits a response signal at
After transmitting the response signal by the second portable device-side transmitter, the first portable device-side receiver receives a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information for guiding the operation of the portable device from the in-vehicle device, and in-vehicle When a communication request signal including content requesting transmission of a state confirmation request signal to the device is received, a state confirmation request signal is transmitted from the second portable device side transmission unit to the in-vehicle device, and in response to the state confirmation request signal The second portable device side receiving unit that receives the state confirmation response signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device using the radio wave of the second frequency band and the second portable device side receiving unit are predetermined after transmitting the state confirmation request signal. An operation guide information notifying unit that notifies operation guide information corresponding to the transmission timing of the response request signal included in the notification instruction signal when the state confirmation response signal is not received from the in-vehicle device within the predetermined time. Characterized in that it obtain.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of radio wave interference by checking the state of the portable device with respect to the in-vehicle device. When the confirmation is made, it means that communication can be performed with UHF, and it means that there is no radio interference, so even if the estimation of radio interference on the in-vehicle device side is incorrect, avoid false reports to the user. be able to.

  Moreover, the operation guide information alerting | reporting part in the portable device of this invention continues alerting | reporting of operation guide information until the 1st portable device side receiving part receives the alerting | reporting stop signal for stopping the alerting | reporting of operation guide information.

  For example, if notification can be stopped by a switch operation of a portable device, for example, if the user unintentionally presses the switch in a pocket or a bag, the operation method becomes unclear. However, the above configuration does not stop the notification even when an unintended switch operation is performed, so that it is understood how to operate.

  In addition, the operation guide information notifying unit in the portable device according to the present invention indicates how to use the mechanical key included in the portable device when the transmission timing is when a response request signal is transmitted outside the vehicle cabin. When a response request signal is transmitted to the passenger compartment of the vehicle at the notification timing, the engine start method using the portable device is notified as operation guide information.

  By notifying only necessary information by the said structure, it can prevent spurring a user's confusion.

  Moreover, the operation guide information alerting | reporting part in the portable device of this invention is comprised including the indicator which does not consume electric power for continuation of a display.

  For example, many electronic paper displays are characterized in that they do not consume power to continue display. With the configuration described above, it is possible to continue notification of operation guide information even when the battery capacity of the portable device is low or the battery is exhausted.

  In the portable device of the present invention, the first frequency band radio wave is the LF band, and the second frequency band radio wave is the UHF band.

  With the above configuration, in the case of a smart entry system, for communication in the first frequency band, it is preferable that the detection area of the portable device can be easily limited to about 1 to 3 m around the vehicle, so the LF band is suitable. . For communication in the second frequency band, it is preferable that a communication distance of several hundred to 1,000 m can be secured by increasing the output by several tens of meters even if the transmission output is weak, and the detection area can be easily set wide. The UHF band is suitable.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic key system (first embodiment). The flowchart explaining the collation process in a vehicle-mounted apparatus (1st Example). The flowchart explaining the communication processing in a portable machine (1st Example). The block diagram which shows the structure of an electronic key system (2nd Example). The flowchart explaining the collation process in a vehicle-mounted apparatus (2nd Example). The flowchart explaining the communication processing in a portable machine (2nd Example). The figure which shows the example of alerting | reporting of the operation guide information outside the vehicle interior in a portable device. The figure which shows the alerting | reporting example of the operation guide information in the vehicle interior in a portable device.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an electronic key system, an in-vehicle device, and a portable device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the electronic key system 100. The electronic key system 100 includes an in-vehicle device 1 and a portable device 2.

  The in-vehicle device 1 includes an ECU 10, an LF transmitter 11, a UHF receiver 12, an engine switch 15, a door antenna 16 (a general term for 16FR, 16RR, 16FL, and 16FR), an indoor antenna 17, an antenna 18 in the trunk, an antenna 19 outside the trunk, and the like. It has.

  The ECU 10 is configured as a computer including a well-known CPU, a ROM and RAM in which various programs (collectively referred to as “on-vehicle device control program”) are stored, a signal input / output circuit (none of which are shown), and the like. And various functions as the vehicle-mounted device 1 are realized by the CPU executing the vehicle-mounted device control program. The ECU 10 corresponds to a radio wave interference estimation unit and a transmission timing identification unit of the present invention.

  The LF transmitter 11 transmits a radio signal to the portable device 2 using radio waves in the LF band (that is, radio waves in the first frequency band of the present invention). Further, the radio signal transmitted from the LF transmitter 11 passes through the door antenna 16, the indoor antenna 17, the trunk internal antenna 18, and the trunk external antenna 19 at four locations, in the vicinity of the door (outside the passenger compartment), in the passenger compartment, It reaches only within a limited communication area inside the trunk and near the outside of the trunk.

  The UHF receiving unit 12 receives a radio signal transmitted from the portable device 2 using a UHF band radio wave (that is, a radio wave in the second frequency band of the present invention). Thereby, even if the output level of the portable device 2 is relatively weak, a communication distance can be obtained correspondingly, and the response signal can be more reliably transmitted to the in-vehicle device 1 side.

  The LF transmitter 11, door antenna 16, indoor antenna 17, trunk antenna 18, and trunk antenna 19 correspond to the first vehicle-mounted device side transmitter of the present invention. The UHF receiver 12 corresponds to the second in-vehicle device side receiver of the present invention.

  The engine switch 15 is a switch operated by the user when starting the engine. When the operation of the engine switch 15 is detected by a signal from the engine switch 15, the ECU 10 is permitted to start the engine. If the engine start is permitted, an engine start signal is transmitted from the ECU 10 to the engine control system.

  The portable device 2 includes a control IC 20, an LF receiver 21, a UHF transmitter 22, push switches 24 to 26, a display 27, a buzzer 28, a vibrator 29, a memory 30 composed of a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory, and the like. I have.

  The control IC 20 is configured as a computer including, for example, a well-known CPU, a ROM and RAM in which various programs (collectively referred to as “portable device control program”) are stored, a signal input / output circuit (none of which are shown), and the like. The And various functions as the portable device 2 are realized by the CPU executing the portable device control program.

  The LF receiving unit 21 receives a radio signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device 1 using an LF band radio wave. The UHF transmission unit 22 transmits a radio signal to the in-vehicle device 1 using UHF band radio waves. The LF receiver 21 corresponds to the first portable device-side receiver of the present invention. The UHF transmission unit 22 corresponds to the second portable device side transmission unit of the present invention.

  The push switches 24 to 26 are mainly prepared as a trigger key for using the remote keyless entry function. When a one-push operation is performed, for example, the push switch 24 locks the door, and the push switch In 25, the door is unlocked, and in the push switch 26, only the trunk is unlocked.

  The display device 27 is constituted by, for example, electronic paper that does not require power consumption or can be minimized during display, and displays the operation state of the portable device 2. The buzzer 28 notifies the operation state of the portable device 2 with sound. The vibrator 29 notifies the operation state of the portable device 2 by vibration. The control IC 20 and the display device 27 correspond to the operation guide information notification unit of the present invention.

  The collation process in the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 is demonstrated using FIG. This process is included in the above-described in-vehicle device control program, and is executed at a predetermined timing together with other processes included in the program.

  First, a WAKE request signal (that is, a response request signal of the present invention) for canceling the sleep state of the portable device 2 and performing a normal operation periodically is transmitted via the LF transmitter 11. 2 (S11). On the in-vehicle device 1 side, the UHF receiver 12 receives a response signal from the portable device 2.

  For example, the WAKE request signal is first transmitted sequentially from the door antenna 16 and the antenna outside the trunk 19, and then sequentially transmitted from the indoor antenna 17 and the antenna 18 inside the trunk. Thereby, it can be specified whether the WAKE request signal is transmitted outside the vehicle interior or the vehicle interior (that is, the transmission timing of the present invention).

  When the response signal from the portable device 2 is correctly received (S12: Yes), in order to verify the ID code via the LF transmitter 11, a verification request signal for requesting transmission of the ID code (ie, The response request signal of the present invention is transmitted to the portable device 2 (S13). On the in-vehicle device 1 side, the UHF receiver 12 receives a response signal (ID code) from the portable device 2.

  The verification request signal may be transmitted only from the antenna that has received the response signal from the portable device 2. Similarly to the WAKE request signal, for example, the signal is first transmitted from the door antenna 16 and the antenna outside the trunk 19, and then transmitted from the indoor antenna 17 and the antenna inside the trunk 18. Thereby, it is possible to specify whether the verification is performed in the vehicle interior or the vehicle exterior (that is, the transmission timing of the present invention).

  When a response signal (ID code) is received from the portable device 2 and the collation is correctly performed (S14: Yes), a notification instruction release signal of the operation guide information (described later) is transmitted via the LF transmitter 11 (present invention). (Notification stop signal) is transmitted to the portable device 2 (S15).

  On the other hand, when the UHF receiving unit 12 cannot receive a response signal to the WAKE request signal from the portable device 2 or a response signal (ID code) to the verification request signal (S12: No, S14: No), the UHF receiving unit 12 RSSI level (received radio wave level of UHF) is acquired from (S16).

  When the RSSI level does not exceed the specified value (that is, the signal level threshold value of the present invention) (S17: No), it is considered that there is no response from the portable device 2, and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the RSSI level is equal to or higher than the specified value (S17: Yes), it is estimated that radio wave interference has occurred, and an operation instruction information notification instruction signal (described later) is transmitted to the portable device 2 via the LF transmission unit 11. (S18), and this process is terminated.

  After this processing is completed, door unlocking, engine start permission (engine switch 15 ON instruction, etc.), verification processing retry, and the like are performed according to the verification result. Since these are not directly related to the present invention, details are omitted.

  The notification instruction signal includes operation guide information for guiding an operation to be performed by the user depending on the situation in which radio interference occurs when radio interference occurs, that is, when normal processing cannot be performed. This is for informing the machine 2. The operation guide information includes the above-described transmission timing for specifying whether the portable device 2 is in the vehicle interior or the exterior of the vehicle interior (that is, which antenna has responded to the signal transmitted).

  The notification instruction release signal is for causing the portable device 2 to end notification of the operation guide information.

  A communication process in the portable device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is included in the portable device control program described above, and is executed at a predetermined timing together with other processes included in the program.

  The portable device 2 is in a sleep mode in which only a part of the portable device 2 is operating in order to save power. The LF transmitter 11 of the in-vehicle device 1 periodically transmits a WAKE request signal. Each part of the portable device 2 operates under the control of the control IC 20, and when the portable device 2 enters the wireless communication area where the WAKE request signal from the LF transmitting unit 11 can be received, the WAKE request signal is sent to the LF. The receiving unit 21 receives it.

  When the LF reception unit 21 receives the WAKE request signal (S31: Yes), the portable device 2 shifts from the sleep mode to the normal operation mode in which each unit of the portable device 2 operates (S32). At this time, a clock circuit (not shown) for operating the control IC 20 and the like also starts normal operation (clock start).

  Next, the portable device 2 transmits a WAKE response signal (that is, a response signal of the present invention) from the UHF transmission unit 22 to the in-vehicle device 1 (UHF reception unit 12) (S33). Then, for example, 0 is set (initialized) to a notification flag stored in the memory 30 for determining whether or not to notify the operation guide information (S34). Subsequently, a timer is started (S35). This timer operates using the above-mentioned clock as a reference signal.

  Next, when the data from the LF transmitter 11 is received (S36: Yes), when the data is a collation request signal (that is, the response request signal of the present invention) (S37: Yes), the portable device 2 A response signal (ID code) to the verification request signal is transmitted from the UHF transmitter 22 (S38). Thereafter, the timer value is reset, for example, by clearing it to zero (S39). However, since the timer continues to operate, the timer value increases again from zero.

  On the other hand, when data from the LF transmitter 11 is not received (S36: No), the timer value is referred to and the timer value exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 200 to 300 ms) (time is up) (S46). : Yes), referring to the notification flag, when 1 is not set in the notification flag (S47: No), the clock is stopped and the mode is shifted to the sleep mode (S49), and this processing is terminated.

On the other hand, when 1 is set in the notification flag (S47: Yes), the operation guide information is displayed by the display unit 27 on the basis of the transmission timing included in the notification instruction signal received from the LF transmission unit 11 as follows, for example. Is notified.
-When the transmission timing is when the response request signal is transmitted to the outside of the passenger compartment (that is, when checking out of the passenger compartment or when the portable device 2 is outside the passenger compartment), use the mechanical key provided in the portable device 2 Notification is made (see FIG. 7). That is, a method for taking out the mechanical key from the portable device 2 is shown.
When the transmission timing is when the response request signal is transmitted to the vehicle interior (that is, when the vehicle interior is collated or when the portable device 2 is in the vehicle interior), the engine start method is notified (see FIG. 8). That is, a method of holding the portable device 2 over a POWER switch for starting / stopping the engine is shown.

  When performing the above-described notification, the buzzer 28 may be sounded with a predetermined sound pattern, or the vibrator 29 may be vibrated with a predetermined vibration pattern. These notification contents (data for display), blowing patterns, and vibration patterns are stored in the memory 30. At this time, the buzzer 28 and the vibrator 29 correspond to the operation guide information notification unit of the present invention.

  When the timer value does not exceed the predetermined value (time is not up) (S46: No), the process returns to step S36 and waits for data from the LF transmitter 11.

  Moreover, when the data from the LF transmission part 11 is received (S36: Yes) and the data is not a collation request signal (S37: No), the portable device 2 determines whether or not the data is a notification instruction release signal. Determine. When it is determined that the received data is a notification instruction release signal (S40: Yes), notification of the operation guide information by the display 27 is terminated (S41), and the notification flag is cleared (set to 0) (S42). Thereafter, the timer value is reset (S39).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received data is not a notification instruction release signal (S40: No), it is determined whether or not the data is a notification instruction signal. When it is determined that the received data is not a notification instruction signal (S43: No), the processing after step S46 described above is executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received data is a notification instruction signal (S43: Yes), an operation guide information reception response signal indicating that the notification instruction signal has been received is transmitted from the UHF transmission unit 22 (S44). Then, 1 is set in the notification flag (S45). At this time, the contents of the transmission timing (whether the response request signal is transmitted to the outside of the vehicle interior or the interior of the vehicle interior) are also stored in a RAM (not shown). Thereafter, the timer value is reset (S39).

  A second embodiment of the electronic key system, on-vehicle device, and portable device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since a present Example is a modification of 1st Example, the same code | symbol is provided about the component same as 1st Example, and detailed description here is omitted.

  FIG. 4 shows the overall configuration of the electronic key system 100. The electronic key system 100 includes an in-vehicle device 1 and a portable device 2 as in the first embodiment. The difference from FIG. 1 (first embodiment) is that the in-vehicle device 1 is provided with a UHF transmission unit 13, the portable device 2 is provided with a UHF receiving unit 23, and the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2 are bidirectional by UHF. Communication is possible. In addition, the UHF transmission unit 22 and the UHF reception unit 23 are switched in transmission / reception operation by a switching signal from the control IC 20. The UHF transmitter 13 corresponds to the second in-vehicle device side transmitter of the present invention. The UHF receiver 23 corresponds to the second portable device-side receiver of the present invention.

  The verification process in the in-vehicle device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is included in the in-vehicle device control program as in the first embodiment, and is executed at a predetermined timing together with other processes included in the program.

  First, as in the first embodiment, a WAKE request signal (that is, a response request signal of the present invention) is transmitted to the portable device 2 via the LF transmitter 11 (S11). When the WAKE response signal from the portable device 2 (that is, the response signal of the present invention) is correctly received (S12: Yes), an ID code transmission request is sent to the ID code to be verified via the LF transmitter 11. A collation request signal (ie, a response request signal of the present invention) is transmitted to the portable device 2 (S13). When a response signal (ID code) is received from the portable device 2 and collation is correctly performed (S14: Yes), a notification instruction release signal of the operation guide information is transmitted to the portable device 2 via the LF transmission unit 11. (S15).

  On the other hand, when the UHF receiving unit 12 cannot receive a response signal to the WAKE request signal from the portable device 2 or a response signal (ID code) to the verification request signal (S12: No, S14: No), the UHF receiving unit 12 RSSI level (received radio wave level of UHF) is acquired from (S16).

  When the RSSI level does not exceed the specified value (that is, the signal level threshold value of the present invention) (S17: No), it is considered that there is no response from the portable device 2, and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the RSSI level is equal to or higher than the specified value (S17: Yes), it is estimated that radio wave interference has occurred, and includes a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information via the LF transmission unit 11, A communication request signal for requesting communication by UHF (denoted as “UHF communication request” in FIG. 5) is transmitted to the portable device 2 (S19).

  And when the state confirmation request signal which is a response signal with respect to a communication request signal from the portable device 2 is received by the UHF receiving unit 12 (S20: Yes), the response signal for the state confirmation request signal is transmitted via the UHF transmitting unit 13. A certain state confirmation response signal is transmitted to the portable device 2 (S21).

  A communication process in the portable device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. A significant difference from the first embodiment is that the “notification flag” is not used in this process. First, as in the first embodiment, when the LF receiver 21 of the portable device 2 receives the WAKE request signal (that is, the response request signal of the present invention) (S31: Yes), the portable device 2 is in the sleep mode. Then, a transition is made to a normal operation mode in which each part of the portable device 2 operates (S32). At this time, the clock circuit for operating the control IC 20 and the like also starts normal operation.

  Next, the portable device 2 transmits a WAKE response signal (that is, a response signal of the present invention) from the UHF transmission unit 22 to the in-vehicle device 1 (UHF reception unit 12) (S33). Then, a timer is started (S35). This timer operates using the above-mentioned clock as a reference signal.

  Next, when the data from the LF transmission unit 11 is received (S36: Yes), when the data is the verification request signal (S37: Yes), the portable device 2 receives the verification request signal from the UHF transmission unit 22. A response signal (ID code) is transmitted (S38). Thereafter, the timer value is reset (S39). However, the timer continues to operate. The above processing is the same as in the first embodiment except that the “notification flag” is not used.

  On the other hand, when data from the LF transmitter 11 is not received (S36: No), the timer value is referred to and the timer value exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 200 to 300 ms) (time is up) (S46). : Yes), the clock is stopped, the mode is changed to the sleep mode (S49), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, when the timer value does not exceed the predetermined value (time is not up) (S46: No), the process returns to step S36 and waits for data from the LF transmission unit 11.

  When the data from the LF transmitter 11 is received (S36: Yes), when the data is not a verification request signal (that is, the response request signal of the present invention) (S37: No), the portable device 2 It is determined whether or not the data is a notification instruction release signal (notification stop signal of the present invention). When it is determined that the received data is a notification instruction release signal (S40: Yes), the notification of the operation guide information by the display unit 27 is ended (S41). Thereafter, the timer value is reset (S39).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received data is not a notification instruction release signal (S40: No), it is determined whether or not the data is a communication request signal. When it is determined that the received data is a communication request signal (S51: Yes), the UHF transmitter 22 transmits a state confirmation request signal that is a response signal to the communication request signal (S52). At this time, the contents of the transmission timing included in the communication request signal (whether the response request signal is transmitted to the outside of the vehicle interior or the interior of the vehicle interior) are stored in the memory 30, for example. Then, when the UHF receiving unit 23 receives a response signal (that is, a state confirmation response signal) that is a response signal to the state confirmation request signal from the UHF transmission unit 13 (S53: Yes), the processing after step S46 described above Execute.

  On the other hand, when the UHF receiving unit 23 does not receive a response signal (that is, a state confirmation response signal) that is a response signal to the state confirmation request signal from the UHF transmission unit 13 (S53: No), the UHF reception unit 23 stores it in the memory 30. Based on the transmission timing, the operation guide information is notified by the display device 27 as in the first embodiment (S54).

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be used without departing from the spirit of the claims. Various modifications based on this are possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle apparatus 2 Portable machine 10 ECU (Radio interference estimation part, transmission timing specific part)
11 LF transmitter (first in-vehicle device side transmitter)
12 UHF receiver (second on-vehicle device side receiver)
13 UHF transmitter (second in-vehicle device side transmitter)
16 Door antenna (first in-vehicle device side transmitter)
17 Indoor antenna (1st in-vehicle device side transmitter)
18 Trunk antenna (first in-vehicle device side transmitter)
19 Antenna outside trunk (1st in-vehicle device side transmitter)
20 control IC (operation guide information notification unit)
21 LF receiver (first mobile device side receiver)
22 UHF transmitter (second mobile device side transmitter)
23 UHF receiver (second mobile device side receiver)
27 Display (Operation Guide Information Notification Unit)
28 Buzzer (Operation guide information notification part)
29 Vibrator (Operation guide information notification part)
100 electronic key system

Claims (22)

Including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable device carried by the user,
The portable device transmits a response signal to the in-vehicle device using a radio wave of a second frequency band in response to the first portable device-side receiving unit that receives the response request signal from the in-vehicle device and the response request signal. A second portable device-side transmitter unit,
The vehicle-mounted device includes a first vehicle-mounted device-side transmission unit that transmits the response request signal to the portable device using radio waves in a first frequency band, and a second vehicle-mounted device that receives the response signal transmitted from the portable device. An apparatus-side receiving unit, and executing predetermined control in the in-vehicle device based on the response signal received by the second on-vehicle device-side receiving unit.
An electronic key system,
The in-vehicle device is
A radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit;
A transmission timing specifying unit for specifying the transmission timing of the response request signal when the radio interference is estimated to have occurred;
Further comprising
The first in-vehicle device side transmission unit guides the operation of the portable device including the transmission timing and corresponding to the transmission timing when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that the radio interference is occurring. Transmitting a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information to be performed,
The portable device is
An operation guide information notifying unit for notifying operation guide information corresponding to the transmission timing included in the received notification instruction signal when the notification instruction signal is received by the first portable device-side receiving unit. And electronic key system. In the portable device,
The second portable device side transmission unit transmits an operation guide information reception response signal to the in-vehicle device when the notification instruction signal is received by the first portable device side reception unit,
The said operation guide information alerting | reporting part alert | reports the said operation guide information after the predetermined time passes, after the said 2nd portable device side transmission part transmits the said operation guide information reception response signal. Electronic key system. In the in-vehicle device,
After the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit transmits the notification instruction signal, when the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit receives the operation guide information reception response signal, the first in-vehicle device side transmitting unit is Send a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information,
In the portable device,
The electronic key according to claim 2, wherein when the first portable device receiving unit receives the notification stop signal within the predetermined time, the operation guide information notification unit does not notify the operation guide information. system. Including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable device carried by the user,
The portable device transmits a response signal to the in-vehicle device using a radio wave of a second frequency band in response to the first portable device-side receiving unit that receives the response request signal from the in-vehicle device and the response request signal. A second portable device-side transmitter unit,
The vehicle-mounted device includes a first vehicle-mounted device-side transmission unit that transmits the response request signal to the portable device using radio waves in a first frequency band, and a second vehicle-mounted device that receives the response signal transmitted from the portable device. An apparatus-side receiving unit, and executing predetermined control in the in-vehicle device based on the response signal received by the second on-vehicle device-side receiving unit.
An electronic key system,
The in-vehicle device is
A radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit;
A transmission timing specifying unit for specifying the transmission timing of the response request signal when the radio interference is estimated to have occurred;
A second vehicle-mounted device-side transmitting unit that transmits a state confirmation response signal for responding to the state confirmation request signal transmitted from the portable device using the second frequency band radio wave, using the second frequency band radio wave; ,
Further comprising
The first in-vehicle device side transmission unit guides the operation of the portable device including the transmission timing and corresponding to the transmission timing when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that the radio interference is occurring. Along with a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information to be transmitted, a communication request signal including contents for requesting transmission of a state confirmation request signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle device,
The portable device is
A second portable device-side receiver that receives the state confirmation response signal from the in-vehicle device;
When the notification instruction signal and the communication request signal are received by the first portable device side receiving unit, the state confirmation request signal is transmitted from the second portable device side transmitting unit,
When the second portable device receiving unit does not receive the state confirmation response signal within a predetermined time after transmitting the state confirmation request signal, the operation guide information corresponding to the transmission timing is notified. An electronic key system further comprising an operation guide information notifying unit.   When the level of the signal received by the second on-vehicle device side receiving unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the radio wave interference estimating unit in the on-vehicle device has radio wave interference on radio waves in the second frequency band. 5. The electronic key system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic key system is estimated. In the in-vehicle device,
When the second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit receives the response signal after the first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit transmits the notification instruction signal, the first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit receives the operation guide information. Send a notification stop signal to stop the notification of
The operation guide information notifying unit of the portable device continues to notify the operation guide information until the first portable device-side receiving unit receives the notification stop signal. Electronic key system as described in. The operation guide information notifying unit of the portable device notifies the usage method of the mechanical key included in the portable device as the operation guide information when the transmission timing transmits the response request signal outside the vehicle cabin. And
The engine start method using the portable device is notified as the operation guide information when the transmission timing transmits the response request signal to the vehicle interior of the vehicle. Electronic key system as described.   The electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation guide information notification unit includes a display that does not consume power for continuation of display. The radio wave of the first frequency band is the LF band,
The electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the radio wave of the second frequency band is a UHF band. A first in-vehicle device-side transmitter that transmits a response request signal to the portable device carried by the user by radio waves in the first frequency band;
A second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit that receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device in a second frequency band in response to the response request signal,
An in-vehicle device that executes predetermined control based on the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit,
A radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit;
A transmission timing specifying unit for specifying the transmission timing of the response request signal when the radio interference is estimated to have occurred;
Further comprising
The first in-vehicle device side transmission unit guides the operation of the portable device including the transmission timing and corresponding to the transmission timing when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that the radio interference is occurring. An in-vehicle device that transmits a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information to be performed. A first in-vehicle device-side transmitter that transmits a response request signal to the portable device carried by the user by radio waves in the first frequency band;
A second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit that receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device in a second frequency band in response to the response request signal,
An in-vehicle device that executes predetermined control based on the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side receiving unit,
A radio interference estimation unit that estimates presence / absence of radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band based on a reception state of the response signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit;
A transmission timing specifying unit for specifying the transmission timing of the response request signal when the radio interference is estimated to have occurred;
Further comprising
The first in-vehicle device side transmission unit guides the operation of the portable device including the transmission timing and corresponding to the transmission timing when the radio interference estimation unit estimates that the radio interference is occurring. Together with a notification instruction signal for instructing notification of operation guide information to be transmitted, a communication request signal including content for requesting transmission of a state confirmation request signal to the in-vehicle device,
In response to the communication request signal, a state confirmation response signal for responding to the state confirmation request signal transmitted from the portable device using the radio wave of the second frequency band is transmitted using the radio wave of the second frequency band. A vehicle-mounted device further comprising a second vehicle-mounted device-side transmission unit.   The radio interference estimation unit estimates that there is radio interference with respect to radio waves in the second frequency band when a level of a signal received by the second in-vehicle device side reception unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. The in-vehicle device according to claim 10 or claim 11.   When the second in-vehicle device-side receiving unit receives the response signal after the first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit transmits the notification instruction signal, the first in-vehicle device-side transmitting unit receives the operation guide information. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a notification stop signal for stopping the notification is transmitted. The radio wave of the first frequency band is the LF band,
The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the radio wave of the second frequency band is a UHF band. A first portable device-side receiving unit that receives a response request signal by radio waves in the first frequency band from the in-vehicle device;
When the response request signal is received by the first portable device-side receiver, a second portable device-side transmitter that transmits the response signal using radio waves in the second frequency band;
Notification instruction for instructing notification of operation guide information for guiding the operation of the portable device from the in-vehicle device by the first portable device-side receiving unit after the response signal is transmitted by the second portable device-side transmitting unit. An operation guide information notifying unit for notifying operation guide information corresponding to a transmission timing of the response request signal included in the notification instruction signal when a signal is received;
A portable device comprising: The second portable device side transmission unit transmits an operation guide information reception response signal to the in-vehicle device when receiving the operation guide information by the first portable device side reception unit,
The said operation guide information alerting | reporting part alert | reports the said operation guide information after the predetermined time passes, after the said 2nd portable device side transmission part transmits the said operation guide information reception response signal. Portable machine.   When the first portable device receiving unit receives a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information within the predetermined time, the operation guide information notification unit notifies the operation guide information. The portable device according to claim 16 which is not. A first portable device-side receiving unit that receives a response request signal by radio waves in the first frequency band from the in-vehicle device;
A second portable device-side transmitter that transmits a response signal using radio waves in a second frequency band when the response request signal is received by the first portable device-side receiver;
Notification instruction for instructing notification of operation guide information for guiding the operation of the portable device from the in-vehicle device by the first portable device-side receiving unit after the response signal is transmitted by the second portable device-side transmitting unit. When receiving a communication request signal including a signal and content requesting transmission of a state confirmation request signal for the in-vehicle device, the state confirmation request signal is transmitted from the second portable device side transmission unit to the in-vehicle device,
A second portable device-side receiving unit that receives a state confirmation response signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device in the second frequency band in response to the state confirmation request signal;
Included in the notification instruction signal when the second portable device side receiving unit does not receive the state confirmation response signal from the in-vehicle device within a predetermined time after transmitting the state confirmation request signal An operation guide information notifying unit for notifying operation guide information corresponding to the transmission timing of the response request signal;
A portable device further comprising:   16. The operation guide information notification unit continues to notify the operation guide information until the first portable device side reception unit receives a notification stop signal for stopping notification of the operation guide information. Item 19. The portable device according to any one of items 18. The operation guide information notification unit, when the transmission timing transmits the response request signal outside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle, notifies the operation guide information of how to use a mechanical key included in the portable device,
20. The engine start method using the portable device is reported as the operation guide information when the transmission timing transmits the response request signal to the vehicle interior of the vehicle. The portable machine as described in.   The portable device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the operation guide information notifying unit includes a display that does not consume power for continuation of display. The radio wave of the first frequency band is the LF band,
The portable device according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the radio wave of the second frequency band is a UHF band.

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