JP2015035697A - Remote operation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote operation device capable of properly using a communication range while using a frequency in a UHF band.SOLUTION: A remote operation device for performing radio communication by using only a frequency in an ultra high frequency band between the remote operation device B on a vehicle side and a remote operation device A on a portable machine side comprises: an antenna 63; a UHF module 61 for transmitting or receiving signals through the antenna 63; a variable type matching circuit 62 which is connected between the antenna 63 and UHF module 61, and adjusts an impedance matching state between the antenna 63 and UHF module 61; and control means 5 for prompting the matching circuit 62 to perform adjustment so as to perform radio communication after changing the matching state according to types of the signals.

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote operation device that performs wireless communication between an in-vehicle wireless device and a portable wireless device. For example, the present invention is suitable for a remote operation device that determines an authentication code using only the frequency of the very high frequency band.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an invention according to the present technical field, an electronic key system is known in which outbound communication and inbound communication of an electronic key system can be set to the same frequency band (for example, Patent Document 1). Disclosure).

  According to this electronic key system, at least one leaky coaxial cable (hereinafter referred to as LCX) is provided, and the communication area is subdivided by dividing the communication area by each of the leaky coaxial cables. ing. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the position of the electronic key in more detail during ID (Identification) verification.

JP 2011-146909 A

  However, in the electronic key system shown in the above document, an ultra high frequency (hereinafter referred to as UHF) band is used as a frequency used. In general, the radio wave propagation characteristics are uniquely determined by the frequency used, and thus cannot be changed by changing the antenna or the transmission / reception circuit. That is, it has radio wave propagation characteristics similar to those normally occurring in UHF band communication, such as multipath propagation and fading.

  In addition, when using the LCX, it is necessary to provide a slot so as to be perpendicular to the length direction of the LCX, so that the external shape of the portable device can store the coaxial line, that is, substantially cylindrical. Inevitably, there is a risk that the degree of freedom in design cannot be secured sufficiently.

  In addition, a plurality of transmission / reception circuits are required to realize a series of authentication communication operations.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problem to be solved, and provides a remote control device capable of selectively using a communication range while using a frequency in the UHF band.

  The remote control device according to the present invention is a remote control device that performs radio communication between an in-vehicle wireless device and a portable wireless device using only a frequency in the very high frequency band, and transmits or receives an antenna and a signal via the antenna. A transmitter / receiver, a variable matching circuit connected between the antenna and the transmitter / receiver to adjust the impedance matching state between the antenna and the transmitter / receiver, and matching according to the type of the signal Control means for prompting adjustment of the matching circuit so as to perform wireless communication after changing the state.

  Moreover, the said vehicle-mounted radio | wireless machine is incorporated in the meter for vehicles.

  Further, the control means controls the matching circuit so as to change from an impedance in a suitable matching state to a mismatching direction when communicating a signal related to authentication.

  The control means and the variable matching circuit are provided on the in-vehicle wireless device side.

  Further, the control means outputs a control signal that prompts the vehicle lamp to blink according to a communication result between the in-vehicle wireless device and the portable wireless device.

  The matching circuit is connected to the terminal of the control means via a passive circuit element, and is connected to the ground via a series connection portion of a diode and the passive circuit element.

  The present invention relates to a remote control device that performs wireless communication between an in-vehicle wireless device and a portable wireless device, and can use different communication ranges while using a UHF band frequency.

The block diagram which shows the electric constitution by the side of a portable machine among the remote control apparatuses in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric structure by the side of a vehicle among the remote control apparatuses in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control means 5 in embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram which shows schematic structure of a variable type | mold matching circuit. The figure which shows the forward current-high frequency series resistance characteristic of a common PIN diode. The conceptual diagram which shows the approximate range of the transmission area and reception area of a vehicle.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description shows the Example which comprised the vehicle side unit mounted in the vehicle side as integral structure in the instrument for two-wheeled vehicles, such as a motorcycle.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a portable device-side remote control device (portable wireless device) A, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration related to a security system of a vehicle-side remote control device (vehicle-mounted wireless device) B incorporated in an instrument device. It is. The vehicle-side remote control device B in the instrument device for two-wheeled vehicles performs radio communication because the mobile device-side remote control device A carried by the vehicle user has few obstacles and is supplied with power. This arrangement is advantageous.

  The portable device side remote control device A includes an input unit 1, a control unit 2, a wireless communication unit 3, and an indicator lamp 4. The input means 1 detects a pressing operation by a vehicle user and outputs it as an operation signal to the control means. A button switch provided on the casing of the portable device side remote control device A can be applied.

  The control means 2 can be applied to a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program, and includes a storage unit 21 that stores an identification code corresponding to a vehicle (on-vehicle wireless device). Based on an operation signal from the input means 1 The identification signal including the identification code is modulated into a UHF band radio wave and controlled so as to be emitted from the wireless communication means 3. The control means 2 can also read a demodulated signal (request signal described later) input via the wireless communication means 3, and controls the indicator lamp 4 based on this signal.

  The wireless communication means 3 is provided with a UHF module (transceiver) 31, a matching circuit 32, and an antenna 33.

  The UHF module 31 is a circuit that modulates an identification signal from the control means 2 into a UHF band radio wave and outputs it, and also demodulates a radio wave signal (request signal) input via the matching circuit 32 and the antenna 33. This is a circuit for converting the control means 2 so that it can be read. The UHF module 31 is set with a minimum output setting value necessary for performing a series of wireless authentication.

  The matching circuit 32 uses a circuit such as a capacitor or a coil corresponding to the input / output setting of the UHF module 31. In this case, an optimum value (impedance value on the UHF module 31 side) with respect to the output setting of the UHF module 31 is used. The matching circuit 32 having the same impedance value) can set the communication distance by radio waves far (for example, about 10 meters).

  The antenna 33 is printed and formed on the circuit board on which the UHF module 31, the matching circuit 32, and the control means 2 are mounted by copper foil pattern wiring in the portable device side remote control device A.

  The indicator lamp 4 can be a light emitting diode that is turned on / off based on a control signal from the control means 2 and is provided so that the lighting state can be confirmed from the outside.

  The portable device-side remote control device A houses a storage battery (not shown) that supplies driving power for various electronic components mounted on the circuit board.

  The vehicle-side remote control device B includes a control unit 5, a wireless communication unit 6, and a display unit 7. In this case, the vehicle-side remote control device B is mounted on a circuit board in a vehicle meter, and supplies power from an in-vehicle battery. Operated by.

  The control means 5 can be a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program. The control means 5 includes a storage unit 51 that stores an authentication code corresponding to the identification code, and a wireless communication means 6 from the portable remote control device A. An authentication processing unit 52 that performs an authentication process based on the identification code (identification signal) demodulated through the communication is provided. Further, the control means 5 controls the wireless communication means 6 so as to transmit a wireless signal (request signal) to the portable device-side remote control device A based on the processing result of the authentication processing.

  Note that the control means 5 displays an operation indicator such as a vehicle speed, an accumulated travel distance, a cruising range, a headlight, a direction indicator, a gear position, various alarms, etc. based on vehicle information input via a communication cable. The microcomputer is also used as a microcomputer for performing calculation and display control of measurement values to be displayed on the display means 7.

  The storage unit 51 can be applied to a nonvolatile storage medium such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM, and includes not only an authentication code corresponding to the vehicle but also a program for controlling the display means 7 based on the input vehicle information. Information necessary for control is stored.

  The authentication processing unit 52 determines whether or not the identification signal from the portable device side remote control device A and the authentication code stored in the storage unit 51 are compatible (authenticated). Based on the above, a determination process for determining a determination result of conformity / non-conformity is performed.

  The wireless communication unit 6 includes a UHF module (wireless module) 61, a matching circuit 62, and an antenna 63.

  The UHF module 61 is a circuit that modulates an identification signal from the control means 5 into a UHF band radio wave and outputs it, and also demodulates a radio wave signal (identification signal) input via the matching circuit 62 and the antenna 63. This is a circuit for converting the control means 5 so that it can be read. The UHF module 61 is set with a minimum output setting value necessary for performing a series of wireless authentication.

  The matching circuit 62 uses a circuit such as a capacitor or a coil corresponding to the input / output setting of the UHF module 61. In this case, a capacitor having a slightly different value from the optimum value for the output setting of the UHF module 61 is used. Or by using a coil or incorporating an attenuator such as an attenuator, the impedance value on the UHF module 61 side and the impedance value on the matching circuit 62 side are made different, so that the communication distance by radio waves is set to a desired distance (for example, The setting can be changed (variable) to about 1 meter to 10 meters.

  This desired distance is set to include a distance that allows the vehicle user to carry the portable device-side remote control device A and allows the starter operation of the vehicle, and a distance that allows the vehicle position to be confirmed to some extent. In this case, the impedance value can be switched and adjusted so that the impedance value (for example, 40 ohms) on the matching circuit 62 side becomes smaller than the impedance value (for example, 50 ohms) on the UHF module 61 side or the impedance value.

  The antenna 63 is printed and formed by a copper foil pattern wiring on a circuit board on which the UHF module 61, the matching circuit 62, and the like are mounted in the housing of the vehicle instrument.

  The display means 7 can be a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays and outputs based on a control signal from the control means 5. In this case, the authentication result of the authentication processing unit 52 and the vehicle information Displays information such as mileage based on.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to configure a remote control device that authenticates the portable device side remote control device A using UHF radio waves. Further, since the radio wave transmission over a wider range than necessary is not performed by the attenuation means in the matching circuits 32 and 62, confidentiality can be improved.

  It should be noted that transmission / reception of radio signals between the portable device side remote control device A and the vehicle side remote control device B is unified to the UHF band, and the wireless communication means 3 and 6 combine both transmission and reception. Simple and inexpensive configuration. Further, by mounting the vehicle-side remote control device B on the circuit board of the instrument device, it can be configured at a low cost without providing a dedicated circuit board or a power circuit.

  Also, wirelessly at a location with relatively few obstacles and within a short distance (about 1 meter) with the remote control device A on the portable device side that is assumed to be carried by a user of the vehicle (motorcycle). Since communication is established, authentication processing with high certainty is possible.

  Further, an identification signal transmitted from the portable device side remote control device A and received by the vehicle side remote control device B, and a request signal transmitted from the vehicle side remote control device B and received by the portable device side remote control device A. By performing communication using different modulation schemes (for example, amplitude shift keying and frequency shift keying), confidentiality can be improved.

  Further, based on the determination result of the authentication processing unit 52, the control means 5 issues a signal for prompting permission / prohibition in the control of the in-vehicle device C to the in-vehicle device C connected by the harness. In this case, the in-vehicle device C is composed of an engine starter control unit, enables the engine starter to operate based on the permission signal from the control means 5, and the engine when the prohibition signal is issued from the control means 5. The starter can be switched so that it cannot operate.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to perform authentication processing between the portable device-side remote control device A and the vehicle-side remote control device B.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure by the control means 5 of the vehicle side remote control device B in which the engine starter is in the operation-inhibited state will be described.

  The control means 5 controls the matching circuit 62 so that impedance matching between the UHF module 101 and the antenna 102 is kept optimal (step S1). In this case, the control means 5 can switch the impedance value of the matching circuit 62 via the UHF module 61. By this processing, the reception signal received by the antenna 63 is input to the UHF module 61 with a small loss amount, so that the reception range can be set wide.

  In this communication state, the control means 5 confirms reception of the request signal every predetermined time (50 to 500 milliseconds) (step S2). At this time, the wireless communication means 6 of the vehicle side remote control device B polls and receives a request signal that is modulated (frequency shift keyed) into a radio signal in the UHF band.

  The control means 5 determines whether or not the received signal includes an identification signal based on the operation of the input means 1 of the portable device side remote control device A (step S3).

  When receiving the identification signal, the control means 5 controls the matching means 62 so that the matching state is shifted from the optimized impedance value and adjusted in the mismatching direction from the state in step S1 (step S4). ). By this processing, the received signal received by the antenna 63 is input / output to / from the UHF module 61 with a predetermined loss amount, so that the communication range can be adjusted to be narrower than the state of steps S1 to S3.

  Next, the control means 5 transmits a request signal that prompts the identification signal to be issued again from the portable device-side remote control device A (step S5). The control means 5 determines whether or not an identification signal is received within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) from the output of the request signal (step S6). The communication in steps S5 and S6 assumes a case where the portable device side remote control device A and the vehicle side remote control device B are very close (for example, within 1 meter), and at a distance (several meters or more) apart. In some cases, communication is not established.

  That is, the portable device side remote control device A and the vehicle side remote control device B are close to each other, and the identification signal based on the request signal from the portable device side remote control device A is received, and the authentication processing unit 52 of the control means 5 authenticates. In this case, a control signal for enabling the engine starter of the vehicle is transmitted to the in-vehicle device C so that the vehicle can be started (running operation is possible) (step S7). Note that the control means 5 can also notify the vehicle user by controlling the display means 7 so as to indicate, for example, that the authentication process is successful or that the in-vehicle device C is operable.

  When the distance between the portable device-side remote control device A and the vehicle-side remote control device B is long and the identification signal in step S6 cannot be received within a predetermined time, the control means 5 is mounted on a vehicle such as a turn lamp (hazard lamp). A control signal that prompts the lamp to blink is output (step S8). By this process, the position of the vehicle at a distance can be confirmed. It is also possible to determine that authentication has not been established.

  The control means 5 of the vehicle-side remote control device B issues either a permission / prohibition signal in the control of the in-vehicle device C to the in-vehicle device C based on the determination result of the authentication processing unit 52, but the identification signal is When it is determined that the in-vehicle device C has not been operated for a predetermined time (for example, one minute) based on the vehicle information from the vehicle, the prohibition signal can be issued to the in-vehicle device C. Unnecessary permission states (authenticated states) that are not recognized by the user can be suppressed.

  By repeating the above process, not only can the vehicle position be confirmed conveniently, even with a simple configuration using the portable remote controller A and the vehicle remote controller B housed in the instrument device. Highly confidential authentication processing can be performed.

  In such a remote control device, in the remote control device that performs wireless communication between the vehicle-side remote control device B and the portable device-side remote control device A using only the ultra-high frequency band frequency, the antenna 61 and the antenna UHF module 61 that transmits or receives a signal via 61, and a variable matching circuit that is connected between antenna 63 and UHF module 61 and adjusts the impedance matching state between antenna 63 and UHF module 61 62 and control means 5 for prompting adjustment of the matching circuit 62 so as to perform wireless communication after changing the matching state according to the type of the signal.

  Therefore, since components used for transmission and reception circuits can be shared by the configuration using the same frequency band in each wireless communication, the number of components can be reduced, and the remote control device can reduce costs. For example, by sharing antennas 33 and 63, matching elements (matching circuits 32 and 62), transmission and reception ICs (UHF modules 31 and 61), various electronic components for supplying power to these, and wiring patterns thereof, The overall configuration can be simplified.

  Also, the communication distance becomes longer by using the UHF band as the frequency band used, compared to the case where the long wave band is used. However, the communication distance can be made desired by setting the matching circuits 32 and 62 and the antennas 33 and 63. The possibility of interception is reduced, and confidentiality is excellent. Further, by controlling the start / stop of the portable device side remote control device A based on the operation of the input means 1, it is possible to suppress the current consumption during standby.

  Further, the request signal that the vehicle-side remote control device B modulates and transmits, and the portable device-side remote control device A receives and demodulates, and the portable device-side remote control device A modulates and transmits the request signal. By using a modulation method that is different from the identification signal received and demodulated by the controller device B, the confidentiality can be improved.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the variable matching circuit 62 in the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The UHF module 61 and the antenna 63 are connected in high frequency via capacitors 62a and 62b, and this path is used for both transmission and reception. Here, the UHF module 61 and the antenna 63 have inherent impedances, and impedance matching between the capacitors 62a and 62b is performed. It should be noted that the impedance matching between the UHF module 61 and the antenna 63 is optimally maintained by the capacitors 62a and 62b, and the received signal received by the antenna 63 is input to the UHF module 61 with a small loss amount. At this time, the GPIO terminal of the UHF module 61 is disabled.

  Next, a case where a signal is transmitted using the antenna 63 will be described. When the GPIO terminal is enabled in conjunction with signal transmission, a forward current flows through the path of the inductor 62c, the PIN diode 62d, and the resistor 62e. At this time, since the PIN diode 62d is in a conductive state even at a high frequency, in addition to the capacitors 62a and 62b, a resistor 62e and a capacitor 62f are connected between the UHF module 61 and the antenna 63. Become. Therefore, impedance mismatch occurs between the UHF module 61 and the antenna 63, and the transmission signal is not sufficiently supplied to the antenna 63. As a result, the radiation output from the antenna unit is reduced and the communication distance is shortened.

  FIG. 5 is an example showing forward current-high frequency series resistance characteristics of a PIN diode. It can also be seen that the high-frequency resistance value decreases as the forward current IF increases. Therefore, by applying a forward current with the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 4, the wiring pattern between the antenna 63 and the UHF module 61 is connected to the ground level via the passive circuit element. For this reason, the impedance of the matching circuit 62 changes, and impedance mismatching occurs between the antenna 63 and the UHF module 61.

  In addition, general characteristics that can be said for PIN diodes in general include a small junction capacitance and the ability to ensure good isolation up to a high frequency.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic range of a communication area of a vehicle. There are two types of wireless transmission signal communication areas: a peripheral vicinity range (eg, a range within about 1 meter from the vehicle) Y and a relatively wide range (eg, a range within about 10 meters from the vehicle) Z. Prepared. The communication processing necessary for authentication is performed by wireless communication in the vicinity range Y of the vehicle, and when the vehicle position is confirmed, the processing is performed in a communication area Z wider than the communication area Y for authentication. it can.

  The remote control device of the present invention has been described by way of example in the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other configurations depart from the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that various improvements and display changes can be made without departing from the scope. For example, by omitting the indicator lamp 4, it is possible to make the configuration simpler and less costly.

  Moreover, although it comprised so that it might alert | report using the display means 7 according to an authentication result, when it does not match with an authentication process or information, it can alert | report also the information including what was not adapted. In addition, the content to be notified can be notified of a communication state such as one of reception and transmission, or both, and an authentication result regardless of whether it is a portable wireless device or an in-vehicle wireless device. In addition to the above contents, it is possible to warn that the remaining power of each wireless device has decreased.

  In the notification indicating the authentication result, not only the display means 7 and the indicator lamp 4 but also a buzzer sound, voice, vibration, etc. can be effectively transmitted to the user. Further, as an embodiment of the present invention, the portable wireless device is the starting point of the operation, but it is also possible to use the in-vehicle wireless device (instrument device) as the starting point of the operation.

  The present invention can be applied to a remote control device that performs wireless communication between a vehicle and a portable device, for example, as a remote control device that is mounted on a moving body including an automobile, a motorcycle, an agricultural machine, or a construction machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input means 5 Control means 51 Memory | storage part 6 Wireless communication means 61 UHF module (transceiver)
62 Matching circuits 62a and 62b Capacitor 62c Inductor 62d PIN diode 62e Resistor 62f Capacitor 63 Antenna 4 Indicator light 7 Display means A Portable remote controller (portable wireless device)
B Vehicle-side remote control device (vehicle radio)
C In-vehicle equipment

Claims (6)

In a remote control device that performs wireless communication between the in-vehicle wireless device and the portable wireless device using only the frequency of the ultra high frequency band,
An antenna,
A transceiver for transmitting or receiving signals via the antenna;
A variable matching circuit that is connected between the antenna and the transceiver and adjusts a matching state of impedance between the antenna and the transceiver;
Control means for prompting adjustment of the matching circuit to perform wireless communication after changing the matching state according to the type of the signal;
A remote control device comprising:   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle wireless device is built in a vehicle meter.   2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the matching circuit so as to change in a mismatching direction from an impedance in a suitable matching state when communicating a signal related to authentication.   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit and the variable matching circuit are provided on the in-vehicle wireless device side.   The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit outputs a control signal that prompts the vehicle lamp to blink according to a communication result between the in-vehicle wireless device and the portable wireless device. . The matching circuit is connected to a terminal of the control means via a passive circuit element,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is connected to the ground through a series connection portion of a diode and a passive circuit element.

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