JP2018014704A - System, device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a convenient system and the like capable of more secure remote control than before.SOLUTION: The system comprises a first device and a second device that are capable of wireless communication, where the wireless communication of the first device and the second device is of a spread spectrum type. At least one of the first device and the second device is portable by a user, and signals transmitted by the one device include a signal for operating a function of the other of the first device and the second device. The spread spectrum type of the wireless communication of the first device and the second device is preferably the LoRa type, and uses a sub-gigahertz band, preferably a sub-gigahertz band frequency channel having a bandwidth wider than the bandwidth of a channel in a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a system, an apparatus, a program, and the like.

  Remote engine starters (engine starters) that remotely start the engine have been widely used for the purpose of warming the engine and adjusting the temperature in the passenger compartment. This remote engine starter is mounted on an automobile and includes a relay drive circuit that controls engine start and operation of electrical components, and a main control circuit that controls the relay drive circuit when a start command signal is received. The command signal is sent from a wireless remote control transmitter (portable device) that the user has at hand.

Japanese Patent No. 3959146

  A system that includes a portable device and another communication device, such as an engine starter, and performs remote control that activates the function of the other communication device by the portable device. Is a FSK system (frequency shift keying system), and a specific low-power radio with an output of 10 mW or 1 mW has been generally used by each company. In such a system, there is a problem that the limit of the communicable distance is almost uniform for each company. The communicable distance varies depending on the conditions, but competitions such as the back comparison of Dangri within the range of about 4 km at the maximum and several hundred meters depending on the conditions are made between the companies. Companies could not easily get out of this situation, and there was a strong desire to break through the current situation, but it was only the common sense and fixed idea of the industry that could not get out.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly system and the like that can perform remote control more reliably than, for example, conventional devices.

  (1) For example, a first device and a second device capable of wireless communication are provided, and the wireless communication between the first device and the second device is based on a spread spectrum method, At least one of the first device and the second device is portable by the user, and the signal transmitted by the one device is the other one of the first device and the second device. The system may include a signal that activates a function.

  In this way, compared to the FSK method used conventionally other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), the user has a much longer distance than the back comparison of each company's Dangri. It is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventors, the function of the apparatus could be operated over a distance that is approximately twice or more that of the prior art. In the conventional FSK system, for example, when the distance over which wireless communication can be reliably performed is 1 km, in the spread spectrum system, communication of 2 km or more, which is twice or more, is possible.

  At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, but may be, for example, a golf navigator, particularly a portable device or a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller” for short). It may also be said.) For example, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may include a signal that activates the function of the other of the first device and the second device. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user has, in particular, a function for inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal for activating the other function based on the input instruction. It is good to be the structure which transmits. The function for inputting an instruction from the user is not particularly limited as long as the instruction can be input, but a sensor or the like that can detect the user's movement or the like may be used, and in particular, a means for inputting the user's instruction may be provided. At least one of the first device or the second device portable by the user may be a wearable terminal that can be worn on the body. Desirably, at least one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user may be a portable device that can be carried by hand, and may have a function of inputting instructions by hand. Desirably, means for inputting an instruction by pushing with a finger of a hand may be provided. More preferably, the means for inputting an instruction may be a switch.

  The other one of the first device and the second device may be any device, for example, a device that is portable by the user, and preferably a device that is not portable by the user, such as an object. It may be a fixed device, and more preferably a device installed indoors. When fixing to an object, for example, it may be fixed to the ground, and preferably to a gas, electricity, water meter or the like. When fixing to the ground, for example, a watering machine may be used. When fixing to gas, electricity, water meter, etc., it is better to use a terminal that transmits meter reading data to the remote control. For indoor installation, it may be installed in a golf clubhouse or in an automobile. When installing in a clubhouse, for example, digital signage is recommended. When installing in an automobile, for example, an in-vehicle device may be used. Most preferably, when the first device is a portable device, the second device is a device fixed to another object, or when the second device is a portable device, One device is a device fixed to another object.

  The system of the present invention may be any system. For example, it may be a system used for consumer equipment or various industrial equipment, and particularly a system used for automobile-related equipment such as the engine starter described above. Thereby, the user can appropriately control various devices remotely.

  For example, a system used for consumer equipment is a system in which one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user is a remote control and the other is a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote control is It is good to include the signal which operates the function of the said apparatus.

  As a system for use in consumer equipment, a transmitter in which one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user is fixed to a portable device and the other device is fixed to a gas, electricity, water meter or the like is desirable. It is good to do. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device may include meter reading data and a signal that causes the portable device to add up the meter reading data (a signal that activates the function of the portable device).

  In particular, for example, a terminal that is fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter using a standard called “Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network)” is installed. A wireless communication system that collects If the system of the present invention is used in Wi-SUN, the user can collect meter reading data from a remote location more than before, and the time and effort of movement accompanying data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous residence that is not accessible only by walking away from a road that can be moved by a car, the meter reading data ( (Hereinafter also referred to as “meter information”) is more likely to be collected, and the possibility that the travel distance can be shortened even when the vehicle needs to be moved on foot after traveling by car is increased. In particular, the portable device can be carried by the user on foot and can be input by hand.

  More preferably, for example, the system may be a system in which the first device is a golf navigation system and the second device is a digital signage installed in a clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation may include, for example, a signal that activates a digital signage display function or a totaling function. In this case, it is possible to display the rankings sequentially on the digital signage based on the player's results input to the golf navigation during the round, and the user can save time and effort for counting the player's results and the like.

  As a system used for automobile-related equipment, for example, a system used for an engine starter of a car, car security, or the like using a first device as a remote controller and a second device as an in-vehicle device may be used. In particular, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may include a signal for operating the function of the in-vehicle device, and the signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device may include a signal for operating the function of the remote controller. Desirably, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may be configured to be transmitted based on a user instruction.

  Here, in the conventional engine starter and car security, for example, in a large-scale apartment, the parking lot may not be used very far from the own room. Such problems were particularly noticeable in tower apartments. Also, for example, there were cases where radio waves were blocked by the concrete wall and could not be used unless it came out on the veranda. However, even in such a case, according to the present invention, the user can operate the function of the other device more reliably than in the past. For example, the functions of the engine starter and car security can be operated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, the user cannot activate the function of the other device unless the user moves to a place where radio waves can easily reach a car in a parking lot, such as a conventional window or a veranda. Even in such a case, it is highly possible that the engine starter or the car security can be operated by operating at an indoor position such as a bedside.

  Furthermore, for example, a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information and the like is combined with a system used for an automobile-related device including the above-described remote controller (portable device) and an in-vehicle device, and the meter information generated in a house is mounted on the vehicle It may be configured to be a presence (gateway) that mediates the portable device. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device is in Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than spread spectrum method), the meter reading data of gas, electricity, and water meters from the Wi-SUN device in the house or the sunlight provided in the house It is good to have composition which receives information, such as power generation amount data of a power generator by etc., and transfers this received information to a portable machine (remote control) which a user carries in a spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as meter reading data in a wider bicycle area than the conventional walking area. For example, in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), if the radio wave reaches only about 1 km, the signal spreads by 6 km if the bit rate is lowered by the spread spectrum method. Centering on the residential area, 1km in diameter is within the daily life zone (walking zone), while 6km in diameter is positioned in the local life zone (if necessary, page vi of the following electronic technical information See Table 5, page 32, and Table 4-3 on page 37 (Hiroshi Ishihara, “Fundamental Study of Daily Life Area (Part 2)”, [online], March 2008, Nagoya City Center, [Search July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.nui.or.jp/user/media/document/investigation/h19/nichijo.pdf>)). Also, usually everything from home to this area of life (bicycle area) can be covered (if necessary, see page 11 of the following electronic technical information (Machio Ichimura, “ "Analysis method of commercial demand based on living area", [online], June 2006, Community Builders' Net, [Search July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.geocities.jp /non_non_net2006/p_rep/seikatukenn2.pdf>).)

  Preferably, the first device is fixed to an object, and the second device is configured to be portable by the user, and the user who carries the second device It is possible to activate the function of the first device without passing the second device through the second device at a certain place, and the second device is carried by the user and fixed to the first device. It moves with the movement of the user on foot or by bicycle from the place where the object is located (for example, the starting point of movement), and the second device is connected to the place where the object is fixed to which the first device is fixed. It may be configured to return to the base point (for example, the original starting point as the end point after moving to a predetermined destination) by the movement of the user. The “movement on foot or bicycle” may be configured to have a line-of-sight distance of 5 km or more and 20 km or less. For example, the base point may be a home and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. Also, if the base point is a car, the user moves on foot from the car, shopping at a shopping center, for example, starts the engine from where they are shopping, and then returns to the base car again Good. Further, for example, the base point may be an automobile, and the user may walk from the automobile to the home after returning home, start the automobile engine from the next morning, and then return to the automobile again. Further, for example, the club house may be used as a base point, and the user may move on the golf course on foot during the play, and return to the club house after the play is over.

  Further, for example, the first device may be a single parent device installed in a care facility, and the second device may be a child device that is carried by a plurality of people moving into the care facility. For example, each child device stores different IDs, and the parent device may have a configuration in which the correspondence between the ID stored in each child device and the name of the person carrying the child device is stored. Each slave unit transmits radio waves including ID data by a spread spectrum method at a fixed time (for example, every minute). The base unit checks the ID data included in the received radio wave and the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the received radio wave. When the RSSI of the received radio wave is below the set value, it is based on the RSSI level. The approximate distance from the determined master unit to the slave unit that transmitted the radio wave and the name of the person associated with the ID are displayed on the master unit. The “RSSI set value” may be set so that the relationship between the distance between the parent device and the child device and the RSSI value is obtained in advance and stored in the parent device, and is input to the parent device as a distance. Or, “When RSSI falls below the set value”, when the RSSI level corresponding to the outside of the facility is reached based on the difference between the RSSI measured and set in advance between the outside of the care facility and the facility. Good.

  The parent device may have a function of selecting a person's name stored in advance from a list or the like, and a function of wirelessly transmitting a signal requesting a response to the child device having an ID corresponding to the person's name. When the received ID is its own ID and a response is requested from the parent device, the slave unit wirelessly transmits the received level information on the electric field strength and its own ID. The parent device obtains and displays the position of the child device (for example, the distance from the parent device) from the received field strength level of the ID.

  Further, for example, a function of relaying an inquiry radio signal from the parent device between the child devices may be provided. For example, the master unit is provided with a “normal search button (search button without relay)” and a “relay search button”, and when the “normal search button” is pressed, When all the slave units within the reachable range are requested to respond with the ID and electric field strength level, and when the “relay and search button” is pressed, all the slave units within the master unit's radio wave reachable range It is preferable to request a response from all the slave units within the reach of the radio wave from the slave unit. The response (for example, the ID of the other child device and the level of the electric field strength) is transmitted by the child device between the other child device and the parent device. Note that relaying between the slave units may be further performed, and it is preferable to limit the number of relays between the slave units. Alternatively, a position detector such as GPS may be provided for each of the parent device and the child device, and only the child devices within the range specified by the parent device from the position of the parent device may relay.

  In the communication by the “spread spectrum method”, for example, a narrow band signal obtained by modulating a signal to be transmitted may be spread over a wide band by a predetermined spreading method to reduce the power density and transmit from the transmission side. On the receiving side, the original narrowband signal having a high power density may be obtained by despreading the received signal. In addition, the “spread spectrum method” is, in particular, an original narrowband signal with high power density by despreading even if the spread signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, for example. The original narrow band signal may be demodulated and reproduced as a signal to be transmitted. In this way, even a signal attenuated below the noise floor at a long distance can be received.

  Note that “spread spectrum” communication uses a hardware modulator or demodulator for modulation to a spread signal performed on the transmission side and demodulation of the spread signal performed on the reception side. It may be performed by software radio. In particular, an arithmetic processing corresponding to such modulation or demodulation may be used as an IC chip.

  As a communication method based on the “spread spectrum method”, any communication method may be used. In particular, a method in which the communication distance becomes long even at the sacrifice of the communication speed may be used. For example, a frequency hopping method may be used. Desirably, a non-direct diffusion method is used. More preferably, the “spread spectrum method” is a method in which a chirp signal is generated by continuously changing the frequency, whereby a signal based on data to be transmitted is spread and modulated (hereinafter, referred to as “chirp signal”). The “chirp method” is preferable. In particular, the chirp method and other methods may be combined. For example, a chirp method may be used in combination with at least one of a frequency hopping method and a direct spreading method. As a communication method using the “spread spectrum method”, for example, the LoRa method described later in detail is best used. On the other hand, as a conventional modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, in addition to the above-described FSK method, OOK (on-off modulation), GFSK (continuous phase FSK), MSK (minimum deviation modulation), GMSK (Gaussian) (Minimum deviation modulation), etc. (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as “FSK etc.” hereinafter).

  Further, “at least one of the first device and the second device” that is “portable by the user” may be any device, such as a portable communication device, a portable information device, a wearable terminal, and the like. Good. Further, “at least one of the first device and the second device” that is “portable by the user” may be, for example, a non-dedicated device capable of performing functions other than remote control. A dedicated machine for remote control such as a remote control may be used.

  The “signal transmitted by the one device” may include a signal that activates the other one of the first device and the second device. For example, an engine starter or car security may include a signal for starting up these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, and the like. For example, in an engine starter or car security, it is preferable to include a signal for operating a notification function from these devices to a portable device or a remote controller. Desirably, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may include a signal other than a signal that activates the function of the other device. The “signal other than the signal that activates the function of the other device” is, for example, an engine starter, a current vehicle interior temperature, etc., and a car security, such as the degree of impact applied to the vehicle. It may be data detected by a provided sensor.

  The “signal transmitted by the one device” may be configured to include a start signal, a stop signal, and the like of these devices in consumer devices such as watering machines and various industrial devices. In addition, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may be configured to include a signal such as player performance information input to the golf navigation in a device such as a golf navigation. In addition, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may include various data such as meter reading data when the system of the present invention is used in devices such as gas, electricity, and water meters using standards such as Wi-SUN. A configuration including data is preferable.

  For example, when the first device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the second device is a vehicle-mounted device, the portable device side has a single receive mode and the vehicle device has a continuous receive mode reception mode. Good. In this way, the battery on the portable device side can be prolonged, and the signal transmitted from the portable device side can be more reliably captured on the in-vehicle device side. Desirably, in such a configuration, the same information may be transmitted a plurality of times from the vehicle-mounted device or the like. In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of reading-out due to disturbance in the portable device. More desirably, a function for transmitting a signal indicating switching to the continuous receive mode from the in-vehicle device side to the portable device side is provided, and when the signal indicating this switching is received on the portable device side, it is configured to operate in the continuous receive mode. Good. In the case of such a configuration, in particular, it is preferable that the time for operating in the continuous receive mode is a fixed time. Such a communication mode can be implemented, for example, by using a communication chip “SX1272” described later.

  “Single receive mode” is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular, when communication is performed at a fixed reception timing, an operation of turning on the reception circuit only at a necessary reception timing is performed. It may be configured. In this way, power consumption during reception standby can be reduced. “Continuous receive mode” may be, for example, a mode in which signals are continuously received.

  (2) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device by a spread spectrum method may be a LoRa method.

  In this way, the user can overcome the current situation that the distance that can be remotely controlled is generally uniform.

  A wireless system using the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method (hereinafter also referred to as “LoRa wireless system”), for example, when designed to have the same communication distance as the FSK method, has a higher transmission bit rate (hereinafter simply referred to as “bit rate”). It is also called “data rate” or “transmission speed”.) Since the communication time is shortened when the bit rate is high, the user can quickly perform the other function in the situation where one of the first device and the second device transmits a signal for operating the other function. A system capable of operating can be obtained.

  In particular, at least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user has a function of inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal that activates the other function based on the input instruction. It is good to be the structure which transmits. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a system that responds quickly to an instruction input operation.

  Desirably, the bit rate may be set low in the LoRa method. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferably, the bit rate is set to the lowest possible range. In particular, the first device or the second device may be set to the lowest possible bit rate within the range in which the user can carry it. In this way, the user can transmit a signal for activating the function of the other device from the portable device from a distance farther than before, and activate the function to the other device. Further, for example, the bit rate of the portable device may be set lower than the bit rate of the device whose function is activated by a signal transmitted from the portable device. Furthermore, it is good to have the structure of (3) and (3-1) mentioned later. According to the experiment results of the inventors, in such a configuration, the transmission area and the cover area of about 16 times as much as the transmission distance and area of the conventional 420 MHz band FSK system could be obtained.

  Desirably, it is particularly good to set the bit rate low in this way in a system with a small amount of digital information to be transmitted and received. More desirably, the bit rate may be set low when digital information is transmitted, such as in an automobile engine starter or car security.

  The LoRa wireless communication can be performed, for example, by using a communication chip “SX1272” manufactured by SEMTECH. This communication chip executes the above-described signal modulation and demodulation by arithmetic processing.

  (3) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device uses a sub-gigahertz band, and the bandwidth of a channel to be used is larger than the channel bandwidth in a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. It is recommended to use a channel with a wide frequency band of sub-gigahertz.

  In this way, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication with a smaller apparatus than before and at a longer distance than before. The sub-gigahertz band generally has a shorter distance of radio waves than the sub-gigahertz band, but the problem of this shorter radio distance is that This can be solved by using a channel of a sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth is wider than that of the channel. For example, a channel having a frequency in a sub-gigahertz band wider than a channel bandwidth in a band having a frequency less than the sub-gigahertz band may be set.

  Further, for example, the frequency of an oscillator for performing wireless communication provided in the first device and the second device may be set as shown in (3). In particular, for example, the frequency setting for wireless communication may be configured to be performed by a control unit provided in the first device and the second device, and the frequency to be set may be as shown in (3). Preferably, the control unit is a computer, and a value corresponding to a frequency set in a register of the computer is written.

  (3-1) Wireless communication between the first device and the second device is a specific low-power radio, uses a sub-gigahertz band, and can be transmitted in a band having a frequency less than the sub-gigahertz band. The frequency may be a sub-gigahertz band larger than the power.

  The “band of a frequency lower than the sub-gigahertz band” may be a 400 MHz band, and preferably, for example, each band of 449.7125 to 449.8250 MHz, 449.8375 to 49.8875 MHz, or 469.4375 to 49.4875 MHz. More preferably, for example, each band of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz, or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz, and Good. In each of these bands, the channel bandwidth may be set to 12.5 kHz, for example, and particularly in the band of 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, for example, 25 kHz. Further, the transmittable power may be 1 mW in the band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band, for example, 1426 at 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz and 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, and 10 mW in each of the other bands. Good.

  The “sub-gigahertz band” may be a frequency band slightly lower than 1 GHz, for example, and preferably 800 to 950 MHz. More preferably, it may be a 920 MHz band defined in Japanese laws and regulations, more preferably, for example, a center frequency may be a band of 929.15 to 929.65 MHz, and most preferably, for example, a center frequency is 916.0. It is good to set it as a band of ˜928.0 MHz. The channel bandwidth may be set to 100 kHz, for example, in a band with a center frequency of 929.15 to 929.65 MHz, and the channel bandwidth may be set to, for example, 200 kHz in a band with a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz. The channel used in the sub-gigahertz band may be a channel having a bandwidth that is four times or more the channel bandwidth in a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. Desirably, the channel has a bandwidth of 200 kHz, which is eight times the bandwidth of the channel at 256.0 kHz from 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz. More preferably, it is 200 kHz, 16 times the bandwidth of the channel at 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz, or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. It is good to select a sub-gigahertz band channel. The transmittable power may be 1 mW, for example, in the 916.0-920.4 MHz and 929.15-929.65 MHz of the sub-gigahertz band, and 20 mW in each of the other bands. As a channel to be used in the sub-gigahertz band, a channel having a transmittable power of 20 mW that is 20 times the transmittable power 1 mW or twice the 10 mW in a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band may be selected.

  In the 400 MHz band included in the “band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band”, a bandwidth of 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz is allocated per channel in accordance with Japanese domestic regulations at the time of filing. On the other hand, in the sub-gigahertz band, there is a 920 MHz band to which a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz is assigned per channel. As described above, the sub-gigahertz band is particularly preferably a 920 MHz band as a frequency band in which the allocated bandwidth per channel is wider than the 400 MHz band, which is a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. The 400MHz band has a narrower bandwidth per channel than the 920MHz band, but the radio waves reach farther than the 920MHz band, and the straightness is low and it is easy to diffract, so long distance obstacles (mountains and buildings) There is a merit that it is easy to receive even in the shade.

  “Channel to be used” includes a bandwidth of 200 kHz, a 200 kHz interval included in a band of 920.6 to 923.4 MHz, a total of 15 channels, and a bandwidth of 400 kHz included in a band of 920.7 to 923.3 MHz. It is good to set it as the structure made into any channel among the channels of a total of 14 waves with a 200kHz space | interval, and especially the center frequency is 922.4MHz, 922.6MHz, 922.8MHz, 923.0MHz, 923.2MHz, and 923.MHz. The inventors have found that at least one of the 4 MHz channels (all of which have a bandwidth of 200 kHz) may be used. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration capable of switching some of these channels, and preferably, a configuration in which a channel in which no signal is confirmed by Busy determination among these channels is automatically switched. Good. In addition, these channels may be configured to use a wider bandwidth by combining a plurality of adjacent channels. For example, the adjacent five channels among the above six channels are used as a bandwidth of 1000 kHz. It may be configured.

  In addition, the “channel” may be a frequency band allocated for use in communication, for example, and may be a frequency band allocated in accordance with laws and regulations in the country of use, in particular, a frequency band allocated in accordance with laws and regulations in Japan. Good.

When performing channel Busy determination (determination that prohibits transmission due to the presence of a signal), spread spectrum signal level determination is performed by, for example, CAD (Channel).
It is preferable that the determination of the level of a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method is performed by RSSI, for example, using the Activity Detection function. The CAD function may be configured to detect the presence of a spread spectrum signal having a level that is so low that the presence of a signal cannot be detected by RSSI. The Busy determination may be configured to be Busy when it is −130 dBm or more for a spread spectrum signal, and Busy when it is −80 dBm or more for signals of other modulation schemes. In this way, a more appropriate channel busy determination can be performed, and the function of the apparatus can be operated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance.

  Table 1 is a table showing all cases where the presence or absence of a signal is confirmed by the CAD function and RSSI. The upper part of each column shows the contents of the Busy determination, and the lower part shows what Indicates whether a signal may be transmitted. Table 1 shows a case where the first device and the second device can transmit signals of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method. In Table 1, the case where the presence of a signal is confirmed by the CAD function is “CAD present”, the case where the signal is not confirmed is “no CAD”, and the case where the presence of the signal is confirmed by RSSI is “RSSI present”. The case where it was not performed was set to "no RSSI".

  As shown in Table 1, in the case of “with RSSI” and “with CAD”, (A) Busy determination based on the presence of both a spread spectrum system signal and a modulation system signal other than the spread spectrum system, Or (B) Busy determination due to the presence of a relatively high-strength signal (−80 dBm or more) in the spread spectrum method, and in the case of (A), transmission of signals of all modulation methods is prohibited. In the case of (B), it is possible to transmit a signal of a modulation system other than the spread spectrum system. Further, even in the case of (A), transmission is possible as long as the existing spread spectrum signal is different from the spread spectrum signal having a different bandwidth and spreading factor.

  In the case of “with RSSI” and “without CAD”, it is a Busy determination due to the presence of a modulation system signal other than the spread spectrum system, and there is no spread spectrum system signal. Signal transmission is possible.

  In the case of “without RSSI” and “with CAD”, it is a Busy determination due to the presence of a spread spectrum signal, and there is no modulation method signal other than the spread spectrum method. It is possible to transmit a signal of the modulation scheme. Further, even a spread spectrum signal can be transmitted as long as the signal has a different bandwidth and spreading factor from the existing spread spectrum signal.

  In the case of “no RSSI” or “no CAD”, there is no Busy determination, and neither a spread spectrum signal nor a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method exists, so transmission of signals of all modulation methods Is possible.

  (4) The intensity of a signal transmitted from the first device or the second device may be a noise floor or lower.

  In this way, the possibility of interfering with a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, for example, a signal of the FSK method or the like becomes extremely low. As a method of setting the signal strength to be lower than the noise floor, for example, it may be configured to control to reduce the transmission power, or to be transmitted with a high spreading factor in which the transmitted signal has a signal strength lower than the noise floor. It is good. A signal to be transmitted has a characteristic that, when the spreading factor is increased, the transmission speed is slightly reduced, but the communication sensitivity is improved and the communication distance is improved. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance than before. The “noise floor” may be configured to be −80 dBm.

  (5) According to the spread spectrum method, the wireless communication between the first device and the second device is performed at a quarter of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the bandwidth. It is preferable that signals can be transmitted with the same power at one of them and at the center of the bandwidth.

  In this way, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance than before. Such a system with high modulation efficiency and capable of communication at a high transmission bit rate can be implemented by, for example, the spread spectrum method or the LoRa method. On the other hand, in the FSK system, the signal transmission power decreases at the high frequency side and low frequency side ends of the bandwidth, and the signal protrudes outside the bandwidth, so the modulation efficiency is low.

  The wireless communication between the first device and the second device by the spread spectrum method is desirably in the vicinity of both of the quarter of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the bandwidth, and It is preferable that signals can be transmitted with the same power near the center of the bandwidth. More preferably, it is possible to transmit a signal with the same power in the vicinity of at least one end and the center of the bandwidth of the channel to be used. More preferably, the signal can be transmitted with the same power in the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used.

  In the configuration of (5), in particular, the power for transmitting a signal outside the bandwidth of the channel is preferably configured to be smaller than a specified value. In this way, the amount of protrusion outside the bandwidth is smaller than the specified value, so that the modulation efficiency is high. When the same communication distance is set in the communication system, the higher the modulation efficiency, the higher the bit rate communication is possible.

  At least one of the first device and the second device is particularly preferably a device whose power consumption does not change even when the transmission bit rate is changed. When the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device is reduced, so that the power consumption in the system can be reduced. In particular, a battery may be used as a power source for the apparatus. In this way, battery life (hereinafter also referred to as “battery life”) can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize troubles such as battery replacement.

  At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, the transmission bit rate may be set so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption is reduced and battery life can be extended.

  Further, for example, a first device and a second device capable of wireless communication are provided, and wireless communication between the first device and the second device is performed in place of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. It is preferable to use a scheme in which the power of the central portion of the full width and the peripheral one end portion can be transmitted with the same power. In particular, it is preferable that a signal can be transmitted with the same power in the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used. Further, for example, the wireless communication between the first device and the second device may use the OFDM modulation method instead of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. In particular, Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) may be used.

  The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be configured to be performed by GFSK modulation instead of or together with the spread spectrum method. Desirably, the GFSK modulation is performed at a speed of several hundred bits / second or less. More preferably, Sigfox is used. However, the spread spectrum method is the best at the present time, and the LoRa method (2) is particularly preferable.

  The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be performed by wireless network communication, but may be performed as one-to-one communication between the first device and the second device. For example, the communication chip “SX1272” may be configured to use, for example, 0x12 as the value of SyncWord instead of 0x34 used in LoRaWAN. It is desirable to use a value that is neither 0x34 nor 0x12. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with commercially available devices that perform Lora wireless communication.

  (6) Of the first device and the second device, a device that can be carried by a user may include a built-in antenna used for the wireless communication.

  In this way, the user can use a device having a simple configuration in which the antenna is not exposed to the outside, in particular, a portable device having excellent portability as a portable device. This is because a wireless system using the spread spectrum method can use an antenna having a lower antenna gain when designed with the same communication distance and the same communication bit rate as the wireless system using the FSK method.

  In particular, when the wireless system using the LoRa method is used as in (2), this effect is remarkably exhibited. In addition, even in the spread spectrum system radio (WLAN, WCDMA (registered trademark), etc.) pursuing interference prevention and a high bit rate, in the LoRa system, a low bit rate signal is converted into a spectrum. Sensitivity can be greatly improved by consuming a large bandwidth while spreading over a wide band by diffusion. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further reduce the size of the built-in antenna. Thereby, even if a user puts a portable machine in a pocket etc. and carries it, it can be set as a system which does not get in the way and can be used without stress.

  Thus, since the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, a smaller antenna with low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa radio system, for example, it is possible to use a remote control (portable device) that can obtain a radio wave distance equivalent to that of a remote control using a conventional rod antenna despite being a built-in antenna. Thus, a highly portable system of the remote controller (portable device) can be provided for the user.

  Desirably, the configuration of (3) may be provided. More preferably, the configuration of (3-1) may be provided. More desirably, the configurations of (3) and (3-1) may be provided. Most preferably, the configurations of (2), (3) and (3-1) may be provided. In this way, the merit of providing the built-in antenna is particularly great.

  (7) The user may be able to change the magnitude of the signal transmission power directly or indirectly.

  In this way, the user can use the system with the optimum transmission power according to the environment used by the user. For example, when it is assumed that the distance between the first device and the second device is small and the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power should be set low within a range where there is no problem in signal transmission. Thus, the transmission power can be minimized. Of the first device and the second device, a device that transmits a signal may use a battery as a power source. In this way, the user can extend the battery life, and can reduce the frequency of battery replacement and the like. On the other hand, when it is desired to prioritize the certainty of signal transmission performed between the first device and the second device rather than minimizing the transmission power, consider the assumed communication distance and the like. The transmission power can be set to a high eye. As a result, signal transmission is reliably performed, and the user can accurately control a device on which the system of the present invention is mounted.

  Here, as a configuration in which “the user can directly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal”, for example, the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device is input as the power value. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure to set. In this way, by making it possible for the user to directly change the transmission power level, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power so that the transmission power level is suitable for his / her usage conditions. .

  As a configuration in which “the user can indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal”, for example, the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device is a relative value related to the power value. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure set with a numerical value or a parameter | index. Various indicators such as an indicator such as “strong / medium / weak” and an indicator based on an operation mode are conceivable as indicators associated with the power value. In particular, for example, the “long-distance communication mode (normal mode)” and the “long-life mode” having a long battery life may be selected. In this way, it is possible to select whether to give priority to the battery life or to give priority to the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. In this way, by making it possible for the user to change the transmission power level indirectly, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output so that the transmission power level is suitable for his / her usage conditions. can do.

  The configuration in which the user can directly or indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal may be any configuration, and the unportable device side of the first device and the second device. For example, it may be configured to be performed via switches (for example, dip switches) or a control device provided in an in-vehicle device in an engine starter or car security, and in particular, portable among the first device and the second device. For example, it may be configured to be performed by a portable device such as a remote controller.

  In addition, the magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed based on an operation of an operation unit provided in a remote controller or another device, for example. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in a remote controller or another device.

  Desirably, in the portable device of the first device and the second device, the above-described “long distance communication mode (normal mode)” and “long life mode” can be selected. In this way, the user can extend the battery life by selecting the long life mode in the area where communication is possible in the long life mode, and in the area farther than the area where communication is possible in the long life mode, When communication is no longer possible in the long life mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the long distance communication mode.

  In addition, when setting the operation mode according to the signal transmission power level, such as “Long distance communication mode (normal mode)” or “Long life mode”, each mode is further set to the transmission power level. Accordingly, it may be configured to be set in multiple stages or steplessly. By employing these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission power.

  (8) It is preferable that the user can change the transmission bit rate of the signal directly or indirectly.

  In this way, the user can use the system under conditions optimal for the environment used by the user by adjusting the transmission bit rate. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate to be low, the user can increase the communication sensitivity while increasing the communication sensitivity. On the other hand, by setting the transmission bit rate high, the user tried to minimize the communication time while sacrificing the communication sensitivity and communication distance, and used wireless communication over a long distance by agile communication operation. It is possible to activate the function of the device by remote control.

  At least one of the first device and the second device is particularly preferably a device whose power consumption does not change even when the transmission bit rate is changed. When the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device is reduced, so that the power consumption in the system can be reduced, and in particular, the power consumption in the device on the signal transmission side can be reduced. In particular, a battery may be used as a power source for the apparatus. In this way, the user can extend the battery life, and can minimize the troubles such as battery replacement.

  At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, the transmission bit rate may be set so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption is reduced and battery life can be extended.

  Here, as a configuration in which the user can directly change the transmission bit rate of the signal, for example, a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device is set by inputting a bit rate value. And it is sufficient. In this way, by making “the user can change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate directly”, the user can adjust the transmission bit rate suitable for his / her use condition with high accuracy.

  For example, a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of a signal can be indirectly changed by a user includes, for example, the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device relative to the transmission bit rate. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure set with a numerical value or a parameter | index. Various indicators such as “Large / Medium / Small” or an index based on the operation mode are conceivable as indexes associated with the transmission bit rate. In particular, for example, the “normal mode” and the “speed mode” in which the communication operation is quick may be selectable. In this way, it is possible to select whether to give priority to the distance at which the function of the apparatus can be operated by remote control using wireless communication or to give priority to the quickness of the communication operation. In this way, by making it possible for the user to indirectly change the signal transmission bit rate, the user can intuitively or intuitively obtain a transmission bit rate of a size suitable for his / her use conditions. Can be adjusted.

  The configuration in which the user can directly or indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal may be any configuration, and the non-portable device side of the first device and the second device, for example, It is preferable to use a switch (such as a dip switch) or a control device provided like an in-vehicle device in an engine starter or car security, and in particular, it is portable among the first device and the second device. For example, it may be configured to be performed by a portable device such as a remote controller.

  Desirably, in the portable device of the first device and the second device, the above-described “normal mode” and “speed mode” can be selected. In this way, the user can speed up the communication operation by selecting the speed mode in the area where communication is possible in the speed mode, and the speed in the area farther than the area where communication is possible in the speed mode. When communication is no longer possible in the mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the normal mode.

  In addition, the transmission bit rate may be changed based on an operation of an operation unit provided in a remote controller or another device, for example. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in a remote controller or another device.

  In addition, when setting the operation mode according to the size of the transmission bit rate, such as “normal mode” and “speed mode”, each mode can be set in multiple steps or according to the size of the transmission bit rate. It may be settable in stages. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission bit rate.

  (9) In the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the first device and the second device, the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the signal strength in the last communication is When transmitting within a predetermined time from reception, the transmission power is reduced, and when transmitting the signal less than the predetermined value or after a predetermined time has elapsed since reception of the signal in the last communication, at least the transmission power is reduced. It is preferable to maintain the transmission power at the time of the last communication.

  In this way, the user can optimize transmission power consumption while ensuring transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, when the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is larger than necessary, the signal strength transmitted next may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the first device and the second device is portable, the user moves even when the signal strength received by the device is larger than necessary. For example, the interval between the first device and the second device may increase with the passage of time. In this way, when the transmission power in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, the first device and the second device using time as an index. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which adjustment is performed based on the assumption of a change in the interval. In the configuration of (9), not only the intensity of the signal received in the last communication is not less than a predetermined value, but also the transmission power is reduced when the next signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication. It is configured to do. Furthermore, in the configuration of (9), when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or when transmission is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the signal in the last communication, at least the transmission power is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress transmission power consumption. For example, when a battery is used as a power source, the battery life can be extended, so that the user does not need to change the battery frequently.

  Here, the “predetermined time” is, for example, an interval between the first device and the second device when trying to reduce the transmission power of a signal to be transmitted next than the transmission power at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. The distance at which communication is assumed to be established between the first device and the second device and the assumed extension value of the interval between the first device and the second device. A configuration that is set as a reference may be used. For example, it is assumed that one of the first device and the second device is a portable device such as a remote controller, and the other is a stationary device that does not move, and the user moves the first device and the second device by walking. Assuming a case where the interval between the devices is widened, communication is established between the first device and the second device after the average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot and the transmission power is reduced. The “predetermined time” may be set based on the relationship between the expected distance and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced by reducing the transmission power. In this way, assuming a change in the interval between the first device and the second device using time as an index, a “predetermined time” is set based on the assumed result, and this predetermined time is used to reduce transmission power. By using one of the standards, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience even if control for suppressing transmission power consumption is performed. Is possible.

  Note that the “predetermined time” for reducing the transmission power may be a time between 1 minute and 2 minutes, for example. Further, the “predetermined time” may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

  Here, for example, the first device may be a portable device (for example, a remote controller), and the second device may be a system that is a fixed device (for example, an external power source such as an in-vehicle device or a home device). In this way, in a system where basic control starts with command transmission from the remote controller, transmission power consumption on the fixed device side can be reduced. In this case, for example, if the power source is a battery mounted on the vehicle on the fixed device side, such as an engine starter or car security, the power consumption of the battery can be minimized.

  Further, for example, the system may be configured to periodically transmit a link confirmation signal with the remote controller from the fixed device side. In this way, it is possible to reduce the transmission power of the transmission signal of the remote controller by looking at the radio wave intensity of the link confirmation signal. If the transmission power of the remote control can be reduced and the power consumption can be reduced, the life of the battery built in the remote control (portable device) can be extended, and the user does not need to replace the battery frequently.

  For example, when there is a large amount of information to be transmitted and information is transmitted divided into multiple times, the first transmission is performed with large transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions are adjusted based on the first radio wave intensity. It is good to have a configuration to do. In this way, transmission power can be optimized. In this case, for example, a configuration using a battery as a power source may be used. In this way, the battery life can be extended, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

  Also, for example, in car security, even if a command is not sent from the remote control, a signal is sent from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote control when the sensor detects that some trouble has occurred in the car. It is good to have a configuration. In this way, when a user who knows the operation of car security performs a process such as canceling car security by operating the remote control, the remote controller sends the remote control based on the signal strength of the signal received from the in-vehicle device. Signal transmission power can be reduced, power consumption in a battery or the like built in the remote controller can be minimized, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

  Further, for example, a configuration may be employed in which a system can be set by transmitting a signal to the fixed device side using a remote controller. In this way, the transmission power of the transmission signal from the remote control is reduced based on the radio wave intensity of the response signal returned from the fixed device by transmitting the setting start command from the remote control, and the battery etc. built in the remote control Power consumption can be minimized and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

  The user carrying the remote control may move after receiving the signal in the last communication in the system. For this reason, if the transmission power of the remote control or fixed device is reduced after a lapse of a predetermined time, the distance between the remote control and the fixed device will be too wide and the radio wave strength will be insufficient, and wireless communication will be used over long distances. The remote control that has been used may not be able to activate the functions of the device. Therefore, it is preferable that the transmission power is reduced within a predetermined time, and the transmission power is maintained after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance and to extend the battery life. Thereby, the frequency with which a user performs troublesome work, such as battery exchange, can be suppressed to the minimum.

  In addition, the configuration of “maintaining at least transmission power” may be a configuration of maintaining transmission power or a configuration of increasing transmission power. As in the configuration of (9), in the case where the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal was received in the last communication, at least the transmission power at the time of the last communication The transmission power may be maintained. In this way, by reducing the transmission power, it is possible to prevent communication from being established, and to ensure communication stability. As a result, the user can use remote communication over a long distance without any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication. It is possible to activate the function of the device by control.

  When the “predetermined time” for reducing the transmission power is changed according to the signal strength, the predetermined time may be shortened as the signal strength is increased, and the predetermined time may be increased as the signal strength is decreased. However, if the signal strength is less than a predetermined value, the transmission power is maintained at least.

  In the configuration of (9), for example, it is preferable to increase the transmission power if communication cannot be performed with the transmission power lowered, and to increase further if communication is still not possible. The method for increasing the transmission power when communication cannot be performed with the transmission power lowered is preferably a configuration in which the transmission power is increased stepwise or continuously, and in particular, a configuration in which the transmission power is directly increased to the maximum. In this way, the user can obtain the merit that the power consumption can be minimized.

  In the configuration of (9), for example, the transmission power setting of the remote controller and the fixed device may be maximized in a normal state and lowered by automatic control, and the user is provided on the remote controller operation or on-vehicle device side. Alternatively, the configuration may be performed by setting a dip switch. Further, the transmission power may be displayed on the display screen of the remote controller. In this way, the display allows the user to confirm the transmission power. Further, it is preferable that the received radio wave intensity can be displayed on the display screen of the remote controller. In this way, the user can use the remote control while confirming whether communication is possible based on the displayed radio wave intensity.

  (10) In the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the first device and the second device, the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the signal strength in the last communication is When transmitting within a predetermined time from reception, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and when the signal strength is less than the predetermined value or when the signal is transmitted after the reception of the signal in the last communication The transmission bit rate may be maintained at least at the transmission bit rate at the time of the last communication.

  In this way, the user can optimize the transmission bit rate while ensuring transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, when the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is larger than necessary, the signal strength transmitted next may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the first device and the second device is portable, the user moves even when the signal strength received by the device is larger than necessary. For example, the interval between the first device and the second device may increase with the passage of time. As described above, when the transmission bit rate can be adjusted in the next communication according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, the first device and the second device can be adjusted using time as an index. It is preferable to assume a configuration in which a change in the apparatus interval is assumed and adjustment is performed based on this assumption. In the configuration of (10), not only the intensity of the signal received in the last communication is not less than a predetermined value, but also the transmission bit rate is set when the next signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication. It is configured to raise. Furthermore, in the configuration of (10), when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or when transmission is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since reception of the signal in the last communication, at least the transmission bit rate is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress transmission power consumption. For example, when a battery is used as a power source, the battery life can be extended, so that the user does not need to change the battery frequently.

  Here, the “predetermined time” is, for example, when the transmission bit rate of the signal to be transmitted next is increased from the transmission bit rate at the time of signal transmission in the last communication, Assuming the distance that the communication between the first device and the second device will be established even if the device interval increases, and the expansion speed of the interval between the first device and the second device It may be configured to set the value as a reference. For example, it is assumed that one of the first device and the second device is a portable device such as a remote controller, and the other is a stationary device that does not move, and the user moves the first device and the second device by walking. Assuming a case in which the interval between the devices is widened, communication between the first device and the second device after reduction of an increase in the transmission bit rate and an average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot The “predetermined time” may be set based on the relationship between the distance assumed to be established and the size of the communication distance that is likely to be reduced as the transmission bit rate increases. Thus, in order to increase the transmission bit rate by setting a “predetermined time” based on the assumed result, assuming a change in the interval between the first device and the second device using time as an index. Even if control for increasing the transmission bit rate is performed, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a long distance without feeling inconvenience. Is possible.

  The “predetermined time” during which the transmission bit rate is increased may be a time between 1 minute and 2 minutes, for example. Further, the “predetermined time” may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

  In addition, the configuration of “maintaining at least the transmission bit rate” may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate, or a configuration of reducing the transmission bit rate. As in the configuration of (10), in the case where transmission is performed after the intensity of the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or after a predetermined time has elapsed since reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is set at least during the last communication It is preferable that the transmission bit rate is maintained. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to ensure the stability of communication. As a result, the user can use remote communication over a long distance without any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication. It is possible to activate the function of the device by control.

  If the bandwidth is the same in the communication system, the transmission bit rate, sensitivity (flying distance), and transmission power are in an inversely proportional relationship. That is, when the transmission bit rate is increased in the system of the present invention, the distance does not fly (sensitivity decreases) with the same bandwidth and the same transmission power, and the function of the device is activated by remote control using wireless communication. Although the possible distance is shortened, the transmission time can be shortened and the communication operation of the system can be performed quickly. Here, when the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even if the sensitivity is low. Therefore, communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. Therefore, in the configuration (10), it is preferable to increase the transmission bit rate as long as the received radio wave is strong. In this way, the user can quickly activate the other function in a situation where a signal for activating the other function is transmitted from one of the first device and the second device. You can get a system.

  (11) In the wireless communication using the spread spectrum system, a plurality of spreading factors can be set, and the spreading factor may be changed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In this way, the user can construct a wireless system that is extremely difficult to intercept.

  The “changing the spreading factor” may be performed in a predetermined pattern. The “predetermined pattern” of “changing the spreading factor” may be a random configuration or a predetermined sequence. Here, in the system of the present invention, as the spreading factor is higher, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance. Therefore, in particular, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one level below the maximum diffusion rate are adopted. In the case of such a configuration, as a pattern for changing the spreading factor, it is preferable that the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step below are alternately switched in a predetermined pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a long distance that is difficult to intercept.

  “When a predetermined condition is satisfied” may be configured so that every packet is transmitted, or may be configured every time a packet having a predetermined amount of data is transmitted, and each time a predetermined time elapses. Also good.

  The “spreading rate” may be, for example, the value (C / B) of the ratio of the spreading code rate (also referred to as “chip rate”. C) to the transmission bit rate (B).

  (12) Communication may be performed while switching the channel used for communication.

  In this way, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, so that the user can obtain a system in which interference between spread spectrum communication systems is unlikely to occur. it can. In this case, the channel is switched at the same timing between the receiving side and the transmitting side. For example, when the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, for example, the center frequency is switched between six channels of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz. It is good to have a configuration to do. Note that channels other than these channels may be used.

  In the spread spectrum method, in particular, the LoRa method, the communicable distance is greatly increased compared to the FSK method. Therefore, for example, when a communication method with a large communication distance such as the LoRa method is adopted, there is a high possibility that interference by other users interrupts the communication area. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method, is employed, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching channels used for communication. Thereby, even if the user is using devices that perform communication using the spread spectrum system in the vicinity, other users can communicate stably without being affected by the influence.

  (13) A vehicle control device for starting a vehicle drive device based on a predetermined vehicle start signal, and a start permission device capable of transmitting a start permission signal for permitting the vehicle control device to start the drive device. A personal code that is portable by a user and capable of transmitting a predetermined personal code, and receives the personal code that has been transmitted, and the received personal code and a reference code provided in the start permission device; The system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the system is used to indirectly transmit the personal identification code to a vehicle to which the start permission signal is transmitted by the start permission device. In the wireless communication between the first device and the second device, a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method can be selected, and the first device The mobile phone is portable and can receive the personal identification code from the personal identification code transmitter, and a signal including a conversion code obtained by converting the received personal identification code by a predetermined method and a start instruction signal The second device is mounted on the vehicle, can convert the received conversion code into the password code, and can transmit the converted password code to the start permission device. When the start instruction signal is received, the vehicle start signal may be transmitted to the vehicle control device.

  In this way, for example, in a car equipped with a start-up permission device (so-called immobilizer) using a password, the user does not place the password transmitter in the vehicle, and keeps a drive device such as an engine or a motor while carrying the device. It can be started by a remote control (first device portable by the user). In general, for example, due to security problems, the code code transmitter and the start permission device cannot transmit / receive the code code unless they are close to each other, and the start of the drive device cannot be permitted. However, in this way, even if the password transmitter and the start permission device are largely separated from each other, the password transmitted from the password transmitter is transmitted to the remote controller (the first portable by the user). And the vehicle-mounted device (second device mounted on the vehicle), and can be received by the start permission device, and the drive device can be permitted to start.

  In the configuration of “indirectly transmitting” the personal identification code, for example, the personal identification code is converted into a different conversion code from the first apparatus that has received the personal identification code from the personal identification code transmitter, and transmitted to the second apparatus. In this apparatus, the received conversion code may be converted into the original password and then transmitted to the start permission device.

  Regarding the second device, the configuration “mounted on the vehicle” may be a configuration that is originally attached to the vehicle at the time of manufacture of the vehicle by an automobile manufacturer, and in particular, a configuration that is so-called retrofitted to a sold vehicle.

  The start instruction signal transmitted by the first device may be configured to be issued according to a user instruction.

  The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be configured to select a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. In this way, even if it is difficult to permit the start of the drive device by any one of the methods, the possibility that the start of the drive device is permitted can be increased. The configuration for performing the “selection of communication method” may be any configuration, for example, via switches (for example, dip switches) provided in an in-vehicle device (second device mounted on the vehicle), a control device, or the like. In particular, the configuration is preferably performed on the remote control (portable first device) side. The communication method may be selected based on an operation of an operation unit provided in a remote controller or another device, for example. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in a remote controller or another device.

  A mode (hereinafter referred to as “relay mode”) in which the password transmitted from the password transmitter is relayed by the first communication device carried by the user and the second communication device mounted on the vehicle; It is preferable to select a mode that does not relay (hereinafter referred to as “non-relay mode”). In this way, users and retailers can prepare both a vehicle with an immobilizer and a vehicle without an immobilizer by preparing only one type of system with a remote control and an in-vehicle device. It is possible to cope with a user who is a car type user who is willing to place the password transmitter in the car. As a configuration for selecting the “relay mode” and the “non-relay mode”, for example, a selection unit such as a switch may be provided in the in-vehicle device, and the selection unit such as the switch may be used for selection.

  When “relay mode” is selected, the wireless communication may be configured to be a continuous mode of a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. In this case, the “communication method other than the spread spectrum method” may be configured to be FSK or the like. The “continuous mode” is a mode in which the level of DIO2 / DATA pin is transmitted as it is (without going through the FIFO).

When “non-relay mode” is selected, the “long distance mode” and the “short distance mode” may be selected. The “long-distance mode” may be configured to select a spread spectrum packet mode for wireless communication, and particularly preferably configured to be a LoRa packet mode. "Packet mode" is an SPI (Serial Peripheral)
It may be configured to transmit data given by (Interface) as a packet via the FIFO.

  The “short distance mode” may be configured so that the wireless communication is a packet mode of a communication system other than the spread spectrum system, and preferably the wireless communication is a spread spectrum packet mode with a higher transmission bit rate than the long distance communication mode. It is preferable to set the transmission bit rate to be higher than that in the long-distance communication mode using the LoRa method. The communication device that can select the LoRa method and the FSK method and can select the continuous mode and the packet mode may be, for example, the above-described communication chip “SX1272”.

  Any of the configurations (1) to (13) may be combined arbitrarily. Moreover, you may comprise combining the component as described in the structure of (1) to (13) arbitrarily.

  (14) For example, it may be configured as the first device in the system according to any one of (1) to (13) above.

  (15) For example, the second device in the system according to any one of (1) to (13) may be configured.

  As such devices, for example, the above-described consumer devices, devices for systems used in various industrial devices, and devices for wireless communication systems that collect meter reading data may be used. It may be configured as a device for use. For example, a system device used for an automobile-related device may be configured as a remote controller or an in-vehicle device as a system device used for an engine starter.

  (16) For example, it may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the function described in any of (1) to (13) above.

  According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a system that can perform remote control more reliably and is easy to use than conventional systems.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an engine starter using a system according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are external views of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front view of the remote controller, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the junction unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is started using the remote controller. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine state is confirmed using the remote controller. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when performing idling extension using the remote controller. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is stopped using the remote controller. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display on the remote control display when the door is locked or unlocked using the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the first remote control registration method. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the second remote control registration method. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where a user carries a genuine key in an automobile equipped with an immobilizer. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where a genuine key is arranged and used in an automobile equipped with an immobilizer. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where the engine starter is used for an automobile not equipped with an immobilizer.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The system of the present embodiment is a system used for an engine starter that starts an automobile engine (driving device) by remote operation using a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”). It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments described below, and it is easy for those skilled in the art that there can be other embodiments from the teaching and spirit thereof without departing from the scope of the claims. To understand.

1. Configuration of Engine Starter FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are external views of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front view of a remote controller, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a junction unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine starter 10 includes a remote controller 20 (first device) and a junction unit 40 (second device) mounted on an automobile. The remote controller 20 can be operated or moved by the user holding it. As shown in FIG. 2A, the remote control 20 includes a display unit 24 on the front surface of a flat, substantially rectangular case 22 with rounded upper and lower parts, from the center in the vertical direction to the upper part. . The display unit 24 is a monochrome two-gradation segment type liquid crystal screen. The display unit 24 incorporates a backlight of seven colors, and when the operation of the operation button 26 is detected, the display unit 24 is turned on to improve visibility. However, if it is always lit, battery consumption will be faster, so it will illuminate for a set time and then turn off. This time can be changed by the user's setting (for example, selected from 5 seconds / 10 seconds / 20 seconds (initial value is 5 seconds)). It is also possible to take a mode that does not light at all. The color of the backlight can also be changed by the user setting (for example, white / yellow / purple / blue / orange / green / indigo). The display unit 24 can display items and contents to be set at the time of setting, and can display an operating state of the system and the engine at the time of use. Examples of various displays on the display unit 24 are shown in FIGS.

  An operation button 26 is provided below the display unit 24 on the front surface of the case 22. The operation button 26 is a button used for operation, and includes a start button 26a, an engine button 26b, and a stop button 26c. The start button 26a also functions as a lock button, and the stop button 26c also functions as an unlock button. As shown in FIG. 2A, the start button 26a provided on the left side and the stop button 26c provided on the right side are in contact with each other, and the engine button 26b is provided in contact with the start button 26a and the stop button 26c. It has been. A rod-type antenna 28 is provided at the upper left portion of the case 22. The antenna 28 is pulled out long when the remote control 20 is used, and is pushed in short when not in use. A battery cover (not shown) is provided on the back surface of the case 22.

  The remote controller 20 includes a wireless communication circuit 30, a control unit 32, and a battery 34 shown in FIG.

  The junction unit 40 is attached to the automobile after the purchase of the automobile. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the junction unit 40 includes a first connector 42 connected to a key cylinder side connector and a vehicle side connector of an automobile via a cable, a brake detection line, a door lock via the cable. A second connector 44 connected to a wire, a door unlock line, etc., a third connector 46 connected to the temperature sensor 54, and a fourth connector 48 connected to the antenna unit 56.

  The first connector 42, the key cylinder side connector, and the vehicle side connector receive the same signal as the signal transmitted from the key cylinder to the vehicle side via the cable when the key cylinder is operated using the key. Is connected to the vehicle side via the first connector 42 and the cable when the is operated. Therefore, for example, when an operation for starting the engine using the remote controller 20 is performed, the same vehicle start signal as that used for starting the engine of the automobile using the key is transmitted to the vehicle control device on the vehicle side, and the engine is started. .

  The door lock line and the door unlock line connected to the second connector 44 are connected to a door control device on the vehicle side. When the operation of locking or unlocking the door is performed using the remote controller 20, the door is operated when the operation of locking or unlocking the door is performed using a key or a remote controller (a remote controller different from the remote controller 20) originally provided on the key. The same signal as the door lock signal or door unlock signal transmitted to the control device is transmitted from the junction unit 40 to the door control device, and the door is locked or unlocked.

  The remote controller 20 is set with a unique ID, and when the junction unit 40 receives a signal from the remote controller 20 paired with the junction unit 40, the junction unit 40 operates based on the signal. To do. Therefore, for example, even if an operation for starting the engine using the remote controller 20 that is not paired is performed, the junction unit 40 does not respond to the vehicle start signal transmitted from the remote controller 20, so the engine is started. I can't.

  The junction unit 40 includes a wireless communication circuit 50 and a control unit 52 shown in FIG. The junction unit 40 uses a battery provided in the automobile as a power source.

  The remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 each include a communication chip “SX1272” manufactured by SEMTECH, and the wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote controller 20 and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 are both centered on this communication chip. It is configured. The wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote controller 20 is connected to the antenna 28, and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 is connected to the antenna unit 56.

  The wireless communication circuit 30 and the wireless communication circuit 50 can switch and use six channels from CH33 to CH38 in the 920 MHz band, which is a sub-gigahertz band. The center frequency of each channel is 922.4 MHz for CH33, 922.6 MHz for CH34, 922.8 MHz for CH35, 923.0 MHz for CH36, 923.2 MHz for CH37, and 923.4 MHz for CH38. In any channel, the bandwidth is 200 kHz, and the transmittable power is 20 mW. The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specific low power wireless.

  The bandwidth of these channels of 200 kHz is that of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz used in conventional engine starters. The bandwidth of each channel is 16 times the bandwidth 12.5 kHz. Further, the transmittable power 20 mW of these channels is 20 times the transmittable power 1 mW of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz or 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz used in conventional engine starters, and 429.1750. It is twice the transmittable power of 10 mW of ˜429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz.

  Wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed by the wireless communication circuit 30 and the wireless communication circuit 50. Radio waves used for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 are transmitted and received via the antenna 28 of the remote controller 20 and the antenna unit 56 of the junction unit 40. Wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed by the LoRa method among the spread spectrum methods. In addition, wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed with the same power at one end of a quarter of the bandwidth from the both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the bandwidth and at the center of the bandwidth. Is sent.

  The control unit 32 of the remote controller 20 and the control unit 52 of the junction unit 40 each include a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, and the like. The control unit 32 and the control unit 52 use the boot loader recorded in the ROM to expand the OS and the application program recorded in the flash memory on the RAM, and execute the OS and the application program on the RAM. Execute processing and realize various functions. Unless otherwise specified, all functions are realized by the processing of the control unit 32 and the control unit 52. The frequency or channel of the oscillator for performing wireless communication provided in the wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote controller 20 and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 is written in a register of a microcomputer provided in the control unit 32 and the control unit 52.

2. Usage and Operation of Engine Starter Next, usage and operation of the engine starter 10 will be described.

2-1. Starting the Engine FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is started using the remote controller. (A) to (i) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (i) in FIG.

(A) When starting the engine of the automobile, the engine button 26b is pushed until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “E” in a blinking state.

(B) Subsequently, while “E” is blinking (about 3 seconds), the start button 26 a is pressed until a “Doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, “START” is displayed, a transmission animation is displayed, and a start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the start instruction signal, it sends back a response signal to the remote controller 20. In the transmission animation, as shown in (b1), three horizontal bars arranged vertically move in order from the top to the left, and then the two vertical bars move from right to left.

(C) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right.

(D) When the remote controller 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, a reception sound “sofa milled” is emitted from the remote controller 20. Here, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is ON, based on the temperature information included in the response signal, the current vehicle interior temperature is displayed on the display unit 24 for a certain period of time, and then the temperature display disappears and the engine start confirmation signal is received. Wait for. The temperature information is the passenger compartment temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54.

(E) On the other hand, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is OFF, if the reception sound “sofa milled” is emitted from the remote controller 20, “oK” is displayed on the display unit 24 for a certain period of time, then the oK display disappears, and the engine start confirmation Wait for signal reception.

  The junction unit 40 transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device to start the engine. When the engine starts, the junction unit 40 detects the engine start and transmits an engine start confirmation signal to the remote controller 20. The vehicle start signal transmitted by the junction unit 40 is the same signal as the vehicle start signal transmitted from the key cylinder when an operation for starting the engine is performed using the key.

(F) When the remote controller 20 receives the engine start confirmation signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the remote controller 20 emits a received sound “Doremifa sofa milled”. Here, when the automatic stop is invalid, the engine start animation 24b and the idling set time are displayed on the display unit 24.

(G) On the other hand, when the automatic stop is valid and the reception sound “Doremifa sofa milled” is emitted from the remote controller 20, the engine start animation 24 b and “AUTO” are displayed on the display unit 24. Auto-stop is a function that automatically stops idling when the vehicle interior temperature reaches a preset temperature during idling in order to prevent unnecessary idling of the vehicle. When the vehicle interior temperature at the time of engine start is within ± 2 ° C with respect to the set temperature, the idling time is fixed to 5 minutes.

  During idling, a “beep” sound is continuously emitted from the junction unit 40 to notify that it is idling.

  When the junction unit 40 cannot detect engine start, restart (retry) is performed twice.

(H) When the retry operation is performed, “RT” is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24 and the retry operation is notified.

(I) When the engine does not start even in the second retry operation, a retry failure signal is transmitted from the junction unit 40, and the received sound “Pippippippippi” is emitted from the remote controller 20 that has received the retry failure signal. “ER” is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24, and the retry operation is stopped. Even when the retry setting is turned OFF, the display on the display unit 24 is the same display as in (i).

2-2. Confirmation of Engine State FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine state is confirmed using the remote controller. (A) to (i) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (i) in FIG.

(A) When checking the state of the engine, the engine button 26b is pressed until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “E” in a blinking state.

(B) Subsequently, while “E” is blinking (about 3 seconds), the engine button 26b is pushed again until a “Doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, “chK” is displayed.

(C) On the display unit 24, a transmission animation is displayed following “chK”, and an engine state confirmation signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the engine state confirmation signal, it sends a response signal back to the remote controller 20.

(D) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right. When the engine cannot be started, the start error sound can be confirmed by pressing the engine button 26b twice.

(E) Here, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is ON, a reception sound “sofa milled” is emitted from the remote controller 20 and the vehicle interior temperature is displayed on the display unit 24 based on the temperature information included in the response signal. . The temperature information is the passenger compartment temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54. This display is not performed when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is OFF.

(F, g) After displaying the vehicle interior temperature, the idling time is displayed on the display unit 24. Here, (f) When the automatic stop is invalid, the idling remaining time is displayed on the display unit 24 in the “idling state”. (G) In the “engine stopped state”, the idling set time is displayed on the display unit 24.

(H, i) On the other hand, when auto-stop is valid, (d) the idling elapsed time is displayed on the display unit 24 in the “idling state”. (I) “AUTO” is displayed on the display unit 24 in the “engine stopped state”.

2-3. Extending the idling time During idling by the engine starter according to the present embodiment, the idling can be extended for 10 minutes only once with respect to the idling setting time.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display unit of the remote controller and a sound emitted from the remote controller when performing idling extension using the remote controller. (A) to (h) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (h) in FIG.

(A) When extending the idling time, the engine button 26b is pushed until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “E” in a blinking state.

(B) Subsequently, while “E” is blinking (about 3 seconds), the start button 26 a is pressed until a “Doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, “START” is displayed and a transmission animation is displayed, and an idling time extension signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the idling time extension signal, it sends a response signal back to the remote controller 20.

(C) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right.

(D) When the remote controller 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote controller 20 emits a received sound “Doremifa sofa mired”, and (e, f) “Ido” and “+10” are alternately displayed on the display unit 24. Is displayed to notify the extension of the idling time.

(G, h) Here, when auto stop is enabled, idling extension is disabled, the received sound “Doremifa sofa milled” is emitted from the remote controller 20, and the elapsed time and “Ido” are alternately displayed on the display unit. The

2-4. Stopping the engine When the engine is started with the engine starter according to the present embodiment, the remote controller 20 can stop the engine.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is stopped using the remote controller. (A) to (d) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (d) in FIG.

(A) When stopping the engine of the automobile, the engine button 26b is pressed until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “E” in a blinking state.

(B) Subsequently, while “E” is blinking (about 3 seconds), the stop button 26 c is pressed until a “Doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, “STOP” is displayed, a transmission animation is displayed, and a stop instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the stop instruction signal, the engine stop signal is transmitted to the vehicle control device to stop the engine, and a response signal is sent back to the remote controller 20. The engine stop signal transmitted by the junction unit 40 is the same signal as the engine stop signal transmitted from the key cylinder when an operation for stopping the engine is performed using the key.

(C) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right.

(D) When the remote controller 20 receives the response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote controller 20 emits a received sound “Somiledre”, “oK” is displayed on the display unit 24, an engine stop animation is displayed, and the engine is stopped. You will be notified.

2-5. Door lock / unlock operation The engine starter remote control 20 according to the present embodiment can be used to lock or unlock the door of an automobile.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when the door is locked or unlocked using the remote controller. (A) to (h) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (h) in FIG.

(A) When the door is locked, the start button 26a which also functions as a lock button is pressed until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “locked padlock” in a blinking state.

(B) Subsequently, while the “locked padlock” is flashing (about 3 seconds), the start button 26a is pressed again until the “Doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. “Locked padlock” is displayed for a moment on the display unit 24, and a lock instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the lock instruction signal, it transmits a door lock signal to the door control device via the second connector 44 and the door lock line, locks the door by the door control device, and then sends a response signal to the remote controller 20. Send back.

(C) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right.

(D) When the remote controller 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote controller 20 emits a reception sound “sofa milled”, “locked padlock” and “oK” are displayed on the display unit 24, and the door is locked. (Locked) is notified.

(E) When unlocking the door, the user presses the stop button 26c which also functions as an unlock button until an operation confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20. The display unit 24 displays “unlocked padlock” in a blinking state.

(F) Subsequently, while the “unlocked padlock” is flashing (about 3 seconds), the stop button 26c is pressed again until the “doremifaso” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, “unlocked padlock” is displayed for a moment, and an unlock instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the unlock instruction signal, it transmits a door unlock signal to the door control device via the second connector 44 and the door unlock line, and after unlocking the door by the door control device, the remote control 20 A response signal is sent back to.

(G) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the display unit 24 displays a reception waiting animation in which the backlight blinks slowly and the horizontal bar 24a lights in order from left to right.

(H) When the remote controller 20 receives the response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote controller 20 emits a reception sound “sofa milled”, “unlocked padlock” and “oK” are displayed on the display unit 24, and the door Unlock (unlock) is notified.

2-6. Remote engine registration method In the engine starter of the present embodiment, CH33 (922.4 MHz), CH34 (922.6 MHz), CH35 (922.8 MHz), CH36 (923.0 MHz), CH37 (923.2 MHz), and CH38 ( 923.4 MHz). At the time of product shipment, the product is shipped with the radio frequency set to CH38. When the user performs remote control registration with the same junction unit 40 again using the same remote controller 20, the wireless communication channel is changed to the next channel (or the next channel if a carrier sense error). The order of channel change circulates through CH38 → CH33 → CH34 →... → CH38 → CH33. Even in a situation where the signal of the remote controller 20 cannot be received by the CH 38 and a change of the channel is required (even if it is obstructed), the remote registration operation is performed at a position close to the junction unit 40, so there is no problem. Hereinafter, two types of remote control registration methods will be described. Since the remote control registration is completed when the product is shipped, the remote control registration is performed by registering a new remote control ID in the junction unit when the remote control being used is lost or the remote control being used is broken. To make a new remote control available.

(1) First remote control registration method FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a first remote control registration method. The first remote control registration method will be described below with reference to FIG. <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> described in the following description correspond to <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> in FIG.
<Procedure 1> Both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c of the remote controller 20 are simultaneously pressed for about 5 seconds.
<Procedure 2> The stop button 26c is pressed until “Rmd” is displayed on the display unit 24 of the remote controller 20. If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the buzzer sound “Peepy” is emitted from the remote controller 20 and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 3> The engine button 26b of the remote controller 20 is pressed. “REC” is displayed on the display unit 24, and a confirmation sound is continuously emitted from the remote controller 20. If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the buzzer sound “Peepy” is emitted from the remote controller 20 and the registration is cancelled.

The following steps 4 to 7 are performed while the confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20 (about 40 seconds). If it exceeds 40 seconds before Step 4 to Step 7 are completed, the confirmation sound “Beep ...” disappears and registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 4> The key 62 is inserted into the keyhole 64 provided in the vehicle body, and the key 62 is operated to switch ACC → ON → ACC → OFF three times within 7.5 seconds.
<Procedure 5> While the position of the key 62 is OFF, a “piropiro” sound is emitted from the junction unit 40 for 10 seconds, and finally a “pea” sound is emitted. If the key 62 is operated while a “piroppiro” sound is emitted, the registration is canceled.
<Procedure 6> The key 62 is operated within 7.5 seconds after the “peep” sound is emitted from the junction unit 40 to switch OFF → ACC → ON → ACC → OFF three times. A “pippy” sound is emitted from the junction unit 40. Registration is canceled if it exceeds 7.5 seconds before the three times of switching are completed.
<Procedure 7> The engine button 26b is pressed until a “doremi” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. “REC” displayed on the display unit 24 blinks once, and a signal including an ID is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 receives a signal including an ID and the ID is registered, a “beep”, “beep”, “beep” sound is emitted from the junction unit 40, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote controller 20. When the remote control 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the received sound “Miredo” is emitted, “ok” is displayed on the display unit 24, and the remote control registration completion is notified.
<Procedure 8> The key 62 is removed from the keyhole 64.

(2) Second Remote Control Registration Method FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for the second remote control registration method. The second remote control registration method will be described below with reference to FIG. <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> described in the following description correspond to <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> in FIG.
<Procedure 1> The connector 42a is removed from the first connector 42 of the junction unit 40 and reconnected. A confirmation sound is emitted continuously from the junction unit 40.
<Procedure 2> Both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c of the remote controller 20 are simultaneously pressed for about 5 seconds.
<Procedure 3> The stop button 26c is pressed until “Rmd” is displayed on the display unit 24 of the remote controller 20. If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the buzzer sound “Peepy” is emitted from the remote controller 20 and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 4> The engine button 26b of the remote controller 20 is pressed. “REC” is displayed on the display unit 24, and a confirmation sound is continuously emitted from the remote controller 20. If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the buzzer sound “Peepy” is emitted from the remote controller 20 and the registration is cancelled.

The following procedure 5 and procedure 6 are performed while the confirmation sound “beep” is emitted from the remote controller 20 (about 40 seconds). If it exceeds 40 seconds before Step 5 and Step 6 are completed, the confirmation sound “Beep ...” disappears and registration is canceled.
<Procedure 5> The key 62 is inserted into the keyhole 64 provided in the vehicle body, and the key 62 is operated to switch from OFF → ACC → ON. A “beep” sound is emitted about 3 seconds after the junction unit 40.
<Procedure 6> The engine button 26b is pressed until a “doremi” sound is emitted from the remote controller 20. “REC” displayed on the display unit 24 blinks once, and a signal including an ID is transmitted from the remote controller 20. When the junction unit 40 receives a signal including an ID and the ID is registered, a “beep”, “beep”, “beep” sound is emitted from the junction unit 40, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote controller 20. When the remote control 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the received sound “Miredo” is emitted, “ok” is displayed on the display unit 24, and the remote control registration completion is notified.
<Procedure 8> The key 62 is operated to switch from ON to ACC to OFF, and the key 62 is removed from the keyhole 64.

3. Another Embodiment of Engine Starter FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of the engine starter using the system according to the present invention. The figure shows a state where the engine starter 10 is used in an automobile 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66 (start permission device). In the figure, parts having substantially the same configuration as the engine starter shown in FIG. The engine starter 10 of this embodiment can be used for an automobile 60 including an immobilizer 66.

3-1. Overall Configuration The automobile 60 is provided with an engine 70 (drive device), a vehicle control device 68, an immobilizer 66, and a junction unit 40. The vehicle control device 68, the immobilizer 66, and the junction unit 40 are connected to each other by a cable 36. Has been. The user carries the remote controller 20 and the genuine key 62a (password code transmitter). In FIG. 10, a broken line means a connection by wireless communication (the same applies to FIGS. 11 and 12 described later).

  The vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70 based on the vehicle start signal. The vehicle start signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20 by an engine start operation using the user's remote controller 20, and is transmitted from the junction unit 40 that has received the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. Further, the vehicle start signal is transmitted to the vehicle control device 68 by pressing a start button (not shown) provided on the automobile 60 or by inserting the genuine key 62a into the keyhole and turning it. The genuine key 62a is attached to the automobile at the time of sale, and transmits a personal identification code.

  When the immobilizer 66 receives the password code transmitted from the genuine key 62a, the immobilizer 66 compares the reference code stored in the storage device included in the immobilizer 66 with the password code, and if they match, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. The start permission signal to be permitted is transmitted. When receiving the vehicle start signal, the vehicle control device 68 confirms the presence of the start permission signal for 20 ms, and can start the engine 70 when it is confirmed that the start permission signal exists during that time.

  In the engine starter 10 of the present embodiment, since both the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 include the communication chip “SX1272”, the LoRa system, which is one of the spread spectrum systems, for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, The FSK method, which is a communication method other than the spread spectrum method, can be selected. When used in an automobile 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66 and the user carries the genuine key 62a, the wireless communication is FSK.

  The remote controller 20 can receive a personal identification code from the genuine key 62 a, converts the received personal identification code into another code (hereinafter referred to as “conversion code”), and transmits this conversion code to the junction unit 40. In the following, “the password code transmitted from the genuine key 62 a is converted into a conversion code by the remote controller 20 and transmitted to the junction unit 40, and the conversion code is converted into the original password code by the junction unit 40 and transmitted to the immobilizer 66. “To do” is called “relaying the code”. Further, the remote controller 20 transmits a start instruction signal to the junction unit 40 in response to a user engine start operation.

  When the junction unit 40 receives the conversion code from the remote controller 20, it converts the conversion code into the original code, and transmits the converted code to the immobilizer 66 wirelessly. Further, when the junction unit 40 receives a start instruction signal from the remote controller 20, the junction unit 40 transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68 via the cable 36. The communicable distance between the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 or the remote controller 20 is shorter than the communicable distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40.

3-2. Operation When the user performs an engine start operation using the remote controller 20, a signal including a conversion code and a start instruction signal are transmitted from the remote controller 20 to the junction unit 40.

  The junction unit 40 that has received the signal including the conversion code and the start instruction signal transmits the code code to the immobilizer 66 and transmits the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68.

  When the immobilizer 66 receives the password code, the reference code stored in the storage device included in the immobilizer 66 is compared with the password code, and if they match, the vehicle control device 68 is transmitted with a start permission signal for permitting the engine 70 to start. To do.

  When the vehicle control device 68 confirms the presence of the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. Since it is necessary to confirm the presence of the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the FSK method having a higher communication speed and reaction speed than the LoRa method is selected. However, the distance that can be remotely controlled by the remote controller 20 is shorter than that of the LoRa method.

3-3. Other usage modes (1) When using a genuine key in an automobile equipped with an immobilizer The engine starter of this embodiment should also be used when placing a genuine key in a car equipped with an immobilizer. Can do.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where a genuine key is arranged and used in a car equipped with an immobilizer. In this case, the LoRa method is used for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40.

  In this case, since the genuine key 62a is arranged in the vehicle 60, the immobilizer 66 can always receive the code code transmitted from the genuine key 62a, and the immobilizer 66 permits the vehicle control device 68 to start. It is possible to always transmit a signal. In this case, since the “relay secret code” function is not used, the function is turned off and the “non-relay mode” is set.

  When the user performs an engine start operation, a start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20, and the junction unit 40 that has received the start instruction signal transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. The vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70 when receiving the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal.

  The communication method is selected from the LoRa method and the FSK method. The presence of the start permission signal must be confirmed within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal. However, since the start permission signal is transmitted from the genuine key 62a disposed in the car 60, any method is selected. May be. If priority is given to the distance that can be remotely controlled by the remote controller 20, the LoRa packet mode is selected (long distance mode). If priority is given to communication speed and reaction speed, the LoRa packet mode is selected, and a setting for increasing the transmission bit rate over the long distance mode is selected (short distance mode).

(2) When used for an automobile not equipped with an immobilizer The engine starter of the present embodiment can also be used for an automobile not equipped with an immobilizer.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of the engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where the engine starter is used for an automobile not equipped with an immobilizer. In this case, the LoRa method is used for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40.

  In this case, since there is no immobilizer, when the user performs an engine start operation, a start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20, and the junction unit 40 that has received the start instruction signal transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. To do. When the vehicle control device 68 receives the start permission signal, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. In this case as well, since the “relay secret code” function is not used, the function is turned off.

  The communication method is selected from the LoRa method and the FSK method. If priority is given to the communication speed and reaction speed, the FSK method may be selected, and if priority is given to the distance that can be remotely controlled by the remote controller 20, the LoRa method may be selected.

4). Modification of System According to the Present Invention An engine starter using the system according to the present invention may be modified as follows in the above-described two embodiments.

  In the engine starter according to the above-described embodiment, the intensity of a signal transmitted from at least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a noise floor or lower.

  As an antenna used for wireless communication with the junction unit 40 included in the remote controller 20, a built-in antenna disposed inside the case 22 may be used in addition to the rod-type antenna 28 shown in FIG.

  The remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 may allow the user to directly or indirectly change at least one of the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal and the bit rate of the signal.

  In the engine starter according to the above-described embodiment, in the information regarding the signal strength received in the last communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and the signal strength in the last communication is If transmission is performed within 1 minute from reception, the transmission power is reduced. If the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or transmission is performed after 1 minute has elapsed since reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is at least the last communication. The transmission power may be maintained at the same time.

  In the engine starter according to the above-described embodiment, in the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and the last communication is performed. When transmitting within 1 minute from the reception of the signal, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or transmission is performed after 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication, transmission The bit rate may be maintained at least at the transmission bit rate at the time of the last communication.

  The engine starter according to the above-described embodiment may have a configuration in which a plurality of spreading factors can be set in wireless communication using a spread spectrum method, and the spreading factor is changed every transmission of one packet.

  The engine starter according to the above-described embodiment may be configured to perform communication while switching a channel used for communication.

  The engine starter according to the above-described embodiment may be configured to be automatically switched to a channel in which it is confirmed by the Busy determination that no signal is present. The Busy determination of the channel is performed by the control unit 32 of the remote controller 20 and the control unit 52 of the junction unit 40, the level determination of the spread spectrum signal is performed using the CAD function, and the signal of the modulation method other than the spread spectrum method The level is determined by RSSI. The Busy determination is Busy when it is −130 dBm or more for a spread spectrum signal, and Busy when it is −80 dBm or more for other modulation signals.

  According to the system as described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 20 (first device) and the junction unit 40 (second device) capable of wireless communication are provided, and the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 are provided. The wireless communication is based on the spread spectrum method, the remote controller 20 is portable by the user, and the signal transmitted by the remote controller 20 includes a signal that activates the function of the junction unit 40. The function of the junction unit 40 is to transmit a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68, for example.

  In this way, compared to the FSK method used conventionally other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), the user can wirelessly connect at a much longer distance that is far from the back comparison of each company. It is possible to operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using communication. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventors, the function of the apparatus could be operated over a distance that is approximately twice or more that of the prior art. In the conventional FSK system, for example, when the distance over which wireless communication can be reliably performed is 1 km, in the spread spectrum system, communication of 2 km or more, which is twice or more, is possible.

  At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, but may be, for example, a golf navigation, particularly a portable device or a remote control. In the above-described embodiment, the remote controller 20 is used. For example, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may include a signal that activates the function of the other one device. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user has, in particular, a function for inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal for activating the other function based on the input instruction. It is good to be the structure which transmits. The function for inputting an instruction from the user is not particularly limited as long as the instruction can be input, but a sensor or the like that can detect the user's movement or the like may be used, and in particular, a means for inputting the user's instruction may be provided. At least one of the first device or the second device portable by the user may be a wearable terminal that can be worn on the body. Desirably, at least one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user may be a portable device that can be carried by hand, and may have a function of inputting instructions by hand. Desirably, means for inputting an instruction by pushing with a finger of a hand may be provided. More preferably, the means for inputting an instruction may be a switch.

  The other one of the first device and the second device may be any device, for example, a device that is portable by the user, and preferably a device that is not portable by the user, such as an object. It may be a fixed device, and more preferably a device installed indoors. When fixing to an object, for example, it may be fixed to the ground, and preferably to a gas, electricity, water meter or the like. When fixing to the ground, for example, a watering machine may be used. When fixing to gas, electricity, water meter, etc., it is better to use a terminal that transmits meter reading data to the remote control. For indoor installation, it may be installed in a golf clubhouse or in an automobile. When installing in a clubhouse, for example, digital signage is recommended. When installing in an automobile, for example, an in-vehicle device may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the junction unit 40 is installed in the automobile.

  The system of the present invention may be any system. For example, it may be a system used for consumer equipment or various industrial equipment, and particularly a system used for automobile-related equipment such as the engine starter described above. Thereby, the user can appropriately control various devices remotely.

  For example, a system used for consumer equipment is a system in which one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user is a remote control and the other is a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote control is It is good to include the signal which operates the function of the said apparatus.

  As a system for use in consumer equipment, a transmitter in which one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user is fixed to a portable device and the other device is fixed to a gas, electricity, water meter or the like is desirable. It is good to do. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device may include meter reading data and a signal that causes the portable device to add up the meter reading data (a signal that activates the function of the portable device).

  In particular, for example, a terminal that is fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter using a standard called “Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network)” is installed. A wireless communication system that collects If the system of the present invention is used in Wi-SUN, the user can collect meter reading data from a remote location more than before, and the time and effort of movement accompanying data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous residence that is not accessible only by walking away from a road that can be moved by a car, the meter reading data ( (Hereinafter also referred to as “meter information”) is more likely to be collected, and the possibility that the travel distance can be shortened even when the vehicle needs to be moved on foot after traveling by car is increased. In particular, the portable device can be carried by the user on foot and can be input by hand.

  More preferably, for example, the system may be a system in which the first device is a golf navigation system and the second device is a digital signage installed in a clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation may include, for example, a signal that activates a digital signage display function or a totaling function. In this case, it is possible to display the rankings sequentially on the digital signage based on the player's results input to the golf navigation during the round, and the user can save time and effort for counting the player's results and the like.

  As a system used for automobile-related equipment, for example, a system used for an engine starter of a car, car security, or the like using a first device as a remote controller and a second device as an in-vehicle device may be used. In the above-described embodiment, an automobile engine starter is used. In particular, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may include a signal for operating the function of the in-vehicle device, and the signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device may include a signal for operating the function of the remote controller. Desirably, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may be configured to be transmitted based on a user instruction.

  Here, in the conventional engine starter and car security, for example, in a large-scale apartment, the parking lot may not be used very far from the own room. Such problems were particularly noticeable in tower apartments. Also, for example, there were cases where radio waves were blocked by the concrete wall and could not be used unless it came out on the veranda. However, even in such a case, according to the present invention, the user can operate the function of the other device more reliably than in the past. For example, the functions of the engine starter and car security can be operated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, the user cannot activate the function of the other device unless the user moves to a place where radio waves can easily reach a car in a parking lot, such as a conventional window or a veranda. Even in such a case, it is highly possible that the engine starter or the car security can be operated by operating at an indoor position such as a bedside.

  Furthermore, for example, a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information and the like is combined with a system used for an automobile-related device including the above-described remote controller (portable device) and an in-vehicle device, and the meter information generated in a house is mounted on the vehicle It may be configured to be a presence (gateway) that mediates the portable device. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device is in Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than spread spectrum method), the meter reading data of gas, electricity, and water meters from the Wi-SUN device in the house or the sunlight provided in the house It is good to have composition which receives information, such as power generation amount data of a power generator by etc., and transfers this received information to a portable machine (remote control) which a user carries in a spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as meter reading data in a wider bicycle area than the conventional walking area. For example, in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), if the radio wave reaches only about 1 km, the signal spreads by 6 km if the bit rate is lowered by the spread spectrum method. Centering on the house where you live, the 1km diameter is within the daily life zone (walking zone), while the 6km diameter is positioned in the local life zone. In general, almost everything can be covered in the range from home to this area of life (bicycle area).

  Preferably, the first device is fixed to an object, and the second device is configured to be portable by the user, and the user who carries the second device It is possible to activate the function of the first device without passing the second device through the second device at a certain place, and the second device is carried by the user and fixed to the first device. It moves with the movement of the user on foot or by bicycle from the place where the object is located (for example, the starting point of movement), and the second device is connected to the place where the object is fixed to which the first device is fixed. It may be configured to return to the base point (for example, the original starting point as the end point after moving to a predetermined destination) by the movement of the user. The “movement on foot or bicycle” may be configured to have a line-of-sight distance of 5 km or more and 20 km or less. For example, the base point may be a home and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. Also, if the base point is a car, the user moves on foot from the car, shopping at a shopping center, for example, starts the engine from where they are shopping, and then returns to the base car again Good. Further, it is preferable that the base point is an automobile, and the user moves on foot from the automobile to the home after returning home, starts the automobile engine from the next morning, and then returns to the automobile again. The club house may be used as a base point, and the user may move the golf course on foot during the play, and return to the club house after the play is over.

  Further, for example, the first device may be a single parent device installed in a care facility, and the second device may be a child device that is carried by a plurality of people moving into the care facility. The ID assigned to each slave unit is different, and the master unit is configured to store the correspondence between the ID assigned to each slave unit and the name of the person carrying the slave unit. Each slave unit transmits a radio wave including an ID by a spread spectrum method at a constant time (for example, every minute). The base unit checks the ID and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received radio wave. When the RSSI of the received radio wave is below the set value, the approximate distance from the base unit to the slave unit that transmitted the radio wave The name of the person associated with the ID is displayed on the master unit. The “RSSI set value” may be set so that the relationship between the distance between the parent device and the child device and the RSSI value is obtained in advance and stored in the parent device, and is input to the parent device as a distance. Or, “When RSSI falls below the set value”, when the RSSI level corresponding to the outside of the facility is reached based on the difference between the RSSI measured and set in advance between the outside of the care facility and the facility. Good.

  The parent device may have a function of selecting a person's name stored in advance from a list or the like, and a function of wirelessly transmitting a signal requesting a response to the child device having an ID corresponding to the person's name. When the received ID is its own ID and a response is requested from the parent device, the slave unit wirelessly transmits the received level information on the electric field strength and its own ID. The parent device obtains and displays the position of the child device (for example, the distance from the parent device) from the received field strength level of the ID.

  Further, for example, a function of relaying an inquiry radio signal from the parent device between the child devices may be provided. For example, the master unit is provided with a “normal search button (search button without relay)” and a “relay search button”, and when the “normal search button” is pressed, When all the slave units within the reachable range are requested to respond with the ID and electric field strength level, and when the “relay and search button” is pressed, all the slave units within the master unit's radio wave reachable range It is preferable to request a response from all the slave units within the reach of the radio wave from the slave unit. The response (for example, the ID of the other child device and the level of the electric field strength) is transmitted by the child device between the other child device and the parent device. Note that relaying between the slave units may be further performed, and it is preferable to limit the number of relays between the slave units. Alternatively, a position detector such as GPS may be provided for each of the parent device and the child device, and only the child devices within the range specified by the parent device from the position of the parent device may relay.

  In the communication by the “spread spectrum method”, for example, a narrow band signal obtained by modulating a signal to be transmitted may be spread over a wide band by a predetermined spreading method to reduce the power density and transmit from the transmission side. On the receiving side, the original narrowband signal having a high power density may be obtained by despreading the received signal. In addition, the “spread spectrum method” is, in particular, an original narrowband signal with high power density by despreading even if the spread signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, for example. The original narrow band signal may be demodulated and reproduced as a signal to be transmitted. In this way, even a signal attenuated below the noise floor at a long distance can be received.

  Note that “spread spectrum” communication uses a hardware modulator or demodulator for modulation to a spread signal performed on the transmission side and demodulation of the spread signal performed on the reception side. It may be performed by software radio. In particular, an arithmetic processing corresponding to such modulation or demodulation may be used as an IC chip.

  As a communication method based on the “spread spectrum method”, any communication method may be used. In particular, a method in which the communication distance becomes long even at the sacrifice of the communication speed may be used. For example, a frequency hopping method may be used. Desirably, a non-direct diffusion method is used. More preferably, the “spread spectrum method” is a method in which a chirp signal is generated by continuously changing the frequency, whereby a signal based on data to be transmitted is spread and modulated (hereinafter, referred to as “chirp signal”). The “chirp method” is preferable. In particular, the chirp method and other methods may be combined. For example, a chirp method may be used in combination with at least one of a frequency hopping method and a direct spreading method. As a communication method using the “spread spectrum method”, for example, the LoRa method described later in detail is best used. On the other hand, as a conventional modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, in addition to the above-described FSK method, OOK (on-off modulation), GFSK (continuous phase FSK), MSK (minimum deviation modulation), GMSK (Gaussian) (Minimum deviation modulation), etc. (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as “FSK etc.” hereinafter).

  Further, “at least one of the first device and the second device” that is “portable by the user” may be any device, for example, a portable communication device, a portable information device, a wearable terminal, or the like. . Further, “at least one of the first device and the second device” that is “portable by the user” may be a non-dedicated device capable of performing functions other than remote control, for example, in particular, for example, a remote controller, etc. It is better to use a dedicated machine for remote control.

  The “signal transmitted by the one device” may include a signal that activates the function of the other of the first device and the second device. For example, an engine starter or car security may include a signal for starting up these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, and the like. For example, in an engine starter or car security, it is preferable to include a signal for operating a notification function from these devices to a portable device or a remote controller. Desirably, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may include a signal other than a signal that activates the function of the other device. For example, in the case of car security, the “signal other than the signal that activates the function of the other device” may be data detected by a sensor provided in the vehicle, such as the degree of impact applied to the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the current vehicle interior temperature of the engine starter is used.

  The “signal transmitted by the one device” may be configured to include a start signal, a stop signal, and the like of these devices in consumer devices such as watering machines and various industrial devices. In addition, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may be configured to include a signal such as player performance information input to the golf navigation in a device such as a golf navigation. In addition, the “signal transmitted by the one device” may include various data such as meter reading data when the system of the present invention is used in devices such as gas, electricity, and water meters using standards such as Wi-SUN. A configuration including data is preferable.

  For example, when the first device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the second device is a vehicle-mounted device, the portable device side has a single receive mode and the vehicle device has a continuous receive mode reception mode. Good. In this way, the battery on the portable device side can be prolonged, and the signal transmitted from the portable device side can be more reliably captured on the in-vehicle device side. Desirably, in such a configuration, the same information may be transmitted a plurality of times from the vehicle-mounted device or the like. In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of reading-out due to disturbance in the portable device. More desirably, a function for transmitting a signal indicating switching to the continuous receive mode from the in-vehicle device side to the portable device side is provided, and when the signal indicating this switching is received on the portable device side, it is configured to operate in the continuous receive mode. Good. In the case of such a configuration, in particular, it is preferable that the time for operating in the continuous receive mode is a fixed time. Such a communication mode can be implemented, for example, by using the communication chip “SX1272”.

  “Single receive mode” is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular, when communication is performed at a fixed reception timing, an operation of turning on the reception circuit only at a necessary reception timing is performed. It may be configured. In this way, power consumption during reception standby can be reduced. “Continuous receive mode” may be, for example, a mode in which signals are continuously received.

  In the present embodiment, wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 by the spread spectrum method is the LoRa method.

  Therefore, the user can overcome the current situation that the distance that can be remotely controlled is generally uniform.

  A wireless system using the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method (hereinafter also referred to as “LoRa wireless system”), for example, when designed to have the same communication distance as the FSK method, has a higher transmission bit rate (hereinafter simply referred to as “bit rate”). It is also called “data rate” or “transmission speed”.) Since the communication time is shortened when the bit rate is high, the user quickly activates the other function in a situation where one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 transmits a signal that activates the other function. A system that can do this is obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the remote controller 20 has a function of inputting an instruction from the user, and transmits a signal for operating the function of the junction unit 40 based on the input instruction. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a system that reacts quickly to an instruction input operation.

  Desirably, the bit rate may be set low in the LoRa method. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferably, the bit rate is set to the lowest possible range. In particular, the remote control 20 that can be carried by the user may be set to the lowest setting within the range in which the bit rate can be set. In this way, the user can transmit a signal for operating the function of the junction unit 40 from the remote controller 20 from a distance farther than before, and can operate the function in the junction unit 40. For example, the bit rate of the remote controller 20 may be set lower than the bit rate of the junction unit 40.

  Desirably, it is particularly good to set the bit rate low in this way in a system with a small amount of digital information to be transmitted and received. More preferably, the bit rate may be set low when digital information is transmitted, such as car security or the engine starter of the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, LoRa wireless communication is performed by using a communication chip “SX1272” manufactured by SEMTECH. This communication chip executes the above-described signal modulation and demodulation by arithmetic processing.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 uses a sub-gigahertz band, and a sub-gigahertz band in which the bandwidth of a channel to be used is wider than the channel bandwidth in a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. Use the frequency channel.

  Therefore, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication with a smaller apparatus than before and at a longer distance than before. The sub-gigahertz band generally has a shorter distance of radio waves than the sub-gigahertz band, but the problem of this shorter radio distance is that This can be solved by using a channel of a sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth is wider than that of the channel. In the present embodiment, a channel having a frequency of a sub-gigahertz band wider than a channel bandwidth in a frequency band having a frequency less than the sub-gigahertz band is set.

  In this embodiment, the sub-gigahertz band is used as the frequency of the oscillator for performing wireless communication provided in the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, and the bandwidth of the channel to be used is a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. Use a channel with a sub-gigahertz frequency wider than the channel bandwidth of. The frequency setting for wireless communication is performed by the control unit 32 provided in the remote controller 20 and the control unit 52 provided in the junction unit 40. Further, each of the control unit 32 and the control unit 52 includes a microcomputer and writes a value corresponding to the frequency set in the register of the microcomputer.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specific low-power radio, uses a sub-gigahertz band, and can transmit in a band with a frequency less than the sub-gigahertz band. It is a sub-gigahertz band frequency that is greater than the power.

  In the present embodiment, the “band of a frequency lower than the sub-gigahertz band” is 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz, or 429. Each band of 8125 to 429.9250 MHz. In each of these bands, the channel bandwidth is 12.5 kHz, particularly 25 kHz in the band of 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz. The transmittable power is 1 mW at 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz and 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, and 10 mW in each of the other bands.

  In the present embodiment, the “sub-gigahertz band” is a band having a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 200 kHz. The channel used in the sub-gigahertz band is a bandwidth of 12.5 kHz at 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 4297375 MHz, or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. It is a sub-gigahertz band channel that is 16 times 200 kHz. The transmittable power is 20 mW. The channel used in the sub gigahertz band is a channel having a transmittable power of 20 mW, which is twice the transmittable power of 10 mW in a frequency band lower than the sub gigahertz band.

  In the 400 MHz band included in the “band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band”, a bandwidth of 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz is allocated per channel in accordance with Japanese domestic regulations at the time of filing. On the other hand, in the sub-gigahertz band, there is a 920 MHz band to which a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz is assigned per channel. As described above, the sub-gigahertz band is particularly preferably a 920 MHz band as a frequency band in which the allocated bandwidth per channel is wider than the 400 MHz band, which is a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. The 400MHz band has a narrower bandwidth per channel than the 920MHz band, but the radio waves reach farther than the 920MHz band, and the straightness is low and it is easy to diffract, so long distance obstacles (mountains and buildings) There is a merit that it is easy to receive even in the shade.

  In the present embodiment, the “channels to be used” are six channels whose center frequencies are 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz (all have a bandwidth of 200 kHz). ) At least one of these channels, and some of these channels can be switched. Among these channels, it is preferable to have a configuration that can automatically switch to a channel that has been confirmed by the Busy determination that no signal exists. In addition, these channels may be configured to use a wider bandwidth by combining a plurality of adjacent channels. For example, the adjacent five channels among the above six channels are used as a bandwidth of 1000 kHz. It may be configured.

  In the present embodiment, the “channel” is a frequency band assigned for use in communication, and is a frequency band assigned in accordance with Japanese domestic regulations.

  In performing channel Busy determination, the level of a spread spectrum signal is determined using a CAD function, and the level of a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method is determined by RSSI. The CAD function detects the presence of a spread spectrum signal having a level that is so low that RSSI cannot detect the presence of the signal. The Busy determination is Busy when it is −130 dBm or more for a spread spectrum signal, and Busy when it is −80 dBm or more for other modulation signals. Therefore, more appropriate channel busy determination can be performed, and the function of the apparatus can be operated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance.

  As shown in Table 1 above, in the case of “with RSSI” and “with CAD”, (A) Busy due to the presence of both a spread spectrum system signal and a modulation system signal other than the spread spectrum system. Determination or (B) Busy determination based on the presence of a relatively high intensity signal (−80 dBm or more) in the spread spectrum method. In the case of (A), transmission of signals of all modulation methods is prohibited. In the case of (B), it is possible to transmit a signal of a modulation system other than the spread spectrum system. Further, even in the case of (A), transmission is possible as long as the existing spread spectrum signal is different from the spread spectrum signal having a different bandwidth and spreading factor.

  In the case of “with RSSI” and “without CAD”, it is a Busy determination due to the presence of a modulation system signal other than the spread spectrum system, and there is no spread spectrum system signal. Signal transmission is possible.

  In the case of “without RSSI” and “with CAD”, it is a Busy determination due to the presence of a spread spectrum signal, and there is no modulation method signal other than the spread spectrum method. It is possible to transmit a signal of the modulation scheme. Further, even a spread spectrum signal can be transmitted as long as the signal has a different bandwidth and spreading factor from the existing spread spectrum signal.

  In the case of “no RSSI” or “no CAD”, there is no Busy determination, and neither a spread spectrum signal nor a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method exists, so transmission of signals of all modulation methods Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the intensity of the signal transmitted from the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is not particularly specified, but may be lower than the noise floor.

  In this way, the possibility of interfering with a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, for example, a signal of the FSK method or the like becomes extremely low. As a method of setting the signal strength to be lower than the noise floor, for example, it may be configured to control to reduce the transmission power, or to be transmitted with a high spreading factor in which the transmitted signal has a signal strength lower than the noise floor. It is good. A signal to be transmitted has a characteristic that, when the spreading factor is increased, the transmission speed is slightly reduced, but the communication sensitivity is improved and the communication distance is improved. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance than before. The “noise floor” may be configured to be −80 dBm.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 using the spread spectrum method is performed by using one of the quarter portions of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the bandwidth, and the bandwidth. In the center, the signal can be transmitted with the same power.

  Therefore, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance than before. Such a system with high modulation efficiency and capable of communication at a high transmission bit rate can be implemented by, for example, the spread spectrum method or the LoRa method. On the other hand, in the FSK system, the signal transmission power decreases at the high frequency side and low frequency side ends of the bandwidth, and the signal protrudes outside the bandwidth, so the modulation efficiency is low.

  In the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 by the spread spectrum method, it is desirable that both of the bandwidth of the channel to be used are in the vicinity of both of the quarter portions of the bandwidth from the both ends of the bandwidth to the inside of the bandwidth. It is preferable that transmission of signals with the same power is possible near the center. More preferably, it is possible to transmit a signal with the same power in the vicinity of at least one end and the center of the bandwidth of the channel to be used. More preferably, the signal can be transmitted with the same power in the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used.

  In particular, the power for transmitting a signal outside the bandwidth of the channel to be used may be configured to be smaller than a specified value. In this way, the amount of protrusion outside the bandwidth is smaller than the specified value, so that the modulation efficiency is high. When the same communication distance is set in the communication system, the higher the modulation efficiency, the higher the bit rate communication is possible.

  In this embodiment, the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 use the communication chip “SX1272”, and the power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. Therefore, when the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device is reduced, so that the power consumption in the system can be reduced. The remote controller 20 uses a battery as a power source for the apparatus, so the battery life can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize troubles such as battery replacement.

  At least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device that increases power consumption when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, the transmission bit rate may be set so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption is reduced and battery life can be extended.

  Further, in this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 can be transmitted with the same power at the central portion of the full width and the peripheral end portion in place of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. It is preferable to use a configuration that uses various methods. In particular, it is preferable that a signal can be transmitted with the same power in the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used. Further, for example, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may use the OFDM modulation method instead of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. In particular, Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) may be used.

  The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be configured to be performed by GFSK modulation instead of or together with the spread spectrum method. Desirably, the GFSK modulation is performed at a speed of several hundred bits / second or less. More preferably, Sigfox is used.

  The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be performed by wireless network communication, but may be performed as one-to-one communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. The communication chip “SX1272” may be configured to use, for example, 0x12 instead of 0x34 used in LoRaWAN as the value of SyncWord. It is desirable to use a value that is neither 0x34 nor 0x12. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with commercially available devices that perform Lora wireless communication.

  In the present embodiment, the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 use the antenna 28 or the antenna unit 56 exposed to the outside. In particular, the remote controller 20 may include a built-in antenna used for wireless communication.

  Thus, the user can use a device having a simple configuration in which the antenna is not exposed to the outside, particularly the remote controller 20 having excellent portability. This is because a wireless system using the spread spectrum method can use an antenna having a lower antenna gain when designed with the same communication distance and the same communication bit rate as the wireless system using the FSK method.

  In particular, when the wireless system using the LoRa method is used as in the present embodiment, this effect is remarkably exhibited. Moreover, even in the case of spread spectrum radio, general ones (WLAN, WCDMA, etc.) pursue interference prevention and a high bit rate. In the LoRa method, a low bit rate signal is widened by spread spectrum. Sensitivity can be greatly improved by consuming a large bandwidth while spreading. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further reduce the size of the built-in antenna. Thereby, even if a user puts a portable machine in a pocket etc. and carries it, it can be set as a system which does not get in the way and can be used without stress.

  Thus, since the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, a smaller antenna with low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa radio system, for example, it is possible to use a remote control (portable device) that can obtain a radio wave distance equivalent to that of a remote control using a conventional rod antenna despite being a built-in antenna. Thus, a highly portable system of the remote controller (portable device) can be provided for the user.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is a LoRa system, uses a sub-gigahertz band, and uses a bandwidth of a channel to be used and a transmittable power in a frequency band less than the sub-gigahertz band. Since the channel is a sub-gigahertz frequency channel that is wider than the channel bandwidth and larger than the transmittable power in the band, the merit of having a built-in antenna is great.

  In the present embodiment, the user may be able to change the magnitude of the signal transmission power directly or indirectly.

  Accordingly, the user can use the system with the optimum transmission power according to the environment used by the user. For example, when it is assumed that the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 are used in an environment where the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is small and the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power is set low by setting the transmission power within a range where there is no problem in signal transmission. Power can be minimized. With the remote controller 20 that uses the battery 34 as a power source, the user can extend the battery life and reduce the frequency of battery replacement and the like. On the other hand, when it is desired to prioritize the certainty of signal transmission performed between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 rather than minimizing the transmission power, the transmission power is considered in consideration of the assumed communication distance. Can be set high. As a result, signal transmission is reliably performed, and the user can accurately control a device on which the system of the present invention is mounted.

  Here, as a configuration in which “the user can directly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal”, for example, a configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is set by inputting a power value. And it is sufficient. In this way, by making it possible for the user to directly change the transmission power level, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power so that the transmission power level is suitable for his / her usage conditions. .

  As a configuration in which “the user can indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal”, for example, the magnitude of the transmission power of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is a relative numerical value or index associated with the power value. The configuration may be set according to the above. Various indicators such as an indicator such as “strong / medium / weak” and an indicator based on an operation mode are conceivable as indicators associated with the power value. In particular, for example, the “long-distance communication mode (normal mode)” and the “long-life mode” having a long battery life may be selected. In this way, it is possible to select whether to give priority to the battery life or to give priority to the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. In this way, by making it possible for the user to change the transmission power level indirectly, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output so that the transmission power level is suitable for his / her usage conditions. can do.

  The configuration in which the user can directly or indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal may be any configuration, for example, switches provided in the junction unit 40 that the user cannot carry (for example, It is preferable to use a remote control 20 that can be carried by the user.

  In addition, the magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed based on, for example, an operation of an operation unit provided in the remote controller 20 or another device. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in the remote controller 20 or another device.

  Desirably, the remote controller 20 may be configured so that the “long-distance communication mode (normal mode)” and the “long life mode” can be selected. In this way, the user can extend the battery life by selecting the long life mode in the area where communication is possible in the long life mode, and in the area farther than the area where communication is possible in the long life mode, When communication is no longer possible in the long life mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the long distance communication mode.

  In addition, when setting the operation mode according to the signal transmission power level, such as “Long distance communication mode (normal mode)” or “Long life mode”, each mode is further set to the transmission power level. Accordingly, it may be configured to be set in multiple stages or steplessly. By employing these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission power.

  In the present embodiment, the user may be able to change the signal transmission bit rate directly or indirectly.

  In this way, the user can use the system under conditions optimal for the environment used by the user by adjusting the transmission bit rate. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate to be low, the user can increase the communication sensitivity while increasing the communication sensitivity. On the other hand, by setting the transmission bit rate high, the user tried to minimize the communication time while sacrificing the communication sensitivity and communication distance, and used wireless communication over a long distance by agile communication operation. It is possible to activate the function of the device by remote control.

  In this embodiment, the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 use the communication chip “SX1272”, and the power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. Therefore, if the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device is reduced, so that the power consumption in the system can be reduced, and in particular, the power consumption in the device on the signal transmission side can be reduced. . The remote controller 20 uses a battery as a power source for the apparatus, so the battery life can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize troubles such as battery replacement.

  At least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device that increases power consumption when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, the transmission bit rate may be set so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption is reduced and battery life can be extended.

  Here, as a configuration in which “the user can directly change the signal transmission bit rate”, for example, the transmission bit rate of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is set by inputting a bit rate value. Good. In this way, by making “the user can change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate directly”, the user can adjust the transmission bit rate suitable for his / her use condition with high accuracy.

  As a configuration in which “the user can indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal”, for example, the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is a relative numerical value or index associated with the transmission bit rate. The configuration may be set according to the above. Various indicators such as “Large / Medium / Small” or an index based on the operation mode are conceivable as indexes associated with the transmission bit rate. In particular, for example, the “normal mode” and the “speed mode” in which the communication operation is quick may be selectable. In this way, it is possible to select whether to give priority to the distance at which the function of the apparatus can be operated by remote control using wireless communication or to give priority to the quickness of the communication operation. In this way, by making it possible for the user to indirectly change the signal transmission bit rate, the user can intuitively or intuitively obtain a transmission bit rate of a size suitable for his / her use conditions. Can be adjusted.

  The configuration in which the user can directly or indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal may be any configuration, and switches (for example, dip switches) provided in the junction unit 40 that cannot be carried by the user. ) Or a control device or the like, and in particular, a configuration performed by a remote controller 20 that can be carried by the user.

  Desirably, the remote controller 20 may be configured so that the “normal mode” and “speed mode” described above can be selected. In this way, the user can speed up the communication operation by selecting the speed mode in the area where communication is possible in the speed mode, and the speed in the area farther than the area where communication is possible in the speed mode. When communication is no longer possible in the mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the normal mode.

  In addition, the transmission bit rate may be changed based on an operation of an operation unit provided in a remote controller or another device, for example. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in a remote controller or another device.

  In addition, when setting the operation mode according to the size of the transmission bit rate, such as “normal mode” and “speed mode”, each mode can be set in multiple steps or according to the size of the transmission bit rate. It may be settable in stages. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission bit rate.

  In the present embodiment, in the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and within one minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. Transmission power is reduced, and when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or transmission is performed after 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is set to at least the transmission power in the last communication. It is good to maintain.

  In this way, the user can optimize transmission power consumption while ensuring transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, when the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is larger than necessary, the signal strength transmitted next may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is portable, the user may move even when the signal intensity received by the device is larger than necessary. As the time elapses, the interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may increase. In this way, when the transmission power in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, the interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is set using time as an index. It is preferable to assume a configuration in which a change is assumed and adjustment is performed based on this assumption. In the present embodiment, not only the intensity of the signal received in the last communication is −80 dBm or more, but also the configuration in which the transmission power is reduced when the next signal is transmitted within one minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. It is said. Furthermore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or when transmission is performed after the elapse of a predetermined time from reception of the signal in the last communication, at least transmission power is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress transmission power consumption. In addition, the remote controller 20 that uses a battery as a power source can extend the battery life, so that the user does not need to frequently replace the battery.

  Here, the “predetermined time” for reducing the transmission power defined as “1 minute” is, for example, when the transmission power of the signal to be transmitted next is to be reduced compared to the transmission power at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. In addition, even if the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is increased, the distance at which communication is assumed to be established between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, and the expansion speed of the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. A configuration in which the assumed value is set as a reference may be used. For example, assuming a case where the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 increases when a user carrying the remote controller 20 moves on foot, the average moving speed and transmission power when a general adult moves on foot The “predetermined time” is set based on the relationship between the distance at which communication is likely to be established between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 after the reduction and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced by reducing the transmission power. It may be configured. In this way, assuming a change in the interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 using time as an index, a “predetermined time” is set based on the assumed result, and this predetermined time is a standard for reducing transmission power. Therefore, even if control for suppressing transmission power consumption is performed, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience. .

  The “predetermined time” during which the transmission power is reduced may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

  Here, in a system including a remote controller 20 that can be carried by a user and a junction unit 40 that uses a battery mounted on a vehicle as a power source, the basic control starts with a command transmitted from the remote controller 20. The transmission power consumption on the junction unit 40 side can be reduced, and the power consumption of the battery mounted on the automobile can be minimized.

  For example, when there is a large amount of information to be transmitted and information is transmitted divided into multiple times, the first transmission is performed with large transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions are adjusted based on the first radio wave intensity. It is good to have a configuration to do. In this way, transmission power can be optimized. In this case, the battery life of the remote controller 20 can be extended, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

  Also, for example, in car security, even if a command is not sent from the remote control, a signal is sent from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote control when the sensor detects that some trouble has occurred in the car. It is good to have a configuration. In this way, when a user who knows the operation of car security performs a process such as canceling car security by operating the remote control, the remote controller sends the remote control based on the signal strength of the signal received from the in-vehicle device. Signal transmission power can be reduced, power consumption in a battery or the like built in the remote controller can be minimized, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

  Further, for example, it is preferable that the remote controller 20 can transmit a signal to the junction unit 40 side to set the system. In this way, the transmission power of the transmission signal from the remote controller 20 is lowered based on the radio wave intensity of the response signal returned from the junction unit 40 by transmitting the setting start command from the remote controller 20, and is incorporated in the remote controller 20. The power consumption of the battery 34 can be suppressed to a minimum, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be suppressed to a minimum.

  A user carrying the remote control 20 may move after receiving a signal in the last communication in the system. For this reason, if the transmission power of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is reduced after a predetermined time (1 minute in the present embodiment) has elapsed, the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 becomes too large and the strength of the radio wave is increased. May become inadequate and the function of the device may not be activated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance. Therefore, it is preferable that the transmission power is reduced within a predetermined time, and the transmission power is maintained after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance and to extend the battery life. Thereby, the frequency with which a user performs troublesome work, such as battery exchange, can be suppressed to the minimum.

  In addition, the configuration of “maintaining at least transmission power” may be a configuration of maintaining transmission power or a configuration of increasing transmission power. As in the present embodiment, when the signal strength received in the last communication is less than −80 dBm, or when transmission is performed after 1 minute has elapsed since the signal was received in the last communication, the transmission power is set to at least the transmission power in the last communication. It is good to have a configuration to maintain. In this way, by reducing the transmission power, it is possible to prevent communication from being established, and to ensure communication stability. As a result, the user can use remote communication over a long distance without any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication. It is possible to activate the function of the device by control.

  When the “predetermined time” for reducing the transmission power is changed according to the signal strength, the predetermined time may be shortened as the signal strength is increased, and the predetermined time may be increased as the signal strength is decreased. However, if the signal strength is less than a predetermined value, the transmission power is maintained at least.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the transmission power may be increased if communication is not possible with the transmission power lowered, and further increased if communication is not possible. The method for increasing the transmission power when communication cannot be performed with the transmission power lowered is preferably a configuration in which the transmission power is increased stepwise or continuously, and in particular, a configuration in which the transmission power is directly increased to the maximum. In this way, the user can obtain the merit that the power consumption can be minimized.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the transmission power settings of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be maximized in a normal state and may be reduced by automatic control. A configuration in which the setting is performed by setting of a provided dip switch may be employed. Further, the transmission power may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the remote controller 20. In this way, the display allows the user to confirm the transmission power. In addition, the display unit 24 of the remote controller 20 may be configured to display the received radio wave intensity. In this way, the user can use the remote controller 20 while confirming whether communication is possible based on the displayed radio wave intensity.

  In the present embodiment, in the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and within one minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. In the case of transmission, the transmission bit rate at which the signal is transmitted is increased, and when the signal strength is less than −80 dBm or transmission is performed after 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is set to at least the last communication. It is good to maintain the transmission bit rate at the time.

  In this way, the user can optimize the transmission bit rate while ensuring transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, when the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is larger than necessary, the signal strength transmitted next may be reduced. Here, since the remote controller 20 is portable, even if the signal intensity received by the apparatus is larger than necessary, the user moves and the remote controller 20 and the junction unit as time passes. The interval with 40 may increase. Thus, when the transmission bit rate in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, the interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 using time as an index. It is preferable that the adjustment be performed based on this assumption. In the configuration of this embodiment, not only the strength of the signal received in the last communication is −80 dBm or more, but also the transmission bit rate is set when the next signal is transmitted within 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. It is configured to raise. Furthermore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the signal strength is less than −80 dBm, or when transmission is performed after one minute has elapsed since reception of the signal in the last communication, at least the transmission bit rate is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the function of the apparatus by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress transmission power consumption. Further, in the remote controller 20 that uses the battery 34 as a power source, the battery life can be extended, so that the user does not need to replace the battery frequently.

  Here, the “predetermined time” for increasing the transmission bit rate, which is defined as “1 minute”, increases the transmission bit rate of the signal to be transmitted next, for example, compared to the transmission bit rate at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. In such a case, even if the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 increases, the distance that the communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is expected to be established, and the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 It is good to set it as the reference | standard with the assumption value of the expansion speed of a space | interval. Assuming a case where the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is increased by the user moving on foot, the remote controller 20 after an average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot and a decrease in the transmission bit rate is reduced. And “junction unit 40”, the “predetermined time” is set based on the relationship between the distance at which communication is expected to be established and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced due to an increase in the transmission bit rate. Good. In this way, assuming a change in the interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 using time as an index, a “predetermined time” is set based on the assumed result, and this predetermined time is used as a reference for increasing the transmission bit rate. By adopting one, even if control for increasing the transmission bit rate is performed, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a long distance without feeling inconvenience. is there.

  The “predetermined time” for increasing the transmission bit rate may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

  In addition, the configuration of “maintaining at least the transmission bit rate” may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate, or a configuration of reducing the transmission bit rate. As in this embodiment, when the signal received in the last communication is less than −80 dBm or transmitted after 1 minute has elapsed since the signal was received in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is set at least at the time of the last communication. It is preferable that the transmission bit rate be maintained. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to ensure the stability of communication. As a result, the user can use remote communication over a long distance without any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication. It is possible to activate the function of the device by control.

  If the bandwidth is the same in the communication system, the transmission bit rate, sensitivity (flying distance), and transmission power are in an inversely proportional relationship. That is, when the transmission bit rate is increased in the system of the present invention, the distance does not fly (sensitivity decreases) with the same bandwidth and the same transmission power, and the function of the device is activated by remote control using wireless communication. Although the possible distance is shortened, the transmission time can be shortened and the communication operation of the system can be performed quickly. Here, when the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even if the sensitivity is low. Therefore, communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the transmission bit rate is increased as the received radio wave is stronger. In this way, in a situation where the user transmits a signal for activating the other one function from one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, a system is obtained that can quickly activate the other function. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of spreading factors can be set in the wireless communication using the spread spectrum method, and the spreading factor may be changed every time one packet is transmitted.

  Thereby, the user can construct a wireless system that is extremely difficult to intercept.

  The “changing the spreading factor” may be performed in a predetermined pattern. The “predetermined pattern” of “changing the spreading factor” may be a random configuration or a predetermined sequence. Here, in the system of the present invention, as the spreading factor is higher, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a longer distance. Therefore, in particular, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one level below the maximum diffusion rate are adopted. In the case of such a configuration, as a pattern for changing the spreading factor, it is preferable that the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step below are alternately switched in a predetermined pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication at a long distance that is difficult to intercept.

  In the present embodiment, the spreading factor is changed every transmission of one packet. However, any configuration may be used, and a transmission may be performed every time a packet having a predetermined amount of data is transmitted, and a predetermined time has elapsed. It is good also as a structure made every time.

  The “spreading rate” may be, for example, the value (C / B) of the ratio of the spreading code rate (also referred to as “chip rate”. C) to the transmission bit rate (B).

  In this embodiment, it is preferable that communication can be performed while switching a channel used for communication.

  In this way, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, so that the user can obtain a system in which interference between spread spectrum communication systems is unlikely to occur. it can. In this case, the channel is switched at the same timing between the receiving side and the transmitting side. For example, when the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, for example, the center frequency is switched between six channels of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz. It is good to have a configuration to do. Note that channels other than these channels may be used.

  In the spread spectrum method, in particular, the LoRa method, the communicable distance is greatly increased compared to the FSK method. Therefore, for example, when a communication method with a large communication distance such as the LoRa method is adopted, there is a high possibility that interference by other users interrupts the communication area. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method, is employed, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching channels used for communication. Thereby, even if the user is using devices that perform communication using the spread spectrum system in the vicinity, other users can communicate stably without being affected by the influence.

  In the present embodiment, a vehicle control device 68 that starts an engine based on a vehicle start signal and an immobilizer 66 that can transmit a start permission signal that allows the vehicle control device 68 to start the engine 70 are portable and can be carried by the user. Then, the personal identification code sent from the genuine key 62a to which the personal identification code can be transmitted is received, and a start permission signal is transmitted by the immobilizer 66 based on the received personal identification code and the reference code provided in the immobilizer 66. The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is selected between a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. The remote controller 20 that can be carried by the user is connected to the secret key 62a from the genuine key 62a. A signal including a conversion code obtained by converting the received code and a start instruction signal can be transmitted to the junction unit 40. The junction unit 40 is mounted on the automobile 60, and the received conversion code is encrypted. It is preferable that the code and the converted code can be transmitted to the immobilizer 66 and the vehicle start signal can be transmitted to the vehicle control device 68 when the start instruction signal is received.

  In this way, the user can start the engine 70 with the remote controller 20 that can be carried by the user in the automobile 60 provided with the immobilizer 66 without placing the genuine key 62a in the car and carrying it. . In general, the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 cannot transmit / receive the secret code and cannot allow the engine 70 to be started unless they are close to each other due to security problems, for example. However, in this way, even if the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 are far apart, the password transmitted from the genuine key 62a is transmitted to the remote control 20 that can be carried by the user and the automobile 60. It is relayed by the mounted junction unit 40 and can be received by the immobilizer 66, and the start of the engine 70 can be permitted.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration of “indirectly transmitting” the code is converted into a different conversion code from the remote controller 20 that has received the code from the genuine key 62 a and transmitted to the junction unit 40. Then, the received conversion code is converted to the original password and then transmitted to the immobilizer 66.

  Regarding the junction unit 40, the “mounted on the vehicle” configuration is a so-called retrofit configuration for the sold vehicle in the present embodiment, but may be a configuration that is originally attached to the vehicle when the vehicle is manufactured by the automobile manufacturer.

  In this embodiment, the start instruction signal transmitted by the remote controller 20 is generated by the operation of the operation button 26 by the user.

  In the present embodiment, the LoRa method and the FSK method can be selected for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. Therefore, even when it is difficult to permit the start of the engine 70 by either one of the methods, the possibility that the start of the engine 70 is permitted can be increased. The configuration for performing the “selection of communication method” may be any configuration, for example, a configuration in which the configuration is performed via switches (for example, dip switches) provided in the junction unit 40, a control device, or the like. The configuration may be performed on the possible remote controller 20 side. The communication method may be selected based on an operation of an operation unit provided in the remote controller 20 or another device, for example. For example, the operation unit may be configured by a slider, or may be configured by a slider displayed on a display screen provided in the remote controller 20 or another device.

  A mode in which the personal identification code transmitted from the genuine key 62a is relayed by the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as “relay mode”) and a mode in which the PIN code is not relayed (hereinafter referred to as “non-relay mode”) are selected. It is good to have a configuration to do. In this way, the user or retailer can prepare both a vehicle type equipped with the immobilizer 66 and a vehicle type not equipped with the immobilizer 66 by preparing only one type of system including the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. In addition, it is possible to cope with a user of a vehicle type equipped with the immobilizer 66 and who may place the genuine key 26 a in the automobile 60. As a configuration for selecting the “relay mode” and the “non-relay mode”, for example, a switch may be provided in the vehicle-mounted device, and the switch may be used to select.

  When “relay mode” is selected, the wireless communication on the transmission side may be configured to be the FSK continuous mode. The “continuous mode” is a mode in which the level of DIO2 / DATA pin is transmitted as it is (without going through the FIFO).

When “non-relay mode” is selected, the “long distance mode” and the “short distance mode” may be selected. In the present embodiment, in the “long distance mode”, the LoRa packet mode is selected for wireless communication on the transmission side. “Packet mode” is the SPI (Serial
A configuration may be adopted in which data given by Peripheral Interface) is transmitted as a packet via a FIFO.

  In the present embodiment, the “short distance mode” is a setting in which the transmission bit rate is set to be higher than that of the long distance communication mode in the LoRa method in the transmission side wireless communication, but the transmission side wireless communication is set to the FSK packet mode. It is good also as composition to do.

  The constituent elements of this embodiment may be configured in any combination. Moreover, you may comprise combining the component as described in the means for solving a problem, and the component of this embodiment arbitrarily.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Engine starter 20 Remote control 22 Case 24 Display part 24a Horizontal bar 24b Engine start animation 26 Operation button 26a Start button 26b Engine button 26c Stop button 28 Antenna 30 Wireless communication circuit 32 Control part 34 Battery 36 Cable 40 Junction unit 42 1st connector 42a plug 44 second connector 46 third connector 48 fourth connector 50 wireless communication circuit 52 control unit 54 temperature sensor 56 antenna unit 60 automobile 62 key 62a genuine key 64 keyhole 66 immobilizer 68 vehicle control device 70 engine

Claims (5)

A portable device and a vehicle-side unit for controlling the vehicle;
The vehicle-side unit is a system that outputs a signal for controlling the vehicle based on a wireless instruction signal from the portable device,
The wireless communication method between the portable device and the vehicle comprises a selection means for selecting either a spread spectrum method or a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. The selection unit includes an operation unit, and selects either a spread spectrum method or a communication method other than the spread spectrum method for a wireless communication method between the portable device and the vehicle based on an operation of the operation unit. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle performs a predetermined operation based on a signal transmitted from a portable genuine device,
The portable device includes a relay function for receiving a code transmitted from the portable genuine device and relaying the code to the vehicle-side unit,
The vehicle-side unit has a function of receiving a code relayed by the portable device and outputting a signal to the vehicle,
The system according to claim 1, further comprising second selection means for selecting the relay mode for relaying and the non-relay mode for not relaying. The system according to claim 3, wherein the non-relay mode includes a long distance mode and a short distance mode. 5. The system according to claim 3, further comprising a function of performing communication by the spread spectrum communication method in the non-relay mode, and performing communication by a communication method other than the spread spectrum method in the relay mode. .

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