JP2021114770A - System, device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

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, systems, devices and programs.

A remote engine starter (engine starter) that remotely starts an engine for the purpose of warming the engine and adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle interior has become widespread. 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

In a system such as an engine starter, which is equipped with a portable device and another communication device and performs remote control in which the function of the other communication device is activated by the portable device, signal transmission / reception has a frequency band of 420 MHz and a modulation method. Is an FSK method (frequency shift keying method), and each company has conventionally generally used a specific low power radio having an output of 10 mW or 1 mW. In such a system, there is a problem that the limit of the communication range is almost uniform for each company. The communicable distance varies depending on the conditions, but there is competition among companies such as acorn sekurabe within a range of about 4 km at the maximum and several hundred meters depending on the conditions. It was difficult for each company to get out of this situation, and there was a strong desire to break through the current situation, but it was the common sense and stereotypes of the industry that could not get out.

An object of the present invention is, for example, to provide a system that can perform remote control more reliably and is easy to use as compared with the conventional case.

(1) For example, the first device and the 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 to the user, and the signal transmitted by the one device is the other one of the first device or the second device. The system may be characterized by including a signal for activating a function.

In this way, the user can use a significantly longer distance than the conventional FSK method other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), which is far longer than the acorns of each company so far. It becomes possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication. According to the experimental results of the inventors, it was possible to operate the function of the device at a long distance of about twice or more as compared with the conventional one. In the conventional FSK method, for example, when the distance at which wireless communication is reliably possible is 1 km, the spread spectrum method can perform communication of 2 km or more, which is more than twice that distance.

At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, for example, a golf navigation system, and particularly a portable device or a remote controller (hereinafter, abbreviated as "remote control"). Also called.) For example, the signal transmitted from the remote controller may include a signal that activates the other function of the first device or the second device. At least one of the first device or the second device portable to the user is particularly provided with a function of inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal for activating the other function based on the input instruction. It is preferable to configure the system to transmit. The function for inputting an instruction from the user may be any function as long as the instruction can be input, but a sensor or the like capable of detecting the movement of the user 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 and the second device that can be carried 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 hand-held device, and may be provided with a function of inputting an instruction by hand. Desirably, it is preferable to provide a means for inputting instructions by pressing with the fingers of the hand. More preferably, the configuration may be such that the means for inputting the instruction is a switch.

The other one of the first device or the second device may be any device, for example, a device that is portable to the user, preferably a device that is not portable to 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 is preferable to fix it to the ground, and preferably to fix it to a gas, electricity, water meter, or the like. When fixing it to the ground, for example, a watering machine may be used. When fixing to a gas, electricity, water meter, etc., it is preferable to use a terminal that transmits meter reading data to a remote controller. As for the indoor installation, it is preferable to install it in a golf clubhouse or a car. When installing in a clubhouse, for example, digital signage is recommended. When it is installed in a car, it may be an in-vehicle device, for example. 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, the first device is used. One device is a device fixed to another object.

The system of the present invention may be any system, for example, a system used for consumer equipment and various industrial equipment, and particularly preferably a system used for automobile-related equipment such as the above-mentioned engine starter. As a result, the user can appropriately remotely control various devices.

For example, as a system used for consumer devices, one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a remote controller, and the other is a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote controller is , It may include a signal that activates the function of the device.

As a system used for consumer equipment, preferably, one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a portable device, and the other is a transmitter fixed to a gas, electricity, water meter, or the like. It is good to say. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device may include meter reading data and a signal for causing the portable device to aggregate the meter reading data (a signal for operating 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, and meter reading data is read by a portable device or the like using wireless communication. It is preferable to use a wireless communication system that collects data. By using the system of the present invention in Wi-SUN, the user can collect meter reading data from a remote location more than before, and the time and effort of moving due to data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous dwelling that is away from a road that can be moved by car and can only be approached on foot, the meter reading data (meter reading data even within the range that the meter reader carrying the portable device can move by car ( The possibility of collecting "meter information") will increase, and the possibility of shortening the travel distance will increase even if it is necessary to move on foot after moving by car. In particular, the portable device is one that the user can carry and move on foot, and it is preferable that the instruction can be input by hand.

More preferably, the system may have a first device as a golf navigation system and a second device as a digital signage system installed in a clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation may include, for example, a signal that activates the display function and the aggregation function of the digital signage. In this case, it is possible to sequentially display the ranking on the digital signage from the player's results input to the golf navigation during the round, and the user can save the trouble of totaling the player's results and the like.

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

Here, in the conventional engine starter and car security, for example, in a large-scale condominium, the parking lot may be too far from the own room to be used. Especially in tower condominiums, such a problem was remarkable. In addition, for example, there was a case where radio waves were blocked by a concrete wall and could not be used unless it appeared on the balcony. However, even in such a case, according to the present invention, the user can operate the function of the other device more reliably than before. For example, the engine starter and car security functions can be operated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, the user cannot operate the function of the other device unless he / she moves to a place where radio waves can easily reach the car in the parking lot, such as near a window or a veranda. Even in such a case, there is a high possibility that the engine starter or car security can be activated by operating the vehicle at an indoor position such as a bedside.

Further, for example, a system used for an automobile-related device including the above-mentioned remote controller (portable device) and an in-vehicle device is combined with a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information and the like, and meter information and the like generated in a house are mounted on the vehicle. The configuration may be such that the machine acts as an intermediary (gateway) between the portable devices. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device is in the Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method) from the Wi-SUN device in the house, the meter reading data of the gas, electricity, and water meters, and the sunlight provided in the house. It is preferable that the information such as the power generation amount data of the power generation device is received and the received information is transferred to the portable device (remote control) carried by the user in the spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as the meter reading data within a bicycle range wider than the conventional walking area. For example, under the condition that the radio wave reaches only about 1 km in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), if the bit rate is lowered by the spread spectrum method, it flies 6 km. Centering on the house where you live, 1km in diameter is within the daily living area (walking area), while 6km in diameter is positioned in the local living area (if necessary, page vi of the following electronic technical information). See Table 5, page 32, and Table 4-3 on page 37 (Hiroshi Ishihara, "Basic Study of Daily Living Areas (Part 2)", [online], March 2008, Nagoya Urban Institute, [Search on July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.nui.or.jp/user/media/document/investigation/h19/nichijo.pdf>). Also, you can usually cover almost everything from your home to this area of living (bicycle area) (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 on July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.geocities.jp /non_non_net2006/p_rep/seikatukenn2.pdf>).).

Desirably, the first device is fixed to an object, the second device is configured to be portable to the user, and the user carrying the second device is the one to which the first device is fixed. It is possible to activate the function of the first device at a certain place without the intervention of the second device, and the second device is carried by the user to fix 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 moves to the place where the first device is fixed. It is preferable that the user returns 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. "Movement on foot or by bicycle" is preferably configured so that the line-of-sight distance is 5 km or more and 20 km or less. For example, the base point may be home and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. In addition, assuming that the base point is a car, the user moves from the car on foot, makes a purchase at a shopping center, for example, starts the engine from the place where the shopping is done, and returns to the car which is the base point again. good. Further, for example, it is preferable that the starting point is a car, the user walks from the car to his / her home after returning home, starts the engine of the car from the house the next morning, and then returns to the car again. Further, for example, it is preferable that the clubhouse is used as a base point, the user moves on foot on the golf course during play, and then returns to the clubhouse again after the play is completed.

Further, for example, the first device may be used as one master unit installed in the long-term care facility, and the second device may be used as a handset carried by a plurality of people occupying the long-term care facility. For example, it is preferable that each slave unit stores a different ID, and the master unit stores the correspondence between the ID stored in each slave unit and the name of the person who carries the slave unit. Radio waves including ID data are transmitted from each slave unit at a fixed time (for example, every minute) by a spread spectrum method. The master unit checks the ID data included in the received radio wave and the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received radio wave, and when the RSSI of the received radio wave becomes less than the set value, it is based on the RSSI level. The approximate distance from the obtained 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 by obtaining the relationship between the distance between the master unit and the slave unit and the RSSI value in advance and storing it in the master unit, and inputting the distance into the master unit. Alternatively, "when RSSI falls below the set value" is when the level of RSSI corresponds to outside the facility based on the difference in RSSI measured and set in advance between the outside of the nursing facility and the inside of the facility. good.

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

Further, for example, it is preferable to have a function of relaying a wireless signal of an inquiry from the master unit between slave units. For example, the master unit shall have a "normal search button (search button without relaying)" and a "relay search button", and when the "normal search button" is pressed, the radio wave of the master unit is transmitted. Requests a response of ID and electric field strength level from all slave units within reach, while when the "relay search button" is pressed, all slave units within reach of the radio wave of the master unit And, it is advisable to request a reply from all the slave units within the range of the radio wave from the slave unit. The response (eg, the ID of the other slave unit and the level of the electric field strength) causes the slave unit to relay between the other slave unit and the master unit. It should be noted that the relay between the slave units may be further performed, and the number of relays between the slave units may be limited. Further, a position detector such as GPS may be provided in each of the master unit and the slave unit, and only the slave unit within the range specified by the master unit from the position of the master unit may perform relay.

In the communication by the "spread spectrum method", for example, it is preferable to reduce the power density by spreading a narrow band signal in which a signal to be transmitted is modulated over a wide band by a predetermined spreading method, and transmit the signal from the transmitting side. On the receiving side, it is preferable to obtain the original narrow band signal having a high power density by despreading the received signal. Further, in the "spread spectrum method", in particular, even if the diffused signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, the original narrow band signal having a high power density due to despreading is used. It is preferable that the original narrowband signal is demodulated and reproduced as the signal to be transmitted. In this way, even a signal attenuated below the noise floor at a long distance can be received.

For communication by the "spread spectrum method", a hardware modulator or demodulator is used for modulation to the diffused signal performed on the transmitting side and demodulation of the diffused signal performed on the receiving side. It may be done or it may be done by software defined radio. In particular, it is preferable to use an IC chip that performs arithmetic processing corresponding to such modulation and demodulation.

Any communication method may be used as the communication method based on the "spread spectrum method", but it is preferable to use a method in which the communication distance becomes long even if the communication speed is sacrificed. Further, for example, a frequency hopping method may be used. It is preferable to use a method that is not a direct diffusion method. 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 the data to be transmitted is diffused and modulated (hereinafter referred to as "spread spectrum method"). It is preferable to have a configuration of (referred to as "chirp method"). In particular, it is advisable to combine the chirp method with another method. For example, the chirp method and at least one of the frequency hopping method and the direct diffusion method may be used in combination. Further, as the communication method by the "spread spectrum method", for example, it is best to use the LoRa method described in detail later. On the contrary, as the conventional modulation method other than the spectrum diffusion method, in addition to the above-mentioned FSK method, OK (on-off modulation), GFSK (phase continuous FSK), MSK (minimum deviation modulation), GMSK (Gauss) (Minimum deviation modulation) and the like (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as "FSK and the like").

Further, the "user-portable" "at least one of the first device and the second device" may be any device, and may be, for example, a mobile communication device, a mobile information device, a wearable terminal, or the like. It is good to do. Further, the "user-portable" "at least one of the first device and the second device" may be, for example, a non-dedicated machine capable of performing functions other than remote control, but in particular, for example. It is recommended to use a dedicated machine for remote control such as a remote controller.

Further, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include a signal for activating the function of the other one of the first device or the second device. For example, in the engine starter and car security, it is preferable to have a configuration including a signal for starting these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, and the like. Further, for example, in an engine starter or a car security, it is preferable to have a configuration including a signal or the like for activating 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 the signal that activates the function of the other device. "Signals other than the signal that activates the function of one of the other devices" are, for example, the current temperature inside the vehicle in the case of an engine starter, and the degree of impact applied to the vehicle in the case of car security. The data may be the data detected by the provided sensor.

Further, the "signal transmitted by one of the above devices" may be configured to include a start signal, a stop signal, and the like of a consumer device such as a watering machine and various industrial devices. Further, in a device such as a golf navigation system, the "signal transmitted by one of the devices" may be configured to include a signal such as player performance information input to the golf navigation system. Further, the "signal transmitted by one of the above devices" includes various types of meter reading data and the like when the system of the present invention is used in a device such as a gas, electricity, or water meter using a standard such as Wi-SUN. The configuration should include data.

For example, when the first device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the second device is an in-vehicle device or the like, the receiving mode on the portable device side is the Single receive mode, and the reception mode on the in-vehicle device side is the Continuous receive mode. It is good to do. By doing so, the battery on the portable device side can be made to last longer, and the signal transmitted from the portable device side can be more reliably captured on the in-vehicle device side. Desirably, in the case of such a configuration, the same information may be transmitted a plurality of times from the in-vehicle device or the like. In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of over-reading due to disturbance in the portable device. More preferably, it is assumed that a function for transmitting a signal to switch to the Continuus receive mode is provided from the in-vehicle device side to the portable device side, and when the portable device side receives the signal to switch to the Continuous receive mode, the device operates in the Continuus receive mode. good. In the case of such a configuration, it is particularly preferable to set the time for operating in the Continuus receive mode to be a fixed time. Such a communication mode can be implemented by using, for example, a communication chip "SX1272" described later.

The "Single receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular, when communicating at a fixed reception timing, an operation of turning on the reception circuit only at a necessary reception timing is performed. It is good to have a configuration. In this way, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during standby for reception. The "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 the spread spectrum method may be the LoRa method.

In this way, the user can break through the current situation that the distance that can be remotely controlled is almost uniform.

A wireless system using a spread spectrum system, particularly a LoRa system (hereinafter, also referred to as “LoRa wireless system”) has a higher transmission bit rate (hereinafter, simply “bit rate”) when designed to have the same communication distance as the FSK system, for example. Also referred to as "data rate" or "transmission speed"). Since the higher the bit rate, the shorter the communication time, the user is agile in the situation where one of the first device and the second device transmits a signal for activating the other function. You can get a system that can operate.

In particular, at least one of the first device or the second device portable to the user has a function of inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal for operating the other one function based on the input instruction. It is preferable to configure the system to transmit. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a system that responds swiftly to an instruction input operation.

Desirably, in the LoRa method, the bit rate may be set low. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferably, the bit rate should be set to the lowest settable range. In particular, the bit rate may be set to be the lowest in the range in which the user can carry the first device or the second device. In this way, the user can transmit a signal from the portable device to activate the function of the other device from a longer distance than before, and activate the function to the other device. Further, for example, the bit rate of the portable device may be lower than the bit rate of the device that activates the function by the signal transmitted from the portable device. Further, it is preferable to have the configurations (3) and (3-1) described later. According to the experimental results of the inventors, in such a configuration, it was possible to obtain a transmission distance of about 4 times and an area of about 16 times that of the conventional 420 MHz band FSK method.

Desirably, such a low bit rate setting is particularly good in a system where the amount of digital information transmitted and received is small. More preferably, the bit rate should be set low when transmitting digital information such as an automobile engine starter and car security.

The LoRa type wireless communication can be carried out by using, for example, a communication chip "SX1272" manufactured by SEMTECH. The communication chip executes the above-mentioned signal modulation and demodulation by arithmetic processing.

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

In this way, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication with a device smaller than the conventional one and at a longer distance than the conventional one. In general, the sub-gigahertz band has a shorter radio wave distance than the sub-gigahertz band, but the problem of this short radio wave distance is solved in the sub-gigahertz band. This can be solved by using a channel with a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which has a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth of the channel. For example, it is preferable to set a channel having a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which is wider than the bandwidth of the channel in the band in which the bandwidth of the channel to be used is less than the sub-gigahertz band.

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

(3-1) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device shall be a specified low power radio, the sub-gigahertz band shall be used, and the transmittable power used shall be transmittable in a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. The frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which is larger than the electric power, should be used.

The "band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band" is preferably 400 MHz band, and preferably, for example, 449.7125-449.8250 MHz, 449.8375-449.8875 MHz or 469.4375-469.4875 MHz, respectively. Well, more preferably, for example, with each band of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. It is good to do it. In each of these bands, the bandwidth of the channel may be set to, for example, 12.5 kHz, and particularly in the band of 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, for example, 25 kHz. Further, the transmittable power may be, for example, 1 mW in the bands of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band, 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz and 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, and 10 mW in each band other than these. good.

The "sub-gigahertz band" may be, for example, a frequency band slightly lower than 1 GHz, and preferably 800 to 950 MHz, for example. More preferably, it may be the 920 MHz band defined by the laws and regulations in Japan, more preferably, for example, the band having a center frequency of 928.15 to 929.65 MHz, and most preferably, for example, the center frequency being 916.0. The band may be ~ 928.0 MHz. In the band having a center frequency of 928.15 to 929.65 MHz, the bandwidth of the channel may be set to, for example, 100 kHz, and in the band having a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz, the bandwidth of the channel may be set to, for example, 200 kHz. Further, the channel used in the sub-gigahertz band may be a channel having a bandwidth that is four times or more the bandwidth of the channel in the band having a frequency lower than the sub-gigahertz band. Desirably, the channel has a bandwidth of 200 kHz, which is eight times the bandwidth of 25 kHz of the channel in 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz. More preferably, 200 kHz, which is 16 times the channel bandwidth of 12.5 kHz at 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. It is advisable to select a channel in the sub-gigahertz band. Further, the transmittable power may be set to, for example, 1 mW in the sub-gigahertz band of 916.0 to 920.4 MHz and 928.15 to 929.65 MHz, and may be set to, for example, 20 mW in each band other than these. As the channel used in the sub-gigahertz band, it is preferable to select a channel having a transmittable power of 20 mW, which is 20 times the transmit power of 1 mW or twice 10 mW in the frequency band below 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 per channel is allocated by the regulations in Japan at the time of filing. On the other hand, looking at the sub-gigahertz band, there is a 920 MHz band to which a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz is allocated per channel. As described above, the sub-gigahertz band is particularly preferably the 920 MHz band, as the bandwidth per allocated channel is wider than the 400 MHz band, which is a band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band. Although the bandwidth per channel is narrower in the 400 MHz band than in the 920 MHz band, radio waves reach farther than in the 920 MHz band, and because they have low straightness and are easily diffracted, obstacles (mountains and buildings) at long distances. There is an advantage that it is easy to receive even in the shadow of.

The "channel to be used" is a channel having a bandwidth of 200 kHz and an interval of 200 kHz, which is included in the band of 920.6 to 923.4 MHz, a total of 15 waves, and a bandwidth of 400 kHz, which is included in the band of 920.7 to 923.3 MHz. It is preferable to use one of 14 channels at 200 kHz intervals, and in particular, the center frequencies are 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923. The inventors have found that it is preferable to use at least one of the six channels of 4 MHz (each having a bandwidth of 200 kHz). In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration in which some of these channels can be switched, and preferably, among these channels, a configuration in which a signal is confirmed to be absent by the Busy determination is automatically switched. It is good. Further, these channels may be configured to be used by combining a plurality of adjacent channels to further expand the bandwidth. For example, five adjacent channels among the above six channels are combined and used as a bandwidth of 1000 kHz. It is good to have a configuration.

Further, the "channel" may be, for example, a frequency band allocated for use in communication, particularly may be a frequency band allocated by the regulations in the country of use, and particularly may be a frequency band allocated by the regulations in Japan. It is good to do.

In performing the Busy determination of the channel (the determination that transmission is prohibited because the signal exists), the level determination of the spread spectrum signal is, for example, CAD (Channel).
The activity detection) function may be used to determine the signal level of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, for example, by RSSI. The CAD function may be configured to detect the presence of a spread spectrum signal at a level so low that RSSI cannot detect the presence of the signal. The Busy determination may be configured to be Busy when the spread spectrum type signal is −130 dBm or more, and to be Busy when the spectrum spread type signal is −80 dBm or more. In this way, a more appropriate channel Busy determination becomes possible, and the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance.

Table 1 is a table showing all cases when the presence of the signal is confirmed by the CAD function and RSSI and when it is not confirmed. The upper part of each column shows the contents of the Busy judgment, and the lower part shows what kind of Indicates whether the 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, when the existence of the signal is confirmed by the CAD function, it is regarded as "with CAD", when it is not confirmed, it is regarded as "without CAD", and when the existence of the signal is confirmed by RSSI, it is regarded as "with RSSI". The case where it was not done was defined as "no RSSI".

As shown in Table 1, in the case of "with RSSI" and "with CAD", (A) Busy determination based on the existence of both the signal of the spread spectrum method and the signal of the modulation method other than the spread spectrum method. Or (B) because it is a Busy determination due to the presence of a relatively high intensity (-80 dBm or more) signal of 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 method other than the spread spectrum method. Further, even in the case of (A), if it is a spread spectrum signal that exists and a spread spectrum signal having a different bandwidth and diffusion rate, it can be transmitted.

In the case of "with RSSI" and "without CAD", it is a Busy judgment due to the existence of a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, and since the signal of the spread spectrum method does not exist, the spectrum spread method is used. It is possible to transmit signals.

In the case of "without RSSI" and "with CAD", it is a Busy judgment due to the existence of a spread spectrum signal, and since there is no modulation signal other than the spread spectrum signal, it is not the spread spectrum signal. It is possible to transmit signals of the modulation method of. Further, even a spread spectrum signal can be transmitted as long as it has a different bandwidth and diffusion rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

In the case of "without RSSI" and "without CAD", there is no Busy judgment, and neither the spread spectrum signal nor the modulation signal other than the spread spectrum signal exists, so that the signals of all the modulation methods are transmitted. Is possible.

(4) It is preferable that the strength of the signal transmitted from the first device or the second device is equal to or 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 is extremely low. As a method of setting the signal strength below the noise floor, for example, a configuration may be performed in which control is performed to reduce the transmission power, or a configuration in which the transmitted signal is transmitted in a state where the signal strength is below the noise floor and the diffusion rate is high. May be. When the diffusion rate of the transmitted signal is high, the transmission speed is slightly lowered, but the communication sensitivity is improved, and the effect of improving the communication distance is obtained. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a longer distance than before. The "noise floor" may be configured to be −80 dBm.

(5) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device according to the spread spectrum method is a portion of 1/4 of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the band. 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 over a longer distance than before. Such a system having high modulation efficiency and capable of communication at a high transmission bit rate can be implemented by, for example, a spread spectrum method or a LoRa method. On the other hand, in the FSK method, the transmission power of the signal decreases at the high frequency side and the low frequency side ends of the bandwidth, and the signal protrudes outside the bandwidth, so that the modulation efficiency is low.

Wireless communication between the first device and the second device by the spread spectrum method is preferably performed from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the band, near both of the quarters of the bandwidth, and It would be nice to be able to transmit signals with the same power near the center of the bandwidth. More preferably, it is possible to transmit signals with the same power near at least one end and the center of the bandwidth of the channel to be used. More preferably, it is possible to transmit signals with the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel used.

In the configuration of (5), it is preferable that the power for transmitting a signal outside the bandwidth of the channel is smaller than the specified value. By doing so, the amount of protrusion to the outside of the bandwidth becomes 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 of communication.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption does not change even if 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, it is advisable to use a battery as a power source for the device. In this way, the battery life (hereinafter also referred to as "battery life") can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize the trouble of battery replacement and the like.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases as the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. By doing so, the power consumption as a whole is reduced and the 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 instead of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. It is preferable to use a method in which the electric power of the central portion of the entire width and the electric power of one end portion around the entire width can be transmitted with the same electric power. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration in which signals can be transmitted with the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used. Further, for example, in the wireless communication between the first device and the second device, it is preferable to use the OFDM modulation method instead of the spread spectrum method or in combination with the spread spectrum method. In particular, Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 820.11 ah) may be used.

The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be performed by GFSK modulation instead of the spread spectrum method 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, it is Sigfox. However, at present, the spread spectrum method is the best, and the LoRa method of (2) is particularly preferable.

Further, the wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be performed by wireless network communication, but it may be performed as one-to-one communication between the first device and the second device. For example, in the communication chip "SX1272", as the value of SyncWord, for example, 0x12 may be used instead of 0x34 used in LoRaWAN. Desirably, the configuration uses a value that is neither 0x34 nor 0x12. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with a commercially available LoRa-type wireless communication device.

(6) Of the first device and the second device, those that can be carried by the user may be provided with 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, particularly 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, in the case of a wireless system using the LoRa method as in (2), this effect is remarkably exhibited. In addition, even in spread spectrum wireless systems, general ones (WLAN, WCDMA (registered trademark), etc.) pursue interference prevention and high bit rate, while LoRa system uses low bit rate signals to spectrum. Sensitivity can be significantly improved by consuming a large bandwidth while spreading over a wide band by spreading. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further reduce the size of the built-in antenna. As a result, even if the user puts the portable device in a pocket or the like and carries it, it does not get in the way and the system can be used without stress.

As described above, since the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, a smaller antenna having a low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa wireless system, for example, it is possible to use a remote controller (portable device) that can obtain the same level of radio wave flight distance as a remote controller using a conventional rod antenna even though it has a built-in antenna. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly portable system of a remote controller (portable device) for the user.

Desirably, it is preferable to have the configuration of (3). More preferably, it is preferable to have the configuration of (3-1). More preferably, it may have the configurations (3) and (3-1). Most preferably, it has the configurations of (2), (3) and (3-1). In this way, there is a great merit of having a built-in antenna in particular.

(7) It is preferable that the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal can be directly or indirectly changed by the user.

In this way, the user can use the system with the optimum transmission power according to the environment in which the user uses it. For example, when the distance between the first device and the second device is small and it is expected to be used in an environment where the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power should be set low within a range where there is no problem in signal transmission. Therefore, the transmission power can be minimized. Of the first device and the second device, the device on the side that transmits a signal may use a battery as a power source. In this way, the user can extend the battery life and reduce the frequency of battery replacement and the like. On the other hand, if 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, the expected communication distance and the like should be taken into consideration. , The transmission power can be set high. As a result, the signal is reliably transmitted, and the user can accurately control the device equipped with the system of the present invention.

Here, as a configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal can be directly changed by the user, for example, the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device is input by inputting the power value. The configuration may be set. By making it possible for the user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission power in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power so that the magnitude of the transmission power is suitable for his / her own usage conditions. ..

As a configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal can be indirectly changed by the user, for example, the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device is relative to the power value. The configuration may be set by a numerical value or an index. As an index associated with the electric power value, various indexes such as "strong / medium / weak" and an index depending on the operation mode can be considered. In particular, for example, it is preferable to have a configuration in which a "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and a "long-life mode" having a long battery life can be selected. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the battery life or the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. By making it possible for the user to indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output so that the magnitude of the transmission power is suitable for his / her own usage conditions. can do.

The configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal can be directly or indirectly changed by the user may be any configuration, and the non-portable device side of the first device and the second device can be used. For example, it is preferable that the configuration is performed via switches (for example, DIP switches) or control devices provided in an in-vehicle device such as an engine starter or car security, and in particular, the first device and the second device are portable. It is preferable that the configuration is performed by a portable device such as a remote controller.

Further, the magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed based on, for example, the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller or other device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on a remote controller or another device.

Desirably, the portable device of the first device and the second device may have a configuration in which the above-mentioned "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 becomes impossible 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 magnitude of the signal transmission power such as "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and "long-life mode", each mode is further set to the magnitude of the transmission power. Depending on the configuration, it may be set in multiple stages or steplessly. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and appropriately adjust the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal.

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

In this way, the user can use the system under the optimum conditions for his / her environment by adjusting the transmission bit rate. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate low, the user can improve the communication sensitivity and ensure a large communication range. On the other hand, the user set the transmission bit rate high to minimize the communication time while sacrificing the communication sensitivity and the communication distance, and used the wireless communication over a long distance by the agile communication operation. Remote control makes it possible to activate the functions of the device.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption does not change even if 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 transmitting side can be reduced. In particular, it is advisable to use a battery as a power source for the device. In this way, the user can extend the battery life and minimize the trouble of battery replacement and the like.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases as the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. By doing so, the power consumption as a whole is reduced and the battery life can be extended.

Here, as a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the signal can be directly changed by the user, for example, the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device is set by inputting a bit rate value. And it is sufficient. By making it possible for the user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission bit rate so as to be suitable for his / her own usage conditions.

As a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the signal can be indirectly changed by the user, for example, the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device is relative to the transmission bit rate. The configuration may be set by a numerical value or an index. As the index associated with the transmission bit rate, various indexes such as "large / medium / small" and an index depending on the operation mode can be considered. In particular, for example, it may be possible to select between a "normal mode" and a "speed mode" in which communication operation is quick. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication or to prioritize the speed of communication operation. By making it possible for the user to indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the transmission bit rate to a size suitable for his / her own usage conditions. Can be adjusted.

The configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the signal can be directly or indirectly changed by the user may be any configuration, and the non-portable device side of the first device and the second device, for example, It is preferable that the configuration is performed via switches (for example, DIP switches) or control devices provided like an in-vehicle device in an engine starter or car security, and in particular, the first device and the second device are portable. It is preferable that the configuration is performed by a portable device such as a remote controller.

Desirably, the portable device of the first device and the second device may have a configuration in which the above-mentioned "normal mode" and "speed mode" can be selected. In this way, the user can make the communication operation agile by selecting the speed mode in the area where the communication is possible in the speed mode, and the speed is in the area farther than the area where the communication is possible in the speed mode. When communication becomes impossible in the mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the normal mode.

Further, the transmission bit rate may be changed, for example, based on the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller or other device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on a remote controller or another device.

Further, when the operation mode is set according to the magnitude of the transmission bit rate such as "normal mode" or "speed mode", each mode is further set in multiple stages or none depending on the magnitude of the transmission bit rate. It may be possible to set in stages. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and appropriately adjust the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the signal.

(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 higher than a predetermined value and the signal in the last communication When transmitting within a predetermined time from reception, the transmission power is reduced, and when the signal strength is less than the predetermined value or when the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is at least reduced. It is preferable to maintain the transmission power at the time of the last communication.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission power consumption while ensuring the 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, it is preferable to reduce the signal strength transmitted next. 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. As a result, the distance 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 use time as an index. It is advisable to assume a change in the interval between the above and make adjustments based on this assumption. In the configuration of (9), not only the strength of the signal received in the last communication is equal to or higher 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 be. Further, in the configuration of (9), when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from 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 device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress the transmission power consumption. Further, 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 replace the battery frequently.

Here, the "predetermined time" is, for example, the distance between the first device and the second device when trying to reduce the transmission power of the 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 expected to be established between the first device and the second device even if is expanded, and the assumed value of the expansion speed of the interval between the first device and the second device. The configuration should be set as a reference. For example, suppose that either one of the first device and the second device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the other is a fixed device that does not move, and the user moves on foot to move the first device and the second device. Assuming a case where the distance between the devices is widened, the average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot and the communication between the first device and the second device are established after the transmission power is reduced. It is preferable to set the "predetermined time" in relation to the expected distance and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced due to the reduction of the transmission power. In this way, a change in the interval between the first device and the second device is assumed using the time as an index, a "predetermined time" is set based on the assumed result, and the predetermined time is used to reduce the transmission power. By setting it as one of the criteria, even if control is performed to suppress transmission power consumption, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience. It is possible.

The "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power may be, for example, a time between 1 minute and 2 minutes. Further, this "predetermined time" may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

Here, for example, it is preferable that the first device is a portable device (for example, a remote controller) and the second device is a fixed device (for example, a system that can obtain an external power source such as an on-board unit or a home unit). In this way, in a system in which the basic control starts by transmitting a command from the remote controller, the transmission power consumption on the fixed device side can be reduced. In this case, for example, if the fixed device side is configured to use the battery mounted on the automobile as a power source, such as an engine starter or car security, the power consumption of this battery can be minimized.

Further, for example, it is preferable to configure a system or the like in which a link confirmation signal with the remote controller is periodically transmitted from the fixed device side. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the transmission power of the transmission signal of the remote controller by observing the radio wave strength of the link confirmation signal. If the transmission power of the remote controller can be reduced and the power consumption can be reduced, the life of the battery built in the remote controller (portable device) can be extended, and the user does not need to replace the battery frequently.

Further, for example, when the amount of information to be transmitted is large and the information is transmitted by dividing it into a plurality of times, the first transmission is performed with a large transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions are adjusted based on the radio wave strength of the first time. It is good to have a configuration that does. In this way, the transmission power can be optimized. In this case, for example, a battery may be used as a power source. In this way, the battery life can be extended and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

In addition, for example, as in car security, when the sensor detects that some trouble has occurred in the car without sending a command from the remote controller, a signal is transmitted from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote controller. The configuration should be such that In this way, when a user who knows the operation of the car security performs processing such as canceling the car security by operating the remote controller, the remote controller transmits the signal based on the signal strength of the signal from the in-vehicle device received earlier. It is possible to reduce the signal transmission power, minimize the power consumption of the battery built in the remote controller, and minimize the frequency of battery replacement by the user.

Further, for example, it is preferable that the system can be set by transmitting a signal to the fixed device side with a remote controller. By doing so, the transmission power of the transmission signal from the remote controller is reduced based on the radio wave strength of the response signal returned from the fixed device by transmitting the setting start command from the remote controller, and the battery or the like built in the remote controller is used. 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. Therefore, if the transmission power of the remote controller or fixed device is reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed, the distance between the remote controller and the fixed device becomes too wide and the radio wave strength becomes insufficient, so that wireless communication is used over a long distance. There is a possibility that the function of the device cannot be activated by the remote control. Therefore, the transmission power may be reduced within a predetermined time, and the transmission power may be 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 it is possible to extend the battery life. As a result, the frequency with which the user performs troublesome work such as battery replacement can be minimized.

Further, the configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission power" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission power or a configuration of increasing the transmission power. When the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the signal in the last communication as in the configuration of (9), the transmission power is at least at the time of the last communication. The configuration may be such that the transmission power is maintained. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the communication from being established by reducing the transmission power, and to secure the stability of the communication. As a result, the user can remotely use wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or after a predetermined time has passed 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 larger, and the predetermined time may be longer as the signal strength is smaller. However, if the signal strength is less than a predetermined value, the transmission power is at least maintained.

In the configuration of (9), for example, if communication cannot be performed with the transmission power lowered, the transmission power may be increased, and if communication is still not possible, the transmission power may be further increased. The method of increasing the transmission power when communication cannot be performed in a state where the transmission power is lowered may be 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 is preferable. In this way, the user can obtain the advantage 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 set to the maximum in the normal state and lowered by automatic control, and the user can operate the remote controller or provide the in-vehicle device side. The configuration may be performed by setting the 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 display screen of the remote controller can display the strength of the received radio wave. In this way, the user can use the remote controller while confirming whether or not communication is possible based on the displayed radio wave strength.

(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 higher than a predetermined value and the signal in the last communication When transmitting within a predetermined time from reception, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and when the strength of the signal is less than the predetermined value or when the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from 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 the 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, it is preferable to reduce the signal strength transmitted next. 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. As a result, the distance between the first device and the second device may increase with the passage of time. In this way, 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 first device and the second device use time as an index. It is advisable to assume a change in the interval between devices and make adjustments based on this assumption. In the configuration of (10), not only the strength of the signal received in the last communication is equal to or higher 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 be raised. Further, in the configuration of (10), when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the 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 device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress the transmission power consumption. Further, 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 replace the battery frequently.

Here, the "predetermined time" is tentatively set to the first device and the second device when, for example, the transmission bit rate of the signal to be transmitted next is to be increased from the transmission bit rate at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. Assumption of the distance at which communication is expected to be established between the first device and the second device even if the distance between the devices is increased, and the expansion speed of the distance between the first device and the second device. The configuration should be set based on the value. For example, suppose that either one of the first device and the second device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the other is a fixed device that does not move, and the user moves on foot to move the first device and the second device. Assuming a case where the distance between the devices is widened, the average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot and the communication between the first device and the second device after the increase in the transmission bit rate is reduced. It is preferable to set the "predetermined time" in relation to the distance that is expected to be established and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. In this way, in order to assume a change in the interval between the first device and the second device using time as an index, set a "predetermined time" based on this assumed result, and increase the transmission bit rate during this predetermined time. By using this as one of the criteria, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience even if the control for increasing the transmission bit rate is performed. Is possible.

The "predetermined time" for increasing the transmission bit rate may be, for example, a time between 1 minute and 2 minutes. Further, this "predetermined time" may be constant or may be changed according to the signal strength.

Further, the configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission bit rate" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate or a configuration of lowering the transmission bit rate. When the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the signal in the last communication as in the configuration of (10), the transmission bit rate is set to at least the time of the last communication. It is preferable that the configuration is such that the transmission bit rate of the above is maintained. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the communication from being established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to secure the stability of the communication. As a result, the user can remotely use wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or after a predetermined time has passed 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, the sensitivity (flying distance), and the transmission power are in inverse proportion to each other. That is, in the system of the present invention, when the transmission bit rate is increased, the distance does not fly (sensitivity decreases) for the same bandwidth and the same transmission power, and the function of the device is operated 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 speeded up. Here, when the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even if the sensitivity is low, so that communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. Therefore, in the configuration (10), the stronger the received radio wave, the higher the transmission bit rate. In this way, the user can agilely activate the other function in the situation where one of the first device and the second device transmits a signal for activating the other function. You can get the system.

(11) In the wireless communication by the spread spectrum method, a plurality of diffusion rates can be set, and it is preferable to change the diffusion rate when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

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

The "change of diffusion rate" may be configured in a predetermined pattern. The "predetermined pattern" of the "diffusion rate change" may be a random configuration or a predetermined order configuration. Here, in the system of the present invention, the higher the diffusion rate, the longer the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. Therefore, in particular, as the diffusion rate, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one step below the maximum diffusion rate are adopted. In such a configuration, the pattern of changing the diffusion rate may be a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one step below the maximum diffusion rate are alternately switched in a fixed pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance and is difficult to intercept.

"When a predetermined condition is satisfied" may be a configuration in which one packet is transmitted, a configuration in which a packet having a predetermined data amount is transmitted, or a configuration in which a predetermined time elapses. May be good.

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

(12) It is preferable to enable communication while switching the channel used for communication.

By doing so, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, so that the user can obtain a system in which interference does not easily occur between spread spectrum communication systems. can. In this case, the receiving side and the transmitting side switch channels at the same timing. For example, when the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, for example, six channels having center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz are switched and used. It is good to have a configuration that does. A channel other than these channels may be used.

In the spread spectrum method, particularly in the LoRa method, the communication range is significantly extended as compared with the FSK method. Therefore, when a communication method having a large communication distance such as the LoRa method is adopted, there is a high possibility that communication by another user interrupts the communication range and interference occurs. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method, is adopted, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching the channels used for communication. As a result, the user can communicate stably without being affected by the equipment that the other user communicates with by the spread spectrum method in the vicinity.

(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 start of the drive device to the vehicle control device are provided and used. The password code transmitted from the password code transmitter, which is portable to the person and capable of transmitting a predetermined password code, is received, and the received password code and the reference code provided in the start permission device are used. The system according to any one of (1) to (12), which is used to indirectly transmit the password code to a vehicle to which the start permission signal is transmitted by the start permission device. The wireless communication between the first device and the second device can be selected from a spectrum diffusion method and a communication method other than the spectrum diffusion method, and the user can select the first device. It is portable and can receive the password code from the password code transmitter, and transmits a signal including a conversion code obtained by converting the received password code by a predetermined method and a start instruction signal to the second device. The second device is capable of converting the received conversion code into the password code and transmitting the converted password code to the start permission device, and the start is possible. When the instruction signal is received, the vehicle start signal may be transmitted to the vehicle control device.

In this way, the user, for example, in a car equipped with a start permission device (so-called immobilizer) using a password code, does not place the password code transmitter in the vehicle and keeps the drive device such as the engine and the motor carried by the user. It can be started by a remote controller (a first device that can be carried by the user). Generally, the password transmitter and the start permission device cannot transmit and receive the password code unless they are close to each other due to a security problem or the like, and the start of the drive device cannot be permitted. However, in this way, even if the password code transmitter and the start permission device are far apart, the password code transmitted from the password code transmitter can be used as a remote controller (the first portable by the user). The device) and the in-vehicle device (second device mounted on the vehicle) are relayed and can be received by the start permission device, and the start of the drive device can be permitted.

The configuration of "indirectly transmitting" the security code is, for example, a configuration in which the security code is converted from the first device that receives the security code from the security code transmitter into a different conversion code and transmitted to the second device, and the second device is transmitted. In the device of, it is preferable to convert the received conversion code into the original password code and then send it to the start permission device.

Regarding the second device, the configuration "mounted on the vehicle" may be originally configured to be attached to the vehicle at the time of vehicle manufacturing by the automobile manufacturer, and in particular, it may be configured to be so-called retrofitted to the sold vehicle.

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

The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be configured to select a communication method other than the spread spectrum method and the spread spectrum method. In this way, even if it is difficult to permit the start of the drive device by either method, it is possible to increase the possibility that the start of the drive device is permitted. The configuration for performing "selection of communication method" may be any configuration, for example, via switches (for example, DIP switches) or control devices provided in an in-vehicle device (second device mounted on a vehicle). In particular, it is preferable that the configuration is performed on the remote controller (portable first device) side. Further, the communication method may be selected based on, for example, the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller or other device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on a remote controller or another device.

A mode in which the password code transmitted from the password transmitter is relayed by a first communication device carried by the user and a second communication device mounted on the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "relay mode"). 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 support both vehicles with an immobilizer and vehicles without an immobilizer by simply preparing one type of system equipped with a remote controller and an in-vehicle device. It can also be used by users of the equipped vehicle type who are willing to place the password transmitter in the vehicle. As for the configuration for selecting the "relay mode" and the "non-relay mode", for example, the vehicle-mounted device may be provided with a selection means such as a switch, and the selection means may be selected by the selection means such as the switch.

When the "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 DIO2 / DATA pin level is transmitted as it is (not via FIFO).

When the "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 a LoRa packet mode. "Packet mode" is SPI (Serial Peripheral)
It is preferable to configure the configuration in which the data given by the interface) is transmitted as a packet via the FIFO.

In the "short-distance mode", it is preferable to configure the wireless communication as a packet mode of a communication method other than the spread spectrum method, and preferably, the wireless communication is a packet mode of the spread spectrum method and the transmission bit rate is higher than that of the long-distance communication mode. It is preferable to set the wireless communication to be higher than the long-distance communication mode in the LoRa method. The communication device in which the LoRa method and the FSK method can be selected and the continuous mode and the packet mode can be selected may be, for example, the above-mentioned communication chip "SX1272".

Any of the configurations (1) to (13) may be combined arbitrarily. Further, the components described in the configurations (1) to (13) may be arbitrarily combined and configured.

(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, it may be configured as a second device in the system according to any one of (1) to (13) above.

Examples of such devices include the above-mentioned consumer devices, devices used for systems used in various industrial devices, and devices for wireless communication systems that collect meter reading data, and in particular, systems used for automobile-related devices. It may be configured as a device for. The system device used for automobile-related equipment may be configured as a remote controller or an in-vehicle device, for example, as a system device used for an engine starter.

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

According to the present invention, for example, a system or the like that can perform remote control more reliably and is easy to use can be provided as compared with the conventional case.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of an engine starter configuration 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. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display unit of the remote controller and a sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is started by using the remote controller. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display of the display unit of the remote controller and the sound emitted from the remote controller when checking the engine state 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 the idling is extended by using the remote controller. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display unit of the remote controller and a sound emitted from the remote controller when the engine is stopped by using the remote controller. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display of a remote controller display and a sound emitted from the remote controller when the door is locked or unlocked by using 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 and uses 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 the engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows a case where a genuine key is arranged and used in the vehicle of an automobile 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 it is used in an automobile without an immobilizer.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The system of this embodiment is a system used for an engine starter that starts an automobile engine (driving device) by remote control using a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote controller"). It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those illustrated in the embodiments described below, and it is easy for those skilled in the art to have other embodiments from the teaching and spirit within the scope of the claims. Let's understand.

1. 1. Configuration of Engine Starter FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of 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 by holding it in his / her hand. As shown in FIG. 2A, the remote controller 20 is provided with a display unit 24 on the front surface of a flat, substantially rectangular case 22 having rounded upper and lower portions from the central portion to the upper portion in the vertical direction. .. The display unit 24 is a monochrome two-gradation segment type liquid crystal screen. The display unit 24 has a built-in backlight of seven colors, and by turning on the backlight when the operation of the operation button 26 is detected, the visibility is further improved. However, if it is turned on all the time, the battery will be consumed faster, so it will be turned on for the set time and then turned off. This time can be changed by the user's setting (for example, select from 5 seconds / 10 seconds / 20 seconds (initial value is 5 seconds)). It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the light does not light at all. The color of the backlight can also be changed by the user's 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 the operating state of the system and engine at the time of use. 3 to 8 which will be described later show examples of various displays of the display unit 24.

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 serves as a lock button, and the stop button 26c also serves 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 so as to be in contact with the lower part of the start button 26a and the stop button 26c. Has been done. A rod-type antenna 28 is provided in the upper left portion of the case 22. The antenna 28 is pulled out long when the remote controller 20 is used, and pushed 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. 1 inside the case 22.

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

The first connector 42, the key cylinder side connector, and the vehicle side connector have 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, and the remote control 20 Is connected so as to be transmitted from the junction unit 40 to the vehicle side via the first connector 42 and the cable when the above is operated. Therefore, for example, when the operation of starting the engine using the remote controller 20 is performed, the same vehicle start signal as when the operation of starting the engine of the automobile is performed using the key is transmitted to the vehicle control device on the vehicle side, and the engine is started. ..

The door lock wire and the door unlock wire connected to the second connector 44 are connected to the door control device on the vehicle side. When the door is locked or unlocked using the remote control 20, the door is locked or unlocked when the key or the remote control originally provided on the key (a remote control different from the remote control 20) is used to lock or unlock the door. 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 to lock or unlock the door.

A unique ID is set for the remote controller 20, and when the junction unit 40 receives a signal from the remote controller 20 whose ID is paired with the junction unit 40, the junction unit 40 operates based on the signal. do. Therefore, for example, even if the engine is started by using the remote controller 20 that is not paired, the junction unit 40 does not respond to the vehicle start signal transmitted from the remote controller 20, so that 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. 1 inside. The junction unit 40 is powered by a battery provided in the automobile.

The remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 both 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 both center on this communication chip. It is configured in. 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.

Both 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 the sub-gigahertz band. The center frequencies of each channel are 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. Each channel has a bandwidth of 200 kHz and a transmittable power of 20 mW. The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specific low power radio.

The bandwidth of these channels is 200 kHz, which is 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz, which are used in conventional engine starters. It is 16 times the bandwidth of 12.5 kHz of the channel of each band. Further, the transmittable power of 20 mW of these channels is 20 times the transmittable power of 1 mW of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz or 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz used in the conventional engine starter, and 429.1750. It is twice the transmit power of 10 mW of ~ 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz.

The wireless communication circuit 30 and the wireless communication circuit 50 perform wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. 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. The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed by the LoRa method among the spread spectrum methods. Further, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 signals with the same power at one of the quarters of the bandwidth from 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 expand the OS and application program recorded in the flash memory on the RAM by the boot loader recorded in the ROM, and execute the OS and the application program on the RAM to execute various types. 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 provided in the wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote controller 20 and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 for performing wireless communication is written in the register of the microcomputer provided in the control unit 32 and the control unit 52.

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

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

(A) When starting the engine of an automobile, the engine button 26b is pressed until the operation confirmation sound "pip" is emitted from the remote controller 20. "E" is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24.

(B) Subsequently, while "E" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), the start button 26a is pressed until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremifaso" sound. "START" is displayed on the display unit 24, 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 a response signal back to the remote controller 20. As shown in (b1), the transmission animation repeats the operation in which three horizontal bars arranged vertically move from right to left in order from the top, and then two vertical bars move from right to left.

(C) While waiting for the 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 up 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 the received sound "sofa milled". Here, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is ON, after displaying the current vehicle interior temperature on the display unit 24 for a certain period of time based on the temperature information included in the response signal, the temperature display disappears and the engine start confirmation signal is received. Wait for. The temperature information is the vehicle interior temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54.

(E) On the other hand, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is OFF, when the received sound "Sofa Milled" is emitted from the remote controller 20, after displaying "OK" on the display unit 24 for a certain period of time, the OK display disappears and the engine start confirmation. Wait for the signal to be received.

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 the engine is started by 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 the received sound "Dremifa sofa milled". Here, when the auto stop is disabled, the engine start animation 24b and the idling set time are displayed on the display unit 24.

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

During idling, the junction unit 40 continuously emits a beeping sound to notify that the engine is idling.

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

2-2. Confirmation of Engine Status FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display of a display unit of the remote controller and a sound emitted from the remote controller when confirming the engine state using the remote controller. (A) to (i) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (i) of the same figure, respectively.

(A) When checking the state of the engine, press the engine button 26b until the operation confirmation sound "pip" is emitted from the remote controller 20. "E" is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24.

(B) Subsequently, while "E" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), the engine button 26b is pressed again until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremifaso" sound. “ChK” is displayed on the display unit 24.

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

(D) While waiting for the 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 up in order from left to right. If 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, the received sound "sofa milled" is emitted from the remote controller 20, and the temperature inside the vehicle interior is displayed on the display unit 24 based on the temperature information included in the response signal. .. The temperature information is the vehicle interior 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, when (f) auto stop is disabled, 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 the auto stop is enabled, (h) in the "idling state", the idling elapsed time is displayed on the display unit 24. (I) In the "engine stopped state", "AUTO" is displayed on the display unit 24.

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display unit of the remote controller and a sound emitted from the remote controller when the idling is extended by using the remote controller. (A) to (h) described in the following description correspond to (a) to (h) in the same figure, respectively.

(A) When extending the idling time, press the engine button 26b until the operation confirmation sound "pip" is emitted from the remote controller 20. "E" is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24.

(B) Subsequently, while "E" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), the start button 26a is pressed until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremifaso" sound. 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 the 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 up 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 the received sound "Dremifa sofa milled", and (e, f) the display unit 24 alternates between "Ido" and "+10". Is displayed, and the extension of the idling time is notified.

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

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

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

(A) When stopping the engine of the automobile, the engine button 26b is pressed until the operation confirmation sound "pip" is emitted from the remote controller 20. "E" is displayed in a blinking state on the display unit 24.

(B) Subsequently, while "E" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), the stop button 26c is pressed until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremifaso" sound. "STOP" is displayed on the display unit 24, 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, it transmits an engine stop signal to the vehicle control device to stop the engine and sends a response signal 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 the engine is stopped by using the key.

(C) While waiting for the 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 up 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 the received sound "Somiredre", "OK" is displayed on the display unit 24, the engine stop animation is displayed, and the engine is stopped. You will be notified that you have done so.

2-5. Door lock / unlock operation The automobile door can be locked and unlocked with the remote controller 20 of the engine starter according to the present embodiment.

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

(A) When locking the door, the start button 26a, which also serves as the lock button, is pressed until the operation confirmation sound “pip” is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, the "locked padlock" is displayed in a blinking state.

(B) Then, while the "locked padlock" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), press the start button 26a again until the remote controller 20 makes a "doremifaso" sound. A "locked padlock" is displayed on the display unit 24 for a moment, 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 wire, locks the door by the door control device, and then sends a response signal to the remote control 20. Send back.

(C) While waiting for the 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 up 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 the received sound "sofa milled", the display unit 24 displays "locked padlock" and "ok", and the door is locked. (Lock) will be notified.

(E) When unlocking the door, press the stop button 26c that also serves as the unlock button until the operation confirmation sound “pip” is emitted from the remote controller 20. On the display unit 24, the "unlocked padlock" is displayed in a blinking state.

(F) Then, while the "unlocked padlock" is blinking (for about 3 seconds), press the stop button 26c again until the remote controller 20 makes a "doremifaso" sound. An "unlocked padlock" is displayed on the display unit 24 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 Sends a response signal back to.

(G) While waiting for the 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 up 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 the received sound "sofa milled", and the display unit 24 displays "unlocked padlock" and "ok" on the door. You will be notified of the unlock.

2-6. Remote control registration method In the engine starter of this embodiment, CH33 (922.4 MHz), CH34 (922.6 MHz), CH35 (922.8 MHz), CH36 (923.0 MHz), CH37 (923.2 MHz), and CH38 ( It uses 6 channels (923.4 MHz). At the time of product shipment, the radio frequency is set to CH38 before shipment. When the user re-registers the remote controller in the same junction unit 40 with the same remote controller 20, the wireless communication channel is changed to the next channel (if there is a carrier sense error, the next channel). The order of channel change is 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 the channel needs to be changed (even if it is disturbed), there is no problem because the remote controller registration work is performed at a position close to the junction unit 40. Hereinafter, two types of remote control registration methods will be described. Since the remote control registration is completed at the time of product shipment, the remote control registration work is to register a new remote control ID in the junction unit when the remote control in use is lost or the remote control in use breaks down. This is done to enable the use of new remote controls.

(1) First Remote Control Registration Method FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a first remote control registration method. Hereinafter, the first remote control registration method will be described with reference to the figure. <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> described in the following description correspond to <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> in the same figure, respectively.
<Procedure 1> Press and hold both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c of the remote controller 20 at the same time for about 5 seconds.
<Procedure 2> Press the stop button 26c 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 remote controller 20 emits a buzzer sound "pee-pee-pee" and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 3> Press the engine button 26b of the remote controller 20. "REC" is displayed on the display unit 24, and a confirmation sound is continuously emitted from the remote controller 20 as "beep beep ...". If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the remote controller 20 emits a buzzer sound "pee-pee-pee" and the registration is cancelled.

The following steps 4 to 7 are performed while the confirmation sound "beep beep ..." is being emitted from the remote controller 20 (about 40 seconds). If 40 seconds are exceeded before steps 4 to 7 are completed, the confirmation sound "beep beep ..." disappears and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 4> The key 62 is inserted into the key hole 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> When the position of the key 62 is OFF, the junction unit 40 emits a "beep" sound for 10 seconds, and finally a "beep" sound is emitted. If the key 62 is operated while the "buzzing" sound is being emitted, the registration is canceled.
<Procedure 6> Within 7.5 seconds after the "beep" sound is emitted from the junction unit 40, the key 62 is operated to switch OFF → ACC → ON → ACC → OFF three times. A "peepy" sound is emitted from the junction unit 40. Registration will be canceled if 7.5 seconds are exceeded before the three switchings are completed.
<Procedure 7> Press the engine button 26b until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremi" sound. The "REC" displayed on the display unit 24 blinks once, and the remote controller 20 transmits a signal including an ID. When the junction unit 40 receives the signal including the ID and the ID is registered, the junction unit 40 emits a "beep", "beep", and "beep" sound, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the received sound "milled" is emitted, "ok" is displayed on the display unit 24, and the remote controller registration completion is notified.
<Procedure 8> Remove the key 62 from the keyhole 64.

(2) Second Remote Control Registration Method FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a second remote control registration method. Hereinafter, the second remote control registration method will be described with reference to the figure. <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> described in the following description correspond to <Procedure 1> to <Procedure 8> in the same figure, respectively.
<Procedure 1> Remove the connector 42a from the first connector 42 of the junction unit 40 and reconnect it. A confirmation sound is continuously emitted from the junction unit 40.
<Procedure 2> Press and hold both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c of the remote controller 20 at the same time for about 5 seconds.
<Procedure 3> Press the stop button 26c 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 remote controller 20 emits a buzzer sound "pee-pee-pee" and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 4> Press the engine button 26b of the remote controller 20. "REC" is displayed on the display unit 24, and a confirmation sound is continuously emitted from the remote controller 20 as "beep beep ...". If there is no button operation for 20 seconds or more, the remote controller 20 emits a buzzer sound "pee-pee-pee" and the registration is cancelled.

The following steps 5 and 6 are performed while the confirmation sound "beep beep ..." is being emitted from the remote controller 20 (about 40 seconds). If 40 seconds are exceeded before the steps 5 and 6 are completed, the confirmation sound "beep beep ..." disappears and the registration is cancelled.
<Procedure 5> The key 62 is inserted into the key hole 64 provided in the vehicle body, and the key 62 is operated to switch from OFF to ACC to ON. A beeping sound is emitted from the junction unit 40 about 3 seconds later.
<Procedure 6> Press the engine button 26b until the remote controller 20 emits a "doremi" sound. The "REC" displayed on the display unit 24 blinks once, and the remote controller 20 transmits a signal including an ID. When the junction unit 40 receives the signal including the ID and the ID is registered, the junction unit 40 emits a "beep", "beep", and "beep" sound, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the received sound "milled" is emitted, "ok" is displayed on the display unit 24, and the remote controller registration completion is notified.
<Procedure 8> Operate the key 62 to switch from ON to ACC to OFF, and remove the key 62 from the keyhole 64.

3. 3. Another Embodiment of the Engine Starter FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating 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 in which 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. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. The engine starter 10 of the present 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 (driving device), a vehicle control device 68, an immobilizer 66, and a junction unit 40, and the vehicle control device 68, the immobilizer 66, and the junction unit 40 are connected to each other by a cable 36. Has been done. The user carries the remote controller 20 and the genuine key 62a (password transmitter). In FIG. 10, the 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 and turning the genuine key 62a into the keyhole. The genuine key 62a is attached to the automobile at the time of sale and transmits a password 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 provided with the immobilizer 66 with this password code, and if they match, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. Send a start permission signal to allow. Upon receiving the vehicle start signal, the vehicle control device 68 confirms the existence of the start permission signal for 20 ms, and can start the engine 70 when it confirms that the start permission signal exists during that time.

In the engine starter 10 of the present embodiment, since the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 both include the communication chip "SX1272", the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is different from the LoRa method, which is one of the spread spectrum methods. , 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 and uses the genuine key 62a, the wireless communication shall be the FSK method.

The remote controller 20 can receive the password code from the genuine key 62a, converts the received password 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 62a 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 password code". Further, the remote controller 20 transmits a start instruction signal to the junction unit 40 by the user's 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 password code and wirelessly transmits the converted password code to the immobilizer 66. When the junction unit 40 receives the start instruction signal from the remote controller 20, the junction unit 40 transmits the 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.

Upon receiving the signal including the conversion code and the start instruction signal, the junction unit 40 transmits the password code to the immobilizer 66 and the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68.

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

When the vehicle control device 68 confirms the existence of the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. Since the existence of the start permission signal must be confirmed within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the FSK method having a faster 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 patterns (1) When the genuine key is placed in the car of the car equipped with the immobilizer and used The engine starter of this embodiment is also used when the genuine key is placed in the car of the car equipped with the immobilizer. Can be done.

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 vehicle of an automobile 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 password code transmitted from the genuine key 62a, and the immobilizer 66 allows the vehicle control device 68 to start. It is possible to transmit a signal at all times. In this case, since the "relay password code" function is not used, the function is turned off and the "non-relay mode" is set.

When the user performs the 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 the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. When the vehicle control device 68 receives the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70.

As the communication method, the available one is selected from the LoRa method and the FSK method. It is necessary to confirm the existence of the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, but since the start permission signal is transmitted from the genuine key 62a arranged in the car 60, which method is selected. You may. 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 the communication speed and the reaction speed, the LoRa type packet mode is selected, and the setting for making the transmission bit rate higher than the long-distance mode is selected (short-distance mode).

(2) When used in an automobile without an immobilizer The engine starter of the present embodiment can also be used in an automobile without 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 it is used in an automobile without 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 immobilizer does not exist, when the user performs the 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 the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. do. Upon receiving the start permission signal, the vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70. Also in this case, since the function of "relaying the password code" is not used, the function is turned off.

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

4. Modification example of the system according to the present invention In the engine starter using the system according to the present invention, the two embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

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

As the antenna used for wireless communication with the junction unit 40 included in the remote controller 20, a built-in antenna arranged 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 in the last communication If the transmission is within 1 minute of reception, the transmission power is reduced, and if the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or 1 minute after the signal is received in the last communication, the transmission power is at least the last communication. It may be configured to maintain the transmission power at the time.

Further, the engine starter according to the above-described embodiment has a signal strength of −80 dBm or more and in the final communication in the information regarding the signal strength received in the final communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. If the signal is transmitted within 1 minute, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and if the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or the signal is transmitted 1 minute after the signal is received in the last communication, the signal is transmitted. 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 diffusion rates can be set in wireless communication by a spread spectrum method and the diffusion rate is changed for each packet transmitted.

The engine starter according to the above-described embodiment may be capable of communicating while switching channels used for communication.

The engine starter according to the above-described embodiment may have a configuration in which the channel is automatically switched to a channel for which it is confirmed by the Busy determination that no signal exists. 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, and the level determination of the spread spectrum signal is performed by using the CAD function. The level of is determined by RSSI. The Busy determination is set to Busy when it is −130 dBm or more for the spread spectrum type signal, and is set to Busy when it is −80 dBm or more for the signal of the other modulation type.

According to the above system, 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 with the remote controller 20 is based on a spread spectrum system, the remote controller 20 is portable to the user, and the signal transmitted by the remote controller 20 includes a signal for operating the function of the junction unit 40. The function of the junction unit 40 is, for example, to transmit a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68.

In this way, the user can wirelessly operate at a significantly longer distance than the conventional FSK method other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), which is far longer than the acorns of each company so far. It becomes possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using communication. According to the experimental results of the inventors, it was possible to operate the function of the device at a long distance of about twice or more as compared with the conventional one. In the conventional FSK method, for example, when the distance at which wireless communication is reliably possible is 1 km, the spread spectrum method can perform communication of 2 km or more, which is more than twice that distance.

At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, for example, a golf navigation system, and particularly a portable device or a remote controller. 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 device. At least one of the first device or the second device portable to the user is particularly provided with a function of inputting an instruction from the user, and a signal for activating the other function based on the input instruction. It is preferable to configure the system to transmit. The function for inputting an instruction from the user may be any function as long as the instruction can be input, but a sensor or the like capable of detecting the movement of the user 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 and the second device that can be carried 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 hand-held device, and may be provided with a function of inputting an instruction by hand. Desirably, it is preferable to provide a means for inputting instructions by pressing with the fingers of the hand. More preferably, the configuration may be such that the means for inputting the instruction is a switch.

The other one of the first device or the second device may be any device, for example, a device that is portable to the user, preferably a device that is not portable to 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 is preferable to fix it to the ground, and preferably to fix it to a gas, electricity, water meter, or the like. When fixing it to the ground, for example, a watering machine may be used. When fixing to a gas, electricity, water meter, etc., it is preferable to use a terminal that transmits meter reading data to a remote controller. As for the indoor installation, it is preferable to install it in a golf clubhouse or a car. When installing in a clubhouse, for example, digital signage is recommended. When it is installed in a car, it may be an in-vehicle device, for example. In the above-described embodiment, the junction unit 40 is installed in an automobile.

The system of the present invention may be any system, for example, a system used for consumer equipment and various industrial equipment, and particularly preferably a system used for automobile-related equipment such as the above-mentioned engine starter. As a result, the user can appropriately remotely control various devices.

For example, as a system used for consumer devices, one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a remote controller, and the other is a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote controller is , It may include a signal that activates the function of the device.

As a system used for consumer equipment, preferably, one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a portable device, and the other is a transmitter fixed to a gas, electricity, water meter, or the like. It is good to say. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device may include meter reading data and a signal for causing the portable device to aggregate the meter reading data (a signal for operating 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, and meter reading data is read by a portable device or the like using wireless communication. It is preferable to use a wireless communication system that collects data. By using the system of the present invention in Wi-SUN, the user can collect meter reading data from a remote location more than before, and the time and effort of moving due to data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous dwelling that is away from a road that can be moved by car and can only be approached on foot, the meter reading data (meter reading data even within the range that the meter reader carrying the portable device can move by car ( The possibility of collecting "meter information") will increase, and the possibility of shortening the travel distance will increase even if it is necessary to move on foot after moving by car. In particular, the portable device is one that the user can carry and move on foot, and it is preferable that the instruction can be input by hand.

More preferably, the system may have a first device as a golf navigation system and a second device as a digital signage system installed in a clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation may include, for example, a signal that activates the display function and the aggregation function of the digital signage. In this case, it is possible to sequentially display the ranking on the digital signage from the player's results input to the golf navigation during the round, and the user can save the trouble of totaling the player's results and the like.

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

Here, in the conventional engine starter and car security, for example, in a large-scale condominium, the parking lot may be too far from the own room to be used. Especially in tower condominiums, such a problem was remarkable. In addition, for example, there was a case where radio waves were blocked by a concrete wall and could not be used unless it appeared on the balcony. However, even in such a case, according to the present invention, the user can operate the function of the other device more reliably than before. For example, the engine starter and car security functions can be operated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, the user cannot operate the function of the other device unless he / she moves to a place where radio waves can easily reach the car in the parking lot, such as near a window or a veranda. Even in such a case, there is a high possibility that the engine starter or car security can be activated by operating the vehicle at an indoor position such as a bedside.

Further, for example, a system used for an automobile-related device including the above-mentioned remote controller (portable device) and an in-vehicle device is combined with a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information and the like, and meter information and the like generated in a house are mounted on the vehicle. The configuration may be such that the machine acts as an intermediary (gateway) between the portable devices. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device is in the Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method) from the Wi-SUN device in the house, the meter reading data of the gas, electricity, and water meters, and the sunlight provided in the house. It is preferable that the information such as the power generation amount data of the power generation device is received and the received information is transferred to the portable device (remote control) carried by the user in the spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as the meter reading data within a bicycle range wider than the conventional walking area. For example, under the condition that the radio wave reaches only about 1 km in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), if the bit rate is lowered by the spread spectrum method, it flies 6 km. Centering on the house where you live, 1km in diameter is within the daily living area (walking area), while 6km in diameter is positioned in the local living area. In addition, almost everything can be covered from home to this area of living area (bicycle area).

Desirably, the first device is fixed to an object, the second device is configured to be portable to the user, and the user carrying the second device is the one to which the first device is fixed. It is possible to activate the function of the first device at a certain place without the intervention of the second device, and the second device is carried by the user to fix 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 moves to the place where the first device is fixed. It is preferable that the user returns 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. "Movement on foot or by bicycle" is preferably configured so that the line-of-sight distance is 5 km or more and 20 km or less. For example, the base point may be home and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. In addition, assuming that the base point is a car, the user moves from the car on foot, makes a purchase at a shopping center, for example, starts the engine from the place where the shopping is done, and returns to the car which is the base point again. good. In addition, it is preferable that the starting point is a car, the user walks from the car to his / her home after returning home, starts the engine of the car from inside the house the next morning, and then returns to the car again. In addition, it is preferable that the clubhouse is used as a starting point, the user moves on foot on the golf course during play, and then returns to the clubhouse after the play is completed.

Further, for example, the first device may be used as one master unit installed in the long-term care facility, and the second device may be used as a handset carried by a plurality of people occupying the long-term care facility. The IDs assigned to each slave unit are different, and the master unit is configured to store the correspondence between the ID attached to each slave unit and the name of the person who carries the slave unit. Radio waves including IDs are transmitted from each slave unit at a fixed time (for example, every minute) by a spread spectrum method. The master unit checks the ID and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received radio wave, and when the RSSI of the received radio wave falls below the set value, the approximate distance from the master 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 by obtaining the relationship between the distance between the master unit and the slave unit and the RSSI value in advance and storing it in the master unit, and inputting the distance into the master unit. Alternatively, "when RSSI falls below the set value" is when the level of RSSI corresponds to outside the facility based on the difference in RSSI measured and set in advance between the outside of the nursing facility and the inside of the facility. good.

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

Further, for example, it is preferable to have a function of relaying a wireless signal of an inquiry from the master unit between slave units. For example, the master unit shall have a "normal search button (search button without relaying)" and a "relay search button", and when the "normal search button" is pressed, the radio wave of the master unit is transmitted. Requests a response of ID and electric field strength level from all slave units within reach, while when the "relay search button" is pressed, all slave units within reach of the radio wave of the master unit And, it is advisable to request a reply from all the slave units within the range of the radio wave from the slave unit. The response (eg, the ID of the other slave unit and the level of the electric field strength) causes the slave unit to relay between the other slave unit and the master unit. It should be noted that the relay between the slave units may be further performed, and the number of relays between the slave units may be limited. Further, a position detector such as GPS may be provided in each of the master unit and the slave unit, and only the slave unit within the range specified by the master unit from the position of the master unit may perform relay.

In the communication by the "spread spectrum method", for example, it is preferable to reduce the power density by spreading a narrow band signal in which a signal to be transmitted is modulated over a wide band by a predetermined spreading method, and transmit the signal from the transmitting side. On the receiving side, it is preferable to obtain the original narrow band signal having a high power density by despreading the received signal. Further, in the "spread spectrum method", in particular, even if the diffused signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, the original narrow band signal having a high power density due to despreading is used. It is preferable that the original narrowband signal is demodulated and reproduced as the signal to be transmitted. In this way, even a signal attenuated below the noise floor at a long distance can be received.

For communication by the "spread spectrum method", a hardware modulator or demodulator is used for modulation to the diffused signal performed on the transmitting side and demodulation of the diffused signal performed on the receiving side. It may be done or it may be done by software defined radio. In particular, it is preferable to use an IC chip that performs arithmetic processing corresponding to such modulation and demodulation.

Any communication method may be used as the communication method based on the "spread spectrum method", but it is preferable to use a method in which the communication distance becomes long even if the communication speed is sacrificed. Further, for example, a frequency hopping method may be used. It is preferable to use a method that is not a direct diffusion method. 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 the data to be transmitted is diffused and modulated (hereinafter referred to as "spread spectrum method"). It is preferable to have a configuration of (referred to as "chirp method"). In particular, it is advisable to combine the chirp method with another method. For example, the chirp method and at least one of the frequency hopping method and the direct diffusion method may be used in combination. Further, as the communication method by the "spread spectrum method", for example, it is best to use the LoRa method described in detail later. On the contrary, as the conventional modulation method other than the spectrum diffusion method, in addition to the above-mentioned FSK method, OK (on-off modulation), GFSK (phase continuous FSK), MSK (minimum deviation modulation), GMSK (Gauss) (Minimum deviation modulation) and the like (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as "FSK and the like").

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

Further, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include a signal for activating the function of the other one of the first device and the second device. For example, in the engine starter and car security, it is preferable to have a configuration including a signal for starting these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, and the like. Further, for example, in an engine starter or a car security, it is preferable to have a configuration including a signal or the like for activating 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 the signal that activates the function of the other device. In the case of car security, for example, 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.

Further, the "signal transmitted by one of the above devices" may be configured to include a start signal, a stop signal, and the like of a consumer device such as a watering machine and various industrial devices. Further, in a device such as a golf navigation system, the "signal transmitted by one of the devices" may be configured to include a signal such as player performance information input to the golf navigation system. Further, the "signal transmitted by one of the above devices" includes various types of meter reading data and the like when the system of the present invention is used in a device such as a gas, electricity, or water meter using a standard such as Wi-SUN. The configuration should include data.

For example, when the first device is a portable device such as a remote controller and the second device is an in-vehicle device or the like, the receiving mode on the portable device side is the Single receive mode, and the reception mode on the in-vehicle device side is the Continuous receive mode. It is good to do. By doing so, the battery on the portable device side can be made to last longer, and the signal transmitted from the portable device side can be more reliably captured on the in-vehicle device side. Desirably, in the case of such a configuration, the same information may be transmitted a plurality of times from the in-vehicle device or the like. In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of over-reading due to disturbance in the portable device. More preferably, it is assumed that a function for transmitting a signal to switch to the Continuus receive mode is provided from the in-vehicle device side to the portable device side, and when the portable device side receives the signal to switch to the Continuous receive mode, the device operates in the Continuus receive mode. good. In the case of such a configuration, it is particularly preferable to set the time for operating in the Continuus receive mode to be a fixed time. Such a communication mode can be implemented by using, for example, the communication chip "SX1272".

The "Single receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular, when communicating at a fixed reception timing, an operation of turning on the reception circuit only at a necessary reception timing is performed. It is good to have a configuration. In this way, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during standby for reception. The "Continuous receive mode" may be, for example, a mode in which signals are continuously received.

In the present embodiment, the 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 break through the current situation that the distance that can be remotely controlled is almost uniform.

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

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, a system that responds swiftly to the input operation of instructions can be obtained.

Desirably, in the LoRa method, the bit rate may be set low. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferably, the bit rate should be set to the lowest settable range. In particular, it is preferable to set the bit rate to be the lowest in the settable range of the remote controller 20 that can be carried by the user. In this way, the user can transmit a signal for activating the function of the junction unit 40 from the remote controller 20 from a distance longer than the conventional one, and activate the function on the junction unit 40. Further, for example, the bit rate of the remote controller 20 may be lower than the bit rate of the junction unit 40.

Desirably, such a low bit rate setting is particularly good in a system where the amount of digital information transmitted and received is small. More preferably, the bit rate may be set low when transmitting digital information such as car security and the engine starter of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the LoRa wireless communication is carried out by using the communication chip "SX1272" manufactured by SEMTECH. The communication chip executes the above-mentioned signal modulation and demodulation by arithmetic processing.

In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 uses the sub-gigahertz band, and the bandwidth of the channel used is wider than the bandwidth of the channel in the frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. Use the frequency channel of.

Therefore, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication with a device smaller than the conventional one and at a longer distance than the conventional one. In general, the sub-gigahertz band has a shorter radio wave distance than the sub-gigahertz band, but the problem of this short radio wave distance is solved in the sub-gigahertz band. This can be solved by using a channel with a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which has a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth of the channel. In the present embodiment, a channel having a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which is wider than the bandwidth of the channel in the band in which the bandwidth of the channel to be used is less than the sub-gigahertz band, is set.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sub-gigahertz band is used as the frequency of the oscillator provided in the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 for wireless communication, and the bandwidth of the channel to be used is a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. Use a channel with a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band that is wider than the bandwidth of the channel in. Further, the frequency for wireless communication is set by the control unit 32 provided in the remote controller 20 and the control unit 52 provided in the junction unit 40. Further, both the control unit 32 and the control unit 52 include a microcomputer and write a value corresponding to a frequency set in a register of the microcomputer.

Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specific low power radio, the sub-gigahertz band is used, and the transmittable power to be used can be transmitted in a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. It is a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band that is larger than power.

In the present embodiment, the "band of frequencies below 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 429.7375 MHz or 429. Each band is .812 to 429.9250 MHz. In each of these bands, the bandwidth of the channel is 12.5 kHz, especially in the band 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 band other than these.

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 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz, and the bandwidth of the channel is 12.5 kHz. It is a channel in the sub-gigahertz band, which is 16 times as high as 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 per channel is allocated by the regulations in Japan at the time of filing. On the other hand, looking at the sub-gigahertz band, there is a 920 MHz band to which a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz is allocated per channel. As described above, the sub-gigahertz band is particularly preferably the 920 MHz band, as the bandwidth per allocated channel is wider than the 400 MHz band, which is a band of frequencies less than the sub-gigahertz band. Although the bandwidth per channel is narrower in the 400 MHz band than in the 920 MHz band, radio waves reach farther than in the 920 MHz band, and because they have low straightness and are easily diffracted, obstacles (mountains and buildings) at long distances. There is an advantage that it is easy to receive even in the shadow of.

In the present embodiment, the "channels used" are six channels having center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz (all having a bandwidth of 200 kHz). ), Which is at least one channel, and some of these channels can be switched. Among these channels, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the channel is automatically switched to the channel for which it is confirmed by the Busy determination that no signal exists. Further, these channels may be configured to be used by combining a plurality of adjacent channels to further expand the bandwidth. For example, five adjacent channels among the above six channels are combined and used as a bandwidth of 1000 kHz. It is good to have a configuration.

In the present embodiment, the "channel" is a frequency band allocated for use in communication, and is a frequency band allocated by laws and regulations in Japan.

In performing the Busy determination of the channel, the level determination of the signal of the spread spectrum method is performed by using the CAD function, and the level determination of the signal of the modulation method other than the spread spectrum method is performed by RSSI. The CAD function detects the presence of a spread spectrum signal at a level so low that RSSI cannot detect the presence of the signal. The Busy determination is set to Busy when it is −130 dBm or more for the spread spectrum type signal, and is set to Busy when it is −80 dBm or more for the signal of the other modulation type. Therefore, a more appropriate channel Busy determination becomes possible, and the function of the device 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", it is due to the existence of both (A) a signal of a spread spectrum method and a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method. In the case of (A), transmission of signals of all modulation methods is prohibited because the judgment or (B) is a Busy judgment due to the presence of a signal having a relatively high intensity (-80 dBm or more) of the spread spectrum method. In the case of (B), it is possible to transmit a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method. Further, even in the case of (A), if it is a spread spectrum signal that exists and a spread spectrum signal having a different bandwidth and diffusion rate, it can be transmitted.

In the case of "with RSSI" and "without CAD", it is a Busy judgment due to the existence of a signal of a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, and since the signal of the spread spectrum method does not exist, the spectrum spread method is used. It is possible to transmit signals.

In the case of "without RSSI" and "with CAD", it is a Busy judgment due to the existence of a spread spectrum signal, and since there is no modulation signal other than the spread spectrum signal, it is not the spread spectrum signal. It is possible to transmit signals of the modulation method of. Further, even a spread spectrum signal can be transmitted as long as it has a different bandwidth and diffusion rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

In the case of "without RSSI" and "without CAD", there is no Busy judgment, and neither the spread spectrum signal nor the modulation signal other than the spread spectrum signal exists, so that the signals of all the modulation methods are transmitted. Is possible.

In the present embodiment, the strength of the signal transmitted from the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is not particularly specified, but it is preferable that the signal strength is equal to or 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 is extremely low. As a method of setting the signal strength below the noise floor, for example, a configuration may be performed in which control is performed to reduce the transmission power, or a configuration in which the transmitted signal is transmitted in a state where the signal strength is below the noise floor and the diffusion rate is high. May be. When the diffusion rate of the transmitted signal is high, the transmission speed is slightly lowered, but the communication sensitivity is improved, and the effect of improving the communication distance is obtained. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over 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 by the spread spectrum method is performed from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the bandwidth, one of the quarters of the bandwidth, and the bandwidth. At the center of, the signal can be transmitted with the same power.

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

Wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 by the spread spectrum method is preferably performed from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel to be used to the inside of the band, near both of the quarters of the bandwidth, and of the bandwidth. It is preferable that signals can be transmitted with the same power in the vicinity of the center. More preferably, it is possible to transmit signals with the same power near at least one end and the center of the bandwidth of the channel to be used. More preferably, it is possible to transmit signals with the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel used.

In particular, the power for transmitting a signal outside the bandwidth of the channel to be used may be smaller than the specified value. By doing so, the amount of protrusion to the outside of the bandwidth becomes 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 of communication.

In the present 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. Since the remote controller 20 uses a battery as a power source for the device, the battery life can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize the trouble of battery replacement and the like.

At least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device whose power consumption increases as the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. By doing so, the power consumption as a whole is reduced and the battery life can be extended.

Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 can transmit the electric power of the central portion and the peripheral end portion of the entire width with the same electric power instead of the spread spectrum method or together with the spread spectrum method. It is advisable to use a different method. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration in which signals can be transmitted with the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel to be used. Further, for example, for wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40, it is preferable to use the OFDM modulation method instead of the spread spectrum method or in combination with the spread spectrum method. In particular, Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 820.11 ah) may be used.

The wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be performed by GFSK modulation instead of the spread spectrum method 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, it is Sigfox.

Further, the wireless communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be performed by wireless network communication, but it may be performed as one-to-one communication between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. The communication chip "SX1272" may have a configuration in which, for example, 0x12 is used as the value of SyncWord instead of 0x34 used in LoRaWAN. Desirably, the configuration uses a value that is neither 0x34 nor 0x12. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with a commercially available LoRa-type wireless communication device.

In the present embodiment, the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 use an antenna 28 or an antenna unit 56 exposed to the outside, and it is particularly preferable that the remote controller 20 includes a built-in antenna used for wireless communication.

As a result, the user can use a device having a simple configuration in which the antenna is not exposed to the outside, particularly a 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, in the case of a wireless system using the LoRa method as in the present embodiment, this effect is remarkably exhibited. In addition, even in spread spectrum wireless, general ones (WLAN, WCDMA, etc.) pursue interference prevention and high bit rate, but in LoRa system, low bit rate signals are spread over a wide band by spread spectrum. Sensitivity can be significantly improved by consuming large bandwidth while spreading. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further reduce the size of the built-in antenna. As a result, even if the user puts the portable device in a pocket or the like and carries it, it does not get in the way and the system can be used without stress.

As described above, since the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, a smaller antenna having a low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa wireless system, for example, it is possible to use a remote controller (portable device) that can obtain the same level of radio wave flight distance as a remote controller using a conventional rod antenna even though it has a built-in antenna. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly portable system of a remote controller (portable device) for the user.

In the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is a LoRa method, the sub-gigahertz band is used, and the bandwidth of the channel used and the transmittable power are in a frequency band lower than the sub-gigahertz band. Since the channel has a frequency in the sub-gigahertz band, which is wider than the bandwidth of the channel and larger than the transmittable power in the band, there is a great merit of having a built-in antenna.

In the present embodiment, the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal may be changed directly or indirectly by the user.

As a result, the user can use the system with the optimum transmission power according to the environment in which the user uses it. For example, when the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is small and it is expected to be used in an environment where the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power is set low within a range where there is no problem in signal transmission. Power can be minimized. In 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 taken into consideration in consideration of the assumed communication distance and the like. Can be set high. As a result, the signal is reliably transmitted, and the user can accurately control the device equipped with the system of the present invention.

Here, as a configuration in which "the magnitude of the signal transmission power can be directly changed by the user", for example, 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. By making it possible for the user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission power in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power so that the magnitude of the transmission power is suitable for his / her own usage conditions. ..

As a configuration in which the magnitude of the signal transmission power can be indirectly changed by the user, 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. As an index associated with the electric power value, various indexes such as "strong / medium / weak" and an index depending on the operation mode can be considered. In particular, for example, it is preferable to have a configuration in which a "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and a "long-life mode" having a long battery life can be selected. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the battery life or the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. By making it possible for the user to indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output so that the magnitude of the transmission power is suitable for his / her own usage conditions. can do.

The configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal can be directly or indirectly changed by the user may be any configuration, and switches provided in the junction unit 40 which cannot be carried by the user (for example,). The configuration may be performed via a DIP switch), a control device, or the like, and in particular, the configuration may be performed by the remote controller 20 that can be carried by the user.

Further, the magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed based on, for example, the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller 20 or another device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote controller 20 or another device.

Desirably, the remote controller 20 may have a configuration in which the above-mentioned "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 becomes impossible 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 magnitude of the signal transmission power such as "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and "long-life mode", each mode is further set to the magnitude of the transmission power. Depending on the configuration, it may be set in multiple stages or steplessly. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and appropriately adjust the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal.

In the present embodiment, the transmission bit rate of the signal may be changed directly or indirectly by the user.

In this way, the user can use the system under the optimum conditions for his / her environment by adjusting the transmission bit rate. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate low, the user can improve the communication sensitivity and ensure a large communication range. On the other hand, the user set the transmission bit rate high to minimize the communication time while sacrificing the communication sensitivity and the communication distance, and used the wireless communication over a long distance by the agile communication operation. Remote control makes it possible to activate the functions of the device.

In the present 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, and in particular, the power consumption in the device on the signal transmitting side can be reduced. .. Since the remote controller 20 uses a battery as a power source for the device, the battery life can be extended. As a result, the user can minimize the trouble of battery replacement and the like.

At least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device whose power consumption increases as the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the degree of increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. By doing so, the power consumption as a whole is reduced and the battery life can be extended.

Here, as a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the signal can be directly changed by the user, for example, the transmission bit rate of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 may be set by inputting a bit rate value. good. By making it possible for the user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission bit rate so as to be suitable for his / her own usage conditions.

As a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the signal can be indirectly changed by the user, for example, the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the remote controller 20 or the junction unit 40 is set as a relative numerical value or index associated with the transmission bit rate. The configuration may be set according to. As the index associated with the transmission bit rate, various indexes such as "large / medium / small" and an index depending on the operation mode can be considered. In particular, for example, it may be possible to select between a "normal mode" and a "speed mode" in which communication operation is quick. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the distance at which the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication or to prioritize the speed of communication operation. By making it possible for the user to indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the transmission bit rate to a size suitable for his / her own usage conditions. Can be adjusted.

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

Desirably, the remote controller 20 may have a configuration in which the above-mentioned "normal mode" and "speed mode" can be selected. In this way, the user can make the communication operation agile by selecting the speed mode in the area where the communication is possible in the speed mode, and the speed is in the area farther than the area where the communication is possible in the speed mode. When communication becomes impossible in the mode, the function of the other device can be activated by remote control using wireless communication by switching to the normal mode.

Further, the transmission bit rate may be changed, for example, based on the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller or other device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on a remote controller or another device.

Further, when the operation mode is set according to the magnitude of the transmission bit rate such as "normal mode" or "speed mode", each mode is further set in multiple stages or none depending on the magnitude of the transmission bit rate. It may be possible to set in stages. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and appropriately adjust the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the signal.

In the present embodiment, in the information regarding the signal strength received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and within 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. When transmitting to, the transmission power is reduced, and when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or when transmission is performed 1 minute after the signal is received in the last communication, the transmission power is set to at least the transmission power at the time of the last communication. Good to keep.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission power consumption while ensuring the 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, it is preferable to reduce the signal strength transmitted next. Here, since at least one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is portable, the user may move even if the signal strength received by the device is larger than necessary. Therefore, the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 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 interval between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is set with time as an index. It is advisable to assume a change and make adjustments based on this assumption. In the present embodiment, not only the strength of the signal received in the last communication is −80 dBm or more, but also the transmission power is reduced when the next signal is transmitted within 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. It is supposed to be. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from 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 device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress the transmission power consumption. Further, in the remote controller 20 that uses a battery as a power source, the battery life can be extended, so that the user does not need to frequently replace the battery.

Here, the "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power, which is defined as "1 minute", is, for example, a case where the transmission power of the signal to be transmitted next is to be reduced from 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 widened, 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 are increased. The configuration may be set based on the assumed value of. For example, assuming a case where the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is widened when the user carrying the remote controller 20 moves on foot, the average moving speed and the transmission power when a general adult moves on foot Set the "predetermined time" in relation to the distance that communication is expected 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 due to the reduction of the transmission power. It is good to have a configuration. In this way, a change in the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is assumed using the time as an index, a "predetermined time" is set based on the assumed result, and this predetermined time is one of the criteria for reducing the transmission power. Therefore, even if the control for suppressing the transmission power consumption is performed, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience. ..

The "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power 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 the user and a junction unit 40 that uses a battery mounted on an automobile as a power source, the basic control starts from transmitting a command 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.

Further, for example, when the amount of information to be transmitted is large and the information is transmitted by dividing it into a plurality of times, the first transmission is performed with a large transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions are adjusted based on the radio wave strength of the first time. It is good to have a configuration that does. In this way, the 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.

In addition, for example, as in car security, when the sensor detects that some trouble has occurred in the car without sending a command from the remote controller, a signal is transmitted from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote controller. The configuration should be such that In this way, when a user who knows the operation of the car security performs processing such as canceling the car security by operating the remote controller, the remote controller transmits the signal based on the signal strength of the signal from the in-vehicle device received earlier. It is possible to reduce the signal transmission power, minimize the power consumption of the battery built in the remote controller, and minimize the frequency of battery replacement by the user.

Further, for example, the remote controller 20 may 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 reduced based on the radio wave strength of the response signal returned from the junction unit 40 by transmitting the setting start command from the remote controller 20, and the remote controller 20 is built in. The power consumption of the existing battery 34 can be minimized, and the frequency of battery replacement by the user can be minimized.

The user carrying the remote control 20 may move after receiving the signal in the last communication in the system. Therefore, 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 wide and the strength of the radio wave is increased. There is a possibility that the function of the device cannot be operated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance. Therefore, the transmission power may be reduced within a predetermined time, and the transmission power may be 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 it is possible to extend the battery life. As a result, the frequency with which the user performs troublesome work such as battery replacement can be minimized.

Further, the configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission power" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission power or a configuration of increasing the transmission power. When the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than -80 dBm or one minute has passed from the reception of the signal in the last communication as in the present embodiment, the transmission power is set to at least the transmission power at the time of the last communication. It is preferable to maintain the configuration. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the communication from being established by reducing the transmission power, and to secure the stability of the communication. As a result, the user can remotely use wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or after a predetermined time has passed 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 larger, and the predetermined time may be longer as the signal strength is smaller. However, if the signal strength is less than a predetermined value, the transmission power is at least maintained.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, if communication cannot be performed with the transmission power lowered, the transmission power may be increased, and if communication is still not possible, the transmission power may be further increased. The method of increasing the transmission power when communication cannot be performed in a state where the transmission power is lowered may be 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 is preferable. In this way, the user can obtain the advantage 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 set to the maximum in the normal state and lowered by automatic control, and the user can operate the remote controller 20 or set the junction unit 40. The configuration may be performed by setting the provided DIP switch. 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. Further, it is preferable that the display unit 24 of the remote controller 20 can display the strength of the received radio wave. In this way, the user can use the remote controller 20 while confirming whether or not communication is possible based on the displayed radio wave intensity.

In the present embodiment, in the information regarding the signal strength received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, the signal strength is −80 dBm or more and within 1 minute from the reception of the signal in the last communication. When transmitting to, increase the transmission bit rate at which the signal is transmitted, and when transmitting when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or one minute has passed since the signal was received in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is at least the last communication. It is good to maintain the transmission bit rate of the hour.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission bit rate while ensuring the 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, it is preferable to reduce the signal strength transmitted next. Here, since the remote controller 20 is portable, even if the signal strength received by the device is larger than necessary, the remote controller 20 and the junction unit are connected with the passage of time due to the movement of the user or the like. The distance from 40 may be widened. In this way, 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 is set with time as an index. It is advisable to assume a change in the above and make adjustments based on this assumption. In the configuration of the present 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 be raised. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the signal strength is less than −80 dBm or the signal is transmitted one minute after the signal is received in the last communication, at least the transmission bit rate is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and can suppress the 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 frequently replace the battery.

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 than, for example, the transmission bit rate at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. If the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is increased, the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 and the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 are assumed to be established, and the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. It is preferable to set the configuration based on the assumed value of the expansion speed of the interval. Assuming that the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 increases as the user moves on foot, the average moving speed when a general adult moves on foot and the remote controller 20 after reducing the increase in the transmission bit rate. It is assumed that the "predetermined time" is set in relation to the distance that communication is expected to be established between and the junction unit 40 and the size of the communication distance that is likely to decrease due to an increase in the transmission bit rate. good. In this way, a change in the distance between the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 is assumed using the 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 using one, the user can operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenience even if the control for increasing the transmission bit rate is performed. be.

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

Further, the configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission bit rate" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate or a configuration of lowering the transmission bit rate. As in the present embodiment, when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than −80 dBm or one minute has passed from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is set to at least the above-mentioned at the time of the last communication. It is preferable to maintain the transmission bit rate. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the communication from being established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to secure the stability of the communication. As a result, the user can remotely use wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or after a predetermined time has passed 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, the sensitivity (flying distance), and the transmission power are in inverse proportion to each other. That is, in the system of the present invention, when the transmission bit rate is increased, the distance does not fly (sensitivity decreases) for the same bandwidth and the same transmission power, and the function of the device is operated 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 speeded up. Here, when the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even if the sensitivity is low, so that communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stronger the received radio wave, the higher the transmission bit rate. In this way, the user obtains a system capable of agilely activating the other function in a situation where one of the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40 transmits a signal for activating the other function. be able to.

In the present embodiment, in wireless communication by the spread spectrum method, a plurality of spreading rates can be set, and it is preferable to change the spreading rate for each packet transmitted.

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

The "change of diffusion rate" may be configured in a predetermined pattern. The "predetermined pattern" of the "diffusion rate change" may be a random configuration or a predetermined order configuration. Here, in the system of the present invention, the higher the diffusion rate, the longer the function of the device can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. Therefore, in particular, as the diffusion rate, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one step below the maximum diffusion rate are adopted. In such a configuration, the pattern of changing the diffusion rate may be a configuration in which the maximum diffusion rate and the diffusion rate one step below the maximum diffusion rate are alternately switched in a fixed pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the function of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance and is difficult to intercept.

In the present embodiment, the diffusion rate is changed every time one packet is transmitted, but any configuration may be used, and a predetermined amount of data may be changed every time a packet is transmitted, and a predetermined time elapses. It may be configured to be done every time.

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

In the present embodiment, it is preferable to enable communication while switching channels used for communication.

By doing so, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, so that the user can obtain a system in which interference does not easily occur between spread spectrum communication systems. can. In this case, the receiving side and the transmitting side switch channels at the same timing. For example, when the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, for example, six channels having center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz are switched and used. It is good to have a configuration that does. A channel other than these channels may be used.

In the spread spectrum method, particularly in the LoRa method, the communication range is significantly extended as compared with the FSK method. Therefore, when a communication method having a large communication distance such as the LoRa method is adopted, there is a high possibility that communication by another user interrupts the communication range and interference occurs. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method, is adopted, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching the channels used for communication. As a result, the user can communicate stably without being affected by the equipment that the other user communicates with by the spread spectrum method in the vicinity.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle control device 68 for starting the engine based on the vehicle start signal and the immobilizer 66 capable of transmitting a start permission signal permitting the start of the engine 70 to the vehicle control device 68 are provided and can be carried by the user. The immobilizer 66 receives the password code transmitted from the genuine key 62a to which the password code can be transmitted, and the immobilizer 66 transmits a start permission signal based on the received password code and the reference code included in the immobilizer 66. A system used to indirectly transmit a password code to a vehicle 60, and the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is selected from a spectrum spreading method and a communication method other than the spectrum spreading method. The remote control 20 which is possible and portable by the user can receive the password code from the genuine key 62a, and can transmit a signal including a conversion code obtained by converting the received password code and a start instruction signal to the junction unit 40. Yes, the junction unit 40 is mounted on the automobile 60 and can convert the received conversion code into a password code and transmit the converted password code to the immobilizer 66, and when the start instruction signal is received, the vehicle start signal is transmitted to the vehicle. It is preferable that transmission to the control device 68 is possible.

In this way, in the automobile 60 equipped with the immobilizer 66, the user can start the engine 70 by the remote controller 20 which can be carried by the user without placing the genuine key 62a in the car and while carrying the genuine key 62a. .. In general, the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 cannot send and receive a password code unless they are close to each other due to a security problem or the like, and the engine 70 cannot be allowed to start. However, in this way, even if the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 are far apart, the password code transmitted from the genuine key 62a can be sent to the remote controller 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 password code is such that the remote controller 20 that receives the password code from the genuine key 62a converts the password code into a different conversion code and transmits the password code to the junction unit 40. Then, the received conversion code is converted into the original password code and then transmitted to the immobilizer 66.

Regarding the junction unit 40, the configuration "mounted on the vehicle" is a configuration in which the vehicle sold is retrofitted in the present embodiment, but it may be originally configured to be attached to the vehicle at the time of vehicle manufacturing by an automobile manufacturer.

In the present embodiment, the start instruction signal transmitted by the remote controller 20 is emitted by the operation of the user's operation button 26.

In the present embodiment, the LoRa method and the FSK method can be selected for the 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 method, it is possible to increase the possibility that the start of the engine 70 is permitted. The configuration for "selecting the communication method" may be any configuration, for example, the configuration may be performed via switches (for example, DIP switches) provided in the junction unit 40, a control device, or the like, and in particular, a mobile phone. It is preferable that the configuration is performed on the possible remote control 20 side. Further, the communication method may be selected based on, for example, the operation of the operation unit provided on the remote controller 20 or another device. The operation unit may be composed of, for example, a slider, or may be composed of a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote controller 20 or another device.

Select a mode in which the password 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 password is not relayed (hereinafter referred to as "non-relay mode"). It is good to have a configuration that does. In this way, users and retailers can support both vehicles equipped with the immobilizer 66 and vehicles not equipped with the immobilizer 66 by simply preparing one type of system equipped with the remote controller 20 and the junction unit 40. It is also possible to support a user of a vehicle model equipped with an immobilizer 66 who is willing to place the genuine key 26a in the vehicle 60. As for the configuration for selecting the "relay mode" and the "non-relay mode", for example, a switch may be provided on the in-vehicle device and the switch may be used for selection.

When the "relay mode" is selected, the wireless communication on the transmitting side may be set to the continuous mode of the FSK method. The "continuous mode" is a mode in which the DIO2 / DATA pin level is transmitted as it is (not via FIFO).

When the "non-relay mode" is selected, the "long-distance mode" and the "short-distance mode" may be selected. In the present embodiment, the "long-distance mode" selects the LoRa-type packet mode for wireless communication on the transmitting side. "Packet mode" is SPI (Serial)
It is preferable that the data given by the Peripheral Interface) is transmitted as a packet via the FIFO.

In the "short-distance mode", in the present embodiment, the wireless communication on the transmitting side is set to have a higher transmission bit rate than the long-distance communication mode by the LoRa method, but the wireless communication on the transmitting side is set to the packet mode of the FSK method. It may be configured to be used.

The components of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily combined and configured. Further, the constituent elements described in the means for solving the problem and the constituent elements of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily combined and configured.

10 Engine starter 20 Remote control 22 Case 24 Display unit 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 unit 34 Battery 36 Cable 40 Junction unit 42 First connector 42a Plug 44 2nd Connector 46 3rd Connector 48 4th 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 (8)

It is equipped with a first device and a second device capable of wireless communication between the vehicle side and the portable device side.
At least one of the first device and the second device is portable to the user, and the signal transmitted by the one device is the other one of the first device or the second device. A system that contains signals that activate the functions of
Provided with a changing means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by operating the operation unit of the user.
A system featuring. The changing means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by the operation of the operation unit of the user sets the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device to the power value. It was configured to be input and set.
The system according to claim 1. The changing means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by the operation of the operation unit of the user sets the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device to the power value. The configuration is set by the relative numerical value or index associated with
The system according to claim 1 or 2. The changing means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by the operation of the operation unit of the user is configured to be carried out by a portable one of the first device and the second device.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Provided is a bit rate changing means for directly or indirectly changing the transmission bit rate of the signal by operating the operation unit of the user.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one of the first device and the second device is a device whose power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The bit rate changing means for directly or indirectly changing the transmission bit rate of the signal by the operation of the operation unit of the user sets the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device to the bit rate value. It was configured to be input and set.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The bit rate changing means for directly or indirectly changing the transmission bit rate of the signal by the operation of the operation unit of the user transmits the magnitude of the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device. The configuration is set by relative numerical values and indicators associated with the bit rate.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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