JP3367648B2 - Keyless entry system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyless entry system mounted on, for example, a four-wheel vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-289372 discloses a wireless keyless entry system for vehicles that uses weak radio waves.

This is the case when a signal provided by a transmitter provided as a portable electronic key including an identification code by a user such as a driver is received by a receiver provided in a vehicle and judged to be normal. In the above, a desired part intended by the user is controlled by a controlled part such as an opening / closing operation of a vehicle door lock.

In such a structure, since the power source of the receiver is a battery mounted on the vehicle, it is desirable to reduce the current consumption of the receiver in order to suppress the consumption of the battery when the vehicle is stopped. ing.

For example, in order to reduce the current consumption of the receiver while the vehicle is stopped, the power of the receiver is turned on for a predetermined short time t1 and the presence or absence of a signal from the transmitter is confirmed. In the former case, Is the time t2 required to receive the signal
The power is turned on for only (> t1) to enter the reception mode,
In the latter case, the power is turned off after a lapse of time t1 and a standby mode is set in which the power is not supplied for a predetermined time t3 (> t1), and after that time t3, the power is turned on again for a time t1 and a signal from the transmitter is transmitted. There is an "intermittent reception system" that confirms the presence or absence of.

In the keyless entry system adopting the intermittent reception method, since the power is supplied to the receiver by repeating the power-on time t1 and the off-time t3 of the receiver, the average current consumption of the receiver is suppressed. Although there is an advantage, in order to further reduce the average current consumption, the time t1 must be shortened or the time t3 must be extended,
In the former case, it takes time to reliably receive the so-called start bit that represents the start part of the signal included in the signal from the transmitter, and there is a limit to shortening it, so let's judge in an extremely short time. Then, ambient noise is picked up and it is determined that this is a start bit, the power-on time of the receiver is extended to t1 + t2, and eventually the average current consumption may increase. In the latter case, if the length is too long, the time until the signal is detected becomes longer and the responsiveness is impaired.

[0007]

Focusing on such a problem, it is intended to suppress the extension of the power-on time due to an erroneous determination as a start bit due to noise while determining the presence or absence of a start bit in a short time. as things, for example, JP-a-10-155187, it is a receive state receiver receives a start bit at predetermined time intervals, which can receive the entire signal if it is determined that it has received the start bit Te this reception state odor A configuration that extends the reception state up to time is disclosed, and according to this, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a start bit in a short time, minimize the extension of the reception time due to noise, and reduce the average current consumption of the receiver. It is shown that it can be reduced.

However, even with such a configuration, a minimum time for receiving the start bit (10 milliseconds is set to receive 4 bits as the start bit in the above embodiment) is required. The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a keyless entry system having a receiver capable of reducing the average current consumption by further shortening the time.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[Means for Solving the Problems ]
Therefore, the keyless entry system of the present invention is claim 1.
And a receiver for receiving a binarized pulse signal including at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user operation, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and the receiver. And a control unit that determines the identification code received in step 1 and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and outputs an output signal for performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. The control unit has a power supply state capable of receiving the signal at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, the control unit determines that a part of the plurality of bits forming the start bit is continuously received. When the judgment is made, a power supply state in which a part of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit is continuously receivable is continuously received, and the start is performed in this power supply state. When the control unit determines that a part of a plurality of bits forming a bit is continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. When the control unit determines that a part of the plurality of bits forming the start bit is not received in the supply state, the power source is configured to receive all the start bits. When the control unit determines that the supply state has been extended and the start bit has been received multiple times, but that the start bit has not been received, the power supply is cut off and the reception is confirmed. When the control unit makes a determination, the receiver includes a receiving unit that extends the power supply state so that at least the identification code can be received.

With this, only a part of the start bit needs to be detected, so that it is possible to shorten the time of the power supply state, suppress the average current consumption, and prevent the battery from running down. In addition, when a part of the start bit is detected twice in total, the mode shifts to the reception mode for receiving the identification code, so that the reception time of the identification code is shortened. Further, even if a part of the start bit is unsuccessfully detected, the start bit is detected a plurality of times, so that the start bit can be surely detected and the accuracy can be improved.

Further, as described in claim 2 , a transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal containing at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user's operation, and the signal received from the transmitter. Output for determining the receiver to be operated and the identification code received by the receiver and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. A control unit that outputs a signal, and a power supply state in which the signal can be received is set at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, some of the plurality of bits that form the start bit are continued. When the control unit determines that the power has been received, a power supply state in which a part of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit can be continuously received is again set, and the power supply is performed. In the state, when the control unit determines that a part of the plurality of bits forming the start bit is continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. However, when the control unit determines that some of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit have not been received in this power supply state, all the start bits can be received. As described above, the power supply state is extended, and when the control unit determines that the start bit has been received twice, but the control bit is not received, the power supply is cut off. When the control unit determines that the reception is received, the receiver is provided with a reception unit that extends the power supply state so that at least the identification code can be received. Characterized in that it.

With this, only a part of the start bit needs to be detected, so that the time during which the power is supplied can be shortened, the average current consumption can be suppressed, and the battery exhaustion can be prevented. In addition, when a part of the start bit is detected twice in total, the mode shifts to the reception mode for receiving the identification code, so that the reception time of the identification code is shortened. Further, even if a part of the start bit is unsuccessfully detected, the start bit is detected twice in total, so that the start bit can be surely detected in a short time and the accuracy can be improved.

Further, as described in claim 3 , a transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal including at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user's operation, and the signal received from the transmitter. Output for determining the receiver to be operated and the identification code received by the receiver and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. A control unit that outputs a signal is provided, and the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, two bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit are continuously received. If the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that 2 bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit can be continuously received again, and this power supply state is set again. When the control unit determines that the two bits are continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received, and the two bits are first received in the power supply state. If the control unit determines not to do so, the power supply state is extended so that all of the start bits can be received, and here, it is attempted to receive all of the start bits multiple times. However, if the control unit determines that it has not received the signal, the power is turned off. If the control unit determines that the signal has been received, the power supply state is set so that at least the identification code can be received. Is provided in the receiver.

With this, only two bits of the start bit need be detected, so that it is possible to shorten the time in the power supply state, suppress the average current consumption, and prevent the battery from running down. In addition, when a part of the start bit is detected twice in total, the mode shifts to the reception mode for receiving the identification code, so that the reception time of the identification code is shortened.
Further, even if a part of the start bit is unsuccessfully detected, the start bit is detected a plurality of times, so that the start bit can be surely detected and the accuracy can be improved.

Further, as described in claim 4 , a transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal containing at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user's operation, and the signal received from the transmitter. Output for determining the receiver to be operated and the identification code received by the receiver and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. A control unit that outputs a signal is provided, and the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, two bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit are continuously received. If the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that 2 bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit can be continuously received again, and this power supply state is set again. When the control unit determines that the two bits are continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received, and the two bits are first received in the power supply state. If the control unit determines not to do so, the power supply state is extended so that all of the start bits can be received, and here, it is attempted to receive all of the start bits twice. However, if the control unit determines that it has not received the signal, the power is turned off. If the control unit determines that the signal has been received, the power supply state is set so that at least the identification code can be received. Is provided in the receiver.

With this, only the two bits of the start bit need be detected, so that the time during the power supply state can be shortened, the average current consumption can be suppressed, and the battery exhaustion can be prevented. In addition, when a part of the start bit is detected twice in total, the mode shifts to the reception mode for receiving the identification code, so that the reception time of the identification code is shortened.
Furthermore, even if some of the start bits are not detected, the total is 2
Since the detection is performed once, the start bit can be reliably detected in a short time, and the accuracy can be improved.

Particularly, in any of the above-mentioned configurations, some of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit are composed of a combination of "1" and "0" when expressed in binary numbers. characterized (claim 5), also the receiver is characterized in that a meter unit having a built-in electrical unit that performs various displays (claim 6), also between the receiving portion and the control unit, Each of the receiving unit and the meter unit is functionally separated and connected via a multiplex communication line (claim 7 ).

As a result, different pulse signals are received, which is suitable for determining whether or not there is noise. Further, the present invention can be applied even if the receiving unit is built in the meter unit or is located on the network via the multiplex communication line.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 10 is a meter unit that incorporates various electrical components and also serves as a receiver that receives a signal including an identification code from a transmitter, which will be described later. Reference numeral 11 is a control unit that includes a microcomputer that performs both meter processing and keyless processing. Is a receiving unit that receives the signal D from the portable transmitter 20 via the antenna 13, 14 is a storage unit including a storage element such as a ROM that stores the identification code, and 15 is a command from the control unit 11, for example, A drive unit that drives a drive unit 30 such as a door lock motor based on an output signal for performing a predetermined operation, and 16 is a first unit for displaying travel information such as a travel speed and an engine speed by a pointer instruction of an analog instrument. Measuring instruments (electrical unit), reference numeral 17 is a second measuring instrument (electrical unit) displayed by a digital numeral having a plurality of digits or a design similar thereto, Employs odometer consisting shaped segments day similar to the six-digit digital numbers (odometer) or section distance meter (trip meter).

Further, the meter unit 10 converts the voltage from the on-vehicle battery 40 into a predetermined level and controls the control unit 1.
1 or a power supply unit 18 for supplying to the receiving unit 12 is built-in or attached externally (in FIG. 1, the built-in type is shown),
An on / off switching unit 19 is provided for controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 18 between an on state (power supply state) and an off state (power cutoff state) by a predetermined method described later, and this on / off switching is performed. The switching control of the unit 19 is performed by a program preset in the control unit 11. The ON / OFF switching unit 19 controls the power supply to the receiving unit 12, and in the case of the ON state, the power is supplied. When the power is supplied from the unit 18, the reception unit 12 is set to a reception mode in which the signal can be received. In the off state, the power is cut off from the power supply unit 18 to receive the signal from the reception unit 12. By setting the impossible standby mode, the "intermittent reception system" in the receiving unit 12 is realized.

Each bit constituting the signal D which is the code information transmitted from the transmitter 10 is usually constituted by a binarized pulse signal, and is disclosed in, for example, the above-mentioned prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-155187. A pulse signal as shown in FIG. 4 (see paragraph number 0023 of the publication) is used. The data structure of the signal D includes a synchronization frame including a plurality of start bits as shown in FIG. 5 of the publication (see paragraph number 0024 of the publication) and an identification code stored in the receiver 10. It has an identification code having the same content as the collation code, and is composed of a data frame including various codes such as a vehicle type code and a manufacturer code. In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate comparison with the prior art, the same binarized pulse signal and data structure as in the above publication are used as the signal D in the following description.

Next, a specific operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In the period T1, after the on / off switching unit 19 supplies the power from the power supply unit 18 to the receiving unit 12, the receiving unit 12 receives the power.
Is the wake-up time required to stabilize.

The period T2 is a period for starting reception of the signal D in the receiving unit 12 after the wakeup time T1 has elapsed and determining the presence / absence of a start bit, and constitutes a receiving mode time together with the period T1. However, in the present invention, the time is not required to receive all the start bits (4 bits in the above-mentioned related art), but is a time required to reliably receive a part of the start bits, for example, 2 bits. Actually, since the signal D from the transmitter 10 is an asynchronous signal, it takes time for receiving 3 to 4 bits to receive 2 bits. This is the same in the above-mentioned prior art. For example, in order to receive 4 bits, it is necessary to prepare a time for receiving 5 to 6 bits. The period is set. Therefore, even if a time period of about 3 bits is prepared for receiving 2 bits as in the present embodiment, the length of the period T2 is about half that of the conventional technique.

The period T3 is a time in which the power supply from the power supply unit 18 to the reception unit 12 is cut off by the on / off switching unit 19 and is a time in the standby mode.

As described above, the power supply to the receiving section 12 is alternately repeated between the ON state consisting of the period T1 + the period T2 and the OFF state consisting of the period T3 (see FIG. 2A). The synchronization frame including the start bit of the signal D is set to be longer than the total time of the period T3. In FIG. 2A, "11" and "10" which are part of the start bit in the period T2.
Not a 2-bit signal such as "01" or "00"("10" or "01" in this embodiment), but an illegal signal that is not a signal of "1" or "0"("x" in FIG. 2). Is received, the same applies hereinafter), and therefore the period is shifted to T3 to enter the standby mode.

When a 2-bit signal which is a part of the start bit is detected during the period T2, the on / off switching section 19
Continues to supply power to the receiver 12 for a period T40.
When the 2-bit signal that is a part of the start bit is detected again during this period T40, the on / off receiving unit 19 supplies power to the receiving unit 12 so that the data frame including the identification code can be continuously received. For period T5
Extend to. That is, when the start bit is detected in the periods T2 and T40, the data frame is received in the subsequent period T5 (see FIG. 2B).

In the period T2, when the 2-bit signal which is a part of the start bit is detected and the signal reception is continued,
If the signal of "1" or "0" cannot be received,
The on / off switching unit 19 does not immediately shut off the power supply to the receiving unit 12, but receives a signal again (first retry). However, in this case, when not all of the start bits are detected but all of the start bits are detected, the power supply is extended until the period T5. However, when all of the start bits cannot be detected, the power is supplied again. All the start bits are detected (second retry), and when all the start bits are detected, the power supply is extended until the period T5. That is, a period T41 in which all the start bits are detected at most twice is prepared, and when all the start bits are detected in this period T41, the period T5 continues, and this period T41 is a variable time ( Figure 2
(See (c)). In FIG. 2C, 1 in the period T41.
In the second retry, the incorrect information x is detected at the end of the start bit (the fourth bit), and the second retry is performed. Since all the start bits are detected there, the power supply is extended until the period T5.

On the other hand, when the signal of "1" or "0" cannot be received after detecting the 2-bit signal in the period T2,
As described above, the signal is first received again (the first retry), but if the signal of "1" or "0" cannot be received, the signal of "1" or "0" is waited again. If the second retry is still not received (at the time of erroneous determination), the ON / OFF switching unit 19 cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit 18 to the reception unit 12 after the period T42 elapses, and the period T3 starts. The shift standby mode is set (see FIG. 2D). In FIG. 2D, when the start bit is detected in the first or second retry, the period shifts to T5 after that.

With this configuration, comparing the present embodiment with the prior art, the wake-up time (the period T of the present embodiment
1 and the period T11 of the conventional technique) and the time for receiving the data frame (the period T5 of the present embodiment and the period T1 of the conventional technique).
Even if 4) is the same, the first time of receiving the synchronization frame (the period T2 of the present embodiment and the period T12 of the related art) and the confirmation time (the periods T40 and T42 of the present embodiment and the period T13 of the related art). And then, the former is 50% compared to the latter
It can be seen that it is possible to significantly reduce the time.
However, it can be seen that the former is longer than the latter in the confirming time (the period T41 of this embodiment and the period T13 of the related art) in the case shown in FIG. 2C.

However, the signal D is transmitted from the transmitter 20 for a short time, for example, 10 to 10 times a day.
Even if it is transmitted 100 times, the time is about several tens of seconds, and the receiving unit 12 is shown in FIG.
It is the standby mode state in the discontinuous reception method shown in (a) or FIG. 2 (d). Therefore, FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (d)
With the significant improvement over the conventional technology,
As a whole, the reduction of the average current consumption shown in FIG. 2 is greatly realized.

In the present invention, when not all of the start bits are detected but the signal of "1" or "0" is continuously detected, it is at least not due to noise but a normal signal ( By determining that the data is normal received data), that is, assuming that it seems to be a start bit, and enabling determination with a small number of bits (short time), it is possible to shorten the ON state and reduce the average current consumption. That is, in the case of the regular reception data, it is considered that the probability of two consecutive illegal signals due to noise is extremely low, and when the signal of “1” or “0” is continuously detected, it is determined to be the regular reception data. Has a foundation.

As described above, since it is determined whether or not the received data is the regular reception data, not the presence or absence of the start bit, the power-on time in the intermittent reception system can be shortened and the average current consumption can be reduced.

Further, once the regular reception data is detected, since the reception is performed by the retry method, the start bit can be surely detected, and there is a risk that the noise is erroneously judged and the power-on state is extended. Since it is suppressed, the average current consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, in which the meter unit 10 and the drive unit 30 are connected via the multiplex communication line 50, and the signal D from the transmitter 20 is transmitted. The receiving unit 12, the antenna 13, and the on / off switching unit 19 for receiving are connected to the multiplex communication line 50 as an independent receiving unit 60.

As described above, even if the receiving unit 60 is functionally separated from the meter unit 10, the control unit 11 of the meter unit 10 can use the signal D received by the receiving unit 60 as in the above embodiment. it can.

If some of the plurality of bits forming the start bit are a combination of "1" and "0" when expressed in binary, different pulse signals will be received. It is suitable for determining whether or not there is noise.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the radio keyless entry system has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that the infrared type can be similarly applied.

Further, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to four-wheeled vehicles, but can be applied to, for example, snowmobiles and ships.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time series diagram for explaining a reception state in the intermittent reception system of the above-mentioned embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 meter unit (receiver) 11 Control unit 12 Receiver 13 antennas 14 Memory 15 Drive 16 First instruments (electrical unit) 17 Second instruments (electrical unit) 18 power supply 19 ON / OFF switching section 20 transmitter 30 drive unit 40 battery 50 multiplex communication lines 60 receiving units D signal

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal containing at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user's operation, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and this receiver. A control unit that determines the received identification code and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and outputs an output signal for performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. However, the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, a part of the plurality of bits forming the start bit is continuously received. In such a case, a power supply state in which a part of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit can be continuously received is again received, and the start bit is supplied in this power supply state. When the control unit determines that a part of the plurality of bits that has been received is continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. In the state, when the control unit determines that some of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit are not received first, the power supply is provided so that all the start bits can be received. If the control unit determines that the state has been extended and the start bit has been received multiple times, but that the start bit has not been received at all, the power is cut off, and the reception is confirmed. When the control unit makes a decision, the receiver has a receiving unit for extending the power supply state so that at least the identification code can be received. Entry system. By wherein a user operation and a transmitter for transmitting a binary pulse signal including at least a start bit and a unique identification code, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, this receiver A control unit that determines the received identification code and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and outputs an output signal for performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. However, the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals, and in this power supply state, a part of the plurality of bits forming the start bit is continuously received. In such a case, a power supply state in which a part of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit can be continuously received is again received, and the start bit is supplied in this power supply state. When the control unit determines that a part of the plurality of bits that has been received is continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. In the state, when the control unit determines that some of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit are not received first, the power supply is provided so that all the start bits can be received. If the control unit determines that the state has been extended and the start bit has been received twice, but that the start bit has not been received at all, the power is cut off and the reception is confirmed. The keyless characterized in that the receiver has a receiver for extending the power supply state so that at least the identification code can be received when the controller judges. Down tree system. 3. A transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal containing at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user's operation, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and this receiver. A control unit that determines the received identification code and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and outputs an output signal for performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. However, when the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals and that two bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit are continuously received in this power supply state. Is again in a power supply state capable of continuously receiving 2 bits out of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit, and in this power supply state, the 2
When the control unit determines that bits have been continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received, and in the power supply state, the 2 bits are not received first. If the control unit determines that, the power supply state is extended so that all of the start bits can be received, and the whole of the start bits is tried to be received a plurality of times. When the control unit determines that it has not received, the power supply is cut off, and when the control unit determines that it has received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. A keyless entry system comprising a receiver in the receiver. 4. A transmitter for transmitting a binarized pulse signal containing at least a start bit and a unique identification code by a user operation, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and this receiver. A control unit that determines the received identification code and the registration code stored in the storage unit, and outputs an output signal for performing the desired operation intended by the user when the two codes match. However, when the control unit determines that the power supply state is such that the signal can be received at predetermined time intervals and that two bits of the plurality of bits forming the start bit are continuously received in this power supply state. Is again in a power supply state capable of continuously receiving 2 bits out of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit, and in this power supply state, the 2
When the control unit determines that bits have been continuously received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received, and in the power supply state, the 2 bits are not received first. When the control unit determines that the start bit is to be received, the power supply state is extended so that the start bit can be received. Here, the start bit is tried to be received twice. When the control unit determines that it has not received, the power supply is cut off, and when the control unit determines that it has received, the power supply state is extended so that at least the identification code can be received. A keyless entry system comprising a receiver in the receiver. 5. The part of bits of the plurality of bits constituting the start bit, a "1" when expressed in binary claim 1, characterized in that a combination of "0" The keyless entry system according to claim 4 . Wherein said receiver, a keyless entry system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a meter unit having a built-in electrical unit for performing various displays. 7. and the receiving portion and the control unit, are functionally separated into a respective receiving unit and the meter unit from the claim 1, characterized in that it is connected via a multiplex communication line according to claim 4 The keyless entry system according to any one.