JP4553579B2 - Portable transmitter, processing device, and remote control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a portable transmitter , a processing device, and a remote control system , and more particularly, a portable transmitter for remotely controlling a function provided in a vehicle, a processing device equipped in the vehicle, and
The present invention relates to a remote control system including the portable transmitter and the processing device .

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known devices that control locking / unlocking of a vehicle door by remote control and controlling start / stop of a vehicle engine. For example, a system that realizes remote operation of locking / unlocking a vehicle door (so-called keyless entry system) receives a radio wave transmitted from a transmitter carried by a user with a vehicle antenna and is installed in the vehicle. An ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that recognizes the transmission code operates a door lock / unlock actuator.

The system that realizes the remote operation of locking / unlocking the door was mainly aimed at solving the difficulty of searching for the keyhole of the door and inserting the key into the keyhole in the dark such as at night. It is an invention. Therefore, the remote operation of locking / unlocking the door is not very inconvenient even if it can be operated only in the vicinity of the vehicle, so the transmitted radio wave power from the transmitter carried by the user may be weak. .

On the other hand, the system for realizing the remote operation of starting / stopping the engine of the vehicle is an invention mainly made to warm up the engine from inside a house or a building. Therefore, the remote operation of starting / stopping the engine is inconvenient unless the user can operate it from a certain distance from the vehicle. Therefore, the transmitted radio wave power from the transmitter carried by the user is somewhat strong. Is desirable.

Recently, a system has been developed in which a single transmitter can remotely control locking / unlocking of a vehicle door and remote control of starting / stopping a vehicle engine ( For example, if the remote operation of locking / unlocking the door of the vehicle is operable from a position far away from the vehicle, for example, the transmitter is provided in the transmitter. An operation button for unlocking the door is pressed due to an erroneous operation or the like, and the door is unlocked even though there is no user around the vehicle, and an unpreferable state for crime prevention is created.

As an invention for solving such a problem, Patent Document 1 detects the electric field strength of a radio wave received by a receiver installed in a vehicle, and indirectly determines the distance from the transmitter from the electric field strength. As for the unlock command from the transmitter, an invention that allows only a short-range or medium-range range, or when an unlock operation button provided on the transmitter is pressed, the antenna mounted on the transmitter An invention is disclosed in which, when the distance between the transmitter and a receiver installed in a vehicle is long, the receiver cannot receive a radio wave including an unlock code by attenuating the transmitted radio wave power. ing. That is, while achieving the purpose of realizing remote control of these functions (engine start / stop and door lock / unlock)
An invention that reduces the risk of theft is disclosed.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose that the remote operation of starting / stopping the engine of the vehicle can be operated even from a position far away from the vehicle, while locking / locking the door of the vehicle.
Regarding the unlocking remote control, an invention is disclosed in which it cannot be operated from a position far away from the vehicle. That is, an invention is disclosed that achieves the main purpose of realizing remote control of these functions (engine start / stop and door lock / unlock).

By the way, the functions that are subject to remote operation include lock / unlock functions such as doors, trunks, bonnets, and filler opening / closing lids, engine start / stop functions, and alarms when there is a suspicious person near the vehicle. And so on (so-called panic function). In the future, it is expected that a transmitter capable of remotely controlling each of these many functions will be commercialized.

However, as described above, it is considered that it is not possible to sufficiently meet the finer demands of users simply by achieving the main purpose of realizing remote operation of functions or reducing the risk of theft. In other words, when a large number of functions can be remotely operated with a single transmitter, it is desirable to appropriately set the remote operation allowable range for each function.
Japanese Patent No. 3181997 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-21868 JP 2001-349109 A

Means for solving the problems and their effects

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable transmitter in which a remote control allowable range is appropriately set for each function while enabling remote control with respect to many functions. It is said.

In order to achieve the above object, a portable transmitter (1) according to the present invention comprises transmission means for transmitting a signal including a command signal for operating a function provided in a vehicle, and is provided in the vehicle. In the portable transmitter for remotely controlling the functions, the functions to be remotely controlled include at least a door lock / unlock function, a trunk unlock function, an engine stop function, and an engine start function. The signal reach distance for operating the trunk unlock function is shorter than the signal reach distance for operating the door lock / unlock function, and the door lock function is activated. Arrival of the signal transmitted from the transmission means so that the arrival distance of the signal for enabling the door and the arrival distance of the signal for operating the unlocking function of the door are different. A first arrival distance adjusting means for adjusting the distance, than the reach of the signal for operating the stop function of the engine, reach of the signals for operating the start function of the engine is about 5~30m short As described above, a second arrival distance adjusting means for adjusting an arrival distance of a signal transmitted from the transmission means is provided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and allows a remote operation of a large number of functions, and a portable transmitter and a processing device in which a remote operation allowable range is appropriately set for each function.
And to provide a remote control system .

According to the portable transmitter (1), the reach distance of the signal for operating the trunk unlock function is shorter than the reach distance of the signal for operating the door lock / unlock function. Since the reach of the signal is adjusted, it is possible to limit the remote operation allowable range in the trunk unlocking function to be closer to the vehicle than the remote operation allowable range in the door lock / unlock function. Thereby, the danger of vehicle theft can be further reduced, and security can be improved.
In addition, since the signal reach distance is adjusted so that the signal reach distance for operating the door lock function and the signal reach distance for operating the door unlock function are different, The remote operation allowable range in the lock function can be made slightly wider or slightly narrower than the remote operation allowable range in the door unlock function, so that a finer setting can be made.

Further , according to the portable transmitter ( 1 ), the reach distance of the signal for operating the engine start function is shorter by about 5 to 30 m than the reach distance of the signal for operating the engine stop function. Thus, since the reach of the signal is adjusted, the engine stop function can always be remotely operated in a place where the engine start function can be remotely operated. As a result, the engine can be prevented from being driven unnecessarily.

In the portable transmitter ( 2 ) according to the present invention, in the portable transmitter (1), an alarm is forcibly given to the function to be remotely operated by a command from the portable transmitter. A panic function to be generated, and transmitted from the transmission means so that a signal reachable distance for operating the door unlock function is shorter than a signal reachable distance for operating the panic function. It is characterized by comprising third arrival distance adjusting means for adjusting the arrival distance of the received signal.

The panic function is a function that forcibly generates an alarm when a suspicious person is found in or near the vehicle at a position away from the vehicle. It is inconvenient and dangerous if it cannot be operated. In contrast,
The door unlock function is not inconvenient even if it can only be operated near the vehicle. Also, regarding the door unlock function, if the operation can be performed from a distance from the vehicle, the risk of vehicle theft increases.

According to the portable transmitter ( 2 ), the signal reachable distance so that the signal reachable distance for operating the door unlock function is shorter than the signal reachable distance for operating the panic function. Therefore, the remote operation allowable range in the door unlocking function can be limited to a place closer to the vehicle than the remote operation allowable range in the panic function. Thereby, it is possible to realize a remote operation system that balances convenience and security.

In the portable transmitter ( 3 ) according to the present invention, in the portable transmitter (1), an alarm is forcibly given to the function to be remotely operated by a command from the portable transmitter. A panic function to be generated is further transmitted from the transmission means so that the reach distance of the signal for operating the trunk unlock function is shorter than the reach distance of the signal for operating the panic function It is characterized by comprising a fourth reach distance adjusting means for adjusting the reach distance of the received signal.

The panic function is a function that forcibly generates an alarm when a suspicious person is found in or near the vehicle at a position away from the vehicle. It is inconvenient and dangerous if it cannot be operated. In contrast,
The trunk unlock function is not inconvenient even if it can only be operated near the vehicle. In addition, regarding the trunk unlocking function, if the operation can be performed from a location far away from the vehicle, the risk of vehicle theft increases.

According to the portable transmitter ( 3 ), the signal arrival distance is such that the signal arrival distance for operating the trunk unlock function is shorter than the signal arrival distance for operating the panic function. Therefore, the remote operation allowable range in the trunk unlocking function can be limited to a place closer to the vehicle than the remote operation allowable range in the panic function. Thereby, it is possible to realize a remote operation system that balances convenience and security.

In the portable transmitter ( 4 ) according to the present invention, in any of the portable transmitters (1) to ( 3 ), the functions to be remotely operated are three or more functions, The first to fourth reach distance adjusting means divide the reach distance of the signal transmitted from the transmitting means into at least three stages.

According to the portable transmitter ( 4 ), the reach distance of the signal transmitted from the transmission means is divided into at least three stages instead of two stages. Thus, for certain functions, remote control is possible up to a distance of 100 m from the vehicle, and the remaining functions are not simple settings such as remote control up to a distance of 30 m from the vehicle. As for the lock function, remote control is possible up to 100m away from the vehicle, and the door unlock function allows remote control up to 30m away from the vehicle. More detailed settings such as enabling remote operation up to 10m away.

Moreover, the portable transmitter ( 5 ) according to the present invention is any one of the portable transmitters (1) to ( 3 ), wherein the first to fourth reach distance adjusting means are connected to the transmitting means. It is characterized by having the function of adjusting the reach of the signal by adjusting the power intensity of the transmitted signal.

According to the portable transmitter ( 5 ), it is possible to adjust the signal reach by adjusting the power intensity of the signal transmitted from the transmitter. Thereby, the transmission antenna to equip can be made into one.

A portable transmitter ( 6 ) according to the present invention includes a plurality of transmission antennas having different radiation efficiencies in any one of the portable transmitters (1) to ( 3 ). The reachable distance adjusting means has a function of adjusting the reachable distance of the signal by switching these transmission antennas.

According to the portable transmitter ( 6 ), the reach of the signal transmitted from the transmitting means can be adjusted by switching the transmitting antennas having different radiation efficiencies. Thereby, although the number of transmission antennas increases, it is not necessary to equip a member for adjusting the power intensity, and it is sufficient to equip a relatively simple member such as a changeover switch for switching the antenna.

Further, the remote operation allowable range can be finely adjusted for each function by adjusting the signal reaching distance not only by switching the transmission antennas having different radiation efficiency but also by adjusting the signal power intensity. For example, if there are only two transmitting antennas with different radiation efficiencies, the signal reach (ie, remote control tolerance) can be divided into only two stages by simply switching the antennas. By adopting power intensity adjustment, it can be divided into three or more stages.

The portable transmitter ( 7 ) according to the present invention includes a battery capacity detecting unit that detects a battery capacity in any of the portable transmitters (1) to ( 3 ), and is detected by the battery capacity detecting unit. Output reduction means for reducing the transmission output of the radio wave based on the battery capacity.

According to the portable transmitter ( 7 ), the radio wave transmission output is reduced based on the battery capacity. Thereby, for example, when the battery capacity decreases, the transmission output of radio waves can be reduced, so that the reach of the transmission radio waves is shortened, but the use period can be lengthened.

In the portable transmitter ( 8 ) according to the present invention, the radio transmitter output is reduced based on the battery capacity detected by the battery capacity detection means in the portable transmitter ( 7 ). It is characterized by providing an informing means for informing the user of this.

According to the portable transmitter ( 8 ), the user is informed that the radio wave transmission output is reduced based on the battery capacity. It can be recognized that this is due to the low battery capacity. As a result, the user can quickly take an appropriate response.

Embodiments of a portable transmitter , a processing device, and a remote control system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a remote control system including a portable transmitter according to the embodiment (1).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a processing device mounted on a vehicle. The processing device 1 includes a microcomputer 2, an EEPROM 3 in which an ID code is stored, and a portable transmitter 21 that an authorized user should carry.
Is configured to include a receiving circuit 4 for receiving a radio wave (a signal in which command information is added to an ID code), an input circuit 5 and an output circuit 6. The receiving circuit 4 includes an antenna 7.
Is connected. The portable transmitter 21 includes a door lock switch 22, a door unlock switch 23, and a trunk release switch 24.

A door key switch 8 for locking / unlocking the door and a trunk switch 9 for releasing the trunk are connected to the input circuit 5, and a door lock control device 10 for controlling the door lock is connected to the output circuit 6. The door unlock control device 11 for unlocking the door and the trunk release control device 12 for release control (unlock control) of the trunk
And are connected.

Here, the processing device 1 controls each of the door lock control device 10 for controlling the door lock and the door unlock control device 11 for unlocking the door. In the embodiment, a single control device that locks / unlocks the door may be controlled.

When the microcomputer 2 receives the signal in which the door lock command information is added to the correct ID code (that is, the same code as the ID code stored in the EEPROM 3), the microcomputer 2 controls the door lock control device 10 to lock the door. In addition, when a signal in which door unlock command information is added to a correct ID code is received, the door is unlocked by controlling the door unlock control device 11.

Similarly to the case where the microcomputer 2 receives the signal including the door lock command information and the door unlock command information, when the microcomputer 2 receives the signal in which the trunk release command information is added to the correct ID code, the microcomputer 2 The trunk is released by controlling.

Further, the microcomputer 2 controls the door lock control device 10, the door unlock control device 11, and the trunk release control device 12 on the basis of signals obtained from the door key switch 8 and the trunk switch 9, thereby bringing the door into a locked state. Or unlock the door or release the trunk.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the portable transmitter 21 according to the embodiment (1). The portable transmitter 21 includes a microcomputer 25 and an EEPROM 26 in which an ID code is stored.
A transmission control circuit 27, a low-efficiency antenna 28 that makes the reach of the transmission radio wave a short distance (for example, up to 10 m), and a medium-efficiency antenna 29 that makes the reach of the transmission radio wave a medium distance (for example, up to 30 m) A door lock switch 22, a door unlock switch 23, and a trunk release switch 24.

When the door lock switch 22 or the door unlock switch 23 is operated, the microcomputer 25 outputs a signal obtained by adding door lock command information or door unlock command information to the ID code to the transmission control circuit 27, and The signal is radiated from the medium efficiency antenna 29 so that the reach of the signal is medium. On the other hand, when the trunk release switch 24 is operated, a signal obtained by adding trunk release command information to the ID code Transmission control circuit 2
7, and the signal is radiated from the low-efficiency antenna 28 to shorten the reach distance of the signal.

Next, the processing operation [1] performed by the microcomputer 25 in the portable transmitter 21 according to the embodiment (1) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the door lock switch 22 has been operated (step S1). If it is determined that the door lock switch 22 has been operated, then the ID code stored in the EEPROM 26 is read and read. A signal is generated by adding command information (here, door lock command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the ID code (step S2). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 27, the output antenna is changed to the medium efficiency antenna 29 (step S8), and then
By outputting the generated signal to the transmission control circuit 27, the signal is converted into the medium-efficiency antenna 2
9 is emitted (step S9), and the process returns to step S1. Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the door lock command information can be set to the middle distance.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the door lock switch 22 has not been operated, it is next determined whether or not the door unlock switch 23 has been operated (step S3).
If it is determined that the door unlock switch 23 has been operated, the door lock switch 2
As in the case where 2 is operated, the command information corresponding to the operated switch (in the ID code)
Here, a signal added with door unlock command information) is generated (step S4), and the generated signal is radiated from the medium efficiency antenna 29 (steps S8, S9). Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the door unlock command information can be set to the middle distance.

If it is determined in step S3 that the door unlock switch 23 has not been operated, it is determined whether or not the trunk release switch 24 has been operated (step S5).
If it is determined that the trunk release switch 24 has been operated, then the EEPROM 2
6 is read, and a signal is generated by adding command information (here, trunk release command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the read ID code (step S6). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 27, the output antenna is changed to the low-efficiency antenna 28 (step S7), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 27, whereby the signal is sent from the low-efficiency antenna 28. Radiation (step S9),
Then, the process returns to step S1. As a result, the reach of the radio wave including the trunk release command information can be shortened.

According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (1), when transmitting a radio wave including command information for operating the door locking and unlocking function, the reach of the transmission radio wave is a medium distance ( For example, when transmitting a radio wave including command information for operating the trunk release function, the transmission radio wave reaches a short distance (for example, 1 m).
0m).

Therefore, the remote operation allowable range in the trunk release function can be limited to a place closer to the vehicle than the remote operation allowable range in the door unlock function.
Thereby, the danger of vehicle theft can be reduced more and security can be improved.

In the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (1), the low-efficiency antenna 28 and the medium-efficiency antenna 29 are provided. However, in the portable transmitter 21a according to another embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 4, only the medium-efficiency antenna 29a is provided, and the microcomputer 25a controls the transmission control circuit 27a to adjust the power intensity of the transmission radio wave and adjust the reach of the transmission radio wave. May be.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a remote control system configured to include the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (2). In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a processing device mounted on a vehicle. The processing device 31 is transmitted from a microcomputer 32, an EEPROM 33 storing an ID code, and a portable transmitter 41 that a legitimate user should carry. A receiving circuit 34 for receiving an incoming radio wave (a signal in which command information is added to an ID code) and an output circuit 35 are configured, and an antenna 36 is connected to the receiving circuit 34. The portable transmitter 41 includes an engine start switch 42 and an engine stop switch 43.

The output circuit 35 is connected to an engine start control device 37 that controls the start of the engine and an engine stop control device 38 that controls the engine to stop. When the microcomputer 32 receives a signal in which the engine start command information is added to the correct ID code (that is, the same code as the ID code stored in the EEPROM 33), the microcomputer 32 controls the engine start control device 37 to start the engine. In addition, when a signal in which engine stop command information is added to a correct ID code is received, the engine is stopped by controlling the engine stop control device 38.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the portable transmitter 41 according to the embodiment (3). The portable transmitter 41 includes a microcomputer 44 and an EEPROM 45 in which an ID code is stored.
And a transmission control circuit 46, a high-efficiency antenna 47 that makes the transmission radio wave reach a long distance (for example, up to 200 m), and a transmission radio wave reach a little longer than the high-efficiency antenna 47 (for example, up to 210 m) The high-efficiency antenna 48, the engine start switch 42, and the engine stop switch 43 are configured.

When the engine start switch 42 is operated, the microcomputer 44 outputs a signal in which the engine start command information is added to the ID code to the transmission control circuit 46, and radiates the signal from the high efficiency antenna 47, When the reach of the signal is a long distance and the engine stop switch 43 is operated, a signal in which the engine stop command information is added to the ID code is output to the transmission control circuit 46, and from the high efficiency antenna 48 By radiating the signal, the reach distance of the signal is made slightly longer than when the engine start command information is transmitted.

Next, the processing operation [2] performed by the microcomputer 44 in the portable transmitter 41 according to Embodiment (2) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the engine start switch 42 has been operated (step S11). If it is determined that the engine start switch 42 has been operated, then the ID code stored in the EEPROM 45 is read and read. A signal is generated by adding command information (here, engine start command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the ID code (step S12). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 46, the output antenna is changed to the high efficiency antenna 47 (step S16).
Then, by outputting the generated signal to the transmission control circuit 46, the signal is radiated from the high efficiency antenna 47 (step S17), and the process returns to step S11. Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the engine start command information is set to a long distance (for example, 200 m).
Can be.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the engine start switch 42 has not been operated, it is next determined whether or not the engine stop switch 43 has been operated (step S11).
13) If it is determined that the engine stop switch 43 has been operated, then the EEPROM 4
5 is read, and a signal is generated by adding command information (here, engine stop command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the read ID code (
Step S14). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 46, the output antenna is changed to the high-efficiency antenna 48 (step S15), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 46, whereby the signal is output from the high-efficiency antenna 48. Radiate (step S17)
Then, the process returns to step S11. Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the engine stop command information can be made slightly longer than the reach distance of the radio wave including the engine start command information.

According to the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (2), the reach of the signal for operating the engine start function is shorter than the reach of the signal for operating the engine stop function. In addition, since the signal reach distance is adjusted, the engine stop function can always be remotely operated in a place where the engine start function can be remotely operated. As a result, the engine can be prevented from being driven unnecessarily.

In addition, if the remote operation allowable ranges of the engine start function and engine stop function in a pair relationship are too different, usability may be deteriorated. For example, if the remote operation for stopping the engine is possible up to a point 300 m away from the vehicle, but the remote operation for starting the engine is possible only up to a point 200 m away from the vehicle, the remote start permission in the engine start / stop function is permitted. There is a risk that it may be difficult for the user to grasp the extent of the range. Therefore, it is desirable that the difference between these reach distances (that is, the remote operation allowable range) is within a predetermined range (for example, 5 to 30 m).

The portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (2) is provided with the high-efficiency antennas 47 and 48, but the portable transmitter 41a according to another embodiment is shown in FIG. Thus, only the high-efficiency antenna 48a is provided, and the transmission control circuit 46 is operated by the microcomputer 44a.
By controlling a, the power intensity of the transmission radio wave may be adjusted, and the reach distance of the transmission radio wave may be adjusted.

Further, in the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (2), the remote operation allowable range in the engine stop function is made wider than the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function. In the portable transmitter according to the embodiment, conversely, the remote operation allowable range in the engine stop function may be narrower than the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function. As a result, in places where the engine can be remotely controlled, the engine can always be remotely controlled. Therefore, even if the user stops the engine, the engine can be restarted without fail. It can be carried out. These settings may be adapted to the user's request.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a remote control system configured to include the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (3). In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a processing device mounted on a vehicle. The processing device 51 is transmitted from a microcomputer 52, an EEPROM 53 in which an ID code is stored, and a portable transmitter 71 that an authorized user should carry. A receiving circuit 54 for receiving an incoming radio wave (a signal in which command information is added to the ID code), an input circuit 55, and an output circuit 56 are included, and an antenna 57 is connected to the receiving circuit 54. Yes. The portable transmitter 71 includes a door lock switch 72, a door unlock switch 73, a panic switch 74, an engine start switch 75, an engine stop switch 76,
And a trunk release switch 77.

A door key switch 58 for locking / unlocking the door and a trunk switch 59 for releasing the trunk are connected to the input circuit 55, and a door lock control device 60 for locking the door is connected to the output circuit 56. A door unlock control device 61 for unlocking the door, a panic control device 62 for sounding an alarm, an engine start control device 63 for controlling engine start, an engine stop control device 64 for controlling engine stop, and a trunk A trunk release control device 65 for release control is connected.

The microcomputer 52 uses the correct ID code (that is, the ID stored in the EEPROM 53).
When the signal with the door lock command information added to the same code) is received, the door is locked by controlling the door lock control device 60, and the door unlock command information is added to the correct ID code. When the received signal is received, the door unlock control device 61
By controlling this, the door is unlocked.

Similarly to the case where the microcomputer 52 receives a signal including door lock command information and door unlock command information, the panic command information, engine start command information, engine stop command information, and trunk release command information are included in the correct ID code. When the added signal is received, the corresponding panic control device 62, engine start control device 63, engine stop control device 6 respectively.
4. By controlling the trunk release control device 65, an alarm is sounded, the engine is started, the engine is stopped, and the trunk is released.

Further, the microcomputer 52 controls the door lock control device 60, the door unlock control device 61, and the trunk release control device 65 based on signals obtained from the door key switch 58 and the trunk switch 59, thereby bringing the door into a locked state. Or unlock the door or release the trunk.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the portable transmitter 71 according to the embodiment (3). The portable transmitter 71 includes a microcomputer 78 and an EEPROM 7 in which an ID code is stored.
9, a transmission control circuit 80, a low-efficiency antenna 81 that makes the reach of the transmission radio wave a short distance (for example, up to 10 m), and a high-efficiency antenna that makes the reach of the transmission radio wave a long distance (for example, up to 200 m) 82, a door lock switch 72, a door unlock switch 73,
Panic switch 74, engine start switch 75, engine stop switch 76
And a trunk release switch 77.

When the door lock switch 72 is operated, the microcomputer 78 outputs a signal obtained by adding door lock command information to the ID code to the transmission control circuit 80, and radiates the signal from the high efficiency antenna 82, When the reach distance of the signal is increased and the door unlock switch 73 is operated, a signal with door unlock command information added to the ID code is output to the transmission control circuit 80, and the low output antenna 81 The signal is radiated to reduce the reach of the signal.

The microcomputer 78 operates the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, the engine stop switch 76, and the trunk release switch 77 in the same manner as when the door lock switch 72 and the door unlock switch 73 are operated. Then, a signal in which command information corresponding to each operation is added to the ID code is output to the transmission control circuit 80, and the signal is radiated from the low efficiency antenna 81 or the high efficiency antenna 82.

Next, the processing operation [3] performed by the microcomputer 78 in the portable transmitter 71 according to Embodiment (3) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the door lock switch 72 has been operated (step S21). If it is determined that the door lock switch 72 has been operated, then the ID code stored in the EEPROM 79 is read and read. A signal is generated by adding command information (here, door lock command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the ID code (step S22). Next, the transmission control circuit 80
By controlling the output antenna to the high efficiency antenna 82 (step S34),
Thereafter, by outputting the generated signal to the transmission control circuit 80, the signal is radiated from the high efficiency antenna 82 (step S35), and the process returns to step S21. As a result, the reach distance of the radio wave including the door lock command information can be a long distance.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the door lock switch 72 has not been operated, it is then determined whether or not the door unlock switch 73 has been operated (step S21).
23) If it is determined that the door unlock switch 73 has been operated, then the EEPROM
The ID code stored in 79 is read, and a signal is generated by adding command information (here, door unlock command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the read ID code (step S24). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 80, the output antenna is changed to the low efficiency antenna 81 (step S33), and then the generated signal is transmitted to the transmission control circuit 8.
By outputting to 0, the signal is radiated from the low efficiency antenna 81 (step S3
5) Then, the process returns to step S21. Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the door unlock command information can be shortened.

If it is determined in step S23 that the door unlock switch 73 is not operated, the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, the engine stop switch 76, and the trunk release switch 77 are operated as described above. (Steps S25, S27, S29, S31), and if it is determined that any of the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, or the engine stop switch 76 has been operated,
In the same way as when the door lock switch 72 is operated, the command information corresponding to the operated switch is added to the ID code (here, any of panic command information, engine start command information, and engine stop command information). Generated signals (steps S26, S28, S30).
The generated signal is radiated from the high efficiency antenna 82 (steps S34 and S35). Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the panic command information, the engine start command information, and the engine stop command information can be made a long distance.

If it is determined that the trunk release switch 77 has been operated, the command information corresponding to the operated switch (here, the trunk release command is displayed) in the ID code, as in the case of the door unlock switch 73 being operated. Information) is generated (step S).
32) The generated signal is radiated from the low-efficiency antenna 81 (steps S33 and S35).
. As a result, the reach of the radio wave including the trunk release command information can be shortened.

According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (3), the command information for operating the engine start / stop function and the panic function, which is inconvenient unless it can be operated from a certain distance from the vehicle. When transmitting radio waves that contain, the door is unlocked so that it is difficult to ensure safety if the transmission radio wave is adjusted so that the reach of the radio waves is long, while it can be operated from a distance from the vehicle. When transmitting a radio wave including command information for operating the trunk release function, the arrival distance of the transmission radio wave is adjusted to be a short distance.

Thereby, in the processing device 51 mounted on the vehicle, when the portable transmitter 71 is far away from the radio wave including the command information for operating the door unlock function and the trunk release function, The radio wave that cannot be received and includes the command information can be received only when the portable transmitter 71 is nearby. In other words, since it is possible to appropriately set the remote operation allowable range for each function, not only the convenience is improved, but also the safety of the vehicle can be ensured.

In the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (3), a radio wave including door lock command information is radiated from the high-efficiency antenna 82.
Even if it can be operated only near the vehicle, it does not feel much inconvenience. Therefore, in the portable transmitter according to another embodiment, radio waves including door lock command information are radiated from the low-efficiency antenna 81. May be.

In the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (3), the low-efficiency antenna 81 and the high-efficiency antenna 82 are provided. However, in the portable transmitter 71a according to another embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 12, only the high-efficiency antenna 82a is provided, and the microcomputer 78a controls the transmission control circuit 80a, thereby adjusting the power intensity of the transmission radio wave and adjusting the reach of the transmission radio wave. May be.

FIG. 13: is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on Embodiment (4). However, the same components as those of the portable transmitter 71 shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here. In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a portable transmitter, which is a portable transmitter 9.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a microcomputer 92, an EEPROM 79, a transmission control circuit 93, a low-efficiency antenna 81 that makes a transmission radio wave reach a short distance (for example, up to 10 m), and a transmission radio wave a long distance (for example, up to 200 m) A high-efficiency antenna 82, a high-efficiency antenna 94 that makes the transmission radio wave reach a little longer than the high-efficiency antenna 82 (for example, up to 210 m), a door lock switch 72, and a door unlock switch 73 Panic switch 74,
An engine start switch 75, an engine stop switch 76, and a trunk release switch 77 are included.

Next, the processing operation [4] performed by the microcomputer 92 in the portable transmitter 91 according to Embodiment (4) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, the processing operation [4] is the same as the operation after determining that the engine stop switch 76 is operated in step S29,
Since this is the same as the processing operation [3] shown in FIG. 11, only the operation after determining that the engine stop switch 76 has been operated in step S29 will be described.

If it is determined in step S29 that the engine stop switch 76 has been operated, then the ID code stored in the EEPROM 79 is read, and the read ID code is
A signal to which command information (here, engine stop command information) corresponding to the operated switch is added is generated (step S30). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 93,
The output antenna is changed to the high-efficiency antenna 94 (step S34a), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 93 to radiate the signal from the high-efficiency antenna 94 (step S35), and the process returns to step S21. . Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the engine stop command information can be made slightly longer than the reach distance of the radio wave including the engine start command information.

According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (4), the remote operation allowable range in the engine stop function is not the same as the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function in a paired relationship, and is slightly wider. be able to. As a result, in places where the engine can be started remotely, the engine can always be remotely controlled, so that the engine can be prevented from being driven unnecessarily.

In addition, if the remote operation allowable ranges of the engine start function and engine stop function in a pair relationship are too different, usability may be deteriorated. For example, if the remote operation for stopping the engine is possible up to a point 300 m away from the vehicle, but the remote operation for starting the engine is possible only up to a point 200 m away from the vehicle, the remote start permission in the engine start / stop function is permitted. There is a risk that it may be difficult for the user to grasp the extent of the range. Therefore, it is desirable that the difference between these reach distances (that is, the remote operation allowable range) is within a predetermined range (for example, 5 to 30 m).

In the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (4), the radio wave including the door lock command information is radiated from the high-efficiency antenna 82, but the door is locked only near the vehicle. Even if it cannot be operated, inconvenience is not felt so much, and in a portable transmitter according to another embodiment, a radio wave including door lock command information may be radiated from the low efficiency antenna 81.

Further, in the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (4), the remote operation allowable range in the engine stop function is made wider than the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function. In the portable transmitter according to the embodiment, conversely, the remote operation allowable range in the engine stop function may be narrower than the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function. As a result, in places where the engine can be remotely controlled, the engine can always be remotely controlled. Therefore, even if the user stops the engine, the engine can be restarted without fail. It can be carried out. These settings may be adapted to the user's request.

In addition, the paired functions installed in the vehicle include not only the engine start / stop function but also the door lock / unlock function, and the portable transmitter according to another embodiment. Then, the remote operation permissible range in the door lock function may be made slightly wider or slightly narrower than the remote operation permissible range in the paired door unlock function.

The portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (4) includes the low efficiency antenna 81 and the high efficiency antennas 82 and 94. However, the portable transmitter 91a according to another embodiment is provided.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15, only the high-efficiency antenna 94a is provided, and the microcomputer 9
By controlling the transmission control circuit 93a with 2a, the power intensity of the transmission radio wave may be adjusted, and the reach distance of the transmission radio wave may be adjusted.

Moreover, in the portable transmitter 91b according to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG.
By providing the low-efficiency antenna 81 and the high-efficiency antenna 94a and controlling the transmission control circuit 93b with the microcomputer 92b, switching the output antenna and adjusting the power intensity of the transmission radio wave, The reach distance may be adjusted.

For example, when the door unlock switch 73 or the trunk release switch 77 is operated, the output control circuit 93b is controlled to change the output antenna to the low efficiency antenna 81 and to transmit a predetermined signal to the low efficiency antenna 81. On the other hand, when the door lock switch 72, the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, and the engine stop switch 76 are operated, the output control circuit 93b is controlled to increase the output antenna. The efficiency antenna 94a may be used, and a predetermined signal may be radiated from the high efficiency antenna 94a. However, when the engine start switch 75 is operated, by controlling the transmission control circuit 94b, the power intensity of the transmission radio wave is reduced, and the remote operation allowable range in the engine start function is in a pair relationship. It is not the same as the remote control allowable range in the engine stop function, but is slightly narrower.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (5). However, the same components as those of the portable transmitter 71 shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a portable transmitter. The portable transmitter 101 has a microcomputer 102, an EEPROM 79, a transmission control circuit 103, and a low efficiency that makes the reach of the transmission radio wave a short distance (for example, up to 10 m). An antenna 81, a medium-efficiency antenna 104 that makes the transmission radio wave reach a medium distance (for example, up to 30 m), a high-efficiency antenna 82 that makes the radio wave reach a long distance (eg, up to 200 m), The lock switch 72, the door unlock switch 73, the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, the engine stop switch 76, and the trunk release switch 77 are included.

Next, the processing operation [5] performed by the microcomputer 102 in the portable transmitter 101 according to the embodiment (5) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, processing operation [5]
Is the same as the processing operation [3] shown in FIG. 11 except for the operation after determining that the door unlock switch 73 has been operated in step S23, and here the door unlock switch 73 in step S23. Only the operation after determining that has been operated will be described.

If it is determined in step S23 that the door unlock switch 73 has been operated, then the ID code stored in the EEPROM 79 is read, and the command information corresponding to the operated switch (here: A signal added with door unlock command information) is generated (step S24). Next, by controlling the transmission control circuit 103, the output antenna is changed to the medium efficiency antenna 104 (step S41), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 103, whereby the signal is transmitted from the medium efficiency antenna 104. Radiate (step S35), and return to step S21. Thereby, the reach distance of the radio wave including the trunk release command information can be made shorter than the reach distance of the radio wave including the door unlock command information.

According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (5), the command information for operating the engine start / stop function and the panic function, which is inconvenient unless it can be operated from a certain distance from the vehicle. When transmitting radio waves that contain, the door is unlocked so that it is difficult to ensure safety if the transmission radio wave is adjusted so that the reach of the radio waves is long, while it can be operated from a distance from the vehicle. When sending radio waves that contain command information for operating
Adjust the transmission distance so that the transmission distance reaches a medium distance, and when transmitting a radio wave that includes command information for operating the trunk release function, the transmission distance is close. Is done.

By the way, as for the remote operation allowable range, basically, the wider it is, the more convenient it is, but it is difficult to ensure safety. According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (5), the remote operation allowable range in the trunk release function is narrower than the remote operation allowable range in the door unlock function, and security is more emphasized. Yes.

This is because when the trunk is released it is easier to understand from the outside than when the door is unlocked, and it can only be closed manually, and even if the door is unlocked remotely. The door will not open on its own, it is less likely to be stolen than if the trunk was released, and if it has an auto-relock function, the door will not open and the specified time has elapsed This is because the door is automatically locked. Thereby, it is possible to realize a remote control system that balances convenience and security.

In the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (5), the radio wave including the door lock command information is radiated from the high-efficiency antenna 82. The door is locked only near the vehicle. Since inconvenience is not felt much even if it cannot be operated, a portable transmitter according to another embodiment is configured to radiate a radio wave including door lock command information from the medium efficiency antenna 104 or the low efficiency antenna 81. May be.

The portable transmitter according to the embodiment (5) includes the low efficiency antenna 81, the medium efficiency antenna 104, and the high efficiency antenna 82, but the portable transmitter according to another embodiment. In 101a, as shown in FIG. 19, only the high-efficiency antenna 82 is provided, and the microcomputer 102a controls the transmission control circuit 103a, thereby adjusting the power intensity of the transmission radio wave and setting the reach distance of the transmission radio wave to 3 You may make it adjust to a step.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the portable transmitter 101b according to another embodiment includes antennas having different radiation efficiencies, for example, a low efficiency antenna 81 and a high efficiency antenna 82, and the microcomputer 102b. Thus, by controlling the transmission control circuit 103b, the reach of the transmission radio wave may be adjusted in three stages by switching the output antenna and adjusting the power intensity of the transmission radio wave.

For example, when the trunk release switch 77 is operated, the transmission control circuit 103
By controlling b, the output antenna is changed to the low efficiency antenna 81, and a predetermined signal is radiated from the low efficiency antenna 81. On the other hand, the door lock switch 72, the door unlock switch 73, the panic switch 74, the engine When the start switch 75 and the engine stop switch 76 are operated, the transmission control circuit 103b is controlled so that the output antenna becomes the high efficiency antenna 82 and a predetermined signal is radiated from the high efficiency antenna 82. Also good. However, when the door unlock switch 73 is operated, the transmission control circuit 103b is controlled to reduce the power intensity of the transmission radio wave and narrow the remote operation allowable range in the door unlock function. For example, a remote operation allowable range is set within a range of 30 m from the vehicle.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (6). However, the same components as those of the portable transmitter 71 shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here. In the figure, 111 indicates a portable transmitter. The portable transmitter 111 includes a microcomputer 112, an EEPROM 79, a transmission control circuit 80, a low efficiency antenna 81, a high efficiency antenna 82, a door lock switch 72, and the like. , Door unlock switch 73, panic switch 74, engine start switch 75, engine stop switch 76, trunk release switch 77, and voltage of a battery (not shown) for supplying power to various members. And voltage monitoring means 113 for measuring the battery capacity.

Next, the processing operation [6] performed by the microcomputer 112 in the portable transmitter 111 according to Embodiment (6) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, the processing operation [6]
11, except that it is determined in steps S21, S25, S27, and S29 that any one of the door lock switch 72, panic switch 74, engine start switch 75, and engine stop switch 76 has been operated. Since it is the same as the processing operation [3] shown,
Here, only the operation after determining that one of the door lock switch 72, the panic switch 74, the engine start switch 75, and the engine stop switch 76 has been operated in steps S21, S25, S27, and S29 will be described.

If it is determined in step S21, S25, S27, or S29 that any one of the door lock switch 72, panic switch 74, engine start switch 75, and engine stop switch 76 has been operated, then it is stored in the EEPROM 79. The ID code is read, and a signal is generated by adding command information (for example, door lock command information, panic command information, engine start command information, engine stop command information) corresponding to the operated switch to the read ID code ( Steps S22, S26, S28, S30).

Next, based on the information obtained from the voltage monitoring means 113, it is determined whether or not the battery capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S51). If it is determined that the battery capacity is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, then By controlling the transmission control circuit 80, the output antenna is changed to the high efficiency antenna 82 (step S34), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 80 to radiate the signal from the high efficiency antenna 82 ( Step S35) and Step S
Return to 21.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery capacity is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the output antenna is controlled by controlling the transmission control circuit 80 in order to suppress the power required for radio wave transmission.
1 (step S33), and then the generated signal is output to the transmission control circuit 80 to radiate the signal from the low-efficiency antenna 81 (step S35), and the process returns to step S21. At this time, in the portable transmitter according to another embodiment, some notification may be made to notify the user that the battery capacity is low. For example, a light emitting diode may be provided and lit.

According to the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (6), when the battery capacity becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the transmission output of the radio wave is reduced. Can be long. Further, the portable transmitter according to the above embodiment (6) is based on the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (3) shown in FIG. 10 and is devised when the battery capacity is reduced. However, such a device is not only effective for the portable transmitter according to the embodiment (3), but is portable according to the embodiments (1), (2), (4), and (5). It is also effective for transmitters.

In the portable transmitters according to the above embodiments (1) to (6), the door lock / unlock function, the panic function, the engine start / stop function, and the trunk release function are remotely operated. Although described, the functions to be remotely operated are not limited to these functions. For example, as an unlock function, not only door unlock and trunk release (unlock) but also bonnet and The opening / closing lid of the filler port may be a target for remote operation.

It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the remote control system comprised including the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (1) of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (1). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (1) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the remote control system comprised including the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (2). It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (2). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (2) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the remote control system comprised including the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (3). It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (3). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on Embodiment (3) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (4). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (4) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (5). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on Embodiment (5) performs. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on another embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the portable transmitter which concerns on Embodiment (6). It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the portable transmitter which concerns on embodiment (6) performs.

Explanation of symbols

21, 21a, 41, 41a, 71, 71a, 91, 91a, 91b Portable transmitter 101, 101a, 101b, 111 Portable transmitter 25, 25a, 44, 44a, 78, 78a, 92, 92a, 92b Microcomputer 102, 102a, 102b, 112 Microcomputer 27, 27a, 46, 46a, 80, 80a, 93, 93a, 93b Transmission control circuit 103, 103a, 103b Transmission control circuit 28, 81 Low-efficiency antenna 29, 29a, 104 Medium-efficiency antenna 47, 48, 48a, 82, 82a, 94, 94a High efficiency antenna

Claims (10)

In a portable transmitter for remotely operating a function provided in the vehicle, comprising a transmission means for transmitting a signal including a command signal for operating a function provided in the vehicle,
The functions subject to remote control include at least a door lock / unlock function, a trunk unlock function, an engine stop function, and an engine start function ,
The signal for operating the door unlock function is shorter than the signal reach for operating the door lock / unlock function, and the signal for operating the door lock function. First reach distance adjusting means for adjusting the reach distance of the signal transmitted from the transmitting means, so that the reach distance of the signal for operating the unlocking function of the door is different ,
The signal transmitted from the transmission means is set so that the reach distance of the signal for operating the engine start function is about 5 to 30 m shorter than the reach distance of the signal for operating the engine stop function. A portable transmitter comprising: second reach distance adjusting means for adjusting reach distance . The function that is the target of the remote operation further includes a panic function that forcibly generates an alarm by a command from the portable transmitter,
The arrival distance of the signal transmitted from the transmission means is adjusted so that the arrival distance of the signal for operating the door unlock function is shorter than the arrival distance of the signal for operating the panic function. The portable transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising third reach distance adjusting means. The function that is the target of the remote operation further includes a panic function that forcibly generates an alarm by a command from the portable transmitter,
The arrival distance of the signal transmitted from the transmission means is adjusted so that the arrival distance of the signal for operating the trunk unlock function is shorter than the arrival distance of the signal for operating the panic function. The portable transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising fourth reach distance adjusting means. The function that is the object of the remote operation is three or more functions,
The said 1st-said 4th reach distance adjustment means divides the reach distance of the signal transmitted from the said transmission means into at least 3 steps | paragraphs, The claim in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The portable transmitter as described. The first to fourth arrival distance adjusting means have a function of adjusting a signal arrival distance by adjusting a power intensity of a signal transmitted from the transmission means. Item 4. The portable transmitter according to any one of Items 1 to 3 . With multiple transmit antennas with different radiation efficiencies,
The said 1st-4th reachable distance adjustment means has a function which adjusts the reachable distance of a signal by switching these transmission antennas, The claim in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The portable transmitter as described in. Battery capacity detecting means for detecting the battery capacity;
Based on the battery capacitance detected by the battery capacity detection unit, portable according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that an output reduction means for reducing the transmission power of the radio wave Transmitter. 8. The portable transmitter according to claim 7 , further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a user that a radio wave transmission output is reduced based on a battery capacity detected by the battery capacity detecting unit. Control means for controlling door locking / unlocking and / or trunk unlocking based on a command signal transmitted from the portable transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A processing apparatus. The portable transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
And a processing device having control means for controlling the lock / unlock of the door and / or the unlock of the trunk based on a command signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. Remote control system.

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