JP5985941B2 - Key authentication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key authentication device that authenticates a vehicle key.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for releasing a door lock using a mobile terminal. If this technology is applied, the engine can be started using a portable terminal. Also, on the assumption that a plurality of portable terminals are registered as vehicle keys, the door lock can be unlocked and the engine can be started using any portable terminal.

JP 2003-120097 A

  In the future, in addition to the standard vehicle key, a multifunctional mobile phone called a smartphone may be added as a vehicle key, and the number of cases in which a plurality of vehicle keys are unconsciously increased increases. Then, the user may not understand which vehicle key is valid and vehicle control is performed.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a key authentication device that allows a user to recognize which vehicle key is valid.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key authentication device for authenticating a vehicle key, wherein when one of a plurality of vehicle keys is used and the door lock is unlocked, the door is unlocked. Priority is given to key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key used for unlocking the lock, and control means for restricting key authentication in the vehicle for the other vehicle key is provided . When an operation is performed to specify a vehicle key for which key authentication is prioritized, priority is given to in-vehicle key authentication for the vehicle key specified by the operation, and other vehicle keys are targeted. The gist is to regulate key authentication in the car .

According to this configuration, when the vehicle key used to unlock the door lock and another vehicle key are brought into the vehicle, key authentication for the former vehicle key is given priority, and the latter vehicle key is targeted. Key authentication is regulated. Along with this, only the vehicle key used for unlocking the door lock is treated as being valid in the vehicle, and while starting the engine with this vehicle key is allowed, starting the engine with other vehicle keys is prohibited. Differentiation. Accordingly, it can be understood that the vehicle key that is permitted to be controlled in the vehicle is an effective key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid. Based on this recognition, it is possible to prevent the effective vehicle key from being taken out of the vehicle.
Moreover, the vehicle key which becomes effective can be switched by a user's will. Thereby, the user can recognize clearly which vehicle key is effective.

The invention described in 請 Motomeko 2, in the key authentication apparatus according to claim 1, one of the plurality of vehicle key, a plurality of key means for unlocking the door lock, the control unit may either When the key means is used and the door lock is unlocked, priority is given to key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key including the key means used for unlocking the door lock, and other vehicle keys are targeted. The gist is to regulate key authentication in the car.

  According to this configuration, when a vehicle key having key means used for unlocking the door lock and another vehicle key are brought into the vehicle, key authentication for the former vehicle key is given priority, and the latter Key authentication for vehicle keys is restricted. For example, when the former vehicle key is a standard vehicle key including smart communication, transponder communication, and a mechanical key, and the latter vehicle key is a smartphone, when the door lock is unlocked by the mechanical key, Priority is given to in-vehicle key authentication for standard vehicle keys.

  Originally, when a standard vehicle key is used, smart communication is performed by battery power, and the door lock is unlocked through authentication by this smart communication. However, when the battery runs out, it is replaced with smart communication. The door lock is unlocked by operating the mechanical key. Therefore, when the door lock is unlocked by the mechanical key, it is considered that the battery has run out of the standard vehicle key, and in this case, even if smart communication is attempted in the key authentication in the vehicle, Considering that there is no response from the vehicle key, in this example, transponder communication is performed instead of smart communication in key authentication in the vehicle. That is, a radio wave for starting a transponder is transmitted to a specific communication area in the vehicle, and a standard vehicle key is tapped in this area to allow engine startup, while smartphone startup is prohibited. Differentiation is achieved. Thus, it can be understood that the standard vehicle key is a valid key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

  According to the present invention, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

The block diagram which shows the structure of a key authentication system.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the key authentication device according to the present invention is embodied in a vehicle key authentication system will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the key authentication system 1 includes a standard vehicle key 2 possessed by a vehicle owner, a smartphone 3 possessed by a passenger, and a security device 4 mounted on the vehicle.

The vehicle key 2 includes a reception antenna 21, a reception circuit 22, a microcomputer 23, a transmission circuit 24, a transmission antenna 25, a mechanical key 26, and a transponder 27.
The receiving antenna 21 is a medium for receiving a call signal transmitted from the security device 4. The reception circuit 22 demodulates the interrogation signal received by the reception antenna 21 to generate a reception signal, and outputs the reception signal to the microcomputer 23.

  The microcomputer 23 includes a nonvolatile memory 23a, and an ID code unique to the vehicle key 2 is stored in the memory 23a. When the reception signal related to the challenge signal is input from the reception circuit 22, the microcomputer 23 generates an original signal including the ID code in order to respond to the challenge signal, and outputs the original signal to the transmission circuit 24.

  The transmission circuit 24 modulates the original signal input from the microcomputer 23 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (312 MHz in this example) and generates a response signal. The transmission antenna 25 is a medium for transmitting the response signal generated by the transmission circuit 24.

  The vehicle key 2 includes a battery (not shown), covers power from the battery, and performs a series of smart communications from reception of an interrogation signal to transmission of a response signal. With this smart communication, the door lock can be unlocked and the engine can be started. When the vehicle key 2 runs out of battery, the door lock can be unlocked by operating the mechanical key 26 instead of the smart communication. The transponder 27 covers the power from the activation radio wave transmitted from the security device 4 and transmits a transponder code unique to the transponder 27. When the battery runs out of the vehicle key 2, the engine can be started by transponder communication instead of smart communication.

  The smartphone 3 covers the power from the radio wave transmitted from the security device 4 and transmits an identification code unique to the smartphone 3. The door lock can be unlocked and the engine can be started by short-range wireless communication between the smartphone 3 and the security device 4. Therefore, the smartphone 3 functions as a vehicle key.

  The security device 4 includes an outdoor LF transmitter 41, an RF receiver 42, an unlock detection switch 43, an outdoor reader / writer 44, an indoor LF transmitter 45, a transponder communication circuit 46, an indoor reader / writer 47, and a verification control device 48. I have.

  The outdoor LF transmitter 41 modulates the original signal input from the verification control device 48 into a radio wave having a predetermined frequency (134 KHz in this example), and transmits it as a call signal to a communication area outside the vehicle (around the door). The RF receiver 42 demodulates the response signal transmitted from the vehicle key 2 in response to the call signal and outputs it to the verification control device 48 as a received signal.

  The collation control device 48 includes a non-volatile memory 48a, and the ID code of the regular vehicle key 2 that matches the host vehicle is registered as a reference ID code in the memory 48a through a predetermined registration operation. When the reception control signal is received from the RF receiver 42 in response to the transmission of the interrogation signal from the outdoor LF transmitter 41, the verification control device 48 has already registered the ID code included therein in the memory 48a. Collation with the reference ID code is performed. The collation control device 48 unlocks the door lock on condition that the ID codes match in this collation. Therefore, if the standard vehicle key 2 is brought around the door (outside the vehicle), the door lock can be unlocked.

  The unlock detection switch 43 detects that the door lock has been unlocked, and outputs a detection signal to the verification control device 48. When the door lock is unlocked without using smart communication with the vehicle key 2 or short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 3, the verification control device 48 recognizes that the door lock is unlocked by the mechanical key 26.

  The outdoor reader / writer 44 transmits radio waves to a specific communication area outside the vehicle (around the door outside handle) under the control of the verification control device 48. When the smartphone 3 is brought into the area where the radio wave reaches, an identification code is transmitted from the smartphone 3 and the identification code is acquired by the outdoor reader / writer 44. The collation control device 48 unlocks the door lock on the condition that the identification code acquired by the outdoor reader / writer 44 matches the reference identification code registered in advance. Therefore, the door lock can be unlocked by turning the smartphone 3 toward the door outside handle.

  Similarly to the outdoor LF transmitter 41, the indoor LF transmitter 45 transmits a call signal to a communication area (substantially the entire vehicle interior) within the vehicle. The RF receiver 42 demodulates the response signal transmitted from the vehicle key 2 in response to the call signal, and outputs it to the verification control device 48 as a received signal, as in smart communication outside the vehicle.

  When the verification signal is received from the RF receiver 42 in response to the transmission of the interrogation signal from the indoor LF transmitter 45, the verification control device 48 has already registered the ID code included therein in the memory 48a. Collation with the reference ID code is performed. The verification control device 48 starts the engine on the condition that the ID codes match in this verification. Therefore, if the standard vehicle key 2 is brought into the vehicle, the engine can be started.

  The transponder communication circuit 46 transmits an activation radio wave for the transponder 27 to a specific communication area in the vehicle (around the hand from the driver's seat) under the control of the verification control device 48. When the vehicle key 2 is brought into the area where the radio wave reaches, a transponder code is transmitted from the transponder 27, and the transponder code is acquired by the transponder communication circuit 46. The collation control device 48 starts the engine on the condition that the transponder code acquired by the transponder communication circuit 46 matches the reference transponder code registered in advance. Therefore, the engine can be started by turning the vehicle key 2 toward a predetermined location in front of the driver's seat.

  The indoor reader / writer 47 transmits radio waves to a specific communication area (a narrow area near the center console) in the vehicle under the control of the verification control device 48. When the smartphone 3 is brought into the area where the radio wave reaches, an identification code is transmitted from the smartphone 3, and the identification code is acquired by the indoor reader / writer 47. The collation control device 48 starts the engine on the condition that the identification code acquired by the indoor reader / writer 47 matches the reference identification code registered in advance. Therefore, if the smartphone 3 is turned to the center console, the engine can be started.

  The collation control device 48 of this example gives priority to key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key (standard vehicle key 2 or smartphone 3) used for unlocking the door lock, and targets other vehicle keys. Restrict key authentication in the car. In addition, when an operation for designating a vehicle key for which key authentication is given priority in the vehicle is performed through the switches of the indoor reader / writer 47, the verification control device 48 targets the vehicle key designated by the operation. Priority is given to in-vehicle key authentication, and in-vehicle key authentication for other vehicle keys is regulated.

Next, the operation of the key authentication system 1 will be described.
When the vehicle is in a parked state (door lock locked, engine stopped), the verification control device 48 uses an interrogation signal from the outdoor LF transmitter 41 to monitor the approach of the vehicle key (standard vehicle key 2 or smartphone 3). And transmission of radio waves by the outdoor reader / writer 44 are alternately performed. Under such circumstances, when the vehicle owner has the standard vehicle key 2, and the passenger has the smartphone 3 and each person approaches the vehicle, the smart communication with the vehicle key 2 and the short distance to the smartphone 3. Both wireless communications are possible.

  First, a case where the door lock is unlocked by smart communication with the vehicle key 2 will be exemplified. In this case, when the door is opened and closed as a result of getting on, the verification control device 48 transmits an interrogation signal by the indoor LF transmitter 45 and also verifies the ID code of the vehicle key 2 and matches the verification. The engine is allowed to start on the condition. At this time, the collation control device 48 transmits radio waves by the indoor reader / writer 47, but does not collate the identification code of the smartphone 3, thereby prohibiting the smartphone 3 from starting the engine. However, the collation control device 48 allows acquisition of vehicle information (such as gasoline remaining amount) by the smartphone 3. Thus, when the vehicle key 2 (smart communication) is used and the door lock is unlocked, the key authentication (smart communication) in the vehicle for the vehicle key 2 is given priority, and the interior of the vehicle for the smartphone 3 is targeted. Key authentication at is regulated.

  The collation control device 48 collates the identification code of the smartphone 3 when the switches of the indoor reader / writer 47 are operated and the vehicle key effective for starting the engine is switched from the vehicle key 2 to the smartphone 3. The engine is allowed to start on the condition that the verification matches. In this case, the collation control device 48 stops the transmission of the interrogation signal by the indoor LF transmitter 45, thereby prohibiting the start of the engine by the vehicle key 2.

  Next, a case where the door lock is unlocked by short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 3 will be illustrated. In this case, when the door is opened and closed with the boarding, the collation control device 48 transmits the radio wave by the indoor reader / writer 47 and collates the identification code of the smartphone 3 to confirm that the collation coincides. The condition allows the engine to start. At this time, the collation control device 48 does not transmit an interrogation signal by the indoor LF transmitter 45, thereby prohibiting starting of the engine by the vehicle key 2. Thus, when the smartphone 3 is used and the door lock is unlocked, key authentication in the vehicle targeted for the smartphone 3 is prioritized, and key authentication in the vehicle targeted for the vehicle key 2 is restricted.

  It should be noted that the collation control device 48 operates when the switches of the indoor reader / writer 47 are operated and the vehicle key effective for starting the engine is switched from the smartphone 3 to the vehicle key 2. Is transmitted, and the ID code of the vehicle key 2 is collated, and the engine is allowed to start on the condition that the collation coincides. In this case, the collation control device 48 does not collate the identification code of the smartphone 3, thereby prohibiting the start of the engine by the smartphone 3.

  Next, the case where a door lock is unlocked by operation of the mechanical key 26 with which the vehicle key 2 is provided is illustrated. In this case, when the door is opened and closed with the boarding, the collation control device 48 transmits the activation radio wave by the transponder communication circuit 46 and collates the transponder code. Allow the engine to start. At this time, the collation control device 48 transmits radio waves by the indoor reader / writer 47, but does not collate the identification code of the smartphone 3, thereby prohibiting the smartphone 3 from starting the engine. However, the collation control device 48 allows acquisition of vehicle information (such as gasoline remaining amount) by the smartphone 3. Thus, when the vehicle key 2 (mechanical key 26) is used and the door lock is unlocked, priority is given to key authentication (transponder communication) in the vehicle for the vehicle key 2, and the smartphone 3 is targeted. Key authentication in the car is regulated.

  The collation control device 48 collates the identification code of the smartphone 3 when the switches of the indoor reader / writer 47 are operated and the vehicle key effective for starting the engine is switched from the vehicle key 2 to the smartphone 3. The engine is allowed to start on the condition that the verification matches. In this case, the collation control device 48 stops the transmission of the starting radio wave by the transponder communication circuit 46, thereby prohibiting the start of the engine by the vehicle key 2.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the vehicle key (for example, the smartphone 3) used for unlocking the door lock and another vehicle key (for example, the standard vehicle key 2) are brought into the vehicle, the former vehicle key (the smartphone 3) The target key authentication is prioritized, and the key authentication for the latter vehicle key (standard vehicle key 2) is regulated. Accordingly, only the vehicle key (smartphone 3) used for unlocking the door lock is treated as being effective in the vehicle, and the engine is allowed to start by this vehicle key (smartphone 3), while other vehicles Differentiation is achieved such that starting of the engine by the key (standard vehicle key 2) is prohibited. This makes it possible to understand that the vehicle key (smartphone 3) that is allowed to control the vehicle in the vehicle is an effective key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

  (2) In the example of (1) above, the engine can be started by turning the smartphone 3 toward the indoor reader / writer 47 (center console), but the engine cannot be started even if the standard vehicle key 2 is brought into the vehicle. For this reason, the user can recognize that the thing recognized by the vehicle as the vehicle key is the smartphone 3 because the engine can be started only by the smartphone 3.

  (3) Even when the thing that the user thinks is a vehicle key (standard vehicle key 2) is actually different from the thing that the vehicle recognizes as a vehicle key (smartphone 3), It is possible to recognize that the thing that the vehicle recognizes as the vehicle key is the smartphone 3 because the engine can only be started.

  (4) Based on the above recognition, an effective vehicle key (smartphone 3) is prevented from being taken out of the vehicle. That is, the thing (smartphone 3) recognized by the vehicle as the vehicle key is suppressed from being taken out of the vehicle.

  (5) Since taking-out of the thing (smartphone 3) which the vehicle recognizes as a vehicle key is suppressed, it is avoided that a so-called key take-out warning is issued. Therefore, the user does not remember discomfort.

  (6) By operating the switches of the indoor reader / writer 47, the valid vehicle keys can be switched at the user's will. Thereby, the user can recognize clearly which vehicle key is effective.

  (7) The standard vehicle key 2 includes smart communication, transponder communication, and a mechanical key 26 as key means for unlocking the door lock. Among them, for example, when the mechanical key 26 is used and the door lock is unlocked, key authentication (transponder communication) in the vehicle for the standard vehicle key 2 including the mechanical key 26 is given priority. Therefore, in this example, the user can recognize that the standard vehicle key 2 is valid.

  (8) Regarding (7) above, when the standard vehicle key 2 is used, smart communication is performed by battery power, and the door lock is unlocked through authentication by this smart communication. When it occurs, the door lock is unlocked by operating the mechanical key 26 instead of the smart communication. Therefore, when the door lock is unlocked by the mechanical key 26, it is considered that the standard vehicle key 2 has run out of battery, and in this case, even if smart communication is attempted in key authentication in the vehicle, Considering that there is no response from the standard vehicle key 2, in this example, transponder communication is performed instead of smart communication in key authentication in the vehicle. That is, an activation radio wave for the transponder 27 is transmitted to a specific communication area in the vehicle, and the engine is allowed to start when the standard vehicle key 2 is put in this area. Therefore, in this example, the user recognizes that the vehicle key is recognized as the standard vehicle key 2 because the engine can be started by transponder communication even if the smart communication cannot be used due to the battery running out. Can be recognized.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
The present invention can also be applied to a case where two of a plurality of vehicle keys include key means for transmitting different identification codes in the same communication mode as key means for unlocking the door lock. Here, a case where two smart keys (registered trademarks) having different ID codes are registered as vehicle keys is illustrated. In the memory 48a, two reference ID codes (specified as code A and code B for convenience) that match each ID code are registered. When the smart key (key B) having the code B is used and the door lock is unlocked, the verification control device 48 gives priority to key authentication in the vehicle for the key B, and the smart having the code A. Restricts key authentication in the car for the key (key A).

  Originally, even if a communication error occurs with key A on the premise that authentication is performed in the order of key A and key B in key authentication outside the vehicle, the priority order is not changed in key authentication inside the vehicle. The key A that has a communication error in the key authentication outside the vehicle is first authenticated in the key authentication in the vehicle. Then, unless the communication environment is improved, it is considered that a communication error occurs again in the key authentication in the vehicle. In this case, communication is wasted.

  On the other hand, in this example, since the key B that has been previously matched in key authentication outside the vehicle is prioritized in key authentication in the vehicle, the possibility of matching in key authentication in the vehicle increases. That is, in the key authentication outside the vehicle, the engine starting with the key B that has been collated and matched earlier is allowed, while the engine starting with the key A is prohibited. Accordingly, it can be understood that the key B that is permitted to be controlled in the vehicle is an effective key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be described.
(A) In the key authentication device, two of the plurality of vehicle keys include key means for transmitting different identification codes in the same communication mode as key means for unlocking the door lock, and the control means includes: When the door lock is unlocked by using the key means having two reference identification codes matching the identification code and having the identification code matching the reference identification code, the door lock is unlocked. giving priority to key authentication in the car intended for vehicle key including a key unit used to regulate the key authentication in the car intended for other vehicle key that.

  According to this configuration, when a vehicle key having an identification code that has been matched in the key authentication outside the vehicle prior to unlocking the door lock and another vehicle key are brought into the vehicle, the key for the former vehicle key Authentication is given priority, and key authentication for the latter vehicle key is regulated. For example, when two vehicle keys are both smart keys, the smart key that has been previously matched in key authentication outside the vehicle is given priority in key authentication inside the vehicle.

  Originally, even if a communication error occurs with a vehicle key that was previously authenticated in key authentication outside the vehicle, the priority order is not changed in key authentication inside the vehicle, and communication error occurs in key authentication outside the vehicle. The obtained vehicle key is first subjected to authentication in the key authentication in the vehicle. Then, unless the communication environment is improved, it is considered that a communication error occurs again in the key authentication in the vehicle. In this case, communication is wasted.

  On the other hand, in this example, since the vehicle key that has been previously matched in key authentication outside the vehicle is prioritized in key authentication in the vehicle, the possibility of matching in key authentication in the vehicle increases. In other words, in key authentication outside the vehicle, while starting the engine with the vehicle key that has been matched and matched is allowed, differentiation is achieved such that starting of the engine with another vehicle key is prohibited. Accordingly, it can be understood that the vehicle key that is permitted to be controlled in the vehicle is an effective key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

(B) In the key authentication device, two of the plurality of vehicle keys include key means having different communication modes as key means for unlocking the door lock, and any one of the key means is used as the control means. When the door lock is unlocked, priority is given to the key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key including the key means used for unlocking the door lock, and the key in the vehicle for the other vehicle key. to regulate the authentication.

  According to the same configuration, for example, when one of the two vehicle keys is a smart key and the other is a smartphone, if the smartphone is trapped in a specific communication area outside the vehicle and the door lock is unlocked, the smartphone Priority is given to in-car key authentication. In this case, the engine start is permitted through key authentication in the vehicle by the indoor reader / writer for short-range wireless authentication, while the smart communication is stopped and the engine start by the smart key is prohibited. Figured. This makes it possible to understand that the smartphone is a valid key. Therefore, the user can recognize which vehicle key is valid.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key authentication system, 2 ... Standard vehicle key (vehicle key), 3 ... Smartphone (vehicle key), 4 ... Security apparatus (key authentication apparatus), 21 ... Reception antenna, 22 ... Reception circuit, 23 ... Microcomputer, 23a DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Memory 24 ... Transmission circuit 25 ... Transmission antenna 26 ... Mechanical key 27 ... Transponder 41 ... Outdoor LF transmitter 42 ... RF receiver 43 ... Unlock detection switch 44 ... Outdoor reader / writer 45 ... Indoor LF transmitter, 46 ... Transponder communication circuit, 47 ... Indoor reader / writer, 48 ... Verification control device (control means), 48a ... Memory.

Claims (2)

In a key authentication device for authenticating a vehicle key,
When one of multiple vehicle keys is used and the door lock is unlocked, priority is given to in-vehicle key authentication for the vehicle key used for unlocking the door lock, and other vehicle keys are targeted. A control means for restricting key authentication in the vehicle ,
When an operation for designating a vehicle key for which key authentication in the vehicle has priority is performed, the control means prioritizes key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key specified by the operation, A key authentication device for restricting key authentication in a vehicle for a vehicle key . One of the plurality of vehicle keys includes a plurality of key means for unlocking the door lock,
When any of the key means is used and the door lock is unlocked, the control means prioritizes key authentication in the vehicle for the vehicle key including the key means used for unlocking the door lock. The key authentication device according to claim 1, wherein key authentication in a vehicle for another vehicle key is regulated.