JP6660772B2 - Vehicle remote control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle remote control system.

  A vehicle control system for starting various devices such as a vehicle engine in response to a driver's operation includes a vehicle control device mounted in the vehicle and a portable device (remote control key) that can be carried by the vehicle driver. It is comprised including. When the driver inserts the portable device into the key cylinder of the vehicle, the vehicle control device acquires the authentication information stored in the portable device in an encrypted state by wireless communication, and the authentication information is transmitted to the vehicle control device. The vehicle control device performs various controls, such as starting the engine, on condition that the authentication information matches the stored authentication information.

  In recent years, even if a driver does not insert a portable device into a key cylinder, the driver simply enters the vehicle while holding the portable device, and wireless communication of authentication information is performed. Systems are also becoming popular. In such a vehicle control system, the vehicle control device wirelessly transmits a response request signal into the vehicle at LF (Low Frequency), and the portable device that wirelessly receives the response request signal transmits a response signal including authentication information to a UHF (Ultra Ultra). High frequency) radio transmission. The vehicle control device that has wirelessly received the response signal performs control such as starting the engine on one of the conditions that wirelessly receive the response signal at the response frequency.

  On the other hand, for a vehicle equipped with such various vehicle control systems, a vehicle remote operation system for operating various devices such as an engine start from outside the vehicle for various purposes such as warm driving in a cold region. (Engine starter) has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle remote control system includes a portable repeater owned by a driver and an in-vehicle repeater mounted on a vehicle. The portable repeater and the in-vehicle repeater relay the response request signal transmitted from the vehicle control device so that the response request signal is wirelessly transmitted to the portable device by the LF, and set the response request signal to the response request frequency. On the condition that the response signal has been received, the response signal transmitted from the portable device is relayed so as to be wirelessly transmitted to the vehicle control device by UHF, thereby controlling the start of the engine and the like.

  By the way, using such a vehicle remote control system, after starting the engine of the vehicle whose door is locked, the operation of unlocking the door of the vehicle in order for the driver to get into the vehicle has been troublesome. . That is, in general, for a vehicle, a vehicle unlocking operation means (for example, a lock / unlock button of a door knob of the vehicle) operated to unlock the door of the vehicle while the engine of the vehicle is operating. Or, the unlock device that unlocks the door does not operate even if the user operates the unlock button of the mobile device in the vehicle control system. For this reason, in order to unlock the vehicle door after the engine is started, the vehicle engine is temporarily stopped by operating the portable repeater-side engine stop button of the portable repeater in the vehicle remote control system, and then unlocked. It is necessary to operate the locking operating means, i.e., to perform a plurality of steps for one purpose of unlocking the door, and to unlock the vehicle door while the vehicle engine is operating. It was troublesome.

  Therefore, there has been proposed a technology for unlocking a vehicle door by using a vehicle remote control system while operating an engine of the vehicle in only one procedure. Specifically, the portable repeater is provided with a portable repeater-side lock operation button in addition to the portable repeater-side engine start button and the portable repeater-side engine stop button. When the lock operation button on the portable repeater side is operated after providing an unlocking retrofit unit which is a unit for unlocking the door, the door is replaced with the unlock retrofitting unit instead of the unlocking device. There has been proposed a technology for unlocking a device.

JP 2014-49770 A

  However, in a conventional vehicle remote operation system using an unlocking retrofit unit, it is necessary to provide the unlocking retrofitting unit in a vehicle, so that the equipment cost and the mounting cost of the unlocking retrofitting unit are reduced. There was a possibility that it would be bulky. Accordingly, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of easily and remotely controlling a device that can be operated only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped (hereinafter referred to as an engine stop device) at low cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle remote control system that can operate an engine stop device with only one procedure, and that can reduce device cost and installation cost. Aim.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a vehicle remote control system according to claim 1 is a vehicle control system including a vehicle control device, wherein the vehicle control device controls a predetermined device of the vehicle. A vehicle remote control system for remotely controlling the predetermined device via a vehicle control system, the vehicle remote control system being mounted on the vehicle and capable of communicating with the vehicle control device, and a wireless communication with the vehicle relay device. A portable repeater, wherein the portable repeater further comprises: trigger signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a trigger signal that is a signal functioning as a trigger for controlling the vehicle. A trigger signal receiving unit for wirelessly receiving the trigger signal wirelessly transmitted by the signal transmitting unit; and, when the engine of the vehicle is operating, the trigger signal receiving unit. When the trigger signal is wirelessly received, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, an operation on the predetermined device that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped. Stopping operation control means for controlling the vehicle control device, so that the engine-required operation is performed , wherein the vehicle control system includes a portable device capable of wireless communication with the vehicle control device. The stop operation control means includes an operation authentication response request signal, which is a signal for performing authentication for performing the engine-required stop operation and for performing authentication of the portable device, wherein the vehicle control device transmits the operation authentication response request signal to the vicinity of the vehicle. To perform wireless transmission .

Further, in the vehicle remote control system according to the second aspect , in the vehicle remote operation system according to the first aspect , at least the predetermined device to be subjected to the engine-required stop operation unlocks at least a door of the vehicle. An unlocking device, wherein the vehicle or the portable device includes an unlocking operation unit that is operated to unlock a door of the vehicle; and the vehicle control device is configured to operate the unlocking operation unit. The vehicle control system is configured to wirelessly transmit an unlocking response request signal when the unlocking response request signal is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle control device. Wirelessly transmits the response signal for unlocking, and at least one of the conditions for unlocking the door of the vehicle that the response signal for unlocking is received. The vehicle control device is configured to control the unlocking device, the stop operation control means, when the trigger signal receiving means wirelessly receives the trigger signal, the unlocking operation means The vehicle control device is controlled such that the vehicle control device wirelessly transmits the unlocking response request signal by simulating a case where the operation is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention , in the vehicle remote operation system according to the first or second aspect , the trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle.

  According to the vehicle remote operation system according to the first aspect, when the portable repeater in the vehicle remote operation system wirelessly receives a trigger signal, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, the engine is stopped for a predetermined time. By performing control such that an engine-required operation, which is an operation that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped and which is an operation on the device, is performed, for example, one action (for example, a trigger signal is transmitted) , Etc.), a plurality of controls (for example, engine stop and engine stop operation) can be performed, so that the engine stop device can be operated by only one procedure. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a retrofit unit (for example, a retrofit unit for unlocking, etc.) that functions as a substitute for the engine stop device, the equipment cost and the installation cost can be reduced. Further, regarding the trigger signal of the portable repeater in the vehicle remote control system, a radio signal (for example, a portable device of the vehicle control system or a vehicle-mounted repeater of the vehicle remote control system or the like) other than the portable repeater is used. , Regardless of whether a signal indicating that the operation button of the portable device has been operated or a signal for detecting the position of the user with respect to the vehicle is transmitted by the portable repeater. Need not be maintained in the reception mode, and power consumption in the portable repeater can be reduced.

According to the vehicle remote control system of the first aspect , by transmitting the operation authentication response request signal wirelessly to the periphery of the vehicle, for example, the driver having the portable device of the vehicle control system can control the vehicle. The engine stop operation can be performed only when the vehicle is in the vicinity, and the security of the vehicle can be improved.

Further, according to the vehicle remote control system of the second aspect , the vehicle control device controls the vehicle control device to wirelessly transmit the unlocking response request signal by simulating the case where the unlocking operation means of the vehicle is operated. By doing so, for example, a function of the vehicle that is exhibited when the unlocking operation means is operated (for example, an answerback function indicating that the door is unlocked, and an answerback function that outputs sound or light, etc.) Functions and the like can be used, the convenience can be improved, and the user does not feel uncomfortable even when unlocking is performed using a vehicle remote operation system instead of the unlocking operation means.

According to the vehicle remote control system of the third aspect , the trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle. For example, by performing an operation of stopping the engine, it is necessary to stop the engine in addition to stopping the engine. Since the engine stop operation can be performed, the engine stop operation can be performed without being conscious of it, and the convenience can be improved. In particular, since the door can be unlocked in addition to the stop of the engine, the door of the vehicle can be opened immediately after the stop of the engine, and the convenience can be improved.

1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention together with a vehicle control system. It is a flowchart of a vehicle remote control process when starting the engine of the vehicle. 3 is a flowchart of a vehicle remote operation process when the engine of the vehicle is started, following FIG. 2. It is a flowchart of a vehicle remote control process when stopping the engine of the vehicle and unlocking the door.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle remote control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by each embodiment.

  The vehicle remote control system according to the present invention is a system for remotely controlling a vehicle. In particular, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, the operation of a predetermined device of the vehicle is performed and the engine of the vehicle is stopped. This is a system that controls so that an engine-required stop operation, which is an operation that can be performed only when the operation is performed, is performed.

(Overview)
First, an outline of the vehicle remote control system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle remote control system 1 according to the present embodiment together with a vehicle control system 100 (in FIG. 1, a wired communication path is indicated by a straight arrow, and a wireless communication path is indicated by a polygonal arrow. ).

  The “vehicle remote control system” 1 is a system for remotely controlling a predetermined device of a vehicle via a vehicle control system 100 that controls a predetermined device of the vehicle (that is, various devices of the vehicle). Here, the “vehicle control system” 100 is a system configured so that the vehicle control device 110 and the portable device 120 can wirelessly communicate with each other. The “vehicle control device” 110 is a device installed in the vehicle for controlling a predetermined device of the vehicle. For example, the “vehicle control device” 110 is communicably wired to an ECU (Engine Control Unit) by a CAN (Controller Area Network) or the like. It is a connected device. The “portable device” 120 can be carried by a driver (that is, a user) to control a predetermined device of the vehicle via the vehicle control device 110, and is a so-called remote control key. Here, the specific type of the “predetermined device” and the specific control content for the predetermined device are arbitrary. As the “specific type of the predetermined device”, for example, when the engine of the vehicle is stopped. Includes a type corresponding to the above-mentioned “engine required stop device”, which is a device that can be operated only when there is, and the “specific control content for the predetermined device” includes that the engine is stopped. Includes those corresponding to the "operation required to stop the engine", which is an operation that can be performed only in such cases, such as starting and stopping the engine, starting and stopping the air conditioner, locking / unlocking the vehicle door, and securing the vehicle. The activation and release of the system, the output of various types of vehicle information such as the room temperature in the vehicle, and the like correspond. In the description below, the “predetermined device” is “device requiring engine stop” (specifically, “device that controls locking / unlocking of a vehicle door”), and the “operation requiring engine stop” is “ In the case of "operation to unlock", when "starting the engine" is performed by remote control with the door locked, then "stop the engine" and "unlock the door" by remote control For example.

  When performing “starting the engine”, the vehicle control system 100 performs the following processing as a known processing for starting the engine. That is, in this process, an “activation sequence” for the vehicle control device 110 to confirm the presence of the portable device 120 in the vehicle and an “authentication sequence” for the vehicle control device 110 to authenticate the portable device 120 are sequentially executed. Is done.

  In the “start-up sequence”, when a predetermined start-up operation based on the driver or an arbitrary event (for example, operation of an engine switch in the vehicle by the driver when the engine is stopped) is performed, the vehicle control device 110 Transmits an activation response request signal by radio at the response request frequency. Here, the “startup response request signal” is a signal for requesting a response from the vehicle control device 110 to the portable device 120, and is a response request signal for starting the engine, and its format and information content are optional. is there. The "response request frequency" is adjusted so that the transmission range is, for example, only in the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle (for example, in a range of 1 to 1.5 (m) in radius around the door of the driver's seat). In this case, the activation response request signal is transmitted only when the portable device 120 held by the driver is within a predetermined range (typically, in the vehicle) with respect to the vehicle control device 110. Device 120.

  The portable device 120 that has received the activation response request signal wirelessly transmits the activation response signal at the response frequency. Here, the “startup response signal” is a signal for notifying the vehicle control device 110 from the portable device 120 that the legitimate portable device 120 has received the activation response request signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 110. It is a response signal for starting the engine, and its format and information content are arbitrary. For example, the authentication information stored in the portable device 120 can be included in the response signal and transmitted. The vehicle control device 110 that has received the activation response signal analyzes the activation response signal, determines whether a predetermined authentication sequence start condition is satisfied, and determines whether the predetermined authentication sequence start condition is satisfied. Only, move on to the authentication sequence.

  The “authentication sequence” performs the same communication as the activation sequence. Unless otherwise specified, “activation” in the description of the activation sequence may be replaced with “authentication”. That is, vehicle control device 110 wirelessly transmits an authentication response request signal (response request signal for engine start) at a response request frequency. The portable device 120 that has received the authentication response request signal wirelessly transmits an authentication response signal (engine start response signal) at a response frequency. The vehicle control device 110 that has received the authentication response signal analyzes the authentication response signal, determines whether a predetermined control condition is satisfied, and starts the engine only when the predetermined control condition is satisfied. Predetermined control for starting is performed.

  Although the specific contents of the "control conditions" for starting the engine are arbitrary, in the following, 1) the operation of the engine switch (ignition switch) of the vehicle and the operation of the brake are performed, and 2) the authentication response signal The included authentication information matches the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 110 in advance, and 3) a predetermined time (for example, 1 second; hereinafter referred to as “condition satisfying time”) after transmitting the activation response request signal. ), The satisfaction of the above conditions 1) and 2) has been confirmed as a control condition. Note that, regarding the condition 2), the authentication information may be changed every time by a known rolling code method or a challenge response method, and the present invention can be similarly applied to such a case. However, the case where the authentication information is fixed will be described below.

  In the case of performing “stop of the engine”, the vehicle control system 100 performs the following process as a known process for stopping the engine. That is, in this process, a “stop sequence” for stopping the engine of the vehicle is executed. In the “stop sequence”, when a predetermined stop operation based on the driver or an arbitrary event (for example, an operation of an engine switch in the vehicle by the driver when the engine is started and operated) is performed, the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle control device 110 of the control system 100 performs a predetermined control for stopping the engine.

  In the case of performing “unlocking the door”, the vehicle control system 100 performs the following processing as a known processing for unlocking the door. That is, in this process, an “unlock sequence” is executed.

  In the “unlock sequence”, when a driver performs a predetermined unlock operation based on a driver or an arbitrary event (for example, a driver operates a lock / unlock button of a door knob on an outside of a vehicle), a vehicle control is performed. The device 110 wirelessly transmits an unlocking response request signal at a response request frequency to the periphery of the vehicle (for example, within a radius of 1 to 1.5 (m) around the driver's door). Here, the “unlock response request signal” is a signal for requesting a response from the vehicle control device 110 to the portable device 120 (that is, a signal for authenticating the portable device 120), and is used for operation authentication. This is a response request signal, and its format and information content are arbitrary.

  The portable device 120 that has received the unlocking response request signal wirelessly transmits the unlocking response signal at the response frequency. Here, the “unlock response signal” is used to notify the vehicle control device 110 from the portable device 120 that the valid portable device 120 has received the unlock response request signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 110. The format and information content are arbitrary, and, for example, the authentication information stored in the portable device 120 can be included in the unlock response signal and transmitted. The vehicle control device 110 that has received the unlock response signal analyzes the unlock response signal, determines whether a predetermined control condition is satisfied, and determines whether the predetermined control condition is satisfied. Only at this time, a predetermined control for unlocking the door is performed.

  The specific content of the "control condition" for unlocking the door is arbitrary, but in the following, 1) the authentication information included in the unlock response signal matches the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 110 in advance. And 2) within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second; hereinafter, referred to as "unlock condition satisfaction time") after the transmission of the unlock response request signal, confirms that the above condition 1) is satisfied. What could be done 3) The control condition is that the engine is stopped. Note that, regarding the condition 1), the authentication information may actually be changed every time by a known rolling code method, a challenge response method, or the like, and the present invention can be similarly applied to such a case. However, the case where the authentication information is fixed will be described below.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1, the “vehicle remote control system” 1 is a system for remotely controlling a predetermined device of the vehicle via the vehicle control system 100 that controls the predetermined device as described above. The vehicle remote control system 1 is a system configured so that the on-board repeater 10 and the portable repeater 20 can wirelessly communicate with each other. Details of each of these units will be described later.

  In the following description, when communication, transmission, or reception of signals and information between a plurality of devices is performed wirelessly, it is specifically referred to as “wireless communication”, “wireless transmission”, or “wireless reception”. However, in the absence of this special mention, both wireless and wired operations can be performed. Further, regarding a wireless communication system between a plurality of devices, a “simplex system” means a system in which only one-way communication from one device to another device is performed using one frequency, "Semi-duplex system" means a system in which communication from one device to the other device and communication in the opposite direction are performed using one frequency, and "duplex system" This means a method of performing communication in the direction from one device to the other device and communication in the opposite direction using two frequencies. Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish the “activation response request signal”, the “authentication response request signal”, and the “unlock response request signal” from each other, these are collectively referred to as “response request signals”. Similarly, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the “activation response signal”, the “authentication response signal”, and the “unlock response signal” from each other, these are collectively referred to as a “response signal”.

(Configuration-Vehicle control system-Vehicle control device)
Next, the configurations of the vehicle control system 100 and the vehicle remote control system 1 will be described. First, the configuration of the vehicle control system 100 will be described. The vehicle control device 110 of the vehicle control system 100 includes a basic transmission / reception circuit 111, a door switch 114, and a door control circuit 115. The basic transmission / reception circuit 111 is a basic transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a response request signal and a response signal (the same applies to the basic transmission / reception circuits 13, 23, and 121, which will be described later). It includes a response request signal transmitting circuit 112 for transmitting, and a response signal receiving circuit 113 for receiving a response signal transmitted at a response frequency.

  The door switch 114 is a signal output unit that outputs an unlock signal to the door control circuit 115 when the driver operates the unlock operation unit of the vehicle or the portable device 120. Here, the “unlock signal” is a signal for unlocking the door, and the output form of the “unlock signal” is arbitrary. For example, here, the “unlock signal” is transmitted to the door control circuit 115. It is assumed that changing the voltage of the signal line corresponds to outputting an “unlock signal”. More specifically, the voltage of the signal line to the door control circuit 115 is constantly maintained at an H (high) level (for example, 12 V), and the voltage is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 second). For example, changing the level to the L (low) level (for example, 0 V) (hereinafter, active low) corresponds to outputting an “unlock signal”, and conversely, changing the level to the door control circuit 115. The voltage of the signal line is always maintained at the L level, and changing the voltage to the H level for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 seconds) (hereinafter, active high) is called “unlocked”. There is a case corresponding to outputting a "signal". Here, for example, a case where "active low" corresponds to outputting an "unlock signal" will be described. The "unlocking operation means" is operated by a driver to unlock the door of the vehicle, and the specific configuration is arbitrary. , A known lock / unlock sensor provided near the doorknob itself or the doorknob, or a portable device side unlock button of the portable device 120. Here, for example, a case where the vehicle is provided with a “lock / unlock button” and the “unlock operation means” is the “lock / unlock button” will be described.

  The door control circuit 115 is a control unit that controls locking / unlocking of the vehicle door, and in particular, an unlocking unit that unlocks the lock of the vehicle door. The above-mentioned "device for controlling locking / unlocking of a door of a vehicle"), and specifically, an unlocking device for unlocking a door.

  Although not shown, the vehicle control device 110 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that controls each unit of the vehicle control device 110, a storage unit that stores authentication information in a nonvolatile manner, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication. An antenna and a contact terminal for receiving a wired output from various devices of the vehicle are provided. As the antenna, an engine starting antenna and an unlocking antenna are provided. Here, the “engine starting antenna” is an antenna used when starting the engine of the vehicle, and is specifically configured so that the signal transmission range is limited to the inside of the vehicle. . The “unlocking antenna” is an antenna used when unlocking a door. Specifically, a signal transmission range is around the vehicle (for example, a radius around a driver's seat door). (Within a range of 1 to 1.5 (m)). The contact terminals include an engine operation contact terminal that receives an output when an engine switch of the vehicle is operated (hereinafter, engine operation output), and an output when the brake of the vehicle is operated (hereinafter, brake operation output). And a lock / unlock operation contact terminal for receiving an output when a “lock / unlock button” of the vehicle is operated (hereinafter, lock / unlock operation output). However, since the vehicle control device 110 can be configured in the same manner as in the related art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration-Vehicle control system-Portable device)
The portable device 120 of the vehicle control system 100 includes a basic transmission / reception circuit 121. The basic transmission / reception circuit 121 includes a response request signal reception circuit 122 that receives a response request signal transmitted at a response request frequency, and a response signal transmission circuit 123 that wirelessly transmits a response signal at the response frequency. Although not shown, the portable device 120 includes an MPU that controls each unit of the portable device 120, a storage unit that stores authentication information in a nonvolatile manner, an antenna for performing wireless communication, and a battery serving as a power supply. Is provided. However, since the portable device 120 can be configured in the same manner as in the related art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration-Vehicle remote control system-In-vehicle repeater)
Next, the configuration of the vehicle remote control system 1 will be described. The in-vehicle repeater 10 of the vehicle remote control system 1 is provided in the vehicle, and performs communication about a start response request signal, a start response signal, an authentication response request signal, and an authentication response signal, The transmission / reception circuit 11 for communicating with the vehicle control device 110 and the portable repeater 20 and an output unit 12 are provided.

  The transmission / reception circuit 11 specifically includes a basic transmission / reception circuit 13 and a relay transmission / reception circuit 14. The basic transmission / reception circuit 13 is a basic transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with the vehicle control device 110, and includes a response request signal reception circuit 15 and a response signal transmission circuit 16. The response request signal receiving circuit 15 is a receiving unit that receives a response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle control device 110 at a response request frequency. The response signal transmission circuit 16 is a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the response signal transmitted from the portable repeater 20 to the vehicle control device 110 at a response frequency. The relay transmission / reception circuit 14 is a relay transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with the portable repeater 20, and includes a first relay reception circuit 17 and a first relay transmission circuit 18. The first relay receiving circuit 17 is a receiving unit that receives a start operation signal and a response signal wirelessly transmitted at a predetermined first relay frequency from the portable repeater 20, and wirelessly receives a trigger signal from the portable repeater 20. Trigger signal receiving means. Here, the "start operation signal" is a signal for operating, and is a signal for starting the start sequence by controlling the vehicle control device 110 via the on-vehicle repeater 10. The “trigger signal” is a signal that functions as a trigger for controlling the vehicle, and specifically, is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle. The first relay transmitting circuit 18 is a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the response request signal received by the response request signal receiving circuit 15 to the portable repeater 20 at the first relay frequency.

  The output unit 12 is an output unit that outputs a condition output that constitutes a control condition for a predetermined device of the vehicle to the vehicle control device 110. In particular, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, the predetermined device of the vehicle is output. This is a stop operation control unit that controls the vehicle control device 110 so that an “operation requiring engine stop”, which is an operation that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped, is performed. In the embodiment, the engine operation output and the brake operation output are simultaneously or sequentially output, and the lock / unlock operation output is output. More specifically, although not shown, the in-vehicle repeater 10 includes an engine operation contact terminal for performing engine operation output, a brake operation contact terminal for performing brake operation output, and a lock / unlock operation. A lock / unlock operation contact terminal for performing output is provided, the engine operation contact terminal is wired-connected to the engine operation contact terminal of the vehicle control device 110, and the brake operation contact terminal is connected to the vehicle control device. The brake operation contact terminal of the vehicle control device 110 is wired and the lock / unlock operation contact terminal of the vehicle control device 110 is wired. The output unit 12 outputs an engine operation output via the engine operation contact terminal, outputs a brake operation output via the brake operation contact terminal, and performs a lock / unlock operation via the lock / unlock operation contact terminal. Output the output.

  Although not shown, the in-vehicle repeater 10 includes an MPU that controls each unit of the in-vehicle repeater 10 (hereinafter, an MPU of the in-vehicle repeater 10), and a storage unit that stores information (hereinafter, the in-vehicle repeater 10). Storage unit) and an antenna for performing wireless communication. The power supply for the in-vehicle repeater 10 is obtained from the vehicle by a known method.

(Configuration-Vehicle remote control system-Portable repeater)
The portable repeater 20 of the vehicle remote control system 1 is carried by a driver and is used for performing communication regarding a start response request signal, a start response signal, an authentication response request signal, and an authentication response signal. Yes, it comprises an operation switch 21 and a transmission / reception circuit 22 for communicating with the portable device 120 and the on-vehicle repeater 10.

  The operation switch 21 is an operation means for receiving an operation instruction for a predetermined device of the vehicle, and specifically, a “portable repeater-side engine start button” which is a button switch operated to start an engine of the vehicle. These correspond to a general term for "a portable switch-side engine stop button" which is a button switch operated to stop the engine of the vehicle, and are configured as, for example, a known push button switch. The “portable repeater-side engine start button” and “portable repeater-side engine stop button” of the operation switch 21 can be arbitrarily configured. For example, here, these buttons are The following description will be made on the assumption that they are separately provided at positions adjacent to each other on the same side (that is, on the same surface) of the housing of the machine 20.

  The transmission / reception circuit 22 specifically includes a basic transmission / reception circuit 23 and a relay transmission / reception circuit 24. The basic transmission / reception circuit 23 is a basic transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with the portable device 120, and includes a response request signal transmission circuit 25 and a response signal reception circuit 26. The response request signal transmission circuit 25 is a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the response request signal transmitted from the in-vehicle repeater 10 to the portable device 120 at a response request frequency. The response signal receiving circuit 26 is a receiving unit that receives a response signal wirelessly transmitted at a response frequency from the portable device 120 based on the response request signal. The relay transmission / reception circuit 24 is a relay transmission / reception unit that performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle repeater 10, and includes a first relay transmission circuit 27 and a first relay reception circuit 28. The first relay transmitting circuit 27 is a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the start operation signal and the response signal to the first relay receiving circuit 17 of the on-vehicle repeater 10 at the first relay frequency. Trigger signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting to the first relay receiving circuit 17 at the first relay frequency. The first relay receiving circuit 28 is a receiving unit that receives a response request signal wirelessly transmitted at the first relay frequency from the first relay transmitting circuit 18 of the in-vehicle relay device 10.

  Although not shown, the portable repeater 20 includes an MPU that controls each unit of the portable repeater 20 (hereinafter, an MPU of the portable repeater 20) and a storage unit that stores information (hereinafter, the portable repeater 20). Storage unit), an antenna for performing wireless communication, and a battery serving as a power supply.

  The portable repeater 20 configured as described above is held at a position close to the portable device 120 so that wireless communication with the portable device 120 at the response request frequency is possible. For example, as a device for performing such holding, a hole for inserting a key holder ring is formed in the housing of the portable repeater 20, so that the portable device 120 and the portable repeater 20 can be shared by a common key holder ring. By holding the portable relay device 20, the portable repeater 20 can be easily held at a position close to the portable device 120.

(frequency)
Next, a frequency used for wireless communication will be described. The response request frequency and the response frequency used for wireless communication between the vehicle control device 110 and the on-vehicle repeater 10 and between the portable device 120 and the portable repeater 20 are respectively the vehicle control device 110 and the portable device 120. Are set to the same frequency as the response request frequency and the response frequency used in the wireless communication between them. Here, when the response request frequency and the response frequency are different depending on the manufacturer and the type of the vehicle, these frequencies are specified in advance for each vehicle by a test, and the manufacturer of the vehicle on which the vehicle remote control system 1 is installed is specified. And the frequency according to the vehicle type are set in the in-vehicle repeater 10 and the portable repeater 20. In the following description, it is assumed that the response request frequency is LF (specifically, 125 kHz) and the response frequency is UHF (more generally, RF (Radio Frequency), specifically, 315 MHz).

(processing)
Next, a vehicle remote control process performed using the vehicle remote control system 1 configured as described above will be described. 2 and 3 are flowcharts of a vehicle remote control process when starting the engine of the vehicle, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle remote control process when stopping the engine of the vehicle and unlocking the door. . In the following description of the process, after the startup sequence of FIG. 2 and the authentication sequence of FIG. 3 have been described as the process for starting the engine of the vehicle, the process for stopping the engine of the vehicle and unlocking the door will be described. The stop sequence and the unlock sequence in FIG. 4 will be described. In addition, the process that does not specify the control subject is executed by the MPU of the vehicle control device 110, the portable device 120, the in-vehicle repeater 10, or the portable repeater 20, and the information acquisition source and the acquisition route are not specified. In the case, it is assumed that a driver or the like is stored in advance in a storage unit of each device at a known timing and a known method, or is input via an operation unit (not shown) provided in each device. Steps are abbreviated as “S”.

(Process-Start sequence)
The operator holding the portable device 120 and the portable repeater 20 can use the “portable repeater” of the operation switch 21 of the portable repeater 20 at a position outside the vehicle away from the vehicle (for example, at a position about 5 to 6 m away from the vehicle). By pressing the "side engine start button", the engine start is instructed. The portable repeater 20 monitors the presence / absence of a driver's operation on the “portable repeater-side engine start button” of the operation switch 21, and when an operation on the operation switch 21 is received (SA 1 in FIG. 2), a startup sequence. (Not shown) is executed. Specifically, first, the first relay transmission circuit 27 of the portable relay device 20 performs a carrier sense, and then transmits a start operation signal at a first relay frequency (eg, UHF = 920 MHz) (SA2). ).

  When the start operation signal is received by the first relay receiving circuit 17 of the in-vehicle repeater 10 (SA3), the output unit 12 outputs a condition output for starting the engine to the vehicle control device 110 by wire (SA4). When the condition output is received by the vehicle control device 110 (SA5), the vehicle control device 110 determines that the condition output wired in this manner is the same as the output performed when the driver performs a predetermined start operation. Therefore, the same processing as when an output when a predetermined start operation is performed is received is performed. That is, the response request signal transmission circuit 112 of the vehicle control device 110 wirelessly transmits the start response request signal to the portable device 120 via the engine starting antenna at the response request frequency (SA6). The activation response request signal for the portable device 120 does not reach the portable device 120 at a position outside the vehicle (for example, at a position about 5 to 6 m away from the vehicle), and the signal of the in-vehicle repeater 10 in the vehicle is not received. The response request signal is received by the response request signal receiving circuit 15.

  When the activation response request signal is thus received by the response request signal receiving circuit 15 (SA7), the first relay transmission circuit 18 modulates the activation response request signal to the first relay frequency (SA8) and modulates it. An activation response request signal is wirelessly transmitted to the portable repeater 20 (SA9).

  When this activation response request signal is received by the first relay reception circuit 28 of the portable repeater 20 (SA10), the first relay reception circuit 28 demodulates the activation response request signal to a response request frequency and outputs a response request signal transmission circuit. 25 (SA11), and the response request signal transmission circuit 25 of the portable repeater 20 wirelessly transmits the activation response request signal to the portable device 120 at the response request frequency (SA12).

  When the activation response request signal wirelessly transmitted in SA12 is received by the response request signal receiving circuit 122 of the portable device 120 (SA13), the portable device 120 transmits the activation response wirelessly transmitted from the portable repeater 20 in this manner. Since the request signal is the same in content and frequency as the start response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle control device 110 in SA6, the same as when the start response request signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 110 is directly received Is performed. That is, the portable device 120 generates a predetermined activation response signal, and the response signal transmission circuit 123 wirelessly transmits the activation response signal to the vehicle control device 110 at a response frequency (SA14).

  When the activation response signal is received by the response signal receiving circuit 26 of the portable repeater 20 (SA15), the first relay transmission circuit 27 modulates the activation response signal to the first relay frequency (SA16), and the modulated activation is performed. The response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the on-vehicle repeater 10 at the first relay frequency (SA17). When this activation response signal is received by the first relay receiving circuit 17 of the on-board repeater 10 (SA18), the first relay receiving circuit 17 demodulates the activation response signal to a response frequency and sends it to the response signal transmitting circuit 16 ( SA19), the response signal transmission circuit 16 wirelessly transmits the activation response signal to the vehicle control device 110 at the response frequency (SA20).

  When the activation response signal is received by the response signal receiving circuit 113 of the vehicle control device 110 (SA21), the vehicle control device 110 transmits the activation response signal wirelessly transmitted from the on-vehicle repeater 10 in SA14 to the portable device. Since the content and frequency of the activation response signal are the same as those of the activation response signal wirelessly transmitted from the mobile device 120, the same processing as when the activation response signal transmitted from the portable device 120 is directly received is performed. That is, the vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not a predetermined authentication sequence start condition is satisfied (not shown) based on the activation response signal, and if it determines that the predetermined authentication sequence start condition is satisfied, And perform an authentication sequence. If the vehicle control device 110 determines that at least some of the authentication sequence start conditions are not satisfied, the vehicle remote control process ends without executing the authentication sequence.

(Processing-authentication sequence)
In the authentication sequence of FIG. 3, the response request signal transmission circuit 112 of the vehicle control device 110 wirelessly transmits a predetermined authentication response request signal to the portable device 120 via the engine starting antenna at a response request frequency (SA22). The authentication response request signal for the portable device 120 does not reach the portable device 120 at a position outside the vehicle (for example, at a position about 5 to 6 m away from the vehicle), and the signal of the in-vehicle repeater 10 in the vehicle is not received. The response request signal is received by the response request signal receiving circuit 15.

  When the authentication response request signal is thus received by the response request signal receiving circuit 15 (SA23), the first relay transmission circuit 18 modulates the authentication response request signal to the first relay frequency (SA24), Wireless transmission is performed to the portable repeater 20 at the relay frequency (SA25). When the authentication response request signal is received by the first relay receiving circuit 28 of the portable repeater 20 (SA26), the first relay receiving circuit 28 demodulates the authentication response request signal to a response request frequency and transmits the response request signal to the response request signal transmitting circuit. 25 (SA27), and the response request signal transmitting circuit 25 wirelessly transmits the authentication response request signal to the portable device 120 at the response request frequency (SA28). More specifically, in SA28, the same authentication response request signal as the authentication response request signal wirelessly transmitted in SA22 is wirelessly transmitted.

  When the authentication response request signal is received by the response request signal receiving circuit 122 of the portable device 120 (SA29), the portable device 120 transmits the authentication response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the portable repeater 20 in SA22 to the vehicle. Since the content and frequency are the same as those of the authentication response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the control device 110, the same processing as when the authentication response request signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 110 is directly received is performed. That is, the portable device 120 generates a predetermined authentication response signal including, for example, authentication information, and the response signal transmission circuit 123 wirelessly transmits the authentication response signal to the vehicle control device 110 at a response frequency (SA30).

  When this authentication response signal is received by the response signal receiving circuit 26 of the portable repeater 20 (SA31), the first relay transmitting circuit 27 modulates the authentication response signal to the first relay frequency (SA32), and the modulated authentication The response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the on-vehicle repeater 10 at the first relay frequency (SA33). When the authentication response signal is received by the first relay receiving circuit 17 of the on-board repeater 10 (SA34), the first relay receiving circuit 17 demodulates the authentication response signal to a response frequency and sends it to the response signal transmitting circuit 16 ( (SA35), the response signal transmitting circuit 16 wirelessly transmits the authentication response signal to the vehicle control device 110 at the response frequency (SA36). Specifically, SA 36 wirelessly transmits the same authentication response signal as the authentication response signal wirelessly transmitted in SA 30.

  When the authentication response signal is received by the response signal receiving circuit 113 of the vehicle control device 110 (SA37), the vehicle control device 110 transmits the authentication response signal wirelessly transmitted from the in-vehicle repeater 10 to the portable device in SA30. Since the content and frequency of the authentication response signal are the same as those of the authentication response signal wirelessly transmitted from the mobile device 120, the same process as when the authentication response signal transmitted from the portable device 120 is directly received is performed. That is, vehicle control device 110 determines whether a predetermined control condition for starting the engine is satisfied based on the authentication response signal (SA38). Specifically, the vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the operation of the engine switch and the operation of the brake of the vehicle are being performed. However, since the condition output has already been received in SA5, these operations are performed. It is determined that the operation has been performed. Further, for example, vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the authentication information included in the authentication response signal matches the authentication information stored in advance in its own storage unit. Further, vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the transmission of the activation response request signal in SA6 to the time is within the condition satisfaction time. Then, when it is determined that all of these control conditions are satisfied, vehicle control device 110 performs predetermined control for starting the engine (SA39). For example, the vehicle control device 110 encrypts and transmits a signal indicating that the control condition for starting the engine is satisfied to the ECU, and receives and decrypts the signal to start the starter motor of the engine. Thus, after the engine is started, the vehicle remote control process for starting the engine of the vehicle is ended. If the vehicle control device 110 determines that at least some of the control conditions are not satisfied, the vehicle remote control process for starting the vehicle engine is terminated without performing any control.

(Processing-stop sequence and unlock sequence)
Next, the vehicle remote control system 1 executes the stop sequence and the unlock sequence of FIG. The timing for starting the execution of the stop sequence and the unlock sequence is arbitrary as long as it is the timing after the step of starting the engine of the vehicle, but here, for example, after performing SA33 in FIG. A description will be given below assuming that the execution of the stop sequence is started.

  First, in SB1 of FIG. 4, the MPU of the portable repeater 20 determines whether the “portable repeater-side engine stop button” of the operation switch 21 of the portable repeater 20 of FIG. 1 has been operated. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the “mobile repeater-side engine stop button” has been pressed. If the “portable repeater-side engine stop button” is not pressed, it is determined that the “portable relay-side engine stop button” has not been operated (NO in SB1), and the “portable repeater-side engine stop button” is determined. Is repeatedly performed until it is determined that is operated. If the “portable repeater-side engine stop button” is pressed, it is determined that the “portable relay-side engine stop button” has been operated (YES in SB1), and the process proceeds to SB2. Here, for example, when the driver approaches the vehicle and the vicinity of the vehicle (for example, within a range of a radius of 1 to 1.5 (m) around the door of the driver's seat or the like), the "portable repeater-side engine stop" The operation will be described below assuming that the "button" is pressed. In this case, it is determined that the "portable repeater-side engine stop button" has been operated.

  Next, after the processing of SB2 to SB5 in FIG. 4 is performed, the processing of SB6 is performed. Regarding the processing of SB2 to SB5, the same processing as SA2 to SA5 in FIG. 2 is performed. Specifically, for SB6 in addition to SB2 to SB5 in FIG. 4, the first relay transmission circuit 27 of the portable relay device 20 performs carrier sensing and then changes the trigger signal to the first relay frequency (for example, UHF = 920 MHz) (SB2). When this trigger signal is received by the first relay receiving circuit 17 of the on-board repeater 10 (SB3), the output unit 12 outputs a condition output for stopping the engine to the vehicle control device 110 by wire (SB4). When the condition output is received by the vehicle control device 110 (SB5), the vehicle control device 110 determines that the condition output wired in this manner is the same as the output performed when the driver performs a predetermined stop operation. Therefore, the same processing as when an output when a predetermined stop operation is performed is received is performed. That is, the vehicle control device 110 performs a known control for stopping the engine of the vehicle (SB6).

  Next, in SB7 after SB4 in FIG. 4, the output unit 12 outputs the condition output for unlocking the door to the vehicle control device 110 in FIG. 1 by wire. Specifically, the condition output is simulated when the "lock / unlock button" of the vehicle is operated (that is, the door switch 114 outputs an "unlock signal"). (Specifically, by outputting “lock / unlock operation output”), the voltage of the signal line to the door control circuit 115 whose voltage is constantly maintained at the H level is changed for a predetermined time (for example, 0). (For example, 1.5 to 1.0 seconds) (that is, the state of the voltage of the signal line to the door control circuit 115 is changed by operating the "lock / unlock button"). Control is performed to make the state similar to the state when the switch 114 outputs the unlock signal).

  Next, in SB8 of FIG. 4, the vehicle control device 110 receives the condition output wired in SB7. Specifically, the voltage of the signal line to the door control circuit 115 whose voltage is constantly maintained at the H level is changed to the L level for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 seconds). (That is, the state of the voltage of the signal line to the door control circuit 115 is the same as the state when the “lock / unlock button” is operated and the door switch 114 outputs an unlock signal). Is controlled to be in a state). Then, by receiving the condition output (that is, by performing the processing of SB7 and SB8 in FIG. 4), it is simulated that the driver has operated the "lock / unlock button" of the vehicle. 110 performs the same processing as described below when the driver operates the “lock / unlock button” of the vehicle.

  Next, after performing the processing of SB9 to SB13 in FIG. 4, the processing of SB14 is performed. Regarding the processing of SB9 to SB13, the same processing as SA22, SA29, SA30, SA37, and SA38 in FIG. 3 is performed. Specifically, in response to SB14 in addition to SB9 to SB13 in FIG. 4, the response request signal transmission circuit 112 of the vehicle control device 110 transmits a predetermined unlock response request signal at the response request frequency via the unlock antenna. Wirelessly to the device 120 (SB9). The unlocking response request signal to the portable device 120 reaches the portable device 120 around the vehicle (for example, within a radius of 1 to 1.5 (m) around the driver's door), The response request signal receiving circuit 122 of the portable device 120 receives the arrived unlock response request signal (SB10). Next, the portable device 120 that has received the unlock response request signal generates a predetermined unlock response signal including, for example, authentication information, and the response signal transmission circuit 123 transmits the unlock response signal to the vehicle at the response frequency. Radio transmission is performed to the control device 110 (SB11). Next, when the response signal for unlocking is received by the response signal receiving circuit 113 of the vehicle control device 110 (SB12), the vehicle control device 110 determines the door unlocking signal based on the received response signal for unlocking. It is determined whether or not the predetermined control condition is satisfied (SB13). Specifically, vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the authentication information included in the unlock response signal matches the authentication information stored in advance in its own storage unit. Further, vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the transmission of the unlocking response request signal in SB9 to the present time is within the unlocking condition satisfaction time. Further, vehicle control device 110 determines whether or not the engine is stopped. If the vehicle control device 110 determines that all of these control conditions are satisfied, the vehicle control device 110 performs known control for unlocking the door using the door control circuit 115 (SB14). ), The door is unlocked, and the answer back is performed, and the vehicle remote control process for stopping the engine of the vehicle and unlocking the door is ended. In addition, "an answer back" is to notify the user that the door is unlocked, and, for example, a sound (for example, an unlock sound such as "pi-pi-pi") from a speaker (not shown) of the vehicle. ) Or outputting light from a hazard lamp (not shown) of the vehicle, and is performed by an “answer-back function” that is mounted in the vehicle in advance.

(Effects of Embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the portable relay device 20 in the vehicle remote control system 1 wirelessly receives a trigger signal transmitted wirelessly, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, the predetermined device is stopped. By performing control so that an engine stop operation is required, which is an operation that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped, for example, one action (for example, transmitting a trigger signal) , Etc.), a plurality of controls (for example, engine stop and engine stop operation) can be performed, so that the engine stop device can be operated by only one procedure. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a retrofit unit (for example, a retrofit unit for unlocking, etc.) that functions as a substitute for the engine stop device, the equipment cost and the installation cost can be reduced. In addition, regarding the trigger signal of the portable repeater 20 in the vehicle remote operation system 1, a device other than the portable repeater 20 (for example, the portable unit 120 of the vehicle control system 100 or the on-board repeater 10 of the vehicle remote operation system 1) ) Regardless of whether a wireless signal (for example, a signal indicating that an operation button of the portable device 120 has been operated, or a signal for detecting the position of the user with respect to the vehicle) has been received from the portable repeater. Since the transmission is performed by the mobile repeater 20, the mobile repeater 20 does not need to be maintained in the reception mode, and the power consumption of the mobile repeater 20 can be reduced.

  Also, by transmitting the unlocking response request signal wirelessly to the periphery of the vehicle, for example, only when the driver holding the portable device 120 of the vehicle control system 100 is around the vehicle, the engine stop operation is required. Can be performed, and the security of the vehicle can be improved.

  Further, by simulating the case where the unlocking operation means (that is, the lock / unlock button) of the vehicle is operated, the vehicle control device 110 controls the vehicle to transmit the unlocking response request signal wirelessly. For example, a function of the vehicle (for example, an answerback function indicating that the door is unlocked and an answerback function of outputting sound or light, etc.) performed when the unlocking operation means is operated is provided. It can be used, the convenience can be improved, and the user does not feel uncomfortable even when unlocking is performed using the vehicle remote control system 1 instead of the unlocking operation means.

  Further, since the trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle, for example, by performing an operation of stopping the engine, it is possible to perform the operation of stopping the engine in addition to the stop of the engine. Can be performed without being conscious of this, and the convenience can be improved. In particular, since the door can be unlocked in addition to the stop of the engine, the door of the vehicle can be opened immediately after the stop of the engine, and the convenience can be improved.

[Modification to Embodiment]
As described above, the embodiment according to the present invention has been described. However, the specific configuration and means of the present invention may be arbitrarily modified and improved within the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Can be. Hereinafter, such modified examples will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the contents described above. According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the problems not described above or to obtain the effects not described above. In some cases, only some of the described problems may be solved or only some of the described effects may be achieved. For example, even when the remote control performance of the vehicle remote control system according to the present invention is comparable to that of a conventional vehicle remote control system, it is possible to remotely control a vehicle by the vehicle remote control system according to the present invention. Where possible, the subject of the present invention has been solved.

(About distribution and integration)
Further, the above-described electric components are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each unit is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed or integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured. The “system” in the present application is not limited to a system configured by a plurality of devices, but includes a system configured by a single device. The “device” in the present application is not limited to a device configured by a single device, but includes a device configured by a plurality of devices.

(About shape, numerical value, structure, time series)
Regarding the components exemplified in each embodiment and the drawings, shapes, numerical values, or structures or chronological relationships between a plurality of components are arbitrarily modified and improved within the technical idea of the present invention. be able to. For example, the items described in the above embodiment and the items described in the modified examples may be arbitrarily combined with each other even if not specified.

(About unlock signal output)
In the above embodiment, the case where the features of the present application are applied to a vehicle corresponding to “active low” outputting an “unlock signal” has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the features of the present application may be applied to a vehicle corresponding to “active high” outputting an “unlock signal”.

(About operation switches)
In the above-described embodiment, a “portable repeater-side engine start button” and a “portable relay-side engine stop button” are provided as the operation switches 21 of the portable repeater 20 in FIG. Although the case where the trigger signal is transmitted by pressing the "stop button" has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the operation switch 21 of the portable repeater 20, a "portable repeater-side unlock button" is provided separately from the "portable repeater-side engine start button" and "portable repeater-side engine stop button". The trigger signal may be transmitted by pressing the “portable repeater-side unlock button”. In such a configuration, the trigger signal functions as an unlocking signal. In this configuration, when the “portable repeater-side engine stop button” is pressed, only the engine may be stopped (that is, the door is not unlocked).

(About unlocking operation means)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the features of the present application are applied to the vehicle provided with the “lock / unlock button” as the “unlock operation means” is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a known configuration including a “lock / unlock sensor” or a “portable device-side unlock button” as the “unlocking operation device”, and a configuration that achieves the same purpose as the “lock / unlock button” The features of the present application may be applied to a vehicle that is configured to use the.

(About stop sequence and unlock sequence)
The specific processing performed in each step of the stop sequence and the unlock sequence in FIG. 4 in the above embodiment is an example, and the type of the vehicle (that is, the vehicle) is within the scope of each step. Any specific processing may be performed in accordance with the specification of (1). For example, in SB7 of FIG. 4, the output unit 12 simulates the case where the “lock / unlock button” of the vehicle is operated (that is, the vehicle performs the same processing as the case where the “lock / unlock button” is operated). May be performed as long as it is performed). Further, in SB7 of FIG. 4, by outputting a "condition output (specifically," lock / unlock operation output "), the voltage to the door control circuit 115 whose voltage is constantly maintained at the H level is output. The control method of changing the voltage of the signal line to the L level for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 second) is arbitrary. For example, the lock / unlock operation output Itself may always change the voltage of the signal line of the H level to the L level for a predetermined time (that is, the “lock / unlock operation output” functions as the “unlock signal”). Further, the door switch 114 may be configured to output an “unlock signal” when the “lock / unlock operation output” is output, or may be configured similarly to the door switch 114. And a switch (other switch), when the "lock / unlock operation output" is output may be configured such that the other switch outputs "unlock signal".

(About application (1))
The features of the above-described embodiment can be applied to all types of vehicles. Is also good. For example, the present invention may be applied to a vehicle in which the portable device 120 of FIG. 1 is not provided and is controlled without using the portable device 120.

(About application (Part 2))
The stop sequence and the unlock sequence in FIG. 4 in the above embodiment may be executed after the engine of the vehicle is started by a known process other than the start sequence in FIG. 2 and the authentication sequence in FIG. Therefore, for example, in the vehicle remote control system 1, the functions of the activation sequence and the authentication sequence may be omitted.

(About the vehicle)
The type and configuration of the vehicle are arbitrary and include a four-wheeled vehicle, a crane vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, when the device to be controlled is other than the prime mover, a vehicle without a prime mover may be targeted. For example, a motorcycle may be targeted.

(About the configuration of the vehicle control system)
The configuration of the vehicle control system is arbitrary. For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle control device 110 is described as being connected to the ECU by wire, but the vehicle control device 110 itself may be the ECU. The functions described as being performed by the vehicle control device 110 may be provided to the ECU, or the functions described as being performed by the ECU may be provided to the vehicle control device 110. For example, a part of the determination of satisfaction of the control condition may be performed by the ECU connected to the vehicle control device 110 instead of the vehicle control device 110. In addition, the vehicle control device 110 may have a known function other than the above-described function. For example, if a response signal cannot be received within a predetermined time after transmitting a response request signal, A retry function for retransmitting the request signal may be provided. Even in the case of performing the retry in this way, after establishing the connection as described above, this connection is maintained until the vehicle remote operation processing is completed, thereby causing a retransmission of a response request signal for the retry and the like. Delay can be minimized. Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where only one of the “activation sequence” and the “authentication sequence” is performed, and a case where another sequence is performed. In this case, the vehicle remote operation system Even in the case of 1, it is possible to perform only one of the “activation sequence” and the “authentication sequence”, or to relay communication for performing another sequence.

(About the configuration of the vehicle remote control system)
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the vehicle remote control system 1 includes the in-vehicle relay device 10 and the portable relay device 20, but the vehicle remote control system 1 may include other devices. In the case where remote control is performed from a place extremely far from the vehicle, a repeater for relaying wireless communication between the in-vehicle repeater 10 and the portable repeater 20 may be further provided. Further, a plurality of portable repeaters 20 may be capable of communicating with one vehicle-mounted repeater 10. Further, if necessary, the in-vehicle repeater 10 may be connected to devices other than the vehicle control device 110 wirelessly or by wire. In addition, with respect to the arrangement of the vehicle remote control system 1, in each embodiment, the portable repeater 20 has been described as being operated together with the portable device 120 outside the vehicle. May be arranged.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the vehicle remote control system 1 performs wireless communication between the vehicle-mounted repeater 10 and the portable repeater 20 at the first relay frequency. However, wireless communication may be performed at another frequency. Good. For example, wireless communication may be performed at a second relay frequency (for example, 429 MHz), or wireless communication may be performed at a first relay frequency and a second relay frequency.

(About connection form)
In the above embodiment, communication between the vehicle control device 110 and the on-vehicle repeater 10 (excluding the output from the output unit 12) and communication between the portable device 120 and the portable repeater 20 are performed by radio. Although the description has been made on the assumption that communication is performed, wired connection may be used.

(About frequency)
The frequencies indicated by numerical values in the above description are merely examples, and other frequencies may be adopted. Further, the relay frequency used for the activation sequence and the relay frequency used for the authentication sequence may be different from each other.

(About processing)
The order and timing of the processing described above can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the vehicle control device 110 transmits a start response request signal with a start operation signal from the portable repeater 20 as a trigger. When the device 110 is configured to transmit the start response request signal at predetermined intervals, the process related to the relay of the start response request signal may be performed before the process related to the transmission of the start operation signal.

(Each embodiment and modified example)
Each feature of the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be arbitrarily selected, and the selected features may be combined.

(Note)
The vehicle remote control system according to Supplementary Note 1 is a vehicle control system including a vehicle control device, wherein the vehicle control device remotely controls the predetermined device via a vehicle control system that controls a predetermined device of the vehicle. A system, which is mounted on the vehicle and includes an in-vehicle repeater that can communicate with the vehicle control device, and a portable repeater that can wirelessly communicate with the in-vehicle repeater, wherein the portable repeater is Trigger signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a trigger signal which is a signal functioning as a trigger for controlling the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle repeater wirelessly receives the trigger signal wirelessly transmitted by the trigger signal transmitting means And an engine of the vehicle when the trigger signal receiving means wirelessly receives the trigger signal when the engine of the vehicle is operating. Is stopped, and after the stop, the engine stop operation, which is an operation for the predetermined device and can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped, is performed. Stopping operation control means for controlling the control device.

  The vehicle remote control system according to Supplementary Note 2 is the vehicle remote control system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the vehicle control system includes a portable device capable of wirelessly communicating with the vehicle control device, and the stop operation control unit includes: Controlling the vehicle control device to wirelessly transmit an operation authentication response request signal, which is a signal for performing authentication of the portable device, which is authentication for performing the engine-required stop operation, to the vicinity of the vehicle. .

  The vehicle remote control system according to Supplementary Note 3 is the vehicle remote control system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the predetermined device to be subjected to the engine stop operation is an unlock device that unlocks at least a door of the vehicle, The vehicle or the portable device includes an unlocking operation unit that is operated to unlock a door of the vehicle, and the vehicle control device unlocks when the unlocking operation unit is operated. The vehicle control system is configured to wirelessly transmit a lock response request signal, and the vehicle control system is configured to control the portable device to perform an unlock response signal based on the unlock response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle control device. Wirelessly transmitting the unlock control signal as at least one of the conditions for unlocking the vehicle door. Device is configured to control the unlock device, the stop operation control means, when the trigger signal receiving means wirelessly receives the trigger signal, when the unlock operation means is operated And controls the vehicle control device so that the vehicle control device wirelessly transmits the unlock response request signal.

  The vehicle remote operation system according to Appendix 4 is the vehicle remote operation system according to any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, wherein the trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle.

(Effect of additional notes)
According to the vehicle remote operation system described in Supplementary Note 1, the engine of the vehicle is stopped when a trigger signal wirelessly transmitted by the portable relay device in the vehicle remote operation system is wirelessly received. By performing control so that an engine stop operation is required, which is an operation that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped, for example, one action (for example, transmitting a trigger signal) , Etc.), a plurality of controls (for example, engine stop and engine stop operation) can be performed, so that the engine stop device can be operated by only one procedure. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a retrofit unit (for example, a retrofit unit for unlocking, etc.) that functions as a substitute for the engine stop device, the equipment cost and the installation cost can be reduced. Further, regarding the trigger signal of the portable repeater in the vehicle remote control system, a radio signal (for example, a portable device of the vehicle control system or a vehicle-mounted repeater of the vehicle remote control system or the like) other than the portable repeater is used. , Regardless of whether a signal indicating that the operation button of the portable device has been operated or a signal for detecting the position of the user with respect to the vehicle is transmitted by the portable repeater. Need not be maintained in the reception mode, and power consumption in the portable repeater can be reduced.

  According to the vehicle remote operation system described in Supplementary Note 2, by transmitting the operation authentication response request signal wirelessly to the periphery of the vehicle, for example, a driver having a portable device of the vehicle control system is around the vehicle. Only in this case, the engine-required stop operation can be performed, and the security of the vehicle can be improved.

  According to the vehicle remote control system described in Supplementary Note 3, by simulating the case where the unlocking operation means of the vehicle is operated, the vehicle control device is controlled to wirelessly transmit the unlocking response request signal. For example, a function of the vehicle that is exhibited when the unlocking operation means is operated (for example, an answerback function indicating that the door is unlocked, such as an answerback function of outputting sound or light, or the like). Can be used, the convenience can be improved, and the user does not feel uncomfortable even when unlocking is performed using the vehicle remote control system instead of the unlocking operation means.

  According to the vehicle remote control system described in Supplementary Note 4, the trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle. For example, by performing an operation of stopping the engine, in addition to stopping the engine, an operation of stopping the engine required is performed. Can be performed without being aware of the engine stop operation required, and the convenience can be improved. In particular, since the door can be unlocked in addition to the stop of the engine, the door of the vehicle can be opened immediately after the stop of the engine, and the convenience can be improved.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle remote control system 10 in-vehicle repeater 11 transmitting and receiving circuit 12 output unit 13 basic transmitting and receiving circuit 14 relay transmitting and receiving circuit 15 response request signal receiving circuit 16 response signal transmitting circuit 17 first relay receiving circuit 18 first relay transmitting circuit 20 portable relay Reference Signs List 21 operation switch 22 transmission / reception circuit 23 basic transmission / reception circuit 24 relay transmission / reception circuit 25 response request signal transmission circuit 26 response signal reception circuit 27 first relay transmission circuit 28 first relay reception circuit 100 vehicle control system 110 vehicle control device 111 basic transmission / reception circuit 112 Response request signal transmission circuit 113 Response signal reception circuit 114 Door switch 115 Door control circuit 120 Portable device 121 Basic transmission / reception circuit 122 Response request signal reception circuit 123 Response signal transmission circuit

Claims (3)

A vehicle control system including a vehicle control device, wherein the vehicle control device remotely controls the predetermined device via a vehicle control system that controls a predetermined device of the vehicle,
An in-vehicle repeater mounted on the vehicle and capable of communicating with the vehicle control device,
A portable repeater capable of wireless communication with the on-vehicle repeater,
The portable repeater includes a trigger signal transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits a trigger signal that is a signal that functions as a trigger for controlling the vehicle,
The on-vehicle repeater,
Trigger signal receiving means for wirelessly receiving the trigger signal wirelessly transmitted by the trigger signal transmitting means,
When the engine of the vehicle is operating and the trigger signal receiving unit wirelessly receives the trigger signal, the engine of the vehicle is stopped, and after the stop, an operation on the predetermined device is performed. Stop operation control means for controlling the vehicle control device, so that an engine stop operation that is an operation that can be performed only when the engine of the vehicle is stopped is performed .
The vehicle control system includes a portable device capable of wireless communication with the vehicle control device,
The stop operation control means transmits an operation authentication response request signal, which is a signal for performing authentication for performing the engine-required stop operation and for performing authentication of the portable device, wirelessly to the vicinity of the vehicle by the vehicle control device. Control to send,
Vehicle remote control system. The predetermined device to be subjected to the engine-required stop operation is at least an unlocking device that unlocks a door of the vehicle,
The vehicle or the portable device includes an unlocking operation unit that is operated to unlock a door of the vehicle,
The vehicle control device is configured to wirelessly transmit an unlock response request signal when the unlock operation means is operated,
The vehicle control system may be configured such that the portable device wirelessly transmits an unlock response signal based on the unlock response request signal wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle control device, and receives the unlock response signal. The vehicle control device is configured to control the unlocking device as at least one of the conditions for unlocking the vehicle door,
When the trigger signal receiving unit wirelessly receives the trigger signal, the stop operation control unit simulates a case where the unlocking operation unit is operated, and the vehicle control device transmits the unlock response request. Controlling the vehicle control device to wirelessly transmit a signal,
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1 . The trigger signal is a signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle,
Vehicle remote control system according to claim 1 or 2.

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