JP6734160B2 - Boarding preparation control system - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a boarding preparation control system in a vehicle such as an automobile that prepares for boarding by activating a desired device mounted on the vehicle before the user gets on the board.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a technique of assisting a user by automatically controlling a device or the like mounted on a vehicle before the user gets on or after getting off the vehicle.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lighting device that changes the lighting directions of two headlights according to the position of a user who gets off the vehicle. The vehicle lighting device transmits a request signal having a reach of about 0.7 to 1 m from the vehicle to a portable device (portable electronic key). When there is a user carrying the portable device in the detection area of the request signal, the portable device transmits a response signal to the vehicle, whereby the position of the user carrying the portable device is specified.

Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses an automobile user hospitality system that operates hospitality operation units such as a lighting device, an air conditioner, and an electric seat when the user approaches a predetermined distance or less. The automobile user hospitality system of the document measures the distance between the automobile and the user-side terminal device by using the GPS provided in the automobile and the GPS of the user-side terminal device, and the user approaches a predetermined distance or less. Performs a hospitality operation when playing.

JP, 2008-149784, A JP, 2006-69296, A

However, the above-mentioned conventional technique has a point to be improved in order to improve the service to the user by putting the vehicle in a suitable state before the user gets on the vehicle. For example, in the method of measuring the distance to the user by using the request signal as in Patent Document 1, the range in which the request signal can reach is short, so that the range in which the user can be detected is narrow. That is, the user cannot be detected and the function of the vehicle cannot be activated unless the user approaches from the vehicle to a distance of about 1 m. Therefore, it is not possible to complete a desired preparatory operation, such as a change in seat position or a temperature adjustment in the vehicle compartment by cooling or heating, for example, which requires a relatively long time before the user gets in the vehicle.

Further, in order to widen the range in which the user can be detected, for example, it is conceivable to transmit a signal having a high output and a long reach from the vehicle. However, in order to properly detect the approach of the user, it is necessary to continuously transmit a signal for detecting the user, and if a high-output signal as described above is constantly transmitted, power consumption increases. I will end up.

Further, the method of detecting the distance between the vehicle and the user using GPS as in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the position detection accuracy is low. Further, in the detection using GPS, there is a large time error due to a delay in response time. Therefore, it is not easy to make each device of the vehicle function at an appropriate timing.

Further, in the conventional detection method, the position of the user is detected using a portable device such as a portable electronic key, so that the user cannot be personally identified. Therefore, it is impossible to provide an appropriate service for each user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a boarding preparation control system capable of detecting position information of a user in a wide range with high accuracy and performing a suitable preparation operation. To provide.

The boarding preparation control system of the present invention is a boarding preparation control system for controlling functions provided in the vehicle before the user gets on the board by performing two-way communication between the vehicle and a portable portable device. There, input means for the user to input and set boarding intention information, and a request signal provided in the vehicle for detecting the position of the user and transmitting a response signal from the portable device. A vehicle-side communication unit, a portable-unit-side communication unit that is provided in the portable device, receives the request signal from the vehicle-side communication unit, and transmits the response signal, and controls each device mounted on the vehicle A vehicle-side communication unit that includes a control unit, a vehicle-side position information system that is provided in the vehicle to detect the position of the vehicle, a user-side position information system that detects the position of the user, and the input unit. A mobile device configured to enable two-way communication, the mobile device transmitting the position information of the user and the boarding intention information detected by the user side position information system to the vehicle side communication unit. The controller calculates a distance between the vehicle and the portable device from position information of the vehicle detected by the vehicle position information system and position information of the user received by the vehicle communication unit, The vehicle-side communication unit starts transmission of the request signal based on the boarding intention information after determining that the user has approached a predetermined distance by the calculation of the control unit, and changes the output of the request signal. Then, the control unit calculates the distance between the vehicle and the portable device depending on whether the vehicle-side communication unit receives the response signal, and based on the calculation result, each device is operated at a predetermined timing. The portable device is capable of communicating with the portable device, and the portable device controls the portable device based on the boarding intention information .

Further, in the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the vehicle-side communication unit may include a first request signal having a first frequency and a second request signal having a second frequency lower than the first frequency. Is transmitted, the transmission of the first request signal is started based on the boarding intention information, the strength of the first request signal is changed, and the predetermined request signal is transmitted by the user by the calculation of the control unit. The second request signal is transmitted after it is determined that the second request signal has been approached.

Further, in the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the control unit is obtained from the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle side position information system and the user position information detected by the user side position information system. Each of the devices is controlled at a predetermined timing based on the distance between the vehicle and the portable device.

Further, in the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the portable device transmits user identification information capable of identifying the user to the vehicle-side communication unit, and the control unit includes the devices based on the user identification information. It is characterized by controlling.

According to the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, a portable portable device that performs two-way communication with a vehicle, an input unit for a user to input and set boarding intention information, and a position of the user provided in the vehicle A vehicle-side communication unit that transmits a request signal for detecting a response signal from the portable device, and a response signal that is provided in the portable device and receives the request signal from the vehicle-side communication unit. It has a portable device side communication unit that transmits a signal and a control unit that controls each device mounted on the vehicle, and the vehicle side communication unit transmits the request signal based on the boarding intention information. Start. As a result, it is possible to reduce the transmission of unnecessary request signals and suppress the power consumption of the vehicle.

Further, the vehicle-side communication unit changes the output of the request signal and transmits the request signal, and the control unit determines whether the vehicle-side communication unit receives the response signal or not. The distance is calculated, and each device is controlled at a predetermined timing based on the calculation result. In this way, by changing the output of the request signal, the distance at which the request signal can be received changes. Therefore, the distance between the vehicle and the portable device can be calculated depending on whether the portable device receives the request signal and transmits the response signal.

Further, by changing the output of the request signal and calculating the distance based on the presence or absence of the response signal to the request signal, the error is smaller than the method using GPS or the like, and the distance between the vehicle and the user is accurately measured. be able to. Therefore, the vehicle preparatory operation can be performed at an appropriate timing.

Further, according to the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the vehicle-side communication unit has a first request signal having a first frequency and a second request signal having a second frequency lower than the first frequency. , May be transmitted. As described above, by using the first request signal for detecting the position of the user, it is possible to detect the position of the user who is farther than the range in which the user can be detected by the second request signal. That is, the range in which the user can be detected can be widened, and the preparation operation of the vehicle can be started from a state where the user is further away, and the preparation operation can be completed before the user gets in.

Further, the transmission of the first request signal may be started based on the boarding intention information, and the strength of the first request signal may be changed and transmitted. As a result, the distance at which the first request signal can be received changes, so that the distance between the vehicle and the user can be accurately obtained. Further, by starting the transmission of the first request signal based on the boarding intention information, it is possible to suppress the unnecessary transmission of the first request signal, and to transmit the first request signal at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the power consumption of the vehicle can be suppressed.

Further, the strength of the first request signal may be changed and transmitted, and the second request signal may be transmitted after the calculation of the control unit determines that the user has approached a predetermined distance. As described above, by changing the detection method according to the distance between the vehicle and the user, the distance between the vehicle and the user can be obtained more accurately and efficiently.

Further, according to the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, a vehicle side position information system provided in the vehicle for detecting the position of the vehicle, a user side position information system for detecting the position of the user, and the input means are provided. And a mobile device configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the vehicle-side communication unit, wherein the mobile device stores the user's position information and the boarding intention information detected by the user-side position information system. The vehicle and the portable device are transmitted to the vehicle-side communication unit, and the control unit is based on the position information of the vehicle detected by the vehicle-side position information system and the position information of the user received by the vehicle-side communication unit. The vehicle side communication unit may start the transmission of the first request signal after determining that the user has approached a predetermined distance by the calculation of the control unit. As described above, by using the vehicle side position information system and the user side position information system, it is possible to obtain the distance between the user and the vehicle that are farther than the range in which the first request signal can be received. Then, after determining that the user has approached to a predetermined distance, by starting the transmission of the first request signal, the distance between the vehicle and the user is obtained using an appropriate method according to the distance to the user. be able to.

Further, according to the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the control unit is configured to detect the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle side position information system and the user position information detected by the user side position information system. Each device may be controlled at a predetermined timing based on the required distance between the vehicle and the portable device. Accordingly, the control unit can control each device of the vehicle even when the user is in a far away position where the user cannot receive the first request signal. Therefore, even if the user starts the preparation operation for getting on from a state far away from the vehicle and the preparation operation requires a relatively long time, the preparation operation can be completed before the user gets in the vehicle. it can.

Further, according to the boarding preparation control system of the present invention, the portable device transmits user identification information capable of identifying the user to the vehicle-side communication unit, and the control unit performs the operation based on the user identification information. Each device may be controlled. This makes it possible to perform a preparatory operation suitable for each user and improve comfort and convenience.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the boarding preparation control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a boarding preparation control system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows typically the communication range of the boarding preparation control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows typically the communication range of the boarding preparation control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control which detects a user's position in a boarding preparation control system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control of boarding preparation in a boarding preparation control system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control of boarding preparation in a boarding preparation control system concerning an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a boarding preparation control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a boarding preparation control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The boarding preparation control system 1 is a system used for a vehicle 2 such as an automobile, detects a distance between the vehicle 2 and a user outside the vehicle 2, and operates each device of the vehicle 2 according to the distance. It is a thing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the boarding preparation control system 1 mainly includes a vehicle 2, an electronic key 3 (hereinafter, referred to as “portable device 3”) capable of mutual communication with the vehicle 2, the vehicle 2, or a portable device. The mobile device 4 such as a smartphone capable of mutual communication with the device 3.

Wireless communication is used as the means for mutual communication, and for example, communication between the vehicle 2 and the portable device 3 is a signal in the RF (Radio Frequency) band that is the first frequency (hereinafter referred to as “RF signal”). .) and a signal in the LF (Low Frequency) band that is the second frequency (hereinafter referred to as “LF signal”).

In wireless communication between the mobile device 3 and the mobile device 4, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication provided in the mobile device 4 is used. Further, in wireless communication between the vehicle 2 and the portable device 4, for example, a method of performing communication via a base station, a method of performing communication via the Internet, a method of performing direct communication, or the like is used. The wireless communication is not limited to the ones listed above.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the boarding preparation control system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 2 has a control unit 10 that performs various controls. The control unit 10 includes a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a timer for measuring time and time, and executes various processes for vehicle control. To do. Then, the control unit 10 controls the devices 18 to 21, 26, etc. of the vehicle 2 based on the input information from the communication unit 11 and various sensors 13 to 17 provided in the vehicle 2.

The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory), and stores various data necessary for controlling the vehicle 2. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a vehicle-side authentication ID code for identifying the portable device 3, user information set for each user, and the like. The user information is, for example, user identification information for identifying the portable device 4, seat position, temperature in the passenger compartment, operation timing of each device, and the like set for each user.

The communication unit 11, which is a vehicle-side communication unit, is a device for performing wireless communication with the mobile device 3 or the mobile device 4, and includes an LF transmission unit 22, an RF transmission/reception unit 23, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception unit 24. And the long-distance communication unit 25.

The RF transmission/reception unit 23 performs transmission of an ID request signal by the RF signal which is the first request signal to the portable device 3, reception of an ID signal (response signal) from the portable device 3, and the like. The LF transmitter 22 also transmits an ID request signal, which is an LF signal that is the second request signal, to the portable device 3. In this way, the vehicle 2 communicates with the portable device 3 by the LF transmitter 22 and the RF transmitter/receiver 23.

The GPS receiving unit 24, which serves as a vehicle-side position information system, is a unit that receives GPS information, and can identify the current position of the vehicle 2. The long-distance communication unit 25 is a device that communicates with the mobile device 4, and receives, for example, position information of the mobile device 4, user identification information, boarding intention information, and the like, and communication between the vehicle 2 and the mobile device 4. A termination signal or the like for terminating is transmitted.

The vehicle 2 includes an engine 26, an engine switch 17, a lighting device 18, an air conditioner 19, an electric seat 20, and a door lock actuator 21. Further, the vehicle 2 has a brightness sensor 13, a temperature sensor 14, a seat position sensor 15, a door lock sensor 16 and other various sensors (not shown).

The engine switch 17 is a switch that is pressed when the user starts the engine 26 or stops the engine 26. The engine switch 17 may be provided in the mobile device 3.

The lighting device 18 is, for example, a device such as a headlight or a tail lamp of the vehicle 2 or a lighting in the vehicle interior. The lighting device 18 is controlled by the control unit 10, for example, switching between ON and OFF and changing the irradiation distance. The brightness sensor 13 is a sensor that detects brightness, and the control unit 10 can control the lighting device 18 based on the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle 2 that is detected by the brightness sensor 13.

The air conditioner 19 is a device that heats, cools, or ventilates the vehicle interior. The air conditioner 19 is controlled by the controller 10 such as switching between cooling and heating and adjusting the wind direction and air volume. The temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that detects the temperature inside and outside the vehicle. The control unit 10 controls the air conditioner 19 based on the temperature in the vehicle compartment detected by the temperature sensor 14.

The electric seat 20 is a seat having a device such as a motor inside, and by driving the motor, the seat portion and the backrest portion of the seat can be moved to adjust the seat position. Further, the seat position sensor 15 is a sensor that detects a seat position, and the control unit 10 can control the electric seat 20 based on information from the seat position sensor 15 and adjust the seat position to a desired position.

The door lock actuator 21 is an actuator for locking and unlocking the vehicle door, and includes, for example, a motor for driving the locking mechanism and the unlocking mechanism of the vehicle door. Further, the door lock sensor 16 includes, for example, a touch sensor or the like arranged on a door handle or the like outside the vehicle door. The door lock sensor 16 transmits a signal to the control unit 10 by sensing an operation of a user touching a predetermined portion such as a door handle. Then, the control unit 10 controls the door lock actuator 21 based on the signal.

As described above, the portable device 3 is an electronic key that can be carried by the user, and has a control unit 34 that performs various controls, a communication unit 30 that is a portable device-side communication unit, a storage unit 35, and a vehicle door lock. , And a button 36 for operating the unlock.

The control unit 34 and the storage unit 35 are configured by, for example, IC (Integrated Circuit) chips, and the storage unit 35 stores a unique ID code for identifying the portable device 3 itself. The control unit 34 controls the communication unit 30 and the storage unit 35, and when the ID request signal is received from the vehicle 2 side, automatically transmits the ID signal to the vehicle 2 side. The controller 10 of the vehicle 2 identifies the portable device 3 by comparing the ID signal transmitted from the portable device 3, that is, the ID code of the portable device 3 with the ID code of the storage unit 12 of the vehicle 2. To do.

The communication unit 30 includes an LF reception unit 31, an RF transmission/reception unit 32, and an NFC communication unit 33. The LF receiving unit 31 receives the ID request signal by the LF signal transmitted from the vehicle 2. The RF transceiver 32 receives the ID request signal by the RF signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 side, and transmits the ID signal by the RF signal. The NFC communication unit 33 performs NFC communication with the mobile device 4.

The button 36 is, for example, a lock button or an unlock button for performing remote control of locking and unlocking the vehicle door. When the user presses the button 36, the communication unit 30 causes the vehicle 2 to open the vehicle door. A lock or unlock signal is transmitted.

As described above, the portable device 4 is a smartphone or the like owned by the user, and controls the control unit 44 that performs various controls, the speaker 45 that outputs voice, the microphone 46 that collects voice, and the portable device 4. Button 47, a display unit 48 for displaying characters and the like according to various operations, a storage unit 49 for storing user information and the like, and a communication unit 40 for communicating with the vehicle 2 or the portable device 3. .. The microphone 46 may be used as an input means by which the user inputs boarding intention information.

The control unit 44 is a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer, etc., and controls the mobile device 4 based on input information such as the communication unit 40 and the button 47 provided in the mobile device 4. Executes various processes.

The display unit 48 is, for example, a touch panel or the like, and various information and the like are displayed under the control of the control unit 44. For example, the display unit 48 displays a button 47 or the like that serves as an input means for inputting and setting boarding intention information. The user can operate the mobile device 4 by touching the button 47 displayed on the display unit 48 to call each function, set user information, transmit boarding intention information, user identification information, and the like. ..

The communication unit 40 includes a GPS receiving unit 41, a long distance communication unit 42, and an NFC communication unit 43. The GPS receiving unit 41 is a user side position information system, and can receive the GPS information to detect the position of the mobile device 4, that is, the position of the user carrying the mobile device 4.

The long-distance communication unit 42 mutually communicates with the long-distance communication unit 25 of the vehicle 2, transmits, for example, boarding intention information, position information, user identification information, and the like to the vehicle 2, and receives an end signal and the like from the vehicle 2. .. As a result, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 collates the user identification information received from the mobile device 4 with the user identification information stored in the storage unit 12 of the vehicle 2, so that the user who gets in the vehicle 2 can check the user identification information. Can be identified. As a result, the control unit 10 can perform suitable boarding preparation control according to each user, and can prepare the vehicle 2 in a state suitable for each user. This enhances comfort and convenience.

The NFC communication unit 43 performs NFC communication with the mobile device 3. By performing NFC communication between the mobile device 3 and the mobile device 4, the mobile device 3 can be controlled by the mobile device 4. For example, the mobile device 4 can perform control such as switching the transmission setting of the ID signal of the mobile device 3 based on the boarding intention information and the like.

The mobile device 4 is not limited to the smartphone described above, and may be any device having a wireless communication function, and may be, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like.

Further, the boarding preparation control system 1 uses two devices, that is, the portable device 3 and the portable device 4, as the devices carried by the user, but instead of these, for example, the functions of the portable device 3 and the portable device 4 are used. An integrated device may be used. Specifically, the mobile device 4 may be provided with a communication unit that transmits and receives the LF signal and the RF signal, and may transmit and receive the request signal and the response signal. Further, the portable device 3 may be provided with input means for inputting boarding intention information, means for transmitting boarding intention information, a user side position information system, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the communication range of the boarding preparation control system 1. As described above, the vehicle 2 transmits the RF signal that is the first request signal having the first frequency and the LF signal that is the second request signal having the second frequency.

As shown in FIG. 3, the range 54 in which the RF signal can be received is wider than the range 51 in which the LF signal can be received. That is, the distance R54 reached by the RF signal is longer than the distance R51 reached by the LF signal.

Specifically, the distance R51 that the LF signal reaches is 0.5 m to 2 m, and the distance R54 that the RF signal reaches is 5 m to 40 m, and more preferably 10 m to 20 m.

By transmitting the RF signal and the LF signal as described above, the user carrying the portable device 3 (see FIG. 2) is within the range 54 from the vehicle 2 to the distance R54, that is, within the area A and the area B. In that case, the vehicle 2 can detect the user using the RF signal. When the user carrying the portable device 3 is in the range 51 from the vehicle 2 to the distance R51, that is, in the area A, the vehicle 2 can detect the user by using the LF signal.

The control unit 10 (see FIG. 2) of the vehicle 2 mainly transmits only the LF signal when the user is in the area A and its vicinity, and mainly when the user is in the area B and its vicinity. The communication unit 11 (see FIG. 2) is controlled so as to transmit the RF signal.

Further, when the user is farther than the distance R54 at which the RF signal reaches, that is, in the area C outside the range 54, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 controls the GPS of the portable device 4 (see FIG. 2). The position of the user is detected by using the position information from the receiver 41 (see FIG. 2). In that case, the transmission of the LF signal and the RF signal from the communication unit 11 may be stopped.

Thus, by using the RF signal and GPS information in addition to the LF signal, it is possible to detect a user who is farther than the range 51 that can be detected by the LF signal. Therefore, even if the user is far away from the vehicle 2, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 can calculate the distance to the user and start the preparatory operation for boarding at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the preparation operation which requires a relatively long time can be completed before the user gets in.

In addition, by mainly using only the LF signal in the area A, mainly using only the RF signal in the area B, and mainly using only the GPS information in the area C, it is possible to reduce unnecessary energy consumption for communication. In addition, the position of the user can be detected with high accuracy.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the communication range of the boarding preparation control system 1, and is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the RF transceiver 23 (see FIG. 2) of the vehicle 2 can transmit a plurality of types of RF signals having different reach distances R52 to R54 by changing the strength of the RF signal. ..

Specifically, the RF transmitting/receiving unit 23 has a low-output RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as “RF1 signal”) and an intermediate-output RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as “RF2 signal”) having a stronger output than the RF1 signal. .) and a high-power RF signal having a stronger output than the RF2 signal (hereinafter, referred to as “RF3 signal”).

The RF1 signal has the shortest reach R52 and the narrowest receivable range 52. The RF1 signal has a wider receivable range 52 than the LF signal. Next, the distance R53 reached by the RF2 signal is longer than the distance R52 reached by the RF1 signal, and the receivable range 53 is wider than the range 52. The RF3 signal has the longest reach R54 and the widest receivable range 54.

In this way, the control unit 10 (see FIG. 2) determines the distance from the vehicle 2 to the portable device 3 (see FIG. 2) by using a plurality of types of RF signals having different receivable ranges 52, 53, 54. You can ask.

For example, when the user carrying the portable device 3 is in the area B3 outside the range 53 and within the range 54, the vehicle 2 can detect the user by the RF3 signal, but the RF2 signal is weaker than that. Can not detect the user. Therefore, by utilizing this, the control unit 10 can determine that the distance from the vehicle 2 to the user is longer than the distance R53 and shorter than the distance R54.

Similarly, the control unit 10 can determine whether the user is in the area B2 between the distance R52 and the distance R53 or in the area B1 between the distance R51 and the distance R52. In this way, the distance between the vehicle 2 and the portable device 3 can be accurately detected by transmitting the RF signal whose output is changed.

In the above description, the RF signal whose strength is changed in three steps is used, but the output method of the RF signal is not limited to this. For example, an RF signal whose strength is changed in multiple stages may be transmitted. Further, the strength of the RF signal may be proportionally changed to proportionally change the receivable range. Thereby, the distance between the vehicle 2 and the user can be obtained more accurately.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the area C farther than the distance R54 and the RF signal does not reach, the control unit 10 detects the GPS information of the vehicle 2 and the GPS information of the portable device 4 as described above. , To detect the position of the user. As a result, even if the user carrying the mobile device 4 (see FIG. 2) is farther than the distance R54, the position of the user can be detected.

For example, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has come closer than a predetermined distance R55 set in advance, and use the information for controlling the vehicle 2. That is, the control unit 10 determines whether the user is in the area C1 or the area C2 farther than the distance R55 from the distance R54 to the distance R55 based on the GPS information, and uses it for control such as start of RF signal transmission. You can

Next, an example of the control operation of the boarding preparation control system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. In addition, in the following description of the control operation, the description of FIGS. 2 to 4 will be appropriately referred to.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control for detecting the position of the user carrying the portable device 3 using the LF signal or the RF signal of the boarding preparation control system 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle 2 transmits the ID request signal requesting the transmission of the ID signal to the portable device 3 by the LF signal or the RF signal (step S10).

Then, when the portable device 3 is in the area capable of receiving the ID request signal, the portable device 3 receives the ID request signal (step S20). If the portable device 3 is not in the receivable area, the portable device 3 cannot receive the ID request signal.

Then, the portable device 3 determines whether or not the ID request signal is received (step S30), and when the portable device 3 receives the ID request signal (YES in step S30), the portable device 3 is installed in the vehicle 2. An ID signal, which is a response signal, is transmitted (step S40). On the other hand, when the portable device 3 does not receive the ID request signal (NO in step S30), the portable device 3 does not transmit the ID signal and can repeat the steps S20 and S30 to receive the ID request signal. Stay in the state.

Next, if the ID signal is transmitted from the portable device 3 in step S40, the vehicle 2 receives the transmitted ID signal (step S50). Then, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 determines whether the ID signal is received (step S60), and when the ID signal is received (YES in step S60), the portable device 3 is within the predetermined range. The determination is made (step S70). Then, the control unit 10 executes another control operation according to a predetermined condition based on the determination result, or returns to step S10 and repeats the control for detecting the position of the user.

On the other hand, when the ID signal cannot be received from the portable device 3 (NO in step S60), the vehicle 2 determines that the portable device 3 is not within the predetermined range (step S80). Then, the control unit 10 executes another control operation according to a predetermined condition based on the determination result, or returns to step S10 and repeats the control for detecting the position of the user.

In this way, the control unit 10 determines that the portable device 3 is within a predetermined range, that is, a predetermined distance from the vehicle 2, depending on the transmission of the ID request signal and the reception of the ID signal corresponding thereto. As described above, the distance to the portable device 3 can be accurately detected by changing the output of the ID request signal.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts showing an example of control for boarding preparation of the boarding preparation control system 1, and show a control flow continuous from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7. 6 and 7 show an example of control when the user approaches the vehicle 2 from a distance farther than the distance R55 shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 will be referred to as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user operates the mobile device 4 to turn on the intention to board (step S110), the mobile device 4 causes the long-distance communication unit 42 to provide boarding intention information and user identification information to the vehicle 2. It is transmitted (step S120). Then, the mobile device 4 receives the GPS information by the GPS receiving unit 41 to detect the current position (step S130), and transmits the position information to the vehicle 2 (step S140).

On the other hand, when the vehicle 2 receives the boarding intention information and the user identification information from the portable device 4 (step S150), the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 identifies the user based on the user identification information (step S160). Then, based on the preset user information, the control unit 10 determines various control conditions and the like.

Next, the vehicle 2 receives the GPS information by the GPS receiving unit 24 and detects the current position (step S170). Then, when the position information is received from the mobile device 4 (step S180), the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 determines whether the vehicle 2 and the mobile device 4 are based on the position information of the mobile device 4 and the position information of the vehicle 2. The distance is calculated by calculation (step S190). Then, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the mobile device 4 is shorter than the predetermined distance R55 based on the distance obtained by the above calculation (step S200).

When the portable device 4 is farther than the distance R55, for example, when the user is in the area C2 (NO in step S200), the control unit 10 repeats the control operation from step S180 to step S200 described above.

On the other hand, the mobile device 4 determines whether or not the end signal has been received (step S250). Here, since the mobile device 4 has not received the end signal (NO in step S250), the mobile device 4 performs the control operation in steps S130 and S140 again. That is, when the mobile device 4 is in the area C2, the mobile device 4 repeats the transmission of the position information in step S140.

On the other hand, when the mobile device 4 is closer than the distance R55 in the determination of step S200, for example, when the user is in the area C1 (YES in step S200), the control unit 10 starts the first preparation control (step S200). S210). The first preparation control is, for example, adjustment of the seat position of the vehicle 2, and the control of the preparation operation that requires a relatively long time is performed.

The control unit 10 controls the electric seat 20 based on the user identification information received from the mobile device 4 and the seat position information for each user stored in the storage unit 12. As a result, when the user gets in the vehicle, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the seat position, and the vehicle can be started smoothly.

Next, the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 determines whether the mobile device 4 is closer than the distance R54 (step S220). When the mobile device 4 is farther than the distance R54 (NO in step S220), the vehicle 2 repeats the control from step S180 to step S220 described above. In this state, the mobile device 4 has not received the end signal, and thus repeats the transmission of the position information in step S140.

On the other hand, when the mobile device 4 is closer than the distance R54 in the determination in step S220, for example, when the user approaches the vicinity of the area B3 (YES in step S220), the vehicle 2 ends the position detection by GPS. The end signal of is transmitted to the portable device 4 (step S230). Then, the vehicle 2 performs control for switching from the position detection method using GPS to the position detection method using RF signals (step S260).

On the other hand, when the mobile device 4 receives the end signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 (step S240), YES is determined in the determination whether the end signal is received (step S250) (YES in step S250), and the mobile device 4 Control, that is, the transmission of position information ends.

As described above, even when the user is in a position where the RF signal cannot be received, that is, in the area C far from the vehicle 2, the distance between the vehicle 2 and the user can be obtained from the GPS information, and the control unit The vehicle 10 can control the vehicle 2 at an appropriate timing. Therefore, for example, the preparation control that requires a relatively long time can be started from a state where the user is far away, and the preparation control can be completed before the user gets into the vehicle 2.

Further, by starting the transmission of the RF signal based on the distance from the user based on the GPS information, the LF signal or the RF signal is not transmitted unnecessarily, and the power consumption of the vehicle 2 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle 2 transmits an RF3 signal to the portable device 3 (step S270), and determines whether the portable device 3 is shorter than the distance R54 (step S280). This determination method is the method already described with reference to FIG. That is, step S270 of FIG. 7 is the same control as step S10 shown in FIG. 5, and the RF3 signal is used as the ID request signal transmitted from the vehicle 2.

When the portable device 3 is farther than the distance R54 (NO in step S280), the vehicle 2 repeatedly executes step S270 and step S280. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mobile device 3 is closer than the distance R54, for example, when the user is in the area B3 (YES in step S280), the control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 starts the second preparation control ( Step S290). As the second preparation control, for example, the operation of the air conditioner 19 or the like is started, and the temperature inside the vehicle compartment is adjusted. As a result, the passenger compartment can be brought to a suitable temperature before the user gets into the vehicle 2.

Next, the vehicle 2 transmits an RF2 signal weaker than the RF3 signal (step S300), and determines whether the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R53 (step S310). This determination method is the method shown in FIG. 5, and the RF2 signal is used as the ID request signal transmitted from the vehicle 2.

When the portable device 3 is farther than the distance R53 (NO in step S310), the control unit 10 returns to the control operation in step S300, and the RF2 signal transmission is thereby repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R53, for example, when the user enters the area B2 (YES in step S310), the vehicle 2 starts the third preparation control (step S320). ). As the third preparation control, for example, control of the lighting device 18 of the vehicle 2 and the like are performed. As a result, it is possible to illuminate the vicinity of the user approaching the vehicle 2 and prompt the user to get in.

Then, the vehicle 2 transmits an RF1 signal weaker than the RF2 signal (step S330), and determines whether or not the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R52 (step S340). This determination method is the method shown in FIG. 5, and the RF1 signal is used as the ID request signal.

When it is determined that the portable device 3 is farther than the distance R52 (NO in step S340), the control unit 10 returns to the control operation of step S330, and the transmission of the RF1 signal from the vehicle 2 is repeated. On the other hand, when the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R52, for example, when the user enters the area B1 (YES in step S340), the control unit 10 starts the fourth preparation control (step S350). As the fourth preparation control, for example, control of the illumination device 18 of the vehicle 2 or the like is performed. Here, the user is closer to the vehicle 2 than in the case of the third preparation control. That is, in the fourth preparation control, the vicinity of the vehicle 2 is controlled to be illuminated more than in the third preparation control. In this way, by controlling each device according to the distance to the user, the vehicle 2 can perform a suitable preparation operation.

Then, the vehicle 2 switches from the RF signal and transmits the LF signal (step S360), and determines whether the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R51 by the method shown in FIG. 5 (step S370). ..

When it is determined that the portable device 3 is farther than the distance R51 (NO in step S370), the control unit 10 repeats the control operations of step S360 and step S370. On the other hand, when it is determined that the portable device 3 is closer than the distance R51, for example, when the user approaches the vehicle 2 until entering the area A (YES in step S370), the control unit 10 causes the fifth preparation control. Is performed (step S380). The fifth preparation control is, for example, control of unlocking the door using the door lock actuator 21, control of the illumination device 18 that illuminates the user's feet, and the like. As a result, the user can get on smoothly.

As described above, by using the RF signal and the LF signal, the distance between the vehicle 2 and the user who is far away from the vehicle 2 can be accurately detected, and the vehicle 2 can be detected at an appropriate timing based on the distance. Preparation control can be performed.

The above is an example of the control method, and the control method for boarding preparation is not limited to the above example. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of control for performing position detection by GPS information and switching to position detection by RF signal when the user approaches the vehicle 2 is shown, but instead of this, for example, boarding intention information The control of starting the transmission of the RF signal upon receiving may be performed. Thus, by starting the transmission of the RF signal based on the boarding intention information, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary transmission of the RF signal and suppress the power consumption of the vehicle 2.

Further, for example, a method of setting and transmitting the time until the user gets on the vehicle 2 or the time when the user gets on the vehicle 2 as the boarding intention information from the mobile device 4 can be adopted. The control unit 10 of the vehicle 2 can control the timing of transmitting the RF signal based on the time until getting on the vehicle, and the like, which also allows the RF signal to be transmitted at an appropriate timing.

In the control example described with reference to FIG. 7, the vehicle 2 first transmits the RF3 signal, then receives the ID signal from the portable device 3 for the RF3 signal, and then transmits the RF2 signal, and then the RF2 signal. The RF1 signal is transmitted after receiving the ID signal from the portable device 3 for. Instead of this example, for example, control may be executed in which RF signals having different intensities are simultaneously transmitted. Specifically, the vehicle 2 may transmit the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal at the same time, and detect the position of the user depending on whether or not the portable device 3 can receive the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal.

For example, when the vehicle 2 receives the ID signal indicating that the RF3 signal is received from the portable device 3 and does not receive the ID signal indicating that the RF2 signal is received, the vehicle 2 recognizes that the user is in the area B3. .. When the vehicle 2 receives both the ID signal indicating that the RF3 signal is received and the ID signal indicating that the RF2 signal is received from the portable device 3, the vehicle 2 recognizes that the user is in the area B2.

Further, in the above example, the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal are transmitted at the same time, but instead of this, for example, the vehicle 2 transmits the RF2 signal after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the RF3 signal. good. Then, when the vehicle 2 receives the ID signal from the portable device 3 for the RF3 signal and does not receive the ID signal from the portable device 3 for the RF2 signal, the vehicle 2 recognizes that the user is in the area B3. When the vehicle 2 receives both the ID signal for the RF3 signal and the ID signal for the RF2 signal from the portable device 3, the vehicle 2 recognizes that the user is in the area B2.

When the vehicle 2 receives the ID signal from the portable device 3 for the RF3 signal and does not receive the ID signal from the portable device 3 for the RF2 signal, the vehicle 2 alternately switches the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal at predetermined time intervals. May be transmitted and received, and signals may be exchanged with the portable device 3 a plurality of times. As a result, the vehicle 2 can highly accurately detect the timing at which the user enters the area B2 from the area B3.

In addition, after the vehicle 2 transmits the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal at the same time or alternately at a predetermined time interval and receives both the ID signal for the RF3 signal and the ID signal for the RF2 signal from the portable device 3, only the RF2 signal is received. May be executed.

Further, the RF2 signal and the RF1 signal may be transmitted simultaneously or alternately at predetermined time intervals, like the RF3 signal and the RF2 signal described above. In this way, the vehicle 2 can detect the position of the user with high accuracy even by the control method of transmitting the RF signals having different intensities simultaneously or alternately.

Further, in the above description, an example in which the RF signals are transmitted in the order in which the reaching distances R52 to R54 are long, that is, from the high output RF3 signal to the medium output RF2 signal and the low output RF1 signal, is shown. The output control of the RF signal is not limited to this. For example, the RF signals may be transmitted in the ascending order of the distances R52 to R54, that is, from the low output RF1 signal to the medium output RF2 signal and the high output RF3 signal in this order. Even by such control, the distance between the vehicle 2 and the user can be accurately detected.

Further, as an example of the preparation control, the case where the lighting device 18, the air conditioner 19, and the electric seat 20 are controlled and operated is shown, but the content of the preparation control and the control timing are not limited to this. For example, not only the lighting device 18, the air conditioner 19 and the electric seat 20, but also other devices such as adjustment of door mirrors and steering positions, setting and starting of car stereos and navigation systems may be controlled.

Further, although the portable device 4 is provided with the input means for inputting and setting the boarding intention information, the invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle 2 or the portable device 3 may be provided with the input means. In this case, for example, it is possible to set, as the boarding intention information, information to board the vehicle 2 at a fixed time. The control unit 10 controls the RF signal to be transmitted at a predetermined time based on the boarding intention information. Also by this, the RF signal can be transmitted at an appropriate timing.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 boarding preparation control system 2 vehicle 3 portable device 4 portable device 10, 34, 44 control unit 11, 30, 40 communication unit 12, 35, 49 storage unit 18 lighting device 19 air conditioner 20 electric seat 21 door lock actuator 22 LF transmission unit 23, 32 RF transmitter/receiver 24, 41 GPS receiver 25, 42 Long distance communication 26 Engine 31 LF receiver 33, 43 NFC communication 36, 47 Button 48 Display

Claims (4)

A boarding preparation control system for controlling functions provided in the vehicle before the user gets on the board by performing bidirectional communication between the vehicle and a portable portable device,
An input means for the user to input and set boarding intention information;
A vehicle-side communication unit that is provided in the vehicle and that transmits a request signal for detecting the position of the user and that receives a response signal from the portable device,
A portable unit side communication unit which is provided in the portable unit and receives the request signal from the vehicle side communication unit and transmits the response signal;
A control unit for controlling each device mounted on the vehicle,
A vehicle-side position information system provided in the vehicle to detect the position of the vehicle;
A user-side position information system that detects the position of the user, and a portable device that includes the input means and is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the vehicle-side communication unit ,
The mobile device transmits the user's position information and the boarding intention information detected by the user side position information system to the vehicle side communication unit,
The control unit calculates a distance between the vehicle and the portable device from the position information of the vehicle detected by the vehicle side position information system and the position information of the user received by the vehicle side communication unit,
The vehicle-side communication unit changes the output of the request signal by starting transmission of the request signal based on the boarding intention information after determining that the user has approached a predetermined distance by the calculation of the control unit. Send it,
Wherein the control unit, the vehicle-side communication unit calculates the distance between the portable device and the vehicle according to whether to receive the response signal, controls the respective devices at a prescribed timing based on the calculation result ,
The portable device is capable of communicating with the portable device,
The boarding preparation control system, wherein the mobile device controls the mobile device based on the boarding intention information . The vehicle-side communication unit is capable of transmitting a first request signal having a first frequency and a second request signal having a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and the vehicle-side communication information includes the second request signal. Based on the start of the transmission of the first request signal, the intensity of the first request signal is changed and transmitted, and after the operation of the control unit determines that the user has approached a predetermined distance, The boarding preparation control system according to claim 1, wherein the request signal of No. 2 is transmitted. The control unit is based on a distance between the vehicle and the portable device, which is obtained from position information of the vehicle detected by the vehicle side position information system and position information of the user detected by the user side position information system. The boarding preparation control system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein each of the devices is controlled at a predetermined timing. The mobile device transmits user identification information capable of identifying the user to the vehicle-side communication unit,
The boarding preparation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the respective devices based on the user identification information.

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