JP6957052B2 - Relay system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a relay system, and one of the conditions is that the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device matches the authentication information stored in the portable device capable of wirelessly communicating with the vehicle control device. The present invention relates to a system that relays wireless communication between a vehicle control device and a portable device in a controlling system.

For example, in the immobilizer function, for example, a vehicle control device that starts an engine authenticates with a legitimate portable device before actually starting, and starts when the certification is obtained. The communicable distance between the portable device and the vehicle control device is as short as several tens of centimeters. Therefore, when the engine is started remotely from the outside of the vehicle, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a system for relaying wireless communication between the vehicle control device and the portable device is required. By using the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the vehicle has an immobilizer function, the portable device can be taken out of the vehicle and the engine can be started remotely.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-49770

However, when the above-mentioned conventional system is used, there are the following problems. For example, the bit configuration of the bit 1/0 constituting the signal transmitted and received between the vehicle control device and the portable device differs depending on the vehicle type and the like. Therefore, for example, the bit rate, which is one of the parameters related to communication, has a fine sampling period for all bit configurations corresponding to each vehicle type, and is transmitted at a high frequency bit rate. The bit rate is related to the upper limit of the communicable distance. When the frequency of the bit rate is increased, the upper limit of the communicable distance becomes shorter. The quality of wireless communication will deteriorate. As a result, there is a problem that the operation cannot be performed from a position sufficiently distant from the vehicle.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the relay system according to the present invention has (1) authentication information stored in the vehicle control device and authentication information stored in a portable device capable of wirelessly communicating with the vehicle control device. Is a system that relays wireless communication between the vehicle control device and the portable device in a system that controls the vehicle, and is capable of communicating with the vehicle control device. And a portable repeater capable of communicating with the portable device. A plurality of setting information related to communication different depending on the vehicle type is stored in at least one of the portable repeater and the vehicle repeater in association with the vehicle type, and a setting switch is provided in at least one of the portable repeater and the vehicle repeater. , Setting information related to communication corresponding to the vehicle model to be used is set in accordance with the operation of the setting switch, and communication between the portable repeater and the vehicle repeater is performed.

Various setting information for wireless communication for confirming authentication information and the like between the vehicle control device and the portable device may differ depending on the vehicle type. Such setting information that differs depending on the vehicle type may affect the wireless transmission between the vehicle repeater and the portable repeater for relay. Therefore, in the present invention, setting information that differs for each vehicle type is stored and stored in the portable repeater or the vehicle repeater in association with the vehicle type. When the vehicle type to which the relay system of the present invention is mounted is determined, the vehicle type is specified by using the setting switch. Along with this, the setting information associated with the vehicle type and stored in memory is acquired, and wireless communication is performed according to the acquired setting information. Wireless communication can be performed under conditions suitable for any vehicle type. Therefore, the communication conditions are stable, and long-distance transmission can be easily enabled. It is good that mobile repeaters and vehicle repeaters can be used in common for different vehicle types. Furthermore, since the vehicle type can be switched with the setting switch, it is good that the work according to the vehicle type to be used can be easily performed.

The setting switch and the setting information may be stored and retained by both the portable repeater and the vehicle repeater, or on the other hand. If you go to both sides, you do not need to send the setting information or the information of the vehicle type specified by the setting switch to the other party, so you only need to set them individually. If it is installed on one side, it is necessary to communicate with the other party to notify it, but since only one switch and storage means are installed, the configuration is simple.

(2) The setting information is a parameter for determining the sampling interval of the data for wireless communication, and the sampling interval may be widened within a range in which the data can be recognized. In the embodiment, the parameters correspond to, for example, a bit rate, a carrier frequency, and the like. For example, if the sampling interval is narrowed and the data is captured in more detail, the data transmitted from the vehicle control device or the portable device can be accurately recognized and relayed. Further, if data is captured in more detail, for example, even if the bit configuration of the bit, which is one of the setting information, differs depending on the vehicle type, which is the problem solved by the invention of (1), the data is data at a common sampling interval. Can be recognized. However, if the sampling interval is shortened, the distance that can be wirelessly communicated becomes short, and the problem of extending the communication distance by relaying cannot be solved, so that it cannot be put into practical use. Therefore, in the present invention, the relayable communication distance can be lengthened by setting a wide sampling interval within a range in which wireless communication data can be recognized.

(3) The parameters may be the same for wireless communication from the vehicle repeater to the portable repeater and for wireless transmission from the portable repeater to the vehicle repeater. In this way, for example, transmission processing and reception processing can be performed in each repeater using the same setting information, which is preferable because the processing is simplified.

(4) The parameter may be determined based on the high pulse width of the bit configuration and the greatest common divisor of the low pulse width. In this way, it is possible to optimize the conditions for increasing the communication distance while recognizing the data with high accuracy.

(5) It is preferable to perform control for relay based on the state of High / Low when the set time elapses from the switching of High / Low of the received data. Once the bit configuration of the data to be communicated is known, the time elapsed from the switching of High / Low and the state of High / Low at that time indicate whether the data being received is 0/1 or the data being received. You can know the situation such as whether there is any abnormality. If various controls are performed based on the situation, the communication distance can be extended, the quality of wireless communication can be improved, and stable relay can be performed.

(6) The control for the relay is a determination of whether the data being received is 1 or 0, and the Low state or High state assigned to 1 and 0 based on the determination result is continuously relayed for a set time. It is preferable to have a function to create a waveform. Since the relay waveform is converted into a relay waveform in which "1 cycle is High / 1 cycle is Low" according to 0/1, the bit rate is apparently low and long-distance transmission is possible.

(7) The control for relay is a determination of whether the data being received is 1 or 0, and has a correction function of outputting normal waveform data even if an abnormal pulse is subsequently generated based on the determination result. It is good. (8) It is preferable to have a correction function for outputting normal waveform data even if an impossible abnormal pulse is generated from the elapsed time from the switching of High / Low of the received data. For example, when wireless communication is actually performed in the vicinity of a communicable distance, a bit abnormality may occur due to a communication environment or the like, and an abnormal pulse may be generated. When an abnormal pulse is generated, correct data cannot be sent and received, so authentication cannot be performed and the vehicle cannot be controlled. Therefore, in the present invention, since a normal waveform is forcibly generated and output, it is preferable that the communicable distance is extended.

(9) If a plurality of the abnormal pulses are generated between the high / low switching of the received data and the next normal high / low switching, the correction by the correction function should not be performed. It is good to do it. The corrections (7) and (8) described above are strong corrections that forcibly send a normal waveform even if there is an abnormality. Therefore, if there are multiple times or more, the credibility of the original data will be low, so no correction was made.

(10) There are a plurality of the portable devices having different authentication information, the vehicle control device stores and holds each authentication information of the plurality of portable devices, and the vehicle control device stores and holds the plurality of the authentication information. A response request signal including one of the authentication information is transmitted, and the portable device transmits response data when the received authentication information included in the response request signal matches its own, and the vehicle control The device is a relay system corresponding to a system that determines that the authentication information matches when the response data is received. Then, after completing the relay of the response request signal, the portable repeater switches to a communication state for relaying the response data, performs carrier sense at the timing when the response data comes, and if the carrier does not come, the carrier senses. It is preferable to switch to the communication state in which the response request signal is relayed.

In the present invention, since carrier sense is always performed when a response exists, if there is no carrier sense, there is no portable device having the authentication information specified by the response request signal transmitted earlier, and the response data is transmitted. It becomes clear that it has not been done. If there is no response data within a certain period of time, the vehicle control device transmits a response request signal based on the following authentication information. Therefore, if the repeater continues the response data reception mode and is delayed in switching to the response request signal reception mode, the next response request signal cannot be received and is relayed to the legitimate portable device. May not be possible. If it cannot be relayed in this way, the vehicle cannot be controlled even though there is a regular portable device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to recognize that there is no response data at an early stage and switch the communication state, so that the response request signal to be sent next can be reliably received and relayed.

(11) The vehicle repeater switches to a communication state for relaying the response data after completing the relay of the response request signal, performs carrier sense at the timing when the response data comes, and if the carrier does not come, the carrier sense is performed. It is preferable to switch to the communication state in which the response request signal is relayed. Similar to the above (10), it is possible to quickly know the presence or absence of the response data, switch the communication state, and reliably relay the response request signal to be sent next.

(12) It is preferable to perform carrier sense at the timing when the response data arrives, and when the carrier arrives, continue the communication state of relaying the response data. In this way, since the received carrier has a high possibility of response data, it is good that the response data can be relayed by continuously communicating as it is.

(13) The carrier sense may be performed a plurality of times. In order to speed up the process, it is preferable to use it once, but it is preferable to check it a plurality of times to ensure accuracy. Compared to actually checking the data, you can secure time even if you perform carrier sense multiple times, so accuracy is more important than the time disadvantage of performing carrier sense multiple times. The present invention is preferred.

(14) The vehicle repeater or the portable repeater may have a function of transmitting an ACK by itself during reception of WAKE transmitted from the vehicle control device. Since ACK is common to each mobile device, it is time to wait for it to be actually sent from the mobile device and relay it, but to let the vehicle repeater or portable repeater emit it by itself. It can be shortened. Further, since ACK is returned during the reception of WAKE, it is preferable because the processing time can be further shortened.

In particular, when RFICs dedicated to transmission and reception are prepared as in the invention of (15) described below, for example, a system in which a portable device transmits WAKE or an ACK or response from the middle of receiving a response request signal. When applied in this case, the repeater returns ACK without waiting for ACK from the portable device while relaying WAKE, which is good because the processing speed of the entire system is increased.

(15) The transmission / reception unit for relaying in the vehicle repeater and the portable repeater may be composed of an RFIC dedicated to transmission and an RFIC dedicated to reception. The transmission-only RFIC and the reception-only RFIC do not necessarily have to be transmission-only or reception-only hardware, and the transmit / receive RFIC may be used as transmission-only or reception-only. .. Switching between transmission and reception is not required, processing time can be shortened, and communication control can be performed easily. Further, by performing the transmission and the reception with a dedicated RFIC, the reception process and the transmission process can be performed at the same time, so that the time can be further shortened. As a result, even if the permissible time from the transmission of the response request signal to the reception of the response data is shortened, it is possible to respond. Since the RFIC is dedicated to reception and transmission, it can be designed without considering the switching time, so that it is possible to design at a frequency that increases the certainty of wireless communication.

(16) The portable repeater is equipped with a large-capacity battery, and the case of the portable repeater is provided with a storage portion for accommodating the portable repeater. It is preferable that the machine and the portable repeater are placed in a relative position where they can communicate with each other. By providing two RFICs and making them dual, the power consumption also increases. Therefore, by using a large-capacity battery for the built-in battery, the battery life is improved. A large-capacity battery means that it has a larger capacity than a general-purpose dry battery, a button battery, or the like, and for example, there is a battery mounted on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. Since the portable repeater is portable, the weight and dimensions of the large-capacity battery are also determined in consideration of portability. On the other hand, a large-capacity battery has a larger size and shape than a button battery or the like, and the case of forming a portable repeater is also larger. Therefore, if a space for storing the portable device is secured in the enlarged portable repeater and the portable device is stored in the storage section, the portable device and the portable repeater can be arranged close to each other within a desired distance. It is good because it can be done and communication is reliable.

(17) The case of the portable repeater is provided with a storage unit for accommodating the portable device, and when the portable device is stored in the storage unit, the case is located at a relative position where the portable device and the portable repeater can communicate with each other. It's a good idea to put them in a relationship. According to the present invention, when a space for storing a portable device is secured as a storage section and the portable device is stored in the storage section, the portable device and the portable repeater can be arranged close to each other within a desired distance, and the portable device can be reliably arranged. It's good because you can communicate.

(18) The portable repeater stores and holds a response request signal including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device as a normal response request signal, and the portable repeater outputs the normal response request signal and outputs the response request signal to the normal response request signal. It is preferable to have a separation determination function for notifying based on the determination result of whether or not the response data from the portable device is received. The determination result may be notified only when communication is possible or when communication is not possible, but it is preferable to notify both of them because the notification result can be reliably recognized.

According to the present invention, it is possible to know from the notification result whether or not the portable repeater and the portable device are within an appropriate range in which communication is possible. Therefore, for example, if an attempt is made to remotely control a vehicle device by operating a portable repeater but the control cannot actually be performed, communication between the portable repeater and the portable device cannot be performed in the first place, or other factors. It is possible to easily understand whether the communication system is out of order. Then, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the confirmation can be performed without starting the engine.

(19) The portable repeater relays a response request signal including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device, and when receiving response data for the response request signal from the portable device, the relayed response request. The signal may be stored and retained as the normal response request signal. In this way, a regular response request signal can be easily acquired and stored and retained, which is good.

(20) When the portable repeater relays a plurality of types of response request signals including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device, the response request signal that has not received the response data is also stored as the normal response request signal. It is good to hold it. When there are a plurality of legitimate portable devices, the user does not necessarily carry the portable device corresponding to the response request signal transmitted the first time, and the response data is transmitted by transmitting the response request signal a plurality of times. There are times. Even in such a case, the response request signal for which the response data has not been transmitted also includes the authentication information of the legitimate portable device. Therefore, in the present invention, by storing and retaining the authentication certificate information of the legitimate portable device as a normal response request signal, the separation determination can be performed even when the user carries another portable device at a later date or the like. good.

(21) When a plurality of types of response request signals including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device are relayed, the portable repeater stores and holds all the relayed response request signals as the normal response request signal. It is good to do so. For example, even if there is no response data for all the transmitted response request signals, since they are sent from the vehicle control device, there is a high possibility that all the response request signals correspond to the legitimate portable device. Therefore, by storing and retaining all of them as normal response request signals, it is preferable that the separation determination can be performed for any portable device to be carried thereafter.

Then, for example, if the portable repeater is operated without the portable device and the vehicle control device is made to transmit the response request signal, the response data is not transmitted, so that all the data stored and held in the vehicle control device are stored. The response request signal for the portable device can be acquired.

According to the present invention, a portable repeater or a vehicle repeater can be commonly used for different vehicle types and the like. Further, since the setting information is switched depending on the vehicle type, the setting information can be made appropriate for the vehicle control device and the portable device for each vehicle type, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

It is a figure which shows an example of the vehicle remote control system including the relay system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the communication timing of each data / signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the bit composition of the data for wireless communication. It is a figure explaining the 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the communication example when there are a plurality of portable devices. It is a figure explaining the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the eighth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the eighth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the 9th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 9th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification. It is a figure explaining the tenth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration, shape, etc. of the device described are merely explanatory examples, and the present invention is not construed as being limited thereto, and is based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. , Various changes, modifications and improvements can be made.

[Basic configuration] (First embodiment: common to different vehicle models)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a vehicle remote control system using the relay system of the present invention. Based on FIG. 1, the basic configuration that is the premise of this system will be described while explaining the operation of communication processing. This system includes a vehicle control device 1 installed in a vehicle, a vehicle repeater 2, a portable repeater 3, and a portable device 4.

The vehicle control device 1 is a device for controlling a predetermined device of a vehicle. The control of this predetermined device is for starting the vehicle in a state in which it can run in response to a user operation such as pressing the push start button. For example, the cell motor in an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine is turned on. (Starting the engine) or turning on the power to the electric vehicle in an electric vehicle powered by an electric motor (motor). Hereinafter, the case of "starting the engine" will be described as an example.

In the vehicle control device 1 of the present embodiment, the authentication information stored in the portable device 4 and the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 1 match before controlling the device of the vehicle to be controlled. Is one of the conditions, and control such as engine start is performed.

In order to perform such processing, the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 are configured to be capable of wireless communication with each other. The vehicle control device 1 includes a control unit 1a, a transmission / reception unit 1b, and an authentication information storage unit 1c in order to perform such processing. Although not shown, the vehicle control device 1 is connected to a battery of the vehicle and receives electric power from the battery. The vehicle control device 1 links with the equipment of the vehicle to be controlled by, for example, wire communication, and controls the predetermined equipment. The authentication information storage unit 1c is a non-volatile storage means and stores the authentication information of the legitimate portable device 4. The authentication information includes, for example, an ID code and the like. When a plurality of legitimate portable devices 4 exist, the authentication information of each of the plurality of portable devices 4 is stored.

The control unit 1a is composed of, for example, an MPU or the like. The control unit 1a responds to confirm the existence of the legitimate portable device 4 based on the function of outputting a control signal for controlling the device of the vehicle to be controlled and the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 1c. It has a function of outputting command data and the like when communicating with other devices such as a request signal (LF data).

The transmission / reception unit 1b performs wireless communication with the transmission / reception unit mounted on the portable device 4 or the vehicle repeater 2. The transmission / reception unit 1b is composed of, for example, an in-vehicle transmission / reception RFIC. The transmission / reception unit 1b has a function of wirelessly transmitting LF data such as various command data output from the control unit 1a on the first frequency, and command data and the like wirelessly transmitted on the second frequency from another device. It has a function of receiving RF data and passing it to the control unit 1a. The second frequency is a frequency higher than the first frequency, and the communication range of RF data using the second frequency is also long. As an example, the first frequency is 134 kHz and the second frequency is 314 MHz.

The portable device 4 is called, for example, a smart key, a genuine key, or the like. The portable device 4 includes a control unit 4a, a transmission / reception unit 4b, and an authentication information storage unit 4c. The power source of the portable device 4 uses a built-in primary battery. If a commercially available dry battery, button battery, or the like is used as the primary battery, it is good because it can be easily obtained and mounted, and it is easy to handle. In particular, a button battery is preferable because the portable device 4 can be miniaturized.

The authentication information storage unit 4c stores a unique ID code as authentication information for the immobilizer function. The control unit 4a is composed of, for example, an MPU or the like. When the control unit 1a receives a response request signal addressed to itself from the vehicle control device 1 constituting the pair, the control unit 1a outputs a response signal (RF data: response data). The transmission / reception unit 4b performs wireless communication with the transmission / reception unit mounted on the vehicle control device 1 and the portable repeater 3. For example, it is composed of an in-vehicle transmission / reception RFIC. The transmission / reception unit 4b has a function of receiving LF data such as command data wirelessly transmitted on the first frequency and passing it to the control unit 4a, various command data such as a response signal output from the control unit 4a, and the like. It is equipped with a function to wirelessly transmit the RF data of the above on the second frequency.

When the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 satisfies the transmission timing such as the reception of a predetermined signal, the control unit 1a accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, acquires the ID code as the stored authentication information, and includes the ID code. Output the response request signal (LF data). The predetermined signal is, for example, a foot brake signal output when the foot brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed. When the portable device 4 exists within the communicable distance of the response request signal and receives the response request message, the portable device 4 wirelessly transmits a response signal including its own authentication information. As described above, the vehicle control device 1 has the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 on condition that the response signal including the regular authentication information is received within a certain period of time after the response request signal is output. Perform engine start processing.

The communicable distance between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is sufficient if communication is possible in a situation where, for example, the driver carrying the portable device 4 is sitting in the driver's seat and operating the engine start. , Relatively short. This relatively short distance is about 1 to 2 m when the first frequency for transmitting LF data is 134 kHz. In the present embodiment, the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 are provided, and the wireless communication performed between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is relayed by the repeaters to increase the communicable distance. By increasing the communicable distance in this way, the system can carry the mobile repeater 3 and the mobile device 4 with the vehicle control device 1 even if the user carrying the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 is relatively far from the vehicle. Authentication using the authentication information between the machines 4 can be performed, and the engine can be started from the distant position.

The vehicle repeater 2 is arranged at a predetermined position in the vehicle. The vehicle repeater 2 has a control unit 2a that controls the vehicle repeater 2, a first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b for wireless communication with the vehicle control device 1, and a mobile repeater 3 for wireless communication. The second vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2c is provided. Although not shown, the vehicle repeater 2 is connected to a battery of the vehicle and receives electric power from the battery. The control unit 2a is composed of, for example, an MPU or the like. Further, the first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b and the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c are each composed of an in-vehicle transmission / reception RFIC.

The first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b transmits / receives data to / from the transmission / reception unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1, receives radio waves wirelessly transmitted in the transmission frequency band (first frequency) of the transmission / reception unit 1b, and receives a second radio wave. Wireless transmission on two frequencies. Since the communication distance is short, a weak radio wave used in a weak radio station, which is one of the radio stations, is used. Further, the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c uses radio waves in the frequency band used for the specific power-saving radio station. By using this specific power-saving wireless communication, the communication distance becomes, for example, about 1 to 2 km in the view distance, and even if there is an obstacle, it becomes, for example, about several hundred meters. Therefore, for example, even if the home is a detached house or an apartment and the vehicle is parked in a parking lot on the premises, it is possible to communicate with the vehicle control device 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the vehicle repeater 2 and the vehicle control device 1 are connected by a communication cable that performs wired communication. The control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 uses this wired communication to transmit a foot brake signal and an engine start request signal. The foot brake signal is a signal corresponding to a signal output when the foot brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed. The engine start request signal is, for example, a signal corresponding to a signal output when the push start button of the vehicle is pressed.

The mobile repeater 3 includes a control unit 3a that controls the mobile repeater 3, a first mobile transmitter / receiver 3b for communicating with the mobile phone 4, and a second mobile phone for communicating with the vehicle repeater 2. A side transmission / reception unit 3c is provided. Further, the portable repeater 3 includes an operation unit 3d and a notification unit 3e.

The operation unit 3d is, for example, a push button switch corresponding to an operation instruction of a start switch, a stop switch, or the like. A user who is at a position away from the vehicle operates the vehicle control device 1 mounted on the vehicle by pressing the operation unit 3d, and starts or stops the engine for remote control. When the control unit 3a detects an operation on the operation unit 3d, the control unit 3a transmits an instruction command corresponding to the operation from the second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c. A built-in primary battery is used as the power source for the portable repeater 3. If a commercially available dry battery, button battery, or the like is used as the primary battery, it is good because it can be easily obtained and mounted, and it is easy to handle. In particular, a button battery is preferable because the portable repeater 3 can be miniaturized.

The notification unit 3e notifies the operation status and the like, and for example, notifies the execution result such as the engine start success / error sent from the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle repeater 2. The notification unit 3e notifies by using visual or auditory senses. In the case of using vision, the notification unit 3e uses, for example, a display panel to display the execution result in characters, figures, etc., or uses a light emitting means such as an LED to check the lighting state (blinking / extinguishing / lighting). , Notify by light emission color. Further, in the case of using hearing, the notification unit 3e notifies by voice or a buzzer using, for example, a speaker. These are realized by one or a combination of a plurality.

The control unit 3a is composed of, for example, an MPU or the like. Further, the first mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3b and the second mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3c are each composed of an in-vehicle transmission / reception RFIC. Then, the first transmission / reception unit 3b wirelessly transmits in the reception frequency band (first frequency) of the transmission / reception unit 4b of the portable device 4, and wirelessly receives in the transmission frequency (second frequency) of the transmission / reception unit 4b. Since the communication distance is short, a weak radio wave used in a weak radio station, which is one of the radio stations, is used. Further, the second portable side transmitting / receiving unit 3c uses radio waves in the frequency band used for the specific power saving radio station.

Then, in the present embodiment, the remote start of the engine using the relay function is enabled by the communication transition as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. (1) The control unit 3a of the portable repeater 3 outputs a start signal when the operation unit 3d is pressed. The second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c wirelessly transmits this start signal to the vehicle repeater 2.

(2) The second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the start signal transmitted from the portable repeater 3. When the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the start signal, the control unit 2a transmits a foot brake signal to the vehicle control device 1 by using the wired communication function. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle repeater 2 maintains a state in which the foot brake signal is turned on during the relay / transmission process of each data / signal shown below.

(3) When the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 receives the foot brake signal, it accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, acquires an ID code as the stored authentication information, and requests a response including the ID code. Output a signal (LF data). The transmission / reception unit 1b transmits the LF data by using the wireless transmission function.

(4) The first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the LF data. The vehicle repeater 2 wirelessly transmits the wireless LF data based on the received LF data to the portable repeater 3 by using the transmission function of the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c. The wireless LF data is data that is reversible with the LF data.

(5) The second mobile-side transmission / reception unit 3c of the mobile repeater 3 receives the wireless LF data. The portable repeater 3 generates the original LF data from the received wireless LF data, and uses the transmission function of the first mobile side transmitter / receiver 3b to direct the generated LF data to the portable device 4 at the first frequency. Send.

(6) The LF data transmitted by the portable repeater 3 is transmitted at the first frequency and is equivalent to the LF data transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1. Therefore, the transmission / reception unit 4b of the portable device 4 Receives the LF data. The control unit 4a determines whether or not the received LF data is addressed to itself. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the ID code included in the LF data matches the own ID code stored in the authentication information storage unit 4c. Then, when the ID codes match, RF data (response data) which is a response signal is transmitted by using the transmission function of the transmission / reception unit 4b. If the ID codes do not match, the control unit 4a does not transmit anything.

(7) The first mobile-side transmission / reception unit 3b of the mobile repeater 3 receives RF data. The portable repeater 3 transmits the radio RF data based on the received RF data by using the transmission function of the second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c. The radio RF data is data that is reversible with the LF data.

(8), (9) The second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the radio RF data. The vehicle repeater 2 generates the original RF data from the received radio RF data, and transmits the generated RF data at the second frequency by using the transmission function of the first vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2b. Further, the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 transmits an engine start request signal to the vehicle control device 1 by using the wired communication function prior to the transmission of the RF data from the first vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2b. The vehicle repeater 2 wirelessly transmits the above RF data while maintaining the state in which the engine start request signal is turned on.

The transmission / reception unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1 receives the RF data sent from the vehicle repeater 2. The control unit 1a authenticates whether or not the received RF data is RF data (response data) from the legitimate portable device 4. Then, when the authentication result is RF data from the legitimate portable device 4, and both the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal are ON, the engine is controlled to start. After a certain period of time has passed from the start of the engine, the control unit 1a controls to stop the engine. By continuing the operating operation of this engine, warm-up operation is performed, and the temperature inside the vehicle interior is adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the air conditioner installed in the vehicle.

Further, when the engine is stopped during the warm-up operation, the user operates the operation unit 3d of the portable repeater 3. When the portable repeater 3 receives the operation stop command accompanying the operation of the operation unit 3d, the portable repeater 3 transmits the operation stop command. The transmitted operation stop command reaches the vehicle control device 1 via the vehicle repeater 2. Upon receiving the operation stop command, the control unit 1a controls to stop the engine during operation. Further, the control unit 1a relays and transmits the execution result for the received operation instruction in the same manner as the LF data, and when the mobile repeater 3 is reached, the control unit 1a notifies the result.

[Characteristics of the first embodiment]
FIG. 3 shows an example of the bit configuration of the LF data and the RF data. As shown in the figure, for example, looking at the LF data, in "bit 0", 200 μs is High and 150 μs is Low (see FIG. 3A), and in “Bit 1”, 500 μs is High and 200 μs. It becomes Low (see FIG. 3 (b)). In this way, all of them have a bit configuration that starts low and falls to Low. On the other hand, in the RF data, "800 μs is High and 800 μs is Low" (see FIG. 3 (c)) and its inversion "800 μs is Low and 800 μs is High" (FIG. 3 (d)). ) Refer to). Further, in "bit 1", the same state (H / L) is maintained for 1600 μs for one cycle (see FIGS. 3 (e) and 3 (f)). Which bit configuration is adopted depends on the state of the previous bit. That is, for example, when a certain "0" is represented by FIG. 3 (c), it ends with High, so that the next data has a bit configuration starting with High ("0": FIG. 3 (c), "1". : The one shown in FIG. 3 (e) is used. Therefore, when "0" continues, those having the same bit configuration are used, and when "1" continues, FIGS. 3 (e) and 3 (f) are used alternately.

When such data is transmitted by wireless communication, it is transmitted at a predetermined bit rate. At this time, since the pulse widths of the LF data and the RF data are significantly different, the bit rate is set so as not to impair the pulse width. The bit configuration shown is an example, and differs depending on the automobile manufacturer and vehicle type. And, with such different bit configurations, the bit rates suitable for the different bit configurations also differ.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the portable repeater 3 has a parameter storage unit 3f that stores parameters related to communication corresponding to different bit configurations depending on the automobile manufacturer and vehicle type, and one of a plurality of parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 3f. A setting switch 3g for setting one is provided. The parameter related to communication is, for example, the bit rate at the time of sampling. Further, the carrier frequency of the LF data may differ depending on the vehicle. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the combination of the bit rate and the carrier frequency is stored as the parameter. In addition, information about the bit configuration may be stored. The parameter storage unit 3f stores, for example, a parameter related to communication and information such as a vehicle type as a table associated with each other.

The setting switch 3g may be, for example, a dial type or a DIP switch. If the DIP switch is used, the installation space can be reduced, the portable repeater 3 can be miniaturized, and the possibility that the DIP switch setting is accidentally switched during use can be suppressed as much as possible.

Further, the vehicle repeater 2 includes a parameter storage unit 2d that stores parameters related to communication corresponding to different bit configurations depending on the automobile manufacturer and the vehicle type. The information stored in the parameter storage unit 2d is the same as the information stored in the parameter storage unit 3f of the portable repeater 3.

The parameters associated with this vehicle model are set as follows. First, in the mobile repeater 3, for example, according to the setting of the setting switch 3g, the control unit 3a accesses the parameter storage unit 3f, acquires parameters such as the bit rate associated with the set vehicle type, etc., and obtains parameters such as the bit rate associated with the set vehicle type, etc. Set in the transmitter / receiver 3c. Further, the control unit 3a uses the second mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3c to send the acquired setting information of the setting switch 3g to the vehicle repeater 2 by packet communication other than the relay shown in FIG. The control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 accesses the parameter storage unit 2d based on the setting information received by the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c, acquires the parameters associated with the set vehicle type, and the like, and obtains the parameters associated with the set vehicle type and the like. (Ii) Set in the transmission / reception unit 2c on the vehicle side. In this way, communication from the portable repeater 3 to the vehicle repeater 2 can be easily performed by simply sending the information of 1/0 of the DIP switch in the state of the setting switch 3g, for example, in the case of the DIP switch.

Then, at the time of actual relay, the second mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3c and the second vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2c perform sampling when transmitting / receiving wireless LF data and wireless RF data according to parameters such as a set bit rate. ..

According to this embodiment, the portable repeater 3 and the vehicle repeater 2 can be commonly used for different vehicle types and the like, which is preferable. Since the vehicle type can be switched with the setting switch 3g, it is preferable because the work according to the vehicle type to be used can be easily performed.

[Modified example of the first embodiment]
In the present embodiment, information relating the vehicle type and the parameters related to communication is stored in both the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the information is carried out by mobile relay. It may be provided only on the machine 3 side, and parameters related to communication corresponding to the vehicle type to be used and the like uniquely specified by the setting of the setting switch 3g may be sent to the vehicle repeater 2. The vehicle repeater 2 may store the sent parameters in memory and set parameters such as the bit rate of the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c based on the parameters. In this way, it is not necessary for both the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 to have information related to the vehicle type and the parameters related to communication, so that the configuration may be simplified. Further, the portable repeater 3 is preferable because the user can hold and operate the portable repeater 3 and the setting work can be easily performed.

Further, when the information relating the vehicle type and the parameters related to communication is stored in only one of them, the information may be provided on the vehicle repeater 2 side, contrary to the above. In this case, the setting switch may also be provided on the vehicle repeater 2. Normally, the setting switch is operated only once at the beginning of installation in a vehicle. Therefore, the setting can be easily performed by operating the setting switch of the vehicle repeater 2 in a free state before installing the vehicle at a predetermined position in the vehicle. After setting the setting switch, there is usually no switch switching operation. Therefore, if the vehicle repeater 2 is installed in the vehicle, the setting switch is placed in a place where it is difficult to switch the setting switch. But there is no problem.

Further, when the setting switch 3g is installed in the portable repeater 3, it is preferable that the setting switch 3g can be covered with a closing member such as a cover or a lid. By covering the portable repeater 3 with a closing member such as a cover or a lid, it is possible to prevent the setting switch 3g from being accidentally touched while the mobile repeater 3 is being carried or the operation unit 3d being operated, and the setting is not switched.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the communication for transmitting the LF data between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle repeater 2 uses wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication is performed by wired communication. And especially good. The transmission / reception unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1 includes an antenna for LF data and wiring connected to the antenna. In the case of wire communication, for example, a communication cable is connected to the wiring and cooperates with the transmission / reception unit 2b on the first vehicle side of the vehicle repeater 2. The connection to the wiring may be branched without cutting the wiring by using, for example, an electro tap or the like. Since the frequency of the LF is low, the antenna is outside, so that the work of connecting the communication cable for wired communication can be easily performed, which is good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, wireless communication is used for communication for transmitting RF data or the like between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle repeater 2 between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle repeater 2. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed by wired communication. The high frequency RF antenna is likely to be provided as a built-in antenna inside the unit. In the case of the built-in antenna, in order to perform wired communication, it is necessary to disassemble the unit or cut the wiring pattern in the unit to connect the wired cable, which makes the work complicated. If the wiring pattern is cut, it cannot be restored. For example, if there is a poor contact, the immobilizer function of the vehicle may not operate normally depending on the vehicle, and the engine may start with the user's operation such as pressing the normal push start button. It may not be possible. Therefore, it is particularly good to perform RF data communication by wireless communication as in the embodiment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal are sent from the vehicle repeater 2 to the vehicle control device 1 by using wired communication, but the present invention is not limited to this. Wireless communication may be used. However, it is better to use a wired communication signal because it is easier to maintain the ON state.

[Optimization] (second embodiment)
In this embodiment, the bit rate, which is one of the parameters related to communication in the first embodiment described above, is appropriately set. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the pulse widths of the LF data and the RF data are significantly different, the sampling period is made as fine as possible so as not to impair the normal pulse width, and the data is transmitted at a high frequency bit rate. As a result, reliable LF data can be transmitted. However, the bit rate is related to the upper limit of the communicable distance, and when the frequency of the bit rate is increased, the upper limit of the communicable distance becomes shorter. As a result, the quality of wireless communication deteriorates.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, attention is paid to the pulse width of the LF data bit configuration and the RF data bit configuration set for each vehicle type, etc., and the bit rate is lengthened within the allowable range of radio quality to enable communication. I tried to lengthen the distance. Bit rates that are within the permissible range and long are set based on the greatest common divisor of the pulse width of each bit configuration.

To give an example shown in FIG. 3, the pulse widths of the LF data are 200 μs, 150 μs, and 500 μs, and the pulse widths of the RF data are 800 μs and 1600 μs. The greatest common divisor in this case is 50 μs. Therefore, in the case of a vehicle model having a bit configuration shown in FIG. 3, assuming that the sampling period is 50 μs, the sampling waveform data having a pulse width of 50 μs and each data are in phase with each other, and either LF data or RF data is “0/1”. Even with the value of, sampling can be performed at the rising / falling timing. Therefore, the balance between the bit rate and the radio quality can be optimized by sampling each data of the illustrated bit configuration at 20 kbbs.

Normally, the bit rate is set to be common to all vehicle models, but if the conditions are met, the bit rate will be too fine. As a result, as described above, the upper limit of the communicable distance becomes short, and there arises a problem that radio waves do not fly. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the greatest common divisor is used and the parameters related to the optimum communication are set for each vehicle type, so that the problem can be solved.

Further, in the present embodiment, a common bit rate parameter is used for LF data and RF data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the bit rate is set at the time of LF data communication and the time of RF data communication, respectively. It should be variable to further improve the radio quality.

[Modulation of relay waveform] Third embodiment In the present embodiment, 0/1 determination of LF data is performed. If "bit 0", one cycle is Low, and if "bit 1", one cycle is High. I converted it to and modulated it with that data. In the second embodiment described above, the waveform is optimized to reduce the bit rate and increase the communicable distance. In the present embodiment, the Low state and the High state continue for a relatively long time, the bit rate can be apparently reduced, and the quality can be improved.

Then, the 0/1 determination is performed by looking at the High / Low state of the LF data at the time of determination, not the entire LF data. That is, as described above, the data structure of the LF data at the time of "bit 0" and "bit 1" is determined, respectively. Then, in the examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, both “bit 0” and “bit 1” are high start, and if bit 0, it becomes Low when 200 μs elapses. Therefore, 0/1 determination is performed from the state of the LF data at the time of 200 μs + α with a certain margin at 200 μs. In this way, since the judgment is made based on the state of the LF data at a certain point in time, the judgment can be made quickly and easily before acquiring the entire data constituting "bit 1" and "bit 0", and the data is received every moment. This is good because it can be applied to a communication method in which data to be continuously transferred / relayed.

At a certain point in time when the 0/1 determination is performed, the setting is made based on the point at which the bit configuration of each bit is switched to Low, but instead of looking at the pinpoint once, it is continuously or multiple times with an appropriate time. You should see it. By doing so, the judgment can be made accurately.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, assuming that the LF data is “0110”, the waveform data received by the vehicle repeater 2 is as shown in FIG. 4 (a). Then, since it becomes Low when 200 μs + α elapses from the start of receiving the data of “bit 0”, the data being received is “bit 0”. Along with this, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle repeater 2 is set to the Low state. This Low state continues for 350 μs for one cycle of “bit 0”.

When 350 μs has passed in this Low state, 200 μs + α has passed since the data of the next bit of “bit 0” was started, and the state of the LF data at this point is High, so the data being received is high. It is "bit 1". Along with this, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle repeater 2 is set to the High state. This High state continues for 700 μs for one cycle of “bit 1”.

When 700 μs has passed in this High state, 200 μs + α has passed since the data of the next bit of “bit 1” was started, and the state of the LF data at this point is High, so the data being received is high. It is "bit 1". Along with this, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle repeater 2 remains in the High state. By doing the same below, wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 4B is generated, and modulated and transmitted based on the radio LF data.

When the mobile repeater 3 receives the wireless LF data by the second mobile transmission / reception unit 3c and demodulates it, the data as shown in FIG. 4C can be obtained. If the demodulated data is Low, the waveform data having a bit configuration corresponding to "bit 0" is generated, and if it is High, the waveform data having a bit configuration corresponding to "bit 1" is generated. Since the pulse width corresponding to each bit is known in the portable repeater 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, even if the high state continues for a long time, "bit 1" is started from the first 700 μs portion. The waveform data corresponding to “bit 1” is generated again, and the waveform data corresponding to “bit 1” is generated again from the next 700 μs portion. Therefore, the LF data shown in FIG. 4D is reproduced. Then, the portable repeater 3 transmits the reproduced LF data to the portable device 4 by the first mobile-side transmission / reception unit 3b.

The control units 2a and 3a perform each of the above-mentioned determination processes and data generation / reproduction associated with the determination, respectively.

[Modification example]
As described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the bit configuration of each bit differs depending on the vehicle type and the like. Therefore, since the High / Low pulse width of the LF data is different, the timing for performing the 0/1 determination, the Low state after the determination, the time for continuing the High state, and the like are also different. Therefore, it is advisable to store these various conditions in relation to the vehicle type and the like, and set one of the conditions at the time of use. Since the conditions such as judgment can be associated with the parameters related to communication, it is preferable to set the conditions together with the parameters related to communication. Further, the storage of the conditions associated with the vehicle type and the like may be stored separately from the parameters related to communication, but it is preferable to store the conditions together with the parameters in the parameter storage unit 3f. In this way, conditions such as parameters and judgments can be added / changed all at once, which facilitates management. Also, since it can be performed collectively with the operation of the setting switch 3g, the processing is simple and good, and each relay It is good because the consistency of the parameters and conditions set in the machine etc. can be maintained.

[Transmission / reception switching control of the transmission / reception unit of the portable repeater] Fourth embodiment When a plurality of regular portable devices 4 exist, the authentication information storage unit 1c of the vehicle control device 1 stores the ID codes of the plurality of portable devices 4. do. In order to confirm the existence of the legitimate portable device 4, the vehicle control device 1 confirms the existence of the LF data, which is a response request signal, for each portable device 4 one by one, and one of the registered devices. When the certification is obtained with the legitimate portable device 4 of the above, the actual engine starting process is performed.

FIG. 5 shows the timing of communication between LF data and RF data when two portable devices are registered. First, the vehicle control device 1 transmits a WAKE signal, and the portable device 4 that has received the WAKE signal returns an ACK signal. The control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 selects one of a plurality of ID codes stored in the authentication information storage unit 1c, and LF data which is a response request signal toward the portable device 4 of the selected ID code. To send. In FIG. 5, ID1 is selected and the LF data of “response request signal = ID1 designation + challenge data” is transmitted.

The portable device 4 (ID1) receives the LF data of "ID1 designation + challenge data". The portable device 4 (ID1) recognizes that the ID code in the LF data is addressed to itself, and transmits the response data. On the other hand, even if the portable device 4 (ID2) receives the "ID1 + challenge data", it does not transmit the response data because it is different from its own ID code.

If the vehicle control device 1 cannot receive the response data from the portable device (ID1) even after a certain period of time has passed after transmitting the LF data of "ID1 designation + challenge data", the vehicle control device 1 has a portable device with another ID code (ID1). Here, the LF data of "ID2 designation + challenge data" is transmitted as a response request signal toward ID2). When the portable device 4 (ID2) receives the LF data of "ID2 designation + challenge data", it recognizes that the ID code in the LF data is addressed to itself and transmits the response data.

In the above example, an example in which two regular portable devices 4 are registered is shown, but in the case of three or more, LF data with ID designation is transmitted one by one in the same manner. Then, upon receiving the response data, the vehicle control device 1 does not transmit the ID-designated LF data thereafter.

Further, the transmission / reception unit is configured by using one transmission / reception RFIC, and operates by appropriately switching between the reception state and the transmission state. Therefore, after receiving the above-mentioned LF data of the ID measure, it is switched to the transmission state and the response data is transmitted, but it takes several msec as the switching time T of the transmission / reception.

By the way, the vehicle repeater 2 uses a transmission / reception RFIC as the transmission / reception unit 2c on the second vehicle side. Therefore, the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c first relays and transmits the wireless LF data with the ID specified in the transmission state, then switches to the reception state and wirelessly transmits the response data transmitted from the portable repeater 3. Wait for RF data to be received. On the other hand, if there is no portable device corresponding to the relayed ID-designated wireless LF data, the next ID-designated wireless LF data is transmitted at an appropriate timing, so that the ID-designated wireless LF data is relayed. In addition, the second vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2c is switched to the transmission state.

The portable repeater 3 uses a transmission / reception RFIC as the transmission / reception unit 3c on the second mobile side. Therefore, the second mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3c switches to the transmission state after receiving the wireless LF data from the vehicle repeater 2 in the reception state, and relays the RF data of the response data sent from the mobile phone 4 to the vehicle. Relay to machine 2. That is, the portable repeater 3 confirms whether the portable device 4 is transmitting the RF data, and if it is transmitted, the portable repeater 3 transmits the RF data to the vehicle repeater 2 as it is until the end of the RF data. When not transmitting, the second mobile side transmission / reception unit 3c immediately switches from the RF data transmission state to the vehicle repeater 2 to the LF data reception state.

In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception switching control is configured as follows in order to perform the transmission / reception switching control more quickly. For example, the mobile repeater 3 switches the second mobile-side transmission / reception unit 3c to the transmission state in preparation for a response after the reception of the wireless LF data with the ID specified is completed by the second mobile-side transmission / reception unit 3c in the reception state. Then, when the response data is always present, the reception carrier sense is performed once, and if there is no carrier sense, transmission / reception is switched to enter the reception state, and if there is a carrier sense, the transmission state is continued as it is.

In addition, the transmission / reception state of the transmission / reception unit 3b on the first mobile phone side is also switched accordingly. That is, the transmission state is initially set, and the LF data based on the wireless LF data received by the second mobile side transmission / reception unit 3c is transmitted to the mobile device 4 and relayed. After the transmission of the LF data is completed, the reception state is switched to and the response data transmitted from the portable device 4 is waited for. If there is no carrier sense, transmission / reception is switched to enter the transmission state, and if there is carrier sense, the reception state is continued as it is.

When there is always a response, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the response data is sent after the transmission of the ID-designated wireless LF data is completed and at least after the transmission / reception switching time T has elapsed. Therefore, it is preferable to set the timing at which time T (for example, several msec) has elapsed from the completion of transmission, or set the timing at which a predetermined margin is added to T. In this way, the presence or absence of response data can be determined at a relatively early timing.

In the present embodiment, the carrier sense is always performed when the response exists. Therefore, if there is no carrier sense, the portable device having the ID specified in the previously transmitted LF data does not exist, and the response data is transmitted. It becomes clear that it does not come. Therefore, the second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c can be switched to the reception state, and the next ID-designated LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1 side can be reliably received. Then, after the reception of the wireless LF data with the ID designation is completed, the presence or absence of the response data can be determined at a relatively early timing. Therefore, if the response data is not sent, the transmission / reception is switched with a margin and the next ID is used. It is possible to prepare for the reception of the designated wireless LF data.

On the other hand, when there is a carrier sense, the response data continuously sent from the portable device 4 is continuously received by the first mobile side transmission / reception unit 3b and transmitted by the second mobile side transmission / reception unit 3c. Even if the carrier sense reception determination is performed at a slightly delayed timing instead of the reception at the beginning of the response data, the first mobile side transmitter / receiver 3b is in the reception state, so that it can be reliably received. Since the second mobile phone transmission / reception unit 3c is in the transmission state, it can be reliably transmitted and relayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which transmission / reception switching is provided on the mobile repeater 3 side based on the reception determination of the carrier sense has been described, but the same function may be implemented on the vehicle repeater 2 side.

The problems to be solved in this embodiment are as follows. For example, after the vehicle control device 1 transmits the LF data, it is determined whether or not the response data is received until a certain time t elapses. The conventional method of detecting the presence or absence of response data is to actually receive data for several bits and determine whether the data is the head data of the response data or whether it is formed as a bit component of the response data. There is. For example, assuming that the bit configuration is shown in FIG. 3, 1 bit is 1.6 ms, so for example, when looking at 4 bits, it takes 6.4 ms. As described above, considering the switching time T (for example, 2 to 3 ms), it takes 8.4 to 9.4 ms even if the total is simply added. Then, since the fixed time t until the vehicle control device 1 transmits the next LF data is, for example, about 10 ms, when the portable repeater 3 detects the presence or absence of the response data and then switches the transmission / reception. Considering that switching from the transmission state to the reception state takes several hundreds of μs or more, there is a case where the switching is not completed within a certain period of time t. Even if 3 bits are viewed in order to allow time, if the data is difficult to determine due to disturbance, for example, it will take time to switch, and LF data retransmission has already started. In that case, the relay could not be performed properly, the portable device could not recognize the LF data, the response data of the RF data was not transmitted, and the engine could not be started. Furthermore, if the number of bits to be confirmed is small, it is not possible to accurately determine whether or not response data has been received. The bit configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the time of one cycle is also different, so that the above problem becomes remarkable. As described above, in the conventional method for detecting the presence or absence of response data, since t is short for a certain period of time, there is a problem that it is not possible to see many bits in order to reliably detect the presence or absence.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, it is time-constrained to detect the presence / absence of response data within a certain period of time t and switch the transmission / reception function, but in the present embodiment, the presence / absence of carrier sense. Because it is judged by, it can be judged in a short time.

[Modification example]
In the above-described embodiment, the presence / absence of the reception carrier sense is determined once when the response data is present. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in order to improve the accuracy of the determination result, The carrier sense may be performed several times in succession, or may be performed a plurality of times at regular intervals. However, it is preferable to perform it once as in the embodiment because it can be determined quickly.

[Correction of Bit Abnormality] (Fifth Embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, when the LF data, wireless LF data, RF data, and wireless RF data relayed by the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 are received by wireless communication, the received data is in the wireless communication state. There is a problem that the bit configuration changes due to. Since both LF data and RF data are wireless communications, it is inevitable that they will be disturbed. In particular, when the communication distance becomes long and the communication range is close to the allowable range, a bit abnormality is likely to occur.

Each repeater is set for the received data, samples at a sampling cycle, and the acquired data is sequentially continuously transferred / transmitted. Therefore, when the normal “bit 1” bit configuration continues for 500 μs after High and then continues for 200 μs, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), as shown in FIG. 6 (b). In addition, consider the case where an abnormality occurs in which the value drops to Low before 500 μs elapses and then returns to High. Then, the relayed radio RF data has a data structure having a phenomenon of temporarily falling to Low as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Then, since the vehicle control device 1 receives the data of the received portion as the response data, the vehicle control device 1 cannot recognize it as "1" and cannot recognize it as a normal waveform in the first place. Therefore, the engine cannot be started. Further, although specific illustration is omitted, if there is an error in the transmission / relay of the LF data, the portable device 4 cannot receive the regular LF data, and as a result, the response cannot be transmitted and the engine cannot be started. There are challenges.

On the other hand, in the present invention, since the length and pattern of a normal waveform are known, even if there is a bit abnormality, if there is a pattern, a normal waveform is output. Specifically, even if there is a High / Low switching that is impossible from the pattern configuration, the original state is maintained without switching. For example, in the bit configuration shown in FIG. 3, in the case of high start data, high continues up to 200 μ in any case of 0/1. Therefore, it is controlled so as to maintain High even if it falls to Low before 200 μs elapses. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the case of LF data, if High continues even if it exceeds 200 μs, the waveform represents “bit 1”, so that the waveform drops to Low before the elapse of 500 μs. Even keep high. This high state maintenance continues until the next low pulse is input.

As a result, even if the wireless LF data received by the portable repeater 3 generates one low pulse due to noise at the 300 μs point after the start of High, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example, the portable repeater 3 is next. The high state is maintained until a low pulse is input to. Then, in the example of FIG. 6B, since the next low pulse is at the time of 500 μs, which is the normal inversion time point, the LF data transmitted from the portable repeater 3 is normal as shown in FIG. 6A. It becomes a waveform. Therefore, the portable device 4 can recognize the LF data and can return a response when it is addressed to itself.

Further, in the above description, the case where the low pulse is generated from the high state has been described, but the low state is similarly maintained even when the high pulse is generated at the timing when the low pulse is not originally generated in the low state. Further, in the illustrated example, "bit 1" of the LF data has been described, but "bit 0" and RF data are also processed in the same manner.

Therefore, even if a pulse that is inverted once occurs at an unexpected location due to noise or the like, the waveform itself that is relayed and transmitted will be the same as the normal waveform. As a result, it is possible to prevent the portable device 4 and the vehicle control device 1 from making an abnormality determination.

It should be noted that the determination of whether the received data is "bit 0" or "bit 1" may be performed at the timing of inverting the H / L of the normal waveform, but it is performed with a predetermined margin (α). Is good. For example, the determination of “bit 1” shown in FIG. 6 is not performed immediately when the value exceeds 200 μs, but a predetermined margin (α) such as “200 μs + α” may be provided. In a communication environment or the like, the waveform of bit 0 may not drop to Low at the time of 200 μs, and may become Low with a slight time lag. In such a case, by providing a predetermined margin (α), the waveform of “bit 0” can be relayed normally.

In the present embodiment, the above correction processing is processed by the side receiving the signal for long-distance transmission. Specifically, the mobile repeater 3 that receives the wireless LF data sent from the vehicle repeater 2 and the vehicle repeater 2 that receives the wireless RF data sent from the mobile repeater 3 perform the operation. This is because the communication between the vehicle repeater 2 and the mobile repeater 3 is a long-distance transmission, and the user carrying the mobile repeater 3 may be away from the vehicle for a long communication distance. Is more likely to occur. Therefore, the engine can be started even if such an abnormality occurs.

On the other hand, both the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle repeater 2 are installed at predetermined positions of the vehicle, are relatively close to each other, and are usually arranged in consideration of a communicable distance at the time of installation. Events are unlikely to occur. Further, since the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 are both carried by the user and are relatively close to each other, the above-mentioned event is unlikely to occur. In addition, if the distance is large enough to cause such an event, it can be dealt with by bringing the two closer together.

Since the correction of the present embodiment is a relatively strong correction such that the high state or the low state is forcibly continued after a certain period of time has elapsed, the vehicle relay having a relatively high possibility of the event occurring. The long-distance communication between the machine 2 and the portable repeater 3 is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, even if a pulse that is once inverted is input, the original state is maintained without being inverted. Therefore, for example, when a pulse that inverts a plurality of times (for example, twice) occurs in the same state (for example, High state) (see FIG. 6C), the state is inverted (for example, in the second inversion pulse). In the example of the figure, High to Low). Therefore, in such a case, the waveform data that falls to Low before the elapse of 500 μs is transmitted. When it occurs multiple times like this, the normal waveform is not output. Since it is also a relatively strong correction, by limiting the correction target to one abnormal pulse, it is possible to suppress the transmission of a signal that is not originally a normal signal as a normal waveform.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned noise removal processing is performed by the control unit 2a and the control unit 3a composed of the MPU, because the processing can be appropriately performed.

[Modification example]
In the above-described embodiment, the correction is limited to the occurrence of an abnormal pulse only once, but it may correspond to a plurality of times. In this way, it is possible to start the engine at a long distance away, which is good. Even if LF data or RF data different from the original data is relayed by forcibly correcting it, it may be finally eliminated on the vehicle side.

In addition, the number of times to be set may be changed by user setting. In this way, it is good that the correction can be made under appropriate conditions depending on the usage environment and situation of the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the waveform transmitted by long-distance communication is corrected, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to other communications. In that case, for example, it may be applied to communication between the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3. Both the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3 are held by the user, and the distance between them can be managed and appropriately adjusted by the user. However, for example, if the communicable distance is shortened due to the exhaustion of the built-in battery, or if both are stored in a pocket of clothes worn by the user or a bag, the two move relatively inside the pocket. It may be farther than desired. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the engine can be started by performing the correction of the above-described embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the correction is performed by the control unit, but a dedicated circuit or the like may be provided. By providing a dedicated circuit, processing can be performed more quickly. As described in the fourth embodiment, there is a time limit for sending and receiving LF data and RF data, and there is a problem that the time required for relaying is to be shortened as much as possible. Therefore, by providing a dedicated circuit, the correction can be performed in a short time, and the response can be returned within a certain time t with a margin.

As described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the bit configuration of each bit differs depending on the vehicle type and the like. Therefore, since the High / Low pulse widths are different, the correction conditions (for example, maintenance from the start to 〇〇μs, maintenance up to ΔΔμs when 〇〇μs is exceeded, etc.) are also different. Therefore, it is advisable to store the correction conditions according to the vehicle type and the like in association with the vehicle type and set one of the conditions when using the vehicle. Since the correction condition can be associated with the communication-related parameter, it is preferable to set the condition together with the communication-related parameter setting. Further, the storage of the correction conditions associated with the vehicle type or the like may be stored separately from the parameters related to communication, but it is preferable to store the correction conditions in association with the parameters in the parameter storage unit 3f. In this way, parameters and correction conditions can be added and changed all at once, which facilitates management. Also, since it can be performed collectively with the operation of the setting switch 3g, processing is easy and good, and each repeater It is good because the consistency of the parameters and correction conditions set in the above can be maintained.

[Dualization of RFIC] (sixth embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the transmission / reception unit is composed of one transmission / reception RFIC, and the transmission / reception state is appropriately switched to perform relay. In the present embodiment, each transmission / reception unit mounted on the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 is composed of a transmission-only RFIC and a reception-only RFIC, respectively, and transmission / reception is exclusively executed by each IC.

For example, as described in the fourth embodiment and the like, when transmitting and receiving LF data, wireless LF data, RF data, and wireless RF data, a transmission / reception switching operation occurs in each transmission / reception unit. Further, the transmission / reception switching operation is required to be quick because the vehicle control device 1 must perform the period from the transmission of the LF data to the reception of the response data from the corresponding portable device 4 within a certain time t. Will be done. And when the fixed time becomes shorter, the demand becomes higher. Then, there will be no available RFICs, or even if there are, there will be few types, and the choices will be narrowed. Furthermore, even if the switching operation time meets the requirements, it does not correspond to the radio frequency band to be used, and there is a possibility that a system configuration that meets the specifications cannot be established.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by implementing dedicated RFICs for transmission and reception, switching between transmission and reception becomes unnecessary, and communication control can be easily performed. Further, by performing transmission and reception with a dedicated RFIC, reception processing and transmission processing can be performed at the same time. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, normally, after receiving WAKE from the vehicle control device 1, the first vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2b is switched to the transmission state and ACK is returned. However, in the present embodiment, WAKE reception is performed. ACK is returned on the way. As a result, the time from when the vehicle control device 1 transmits WAKE to when the ACK is received is shortened. Then, the vehicle control device 1 transmits LF data with a predetermined ID designation in response to the reception of the ACK, and the transmission start is also performed faster than in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications. Further, since the waiting time for switching transmission / reception, which is required for each relay, is eliminated, there is a time margin in this respect as well. Further, the ACK is not relayed from the portable device 4, but is transmitted by the vehicle repeater 2 by itself. As a result, the time can be further shortened. Further, since the RFIC is dedicated to reception and transmission, it can be designed without considering the switching time, so that it is possible to design at a frequency that increases the certainty of wireless communication.

In addition, each repeater transmits and receives at different frequencies. Make sure that the transmission and reception channels are not adjacent to each other so that there is no mutual interference.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the LF data communicates using a high frequency (short bit length), for example 900 MHz, and the RF data communicates using a low frequency, such as 400 MHz. This is because when the frequency is high, the bit rate is high, so that the switching from the transmission state to the reception state is quick, and the capture / return is also quick. Therefore, in order to keep the time constraint, 900 MHz is used when the switching type is used. By using two RFICs to make a dual as in the present embodiment, for example, LF data may be communicated at 400 MHz. Since 400 MHz has a narrow bandwidth, stable communication can be performed without interference with other signals, which is preferable.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the RFIC is dualized, the power consumption increases. Therefore, a battery having a large capacity is required to be built in the portable repeater 3. Therefore, the case where the portable repeater 3 is accommodated becomes large.

Therefore, it is preferable that the case is provided with a space in which the portable device 4 can be stored so that the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 can be integrally carried. By integrating, the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 can be arranged at a short distance, so that communication can be reliably performed.

Further, since the battery built in the portable repeater 3 has a large capacity, a connection portion with a mobile device may be provided so that the battery can be used as a mobile battery. The connection portion includes, for example, a terminal portion to which a cable can be connected. When applying to a mobile battery, the battery should be a secondary battery.

[Separation determination function] (7th embodiment)
As described in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the portable repeater 3 relays and transmits the LF data, and after the portable device 4 receives the LF data, the ID code included in the LF data is self-generated. If it matches the one, RF data (response data) is transmitted.

Then, the RF data (response data) is transmitted from the portable repeater 3 to the vehicle control device 1 via the vehicle repeater 2. Upon receiving the response from the legitimate portable device 4, the vehicle control device 1 starts the engine.

By the way, LF data is transmitted at the first frequency, and RF data is transmitted at a second frequency different from the first frequency. The second frequency is a frequency higher than the first frequency, and the communication range of RF data using the second frequency is also long. As an example, the first frequency is 134 kHz and the second frequency is 314 MHz. Then, the communicable distance of the LF data is as short as 1 to 2 m, and if the distance is too large, the portable device 4 may not be able to receive the LF data transmitted from the portable repeater 3.

Then, as one of the factors when the engine start fails, the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 are isolated, and the LF data transmitted from the portable repeater 3 cannot be received. However, the communicable distance of the LF data varies depending on, for example, how the user holds the portable repeater 3 and the surrounding environment. Therefore, when the user fails to start the engine, the portable repeater 4 and the portable repeater 3 make a change. There is a problem that it is difficult to tell whether it is caused by the inability to communicate at a distance or other failures.

In addition, a method of increasing the radio wave strength can be adopted to ensure communication even if the distance is a little, but if the radio wave strength is increased, the radio wave strength will fly too much, which will lead to a malfunction, which is not preferable. For example, if a person who does not have the portable device 4 mistakenly operates the portable repeater 3 in a situation where a spare portable device is placed in the room, the engine will start, which is not preferable. Furthermore, if the radio field strength is increased, the battery consumption also increases, so there is also a demand to suppress it. Therefore, the communicable distance becomes short, and the above-mentioned problem becomes remarkable.

FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is for solving the problem, and includes an isolation determination mode in which the user determines whether or not the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 are separated from each other. In this isolation determination mode, the portable repeater 3 is provided with the normal LF data information storage unit 3h. The control unit 3a stores the LF data when the engine is successfully started in the normal LF data information storage unit 3h as normal LF data.

When the separation determination mode is set, the control unit 3a transmits the normal LF data stored in the normal LF data information storage unit 3h by the first portable side transmission / reception unit 3b. Then, when the portable device 4 receives the normal LF data, it transmits RF data (response data) because it is the same as the ID-designated LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1, so that the portable repeater 3 The control unit 3a waits for the reception of the RF data (response data). Then, when the reception of the RF data (response data) is completed, the control unit 3a notifies from the notification unit 3e that the RF data (response data) is within the communicable range. On the other hand, when the control unit 3a cannot receive the RF data (response data), the control unit 3a notifies from the notification unit 3e that communication is not possible.

From the notification result of the notification unit 3e, the user can know whether or not the mobile repeater 3 and the mobile device 4 are within an appropriate range in which communication is possible. Therefore, for example, if the engine does not actually start when the engine is started remotely by operating the portable repeater 3, communication between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 cannot be performed in the first place, or other communication systems. It is possible to easily understand whether or not the engine is out of order. In this embodiment, it may be possible to check without starting the engine.

[Modification example]
When a plurality of legitimate portable devices 4 exist, the vehicle control device 1 sequentially transmits LF data specifying the authentication information (ID code) of each of the plurality of registered portable devices 4. Therefore, if the ID code included in the LF data transmitted first does not match its own, the portable device 4 does not transmit RF data (response data), so that the portable repeater 3 includes a different ID code. Relay LF data. When RF data (response data) is finally sent from the portable device 4 and the engine start is successful, the LF data at the time of success may be stored in the normal LF data information storage unit 3h. By storing the LF data for the ID code of the portable device 4 that is often used by the user, the separation determination can be performed immediately, which is preferable.

Further, when a plurality of LF data are relayed, all the LF data relayed up to that point are LF data including a regular ID code stored in the vehicle control device 1, so that all the LF data are normal LF. It is preferable to store the data in the data information storage unit 3h. By doing so, when the portable device 4 used by the user is not fixed, the separation determination can be performed regardless of which portable device 4 is used.

Further, the normal LF data stored in the normal LF data information storage unit 3h may be only the LF data when the response data is received, but it is preferable to store all the LF data sent up to that point. .. By doing so, even if the portable device carried by the user changes, the isolation determination can be performed, which is good.

Further, when all the LF data is stored, for example, the operation unit 3d of the portable repeater 3 is operated without the portable device, and the LF data for all the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 1 is stored. Can be acquired and stored in memory. By doing so, it is good that the separation determination can be performed for any of the portable devices to be carried thereafter.

Further, the portable repeater 3 is preferably provided with a function of notifying the number of registered normal LF data stored in the normal LF data information storage unit 3h. By doing so, it is interesting to know how many legitimate portable devices are registered in the vehicle control device 1 by collecting the LF data corresponding to all the authentication information registered in the vehicle control device 1 described above. ..

If the portable repeater 3 receives the response data when the operation unit 3d is operated, it is preferable to notify the notification unit 3e to that effect. By doing so, it can be seen that the communication between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 is secured, and if the engine cannot be started in that state, it is known that there is a failure. The notification in this case is preferable because, for example, if a sound such as "pipi" is smoothed out, the user can understand the notification without looking at the notification unit 3e.

In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the LF data when the engine is started is stored and the separation determination between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 is performed, but the RF data (response) when the engine is started is determined. The data) may be stored and the RF data may be checked in the same manner. As the determination of the presence or absence of RF data, RF data carrier sense, determination of the first bit, or the like may be used.

[Integrated structure of portable device and portable repeater] (8th embodiment)
8 and 9 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3 are integrated. The portable repeater 3 includes a display unit 11, an operation button 12, and a lid portion 13 on the upper surface 10a of the case body 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the lid portion 13 closes the storage recess 10b provided so as to open in the upper surface 10a of the case body 10. In the present embodiment, the lid portion 13 slides along the upper surface 10a of the case body 10 to be attached and detached. Although not shown, various circuits / devices such as a control unit 3a, a first mobile phone transmission / reception unit 3b, a second mobile phone transmission / reception unit 3c, and a parameter storage unit 3f are mounted in the case body 10. .. The display unit 11 constitutes, for example, the notification unit 3e in each of the above-described embodiments. The operation button 12 is an engine operation switch, a vehicle door operation switch, or the like, and constitutes, for example, the setting switch 3g in each of the above-described embodiments. Further, the lid portion 13 is provided with an auxiliary switch 13a. The auxiliary switch 13a is an operation unit of a push button type switch.

In the present embodiment, the portable device 4 is stored in the storage recess 10b of the portable repeater 3, but the internal board assembly 21 of the portable device 4 is stored instead of mounting the entire portable device 4 as it is. The internal board assembly 21 includes a push-button switch 21a on its surface. When the internal board assembly 21 is housed in the storage recess 10b and the lid portion 13 is closed, the switch 21a of the internal board assembly 21 and the auxiliary switch 13a of the lid portion 13 move up and down as shown in FIG. 8 (b). Place it so that it overlaps with. As a result, when the auxiliary switch 13a is pressed, the auxiliary switch 13a pushes the switch 21a of the internal board assembly 21. Therefore, the user can perform a predetermined switch operation on the portable device 4 by operating the auxiliary switch 13a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, some of the portable devices 4 contain the mechanical key 22 of the vehicle. When the engine cannot be started using the portable device 4 due to, for example, the battery of the portable device 4 running out or a failure, the mechanical key 22 inserts the mechanical key 22 into the key cylinder of the ignition and rotates the engine. Is used to start / stop, etc. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the case body 10 is provided with a hole for inserting the mechanical key 22, and the mechanical key 22 can be set in the hole. As a result, the user can carry the mechanical key 22 together by carrying the portable repeater 3.

When mounting the internal board assembly 21, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the user or the like disassembles the portable device 4 and removes the internal board assembly 21. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, the user or the like removes the lid portion 13 of the portable repeater 3 and opens the storage recess 10b. Next, the user or the like inserts the internal board assembly 21 into the storage recess 10b with the auxiliary switch 13a facing up, as shown in FIG. 9C or the like. After that, the user or the like attaches the lid portion 13 to the case main body 10 to form the portable repeater 3 in which the internal board assembly 21 shown in FIG. 8A is integrated.

In the present embodiment, by integrating the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3, it becomes compact and does not become bulky when it is put in a pocket or the like. In particular, since the internal board assembly 21 is taken out from the portable device 4 and mounted, the internal space of the storage recess 10b can be reduced, and the overall shape of the portable repeater 3 integrated with the portable device 4 can be increased. It is good because it can be suppressed. Further, the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3 are arranged at a short distance to ensure communication. Regarding this point as well, since there is no case for the portable device 4, the distance between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 can be made closer.

In the present embodiment, the internal board assembly 21 is provided with a switch 21a and is applied to an auxiliary switch 13a of the lid 13 capable of pressing the switch 21a. However, for example, the switch 21a is structurally not exposed on the upper surface. In the case where the auxiliary switch 13a cannot be pressed, or the switch 21a is a slide type and cannot be pressed by the auxiliary switch 13a of the lid 13, for example, the switch 21a is exposed to the outside through the opening of the case body 10. , It is preferable that the switch 21a can be directly operated.

[Modification example 1 of relay waveform]
In the above-described embodiment, for example, the relay between the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 is performed by transmitting the wireless LF data converted based on the LF data. Specifically, for example, in the third embodiment, if "bit 0", one cycle is converted to Low, and if "bit 1", one cycle is converted to High, and the data is modulated. .. As described above, the method for converting the wireless LF data into a pulse waveform different from the pulse width of the LF data and the like is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various measures can be taken. An example is as follows.

For example, an edge signal is generated at the rising and falling edges of the LF data. The wireless LF data is data in which the edge signal is generated at an appropriate timing from the Low state. The edge signal is, for example, a single pulse having a predetermined width. To give a specific example, for example, assuming that the LF data is "0110", the waveform data received by the vehicle repeater 2 is as shown in FIG. 10A. Then, the rising edge of "bit 0" is detected, an edge signal having a predetermined width (for example, 50 μs) is inserted, and then the Low state is maintained. When this Low state continues for 350 μs, a fall from High of “bit 0” to Low occurs. Therefore, the Low state is maintained after the edge signal is inserted at the fall.

When this Low state continues for 100 μs, the LF data is switched to the next “bit 1” High. An edge signal is inserted with the rise at this time. By repeating the following, wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 10B is generated, and modulated and transmitted based on the generated wireless LF data. According to this method, two edge signals are output for each bit data, and the low state becomes long wireless LF data.

When the portable repeater 3 receives the wireless LF data shown in FIG. 10 (b), the portable repeater 3 sets High along with the first edge signal, and maintains High until the next edge signal arrives. Then, when the next edge signal is detected, it is set to Low, and Low is maintained until the next edge signal comes. By alternately switching between High and Low each time an edge signal is detected in this way, the original LF data can be reproduced as shown in FIG. 10 (c).

[Modification example 2 of relay waveform]
In the above-described modification 1, the edge signal is inserted at each of the rising edge and the falling edge of the LF data, but the edge signal may not be inserted at the falling edge. Then, in the case of "bit 1" having a long high pulse width, a single pulse is inserted while maintaining the high state. In "bit 0", High drops to Low after 200 μs has elapsed, and in "Bit 1", High continues for 500 μs. Therefore, the timing of inserting a single pulse is, for example, 200 μs after the rising edge.

As a result, the wireless LF data in the case of "bit 0" becomes a pulse waveform in which a single pulse having a predetermined width is inserted at the rising edge of the LF data and becomes Low until 350 μs elapses from the rising edge. Further, in the wireless LF data in the case of "bit 1", a single pulse having a predetermined width is inserted at the rising edge of the LF data, and then the Low state is maintained, and a pulse having a predetermined width is inserted when 200 μs elapses from the rising edge. After that, the pulse waveform is maintained in the Low state.

Therefore, when the portable repeater 3 that has received the wireless LF data does not generate the next pulse 200 μs after detecting the single pulse, it is found that the data is “bit 0”, and 200 μs has passed. When the next pulse is generated at that time, it is known that the data is "bit 1", so that the original LF data can be reproduced.

The control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 for performing the process of generating the wireless LF data has, for example, a function of executing the transmission data conversion flow shown in FIG. 11A. That is, the control unit 2a monitors the L / H state of the LF data and determines the presence or absence of a rising edge (ST1). When the control unit 2a detects the rising edge (ST1 is Yes), the control unit 2a outputs a 40 μs pulse (ST2).

Next, the control unit 2a makes a logical determination as to whether or not the current data is “bit 0” (“bit 1”) (ST3). When the logic determination is "bit 0", the control unit 2a returns to ST1 and detects the next rising edge. As a result, when the LF data is "bit 0", there is only a pulse output of 40 μs at the rising edge. On the other hand, the control unit 2a outputs a 40 μs pulse when the logic determination is “bit 1” (ST4). After that, the control unit 2a returns to ST1 and detects the next rising edge. As a result, when the LF data is "bit 1", a pulse of 40 μs is output twice at the rising edge and in the middle. In the logical determination of ST3, when 350 μs has elapsed from the rising edge, it is determined whether it is High or Low, and if it is Low, it is determined as “bit 0”.

On the other hand, the control unit 3a of the portable repeater 3 for performing the process of reproducing the LF data from the received wireless LF data has a function of executing, for example, the transmission data conversion flow shown in FIG. 11B. That is, the control unit 3a monitors the L / H state of the wireless LF data and determines the presence / absence of the rising edge (ST11). When the control unit 3a detects the rising edge (ST11 is Yes), it sets it to High (ST12).

Next, the control unit 3a determines whether or not the current data is “bit 1” (“bit 0”) based on the presence or absence of the rising edge (ST13). When the determination result is "bit 0" (ST13 is No), the control unit 3a returns to ST1 after changing the output to Low (ST14), and detects the next rising edge. On the other hand, when the determination is "bit 1" (ST13 is No), the control unit 3a maintains the high state for a certain period of time (ST15). After a lapse of a certain period of time, the control unit 3a changes the output to Low (ST16), returns to ST11, and detects the next rising edge. The determination of ST13 determines whether or not there is a rising edge when 350 μs has elapsed from the rising edge of ST11, and if so, determines “bit 1”. You may want to look at High or Low instead of the rising edge.

The above-mentioned processing function will be described with reference to specific examples. For example, assuming that the LF data is "0110", the waveform data received by the vehicle repeater 2 is as shown in FIG. 12 (a). The control unit 2a detects the rising edge of the “bit 0” of the LF data, inserts a pulse having a predetermined width (for example, 40 μs), and then maintains the Low state. Then, since the LF data 350 μs after the detection of the rising edge is Low, the branch determination of ST3 is Yes, the Low is continued, and the next rising edge is waited for.

Then, with the rise of the next "bit 1" of the LF data, a pulse of 40 μs is inserted, and then the Low state is maintained. Then, since the LF data 350 μs after the detection of the rising edge is High, the branch determination of ST3 is No, a pulse of 40 μs is inserted, and then the Low state is maintained. This Low state continues until the next rise of "bit 1". After that, when the LF data of "0110" is received in the same manner, the wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 12B is generated. Then, the radio LF data of the pulse system shown in FIG. 12B is transmitted from the vehicle repeater 2 and received by the portable repeater 3.

The portable repeater 3 reproduces the LF data shown in FIG. 12 (c) by executing the processing flow of FIG. 11 (b) on the received wireless LF data. That is, the control unit 3a detects the rising edge of the wireless LF data and sets it to High. This High state continues until the next branch determination determination process (ST13) is performed. Then, since there is no rising edge and remains Low after 200 μs has elapsed from the rising edge, the branch determination of ST13 is No, and the output is set to Low. This Low state continues until there is the next rising edge. As a result, the LF data of "bit 0" is reproduced.

Further, the control unit 3a outputs High with the detection of the rising edge. Since the wireless LF data has a rising edge 200 μs after the rising edge, the branch determination of ST13 is Yes, and the output is set to Low after maintaining High for a certain period of time. This Low state continues until there is the next rising edge. As a result, the LF data of "bit 1" is reproduced. By repeating the process thereafter, the LF data of "0110" is reproduced as shown in FIG. 12 (c).

[Modification example 3 of relay waveform]
In the above-mentioned modified examples 1 and 2, the edge signal is output at the rising edge of the LF data, but in this modified example, the wireless LF data of the relay waveform is based on the duration of the high state of the LF data. To generate. As described above, as an example of the bit configuration of the LF data, "bit 0" has 200 μs high and 150 μs low (see FIG. 3A), and “bit 1” has 500 μs high and 200 μs. It becomes Low (see FIG. 3B). As described above, in the bit configuration constituting "bit 0" and "bit 1", the pulse widths of High and Low are determined. For example, the High state of the LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1 is 200 μs. If it lasts longer than, it is "bit 1". In this modification, the vehicle repeater 2 generates wireless LF data having a pulse width different from the high and low pulse widths of the received LF data "bit 0" and "bit 1", respectively, and carries the wireless LF data. Wireless transmission is performed to the repeater 3. The bit configuration of different pulse widths is, for example, to make the high pulse width of "bit 1" of the wireless LF data the same as the high pulse width of "bit 0" of the LF data, and to make the high pulse width of the wireless LF data "bit 0". The high pulse width is made longer than the high pulse width of "bit 1" of the wireless LF data. Then, the Low pulse width of the wireless LF data is set to a value at which the length of one cycle including High and Low is the same for the LF data and the wireless LF data.

By doing so, the portable repeater 3 that has received the wireless LF data can discriminate between "bit 0" and "bit 1" from the length of High, and the rise from Low to High is the original without delay in time. It is good because it becomes the same as the LF data.

As an example of the bit configuration of the wireless LF data, “bit 0” has High of 200 μs + α and Low of 150 μs-α. Here, α is set to a value smaller than (500-200) μs, and is set to, for example, 100 μs. “Bit 1” has a High of 200 μs and a Low of ((500 + 200) -200) μs.

Further, the pulse widths of the walk signal and the STOP signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 1 are also determined. As an example, the WAKE signal has a Low duration of 180 μs after a High duration of 2 ms. The STOP signal is a single pulse with a High of 180 μs. In order to distinguish these WAKE signals and STOP signals from the "bit 0" and "bit 1" of the LF data, when the vehicle repeater 2 receives the WAKE, the signal has a High of 200 μs + α + β and a Low of 2 ms + 180 μs- (200 μs + α + β). It is converted and wirelessly transmitted to the portable repeater 3. When the vehicle repeater 2 receives the STOP signal, High converts it into a 180 μs + γ signal and wirelessly transmits it to the portable repeater 3. Here, γ is set to less than 20 μs.

The High of each signal after conversion described above is WAKE signal (200 μs + α + β)> bit 0 (200 μs + α)> bit 1 (200 μs)> STOP signal (180 μs + γ: γ <20 μs). Thereby, the portable repeater 3 can identify the WAKE signal, the bit 0, the bit 1, and the STOP signal from the length of High. Further, the total value of each signal composed of the combination of High and Low is equal to the total value of the signals before conversion.
In order to perform the above processing, the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 executes the processing flow shown in FIG. 13, and the control unit 3a of the mobile repeater 3 executes the processing flow shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 2a waits for the input signal sent from the vehicle control device 1 to rise from Low to High (ST21).

When the signal rises to High (Y in ST21), the control unit 2a outputs a signal in which High is continued by 200 μs + α + β and Low is continued by 2 ms + 180 μs- (200 μs + α + β) (ST22). The second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c wirelessly transmits this signal to the portable repeater 3. Similarly, the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c wirelessly transmits the output signal output from the control unit 2a shown below to the portable repeater 3.

The control unit 2a then waits for the input signal to rise from Low to High (ST23). When it rises to High (Y in ST23), the control unit 2a sets the output signal to High (ST24). The control unit 2a determines whether or not the duration of High of the input signal drops to Low in 180 μs (ST25). When the branch determination of ST25 is Y, the control unit 2a drops it to Low after a set time of less than γμs elapses. As a result, the control unit 2a outputs a STOP signal that drops to Low after 180 μs + γ elapses after the setting is set to High in ST24.

When the branch determination of ST25 is Y, the control unit 2a determines whether or not the duration of High of the input signal exceeds 200 μs (ST27). When the duration exceeds 200 μS, it is a bit 1 signal, and when it falls to Low without exceeding 200 μs, it is a bit 0 signal. Therefore, when the branch determination of ST27 is Y, the control unit 2a sets the output signal to Low and maintains Low for (500 + 200) −200 μs (ST28). When the branch determination of ST27 is N, the control unit 2a maintains the High state at α, sets the output signal to Low, and maintains Low for 150 μs-α (ST28).

As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 3a of the portable repeater 3 waits for the input signal sent from the vehicle repeater 2 to rise from Low to High (ST31). When it rises to High (Y in ST31), the control unit 3a outputs a signal that continues High for 2.0 ms and Low for 180 μs (ST32). The first portable side transmission / reception unit 3b wirelessly transmits this signal to the portable device 4. Similarly, the first portable side transmission / reception unit 3b wirelessly transmits the output signal output from the control unit 2a shown below to the portable device 4.

The control unit 3a then waits for the input signal to rise from Low to High (ST33). When it rises to High (Y in ST33), the control unit 3a sets the output signal to High (ST34). The control unit 3a determines the duration of High of the input signal (ST35). When the judgment of ST35 exceeds 200 μs, the control unit 3a sets the output signal to Low (ST36). When the determination of ST35 is 200 μs, the control unit 3a sets the output signal to Low after maintaining the High state (500-200) μs (ST37). When the judgment of ST35 is 180 μs + γ, the control unit 3a is set to Low (ST38). When this ST38 process is executed, the high duration of the STOP signal becomes 180 μs + γ, which is γ longer than the high duration of the STOP signal output from the original vehicle control device 1 before conversion. Since the STOP signal is a high single pulse and the Low continues after that, the accuracy required for the duration is lower than that of a signal such as 1 bit or 0 bit, and it is recognized as a STOP signal even if it is a little longer. Will be done. Further, γ is a time for recognizing such a STOP signal.

Further, in each processing step (excluding ST38) of FIG. 14, the timing of switching Low / High of the output signal based on the signal received by the portable repeater 3 is delayed by γ, and the processing of ST38 is set to Low as it is without delaying γ. You may want to control the operation. In this case, γ is set within the time during which the communication by relay is completed within the time allowed by the delay time from the transmission of the LF data to the reception of the RF data by the vehicle control device 1.

Further, in the process of ST28 shown in FIG. 13, instead of continuing Low, the signal may be changed and data may be transmitted. In the above-described modification, the portable repeater 3 generates an output signal based on the High duration of the received input signal, and the Low reception period is Low for a certain period of time regardless of the L / H status of the input signal. Is output. Therefore, in the processing of ST28, instead of continuing the Low, by transmitting appropriate data during the period in which the Low continues, another data is transferred together with the transfer of the LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1. Made it possible to send. Since the period of this Low is 500 μs, for example, if the signal has a bit configuration of bit 1 (High 20 μs, Low 10 μs) and bit 0 (High 10 μs, Low 20 μs), it is possible to send 8-bit data, for example. Since there is always one or more bit 0 data in the LF data, transmission is performed using the bit 0 section. This 8-bit data has some meanings in one transmission and some meanings in a plurality of transmissions. That is, when the data is long, it is divided into a plurality of times and transmitted.

Further, when data is transmitted using the Low period in this way, the portable repeater 3 executes the data reception process after executing the process of ST36 in FIG. The reception process is, for example, to receive the data and execute a predetermined process based on the received data.

The vehicle repeater 2 is provided with a function of connecting to, for example, a sensor installed in the vehicle, various devices / devices, and acquiring information about the vehicle, and the acquired information about the vehicle is used in the above Low period. Then, it is wirelessly transmitted to the portable repeater 3. Then, the portable repeater 3 executes a predetermined process based on the received data. The predetermined process is, for example, to notify the user of the above information about the vehicle based on the received data by using the notification unit 3e or the like of the mobile repeater 3, or to change the setting of the mobile repeater 3. There is. Since the vehicle repeater 2 receives power from the vehicle battery, for example, it is preferable to detect the battery voltage / capacity of the vehicle before starting the engine and transmit the detected upper part as one of the information about the vehicle. .. By doing so, it is possible to know the state of the battery before starting the engine, and it is also possible to check the deterioration status and the like.

[Other variants of relay waveform]
The wireless LF data to be converted based on the LF data is not limited to the above-mentioned modification 1 and modification 2, and various conversions are possible. As a simple example, there is a waveform in which High / Low is inverted.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned modification, an example of changing the relay waveform of the LF data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and WAKE and STOP are similarly changed and relayed, and reproduced on the receiving side. It is good to have a function to do.

15 and 16 show a ninth embodiment. In the above-described embodiment and modification, the LF data constitutes "bit 0" and "bit 1" by a combination of high and low pulse widths as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), respectively. The explanation was made on the premise of that. The actual LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 is a set of pulses at which L / H switches at a high speed at a predetermined frequency (for example, 134 kHz) in the High portion, as outlined in FIG. 15 (a). The Low part is Low in which the pulse that switches at such a high speed is not output. Although the explanation is mixed up, the bit configuration data shown in FIG. 3 is obtained by performing envelope detection on a pulse that switches at high speed and generating a pulse waveform that maintains High in the section where the pulse that switches at high speed exists. Is. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the vehicle repeater 2 converts and generates a transmission signal based on the envelope signal, and transmits the envelope signal, instead of transmitting the envelope signal of the LF data as it is. I have to. Then, the portable repeater 3 reproduces the envelope signal of the LF data based on the received transmission signal, and performs relay processing or the like toward the portable repeater 4.

In the present embodiment, data close to the LF data is transmitted as wireless LF data instead of the envelope signal. Specifically, a signal divided by 1/2 (LF divided signal) is generated and transmitted. As an example, the LF data is “101 ...” as shown in FIG. 15 (a). As shown in the figure, a pulse of 134 kHz is continuously output in the high portion of each bit. Upon receiving the LH data, the vehicle repeater 2 generates an LF frequency division signal (wireless LF data) whose frequency is halved to 67 kHz as shown in FIG. 15 (b), and directs the vehicle repeater 2 toward the portable repeater 3. Send.

In this embodiment, for example, a 2.4 kHz low-pass filter is mounted on the RFIC constituting the second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c of the portable repeater 3. As a result, when the portable repeater 3 receives the LF frequency division signal (wireless LF data) shown in FIG. 15 (b), the LF data as shown in FIG. 15 (c) is reproduced. The LF data shown in FIG. 15C is the same as the LF data reproduced based on the wireless LF data received by the portable repeater 3 in each of the above-described embodiments. In the present embodiment, when the wireless LF data is received by the second portable transmission / reception unit 3c, it is output without analyzing the L / H state of the signal, which is preferable because it can be processed easily and at high speed.

FIG. 16 shows a main part of the vehicle repeater 2 and the portable repeater 3 for executing the process. As shown in the figure, the vehicle repeater 2 supplies the LF data (A) received by the first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b (not shown) to the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c via the frequency divider circuit 2e. It is configured as follows. The frequency dividing circuit 2e is a circuit that divides the frequency of the input signal by 1/2. As a result, the frequency dividing circuit 2e outputs the LF frequency dividing data (B) divided to 67 kHz. This LF frequency division data (B) is given to the second vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2c. Then, the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c wirelessly transmits the LF frequency division data (B).

Further, in the present embodiment, the envelope detection unit 2f is provided, and the received LF data (A) shown in FIG. 15A is given to the envelope detection unit 2f together with the frequency dividing circuit 2e. Then, the envelope detection unit 2f generates an envelope signal that maintains High in the section in which the pulse switching at high speed (for example, 134 kHz) exists. The output of the envelope detection unit 2f is given to the control unit 2a. In the present embodiment, the envelope signal is not transmitted, but is used for controlling the transmission of LF frequency division data. Specifically, for example, the end of LF data is detected and the end of transmission is controlled.

On the other hand, as described above, the portable repeater 3 mounts a 2.4 kHz low-pass filter on the RFIC constituting the second portable side transmission / reception unit 3c. As a result, the LF data (C) is output from the second mobile phone side transmission / reception unit 3c that has received the LF frequency division data (B). Since other configurations and actions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiments and modifications, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 shows another circuit configuration for generating and transmitting the frequency-divided LF data (B) obtained by dividing the frequency of the 134 kHz LF data (A) received by the vehicle repeater 2 by 1/2. Shown. In this example, the 134 kHz LF data (A) received by the first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b (not shown) is given to the envelope detection unit 2f, and the output of the envelope detection unit 2f is output to the control unit 2a and the LF frequency division data generation unit 2g. Give to. The LF frequency dividing data generation unit 2g includes a 67 kHz oscillation circuit and an AND circuit. Then, the output of the envelope detection unit 2f and the output of the oscillation circuit are given to the AND circuit. As a result, the LF frequency division data shown in FIG. 15B is output from the AND circuit. Since other configurations and the like are the same as those of the circuit shown in FIG. 16, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a tenth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the 134 kHz LF data (see FIG. 18B) output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted as it is. That is, in the vehicle repeater 2, the second vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2c transmits 134 kHz LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 received by the first vehicle-side transmission / reception unit 2b (not shown).

On the other hand, as the RFIC constituting the first portable side transmission / reception unit 3b of the portable repeater 3, the one in which the bit rate filter is set to a low frequency is used. The low frequency may be one that cannot receive 134 kHz. As a result, the first mobile-side transmitter / receiver 3b of the mobile repeater 3 cannot receive the 134 kHz LF data transferred from the vehicle repeater 2 as it is, and as shown in FIG. 18 (c), the envelope Outputs a waveform like a waveform. By setting the bit rate filter to a low frequency so that the RFIC on the receiving side does not intentionally receive 134 kHz in this way, it is possible to secure a communication distance equivalent to that when the envelope is transmitted without converting it into an envelope.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the 134 kHz LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted to the portable repeater 3 as it is without being converted into an envelope, it occurs when the LF signal is converted into an envelope. Since there is no delay or deviation, it can be effectively applied to systems with strict time constraints. Moreover, since the LF signal is transmitted as it is, the relay signal can be faithfully reproduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission / reception of RF data is performed in a bit asynchronous manner. As a result, the bit rate filter (demodulation circuit) on the receiving side can be lowered, which is effective against noise.

[Other variants]
As described in the ninth embodiment, the LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 is a 134 kHz signal, and the LF data shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) is the received 134 kHz LF. This is the envelope waveform generated by the envelope detection unit. Instead of generating the envelope in the envelope detection unit in this way, for example, it is preferable to provide a detection circuit or the like and have a function of detecting the received signal received by the transmission / reception unit 2b on the first vehicle side. By the detection, the 134 kHz LF data can obtain the same waveform as the LF data shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), for example.

In the above description of the basic configuration, when the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the start signal transmitted from the portable repeater 3, the control unit 2a transmits a foot brake signal to the vehicle control device 1 by using the wired communication function. , The vehicle control device 1 that has received the foot brake signal outputs a response request signal (LF data), but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, instead of the foot brake signal, a push start signal. Or, it may be a door open signal. However, the best embodiment is to output a foot brake signal close to the output timing of the signal generated by the operation when the driver gets on the vehicle and actually starts the engine. In addition, for example, when a door open signal is output, an auto alarm sounds in some vehicles, and when a push start signal is used, there is a risk of erroneous start. However, in the case of a foot brake signal, the signal is transmitted to various control devices. However, there is no safety problem, so it is good.

Further, in the above description of the basic configuration, the foot brake signal is continuously output in the ON state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the foot brake signal may be turned ON and then turned OFF. .. In that case, the vehicle repeater 2 that has received the radio RF data that is the response from the portable repeater 3 turns on the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal. However, it is better to keep the foot brake signal ON as described in the basic configuration. This is the same situation as when the driver gets in and actually starts the engine, press the push start button while pressing the foot brake pedal and keep pressing the foot brake pedal until the engine starts. It is good because it can be done. Furthermore, since the sequence for starting the engine differs depending on the vehicle type and the like, it is preferable to output ON / OFF according to the sequence.

Further, as described above, in order to make the signal transmission / reception similar to the situation when the driver gets on the vehicle and actually starts the engine, the vehicle relay receives the start signal transmitted from the portable repeater 3. The function of outputting the foot brake signal from the machine 2 and the function of keeping the output foot brake signal ON are not limited to those applied to the above-described embodiments and modifications, for example, Patent Document 1 and the like. It may be applied to a vehicle remote control system using the relay method of.

Each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. In addition, when combining, it is advisable to take out a part of the configuration and combine it with another form. Further, another invention may be configured in which a part of the configurations shown in each embodiment and the modified example is indispensable. For example, although the parameters related to a plurality of communications, which is one of the configurations of the first embodiment, are stored and switched by the setting switch 3g, the configuration may not have such a function.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, these embodiments and descriptions have not been made for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, and are intended for understanding the present invention. It should be added that it was provided to contribute. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations and manufacturing methods explicitly described herein, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Of the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the appended claims, but even if the configuration is not currently specified in the claims, it is disclosed in the present specification. I would like to mention that there is a possibility of claiming a patent for this configuration in the future.

1 Vehicle control device 1a Control unit 1b Transmission / reception unit 1c Authentication information storage unit 2 Vehicle repeater 2a Control unit 2b First vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2c Second vehicle side transmission / reception unit 2d Parameter storage unit 2e Notification unit 3 Portable repeater 3a Control unit 3b 1st mobile side transmission / reception unit 3c 2nd mobile side transmission / reception unit 3d Operation unit 3e Notification unit 3f Parameter storage unit 3g Setting switch 3h Normal LF data information storage unit 4 Portable device 4a Control unit 4b Transmission / reception unit 4c Authentication information storage unit

Claims (2)

A portable device including an operation unit for inputting an operation for wirelessly transmitting an instruction command for remote control of the vehicle by a user at a position away from the vehicle, and a wireless transmission unit for performing the wireless transmission. There,
Equipped with a storage unit to store a part of the genuine key or smart key
The genuine key or the internal board assembly of the smart key has a pushbutton switch on its surface.
The storage portion is provided with a lid portion that serves as a lid in a state in which the internal substrate assembly is stored.
The lid is provided with an auxiliary switch.
A device characterized in that the auxiliary switch on the lid and the switch on the internal board assembly are arranged so as to overlap each other. Before Symbol housing part, as part of the genuine key or a smart key the housing portion is housed, characterized in that it comprises a portion for accommodating the mechanical key of a vehicle in which the stored genuine key or the smart key The device according to claim 1.

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