JP7425159B1 - Unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and method, unlocking control device and method, and unlocking control system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve the functionality of a conventional smart key without changing its usage method. [Solution] A first transmitter that transmits a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with an object to be unlocked, and a second radio wave that is transmitted from the object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave. a second radio wave indicating a response request, which transmits a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time. [Selection diagram] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and method, an unlocking control device and method, and an unlocking control system. The present invention relates to a lock radio wave transmitting/receiving device and method, an unlocking control device and method, and an unlocking control system.

In recent years, smart keys have become popular as car keys. By using a smart key, you can unlock and lock your car even from several meters away.

On the other hand, a theft method known as relay attack, in which weak radio waves emitted by smart keys are copied and cars are stolen, has become a problem, and countermeasures are desired.

For example, according to Patent Document 1, although it has a simple structure, it is possible to stop the transmission of weak radio waves emitted from a smart key with a simple operation, and it is possible to stop the transmission of weak radio waves emitted from a smart key. A key is proposed. According to this technology, it is also possible to suppress the consumption of power sources such as batteries and batteries used in smart keys.

Additionally, automobile manufacturers and communication equipment manufacturers are also working on countermeasures against relay attacks. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing relay attacks using UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-123966

https://eetimes.itmedia.co.jp/ee/articles/1702/02/news029.html

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the user to insert and remove the built-in key into the smart key housing, which takes time and effort on the part of the user. Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 requires the use of a specific smartphone. As described above, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to take measures against relay attacks using only general smart keys.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a technology that enables improved functionality without changing the usage method of a conventional smart key.

An unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first transmitting unit that transmits a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with an object to be unlocked, and a first transmitting unit that receives the first radio wave. When receiving a second radio wave indicating a response request, which is a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked, a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time is transmitted. and a second transmitting unit.

The unlocking control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transmitting unit that transmits a second radio wave indicating a response request when receiving a first radio wave indicating information agreed in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device. and a distance detection unit that, upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including the reception time of the response request and the transmission time of the response, detects the distance between the unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device based on the response; and an unlocking processing section that executes unlocking processing when the distance is less than a threshold.

Each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer, and in this case, a program for realizing the system on the computer by operating the computer as each part (software element) included in the above system, and a program recorded thereon. Computer readable recording media also fall within the scope of the present invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a technology that allows functionality to be improved without changing the usage method of a conventional smart key.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an unlocking control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ranging method using UWB communication. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of radio wave transmission and reception performed between an unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and an unlocking control device. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving process executed by the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the flow of unlocking control processing performed by an unlocking control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of searching for a smart key using a smartphone. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of radio wave transmission and reception performed between an unlocking radio wave transmission/reception device and a search device.

<First embodiment>
(Unlocking control system)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an unlocking control system according to this embodiment. The unlocking control system 1 shown in the figure includes an unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 and an unlocking control device 50.

The unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device 10 is a device that transmits and receives radio waves for causing the unlocking control device 50 to execute unlocking processing. The unlocking control device 50 is attached to the object to be unlocked, and performs unlocking processing for the object based on radio waves transmitted and received with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10.

As an example, the object to be unlocked is typically a vehicle, and the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is configured as a smart key for this vehicle. The unlocking control device 50 is attached to this vehicle or the like, and performs unlocking processing such as unlocking the doors of the vehicle and starting a power engine of the vehicle such as an engine or a motor.

(Unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device)
As shown in FIG. 1, the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 includes an ISM communication control section 11, a UWB communication control section 12, and a control section 13. The ISM communication control unit 11 is a functional block that transmits and receives radio waves in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band via an antenna, for example. The UWB communication control unit 12 is, for example, a functional block that transmits and receives radio waves in the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) frequency band via an antenna.
ISM communication is wireless communication that uses frequency bands reserved for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes, and uses frequency bands such as 13.5 MHz and 2.4 GHz, for example. For example, wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. use 2.4 GHz.

UWB communication is wireless communication using ultra-wideband weak radio waves, and detailed communication procedures are specified by IEEE802.15.4a, IEEE802.15.4z, etc. UWB uses a wide frequency band from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, but the frequency bands that can be used differ from country to country due to regulations in each country.

UWB communication makes it possible to measure distances with an accuracy of about ±10 cm, for example. For example, unlike RSSI and direction detection measurements such as in BLE beacons, UWB communication estimates distance with high precision using ToF (Time of Flight) and TWR (Two Way Ranging). Furthermore, in UWB communication, the transmission position of radio waves can be specified with high accuracy by further using three-point support calculation.

The control unit 13 controls each part of the ISM communication control unit 11 and the UWB communication control unit 12, and also executes arithmetic processing necessary for measuring distance by UWB communication, for example.

(Unlocking control device)
The unlocking control device 50 includes an ISM communication control section 51, a UWB communication control section 52, and a control section 53. The ISM communication control unit 51 and the UWB communication control unit 52 are functional blocks that transmit and receive radio waves in the ISM frequency band and UWB frequency band via antennas, respectively.

The control section 53 controls each section of the ISM communication control section 51 and the UWB communication control section 52. Further, the control unit 53 executes the unlocking process of the object to be unlocked, for example, based on the information indicated by the radio waves received by the ISM communication control unit 51 and the UWB communication control unit 52, respectively. For example, when the validity of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is confirmed through ISM communication, and when the distance between the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is less than a predetermined threshold through UWB communication, the controller 53 executes the unlocking process.

(Distance measurement method using UWB communication)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ranging method using UWB communication. Note that, as described above, details of the ranging method using UWB communication are specified in IEEE802.15.4a.

When there are two devices capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves in the UWB frequency band, one becomes an initiator and the other becomes a responder. For example, the unlocking control device 50 attached to the vehicle serves as an initiator, and the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 configured as a smart key serves as a responder.

The Initiator transmits a response request signal to the Responder as a radio wave in the UWB frequency band. At this time, the initiator records a transmission time stamp IT1 representing the time when the response request was transmitted. That is, the transmission time stamp IT1 indicates the time when the Request was transmitted from the Initiator.

The Responder transmits a response signal corresponding to the response request as a radio wave in the UWB frequency band. When a responder receives a response request addressed to itself, the responder records a reception time stamp RT1 representing the reception time of the response request. That is, the reception time stamp RT1 indicates the time when the Responder received the Request. Then, the Responder transmits a response request including a transmission time stamp RT2 representing the time when the response was transmitted. That is, the transmission time stamp RT2 indicates the time when the Responder transmitted the Response. Note that the time Treply required for the Responder to transmit the response after receiving the response request can be obtained as the difference between the transmission time stamp RT2 and the reception time stamp RT1.

Upon receiving the response sent from the Responder, the Initiator records a reception time stamp IT2 representing the time of reception of the response. That is, the reception time stamp IT2 indicates the time when the Initiator received the Response. The time Tloop required for the initiator to receive the response after transmitting the response request can be determined as the difference between the reception time stamp IT2 and the transmission time stamp IT1.

Upon receiving the response from the Responder, the Initiator can calculate the time ToF (Time of Flight) required for radio waves to travel the distance from the Initiator to the Responder using equation (1).

ToF=(Tloop-Treply)/2
...(1)
Assuming that the speed c of the radio wave is known, the distance TWR between the Initiator and Responder can be calculated using equation (2) by using the ToF calculated in this way.

TWR=ToF×c
...(2)
For example, when ToF is 1 nsec, TWR is calculated to be 30 cm. Note that in this ranging method, the timer of the initiator and the timer of the responder do not necessarily need to be synchronized.

Note that the response request (Request) sent from the Initiator is also referred to as TWRInit. More specifically, TWRInit includes the following information.

・Frame Control
・Sequence Number
・PAN ID
・Destination Address
・Source Address
・Message ID
・CRC
Here, the Destination Address indicates the address of the Responder, and the Source Address indicates the address of the Initiator.

Further, the response transmitted from the Responder is also referred to as TWRResp. More specifically, TWRResp includes the following information.

・Frame Control
・Sequence Number:
・PAN ID
・Destination Address
・Source Address
・Message ID
・Responder RX Timestamp
・Responder TX Timestamp
・CRC
Here, Destination Address indicates the address of the Initiator, and Source Address indicates the address of the Responder. Further, Responder RX Timestamp corresponds to the above-mentioned reception time stamp RT1, and Responder TX Timestamp corresponds to the above-mentioned transmission time stamp RT2.

(Example of vehicle unlocking using smart key)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the transmission and reception of radio waves performed between the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 and the unlocking control device 50. In this example, it is assumed that the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is configured as a smart key 101 and that the unlocking control device 50 is attached to a vehicle 102.

As shown in FIG. 3, the smart key 101 transmits an unlock signal in step S11. The unlocking signal is a signal in which information such as the key ID, which is the identification number of the smart key 101, is modulated, and is a weak radio wave in the ISM frequency band. The smart key 101 uses, for example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) as weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band.

Note that the smart key 101 has a battery, and constantly transmits an unlock signal while being supplied with power from the battery.

The unlocking signal transmitted from the smart key 101 is received by the unlocking control device 50 of the vehicle 102 in step S21. A key ID necessary for unlocking the vehicle 102 is registered in the unlocking control device 50 in advance. The unlocking control device 50 verifies the validity of the unlocking signal by, for example, comparing the key ID of the unlocking signal with a key ID registered in advance.

Note that when using BLE as weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band, for example, the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 configured as the smart key 101 and the unlocking control device 50 attached to the vehicle 102 are paired in advance. You may also do so. In this case, the validity of the unlocking signal is confirmed by being connected to the pairing partner.

If the validity of the unlock signal is confirmed, distance measurement is performed using UWB communication. At this time, the unlocking control device 50 attached to the vehicle 102 serves as an initiator, and the smart key 101 serves as a responder.

In step S22, a response request for a ranging signal is transmitted from the vehicle 102. At this time, a response request signal (Request) as described with reference to FIG. 2 is transmitted from the Initiator to the Responder as a weak radio wave in the UWB frequency band. Note that the response request may include a vehicle ID that is the identification number of the vehicle 102 that is unlocked by the smart key 101. Also, at this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the transmission time stamp IT1 is recorded.

Since the smart key 101 is manufactured in association with the vehicle 102, a vehicle ID, which is the identification number of the corresponding vehicle, may be stored in advance in each smart key. The smart key 101 receives the ranging signal response request in step S12. When a vehicle ID is stored in advance in the smart key 101, the vehicle ID included in the received response request and the vehicle ID stored in advance may be further compared.

In step S13, the smart key 101 transmits a signal in response to the ranging signal as a weak radio wave in the UWB frequency band. Note that this response includes the reception time stamp RT1 and the transmission time stamp RT2, as described above with reference to FIG. Furthermore, the response to the ranging signal transmitted from the smart key 101 in step S13 may further include other information to further improve security.

A response to the ranging signal is received by the vehicle 102 in step S23. The unlocking control device 50 of the vehicle 102 calculates the distance between the vehicle 102 and the smart key 101 using equations (1) and (2) described above. For example, if the calculated distance is less than a preset threshold, an unlocking process is executed and the door of the vehicle 102 is unlocked.

Note that details of the processes executed by the smart key 101 and the unlocking control device 50 of the vehicle 102 shown in FIG. 3 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively.

By using smart keys, which have become popular in recent years, it is possible to unlock and lock a car from several meters away. On the other hand, a theft technique called relay attack, in which weak radio waves transmitted by smart keys are copied and cars are stolen, has become a problem, and countermeasures are desired.

When unlocking a car using a conventional smart key, the car door is automatically unlocked when the gain of weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band transmitted by a valid smart key exceeds a predetermined value. This is because if the gain of weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band transmitted by a legitimate smart key is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is considered that the owner of the vehicle is nearby.

In a relay attack, a car door is illegally unlocked by relaying weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band that are constantly transmitted by a smart key as a copy. In other words, a receiver receives weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band transmitted by a legitimate smart key, and then transmits the same weak radio waves from near the car using a repeater to automatically unlock the car door. let

In this way, for example, a relay attack can be performed to unlock the door of a car in a parking lot by receiving and relaying weak radio waves transmitted by a smart key placed at the front door.

On the other hand, the unlocking control system 1 according to the present embodiment uses two types of radio waves, namely, radio waves in the ISM frequency band and radio waves in the UWB frequency band. The first radio wave, the ISM frequency band radio wave, is no different from the ISM frequency band weak radio wave transmitted by a conventional smart key. However, in the unlocking control system 1, the door of the vehicle is unlocked based not only on the validity of the first radio wave but also on the distance measurement result using the second radio wave, which is a radio wave in the UWB frequency band. Therefore, even if weak radio waves in the ISM frequency band can be relayed, the doors of the vehicle cannot be unlocked.

In addition, in the distance measurement method using UWB communication, as mentioned above, the distance is calculated using the reception time stamp RT1 and the transmission time stamp RT2, so if the weak radio waves in the UWB frequency band transmitted from the smart key are Even if it is relayed, the calculated TWR cannot be made less than the threshold value.

In the above example, it was explained that the smart key 101 always sends the unlock signal, but for example, the unlock signal may be sent only when a predetermined button of the smart key 101 is pressed. It's okay.

(Unlocking radio wave transmission and reception processing)
Next, details of the process of the smart key 101 executed when the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 configured as the smart key 101 unlocks the vehicle will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving process executed by the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10.

In step S101, the ISM communication control unit 11 transmits an unlock signal using radio waves in the ISM frequency band. Note that the unlocking signal is a signal indicating information that has been agreed upon in advance with the object to be unlocked (for example, the unlocking control device 50 of the vehicle 102), and for example, the key ID that is the identification number of the smart key 101. It may be.

It is assumed that the control unit 13 stores prearranged information (for example, a key ID), and this information is modulated by the ISM communication control unit 11 and transmitted as a weak radio wave in the ISM frequency band.

That is, the ISM communication control unit 11 of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 transmits a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with the object to be unlocked.

In step S102, the UWB communication control unit 12 determines whether a response request addressed to itself has been received using radio waves in the UWB frequency band. At this time, for example, it is determined whether a response request for a ranging signal in a predetermined format has been received.

Then, when receiving a response request for a distance measurement signal, the UWB communication control unit 12 determines whether the Destination Address of the response request (TWRInit) matches its own address, and if both match, , determines that the response request is addressed to itself.

Further, for example, as described above, the vehicle ID included in the received radio wave of the response request and the vehicle ID stored in advance may be further compared. It is assumed that the vehicle ID is stored in the control unit 13, for example, and is supplied to the UWB communication control unit 12 prior to the process in step S102.

If it is determined in step S102 that the response request addressed to the user has not been received using radio waves in the UWB frequency band, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that a response request addressed to the user has been received using radio waves in the UWB frequency band, the process in step S103 is executed.

In step S103, the control unit 13 executes arithmetic processing for improving security. Here, for example, a calculation using a predetermined method is performed on the numerical value stored in a predetermined area in the response request determined to have been received in the process of step S102. For example, this operation may be an operation executed during encryption using an encryption key. The calculation result from the process in step S103 is supplied to the UWB communication control unit 12.

In step S104, the UWB communication control unit 12 generates a response including a timestamp and a calculation result. This response includes the above-mentioned reception time stamp RT1 and transmission time stamp RT2 as well as the calculation result of the process in step S103.

Note that the process of step S103 may not be executed. In this case, the response generated in step S104 does not include the calculation result of the process in step S103.

In step S105, the UWB communication control unit 12 modulates the response information generated in step S103 and transmits it as a radio wave in the UWB frequency band.

That is, when the UWB communication control unit 12 of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 receives a second radio wave indicating a response request, which is a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave, , transmits a second radio wave indicating a response including the response request reception time and response transmission time. Further, when the process of step S103 is executed, the UWB communication control unit 12 of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 performs a predetermined calculation method using the first numerical value included in the response request. The resulting second numerical value is included in the response and transmitted.

In this way, the unlocking radio wave transmission/reception process is executed.

(Unlocking control process)
Next, details of the process executed by the unlocking control device 50 when the vehicle is unlocked using the smart key 101 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of unlocking control processing executed by the unlocking control device 50.

In step S121, the ISM communication control unit 51 determines whether or not an unlock signal of the ISM frequency band has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. For example, if an unlock signal transmitted from the ISM communication control unit 11 of the smart key 101 is received in the process of step S101 in FIG. 4, the process of step S122 is executed.

In step S122, the control unit 53 determines whether the unlock signal determined to have been received in step S121 is a valid unlock signal. As described above, the key ID necessary for unlocking the vehicle 102 is registered in advance in the unlocking control device 50 and stored in the control unit 53. The control unit 53 determines the validity of the unlock signal by comparing the key ID of the unlock signal with a key ID stored in advance.

Note that in unlocking the vehicle using the conventional smart key, if it is determined in step S122 that the unlocking signal is valid, the door of the vehicle 102 will be unlocked. For this reason, for example, there is a possibility that unauthorized unlocking may be performed by a relay attack.

If it is determined in step S122 that the unlock signal is not valid, the process returns to step S121. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the unlock signal is valid, the process in step S123 is executed.

In step S123, the UWB communication control unit 52 generates a response request for a ranging signal in a predetermined format, for example. Note that the vehicle ID included in the response request is stored in the control unit 53, and is supplied to the UWB communication control unit 52 prior to the process of step S123.

That is, when the UWB communication control unit 52 of the unlocking control device 50 receives a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device, it transmits a second radio wave indicating a response request. .

In step S124, the UWB communication control unit 52 transmits the response request using radio waves in the UWB frequency band. At this time, as described above, the transmission time stamp IT1 representing the time when the response request was transmitted is recorded.

In step S125, the UWB communication control unit 52 determines whether or not a response of a ranging signal in a predetermined format and in the UWB frequency band has been received, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. . For example, if a response transmitted from the smart key 101 is received in step S105 of FIG. 4, the process of step S126 is executed.

Note that the response includes a reception time stamp RT1 representing the reception time of the response request, a transmission time stamp RT2 representing the time the response was transmitted, and the calculation result of step S103 in FIG. 4.

In step S126, the control unit 53 determines whether the response determined to have been received in step S125 is a valid response. At this time, for example, as arithmetic processing for improving security, arithmetic processing is performed on the numerical value included in the response determined to have been received in the process of step S125.

For example, if the calculation result of step S103 in FIG. 4 is stored in a predetermined area in the response, a predetermined calculation method is performed on the numerical value of the calculation result of step S103. For example, this operation may be an operation executed during decryption using an encryption key. By doing so, for example, by changing the numerical value included in the response request for the distance measurement signal, it is possible to change the waveform of the radio wave in response to the distance measurement signal.

This can improve security against unauthorized copying of the UWB frequency band radio waves transmitted from the smart key 101 in step S105 in FIG. 4, for example. For example, even if an attempt is made to illegally unlock the lock by copying and saving the radio waves in response to the distance measurement signal transmitted from the smart key 101 and using it in combination with a relay attack, the determination in step S126 will result in an unauthorized unlocking. It will be recognized as a response.

Note that if the process in step S103 in FIG. 4 is not executed in the smart key 101, the process in step S126 in FIG. 5 is omitted.

For example, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the numerical value stored in a predetermined area in the response request transmitted in the process of step S124 matches the above-mentioned calculation result. It is determined whether the response determined to have been received is a valid response.
If it is determined in step S126 that the response is valid, processing in step S127 is executed.

In step S127, the control unit 53 detects the distance. At this time, the distance TWR is calculated by calculating the above-mentioned equations (1) and (2). As a result, the distance between the smart key 101 and the vehicle 102 is detected.

That is, upon receiving the second radio wave indicating the response including the response request reception time and response transmission time, the control unit 53 of the unlocking control device 50 determines the distance between the unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device based on the response. Detect. Further, when the process of step S103 in FIG. 4 is executed, the control unit 53 of the unlocking control device 50 combines the first numerical value included in the response and the second numerical value obtained as a result of the calculation executed in advance. are compared to determine the validity of the first numerical value, and if it is determined that the first numerical value is valid, the distance between the unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device is detected.

In step S128, the control unit 53 determines whether the distance calculated in step S127 is less than a preset threshold. The threshold value is, for example, for determining whether the owner of the vehicle 102 is close enough to board the vehicle 102, and is, for example, 3 m to 5 m.

In step S129, the control unit 53 executes an unlocking process. As a result, for example, the doors of the vehicle 102 are unlocked, and the power engine of the vehicle 102, such as the engine and the motor, can be operated.

That is, the control unit 53 of the unlocking control device 50 executes the unlocking process when the distance is less than the threshold value.

In this way, the unlocking control process is executed.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, according to the unlocking control system 1 of this embodiment, security against unauthorized unlocking operations such as relay attacks can be improved. In this embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, step S12, step S13, step S22, step and processing is added. Therefore, the user does not need to make any changes to the conventional smart key usage method.

In this way, according to this embodiment, security can be significantly improved without changing the conventional smart key usage method.

Furthermore, in the unlocking control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the unlocking control device 50 attached to the vehicle serves as an initiator, and the smart key serves as a responder. Therefore, the smart key does not transmit radio waves in the UWB frequency band until it receives a response request addressed to it from the vehicle. By doing this, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the smart key and operate the smart key for a long time with a limited battery capacity.

<Second embodiment>
As described above, the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is capable of distance measurement using UWB communication. With UWB communication, it is possible to detect the location of a communication partner, including not only the distance but also the direction. The direction can be detected, for example, by a method called AoA (Angle of Arrival), in which it is possible to use a plurality of antennas and find the angle with the transmitter from the difference in their reception times. Furthermore, for example, a function called Nearby Interaction installed in Apple products makes it possible to detect the location of the communication partner, including the distance and direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, suppose that the user forgets to have put the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 configured as the smart key 101 in the cabinet. In this way, if the user loses the smart key 101, it is possible to find the lost smart key by using the smartphone 103 or the like having the function of detecting the location of the communication partner as a search device.

In this case, when the UWB communication control unit 12 of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 receives a radio wave in the UWB frequency band transmitted from the search device and indicating a response request, the UWB communication control unit 12 determines the reception time of the response request and transmits the response. A radio wave in the UWB frequency band indicating a response including the time is transmitted.

As an example, the smartphone 103 is equipped with a Nearby Interaction function, and displays information indicating the distance and direction to the smart key 101 on the display of the smartphone 103. This allows the user to find the lost smart key 101 using the smartphone 103.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the transmission and reception of radio waves performed between the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 and the searching device. In this example, it is assumed that the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 is configured as a smart key 101 and the search device is configured as a smartphone 103. At this time, the smartphone 103 becomes the initiator, and the smart key 101 becomes the responder.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S51, a response request for a ranging signal is transmitted from the smartphone 103. At this time, a response request signal (Request) as described with reference to FIG. 2 is transmitted from the Initiator to the Responder as a weak radio wave in the UWB frequency band. Note that the response request includes the device ID, which is the identification number of the smartphone 103. Also, at this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the transmission time stamp IT1 is recorded.

It is assumed that the device ID of the smartphone 103 used as a search device is stored in advance in the smart key 101. The smart key 101 receives the ranging signal response request in step S61, and compares the device ID included in the received response request with a pre-stored device ID.

As a result of the comparison, if the two match, the smart key 101 determines that the response request is addressed to itself, and in step S62 transmits the response signal of the ranging signal as a weak radio wave in the UWB frequency band. do. Note that this response includes the reception time stamp RT1 and the transmission time stamp RT2, as described above with reference to FIG. Furthermore, the response to the ranging signal transmitted from the smart key 101 in step S62 may further include other information to further improve security.

In step S52, a response to the ranging signal is received by the smartphone 103. The smartphone 103 identifies the distance and direction between the smartphone 103 and the smart key 101, and presents information indicating the location of the smart key.

By doing this, for example, even if you forget where you left your smart key, you can easily find it using your smartphone.

(Effects of the second embodiment)
This exemplary embodiment allows for example to discover a smart key using a smartphone. Therefore, convenience can be improved without particularly changing the structure, function, etc. of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10.

<Other embodiments>
In the above, an example has been described in which the unlocking control system 1 is configured by the unlocking control device 50 mounted on a vehicle and the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 configured as a smart key. However, the application examples of the unlocking control device 50 and the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10 are not limited to those described above.

For example, the unlocking control device 50 may be attached to various types of moving bodies such as ships and aircraft, and the unlocking control device 50 may be unlocked using a smart key. Further, for example, the unlocking control device 50 may be attached to a safe, a shutter, etc., and the unlocking control process may be executed by a smart key having the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10.

Further, for example, the unlocking control device 50 may be installed in a smart house, and the unlocking control process may be executed by a smart key having the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device 10. In this case, by executing the unlocking control process, it is possible to unlock the door of the house or change the switch of a light.

<Example of implementation using software>
The functions of the unlocking control device 50 described above can be realized by a program for making a computer function as the device, and a program for making the computer function as each control block (in particular, the control unit 53) of the device. can. In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory) as hardware for executing the program.

By executing the above programs using this control device and storage device, each function described in the above embodiments is realized. The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media instead of temporary. This recording medium may or may not be included in the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any transmission medium, wired or wireless.

Further, part or all of the functions of each of the control blocks described above can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the control blocks described above is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition to this, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the control blocks described above using, for example, a quantum computer.

In addition, the effects achieved by each aspect of the present invention described above will contribute to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations, "Create a foundation for industry and technological innovation." be.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. The embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

〔summary〕
The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a first transmitting unit that transmits a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with an object to be unlocked, and a first transmitting unit that receives the first radio wave. When receiving a second radio wave indicating a response request, which is a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked, a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time is transmitted. and a second transmitting unit.

In the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the first radio wave is a radio wave in an ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band, and the second radio wave is a UWB radio wave. (Ultra Wide Band) radio waves in the frequency band.

In the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1 or 2, the second transmitting section performs a predetermined transmission using a first numerical value included in the response request. The second numerical value obtained as a result of the calculation using the above method is included in the response and transmitted.

The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to aspect 4 of the present invention is configured as a smart key for the vehicle, in which the object to be unlocked is a vehicle in any of the above aspects 1 to 3.

In the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any of the above aspects 1 to 4, the second transmitter further transmits a second radio wave transmitted from the search device, and requests a response. When the second radio wave indicating the response request is received, the second radio wave indicating the response including the reception time of the response request and the response transmission time is transmitted.

The unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving method according to aspect 6 of the present invention includes the steps of transmitting a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with an object to be unlocked, and an object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave. When receiving a second radio wave indicating a response request, which is a second radio wave transmitted from the second radio wave, transmitting a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time. include.

The unlocking control device according to aspect 7 of the present invention includes a transmitting unit that transmits a second radio wave indicating a response request when receiving a first radio wave indicating information agreed in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device. and a distance detection unit that, upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including the reception time of the response request and the transmission time of the response, detects the distance between the unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device based on the response; and an unlocking processing section that executes unlocking processing when the distance is less than a threshold.

In the unlocking control device according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in the above aspect 7, the first radio wave is a radio wave in an ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band, and the second radio wave is a UWB ( These are radio waves in the Ultra Wide Band) frequency band.

In the unlocking control device according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above aspect 7 or 8, the distance detection section uses a first numerical value included in the response and a second numerical value obtained as a result of a calculation executed in advance. The validity of the first numerical value is determined by comparing the first numerical value with the numerical value, and if the first numerical value is determined to be valid, the distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device is detected.

The unlocking control device according to aspect 10 of the present invention is attached to a vehicle in any one of aspects 7 to 9 above.

The unlocking control method according to aspect 11 of the present invention includes the step of transmitting a second radio wave indicating a response request upon receiving a first radio wave containing information prearranged with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device; upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time, detecting a distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device based on the response, and determining that the distance is a threshold value. If the number is less than 1, the step of executing unlocking processing is included.

1 Unlocking control system 10 Unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device 11 ISM communication control unit 12 UWB communication control unit 13 Control unit 50 Unlocking control device 51 ISM communication control unit 52 UWB communication control unit 53 Control unit 101 Smart key 102 Vehicle 103 Smartphone

Claims (10)

a first transmitting unit that transmits a first radio wave that indicates information agreed upon in advance with the object to be unlocked and includes the user's identification number ;
When receiving a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave, which includes the identification number of the object to be unlocked and indicates a response request, a second transmitter that transmits a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time and a response transmission time ;
The second transmitter includes:
A second numerical value obtained as a result of a predetermined calculation performed using the first numerical value included in the response request is included in the response and transmitted.
Unlocking radio wave transmitting and receiving device. The first radio wave is a radio wave in an ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band,
The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the second radio wave is a radio wave in a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) frequency band. The object to be unlocked is a vehicle;
The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to claim 1, configured as a smart key of the vehicle. The second transmitter further includes, upon receiving a second radio wave transmitted from the search device and indicating a response request, transmits a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time. The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device transmits a second radio wave indicating a second radio wave. a step of transmitting a first radio wave that indicates information agreed upon in advance with the object to be unlocked and includes the user's identification number ;
When receiving a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave, which includes the identification number of the object to be unlocked and indicates a response request, transmitting a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time and a response transmission time ;
In the step of transmitting the second radio wave,
A second numerical value obtained as a result of a predetermined calculation performed using the first numerical value included in the response request is included in the response and transmitted.
Unlocking radio wave transmission and reception method. When a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and including an identification number of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device is received, a second radio wave indicating a response request is received. a transmitting unit that transmits a second radio wave that is a radio wave and includes an identification number of the object to be unlocked ;
a distance detection unit that, upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time, detects a distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device based on the response;
an unlocking processing unit that performs unlocking processing when the distance is less than a threshold ;
The distance detection section is
Comparing the first numerical value included in the response with a second numerical value obtained as a result of a pre-executed calculation to determine the validity of the first numerical value,
If the first numerical value is determined to be valid, detect the distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device.
Unlock control device. The first radio wave is a radio wave in an ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band,
The unlocking control device according to claim 6 , wherein the second radio wave is a radio wave in a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) frequency band. The unlocking control device according to claim 6 , which is attached to a vehicle. When a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and including an identification number of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device is received, a second radio wave indicating a response request is received. transmitting a second radio wave that includes an identification number of the object to be unlocked ;
Upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time, detecting a distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device based on the response;
If the distance is less than a threshold, performing an unlocking process ,
In the step of detecting the distance,
Comparing the first numerical value included in the response with a second numerical value obtained as a result of a pre-executed calculation to determine the validity of the first numerical value,
If the first numerical value is determined to be valid, detect the distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device.
Unlocking control method. An unlocking control system comprising an unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and an unlocking control device,
The unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device is
a first transmitting unit that transmits a first radio wave that indicates information agreed upon in advance with the object to be unlocked and includes the user's identification number ;
When receiving a second radio wave transmitted from the object to be unlocked that has received the first radio wave, which includes the identification number of the object to be unlocked and indicates a response request, a second transmitter that transmits a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time and a response transmission time ;
The second transmitter includes:
transmitting a second numerical value obtained as a result of a predetermined calculation performed using the first numerical value included in the response request;
The unlocking control device is attached to the object to be unlocked,
When a first radio wave indicating information agreed upon in advance with the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device and including an identification number of the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device is received, a second radio wave indicating a response request is received. a transmitting unit that transmits a second radio wave that is a radio wave and includes an identification number of the object to be unlocked ;
a distance detection unit that, upon receiving a second radio wave indicating a response including a reception time of the response request and a response transmission time, detects a distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device based on the response;
an unlocking processing unit that performs unlocking processing when the distance is less than a threshold ;
The distance detection section is
Comparing the first numerical value included in the response with a second numerical value obtained as a result of a pre-executed calculation to determine the validity of the first numerical value,
If the first numerical value is determined to be valid, detect the distance to the unlocking radio wave transmitting/receiving device.
Unlocking control system.

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