JP7450291B2 - relay system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a relay system in which authentication information stored in a vehicle control device matches authentication information stored in a portable device that can communicate wirelessly with the vehicle control device. The present invention relates to a device that relays wireless communication between a vehicle control device and a portable device in a control system.

For example, with the immobilizer function, for example, a vehicle control device that starts an engine performs authentication with an authorized portable device before actually starting the engine, and starts the engine if authentication is successful. The communicable distance between this portable device and the vehicle control device is as short as several tens of centimeters. Therefore, when starting the engine remotely from outside the vehicle, a system that relays wireless communication between the vehicle control device and the portable device is required, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example. By using the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer function, the portable device can be taken outside the vehicle and the engine can be started remotely.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-49770

However, when using the conventional system described above, there are the following problems. For example, the bit configuration of bits 1 and 0, which constitute a signal transmitted and received between a vehicle control device and a portable device, differs depending on the type of vehicle and the like. Therefore, for example, regarding the bit rate, which is one of the parameters related to communication, the sampling period is made finer for all bit configurations corresponding to each vehicle type, and data is transmitted at a high frequency bit rate. The bit rate is related to the upper limit of communicable distance.If the bit rate frequency is increased, the upper limit of communicable distance becomes shorter.If the bit rate is used in an environment with a long communication distance under such conditions, it will be affected by disturbances, etc. This results in a decline in the quality of wireless communication. As a result, there is a problem that operation cannot be performed from a position sufficiently far away from the vehicle.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a relay system according to the present invention includes (1) authentication information stored in a vehicle control device and authentication information stored in a portable device that can communicate wirelessly with the vehicle control device; A system that relays wireless communication between the vehicle control device and the portable device in a system that controls a vehicle, with one of the conditions being that the following conditions are met, and the vehicle relay device is capable of communicating with the vehicle control device. and a portable relay device that can communicate with the portable device. At least one of the mobile relay device and the vehicle relay device stores a plurality of setting information regarding communication that differs depending on the vehicle type in association with the vehicle type, and at least one of the mobile relay device and the vehicle relay device is provided with a setting switch. According to the operation of the setting switch, setting information regarding communication corresponding to the vehicle type to be used is set, and communication between the portable relay device and the vehicle relay device is performed.

Various setting information used when performing wireless communication between a vehicle control device and a portable device to confirm authentication information, etc. may differ depending on the vehicle model. Setting information that differs depending on the vehicle model may have an effect on wireless transmission between the vehicle relay device and the mobile relay device for relay purposes. Therefore, in the present invention, setting information that differs for each vehicle type is stored and held in a mobile relay device or a vehicle relay device in association with the vehicle type. Once the vehicle type to which the relay system of the present invention is installed is determined, the vehicle type is specified using a setting switch. Along with this, setting information stored and associated with the vehicle type 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, communication conditions are stable and long-distance transmission can be easily achieved. This is good because a portable relay device or a vehicle relay device can be used in common for different vehicle types. Furthermore, since the vehicle type can be changed using a setting switch, it is easy to match the type of vehicle to be used.

Setting switches and setting information may be stored and held in both the mobile relay device and the vehicle relay device, or in either one. If you go to both parties, there is no need to send setting information or information on the car model specified by the setting switch to the other party, so it is sufficient to set them individually. If it is installed on one side, it will be necessary to communicate and notify the other party, but since the switch and storage means will only be installed on one side, the configuration will be simpler.

(2) The setting information is a parameter that determines the sampling interval of the data to be wirelessly communicated, and it is preferable that the sampling interval is set to be wide within a range in which the data can be recognized. In embodiments, the parameters correspond to bit rate, carrier frequency, etc., for example. For example, by narrowing the sampling interval and capturing more detailed data, it is possible to accurately recognize and relay data transmitted from a vehicle control device or a portable device. In addition, by importing more detailed data, for example, even if the bit configuration of the bits, which is one of the setting information, differs depending on the car model, which is the problem solved by the invention in (1), the data will be collected at a common sampling interval. becomes possible to recognize. However, if the sampling interval is shortened, the distance over which wireless communication can be made becomes shorter, and the problem of increasing the communication distance by relaying cannot be solved, so it cannot be put to practical use. Therefore, in the present invention, by setting the sampling interval wide within the range in which wirelessly communicated data can be recognized, it is possible to increase the communication distance that can be relayed.

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

(4) The parameter may be determined based on the greatest common divisor of the High pulse width and the Low pulse width of the bit configuration. In this way, the conditions for increasing the communication distance can be optimized while recognizing the data with high accuracy.

(5) Relay control may be performed based on the High/Low state after a set time has elapsed since the received data switched between High and Low. Once you know the bit structure of the data to be communicated, you can determine whether the data being received is 0 or 1 based on the elapsed time since the High/Low switch and the High/Low state at that time. You can check the situation to see if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, by performing various controls based on such situations, it is possible to extend the communication distance, improve the quality of wireless communication, and perform stable relaying.

(6) The control for the relay is to determine whether the data being received is 1 or 0, and based on the determination result, the relay continues for a set time in the Low state or High state assigned to 1 and 0, respectively. It would be good to have a function to create waveforms. Since it is converted into a relay waveform of "one cycle is high/one cycle is low" according to 0/1, the bit rate appears to be lower and long-distance transmission is possible, which is good.

(7) The control for the relay determines whether the data being received is 1 or 0, and includes a correction function that outputs normal waveform data even if an abnormal pulse occurs subsequently based on the determination result. Good. (8) It is preferable to provide a correction function that outputs normal waveform data even if an impossible abnormal pulse occurs based on the elapsed time from the High/Low switching of the received data. For example, when wireless communication is actually performed near a communicable distance, bit abnormalities may occur due to the communication environment, and abnormal pulses may be generated. If an abnormal pulse occurs, correct data cannot be sent or received, so authentication cannot be performed and the vehicle cannot be controlled. Therefore, in the present invention, a normal waveform is forcibly generated and output, which is preferable because the communication distance is extended.

(9) If multiple abnormal pulses occur between the High/Low switching of the received data and the next normal High/Low switching, the correction function should not perform the correction. It's good to do that. The above-mentioned corrections (7) and (8) are strong corrections that forcefully send a normal waveform even if there is an abnormality. Therefore, if there are multiple occurrences, the reliability of the original data will be lowered, so we decided not to make any corrections.

(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 pieces of the stored authentication information. The mobile device transmits a response request signal including authentication information of one of the received response request signals, and if the authentication information included in the received response request signal matches its own, the mobile device transmits response data and controls the vehicle. The device is a relay system corresponding to a system that determines that the authentication information matches when the response data is received. After completing the relay of the response request signal, the mobile relay device switches to a communication state in which the response data is relayed, performs carrier sense at the timing when the response data arrives, and when the carrier does not arrive, the mobile relay device switches to a communication state in which the response data is relayed. It is preferable to switch to a communication state in which the response request signal is relayed.

In the present invention, carrier sense is always performed when a response exists, so if there is no carrier sense, there is no mobile device that has the authentication information specified in the response request signal sent earlier, and the response data is not sent. It is clear that this 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 next authentication information. Therefore, if the repeater continues in response data reception mode and is delayed in switching to response request signal reception mode, it will not be able to receive the next response request signal and will not be able to relay it to the authorized mobile device. There is a risk that you will not be able to do so. If relaying is not possible in this way, the vehicle cannot be controlled even if there is a legitimate portable device.

According to the present invention, since the absence of response data can be recognized early and the communication state can be switched, the next response request signal to be sent can be reliably received and relayed.

(11) After completing the relay of the response request signal, the vehicle relay device switches to a communication state in which the response data is relayed, performs carrier sense at the timing when the response data arrives, and when the carrier does not arrive, It is preferable to switch to a communication state in which the response request signal is relayed. Similar to (10) above, the presence or absence of response data can be quickly known, the communication state can be switched, and the next response request signal can be reliably relayed, which is good.

(12) Carrier sensing may be performed at the timing when the response data arrives, and when the carrier arrives, the communication state of relaying the response data may be continued. In this case, since there is a high possibility that the received carrier is response data, the response data can be relayed by continuing the communication.

(13) The carrier sense may be performed multiple times. In order to speed up the processing, it is preferable to check once, but it is better to check multiple times to ensure accuracy. Compared to actually checking the data, you can secure more 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 relay device or the mobile relay device preferably has a function of transmitting an ACK by itself during reception of a WAKE transmitted from the vehicle control device. Since ACK is common to all mobile devices, instead of waiting for it to be actually sent from the mobile device and relaying it, it is possible to save time by having the vehicle repeater or mobile repeater emit it on its own. It can be shortened. Furthermore, since the ACK is returned during the reception of the WAKE, the processing time can be further reduced, which is preferable.

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

(15) It is preferable that the transmitting/receiving unit that performs the relay in the vehicle relay device and the mobile relay device is configured by 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 hardware only for transmission or reception, and it is also possible to use an RFIC that can send and receive only for transmission or reception. . Switching between transmission and reception is no longer necessary, processing time can be shortened, and communication control can be easily performed. Furthermore, by using a dedicated RFIC for transmission and reception, reception processing and transmission processing can be performed simultaneously, further reducing time. As a result, even if the allowable time from transmitting the response request signal to receiving the response data becomes shorter, it is possible to cope with the problem. Since the RFIC is used only for reception and transmission, it can be designed without considering switching time, and therefore it is possible to design at a frequency that increases the reliability of wireless communication.

(16) The portable repeater is equipped with a large-capacity battery, and the case of the portable repeater includes a storage section for storing the portable device, and when the portable device is stored in the storage section, the portable repeater is It is preferable that the mobile relay device and the portable relay device are placed in a relative position where they can communicate. Providing two RFICs to create a dual system also increases power consumption. Therefore, by using a large-capacity built-in battery, the battery life can be improved. A high-capacity battery means a battery with a larger capacity than a general-purpose dry cell battery, a button battery, etc., and includes, for example, a battery installed in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In order to make a portable repeater portable, even if it has a large capacity battery, its weight and dimensions are determined with portability in mind. On the other hand, a large-capacity battery is larger in size and shape than a button battery, and the case that constitutes a portable repeater is also larger. Therefore, if you secure space for storing the mobile device in the larger mobile repeater and use it as a storage section, and store the mobile device in the storage section, the mobile device and the mobile repeater can be placed close together within a desired distance. This is good because it allows reliable communication.

(17) The case of the mobile relay device includes a storage portion that stores the mobile device, and when the mobile device is stored in the storage portion, the mobile device and the mobile relay device are in a relative position where they can communicate. It is good to be placed in a relationship. According to this invention, by securing a space for accommodating a portable device and using it as a storage section, and storing the portable device in the storage section, the portable device and the mobile repeater can be placed close to each other within a desired distance. Good because we can communicate.

(18) The mobile relay device stores and holds the response request signal including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device as a normal response request signal, and the mobile relay device outputs the normal response request signal and It is preferable to include a distance determination function that performs notification based on a determination result of whether or not response data from the accompanying portable device has been received. Although the determination result may be notified only in the case where communication is successful or in the case where communication is not possible, it is preferable to notify both cases because the notification result can be recognized reliably.

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 communication range. Therefore, for example, if you try to remotely control vehicle equipment by operating a mobile repeater, but are unable to actually control it, the communication between the mobile repeater and the mobile device may not be possible in the first place, or there may be other problems. It is easy to understand if there is a failure in the communication system. In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to check without starting the engine.

(19) The mobile relay device relays a response request signal including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device, and when receiving response data in response to the response request signal from the mobile device, the mobile relay device requests the relayed response request signal. It is preferable that the signal is stored and retained as the normal response request signal. This is good because the regular response request signal can be easily acquired and stored.

(20) When the mobile relay device relays multiple types of response request signals including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device, the response request signals for which no response data have been received are also stored as the normal response request signals. It is a good idea to keep it. If there are multiple authorized mobile devices, the user may not necessarily be carrying the mobile device that corresponds to the response request signal sent the first time, and the response data may not be transmitted by sending the response request signal multiple times. Sometimes. Even in such a case, the response request signal for which no response data has been transmitted also includes the authentication information of the authorized portable device. Therefore, in the present invention, by storing the authentication information of the authorized mobile device as a normal response request signal, separation can be determined even if the user carries a different mobile device at a later date. good.

(21) When the mobile relay device relays multiple types of response request signals including the authentication information transmitted by the vehicle control device, the mobile relay device stores and holds all the relayed response request signals as the normal response request signals. It is better to do this. For example, even if there is no response data for all of the response request signals that have been sent, since the response request signals were sent from the vehicle control device, there is a high possibility that all of the response request signals are compatible with authorized portable devices. Therefore, by storing all of them as a normal response request signal, it is possible to perform separation determination for any portable device to be carried thereafter.

For example, if you operate the mobile repeater to send a response request signal to the vehicle control device without having the mobile device, no response data will be sent, so all data stored in the vehicle control device will be A response request signal for the portable device can be obtained.

According to the present invention, a portable relay device and a vehicle relay device can be used in common for different vehicle types. 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 portable device for each vehicle type, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle remote control system including a relay system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing communication timing of each data/signal. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bit configuration of data to be wirelessly communicated. It is a figure explaining a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when a plurality of portable devices exist. It is a figure explaining a fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining a seventh embodiment. It is a figure explaining an eighth embodiment. It is a figure explaining an eighth embodiment. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a ninth embodiment. It is a figure explaining a ninth embodiment. It is a figure explaining a modification. It is a figure explaining a 10th embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration, shape, etc. of the device described are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. , various changes, modifications, and improvements may be made.

[Basic configuration] (First embodiment: Commonality for different vehicle models, etc.)
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 explained while explaining the operation of communication processing. This system includes a vehicle control device 1 installed in a vehicle, a vehicle relay device 2, a mobile relay device 3, and a portable device 4.

The vehicle control device 1 is a device for controlling predetermined equipment of a vehicle. The control of this predetermined equipment is for starting the vehicle to a state where it can run in response to a user's operation such as pressing a push start button, for example, turning on the starter motor in a car powered by an internal combustion engine. (starting an engine), turning on power to an electric motor in an electric vehicle that uses an electric motor as a power source, etc. Hereinafter, a case of "starting the engine" will be explained as an example.

The vehicle control device 1 of the present embodiment checks that the authentication information stored in the portable device 4 matches the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 1 before controlling the equipment of the vehicle to be controlled. With this as one of the conditions, control such as starting the engine is performed.

In order to perform such processing, the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 are configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other. In order to perform such processing, the vehicle control device 1 includes a control section 1a, a transmitting/receiving section 1b, and an authentication information storage section 1c. Although not shown, the vehicle control device 1 is connected to a battery of the vehicle and receives power from the battery. The vehicle control device 1 communicates with devices of a vehicle to be controlled, for example, through wired communication, and controls predetermined devices. The authentication information storage unit 1c is a non-volatile storage means and stores authentication information of the authorized portable device 4. The authentication information includes, for example, an ID code. When a plurality of authorized portable devices 4 exist, authentication information for each of the plurality of portable devices 4 is stored.

The control unit 1a is configured by, for example, an MPU or the like. The control unit 1a has a function of outputting a control signal for controlling equipment of a vehicle to be controlled, and a response for confirming the existence of an authorized portable device 4 based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 1c. It has a function of outputting commands and data when communicating with other devices, such as request signals (LF data).

The transmitting/receiving section 1b performs wireless communication with a transmitting/receiving section mounted on the portable device 4 or the vehicle relay device 2. The transmitting/receiving unit 1b is configured by, for example, an in-vehicle transmitting/receiving RFIC. This transmitting/receiving unit 1b has a function of wirelessly transmitting LF data such as various commands and data output from the control unit 1a at a first frequency, and a function of wirelessly transmitting commands and data such as commands and data transmitted from other devices at a second frequency. It has a function of receiving RF data and passing it to the control unit 1a. The second frequency is a higher frequency than the first frequency, and the distance over which RF data can be communicated using the second frequency is also longer. In one example, the first frequency is 134kHz and the second frequency is 314MHz.

The portable device 4 is, for example, what is called a smart key, a genuine key, or the like. The portable device 4 includes a control section 4a, a transmitting/receiving section 4b, and an authentication information storage section 4c. The portable device 4 is powered by a built-in primary battery. It is preferable to use a commercially available dry battery, button battery, or the like as the primary battery because it can be easily obtained, mounted, and handled easily. In particular, a button battery is good because the portable device 4 can be made smaller.

The authentication information storage unit 4c stores a unique ID code as authentication information for the immobilizer function. The control unit 4a is configured by, 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 forming the pair, the control unit 1a outputs a response signal (RF data: response data). The transmitting/receiving unit 4b performs wireless communication with a transmitting/receiving unit installed in the vehicle control device 1 or the mobile relay device 3. For example, it is configured by an in-vehicle transmitting/receiving RFIC. The transmitting/receiving unit 4b has a function of receiving LF data such as commands and data wirelessly transmitted at the first frequency and passing it to the control unit 4a, and various commands and data such as response signals output from the control unit 4a. It has a function to wirelessly transmit the RF data of

When the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 satisfies the transmission timing such as reception of a predetermined signal, it accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, acquires the ID code as the stored authentication information, and includes the ID code. Outputs a response request signal (LF data). The predetermined signal is, for example, a foot brake signal that is output when a foot brake pedal of a vehicle is depressed. When the portable device 4 is within the communicable distance of the response request signal and receives the response request signal, the portable device 4 wirelessly transmits a response signal including its own authentication information. As described above, one of the conditions for the vehicle control device 1 is to receive a response signal including regular authentication information within a certain period of time after outputting the response request signal, and the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1: Performs engine starting processing.

The above communication distance between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is sufficient as long as communication is possible in a situation where, for example, a driver carrying the portable device 4 is sitting in the driver's seat and operating the engine starting operation. , relatively short. This relatively short distance is about 1 to 2 meters, assuming that the first frequency for transmitting LF data is 134 kHz. In this embodiment, a vehicle relay device 2 and a mobile relay device 3 are provided, and the wireless communication performed between the vehicle control device 1 and the mobile device 4 is relayed by these relay devices, thereby increasing the communication distance. By increasing the communication distance in this way, the present system allows, for example, a user carrying the mobile relay device 3 and the mobile device 4 to communicate with the vehicle control device 1 even if the user is at a relatively distant position from the vehicle. Authentication can be performed using authentication information between the four machines, and the engine can be started from the remote location.

The vehicle relay device 2 is placed at a predetermined position within the vehicle. The vehicle relay device 2 includes a control section 2a that controls the vehicle relay device 2, a first vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2b for wirelessly communicating with the vehicle control device 1, and a first vehicle side transmitting/receiving section 2b for wirelessly communicating with the mobile relay device 3. A second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c is provided. Although not shown, the vehicle relay device 2 is connected to a battery of the vehicle and receives power from the battery. The control unit 2a is configured by, for example, an MPU or the like. Further, the first vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2b and the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c are each configured by a vehicle-mounted transmitting/receiving RFIC.

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

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

The mobile relay device 3 includes a control unit 3a that controls the mobile relay device 3, a first mobile side transmitting and receiving unit 3b for communicating with the mobile device 4, and a second mobile side transmitting and receiving unit 3b for communicating with the vehicle relay device 2. A side transmitting/receiving section 3c is provided. Furthermore, the portable relay device 3 includes an operation section 3d and a notification section 3e.

The operation unit 3d is, for example, a push button switch that corresponds to operation instructions such as a start switch and a stop switch. A user located at a distance from the vehicle operates the vehicle control device 1 mounted on the vehicle by pressing the operation unit 3d, and remotely controls the engine by starting or stopping the engine. In order to perform such processing, when the control section 3a detects an operation on the operation section 3d, it transmits an instruction command corresponding to the operation from the second mobile side transceiver section 3c. The portable repeater 3 uses a built-in primary battery as a power source. It is preferable to use a commercially available dry battery, button battery, or the like as the primary battery because it can be easily obtained, mounted, and handled easily. In particular, a button battery is preferred because the portable repeater 3 can be made smaller.

The notification unit 3e notifies the operating status and the like, and for example, notifies execution results such as successful engine starting and errors sent from the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 2. The notification unit 3e provides notification using visual and auditory senses. In the case of visual notification, the notification unit 3e may, for example, use a display panel to display the execution results in characters, figures, etc., or use a light emitting means such as an LED to indicate the lighting state (flashing/off/on). , notification by emitted light color. Furthermore, in the case of using the auditory sense, the notification section 3e uses a speaker to notify by voice, buzzer, etc., for example. These can be realized by combining one or more of them.

The control unit 3a is configured by, for example, an MPU or the like. Moreover, the first mobile-side transmitting/receiving section 3b and the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving section 3c are each constituted by an in-vehicle transmitting/receiving RFIC. The first mobile-side transmitting/receiving section 3b performs wireless transmission using the receiving frequency band (first frequency) of the transmitting/receiving section 4b of the portable device 4, and performs wireless reception using the transmitting frequency (second frequency) of the transmitting/receiving section 4b. Since the communication distance is short, weak radio waves used by a weak radio station, which is one of the radio stations, are used. Further, the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving unit 3c uses radio waves in a frequency band used by a specific power-saving wireless station.

In this embodiment, the communication transition as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 enables remote starting of the engine using the relay function. (1) The control unit 3a of the mobile relay device 3 outputs a start signal when the operation unit 3d is pressed. The second mobile-side transmitting/receiving unit 3c wirelessly transmits this starting signal to the vehicle relay device 2.

(2) The second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c of the vehicle relay device 2 receives the starting signal transmitted from the mobile relay device 3. When the control unit 2a of the vehicle relay device 2 receives the start signal, it transmits a foot brake signal to the vehicle control device 1 using a wired communication function. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle relay device 2 maintains the foot brake signal in the ON state during the relay/transmission processing of each data/signal described below.

(3) Upon receiving the foot brake signal, the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, obtains the ID code as the stored authentication information, and requests a response including the ID code. Outputs a signal (LF data). The transmitting/receiving unit 1b transmits the LF data using a wireless transmission function.

(4) The first vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2b of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the LF data. The vehicle relay device 2 wirelessly transmits wireless LF data based on the received LF data to the mobile relay device 3 using the transmission function of the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c. Wireless LF data is data that is reversible with LF data.

(5) The second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c of the mobile repeater 3 receives wireless LF data. The mobile relay device 3 generates original LF data from the received wireless LF data, and transmits the generated LF data to the mobile device 4 at the first frequency using the transmission function of the first mobile side transceiver 3b. Send.

(6) The LF data transmitted by the mobile repeater 3 is transmitted at the first frequency and is equivalent to the LF data transmitted by the transmitter/receiver 1b of the vehicle control device 1, so the transmitter/receiver 4b of the mobile device 4 receives the LF data. The control unit 4a determines whether the received LF data is addressed to itself. Specifically, it is determined whether the ID code included in the LF data matches its own ID code stored in the authentication information storage section 4c. If the ID codes match, RF data (response data) as a response signal is transmitted using the transmission function of the transmitting/receiving section 4b. Note that the control unit 4a does not transmit anything if the ID codes do not match.

(7) The first mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3b of the mobile repeater 3 receives RF data. The mobile relay device 3 transmits wireless RF data based on the received RF data using the transmission function of the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c. Wireless RF data is data that is reversible with LF data.

(8), (9) The second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c of the vehicle relay device 2 receives wireless RF data. The vehicle relay device 2 generates original RF data from the received wireless RF data, and transmits the generated RF data at the second frequency using the transmission function of the first vehicle-side transceiver 2b. Furthermore, the control unit 2a of the vehicle relay device 2 transmits an engine start request signal to the vehicle control device 1 using the wired communication function, prior to transmitting the RF data from the first vehicle side transmitting/receiving unit 2b. The vehicle relay device 2 wirelessly transmits the above-mentioned RF data while keeping the engine start request signal ON.

The transmitting/receiving unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1 receives RF data sent from the vehicle repeater 2. The control unit 1a authenticates whether the received RF data is RF data (response data) from the authorized portable device 4. Then, if the authentication result is RF data from the authorized portable device 4, and both the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal are ON, control is performed to start the engine. Note that the control unit 1a performs control to stop the engine after a certain period of time has passed since the engine was started. By continuing this engine operation, the engine is warmed up and the air conditioner installed in the vehicle is used to maintain the temperature inside the vehicle at an appropriate temperature.

Furthermore, when stopping the engine during the warm-up operation, the user operates the operation unit 3d of the mobile relay device 3. When the portable relay device 3 receives the operation stop command associated with the operation of the operation unit 3d, it transmits the operation stop command. The transmitted operation stop command reaches the vehicle control device 1 via the vehicle relay device 2. When the control unit 1a receives the operation stop command, it performs control to stop the engine that is in operation. Further, the control unit 1a relays and transmits the execution result of the received operation command in the same manner as the LF data, and when it reaches the mobile relay device 3, notifies the result.

[Features of the first embodiment]
FIG. 3 shows an example of bit configurations of LF data and RF data. As shown in the figure, for example, looking at the LF data, for "bit 0", 200 μs is High and 150 μs is Low (see Figure 3 (a)), and for "Bit 1", 500 μs is High, and 200 μs is Low. It becomes Low (see FIG. 3(b)). In this way, both bits start high and fall low. On the other hand, for "bit 0", the RF data is "high for 800 μs and low for 800 μs" (see Figure 3 (c)), and its inverse "low for 800 μs and high for 800 μs" (Figure 3 (d) ). Furthermore, in "bit 1", the same state (H/L) is maintained for 1600 μs corresponding to 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, if a certain "0" is represented as shown in FIG. 3(c), it ends with High, so the next data will have a bit configuration starting with High ("0": FIG. 3(c), "1"). : Use the one shown in Figure 3(e)). Therefore, when "0" continues, the same bit configuration is used, and when "1" continues, FIG. 3(e) and FIG. 3(f) are used alternately.

When transmitting such data by wireless communication, it is transmitted at a predetermined bit rate. At this time, since the pulse widths of LF data and RF data are significantly different, a bit rate is set so as not to impair the pulse width. Further, the illustrated bit configuration is just an example, and differs depending on the car manufacturer and car model. With such different bit configurations, bit rates suitable for the different bit configurations also differ.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the mobile relay device 3 includes a parameter storage section 3f that stores communication-related parameters corresponding to bit configurations that differ depending on the automobile manufacturer and vehicle model, and one of the plurality of parameters stored in the parameter storage section 3f. A setting switch 3g is provided to set one. The communication-related parameter is, for example, the bit rate at the time of sampling. Furthermore, the carrier frequency of LF data may differ depending on the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, a combination of bit rate and carrier frequency, etc., is stored as the parameter. Additionally, information regarding the bit configuration may be stored. The parameter storage unit 3f stores, for example, a table in which communication-related parameters and information such as vehicle type are associated with each other.

The setting switch 3g may be, for example, a dial type or a dip switch. The use of dip switches is advantageous because the installation space can be reduced, the portable repeater 3 can be downsized, and the risk of accidentally switching the dip switch settings during use can be suppressed as much as possible.

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

The parameters associated with the vehicle type etc. are set as follows. First, in the mobile repeater 3, the control unit 3a accesses the parameter storage unit 3f according to the setting of the setting switch 3g, acquires parameters such as bit rate associated with the set car model, etc., and then Set in the transmitting/receiving section 3c. Further, the control unit 3a sends the acquired setting information of the setting switch 3g to the vehicle relay device 2 using the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving unit 3c by packet communication, which is not the relay shown in FIG. The control unit 2a of the vehicle relay device 2 accesses the parameter storage unit 2d based on the setting information received by the second vehicle side transmitting/receiving unit 2c, acquires the parameters associated with the set vehicle type, etc. 2. Set in the vehicle side transmitting/receiving section 2c. In this way, communication from the portable relay device 3 to the vehicle relay device 2 can be easily performed by simply sending information about the state of the setting switch 3g, for example, 1/0 of the dip switch in the case of a dip switch.

Then, during actual relaying, sampling is performed when transmitting and receiving wireless LF data and wireless RF data in the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c and the second vehicle side transmitting/receiving section 2c according to parameters such as the set bit rate. .

According to this embodiment, the portable relay device 3 and the vehicle relay device 2 can be used in common for different vehicle types, which is preferable. Furthermore, since the vehicle type can be changed using the setting switch 3g, it is possible to easily match the vehicle type to be used, which is preferable.

[Modification of first embodiment]
In this embodiment, both the vehicle relay device 2 and the mobile relay device 3 store information associating the vehicle type and communication parameters, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, such information is stored in the mobile relay device 3. It may be provided only on the vehicle relay device 3 side, and sends to the vehicle relay device 2 parameters related to communication corresponding to the type of vehicle to be used, which is uniquely specified by the setting of the setting switch 3g. The vehicle relay device 2 may store the sent parameters and set parameters such as the bit rate of the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c based on the parameters. In this way, there is no need for both the vehicle relay device 2 and the mobile relay device 3 to have information that associates the vehicle type and communication parameters, so the configuration can be simplified. Further, the portable relay device 3 is preferable because the user can hold it in his hand and operate it, and the setting work can be easily performed.

Moreover, when storing information that associates vehicle types and communication-related parameters only in one side, contrary to the above, it may be provided on the vehicle relay device 2 side. In this case, a setting switch may also be provided on the vehicle relay device 2. Normally, the setting switch is operated only once at the beginning of installation in a vehicle. Therefore, the settings can be easily made by operating the setting switch of the vehicle relay device 2 in a free state before it is installed at a predetermined position in the vehicle. After setting the setting switch, there is usually no switching operation, so if the vehicle repeater 2 is installed in the car, place the setting switch in a place where it is difficult to change the setting switch. There is no problem.

Further, when the setting switch 3g is installed in the portable relay device 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 with a closing member such as a cover or a lid, it is possible to prevent the settings from being changed by accidentally touching the setting switch 3g while carrying the portable relay device 3 or operating the operating section 3d.

Further, in the embodiment described above, communication for transmitting LF data between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 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 transmitting/receiving unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1 includes an antenna for LF data and wiring connected to the antenna. In the case of wired communication, for example, a communication cable is connected to the wiring and cooperates with the first vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2b of the vehicle repeater 2. For connection to the wiring, for example, it is preferable to use an electrotap or the like to branch the wiring without cutting it. Since the frequency of LF is low, the antenna is located outside, which is good because it makes it easy to connect a communication cable for wired communication.

Further, in the embodiment described above, communication between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 2 to transmit RF data etc. between the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 2 uses wireless communication. The present invention is not limited to this, and wired communication may also be used. A high-frequency RF antenna is likely to be provided as a built-in antenna inside the unit. In the case of a built-in antenna, in order to perform wired communication, it is necessary to disassemble the unit, cut the wiring pattern inside the unit, and connect the wired cable, which makes the work complicated. Once the wiring pattern is cut, it cannot be restored, so if there is a poor connection, the immobilizer function of the vehicle may not work properly depending on the vehicle, and the engine may not start when the user performs normal operations such as pressing the push start button. There is a possibility that it will not be possible. Therefore, it is particularly preferable to perform RF data communication by wireless communication as in the embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal are sent from the vehicle relay device 2 to the vehicle control device 1 using wired communication, but the present invention is not limited to this. Wireless communication may also 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 communication-related parameters in the first embodiment described above, is appropriately set. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the pulse widths of LF data and RF data are significantly different, the sampling period is usually made as fine as possible and transmitted at a high frequency bit rate so as not to impair the pulse width. Thereby, reliable LF data can be transmitted. However, the bit rate is related to the upper limit of communicable distance, and increasing the bit rate frequency shortens the upper limit of communicable distance. As a result, the quality of wireless communication deteriorates.

Therefore, in this embodiment, we focus on the pulse width of the bit configuration of LF data and the bit configuration of RF data that are set for each vehicle model, etc., and increase the bit rate within the range where the wireless quality is within the allowable range to enable communication. The distance was increased. The long bit rate within the allowable range is set based on the greatest common divisor of the pulse widths of each bit configuration.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the pulse widths of LF data are 200 μs, 150 μs, and 500 μs, and the pulse widths of RF data are 800 μs and 1600 μs. The greatest common divisor in this case is 50 μs. Therefore, in the case of a car model with the bit configuration shown in Fig. 3, if the sampling period is 50 μs, the phase of the sampling waveform data with the pulse width of 50 μs and each data match, and the “0/1” of the LF data and RF data Even if the value is , sampling can be performed at the rising/falling timing. Therefore, by sampling each piece of data with the illustrated bit configuration at 20 kbbs, the balance between bit rate and wireless quality can be optimized.

Normally, a common bit rate setting that is allowed for all car models is set, but if such conditions are met, the settings become too detailed. As a result, as described above, the upper limit of the communicable distance becomes shorter, causing the problem that radio waves no longer travel. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the greatest common divisor is used to set the optimum communication parameters for each vehicle type, so this problem can be solved.

Further, in this embodiment, a common bit rate parameter is used for LF data and RF data, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is preferable to make it variable to further improve wireless quality.

[Modulation of Relay Waveform] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, 0/1 judgment is performed on the LF data, and if "bit 0", one period is Low, and if "bit 1", one period is High. , and modulated with that data. In the second embodiment described above, the waveform is optimized to reduce the bit rate and increase the communication distance. In this embodiment, the Low state and High state continue for a relatively long time, so the apparent bit rate can be reduced and quality can be improved.

The 0/1 determination is performed by looking at the High/Low state of the LF data at the time of determination, rather than the entire LF data. That is, as described above, the data structures of the LF data when "bit 0" and "bit 1" are respectively determined. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, both "bit 0" and "bit 1" start High, and if bit 0, it becomes Low after 200 μs have elapsed. Therefore, a 0/1 determination is made from the state of the LF data at 200 μs+α with a certain margin of 200 μs. In this way, since the judgment is made based on the state of the LF data at a certain point in time, it is possible to make a judgment quickly and easily before acquiring the entire data that constitutes "bit 1" and "bit 0", and it is possible to make a judgment quickly and easily. This is good because it can be applied to communication systems that continuously transfer/relay data.

Note that the certain point at which the 0/1 judgment is made is set based on the point at which the bit configuration of each bit switches to Low, but rather than looking at it once with pinpoint accuracy, it is set continuously or multiple times at appropriate intervals. It's good to see it. In this way, accurate judgment can be made.

For example, if the LF data is "0110" as shown in FIG. 4, the waveform data received by the vehicle relay device 2 will be as shown in FIG. 4(a). Then, it becomes Low when 200 μs+α has passed since the start of receiving data of “bit 0”, so the data being received is “bit 0”. Along with this, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle relay device 2 is set to a Low state. This Low state continues for 350 μs, which corresponds to one cycle of “bit 0”.

At the time when 350 μs have passed after entering this Low state, 200 μs + α have passed since the data of the next bit after “bit 0” started, and the state of the LF data at this point is High, so the data being received is It is "bit 1". Along with this, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle relay device 2 is set to a High state. This High state continues for 700 μs corresponding to one cycle of “bit 1”.

At the time when 700 μs have passed after entering this High state, 200 μs + α have passed since the data of the next bit after “bit 1” started, and since the state of the LF data at this point is High, the data being received is It is "bit 1". Accordingly, the wireless LF data transmitted by the vehicle relay device 2 remains in the High state. By doing the same, wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 4(b) is generated, which is then modulated and transmitted.

When the mobile relay device 3 receives and demodulates the wireless LF data at the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c, data as shown in FIG. 4(c) is obtained. If the demodulated data is Low, waveform data with a bit configuration corresponding to "bit 0" is generated, and if it is High, waveform data with a bit configuration corresponding to "bit 1" is generated. Since the pulse width corresponding to each bit is known in the mobile relay device 3, even if the high state continues for a long time as shown in FIG. Waveform data corresponding to "bit 1" is generated again from the next 700 μs portion. Therefore, the LF data shown in FIG. 4(d) is reproduced. Then, the portable relay device 3 transmits the reproduced LF data to the portable device 4 using the first portable side transmitting/receiving section 3b.

Each of the above-described determination processes and the generation and reproduction of data associated with the determination are performed by the control units 2a and 3a, respectively.

[Modified 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 widths of the LF data are different, the timing for making the 0/1 determination, the time for continuing the Low state and High state after the determination, etc. are also different. Therefore, it is preferable to store and store these various conditions in association with the vehicle type, etc., and set any of the conditions when using the vehicle. Conditions such as determination can be associated with communication-related parameters, so it is preferable to set the conditions together with communication-related parameters. Furthermore, although the storage of the conditions associated with the vehicle type etc. may be stored separately from the communication-related parameters, it is preferable to store the conditions in association with the parameters in the parameter storage section 3f. In this way, it is possible to add and change conditions such as parameters and judgments all at once, making management easier.Also, since it can be done all at once with the operation of the setting switch 3g, processing is simple and convenient, and each relay This is good because the consistency of parameters and conditions set on the machine, etc. can be maintained.

[Transmission/reception switching control of the transmitting/receiving section of a mobile relay device] Fourth embodiment When a plurality of authorized portable devices 4 exist, the ID codes of the plurality of portable devices 4 are stored in the authentication information storage section 1c of the vehicle control device 1. do. In order to confirm the existence of a legitimate portable device 4, the vehicle control device 1 sends LF data, which is a response request signal, to each portable device 4 one by one, confirming the existence of the device one by one, and selects one of the registered portable devices 4. When the portable device 4 is authenticated as a genuine portable device 4, the actual engine starting process is performed.

FIG. 5 shows the timing of communication of 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 received the WAKE signal returns an ACK signal. The control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 selects one of the plurality of ID codes stored in the authentication information storage unit 1c, and sends LF data, which is a response request signal, to the portable device 4 of the selected ID code. Send. In FIG. 5, ID1 is selected and LF data of "response request signal=ID1 designation+challenge data" is transmitted.

This portable device 4 (ID1) receives the LF data of "ID1 designation + challenge data". The portable device 4 (ID1) recognizes that the LF data is addressed to itself from the ID code in the LF data, and transmits 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 response data from the portable device (ID1) even after a certain period of time t has passed after transmitting the LF data of “ID1 designation + challenge data”, the vehicle control device 1 sends the portable device (ID1) with a different ID code. Here, LF data of "ID2 designation+challenge data" is transmitted as a response request signal toward ID2). When this portable device 4 (ID2) receives the LF data of "ID2 designation + challenge data", it recognizes it as addressed to itself from the ID code in the LF data, and transmits response data.

In the above example, two authorized portable devices 4 are registered, but if there are three or more, ID-designated LF data is transmitted one by one in the same way. Then, upon receiving the response data, the vehicle control device 1 does not transmit any subsequent ID-designated LF data.

Further, the transmitting/receiving section is configured using one transmitting/receiving RFIC, and operates by appropriately switching between a receiving state and a transmitting state. Therefore, after receiving the above-mentioned ID-assigned LF data, it switches to the transmission state and transmits the response data, but it takes several milliseconds as the transmission/reception switching time T.

By the way, the vehicle relay device 2 uses a transmitting/receiving RFIC as the second vehicle side transmitting/receiving section 2c. Therefore, the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving unit 2c first enters the transmitting state and relays and transmits the ID-designated wireless LF data, then switches to the receiving state and wirelessly transmits the response data transmitted from the mobile relay device 3. Wait for reception of RF data. On the other hand, if there is no mobile device that corresponds to the wireless LF data specified by the relayed ID, the next wireless LF data specified by the ID will be transmitted at an appropriate timing, so that the wireless LF data specified by the ID can be relayed. Then, the second vehicle-side transmitter/receiver 2c is switched to the transmitting state.

The mobile repeater 3 uses a transmitting/receiving RFIC as the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c. Therefore, the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving unit 3c switches to the transmitting state after completing reception of the wireless LF data from the vehicle relay device 2 in the receiving state, and relays the RF data of the response data sent from the mobile device 4 to the vehicle. Relay to aircraft 2. That is, the mobile relay device 3 checks whether the mobile device 4 is transmitting RF data, and if it is, the mobile relay device 3 continues transmitting the RF data to the vehicle relay device 2 until the end of the RF data. When not transmitting, the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving unit 3c immediately switches from the state of transmitting RF data to the vehicle relay device 2 to the state of receiving LF data.

In this embodiment, in order to perform such transmission/reception switching control more quickly, the configuration is configured as follows. For example, after the second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c in the receiving state completes reception of the wireless LF data designated by the ID, the mobile relay device 3 switches the second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c to the transmitter state in preparation for a response. Then, when there is always response data, reception carrier sense is performed once, and if there is no carrier sense, transmission/reception switching is performed to set the reception state, and if there is carrier sense, the transmission state is continued as it is.

In addition, in accordance with this, the transmitting/receiving state of the first mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3b is also switched. That is, initially, it is set in a transmitting state, and LF data based on the wireless LF data received by the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c is transmitted toward the mobile device 4, and relaying is performed. After the transmission of the LF data is completed, it switches to the receiving state and waits for response data transmitted from the portable device 4. If there is no carrier sense, the transmitter/receiver is switched to a transmitting state, and if there is a carrier sense, the receiver continues to be in a receiving state.

When a response always exists, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the response data is sent after at least the transmission/reception switching time T has elapsed after the transmission of the ID-specified wireless LF data is completed. Therefore, it is preferable to set the timing after a time T (for example, several milliseconds) has elapsed since the completion of transmission, or set the timing at a time when 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 this embodiment, carrier sense is always performed when a response exists, so if there is no carrier sense, there is no mobile device with the ID specified in the previously transmitted LF data, and response data will not be transmitted. It becomes clear that this is not the case. Therefore, the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c is switched to the receiving state, and the next ID-designated LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1 side can be reliably received. After the reception of the wireless LF data specified by the ID is completed, the presence or absence of response data can be determined relatively quickly, so if no response data is sent, the transmission/reception is switched in plenty of time and the next ID is sent. It is possible to prepare for reception of designated wireless LF data.

On the other hand, if there is a carrier sense, the response data sent from the portable device 4 is continuously received by the first portable side transmitting/receiving section 3b and transmitted by the second portable side transmitting/receiving section 3c. Even if carrier sense reception is determined not at the beginning of the response data, but at a slightly delayed timing, the first mobile side transceiver 3b is in the receiving state, so it is possible to receive the data reliably. Since the second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c is in the transmitting state, it can reliably transmit and relay.

Further, in the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the mobile relay device 3 side is provided with transmission/reception switching based on carrier sense reception determination, but a similar function may be implemented on the vehicle relay device 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 period of time t has elapsed. The conventional method of detecting the presence or absence of response data is to actually receive several bits of data and determine whether the data is the first data of the response data or whether it consists of bit components of the response data. There is. For example, if the bit configuration is as shown in FIG. 3, one bit takes 1.6 ms, so if we look at 4 bits, for example, 6.4 ms is required. As mentioned above, considering the switching time T (for example, 2 to 3 ms), it will take 8.4 to 9.4 ms even if simply added up. Since the fixed time t until the vehicle control device 1 transmits the next LF data is, for example, about 10 ms, when the mobile relay device 3 detects the presence or absence of response data and then switches between transmission and reception, Considering that it takes several hundred μ or more to switch from the transmission state to the reception state, there are cases where the switching is not completed within a certain period of time t. Even if you try to look at 3 bits to give yourself time, for example, if the data is difficult to judge due to disturbances, it will take time to switch, and LF data retransmission has already started. In this case, the relay could not be carried out properly, and the portable device could not recognize the LF data, resulting in the response data of the RF data not being transmitted, which could lead to a situation in which the engine could not be started. Furthermore, if the number of bits to be checked is small, it is not possible to accurately determine whether response data has been received. Since the bit configuration is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 3 and the time of one cycle is also different, the above problem becomes noticeable. As described above, in the conventional method for detecting the presence or absence of response data, the fixed time t is short, so there is a problem that it is impossible to see as many bits as possible in order to reliably detect the presence or absence.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, it is difficult to detect the presence or absence of response data during a certain period of time t and switch the transmission/reception function, but in this embodiment, the presence or absence of carrier sense is Since the decision is made based on the following, the decision can be made in a short time.

[Modified example]
In the embodiment described above, the presence or absence of received carrier sense is determined once whenever response data is present, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in order to improve the accuracy of the determination result, Carrier sensing may be performed several times in succession, or may be performed multiple times at regular intervals. However, it is preferable to carry out the process once as in the embodiment, since this allows a quick decision to be made.

[Bit abnormality correction] (Fifth embodiment)
In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, when LF data, wireless LF data, RF data, or wireless RF data relayed by the vehicle relay device 2 or the mobile relay device 3 is received by wireless communication, the received data is in a wireless communication state. A problem occurs in which the bit configuration changes due to Since both LF data and RF data are wirelessly communicated, it is inevitable that they will be subject to disturbances. Particularly, when the communication distance becomes long and reaches the limit of the permissible communication range, bit abnormalities are more likely to occur.

Each repeater samples the received data at a set sampling period, and sequentially transfers and transmits the acquired data. Therefore, if the normal bit configuration of "bit 1" is High for 500 μs and then Low for 200 μs as shown in FIG. 6(a), for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), Let us now consider the case where an abnormality occurs in which the signal once falls to Low before 500 μs has elapsed and then returns to High. Then, the relayed wireless RF data has a data structure that temporarily drops to Low as shown in FIG. 6(b). Then, since the vehicle control device 1 receives the data of the received portion as 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. Although specific illustrations are omitted, if there is an error in transmitting or relaying LF data, the portable device 4 will not be able to receive the regular LF data, and as a result, will not be able to send it as a response and will not be able to start the engine. There are challenges.

In contrast, in the present invention, since the length and pattern of a normal waveform are known, even if there is a bit abnormality, if a pattern exists, the normal waveform is output. Specifically, even if there is an impossible High/Low switch due to the pattern configuration, the original state is maintained without switching. For example, in the bit configuration shown in FIG. 3, in the case of data with a high start, it continues to be high up to 200μ in either case of 0/1. Therefore, even if it goes low before 200 μs elapses, it is controlled to remain high. For example, as shown in Figure 6(b), in the case of LF data, if it continues to be High for more than 200μs, the waveform will represent "bit 1", so it will fall to Low before 500μs elapse. remains High even when This high state continues until the next low pulse is input.

As a result, even if the wireless LF data received by the mobile repeater 3 generates one low pulse due to noise at the 300 μs point after starting as High, the mobile repeater 3 will be able to receive the next The high state is maintained until a low pulse is input. In the example of FIG. 6(b), the next low pulse occurs at 500 μs, which is the normal reversal point, so the LF data transmitted from the mobile repeater 3 is the normal one shown in FIG. 6(a). It becomes a waveform. Therefore, the portable device 4 can recognize the LF data and can return a response if the data is addressed to itself.

Furthermore, in the above description, a case has been described in which a low pulse is generated from a high state, but even when a high pulse is generated at a timing that should not normally occur in a low state, the low state is maintained in the same way. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, "bit 1" of LF data has been described, but "bit 0" and RF data are also processed in the same way.

Therefore, even if a pulse inverts once at an unexpected location due to noise or the like, the waveform itself to be 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.

Note that the judgment as to whether the received data is "bit 0" or "bit 1" may be made at the timing when the H/L of the normal waveform is reversed, but it is done by setting a predetermined margin (α). Good. For example, it is preferable to set a predetermined margin (α) such as “200 μs+α” instead of determining whether the bit is “bit 1” as shown in FIG. 6 immediately after 200 μs. Depending on the communication environment or other factors, the waveform of bit 0 may not go low at 200 μs, but may go low after a slight time lag. In such a case, it is good to provide a predetermined margin (α) because the waveform of “bit 0” can be relayed normally.

In this embodiment, the above correction process is performed by the side that receives the long-distance transmission signal. Specifically, the mobile relay device 3 that received the wireless LF data sent from the vehicle relay device 2 and the vehicle relay device 2 that received the wireless RF data sent from the mobile relay device 3 perform this. This is because the communication between the vehicle relay device 2 and the mobile relay device 3 is long-distance transmission, and the user carrying the mobile relay device 3 may be far away from the vehicle and the communication distance may be long, and the above abnormality may occur. The possibility of occurrence increases. Therefore, even if such an abnormality occurs, the engine can be started.

On the other hand, both the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 2 are installed at predetermined positions on the vehicle, and the distance between them is relatively close.Moreover, the vehicle control device 1 and the vehicle relay device 2 are usually placed in consideration of the communication distance at the time of installation, so the above-mentioned Events are less likely to occur. Further, since both the portable relay device 3 and the portable device 4 are carried by the user and are located relatively close to each other, the above-mentioned phenomenon is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, if the distance between the two parties is large enough to cause such an event to occur, it can be dealt with by bringing the two closer together.

Since the correction of this embodiment is a relatively strong correction that forcibly continues the High state or Low state after a certain period of time has elapsed, the vehicle relay where the possibility of the event in question is relatively high is relatively strong. This is done for long distance communication between machine 2 and mobile repeater 3.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if a pulse that is once inverted is input, the original state is maintained without being inverted. Therefore, for example, if a pulse that inverts multiple times (for example, twice) occurs in the same state (for example, High state) (see FIG. 6(c)), the state will be inverted (for example, at the second inversion pulse). In the example shown in the figure, it changes from High to Low). Therefore, in such a case, waveform data that goes low before 500 μs has passed is transmitted. In cases like this, which occur multiple times, a normal waveform is not output. Since this is a relatively strong correction, by limiting the correction target to one abnormal pulse, it is possible to prevent a signal that is not originally a normal signal from being transmitted as a normal waveform.

It is preferable that the above-described noise removal process be performed by the control unit 2a and the control unit 3a, which are configured by an MPU, because the process can be performed appropriately.

[Modified example]
In the embodiment described above, the correction is limited to only one occurrence of an abnormal pulse, but it may be made to correspond to a plurality of occurrences. This is good because it allows the engine to be started at a location that is far away. Even if forced correction is made and LF data or RF data different from the original data is relayed, it is fine because it will ultimately be rejected by the vehicle.

Further, it is preferable that the number of times the process is performed can be changed by user settings. This is good because correction can be made under conditions appropriate to the user's usage environment and situation.

In the embodiment described above, the waveform transmitted through long-distance communication is corrected, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to other types of communication. In that case, it may be applied to communication between the portable device 4 and the portable relay device 3, for example. Both the portable device 4 and the portable relay device 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 communication distance becomes shorter due to depletion of the built-in battery, or if both are stored in the user's clothing pocket or bag, the two may move relative to each other within the user's bag. The distance may be longer than desired. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the engine can be started by performing the correction according to the embodiment described above.

In the embodiment described above, the correction is performed by the control unit, but a dedicated circuit or the like may be provided. Providing a dedicated circuit allows for faster processing. As described in the fourth embodiment, there is a time constraint on the transmission and reception of LF data and RF data, and there is a problem of wanting to shorten the time required for relaying as much as possible. Therefore, by providing a dedicated circuit, the correction can be made in a short time and the response can be returned with plenty of time within a certain time t.

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, maintained from the start to XX μs, maintained from XX μs to ΔΔμs, etc.) are also different. Therefore, it is preferable to store correction conditions corresponding to the vehicle type, etc. in association with the vehicle type, etc., and to set any of the conditions when using the system. Since the correction conditions can be associated with communication-related parameters, it is preferable to set the conditions together with the communication-related parameters. Further, although the correction conditions associated with the vehicle type etc. may be stored separately from the communication-related parameters, it is preferable to store them in association with the parameters in the parameter storage section 3f. In this way, the addition and change of parameters and correction conditions can be done all at once, making management easier.Also, since they can be done all at once by operating the setting switch 3g, processing is simple and convenient, and each repeater This is good because the consistency of the parameters and correction conditions set, etc., can be maintained.

[RFIC dualization] (Sixth embodiment)
In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the transmitter/receiver is configured with one transmitter/receiver RFIC, and the transmitter/receiver state is appropriately switched to perform relaying. In this embodiment, each transmitter/receiver unit installed in the vehicle relay device 2 and the mobile relay device 3 is configured with a transmission-only RFIC and a reception-only RFIC, and each IC is configured to perform transmission/reception exclusively.

For example, as described in the fourth embodiment, when transmitting/receiving LF data, wireless LF data, RF data, or wireless RF data, a transmission/reception switching operation occurs in each transmitting/receiving unit each time. Coupled with the fact that the vehicle control device 1 must transmit the LF data and receive the response data from the corresponding portable device 4 within a certain time t, the transmission/reception switching operation is required to be quick. be done. As the fixed time period becomes even shorter, the requirements become even higher. Then, there will be no compatible RFIC, or even if there are, there will be only a few types, and the room for choice will be limited. Furthermore, even if the switching operation time satisfies the requirements, it may not correspond to the desired radio frequency band, and a system configuration that satisfies the specifications may not be possible.

Therefore, in this embodiment, by implementing dedicated RFICs for transmission and reception, switching between transmission and reception becomes unnecessary and communication control can be performed easily. Furthermore, by using a dedicated RFIC for transmission and reception, reception processing and transmission processing can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, normally, after receiving WAKE from the vehicle control device 1, the first vehicle-side transmitter/receiver 2b is switched to the transmitting state and returns an ACK. I made sure to return an ACK midway through. This shortens the time from when the vehicle control device 1 transmits WAKE to when it completes receiving ACK. Then, the vehicle control device 1 transmits LF data designated by a predetermined ID upon receiving the ACK, and the transmission start is also performed faster than in each of the embodiments and modifications described above. Furthermore, since the waiting time required for transmission/reception switching, which was necessary when performing each relay, is eliminated, there is also time leeway in this respect. Furthermore, instead of relaying the ACK sent from the portable device 4, the vehicle relay device 2 transmits it by itself. This allows further time reduction. Furthermore, since the RFIC is used only for reception and transmission, it can be designed without considering switching time, so it is possible to design at a frequency that increases the reliability of wireless communication.

Additionally, each repeater transmits and receives data on different frequencies. The transmitting and receiving channels are not adjacent to each other so that there is no mutual interference.

In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, LF data is communicated using a high frequency (short bit length), for example 900 MHz, and RF data is communicated using a low frequency, for example 400 MHz. This is because when the frequency is high, the bit rate is high, so the switching from the transmitting state to the receiving state is faster, and the retaking is also faster. Therefore, in order to comply with the time constraints, if a switching type is used, 900 MHz will be used. For example, LF data may be communicated at 400 MHz by using two RFICs to create a dual system as in this embodiment. 400 MHz is preferable because it has a narrow bandwidth and allows stable communication without interference with other signals.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the RFIC is dualized, power consumption increases. Therefore, the battery built into the portable relay device 3 also needs to have a large capacity. Therefore, the case that accommodates the mobile repeater 3 also becomes larger.

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 relay device 3 and the portable device 4 can be integrated and made portable. By integrating, the portable relay device 3 and the portable device 4 can be placed close together, which is good because communication can be performed reliably.

Furthermore, since the battery built into the portable relay device 3 has a large capacity, a connection section with a mobile device may be provided to enable use as a mobile battery. The connection portion includes, for example, a terminal portion to which a cable can be connected. When applied to a mobile battery, the battery is preferably a secondary battery.

[Separation determination function] (Seventh embodiment)
As explained in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the mobile relay device 3 relays and transmits the LF data, and after the mobile device 4 receives the LF data, the ID code included in the LF data is If it matches, RF data (response data) is transmitted.

The RF data (response data) is then relayed from the mobile relay device 3 to the vehicle relay device 2 and sent to the vehicle control device 1. When the vehicle control device 1 receives the response from the authorized portable device 4, it starts the engine.

Incidentally, LF data is transmitted at a first frequency, and RF data is transmitted at a second frequency different from the first frequency. The second frequency is a higher frequency than the first frequency, and the distance over which RF data can be communicated using the second frequency is also longer. In one example, the first frequency is 134kHz and the second frequency is 314MHz. Then, the distance over which LF data can be communicated is as short as 1 to 2 meters, and if the distance is too great, the portable device 4 may not be able to receive the LF data transmitted from the portable relay device 3.

One of the reasons why the engine fails to start is that the portable relay device 3 and the portable device 4 are separated, and the LF data transmitted from the portable relay device 3 cannot be received. However, the distance over which LF data can be communicated varies depending on, for example, how the user holds the mobile repeater 3 and the surrounding environment. There is a problem in that it is difficult to determine whether the problem is due to the inability to communicate due to the distance, or whether it is due to some other failure.

Additionally, it is possible to increase the strength of the radio waves to ensure communication even if the distance is a little far away, but increasing the strength of the radio waves causes the radio waves to fly too far, which may even lead to malfunctions, which is not preferable. For example, if a spare portable device is placed in the room and a person who does not have the portable device 4 accidentally operates the portable repeater 3, the engine will start, which is not desirable. Furthermore, increasing the radio field strength also increases battery consumption, so there is a desire to reduce this. Therefore, the communicable distance becomes shorter, and the above problem becomes more noticeable.

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

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

The user can know from the notification result of the notification unit 3e whether or not the mobile repeater 3 and the portable device 4 are within an appropriate communication range. Therefore, for example, if you try to start the engine remotely by operating the mobile repeater 3 and the engine does not actually start, either the communication between the mobile repeater 3 and the mobile unit 4 is not possible in the first place, or there is a problem with other communication systems. It is easy to understand whether there is a malfunction or the like. In this embodiment, it is possible to check without starting the engine.

[Modified example]
When a plurality of authorized 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 first transmitted LF data does not match its own, the mobile device 4 will not transmit the RF data (response data), and the mobile repeater 3 will receive the RF data that contains a different ID code. Relays LF data. When RF data (response data) is finally sent from the portable device 4 and engine starting is successful, it is preferable to store the LF data at the time of success in the normal LF data information storage section 3h. By storing LF data regarding the ID code of the portable device 4 that the user often uses, it is possible to quickly determine the distance between the user and the user.

In addition, when multiple pieces of LF data are relayed, all of the LF data relayed up to that point are LF data that includes a regular ID code stored in the vehicle control device 1, so all the LF data are transferred to the normal LF data. It is preferable to store it in the data information storage section 3h. In this way, even if the portable device 4 used by the user is not fixed, separation can be determined using any portable device 4.

Further, the normal LF data stored in the normal LF data information storage section 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. . In this way, isolation can be determined even if the portable device carried by the user changes.

In addition, in the case where all the LF data is stored, for example, by operating the operation unit 3d of the mobile relay device 3 without having the mobile device, the LF data regarding all the authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 1 can be stored. can be acquired and retained. If this is done, it is possible to perform a separation determination for any portable device that is carried after that, which is good.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the mobile relay device 3 has a function of notifying the number of registered normal LF data stored in the normal LF data information storage section 3h. In this way, by collecting LF data corresponding to all the authentication information registered in the vehicle control device 1, it is interesting to know how many legitimate mobile devices are registered in the vehicle control device 1. .

When the mobile relay device 3 receives response data when the operation section 3d is operated, it is preferable that the notification section 3e notifies the user of this fact. By doing so, it can be seen that communication between the portable relay device 3 and the portable device 4 is secured, and if the engine cannot be started in this state, it can be known that there is a malfunction. In this case, it is preferable to make the notification by making a sound such as "pipip" because the user can understand the notification without looking at the notification section 3e.

In the embodiments and modifications described above, the LF data when the engine starts is stored to determine the distance between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4, but the RF data (response) when the engine starts is data) may be stored and the RF data may be checked in the same way. To determine the presence or absence of RF data, RF data carrier sensing, determination of the leading bit, or the like may be used.

[Integrated structure of portable device and portable relay device] (Eighth 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 relay device 3 includes a display section 11, an operation button 12, and a lid section 13 on the upper surface 10a of the case body 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the lid portion 13 closes a storage recess 10b provided to open on the upper surface 10a of the case body 10. In this embodiment, the lid part 13 is attached and detached by sliding along the upper surface 10a of the case body 10. Although not shown, various circuits and devices such as a control section 3a, a first mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3b, a second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c, and a parameter storage section 3f are mounted inside the case body 10. . The display unit 11 constitutes, for example, the notification unit 3e in each of the embodiments described above. The operation button 12 is an engine operation switch, a vehicle door operation switch, etc., and constitutes, for example, the setting switch 3g in each of the embodiments described above. Further, the lid portion 13 is provided with an auxiliary switch 13a. The auxiliary switch 13a is a push button type switch operation section.

In this embodiment, the portable device 4 is stored in the storage recess 10b of the portable relay device 3, but the internal board assembly 21 of the portable device 4 is stored instead of installing the entire portable device 4 as is. The internal board assembly 21 includes a push-button switch 21a on its surface. When the internal board assembly 21 is stored in the storage recess 10b and the lid part 13 is closed, the switch 21a of the internal board assembly 21 and the auxiliary switch 13a of the lid part 13 are moved up and down, as shown in FIG. 8(b). Arrange them so that they overlap. Accordingly, 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 predetermined switch operations on the portable device 4 by operating the auxiliary switch 13a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8(c), some portable devices 4 house a mechanical key 22 for a vehicle. This mechanical key 22 can be used to start the engine by inserting the mechanical key 22 into the ignition key cylinder and rotating it, for example, when the engine cannot be started using the portable device 4 due to the portable device 4 running out of battery or malfunctioning. It is used to start/stop etc. Therefore, in this embodiment, a hole into which the mechanical key 22 is inserted is provided in the case body 10, and the mechanical key 22 can be set in the hole. Thereby, by carrying the portable relay device 3, the user can also carry the mechanical key 22.

When installing the internal board assembly 21, the user or the like disassembles the portable device 4 and removes the internal board assembly 21, as shown in FIG. 9(a), for example. On the other hand, the user or the like removes the lid 13 of the portable repeater 3 and opens the storage recess 10b, as shown in FIG. 9(b). 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. 9(c) and the like. After that, the user or the like attaches the lid part 13 to the case body 10 to configure the portable repeater 3 integrated with the internal board assembly 21 shown in FIG. 8(a).

In this embodiment, by integrating the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3, the device becomes compact and does not become bulky when placed in a pocket or the like. In particular, since the internal board assembly 21 is removed from the portable device 4 and installed, 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's good because it can be done by suppressing it. Furthermore, the portable device 4 and the portable repeater 3 are placed close to each other, ensuring reliable communication. Regarding this point, since there is no case for the portable device 4, the distance between the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 can be brought closer, which is good.

In this embodiment, the internal board assembly 21 is equipped with a switch 21a, and the switch 21a can be pressed by the auxiliary switch 13a of the lid part 13. However, for example, the switch 21a is not exposed on the top surface structurally. If the configuration is such that the auxiliary switch 13a cannot be pressed, or the switch 21a is of a sliding type and cannot be pressed with the auxiliary switch 13a of the lid 13, for example, the switch 21a may be 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 embodiment described above, for example, the relay between the vehicle relay device 2 and the mobile relay device 3 is performed by transmitting wireless LF data converted based on the LF data. Specifically, 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 wireless LF data into a pulse waveform different from the pulse width, etc. of LF data is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various methods are possible. An example is as follows.

For example, edge signals are generated at the rising and falling edges of LF data. The wireless LF data is data in which the edge signal is generated at an appropriate timing from a low state. The edge signal is, for example, a single pulse with a predetermined width. To explain using a specific example, for example, if the LF data is "0110", the waveform data received by the vehicle relay device 2 will be as shown in FIG. 10(a). Then, the rising edge of "bit 0" is detected, an edge signal of 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 to Low occurs in "bit 0", so after inserting an edge signal using this fall as a trigger, the Low state is maintained.

When this Low state continues for 100 μs, the LF data switches to the next “bit 1” High. An edge signal is inserted along with the rising edge at this time. Thereafter, by repeating the process, wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 10(b) is generated, which is then modulated and transmitted. According to this method, two edge signals are output per one bit data, resulting in wireless LF data that remains in a low state for a long time.

When the mobile relay device 3 receives the wireless LF data shown in FIG. 10(b), it becomes High in response to the first edge signal, and remains High until the next edge signal arrives. Then, when the next edge signal is detected, it becomes Low and remains Low 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 first modification described above, an 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. If "bit 1" has a long High pulse width, a single pulse is inserted while the High state is maintained. For "bit 0", High falls to Low after 200 μs, and for "Bit 1", High continues for 500 μs, so the timing for inserting a single pulse is, for example, 200 μs after the rise.

As a result, the wireless LF data in the case of "bit 0" has a pulse waveform in which a single pulse of a predetermined width is inserted at the rising edge of the LF data, and remains Low until 350 μs have elapsed from the rising edge. In addition, in the wireless LF data in the case of "bit 1", a single pulse of a predetermined width is inserted at the rise of the LF data, the low state is maintained thereafter, and a pulse of a predetermined width is inserted when 200 μs has passed from the rise, Thereafter, the pulse waveform maintains a Low state.

Therefore, if the mobile repeater 3 that has received such wireless LF data detects a single pulse and the next pulse does not occur even after 200 μs has passed, it knows that the data is “bit 0” and 200 μs have passed. When the next pulse is generated, it is known that the data is "bit 1", so the original LF data can be reproduced.

The control unit 2a of the vehicle relay device 2 for performing the process of generating the wireless LF data has a function of executing the transmission data conversion flow shown in FIG. 11(a), for example. 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 a rising edge (ST1 is Yes), it outputs a 40 μs pulse (ST2).

Next, the control unit 2a makes a logical determination as to whether the current data is "bit 0" ("bit 1") (ST3). If the logical 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 40 μs pulse output at the rising edge. On the other hand, if the logic determination is "bit 1", the control unit 2a outputs a 40 μs pulse (ST4). After that, the control section 2a returns to ST1 and detects the next rising edge. As a result, when the LF data is "bit 1", a 40 μs pulse is output twice at the rising edge and in the middle. The logical determination in ST3 is to determine whether the signal is High or Low when 350 μs has elapsed from the rise, and if it is Low, it is determined that it is “bit 0”.

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

Next, the control unit 3a determines whether the current data is "bit 1" ("bit 0") based on the presence or absence of a rising edge (ST13). When the determination result is "bit 0" (ST13 is No), the control unit 3a changes the output to Low (ST14), returns to ST1, and detects the next rising edge. On the other hand, if the determination is "bit 1" (No in ST13), the control unit 3a maintains the High state for a certain period of time (ST15). After a certain period of time has elapsed, the control section 3a changes the output to Low (ST16), returns to ST11, and detects the next rising edge. In the determination in ST13, it is determined whether or not there is a rising edge when 350 μs has elapsed from the rising edge of ST11, and if there is, it is determined that the bit is "bit 1". Instead of looking at the rising edge, it is also possible to look at whether it is High or Low.

The processing functions described above will be explained using a specific example. For example, if the LF data is "0110", the waveform data received by the vehicle relay device 2 will be as shown in FIG. 12(a). The control unit 2a detects the rising edge of "bit 0" of the LF data, inserts a pulse of a predetermined width (for example, 40 μs), and then maintains the Low state. Then, since the LF data is Low when 350 μs has elapsed from the detection of the rising edge, the branch judgment in ST3 is Yes, and the LF data continues to be Low and waits for the next rising edge.

Then, as the next "bit 1" of the LF data rises, a 40 μs pulse is inserted, and the low state is maintained thereafter. Then, since the LF data is High when 350 μs has passed since the detection of the rising edge, the branch judgment in ST3 is No, a 40 μs pulse is inserted, and the low state is maintained thereafter. This low state continues until the next rising edge of "bit 1". Thereafter, when LF data of "0110" is received in the same manner, wireless LF data as shown in FIG. 12(b) is generated. The pulse-based wireless LF data shown in FIG. 12(b) is transmitted from the vehicle relay device 2 and received by the mobile relay device 3.

The mobile relay device 3 reproduces the LF data shown in FIG. 12(c) by executing the processing flow shown in 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 process (ST13) is performed. Then, since there is no rising edge after 200 μs has elapsed from the rising edge and the signal remains Low, the branch judgment in ST13 is No, and the output is set to Low. This low state continues until the next rising edge occurs. As a result, the LF data of "bit 0" is reproduced.

Furthermore, upon detection of the rising edge, the control unit 3a outputs High. Since the wireless LF data has a rising edge 200 μs after the rising edge, the branch judgment in ST13 is Yes, and the output remains High for a certain period of time, and then becomes Low. This low state continues until the next rising edge occurs. As a result, the LF data of "bit 1" is reproduced. By repeating this process thereafter, the LF data of "0110" is reproduced as shown in FIG. 12(c).

[Variation example 3 of relay waveform]
In Modification 1 and Modification 2 described above, an edge signal is output at the rising edge of LF data, but in this modification, the wireless LF data of the relay waveform is output based on the duration of the High state of the LF data. generate. As mentioned above, as an example of the bit configuration of LF data, "bit 0" is high for 200 μs and low for 150 μs (see Figure 3 (a)), and "bit 1" is high for 500 μs and low for 200 μs. It becomes Low (see FIG. 3(b)). In this way, the bit configurations that make up "bit 0" and "bit 1" respectively have fixed High and Low pulse widths. For example, the High state of the LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1 is 200 μs. If it continues longer than , it is "bit 1". In this modification, the vehicle relay device 2 generates wireless LF data with a bit configuration having a different pulse width from the High and Low pulse widths of “bit 0” and “bit 1” of the received LF data, and It transmits wirelessly to repeater 3. For example, the bit configuration with different pulse widths is such that the high pulse width of "bit 1" of wireless LF data is the same as the high pulse width of "bit 0" of LF data, and the high pulse width of "bit 0" of wireless LF data is the same as the high pulse width of "bit 0" of wireless LF data. The High pulse width is made longer than the High pulse width of "bit 1" of the wireless LF data. The low pulse width of the wireless LF data is set to a value such that the length of one cycle, which is the sum of high and low pulses, is the same for the LF data and the wireless LF data.

By doing this, the mobile relay device 3 that has received the wireless LF data can distinguish "bit 0" and "bit 1" from the length of High, and the rise of High from Low to the original without any time delay. This is good because it is the same as the LF data.

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

Further, the wake signal and STOP signal transmitted from the vehicle control device 1 also each have a predetermined pulse width. For example, the WAKE signal remains High for 2 ms and then remains Low for 180 μs. Further, the STOP signal is a single pulse that remains High for 180 μs. In order to distinguish these WAKE and STOP signals from "bit 0" and "bit 1" of the LF data, when the vehicle relay device 2 receives WAKE, the signal is High for 200 μs + α + β and Low for 2 ms + 180 μs - (200 μs + α + β). It is converted and wirelessly transmitted to the mobile repeater 3. Further, when the vehicle relay device 2 receives the STOP signal, it converts it into a High 180 μs+γ signal and wirelessly transmits it to the mobile relay device 3 . Here, γ is less than 20 μs.

The High level of each signal after the above conversion 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 relay device 3 can identify the WAKE signal, bit 0, bit 1, and STOP signal from the length of High. Further, the total value of each signal consisting of a 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 section 2a of the vehicle relay device 2 executes the processing flow shown in FIG. 13, and the control section 3a of the mobile relay device 3 executes the processing flow shown in FIG. 14. 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 that continues High for 200 μs+α+β and continues Low for 2 ms+180 μs−(200 μs+α+β) (ST22). The second vehicle-side transmitter/receiver 2c wirelessly transmits this signal to the mobile relay device 3. Similarly, the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c wirelessly transmits an output signal outputted from the control section 2a shown below to the portable relay device 3.

The control unit 2a next waits for the input signal to rise from Low to High (ST23). When the output signal rises to High (Y in ST23), the control section 2a sets the output signal to High (ST24). The control unit 2a determines whether or not the high duration time of the input signal drops to low after 180 μs (ST25). If the branch judgment in ST25 is Y, the control unit 2a lowers the signal to Low after a set time period less than γμs has elapsed. As a result, the control unit 2a outputs a STOP signal that goes High after 180 μs+γ has passed in ST24 and goes Low.

If the branch determination in ST25 is Y, the control unit 2a determines whether the input signal continues to be High for more than 200 μs (ST27). If the duration exceeds 200 μs, it is a bit 1 signal, and if it falls to Low without exceeding 200 μs, it is a bit 0 signal. Therefore, when the branch judgment in ST27 is Y, the control section 2a sets the output signal to Low and maintains the output signal at Low for (500+200)-200 μs (ST28). When the branch judgment in ST27 is N, the control unit 2a maintains the High state α, then sets the output signal to Low, and maintains the output signal Low for 150 μs−α (ST28).

As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 3a of the mobile relay device 3 waits for the input signal sent from the vehicle relay device 2 to rise from Low to High (ST31). When the signal rises to High (Y in ST31), the control unit 3a outputs a signal that continues High for 2.0 ms and continues Low for 180 μs (ST32). The first mobile-side transmitter/receiver 3b wirelessly transmits this signal to the mobile device 4. Similarly, the output signal output from the control section 2a shown below is also wirelessly transmitted to the portable device 4 by the first mobile-side transmitting/receiving section 3b.

The control unit 3a next waits for the input signal to rise from Low to High (ST33). When the output signal rises to High (Y in ST33), the control section 3a sets the output signal to High (ST34). The control unit 3a determines the high duration time of the input signal (ST35). If the determination in ST35 exceeds 200 μs, the control unit 3a sets the output signal to Low (ST36). If the determination in ST35 is 200 μs, the control unit 3a maintains the output signal in a High state for (500-200) μs, and then sets the output signal to Low (ST37). If the determination in ST35 is 180 μs+γ, the control unit 3a sets it to Low (ST38). When this process of ST38 is executed, the High duration time of the STOP signal becomes 180 μs+γ, which is longer by γ than the High duration time of the STOP signal output from the original vehicle control device 1 before conversion. The STOP signal is a single high pulse, and then continues to be low, so compared to, for example, a 1-bit or 0-bit signal, the precision required for the duration is lower, and even if it is a little longer, it is still recognized as a STOP signal. be done. Furthermore, γ is the time required to be recognized as a STOP signal.

In addition, in each processing step in FIG. 14 (excluding ST38), the timing of switching the output signal Low/High based on the signal received by the mobile relay device 3 is delayed by γ, and the processing in ST38 is changed to Low without delaying γ. It may be possible to perform control to do so. In this case, γ is set within the time allowed by the delay time from when the vehicle control device 1 transmits the LF data to when the vehicle control device 1 receives the RF data, and the relay communication is completed within the time allowed.

Furthermore, in the process of ST28 shown in FIG. 13, instead of continuing to be Low, the signal may be changed and data may be transmitted. In the above-mentioned modification, the mobile relay device 3 generates an output signal based on the High duration time of the received input signal, and the Low reception period is Low for a certain period regardless of the L/H status of the input signal. I am trying to output . Therefore, in the process of ST28, instead of continuing the low level, by transmitting appropriate data during the period when the low level continues, the LF data sent from the vehicle control device 1 is transferred and other data is transmitted. I was able to send it. This Low period is 500 μs, so 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), for example, 8-bit data can be sent. Since LF data usually always includes one or more bit 0 data, the data is transmitted using the bit 0 section. This 8-bit data has meaning when it is transmitted once, and when it is transmitted multiple times. That is, if the data is long, it is divided into multiple transmissions and sent.

Moreover, when transmitting data using the Low period in this way, the mobile relay device 3 executes the process of receiving the data after executing the process of ST36 in FIG. 14 . The reception process is, for example, receiving the data and performing a predetermined process based on the received data.

The vehicle relay device 2 has a function of connecting with, for example, sensors installed in the vehicle and various devices/equipment to acquire information regarding the vehicle, etc., and transmits the acquired information regarding the vehicle using the above-mentioned Low period. and wirelessly transmits it to the mobile repeater 3. Then, the mobile relay device 3 executes predetermined processing based on the received data. The predetermined processing includes, for example, notifying the user of the above-mentioned vehicle-related information based on the received data using the notification unit 3e of the mobile relay device 3, or changing the settings of the mobile relay device 3. There is. Since the vehicle relay device 2 receives power from the vehicle's battery, it is preferable to detect the battery voltage and capacity of the vehicle before starting the engine, and transmit the detected information as one of the information regarding the vehicle. . This is good because it allows you to know the state of the battery before starting the engine, and also allows you to check the state of deterioration.

[Other modified examples of relay waveform]
The wireless LF data to be converted based on the LF data is not limited to Modification 1 and Modification 2 described above, and various conversions are possible. To give a simple example, there is a waveform that is an inversion of High/Low.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned modification, an example was explained in which the relay waveform of LF data is changed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and WAKE and STOP are also changed and relayed in the same way, and reproduced on the receiving side. It would be good to have a function to do so.

15 and 16 show the ninth embodiment. In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the LF data constitutes "bit 0" and "bit 1" by combining High and Low with predetermined pulse widths, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). I explained it with that in mind. In the actual LF data output from the vehicle control device 1, as schematically depicted in FIG. 15(a), the High portion is a collection of pulses in which L/H switches rapidly at a predetermined frequency (for example, 134 kHz). , the Low portion is Low, in which such high-speed switching pulses are not output. Although the explanation is confusing, the data with the bit configuration shown in Figure 3 is obtained by performing envelope detection on pulses that switch at high speed, and generating a pulse waveform that maintains High during the section where the pulses that switch at high speed exist. It is. Therefore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, instead of transmitting the envelope signal of the LF data as it is, the vehicle repeater 2 converts and generates a transmission signal based on the envelope signal and transmits it. I have to. Then, the portable relay device 3 reproduces the envelope signal of the LF data based on the received transmission signal, and performs relay processing and the like toward the portable device 4.

In this embodiment, data close to LF data is transmitted as wireless LF data instead of an envelope signal. Specifically, a signal whose frequency is divided into 1/2 (LF frequency 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, in the High portion of each bit, 134 kHz pulses are continuously output. When the vehicle relay device 2 receives the LH data, it generates an LF frequency-divided signal (wireless LF data) whose frequency is halved to 67kHz as shown in FIG. 15(b), and sends it to the mobile relay device 3. Send.

In this embodiment, for example, a 2.4 kHz low-pass filter is mounted on the RFIC constituting the second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c of the mobile repeater 3. As a result, when the portable relay device 3 receives the LF frequency-divided signal (wireless LF data) shown in FIG. 15(b), it reproduces the LF data as shown in FIG. 15(c). The LF data shown in FIG. 15(c) is similar to the LF data reproduced based on the wireless LF data received by the mobile relay device 3 in each of the above-described embodiments. In this embodiment, when the wireless LF data is received by the second mobile transmitter/receiver 3c, it is outputted without analyzing the L/H state of the signal, etc., which is preferable because it can be processed easily and at high speed.

FIG. 16 shows main parts of the vehicle relay device 2 and the portable relay device 3 for executing such processing. As shown in the figure, the vehicle relay device 2 provides the LF data (A) received by the first vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2b (not shown) to the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c via the frequency dividing circuit 2e. Configure it as follows. The frequency dividing circuit 2e is a circuit that divides the frequency of the input signal into 1/2. As a result, the frequency dividing circuit 2e outputs LF frequency-divided data (B) frequency-divided to 67 kHz. This LF frequency division data (B) is given to the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c. Then, the second vehicle-side transmitting/receiving section 2c wirelessly transmits the LF frequency division data (B).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an envelope detecting section 2f is provided, and the received LF data (A) shown in FIG. 15(a) is supplied to the envelope detecting section 2f together with the frequency dividing circuit 2e. Then, the envelope detection unit 2f generates an envelope signal that maintains High during a section where a pulse that switches to high speed (for example, 134 kHz) is present. The output of the envelope detection section 2f is given to the control section 2a. In this embodiment, the envelope signal is not transmitted, but is used to control 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, in the mobile relay device 3, a 2.4 kHz low-pass filter is mounted on the RFIC constituting the second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c. As a result, LF data (C) is output from the second mobile-side transmitting/receiving section 3c that has received the LF frequency-divided data (B). Note that the other configurations and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiments and modifications, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 shows another circuit configuration for generating and transmitting divided LF data (B) obtained by dividing the frequency of the 134 kHz LF data (A) received by the vehicle repeater 2 into 1/2. It shows. In this example, 134kHz LF data (A) received by the first vehicle-side transceiver 2b (not shown) is given to the envelope detector 2f, and the output of the envelope detector 2f is sent to the controller 2a and the LF frequency division data generator 2g. give to The LF frequency division data generation section 2g includes a 67 kHz oscillation circuit and an AND circuit. Then, the output of the envelope detection section 2f and the output of the oscillation circuit are applied to an AND circuit. As a result, the AND circuit outputs the LF frequency division data shown in FIG. 15(b). Note that other configurations and the like are similar to the circuit shown in FIG. 16, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a tenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the 134 kHz LF data (see FIG. 18(b)) output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted as is. That is, in the vehicle relay device 2, the second vehicle-side transmitter/receiver 2c transmits the 134 kHz LF data output from the vehicle control device 1, which is received by the first vehicle-side transmitter/receiver 2b (not shown).

On the other hand, the RFIC constituting the first mobile transceiver section 3b of the mobile repeater 3 uses an RFIC with a bit rate filter set to a low frequency. The low frequency may be one that cannot receive 134 kHz. As a result, the first mobile-side transmitter/receiver 3b of the mobile relay device 3 is unable to receive the 134kHz LF data transferred from the vehicle relay device 2 as is, and as shown in FIG. Outputs a waveform like a waveform. In this way, by setting the bit rate filter to a low frequency so that the RFIC on the receiving side does not receive 134 kHz, it is possible to secure a communication distance equivalent to that when transmitting an envelope without converting it to an envelope.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the 134kHz LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted directly to the mobile relay device 3 without converting it into an envelope, so that the LF data that is output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted directly to the mobile relay device 3, so that the LF data that is output from the vehicle control device 1 is transmitted directly to the mobile relay device 3. Since no delays or gaps occur, it can be effectively applied to systems with severe time constraints. Furthermore, since the LF signal is transmitted as is, the signal to be relayed can be faithfully reproduced, which is good.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, RF data is transmitted and received in a bit asynchronous manner. This allows the bit rate filter (demodulation circuit) on the receiving side to be lowered, which is effective against noise.

[Other variations]
As explained in the ninth embodiment, the LF data output from the vehicle control device 1 is a 134kHz signal, and the LF data shown in FIGS. This is an envelope waveform of data generated by an envelope detection section. Instead of generating the envelope in the envelope detection section as described above, it is preferable to provide a detection circuit or the like to have a function of detecting the reception signal received by the first vehicle-side transceiver section 2b, for example. By detection, the 134 kHz LF data has a waveform similar to 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 relay device 2 receives the starting signal transmitted from the mobile relay device 3, it transmits a foot brake signal to the vehicle control device 1 using the wired communication function. , the vehicle control device 1 that received the foot brake signal outputs a response request signal (LF data), but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a push start signal may be used instead of the foot brake signal. Alternatively, it may be used as a door open signal. However, the best embodiment is one in which the foot brake signal is output close to the output timing of the signal that occurs when the driver gets in the car and actually starts the engine. Also, for example, some vehicles have an auto alarm that sounds when a door open signal is output, and if a push start signal is used, there is a risk of an erroneous start, but if a foot brake signal is used, the signal is transmitted to various control devices. It is also good because there is no safety problem.

Furthermore, in the above description of the basic configuration, the foot brake signal is continuously outputted in the ON state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the foot brake signal may be outputted in the ON state and then turned OFF. . In that case, the vehicle relay device 2 that has received the wireless RF data as a response from the mobile relay device 3 turns on the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal. However, as explained in the basic configuration, it is better to continue the ON state of the foot brake signal. This is the same situation as when the driver gets in the car and actually starts the engine, he or she presses the push start button while pressing the foot brake pedal and continues to press the foot brake pedal until the engine starts. It's good because you can do it. Furthermore, since the sequence for starting the engine differs depending on the vehicle type, it is preferable to output ON/OFF according to the sequence.

In addition, as mentioned above, in order to make the signal transmission and reception similar to when the driver gets in the car and actually starts the engine, a vehicle relay that receives the starting signal transmitted from the mobile relay device 3 is used. The function of outputting a 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 each of the embodiments and modifications described above, and may be applied to other methods such as Patent Document 1, for example. The present invention may also be applied to a vehicle remote control system using the relay method.

The embodiments and modifications described above may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, when combining them, it is good to extract some of the configurations and combine them into other forms. Furthermore, another invention may be configured in which some of the configurations shown in each embodiment and modification example are essential. For example, one of the configurations of the first embodiment is to store and hold a plurality of communication-related parameters and switch them using the setting switch 3g, but a configuration without such a function may also be used.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments and modified examples, these embodiments and explanations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. I would like to add that this is provided for the benefit of the public. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configuration or manufacturing method explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Of the present invention, the structure for which a patent is sought has been specified in the attached claims, but at present, even if the structure is not specified in the claims, it is not disclosed in this specification. I would like to state this just to be sure that there is a possibility that I may file a patent claim for this configuration in the future.

1 Vehicle control device 1a Control section 1b Transmission/reception section 1c Authentication information storage section 2 Vehicle relay device 2a Control section 2b First vehicle side transmission/reception section 2c Second vehicle side transmission/reception section 2d Parameter storage section 2e Notification section 3 Mobile relay device 3a Control section 3b First mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3c Second mobile side transmitting/receiving section 3d Operation section 3e Notification section 3f Parameter storage section 3g Setting switch 3h Normal LF data information storage section 4 Portable device 4a Control section 4b Transmitting/receiving section 4c Authentication information storage section

Claims (2)

A smart key used in a vehicle stores a mechanical key to be used in the vehicle when the smart key's battery runs out, and a user who is located away from the vehicle uses the smart key to remotely control the vehicle. A device separate from the smart key used in the portable vehicle, comprising an operation section for inputting an operation for wirelessly transmitting an instruction command, and a wireless transmission section for performing the wireless transmission,
A device characterized by comprising a part into which a mechanical key stored in a smart key used in the vehicle can be set. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the part into which the mechanical key stored in the smart key of the vehicle can be set is a hole into which the mechanical key is inserted.

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