WO2014103492A1 - Keyless system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to use a multifunctional mobile terminal as an alternative for an electronic key of a conventional keyless system for a vehicle. A first wireless communication unit (20) of a mobile device (10) and a second wireless communication unit (60) in a vehicle-mounted device (50) communicate by Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless communication, a distance estimating unit (34) of the mobile device (10) estimates the distance (D) between the mobile device (10) and the vehicle-mounted device (50), a movement detection unit (38) of the mobile device (10) detects movement of the mobile device (10), and an intermittent cycle calculating unit (40) sets an intermittent cycle (C) for wireless communication between the mobile device (10) and the vehicle-mounted device (50) on the basis of the distance (D) between the mobile device (10) and the vehicle-mounted device (50) and the magnitude (M) of the movement of the mobile device (10).

Description

Keyless system for vehicles

This invention relates to a vehicle keyless system.

In vehicles such as automobiles, a vehicle keyless system capable of locking and unlocking a door without inserting a key into a keyhole is becoming widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such a vehicle keyless system, it is necessary for the user to carry some kind of electronic key (intelligent key) in order to lock and unlock the door.

On the other hand, in the field of mobile phones, in addition to telephone functions, multifunctional mobile communication terminals called smartphones (hereinafter simply referred to as “multifunctional mobile terminals”) having internet functions, PDA functions, digital camera functions, etc. are rapidly spreading. Is going on.

JP 2012-184609 A

Since the electronic key of the vehicle keyless system described in Patent Document 1 needs to be carried by the user when driving, the electronic key needs to be taken out of the house every time the vehicle is driven. Furthermore, since it is necessary to manage the electronic key so as not to be lost while going out, there is a problem that it is convenient but also troublesome.

On the other hand, multifunctional mobile terminals such as smartphones have already been deeply penetrated into daily life as a necessity, and it is no longer natural to carry them all the time.

Therefore, it is conceivable to use a multi-function mobile terminal that is packed with excellent functions as an electronic key for the above-described vehicle keyless system. For example, smartphones are used as electronic keys for vehicle keyless systems. There is a problem that it cannot be used as an electronic key as it is because the communication standard is not provided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to use a multifunctional portable terminal typified by a smartphone as an electronic key of a vehicle keyless system.

The keyless system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention substitutes a multi-function portable terminal for an electronic key of a conventional keyless system for a vehicle.

That is, a vehicle keyless system according to an embodiment of the present invention is carried by a user and includes a portable device having a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a vehicle, and is mounted on the vehicle. An in-vehicle device having a second wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with a portable device, and at least the vehicle when the wireless communication is established between the preset portable device and the in-vehicle device. In the keyless system for a vehicle that permits the door to be locked and unlocked, the portable device further includes a distance estimation unit that estimates a distance between the in-vehicle device and the portable device, and a movement that detects a movement of the portable device. It has a detection part, and the intermittent period calculation part which calculates the intermittent period which performs the said radio | wireless communication based on the estimation result of the said distance estimation part, and the detection result of the said motion detection part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to the vehicle keyless system configured as described above, the first wireless communication unit of the portable device and the second wireless communication unit of the in-vehicle device perform wireless communication, and the distance estimation unit provided in the portable device includes: The distance between the portable device and the in-vehicle device is estimated, the motion detection unit provided in the portable device detects the movement of the portable device, and the intermittent period calculation unit determines the distance between the portable device and the in-vehicle device and the portable device. In order to set the intermittent cycle of wireless communication between the portable device and the vehicle-mounted device based on the movement of the mobile phone, the first wireless communication unit, the distance estimation unit, the motion detection unit, By providing the period calculation unit, it can be used as a portable device.

According to the vehicle keyless system according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that a multi-function mobile terminal represented by a smartphone can be used as an electronic key of the vehicle keyless system.

It is a figure showing the whole picture of the keyless system for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the 1st example of a keyless system for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the method of estimating the distance of vehicle equipment and a portable device based on the received strength of a signal. It is a figure explaining the setting method of the intermittent period in the keyless system for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention, and is an example of setting of an intermittent period when the time change of signal strength is large or the movement of a portable machine is large. It is a figure explaining the setting method of the intermittent period in the keyless system for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention, and is an example of setting of an intermittent period when the time change of signal strength is small and the movement of a portable machine is small. It is a sequence diagram explaining the flow of the whole process in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the vehicle equipment side in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of the portable device in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a user's operation | movement in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the 2nd example of a keyless system for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram explaining the flow of the whole process in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the vehicle equipment side in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of the portable device in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a user's operation | movement in the keyless system for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, examples of a vehicle keyless system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Description of Configuration of Embodiment 1]

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle keyless system 5 to which the present invention is applied includes a portable device 10 carried by a user and a vehicle 1 that performs wireless communication between the portable device 10 and a user. Locking / opening the door of the vehicle 1 by detecting that the request switch 80R installed near the right door handle of the vehicle 1 or the request switch 80L installed near the left door handle of the vehicle 1 is pressed. It is comprised from the vehicle equipment 50 which locks.

Note that the portable device 10 and the in-vehicle device 50 are set in advance (referred to as pairing) and can access each other by performing Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. Specifically, this pairing is performed by registering each other's ID number. That is, the ID number of the in-vehicle device 50 is registered in the portable device 10, and the ID number of the portable device 10 is registered in the in-vehicle device 50.

Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication is one of the short-range wireless communication standards using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. Recently, communication between an in-vehicle device and a mobile phone for performing a hands-free call in a vehicle interior, It is widely used for wireless communication of music signals when the sound of a portable audio player is reproduced by an in-vehicle audio device. Further, in Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, a plurality of portable devices can be paired with one in-vehicle device 50. For example, a mobile phone owned by each family member Each portable audio player can be connected to the in-vehicle device by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

Fig. 2 shows the detailed configuration of the vehicle keyless system 5. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle keyless system 5 includes a door lock actuator 82 connected to the in-vehicle device 50 for locking and unlocking the door of the vehicle, and locking and unlocking the door of the vehicle. A hazard blinker controller 84 that flashes a hazard lamp when it is performed, and that the door of the vehicle 1 is locked by sounding when the door of the vehicle 1 is locked or unlocked. Or an external buzzer 86 for notifying the user that the lock has been opened.

The portable device 10 is composed of a multi-function portable terminal typified by a smartphone, and requests a response from the portable device 10 that is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50 and connected to the in-vehicle device 50. A first signal that receives the request signal 90 and a reference signal 91 used to estimate the distance between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 and transmits a response signal 92 that answers the request signal 90 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50. The wireless communication unit 20 includes an intermittent cycle setting unit 30 that sets a time interval (hereinafter referred to as an intermittent cycle) for performing wireless communication between the portable device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 50.

The first wireless communication unit 20 generates a response signal 92 for the request signal 90 and the first signal receiving unit 22 that receives the request signal 90 and the reference signal 91 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50. The first signal transmission unit 24 transmits the response signal 92.

Further, the intermittent period setting unit 30 is based on the signal strength detection unit 32 that detects the strength of the reference signal 91 received by the first signal reception unit 22 and the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit 32. The distance estimation unit 34 that estimates the distance D between the mobile device 10 and the portable device 10, the signal strength change amount detection unit 36 that detects the time change of the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit 32, and the movement of the portable device 10. It consists of a motion detector 38 to detect, and an intermittent period calculator 40 that determines an intermittent period in which wireless communication is performed between the portable device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 50.

The in-vehicle device 50 receives the response signal 92 transmitted from the portable device 10, and transmits the request signal 90 and the reference signal 91 to the portable device 10, and the vehicle 1 A smart door controller 70 that controls locking and unlocking of the door is provided. Note that when the vehicle 1 includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module for a hands-free phone or portable audio, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module may be shared as the second wireless communication unit 60.

Then, the second wireless communication unit 60 generates a reference signal 91 and a request signal 90 that are transmitted to the portable device 10 and serve as a basis for estimating the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. The second signal transmission unit 62 that transmits the response signal 92 and the second signal reception unit 64 that receives the response signal 92 transmitted from the portable device 10.

Next, a method for estimating the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 and a method for setting the intermittent period C performed by the distance estimation unit 34 will be described in order.
[Description of Distance D Estimation Method]

First, a method for estimating the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 performed by the distance estimating unit 34 will be described.

The distance D is estimated based on the RSSI value obtained by detecting the received strength of the reference signal 91 received by the portable device 10 and detected by the signal strength detector 32 as an RSSI value.

The RSSI value increases as it is closer to the in-vehicle device 50, and the value is substantially proportional to the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. In the first embodiment, the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 is estimated based on the relationship between the RSSI value acquired in advance and the distance D (see FIG. 3).

That is, the portable device 10 is previously placed at a known distance from the in-vehicle device 50, the reference signal 91 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50 is received by the portable device 10, and the RSSI value is obtained in the signal strength detection unit 32. The RSSI value is detected at a plurality of positions (for example, _five points P ₁ , P ₂ ,..., P ₅ in FIG. 3) separated from the in-vehicle device 50 by a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. An approximate straight line k is obtained.

3 represents the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10, and indicates that the distance D is smaller (closer) as it goes upward and the distance D is larger (far) as it goes downward. The horizontal axis of FIG. 3 indicates the detected RSSI value, and the RSSI value is larger as it goes to the right, that is, the signal strength is stronger, and the RSSI value is smaller as it goes to the left. Indicates that the strength is weak.

The approximate straight line k obtained in this way is stored in the distance estimation unit 34, and the distance D corresponding to the detected RSSI value is estimated by applying the detected RSSI value to the approximate straight line k each time.
[Explanation of intermittent period C setting method]

Next, the calculation method of the intermittent cycle C performed by the intermittent cycle calculation unit 40 will be described.

The value of the intermittent period C includes the value of the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 estimated by the distance estimation unit 34, and the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value detected by the signal intensity change amount detection unit 36. This is determined based on the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 detected by the movement detection unit 38. The motion detection unit 38 is configured by a gyro sensor built in the portable device 10, and is configured such that a larger value is output from the gyro sensor as the movement of the portable device 10 increases.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the distance D is greater than the predetermined distance d _0,
That is, when the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 is long, the predetermined intermittent period c ₁ is set, and when the distance D is smaller than the predetermined distance d ₀ , that is, the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. Is set to an intermittent period c ₀ shorter than the intermittent period c ₁ .

Note that when the intermittent period C is set, the RSSI value temporal change amount R ′ and the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 may be taken into consideration. That is, the signal intensity change amount detection unit 36 repeats reception of the reference signal 91, calculates the difference between the detected RSSI values each time the reference signal 91 is received, calculates the RSSI value time change amount R ′, When the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value is smaller than the predetermined value, it is estimated that the portable device 10 is not moving, and the intermittent period C when the distance D is closer than the predetermined distance d ₀ is set to a longer intermittent period. c Change to ₁ . That is, the intermittent period C set as shown in FIG. 4A is changed as shown in FIG. 4B.

Similarly, changes even when the size M of the motion of the portable device 10 detected by the motion detection unit 38 is smaller than the predetermined value, the intermittent period C when the distance D is closer to the longer intermittent period c ₁ Good.

On the other hand, when the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value becomes larger than a predetermined value, or when the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 detected by the motion detection unit 38 becomes larger than the predetermined value, estimated that machine 10 is moving, the distance D is the intermittent period c ₁ when closer than the predetermined distance d _0, is changed to a shorter intermittent cycle c _0. That is, the intermittent period C set as shown in FIG. 4B is changed as shown in FIG. 4A.

In addition, taking into account both the amount of time change R ′ of the RSSI value and the magnitude M of movement of the portable device 10,
An intermittent period C may be set. In this case, the value of the intermittent period C corresponding to the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value and the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 is prepared in advance as a table, and this table is stored in the intermittent period calculation unit 40. The intermittent cycle C may be set with reference to this table when necessary.

When the RSSI value increases with time, it is determined that the portable device 10 is approaching the in-vehicle device 50, and the intermittent period C set based on the distance D is changed to a shorter value. If the RSSI value is decreasing with time, it is determined that the portable device 10 is moving away from the in-vehicle device 50, and the intermittent period C set based on the distance D is set to a longer value. You may change to
[Explanation of Operation of Example 1]

Next, the operation procedure when the door is unlocked in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5 and the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram that represents the operations of the in-vehicle device 50, the portable device 10, and the user carrying the portable device 10 in time series when the vehicle keyless system 5 is used. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the in-vehicle device 50, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the portable device 10, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the user carrying the portable device 10. It is.

First, the operation of the in-vehicle device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S10) The reference signal 91 generated by the in-vehicle device 50 is transmitted from the second signal transmission unit 62. In the reference signal 91, a predetermined value that is determined in advance for a predetermined time, which is used for the portable device 10 to receive the reference signal 91 and detect the received signal strength later, is output. A signal and a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) which is an identification number for specifying the portable device 10 are embedded.

(Step S12) The smart door controller 70 detects whether the request switch 80L or 80R is pressed. If neither the request switch 80L nor 80R is pressed, the process returns to step S10.

(Step S14) When it is determined that either the request switch 80L or 80R is pressed, the second radio communication unit 60 generates a request signal 90. In the request signal 90, a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) which is an identification number for specifying the portable device 10 is embedded.

(Step S <b> 16) The generated request signal 90 is transmitted from the second signal transmission unit 62.

(Step S18) In the second signal receiving unit 64, it is determined whether or not the response signal 92 transmitted from the portable device 10 has been received. If the response signal 92 is not received, step S18 is repeated. Although not shown in FIG. 6, if the response signal 92 is not received even after waiting for a predetermined time, it is determined that a time-out has occurred, and the processing of FIG. 6 is terminated.

(Step S20) The ID number embedded in the received response signal 92 is read out, and it is confirmed whether or not it is the ID number of itself (the vehicle-mounted device 50). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S22. Otherwise, the process is terminated.

(Step S22) The smart door controller 70 notifies the door lock actuator 82 that the door of the vehicle 1 is unlocked, and the door is unlocked. At the same time, by the action of the hazard blinker controller 84, the hazard lamp of the vehicle 1 blinks and the outside buzzer 86 blows to inform the user that the door of the vehicle 1 has been unlocked.

Next, the operation of the portable device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S50) In the intermittent cycle calculation unit 40, the initial value of the intermittent cycle is set to a predetermined value.

(Step S52) It is determined whether or not the reference signal 91 is received by the first signal receiving unit 22. When the reference signal 91 is received, the process proceeds to step S54, and when not received, step S52 is repeated.

(Step S54) The ID number embedded in the received reference signal 91 is read out, and it is confirmed whether it is the ID number of itself (the portable device 10). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S56, and otherwise, the process returns to step S52.

(Step S56) The signal strength detection unit 32 calculates the RSSI value of the received reference signal 91. The calculation of the RSSI value may be performed by any generally performed method.

(Step S58) The distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 from the RSSI value calculated in Step S56. As described above, this estimation is performed using an equation of the approximate straight line k (see FIG. 3) prepared in advance.

(Step S60) The signal intensity change amount detection unit 36 calculates a time change amount R 'of the RSSI value based on the difference between the RSSI values calculated a plurality of times over different times.

(Step S62) In the motion detection unit 38, the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 is calculated.

(Step S64) The intermittent period calculation unit 40 calculates the intermittent period C. The intermittent period C is calculated based on the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10, the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value, and the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10. The calculation method is as described above.

(Step S66) The currently set intermittent cycle is updated to the intermittent cycle C calculated in Step S64.

(Step S68) It is determined whether or not the request signal 90 is received by the first signal receiving unit 22. When the request signal 90 is received, the process proceeds to step S70, and when not received, the process returns to step S52. The waiting for the request signal 90 is performed in the intermittent cycle C updated in step S66.

(Step S70) The ID number embedded in the received request signal 90 is read, and it is confirmed whether or not it is the ID number of itself (portable device 10). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S72, and otherwise, the process of FIG. 7 is terminated.

(Step S72) The first wireless communication unit 20 generates a response signal 92. It should be noted that a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) that is an identification number for identifying the in-vehicle device 50 is embedded in the response signal 92.

(Step S74) The generated response signal 92 is transmitted from the first signal transmission unit 24, and the processing of FIG.

Next, the operation of the user carrying the portable device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S90) The user carrying the portable device 10 walks toward the vehicle 1 in order to unlock the door of the locked vehicle 1 and get on.

(Step S92) When the user arrives closest to the vehicle 1, the user presses the request switch 80R or 80L installed in the vicinity of the door handle of the vehicle 1. At this time, pressing of the request switch 80R or 80L is detected in step S12 described above. Then, step S14 to step S22 are executed, and the door is unlocked.

As described above, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 20 of the portable device 10 and the second wireless communication unit 60 of the in-vehicle device 50 perform wireless communication, The distance estimation unit 34 provided in the portable device 10 estimates the distance D between the portable device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 50, and the motion detection unit 38 provided in the portable device 10 detects the movement of the portable device 10 and intermittently Since the period calculation unit 40 sets the intermittent period C of the wireless communication between the portable device 10 and the in-vehicle device 50 based on the distance D between the portable device 10 and the in-vehicle device 50 and the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device, By providing the first wireless communication unit 20, the distance estimation unit 34, the motion detection unit 38, and the intermittent period calculation unit 40 in the multifunctional portable terminal that is widely spread in general, it can be used as the portable device 10.

Moreover, according to the keyless system 5 for vehicles which concerns on Example 1, since the motion detection part 38 detects the magnitude | size M of the movement of a portable machine based on the output of the gyro sensor incorporated in the portable machine 10, it is new. It is possible to detect the movement of the portable device 10 without adding various components.

In addition, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 20 and the second wireless communication unit 60 are widely used for Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication for short-range communication. Since the wireless communication is performed using the mobile device 10, connection setting (pairing) can be easily performed on the mobile device 10 serving as the electronic key of the vehicle-mounted device 50. In addition, since a plurality of portable devices 10 can be easily connected and set to one vehicle-mounted device 50, for example, the locking and unlocking of the vehicle 1 can be performed using each smartphone owned by each family member. It can be carried out.

Moreover, according to the keyless system 5 for vehicles which concerns on Example 1, since the portable device 10 can be comprised by a multifunctional portable terminal, the multifunctional portable terminal represented by the smart phone is used as the electronic of the keyless system 5 for vehicles. Can be used as a key.

In addition, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, the signal strength detection unit 32 in the portable device 10 detects the reception strength of the signal transmitted by the in-vehicle device 50 and receives the signal thus detected. Since the distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 based on the strength, the distance between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 can be estimated by a simple process. According to the positional relationship between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10, it is possible to prevent the battery of the portable device 10 from being consumed by appropriately setting the intermittent cycle C for performing communication.

In addition, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, the intermittent period calculation unit 40 increases the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. Since the intermittent cycle C of the wireless communication to be performed is shortened, the response time when the user carrying the portable device 10 unlocks the door of the vehicle 1 can be shortened, and the usability of the vehicle keyless system 5 is improved. . Further, when the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 are separated from each other, frequent wireless communication is suppressed between them, and thus the battery of the portable device 10 can be prevented from being consumed.

Further, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, when the time change of the signal intensity is smaller than a predetermined value, the intermittent cycle calculation unit 40 performs the intermittent cycle of the wireless communication between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. In order to set C to an intermittent cycle longer than the intermittent cycle C set based on the distance D between the vehicle-mounted device 50 and the portable device 10 estimated by the distance estimating unit 34, the distance between the vehicle-mounted device 50 and the portable device 10 is set. Even when is close, when the time change of the signal strength received by the portable device 10 is small, that is, when the movement of the portable device 10 is small, it is determined that the willingness to unlock the door is low, and both ( Since frequent wireless communication is suppressed between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10), the battery of the portable device 10 can be prevented from being consumed.

Thereby, for example, when the parking place of the vehicle 1 and the residence are close to each other and, as a result, the storage location of the portable device 10 in the residence is close to the vehicle 1, unnecessary wireless communication is performed between the two. It can be performed frequently and the battery of the portable device 10 can be prevented from being consumed.

Further, when the time change of the signal intensity is smaller than a predetermined value, such as when changing the tire in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, it is determined that the willingness to unlock the door is low, It is possible to prevent unnecessary wireless communication from being frequently performed and the battery of the portable device 10 to be consumed.

Further, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, when the movement of the portable device 10 is larger than the predetermined value, the intermittent cycle calculation unit 40 performs the intermittent cycle of wireless communication between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10. In order to set C to an intermittent cycle shorter than the intermittent cycle C set based on the distance D between the vehicle-mounted device 50 and the portable device 10 estimated by the distance estimating unit 34, for example, the user carrying the portable device 10 In a situation approaching the vehicle 1, when it is detected that the movement of the portable device 10 is large, it is determined that the user has an intention to unlock, and a short intermittent period C is set. Therefore, when the user presses the request switch 80L or 80R of the vehicle 1, communication is immediately performed between the portable device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 50, and the door is unlocked, so that the user can Pressing the 0L or 80R and the door can be as short as possible the time until unlocked from, thereby, it is possible to improve the usability of the keyless system 5 when used for vehicles.

Further, according to the vehicle keyless system 5 according to the first embodiment, the in-vehicle device 50 transmits the reference signal 91 for estimating the distance D from the portable device 10 carried by the user as needed, and the portable device 10, every time the reference signal 91 is received, the distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D from the in-vehicle device 50, and the intermittent period calculation unit 40 performs the wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 50. C is set, and when the in-vehicle device 50 detects an operation of the user's request switch 80L or 80R, wireless communication is performed with the portable device 10 at the set intermittent period C. Since it is configured to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle 1 when it is established, the time from when the user operates the request switch 80L or 80R until the door is locked or unlocked is minimized. It is possible, it is possible to improve the usability of the keyless system 5 when used for vehicles.

In the first embodiment, the distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D between the in-vehicle device and the portable device. The distance D is estimated by the motion detection unit 38 using the RSSI value detected by the signal strength detection unit 32. Correction by the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 10 to be output can further improve the estimation accuracy of the distance D.

That is, since the antenna built in the multi-function mobile terminal needs to be housed in a thin casing, it generally has a two-dimensional shape. Therefore, when a radio wave having a three-dimensional spread is received, a difference occurs in the RSSI value depending on the direction in which the housing is placed.

Accordingly, the RSSI value when the reference signal 91 is received from the in-vehicle device 50 is measured in advance by holding the portable device 10 in a state in which a predetermined direction is directed to a predetermined position (so-called calibration is performed). The same measurement is performed with each direction of the portable device 10 changed, and the RSSI value corresponding to the orientation of the portable device 10 is output by the motion detection unit 38 at that time. A correction formula that is stored together with the size M and that corrects the RSSI value according to the orientation in which the portable device 10 is placed is generated. In the actual scene, the detected RSSI value is calculated based on the correction formula. By correcting according to the orientation of the portable device 10 calculated based on the magnitude M of the movement of the device 10, the estimation accuracy of the distance D can be improved.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Description of Configuration of Embodiment 2]

As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle keyless system 6 to which the present invention is applied has substantially the same configuration as the configuration of the vehicle keyless system 5 described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). That is, the request switch 80R installed in the vicinity of the right door handle of the vehicle 1 while the wireless device performs wireless communication between the portable device 12 carried by the user and the vehicle 1 and the portable device 12, or The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle-mounted device 52 that detects that the request switch 80L installed near the left door handle of the vehicle 1 is pressed and locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle 1.

The portable device 12 and the vehicle-mounted device 52 can access each other by performing Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication as in the first embodiment.

The portable device 12 is composed of a multifunctional portable terminal typified by a smartphone, and requests a response from the portable device 12 that is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 52 and connected to the in-vehicle device 52. A first signal that receives the request signal 90 and a reference signal 91 used to estimate the distance between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12 and transmits a response signal 94 that answers the request signal 90 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 52. The wireless communication unit 21 includes an intermittent cycle setting unit 30 that sets a time interval (hereinafter referred to as an intermittent cycle) for performing wireless communication between the portable device 12 and the vehicle-mounted device 52.

The first wireless communication unit 21 receives the request signal 90 and the reference signal 91 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 52, and the in-vehicle device 52 and the mobile device for the received request signal 90. The first signal transmitter 25 generates a response signal 94 including information on the distance D to the machine 12 and transmits the response signal 94.

Further, the intermittent period setting unit 30 is based on the signal strength detection unit 32 that detects the strength of the reference signal 91 received by the first signal reception unit 22 and the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit 32. The distance estimation unit 34 for estimating the distance D between the mobile device 12 and the portable device 12, the signal intensity change amount detection unit 36 for detecting the temporal change in the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit 32, and the movement of the portable device 12. It consists of a motion detector 38 to detect, and an intermittent period calculator 40 that determines an intermittent period in which wireless communication is performed between the portable device 12 and the vehicle-mounted device 52.

The in-vehicle device 52 receives the response signal 94 transmitted from the portable device 12, and transmits a request signal 90 and a reference signal 91 to the portable device 12. A smart door controller 72 for controlling locking and unlocking of the door is provided.

Then, the second wireless communication unit 61 generates a reference signal 91 and a request signal 90, which are the basis for estimating the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12, and transmits the request signal 90 to the portable device 12. It consists of a two-signal transmitter 62 and a second signal receiver 65 that receives a response signal 94 transmitted from the portable device 12.

The method for estimating the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12 performed by the distance estimating unit 34 and the method for setting the intermittent cycle C performed by the intermittent cycle calculating unit 40 are as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description here is omitted.
[Explanation of Operation of Example 2]

Next, the operation procedure when the door is unlocked in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 10 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram that represents the operations of the in-vehicle device 52, the portable device 12, and the user carrying the portable device 12 in time series when the vehicle keyless system 6 is used. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the in-vehicle device 52, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the portable device 12, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the user carrying the portable device 12. It is.

First, the operation of the in-vehicle device 52 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S110) The reference signal 91 generated by the in-vehicle device 52 is transmitted from the second signal transmission unit 62. In the reference signal 91, a predetermined value that is determined in advance for a predetermined time, which is used for the portable device 10 to receive the reference signal 91 and detect the received signal strength later, is output. A signal and a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) which is an identification number for specifying the portable device 10 are embedded.

(Step S112) The second radio communication unit 61 generates a request signal 90. In the request signal 90, a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) which is an identification number for specifying the portable device 10 is embedded.

(Step S114) The generated request signal 90 is transmitted from the second signal transmission unit 62.

(Step S116) In the second signal receiving unit 65, it is determined whether or not the response signal 94 transmitted from the portable device 12 has been received. If the response signal 94 is not received, the process returns to step S110.

(Step S118) The ID number embedded in the received response signal 94 is read out, and it is confirmed whether or not it is the ID number of itself (the in-vehicle device 52). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S120, and otherwise, the process returns to step S110.

(Step S120) The smart door controller 72 reads the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12 included in the received response signal 94, and determines whether the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When the distance D is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S122, and otherwise, the process returns to step S110.

(Step S122) The smart door controller 72 detects whether the request switch 80L or 80R is pressed. If neither request switch 80L nor 80R is pressed, step S122 is repeated. Although not shown in FIG. 11, when neither the request switch 80L nor 80R is pressed even after waiting for a predetermined time, it is determined that a timeout has occurred, and the processing of FIG. 11 is terminated.

(Step S124) The smart door controller 72 notifies the door lock actuator 82 that the door of the vehicle 1 is unlocked, and the door is unlocked. At the same time, by the action of the hazard blinker controller 84, the hazard lamp of the vehicle 1 blinks and the outside buzzer 86 blows to inform the user that the door of the vehicle 1 has been unlocked.

Next, the operation of the portable device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S150) In the intermittent cycle calculation unit 40, the initial value of the intermittent cycle is set to a predetermined value.

(Step S152) It is determined whether or not the reference signal 91 is received by the first signal receiving unit 22. When the reference signal 91 is received, the process proceeds to step S154, and when it is not received, step S152 is repeated.

(Step S154) The ID number embedded in the received reference signal 91 is read, and it is confirmed whether or not it is the ID number of itself (the portable device 12). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S156; otherwise, the process returns to step S152.

(Step S156) The signal strength detection unit 32 calculates the RSSI value of the received reference signal 91. The calculation of the RSSI value may be performed by any generally performed method.

(Step S158) The distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12 from the RSSI value calculated in Step S156. As described above, this estimation is performed using an equation of the approximate straight line k (see FIG. 3) prepared in advance.

(Step S160) The signal intensity change amount detection unit 36 calculates a time change amount R 'of the RSSI value based on the difference between the RSSI values calculated a plurality of times over different times.

(Step S162) The motion detector 38 calculates the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 12.

(Step S164) The intermittent cycle calculation unit 40 calculates the intermittent cycle C. The intermittent period C is calculated based on the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12, the time change amount R ′ of the RSSI value, and the magnitude M of the movement of the portable device 12. The calculation method is as described above.

(Step S166) The currently set intermittent cycle is updated to the intermittent cycle C calculated in Step S164.

(Step S168) It is determined whether or not the request signal 90 is received by the first signal receiving unit 22. When the request signal 90 is received, the process proceeds to step S170, and when it is not received, the process returns to step S152. The waiting for the request signal 90 is performed in the intermittent cycle C updated in step S166.

(Step S170) The ID number embedded in the received request signal 90 is read, and it is confirmed whether or not it is the ID number of itself (the portable device 12). If it is a predetermined ID number, the process proceeds to step S172, and otherwise, the process of FIG. 12 is terminated.

(Step S172) The first wireless communication unit 21 generates a response signal 94. The response signal 94 includes a predetermined ID number (ID number registered at the time of pairing) that is an identification number for identifying the in-vehicle device 52, and the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device estimated in step S158. The value of the distance D to 12 is embedded.

(Step S174) The generated response signal 94 is transmitted from the first signal transmission unit 25, and the process of FIG.

Next, the operation of the user carrying the portable device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S190) The user carrying the portable device 12 walks toward the vehicle 1 in order to unlock the door of the locked vehicle 1 and get on.

(Step S192) When the user arrives closest to the vehicle 1, the user presses the request switch 80R or 80L installed in the vicinity of the door handle of the vehicle 1. At this time, in step S122 described above, pressing of the request switch 80R or 80L is detected. And after that, step S124 is performed and a door is unlocked.

As described above, according to the vehicle keyless system 6 according to the second embodiment, the in-vehicle device 52 transmits the reference signal 91 for estimating the distance D from the portable device 12 carried by the user as needed. Each time the portable device 12 receives the reference signal 91, the distance estimation unit 34 estimates the distance D from the vehicle-mounted device 52, and the intermittent period calculation unit 40 wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 52. In addition to setting an intermittent cycle C for communication, the in-vehicle device 52 performs wireless communication with the portable device 12 at the set intermittent cycle C, and the portable device 12 estimates from the portable device 12 each time. If the latest value of the distance D received from the portable device 12 is less than or equal to a predetermined value when the in-vehicle device 52 detects the user's operation of the request switch 80L or 80R when the in-vehicle device 52 receives the received distance D, the vehicle 1 Door locking and Since it is configured to lock, the time from when the user operates the request switch 80L or 80R until the door is locked or unlocked can be shortened as much as possible, and the usability when using the vehicle keyless system 6 is improved. be able to.

In the first and second embodiments, the portable devices 10 and 12 further have a function of receiving GPS signals so that the location of the portable device 10 or 12 can be self-recognized, and the vehicle 1 is in car navigation. When the system has a system and can recognize the current position of the vehicle by receiving GPS signals, the distance D between the in-vehicle device 50 and the portable device 10 or the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device using these GPS signals. 12 may be estimated.

That is, the current position recognized by the vehicle 1 is transmitted to the portable device 10 or 12, and the portable device 10 or 12 calculates the difference between the current position of the vehicle 1 and the current position of the vehicle 1. The distance D between the portable device 10 or the distance D between the in-vehicle device 52 and the portable device 12 can be calculated.

In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the reference signal 91, the request signal 90, and the response signals 92 and 94 are each embedded with the ID number of the device that receives the radio wave. In this case, it is only necessary to recognize that the signal is a transmission signal from a previously paired partner. Therefore, the ID number of the device that transmits the radio wave may be embedded, or the ID numbers of both the transmission side and the reception side may be embedded. It may be embedded.

Moreover, although Example 1 and Example 2 demonstrated that the portable devices 10 and 12 were comprised by the multifunctional portable terminal represented by the smart phone, the portable devices 10 and 12 were the 1st radio | wireless communication part, As long as the distance estimation unit, the motion detection unit, and the intermittent period calculation unit are provided, the same operational effects as described above can be obtained even if the mobile phone is constituted by a multi-function mobile phone or a dedicated mobile terminal.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the embodiments are only examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Needless to say, design changes and the like within a range not departing from the gist of the invention are included in the present invention. Further, for example, when each embodiment includes a plurality of configurations, it is a matter of course that possible combinations of these configurations are included even if not specifically described. Further, in the case where a plurality of embodiments and modifications are shown, it is needless to say that possible combinations of configurations extending over these are included even if not specifically described.

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-281238 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 25, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

5 vehicle keyless system 10 portable device 20 first wireless communication unit 22 first signal reception unit 24 first signal transmission unit 30 intermittent period setting unit 32 signal intensity detection unit 34 distance estimation unit 36 signal intensity change amount detection unit 38 motion detection Unit 40 intermittent cycle calculation unit 50 vehicle-mounted device 60 second wireless communication unit 62 second signal transmission unit 64 second signal reception unit 70 smart door controller 80L, 80R request switch 82 door lock actuator 84 hazard blinker controller 86 vehicle outside buzzer 90 request signal 91 Reference signal 92 Response signal

Claims (10)

1. A portable device that is carried by a user and has a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a vehicle;
   An in-vehicle device having a second wireless communication unit that is mounted on the vehicle and performs wireless communication with the portable device, and the wireless communication is performed between the preset portable device and the in-vehicle device. When established, in a vehicle keyless system that permits at least locking and unlocking of the vehicle door,
   The portable device further includes a distance estimation unit that estimates a distance between the in-vehicle device and the portable device;
   A motion detector for detecting the movement of the portable device;
   A vehicle keyless system, comprising: an intermittent period calculation unit that sets an intermittent period for performing the wireless communication based on an estimation result of the distance estimation unit and a detection result of the motion detection unit.
2. 2. The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein the motion detection unit is configured by a gyro sensor built in the portable device.
3. The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit perform Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.
4. The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is a multifunctional portable terminal.
5. The portable device has a signal strength detection unit that detects a reception strength of a signal transmitted by the in-vehicle device,
   The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein the distance estimation unit estimates the distance based on a reception intensity of the signal.
6. 6. The vehicle keyless system according to claim 5, wherein the intermittent period calculation unit sets the intermittent period to be shorter as the distance is shorter.
7. The intermittent period calculation unit sets an intermittent period longer than an intermittent period set based on the distance when a temporal change in reception intensity of the signal is smaller than a predetermined value. Keyless system for vehicles.
8. 7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the intermittent cycle calculation unit sets an intermittent cycle shorter than the intermittent cycle set based on the distance when the movement of the portable device is larger than a predetermined value. Keyless system.
9. The vehicle has a request switch for transmitting a user's intention to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle,
   The in-vehicle device transmits a reference signal for estimating the distance from the portable device carried by the user as needed, and the portable device receives the reference signal every time the distance estimation unit receives the reference signal. Estimating the distance, in the intermittent cycle calculation unit, while setting an intermittent cycle for performing wireless communication with the onboard device,
   When the in-vehicle device detects an operation of the request switch, wireless communication is performed with the portable device at the intermittent period, and when the wireless communication is established, The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein unlocking is performed.
10. The vehicle has a request switch for transmitting a user's intention to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle,
    The in-vehicle device transmits a reference signal for estimating the distance from the portable device carried by the user as needed, and the portable device receives the reference signal every time the distance estimation unit receives the reference signal. Estimating the distance, in the intermittent cycle calculation unit, while setting an intermittent cycle for performing wireless communication with the onboard device,
    The vehicle-mounted device performs wireless communication with the portable device in the previous period at the intermittent period, receives the distance from the portable device each time, and the vehicle-mounted device detects an operation of the request switch. The vehicle keyless system according to claim 1, wherein when the latest value of the distance received from the portable device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the door of the vehicle is locked or unlocked.

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