WO2018043108A1

WO2018043108A1 - Communication system and portable machine

Info

Publication number: WO2018043108A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/029304
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宇佐美　彰規
Original assignee: 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所; 住友電装株式会社; 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date: 2016-08-31
Filing date: 2017-08-14
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: JP2018035577A

Abstract

Provided are a communication system and a portable machine. A communication system comprising: an on-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle; and a portable machine provided with a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the on-vehicle device, wherein the portable machine is provided with: a detecting unit that detects the movement of the portable machine; and a sensitivity changing unit that changes the reception sensitivity of the communication unit to a second sensitivity, which is higher than a preset first sensitivity, when the movement of the portable machine is detected by the detecting unit.

Description

Communication system and portable device

The present invention relates to a communication system and a portable device.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-169639 filed on August 31, 2016, and incorporates all the description content described in the above Japanese application.

A keyless entry system and a smart entry system have been put to practical use as door lock systems that can lock and unlock a vehicle door without using a mechanical key. In a keyless entry system, when an occupant performs an operation on an operation unit (a lock button or an unlock button) provided in a portable device, a control signal is transmitted from the portable device to the in-vehicle device, and the in-vehicle device that has received the control signal Thus, locking or unlocking of the vehicle door is controlled. In the smart entry system, when an occupant carrying a portable device operates a request switch provided on the door handle of the vehicle, wireless communication is performed between the portable device and the in-vehicle device, and the vehicle door is Control related to locking or unlocking is performed.

In such keyless entry systems and smart entry systems, RF band (RF: Radio Frequency) signals with a communication distance of several tens of meters and LF band (LF: Low Frequency) signals with a communication distance of several meters are used together. Existed system.

JP 2014-136894 A

In Patent Document 1, in the communication system for a vehicle as described above, when wireless communication is performed between the in-vehicle device and the portable device, the portable device is used depending on the communication distance, the orientation of the portable device, or the remaining battery level. A technique for correcting the reception sensitivity of a machine is disclosed.

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the reception sensitivity of the portable device cannot be set unless wireless communication is established between the in-vehicle device and the portable device.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a communication system and a portable device that can set the reception sensitivity of the portable device without performing communication between the in-vehicle device and the portable device. For the purpose.

A communication system according to an aspect of the present invention is a communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and a portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device. When detecting the movement of the portable device and the movement of the portable device by the detection unit, the reception sensitivity in the communication unit is changed to a second sensitivity higher than the preset first sensitivity. A sensitivity changing unit.

A portable device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an in-vehicle device, and a detection unit that detects the movement of the own device, and the movement of the own device is detected by the detection unit. And a sensitivity changing unit that changes the reception sensitivity of the communication unit to a second sensitivity higher than the preset first sensitivity.

According to the present application, it is possible to set the reception sensitivity of the portable device without performing communication between the in-vehicle device and the portable device.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle control system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the internal structure of a vehicle-mounted apparatus. It is a block diagram explaining the internal structure of a portable device. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the portable device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the in-vehicle device and the portable device according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device and the portable device according to the third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device and the portable device according to the fourth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device and the portable device according to the fifth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the portable device according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the portable device according to the seventh embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

A communication system according to an aspect of the present application is a communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device, and the portable device includes the portable device Sensing unit for detecting the movement of the device, and sensitivity for changing the reception sensitivity in the communication unit to a second sensitivity higher than the preset first sensitivity when the movement of the portable device is detected by the detecting unit A change unit.

In the above aspect, it is possible to grasp that there is a possibility that the portable device may be operated by the occupant by detecting the movement of the portable device. When there is a possibility that the portable device may be operated, a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device may be received. Therefore, by increasing the reception sensitivity in the portable device, the communication area is widened and communication reliability is improved. improves.

In the communication system according to an aspect of the present application, the portable device determines whether the movement of the portable device has stopped based on a detection result by the detection unit, and the sensitivity change unit includes the reception sensitivity. And a first timing unit that counts an elapsed time since the first sensitivity is changed to the second sensitivity. The sensitivity changing unit determines that the movement of the portable device has stopped. Or when the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time without stopping the movement of the portable device, the reception sensitivity is changed from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity. To do.

In the above aspect, it is possible to grasp that the possibility that the occupant operates the portable device is low by detecting the movement stop of the portable device. At this time, the portable device can reduce the frequency at which the reception processing of the signal and the processing accompanying the reception of the signal occur in the portable device by lowering the reception sensitivity. As a result, the power consumption of the portable device can be suppressed, and the battery life can be extended.

In the communication system according to one aspect of the present application, when the portable device detects an operation by the operation unit and an operation unit that accepts an operation and the movement of the portable device is detected by the detection unit, the portable device starts a detection process. The process start unit and the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit when the determination unit determines that the movement of the portable device has stopped, or without the movement of the portable device being stopped. And a process stop unit that stops the detection process started by the process start unit when the time is reached.

In the above aspect, when the movement of the portable device is detected, a detection process for detecting the presence or absence of an operation in the operation unit is performed, and when the movement stop of the portable device is detected, the detection process is stopped. Power consumption can be suppressed, and the battery life can be extended.

In the communication system according to an aspect of the present application, the portable device measures a time elapsed since it was determined that the movement of the portable device has stopped, and a time measured by the second time measuring unit. When the time reaches the second time, the apparatus further includes an operation stop unit that stops the operation of the operation unit other than the detection unit until the detection unit detects the movement of the portable device.

In the above aspect, since the operation other than the detection unit for detecting the movement of the portable device is stopped when a predetermined time (second time) has elapsed since the movement stop of the portable device has been detected, the portable device The power consumption in the machine can be further reduced.

In the communication system according to an aspect of the present application, the portable device transmits a signal in a specific frequency band including authentication information when the sensitivity changing unit changes the reception sensitivity from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity. The in-vehicle device further includes a transmission unit, the reception unit receiving a signal transmitted from the transmission unit, an authentication unit authenticating the portable device based on the signal received by the reception unit, and the authentication unit An operation control unit that activates the equipment included in the vehicle when the authentication by is successful.

In the above aspect, when the in-vehicle device receives a signal transmitted from the mobile device, the mobile device can authenticate the mobile device using the authentication information included in the signal. The vehicle-mounted device can operate vehicle equipment such as a door lock mechanism when the mobile device is successfully authenticated.

In the communication system according to an aspect of the present application, the in-vehicle device further includes an operation unit that performs a predetermined operation at a first time interval, and when the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the operation unit The predetermined operation is performed at a second time interval shorter than the time interval.

In the above aspect, when the on-vehicle device succeeds in the authentication of the portable device based on the received signal, the time during which the processing operation interval is longer than the normal mode is set to the normal mode in order to suppress dark current. It is possible to prevent the processing operation from being delayed.

In the communication system according to one aspect of the present application, the in-vehicle device is configured such that a power supply state determination unit that determines a state of a power supply unit that supplies power to the equipment included in the vehicle, and the power supply unit is in an on state. A notification unit that notifies the portable device not to change the reception sensitivity from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity when the power state determination unit determines, the portable device from the notification unit And a prohibiting unit that prohibits a change from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity by the sensitivity changing unit when the notification is received.

In the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the reception sensitivity from inadvertently increasing except when the power supply is turned off.

A portable device according to one aspect of the present application is a portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an in-vehicle device, and a detection unit that detects the movement of the own device, and the movement of the own device is detected by the detection unit. A sensitivity changing unit that changes the reception sensitivity of the communication unit to a second sensitivity that is higher than a preset first sensitivity.

The portable device according to an aspect of the present application is configured to determine whether the movement of the own device has stopped based on a detection result by the detection unit, and to change the reception sensitivity to the second sensitivity by the sensitivity change unit. A first timing unit that counts the elapsed time since the change, and the sensitivity changing unit stops when the determination unit determines that the movement of the own device has stopped, or the movement of the own device stops. If the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time, the reception sensitivity is changed from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity.

A portable device according to an aspect of the present application includes an operation unit that receives an operation, and a process start unit that starts a detection process for detecting an operation by the operation unit when the movement of the portable device is detected by the detection unit; When the determination unit determines that the movement of the own device has stopped, or when the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time without stopping the movement of the own device, And a process stop unit that stops the detection process started by the process start unit.

The portable device according to one aspect of the present application has a second time measuring unit that measures an elapsed time since it is determined that the movement of the own device has stopped, and an elapsed time measured by the second time measuring unit as the second time. When it reaches, it further includes an operation stop unit that stops the operation of the operation unit other than the detection unit until the detection unit detects the movement of the own device.

Hereinafter, the form which applied the communication system of the present invention to the in-vehicle control system is concretely explained using a drawing.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the in-vehicle control system according to the first embodiment. The in-vehicle control system according to Embodiment 1 includes, for example, an in-vehicle device 100 mounted on a vehicle C and a portable device 200 operated by an occupant.

The in-vehicle device 100 is one of a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Controllers Units) mounted on the vehicle, and controls the locking and unlocking of the vehicle door, and the air conditioner, the interior and exterior lighting devices, the body This is a so-called BCM (Body Control Module) that performs integrated control related to the operation of the system actuators.

The in-vehicle device 100 includes an RF reception antenna 105a and a plurality of LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e in order to perform wireless communication with the portable device 200. The RF receiving antenna 105a is an antenna built in the in-vehicle device 100, for example, and receives a signal having an RF band frequency (hereinafter also referred to as an RF signal). The LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e are antennas provided in the vicinity of each vehicle door provided in the vehicle C or in each tire house, for example, and transmit a signal having an LF band frequency (hereinafter also referred to as an LF signal). The LF transmitting antennas 106a to 106e are provided, for example, in the vicinity of the vehicle door for the driver's seat, the passenger seat, the right rear seat, the left rear seat, the rear door, and in each tire house.

The portable device 200 includes an unlock button 203a and a lock button 203b in order to accept operations related to unlocking and locking of the vehicle door. In addition, the portable device 200 includes an RF transmission unit 204 and an LF reception unit 205 in order to perform wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle C (see FIG. 3). When the portable device 200 receives an operation related to unlocking or locking the vehicle door by the unlock button 203a or the lock button 203b, the portable device 200 transmits a signal instructing unlocking or locking of the vehicle door from the RF transmission unit 204. Is possible.

Here, the communication range of wireless communication using the LF signal is about several meters, whereas the communication range of wireless communication using the RF signal is about several tens of meters. Using this, it is possible to switch between unlocking all the doors provided in the vehicle C and unlocking a specific door (for example, a door on the driver's seat side) provided in the vehicle C. For example, when the portable device 200 is present in any one of the communication ranges Ra to Re by the LF transmitting antennas 106a to 106e of the vehicle C, when the operation signal instructing unlocking of the vehicle door is received from the portable device 200, The apparatus 100 may perform control to unlock all doors of the vehicle C. Further, when the portable device 200 is not present in the communication ranges Ra to Re by the LF transmitting antennas 106a to 106e, when the operation signal instructing the unlocking of the vehicle door is received from the portable device 200, the in-vehicle device 100 performs a specific operation. Control to unlock the door may be performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the in-vehicle device 100. The in-vehicle device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an input / output unit 103, an in-vehicle communication unit 104, an RF reception unit 105, an LF transmission unit 106, and the like.

The control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU in the control unit 101 executes the control program stored in the ROM, thereby controlling the operation of the hardware included in the in-vehicle device 100 and causing the entire device to function as the in-vehicle device of the present application. The RAM in the control unit 101 stores various data generated during execution of the control program. Note that the control unit 101 may have functions such as a timer that measures an elapsed time from when a measurement start instruction is given to when a measurement end instruction is given, and a counter that counts the number.

The storage unit 102 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (ElectronicallynErasablerasProgrammable Read Only Memory), and stores various types of information. Here, the various types of information stored in the storage unit 102 include authentication information such as an ID (Identifier) of the vehicle C on which the in-vehicle device 100 is mounted, an ID of the portable device 200 that is a communication partner, and key information used for encryption processing, for example. Is included.

The input / output unit 103 includes an interface for connecting the door lock mechanism 111 and the door lock operation unit 112.

The door lock mechanism 111 includes a mechanical mechanism for locking or unlocking each vehicle door of the vehicle C, an actuator for electrically operating the mechanical mechanism, and the like. The door lock operation unit 112 is, for example, a key cylinder provided on a vehicle door for a driver's seat, a request switch provided on a door handle, or the like.

For example, when a mechanical key (not shown) is used, the mechanical key is inserted into a key cylinder provided on the vehicle door, and a locking operation or an unlocking operation is performed. At this time, the door lock mechanism 111 operates an actuator or the like to lock or unlock the door. Information that the key cylinder is operated by the mechanical key is output to the door lock mechanism 111 through the input / output unit 103, and the door lock mechanism 111 is configured to operate based on the output information.

Further, when an occupant having the portable device 200 operates a request switch provided on the door handle of the vehicle C, wireless communication is performed between the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200. In the wireless communication, when the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a detection signal for detecting the portable device 200 from the LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e and receives a response signal from the portable device 200 with respect to the detection signal, the in-vehicle device 100 is a door. To lock or unlock. The request switch may be a push button type switch or a switch using a contact sensor that detects contact with the door handle.

Furthermore, the vehicle door may be locked and unlocked by wireless communication between the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200 without the occupant operating the door lock operation unit 112. For example, when the operation signal transmitted from the portable device 200 is received by the RF receiving antenna 105a, the in-vehicle device 100 locks or unlocks the vehicle door based on the unlocking or locking information included in the received operation signal. You may lock.

The in-vehicle communication unit 104 includes, for example, a CAN communication interface (CAN: Controller Area Network), and is connected to another ECU included in the vehicle C via a CAN bus. The communication unit 104 transmits / receives data to / from another ECU (not shown) according to the CAN protocol.

The RF receiving unit 105 is connected to the RF receiving antenna 105a, receives a RF signal through the RF receiving antenna 105a, a measuring circuit that measures a received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength) indicator of the received signal, and the like. Is provided. In the present embodiment, the RF reception unit 105 receives an operation signal transmitted from the portable device 200 through the RF reception antenna 105 a and sends the received operation signal to the control unit 101.

The LF transmission unit 106 includes a signal generation circuit that generates an LF signal based on a signal output from the control unit 101, an amplification circuit that amplifies the generated signal, and the like. The amplified signal is transmitted to the LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e. Send to the outside more. In response to an instruction from the control unit 101, the LF transmission unit 106 transmits, for example, a detection signal (LF signal) for detecting the portable device 200 through the LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e. Here, it is assumed that the authentication information stored in the storage unit 102 is added to the LF signal transmitted from the LF transmission unit 106.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the portable device 200. The portable device 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, an RF transmission unit 204, an LF reception unit 205, a movement detection unit 206, and the like.

The control unit 201 includes, for example, a CPU and a ROM. The CPU in the control unit 201 executes the control program stored in the ROM, thereby controlling the operation of each hardware included in the portable device 200 and causing the entire device to function as the portable device of the present application. The control unit 201 may include functions such as a timer that measures an elapsed time from when a measurement start instruction is given to when a measurement end instruction is given, and a counter that counts the number.

The storage unit 202 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and stores various types of information. Here, the various types of information stored in the storage unit 202 include, for example, the ID of the portable device 200, the ID of the vehicle C on which the in-vehicle device 100 serving as a communication partner is mounted, key information used for encryption processing, and the like.

The operation unit 203 includes an interface for accepting an operation by a passenger. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 203 includes an unlock button 203a that is operated when the door of the vehicle C is unlocked, and a lock button 203b that is operated when the door of the vehicle C is locked. When the unlock button 203a (or lock button 203b) is operated by the occupant, the operation unit 203 outputs a signal indicating that the unlock button 203a (or lock button 203b) has been operated to the control unit 201. When the control unit 201 receives a signal indicating that the unlock button 203a (or the lock button 203b) has been operated, the control unit 201 sends a control signal for instructing unlocking (or locking) the door of the vehicle C to the RF transmission unit 204. To do.

The RF transmission unit 204 includes a signal generation circuit that generates an RF signal from the control signal output from the control unit 201, an amplification circuit that amplifies the generated signal, and the like. The amplified signal is externally transmitted from the RF transmission antenna 204a. Send to. For example, the RF transmission unit 204 can transmit an RF signal instructing unlocking (or locking) of the vehicle door from the RF transmission antenna 204a in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. Here, it is assumed that authentication information stored in the storage unit 202 is added to the RF signal transmitted from the RF transmission unit 204.

The LF reception unit 205 is connected to the LF reception antenna 205a, and includes a reception circuit that receives an LF signal through the LF reception antenna 205a, a measurement circuit that measures the signal strength of the received signal, and the like. In the present embodiment, LF reception section 205 receives detection signals transmitted from LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e of vehicle C by LF reception antenna 205a, and sends the received detection signals to control section 201. When the control unit 201 receives a detection signal from the LF reception unit 205, the control unit 201 performs processing for transmitting a response signal to the detection signal from the RF transmission unit 204. At this time, the control unit 201 adds the signal strength (RSSI) information of the detection signal received by the LF receiving unit 205 to the response signal to be transmitted, and sends the added RF signal from the RF transmitting unit 204. Send.

The movement detection unit 206 includes an acceleration sensor, for example. The movement detection unit 206 (acceleration sensor) detects acceleration in three axial directions, for example, and measures the acceleration based on the mass of the portable device 200 and the force applied to the portable device 200 from the outside. Output to the control unit 201. In the present embodiment, the movement detection unit 206 includes an acceleration sensor. However, the movement detection unit 206 may be a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. A distance measurement sensor using infrared rays or ultrasonic waves may be used. It may be provided. In addition, the movement detection unit 206 includes a GPS receiver (GPS: Global Positioning System), identifies the position of the portable device 200 using GPS, and outputs information on the identified position to the control unit 201. May be.

Hereinafter, the operation of portable device 200 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the portable device 200 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 201 of the portable device 200 determines whether movement of the own device has been detected (step S101). For example, when the movement detection unit 206 includes an acceleration sensor, the control unit 201 may determine that the movement of the own device is detected when the measurement value input from the movement detection unit 206 changes from zero to a finite value. it can. When the movement of the own machine is not detected (S101: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the movement of the own machine is detected.

If it is determined that the movement of the own device has been detected (S101: YES), the control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S102). The control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 by changing the first sensitivity preset as the reception sensitivity before the change from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity higher than the first sensitivity. For example, when the LF receiving unit 205 is configured to output only a signal having a signal strength equal to or higher than a set threshold among the signals received by the LF receiving antenna 205a to the control unit 201, by changing the threshold The reception sensitivity can be changed. In this case, the control unit 201 can increase the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 by lowering the threshold value. In addition, after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205, the control unit 201 activates a built-in timer, and measures the elapsed time after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205.

Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the own machine has stopped moving (step S103). For example, when the movement detection unit 206 includes an acceleration sensor, the control unit 201 can determine that the own device has stopped moving when the measurement value input from the movement detection unit 206 changes from a finite value to zero. . When it is determined that the own device has stopped moving (S103: YES), the control unit 201 executes a process of step S105 described later.

When it is determined that the mobile device has not stopped moving (S103: NO), the control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 in step S102, and then a predetermined time (first time; for example, 30 seconds). It is determined whether or not elapses (step S104). Here, it is assumed that the first time is set in advance and stored in the ROM included in the control unit 201. Alternatively, the time from when the movement of the portable device 200 is detected until the operation unit 203 is operated may be stored, and the first time may be set according to the time. When determining that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S104: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S103.

If it is determined in step S103 that the own device has stopped moving (S103: YES), or if it is determined in step S104 that a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, if the predetermined time has elapsed without stopping the own device ( (S104: YES), the control unit 201 performs processing for restoring the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S105). Here, when the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 before increasing the reception sensitivity in step S102 is the first sensitivity, and the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 after increasing the reception sensitivity is the second sensitivity, the control unit 201 performs processing for returning the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when there is a possibility that the portable device 200 receives the LF signal transmitted from the LF transmission unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100, the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 is increased. Therefore, the communication area is expanded and the reliability of communication is improved. Further, when the possibility that the portable device 200 receives the LF signal is low, the reception sensitivity can be lowered, so that the current consumption can be suppressed and the battery life can be extended.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, after the reception sensitivity of the LF receiving unit 205 included in the portable device 200 is increased, an RF signal is transmitted from the RF transmission unit 204, and the in-vehicle device 100 that receives the RF signal authenticates the portable device 200. When the authentication is successful, the configuration for operating the equipment included in the vehicle C will be described.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200 according to the second embodiment. The control unit 201 of the portable device 200 determines whether the movement of the own device has been detected (step S201). When the movement of the own machine is not detected (S201: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the movement of the own machine is detected.

If it is determined that the movement of the device itself has been detected (S201: YES), the control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S202). In addition, after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205, the control unit 201 activates a built-in timer, and measures the elapsed time after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205.

Next, the control unit 201 controls the operation of the RF transmission unit 204 to transmit an RF signal from the RF transmission antenna 204a (step S203). At this time, the control unit 201 may be configured to transmit the RF signal at regular timing, or may be configured to transmit the RF signal for a preset number of times.

Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the own machine has stopped moving (step S204). When it is determined that the own device has stopped moving (S204: YES), the control unit 201 executes a process of step S206 described later. If it is determined that the mobile device has not stopped moving (S204: NO), the control unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 was increased in step S202. Judgment is made (step S205). When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S205: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S204.

If it is determined in step S204 that the own device has stopped moving (S204: YES), or if it is determined in step S205 that a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, if the predetermined time has passed without the own device stopping moving ( (S205: YES), the control unit 201 performs processing for restoring the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S206). Here, when the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 before increasing the reception sensitivity in step S202 is the first sensitivity, and the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 after increasing the reception sensitivity is the second sensitivity, the control unit 201 performs processing for returning the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity.

When receiving the RF signal through the RF receiving unit 105 (step S211), the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 authenticates the portable device 200 based on the authentication information included in the RF signal (step S212). Here, the control unit 101 compares the ID of the vehicle C stored in the storage unit 102 with the ID included in the authentication information added to the RF signal received from the portable device 200, so that it is valid. The mobile device 200 is authenticated by determining whether or not the RF signal transmitted from the mobile device 200 has been received.

The control unit 101 determines whether or not the authentication of the portable device 200 is successful (step S213), and when determining that the authentication is successful (S213: YES), activates the specific equipment (step S214). Here, the control unit 101 can realize a so-called welcome function by turning on a light (not shown) provided on the vehicle door as a specific equipment. Moreover, the control part 101 is good also as a structure which controls a vehicle interior temperature beforehand by operating the air conditioner mounted in the vehicle C as a specific accessory. If it is determined in step S213 that the authentication has failed (S213: NO), the control unit 101 ends the process of this flowchart without executing the process of S214.

As described above, in the second embodiment, since the RF signal is transmitted from the RF transmission unit 204 after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 provided in the portable device 200, the vehicle side LF transmission antennas 106a to It is possible to operate a welcome function or the like that cannot be operated unless the portable device 200 is within a range where radio waves reach from 106e.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF receiver 205 included in the portable device 200, the RF signal is transmitted from the RF transmitter 204, and the in-vehicle device 100 that receives the RF signal authenticates the portable device 200. When the authentication is successful, a configuration is described in which the vehicle door provided in the vehicle C is shifted to an automatic mode in which the vehicle door is automatically locked or unlocked.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200 according to the third embodiment. The procedure of processing executed by the portable device 200 is exactly the same as that in the second embodiment. That is, when detecting the movement of the mobile device 200, the control unit 201 of the mobile device 200 performs processing such as increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 and transmitting an RF signal from the RF transmission antenna 204a.

When the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 receives the RF signal through the RF reception unit 105 (step S311), the control unit 101 authenticates the portable device 200 based on the authentication information included in the RF signal (step S312). Here, the control unit 101 compares the ID of the vehicle C stored in the storage unit 102 with the ID included in the authentication information added to the RF signal received from the portable device 200, so that it is valid. The mobile device 200 is authenticated by determining whether or not the RF signal transmitted from the mobile device 200 has been received.

The control unit 101 determines whether or not the authentication of the portable device 200 is successful (step S313), and when it is determined that the authentication is successful (S313: YES), the control unit 101 automatically locks or unlocks the vehicle door. The mode is changed (step S314). At this time, the control unit 101 may shift to the automatic mode when the engine is stopped, the vehicle door is closed, and the door lock is unlocked with the ACC and IG power supplies off. When shifting to the automatic mode, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the door lock mechanism 111 when an occupant carrying the portable device 200 enters a range where radio waves reach from the LF transmission antennas 106a to 106e on the vehicle side. The vehicle door is automatically unlocked. In addition, when the reception of the RF signal that matches the ID of the vehicle C is interrupted, or when the RF signal cannot be received for a certain period of time, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the door lock mechanism 111 to control the vehicle door. Can be locked automatically. If it is determined in step S313 that the authentication has failed (S313: NO), the control unit 101 ends the process of this flowchart without executing the process of S314.

As described above, in the third embodiment, after the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 included in the portable device 200 is increased, an RF signal is transmitted from the RF transmission unit 204 to automatically lock or unlock the vehicle door. It is possible to shift to an automatic mode for locking.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF receiving unit 205 included in the portable device 200, the RF signal is transmitted from the RF transmitting unit 204, and the in-vehicle device 100 that receives the RF signal authenticates the portable device 200. When the authentication is successful, a configuration for shifting from the power saving mode with relatively low power consumption to the normal operation mode will be described.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200 according to the fourth embodiment. The procedure of processing executed by the portable device 200 is exactly the same as that in the second embodiment. That is, when detecting the movement of the mobile device 200, the control unit 201 of the mobile device 200 performs processing such as increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 and transmitting an RF signal from the RF transmission antenna 204a.

The in-vehicle device 100 operates in the power saving mode in which the time interval of the processing operation is longer than the normal operation mode in order to suppress the dark current until the RF signal from the portable device 200 is received (step S411).

When the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 receives the RF signal through the RF reception unit 105 (step S412), the control unit 101 authenticates the portable device 200 based on the authentication information included in the RF signal (step S413). Here, the control unit 101 compares the ID of the vehicle C stored in the storage unit 102 with the ID included in the authentication information added to the RF signal received from the portable device 200, so that it is valid. The mobile device 200 is authenticated by determining whether or not the RF signal transmitted from the mobile device 200 has been received.

The control unit 101 determines whether or not the authentication of the portable device 200 is successful (step S414), and when it is determined that the authentication is successful (S414: YES), the power saving is performed so that the processing operation is not delayed. The mode is shifted to the normal mode in which the processing operation time interval is shorter than that in the mode (step S415). If it is determined in step S414 that the authentication has failed (S414: NO), the control unit 101 ends the process of this flowchart without executing the process of S415.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the in-vehicle device 100 can suppress the dark current by performing the processing operation in the power saving mode until the RF signal from the valid portable device 200 is received. When an RF signal is received from a portable device 200, it is possible to avoid a delay in processing operation by shifting to the normal mode.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when the ACC or IG power supply of the vehicle C is on, the portable device 200 is prohibited from increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes executed by the in-vehicle device 100 and the portable device 200 according to the fifth embodiment. The in-vehicle device 100 determines the state of the ACC or IG power supply that is the power supply unit of the vehicle C, and determines whether or not the power supply unit is on (step S501). If it is determined that it is not in the on state (S501: NO), the control unit 101 ends the processing according to this flowchart.

When it is determined that the power supply unit is in the on state (S501: YES), the control unit 101 notifies the portable device 200 of the prohibition of the sensitivity increase in order to prohibit the sensitivity increase in the LF reception unit 205 (step). S502).

The control unit 201 of the portable device 200 determines whether or not the LF reception unit 205 has received a notification relating to prohibition of sensitivity increase at regular timing, for example (step S511). When the notification related to the prohibition of the increase in sensitivity has not been received (S511: NO), the control unit 201 ends the process according to this flowchart.

If it is determined that a notification related to prohibition of sensitivity increase has been received (S511: YES), the control unit 201 prohibits sensitivity increase in the LF reception unit 205 (step S512).

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, control can be performed so that the reception sensitivity in the LF reception unit 205 does not inadvertently increase except when the ACC and IG power supplies are off. In the fifth embodiment, when the power supply unit is in the ON state, the in-vehicle device 100 notifies the portable device 200 that the sensitivity increase is prohibited. However, the sensitivity increase is executed in the portable device 200. Communication may be performed, and when the communication ends, an instruction to return the sensitivity increase from the in-vehicle device 100 may be given. Further, when the portable device 200 stops moving, the sensitivity increase may be prohibited until a predetermined time elapses.

(Embodiment 6)
In the sixth embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration for stopping detection processing for detecting whether or not the operation unit 203 has been operated when the mobile device stops moving in the portable device 200.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the portable device 200 according to the sixth embodiment. The control unit 201 of the portable device 200 determines whether the movement of the own device has been detected (step S601). When the movement of the own machine is not detected (S601: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the movement of the own machine is detected.

If it is determined that the movement of the own device has been detected (S601: YES), the control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S602). In addition, after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205, the control unit 201 activates a built-in timer, and measures the elapsed time after increasing the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205.

Next, the control unit 201 starts an operation detection process for detecting whether or not an operation by an occupant is accepted in the operation unit 203 (step S603).

Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the own machine has stopped moving (step S604). When it is determined that the own machine has stopped moving (S604: YES), the control unit 201 executes a process of step S606 described later.

When it is determined that the own device has not stopped moving (S604: NO), the control unit 201 increases the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 in step S602, and then a predetermined time (first time; for example, 30 seconds). It is determined whether or not elapses (step S605). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S605: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S604.

If it is determined in step S604 that the own device has stopped moving (S604: YES), or if it is determined in step S605 that the predetermined time has elapsed, that is, if the predetermined time has elapsed without stopping the own device ( (S605: YES), the control unit 201 performs processing for restoring the reception sensitivity of the LF reception unit 205 (step S606).

Next, the control unit 201 stops the operation detection process for detecting whether or not the operation unit 203 has accepted an operation by the occupant (step S607).

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when the movement of the portable device 200 is detected and the possibility that the portable device 200 is operated is high, it is determined that the operation detection process is started and the portable device 200 has stopped moving. When the possibility that the portable device 200 is operated is low, the operation stop process is stopped, so that the power consumed by the operation detection process can be suppressed and the battery life can be extended.

(Embodiment 7)
In the seventh embodiment, a configuration in which the operation of other operation units is stopped until a signal from the movement detection unit 206 is input in the portable device 200 will be described.
Note that the configuration on the vehicle side and the configuration of the portable device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the portable device 200 according to the seventh embodiment. The control unit 201 of the portable device 200 determines whether or not the own device has stopped moving based on the detection result from the movement detection unit 206 (step S701). If it is determined that the own device has not stopped moving (S701: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the own device stops moving.

When it is determined that the own device has stopped moving (S701: YES), the control unit 201 refers to the built-in timer and a predetermined time (second time: for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the own device stopped moving. Whether or not (step S702).

When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S702: NO), the control unit 201 determines whether the movement of the own device has been detected based on the detection result from the movement detection unit 206 (step S703). . When it is determined that the movement of the own device is detected (S703: YES), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S701. If it is determined that the movement of the own device is not detected (S703: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S702.

When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S702: YES), that is, when the movement stop state continues for the predetermined time, the control unit 201 shifts the own device to the sleep state (step S704). At this time, the control unit 201 makes a transition to the sleep state by stopping processes other than the movement detection process executed by the movement detection unit 206. The processing to be stopped by the control unit 201 includes processing to be executed by the control unit 201, operation detection processing to detect an operation of the operation unit 203, processing to transmit an RF signal from the RF transmission unit 204, and LF reception unit 205 to output an LF signal. Processing to receive is included. Moreover, when the portable device 200 includes a display unit for displaying the operation state and vehicle information, the display on the display unit may be stopped. The control unit 201 cancels the sleep state changed in step S704 when the movement detection unit 206 detects the movement of the own device.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, when the movement of the portable device 200 is detected and there is a high possibility that the portable device 200 will be operated, the sleep state is released and various processes can be performed. In addition, when it is determined that the portable device 200 has stopped moving and the portable device 200 is unlikely to be operated, the mobile device 200 is shifted to the sleep state, so that power consumption can be suppressed and battery life can be extended.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 In-vehicle apparatus 101 Control part 102 Storage part 103 Input / output part 104 In-vehicle communication part 105 RF receiving part 106 LF transmission part 111 Door lock mechanism 112 Door lock operation part 200 Portable machine 201 Control part 202 Storage part 203 Operation part

203a Unlock button

203b Lock button 204 RF transmitter 205 LF receiver 206 Movement detector

Claims

A communication system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device,
The portable device is
A detection unit for detecting movement of the portable device;
A communication system comprising: a sensitivity changing unit that changes a reception sensitivity in the communication unit to a second sensitivity higher than a preset first sensitivity when the movement of the portable device is detected by the detection unit.
The portable device is
A determination unit that determines whether or not movement of the portable device has been stopped based on a detection result by the detection unit;
A first timing unit that counts an elapsed time since the sensitivity changing unit changed the reception sensitivity from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity;
The sensitivity changing unit is configured such that when the determination unit determines that the movement of the portable device has stopped, or without the movement of the portable device being stopped, the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit is a first time. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the reception sensitivity is changed from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity.
The portable device is
An operation unit for accepting operations;
When detecting the movement of the portable device by the detection unit, a processing start unit for starting a detection process for detecting an operation by the operation unit;
When the determination unit determines that the movement of the portable device has stopped, or when the elapsed time counted by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time without stopping the movement of the portable device, The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising: a process stop unit that stops the detection process started by the process start unit.
The portable device is
A second timing unit that counts an elapsed time after determining that the movement of the portable device has stopped;
When the elapsed time counted by the second timing unit reaches the second time, the operation stop that stops the operation of the operation unit other than the detection unit until the detection unit detects the movement of the portable device. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a unit.
The portable device is
When the sensitivity change unit changes the reception sensitivity from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity, the transmitter further includes a transmission unit that transmits a signal in a specific frequency band including authentication information,
The in-vehicle device is
A receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitter;
An authenticating unit for authenticating the portable device based on the signal received by the receiving unit;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an operation control unit configured to operate an equipment included in the vehicle when the authentication unit succeeds in authentication.
The in-vehicle device is
An operation unit for performing a predetermined operation at a first time interval;
The communication system according to claim 5, wherein when the authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the operation unit performs the predetermined operation at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.
The in-vehicle device is
A power supply state determination unit that determines a state of a power supply unit that supplies power to the equipment included in the vehicle;
A notification unit that notifies the portable device not to change the reception sensitivity from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity when the power supply state determination unit determines that the power supply unit is in an on state;
The portable device is
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prohibiting unit that prohibits a change from the first sensitivity to the second sensitivity by the sensitivity changing unit when receiving a notification from the notification unit. Communications system.
A portable device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an in-vehicle device,
A detection unit that detects the movement of the aircraft,
A portable device comprising: a sensitivity changing unit that changes the reception sensitivity of the communication unit to a second sensitivity higher than a preset first sensitivity when the detection unit detects the movement of the own device.
Based on the detection result by the detection unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the movement of the own machine has stopped,
A first timing unit that counts an elapsed time after changing the reception sensitivity to the second sensitivity by the sensitivity changing unit;
The sensitivity changing unit determines that the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time when the determination unit determines that the movement of the own device has stopped or without stopping the movement of the own device. The portable device according to claim 8, wherein the reception sensitivity is changed from the second sensitivity to the first sensitivity.
An operation unit for accepting operations;
When detecting the movement of the portable device by the detection unit, a processing start unit for starting a detection process for detecting an operation by the operation unit;
When the determination unit determines that the movement of the own device has stopped, or when the elapsed time measured by the first time measuring unit reaches the first time without stopping the movement of the own device, the processing The portable device according to claim 9, further comprising: a process stop unit that stops the detection process started by the start unit.
A second timing unit that counts the elapsed time since it was determined that the movement of the aircraft has stopped;
When the elapsed time counted by the second timing unit reaches the second time, the operation stop unit stops the operation of the other operation units other than the detection unit until the detection unit detects the movement of the own device. The portable device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: