JP2011254141A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system which is capable of informing and making a user pay attention if electric power of a mobile phone is consumed due to erroneous activation caused by so-called a noise.SOLUTION: When an electronic key 2 is activated due to reception of a signal different from a WAKE signal, information suggesting the electronic key is erroneously activated is stored in a memory 23a. A microcomputer 23 provides a security device 3 with the information, which is added to an ID code signal, when the microcomputer 23 performs both-way communication with the security device 3 if the information has been stored in the memory 23a. The security device 3 informs a user, using a display device 36, about the fact that electric power of the electronic key 2 is consumed due to erroneous activation caused by a noise when the security device 3 obtains the information from the electronic key 2. Therefore, a communication system can make the user pay attention to a safekeeping method of the electronic key 2, such as keeping the electronic key 2 under an environment where a noise does not influence on the electronic key 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system capable of bidirectional communication between a portable device possessed by a user and a communication device.

  In recent vehicles, two-way communication related to key verification is performed between a portable device (electronic key) that a user possesses as a vehicle key and a communication device mounted on the vehicle, and the communication area is properly adapted to the vehicle. A device to which a so-called electronic key system that allows various vehicle controls when a portable device is present is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this type of electronic key system, a vehicle-side communication device transmits a call signal called a WAKE signal to a predetermined communication area in order to monitor whether a portable device to be communicated exists around the vehicle. When a portable device is present in the communication area, the portable device is activated upon reception of the WAKE signal and sends a response signal called an ACK signal to respond to a call from the vehicle by the WAKE signal. Send.

  When this ACK signal is received by the communication device on the vehicle side, the communication device checks whether or not the portable device existing in the communication area is a regular portable device. A signal requesting to transmit the ID code of the own device, that is, a request signal is transmitted. When the portable device receives the request signal, the portable device transmits a signal including its own ID code, that is, an ID code signal, in response to a request from the vehicle by the request signal.

  When this ID code signal is analyzed by the communication device on the vehicle side and an ID code that matches the reference ID code stored on the vehicle side is included in the ID code signal, the owner of the authorized portable device Various vehicle controls such as door locking / unlocking and engine starting are permitted.

JP 2002-029385 A (paragraph [0002] to paragraph [0007])

  By the way, even when a portable device used in the electronic key system as described above receives a signal that has the same or similar characteristics as the WAKE signal even if it is not a WAKE signal, it activates and sends an ACK signal as when receiving the WAKE signal. Send. For this reason, it is conceivable that the portable device is activated and an ACK signal is transmitted from the portable device in response to reception of a signal emitted from an electrical appliance while the portable device is being stored at home or office. If the operation continues for a long time, the power consumption at the time of starting the portable device including the transmission of the ACK signal cannot be ignored, and the frequency of replacement of the battery built in the portable device increases.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, the purpose of which is to inform the user when the power of the portable device is consumed due to a false start-up due to so-called noise, An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that can alert a user.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is to establish the bidirectional communication in a communication system capable of bidirectional communication between a portable device possessed by a user and a communication device. A signal transmitted from the communication device as a trigger signal is defined as an interrogation signal. When the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the interrogation signal, the portable device is erroneously detected. A storage means for storing information suggesting that it has been activated; and an information providing means for providing the information to the communication apparatus through the two-way communication, wherein the communication apparatus acquires the information from the portable device. The gist of the invention is to provide a notifying means for notifying that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to erroneous activation due to noise.

  According to the same configuration, when the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal, the notification means of the communication device notifies that the portable device power is consumed due to erroneous activation due to noise. Originally, the user is informed. Therefore, it is possible to alert the user about the storage method of the portable device, such as storing the portable device in an environment that is not affected by noise. In addition, it is not only informing that the erroneous activation due to noise, but because it is informed that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to the erroneous activation, from the user's perspective, It is easy to realize the situation, and it is easy to carry out actions that should be taken by itself in order to reduce the frequency of battery replacement and charging. Further, in comparison with notification by a portable device, for example, when notification by display is taken as an example, a wide display space can be easily obtained, and thus notification to the details is possible. This contributes to a reduction in the size and weight of the portable device and leads to an improvement in portability. By the way, when the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal, information indicating that the portable device has been erroneously activated is stored in the storage means, so this information is stored at an arbitrary timing. It is possible to read out from the means and provide the communication device from the portable device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the first aspect, a response signal for the call signal is transmitted from the portable device when the call signal is received by the portable device in the bidirectional communication. When the response signal is received by the communication device, the two-way communication is established, and after the two-way communication is established, the communication device transmits the ID code of the portable device to the portable device. When the request signal is received by the portable device, an ID code signal including the ID code of the portable device is transmitted from the portable device. When the ID code signal is received by the communication device, the ID code signal is analyzed by the communication device, and the ID that matches the reference ID code as a result of the analysis When an ID is included in the ID code signal, an affirmative determination is made that there is a legitimate portable device in the specific communication area where the two-way communication has been established. Various types of vehicle control using the legitimate portable device as a vehicle key are allowed for a vehicle in which the communication device is mounted, and the information providing means outputs the response signal and the ID code signal during the bidirectional communication. The gist is to provide the information by adding the information to a transmission signal to the communication device.

  According to this configuration, information suggesting that the portable device has been erroneously activated is provided in a form added to a signal transmitted from the portable device during bidirectional communication using a so-called electronic key system for vehicles. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the communication mode as a whole in comparison with a configuration in which the information is provided by communication different from bidirectional communication related to key verification. In addition, there is a regular portable device in a specific communication area such as around the vehicle, and the user who is the owner of the portable device is also in the vicinity of the vehicle. When information suggesting that the portable device has been erroneously activated is stored, this information is provided to the vehicle side and a notification is given by the notification means. Therefore, the user can be surely alerted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the first or second aspect, the portable device is different from the position information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a position where the portable device is present, and the call signal. A position specifying means for specifying a position where the own portable device is erroneously activated from information acquired by the position information acquiring means when the own portable device is activated along with reception of another signal; Provides information suggesting that the mobile device has been erroneously activated in a form including information on the position specified by the position specifying means, and when the notification means acquires the information from the mobile device, The gist is to notify that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to the erroneous activation due to noise in a form including information on the location where the portable device has been erroneously activated due to the influence of noise.

  According to this configuration, the notification content for the user includes information regarding the location where the mobile device is erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. Therefore, the user can be alerted about the storage location of the portable device. In addition, since the notification is provided by the notification means provided in the communication device, even when a relatively large amount of information such as information about a location is notified by display, for example, the display space of the portable device is not increased. In addition, the display by the portable device is used in combination, for example, the remaining information that is difficult to display by the portable device is displayed by the notification means included in the communication device, etc. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which notification by display is performed in cooperation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the portable device is different from a date and time information acquisition unit that acquires information related to a date and time and the call signal. The information providing means further comprises a date and time specifying means for specifying the date and time when the own portable apparatus is erroneously activated from the information acquired by the date and time information acquiring means when the own portable apparatus is activated along with the reception of the signal; Providing information indicating that the portable device has been erroneously activated in a form including information relating to the date and time identified by the date and time identifying means, and when the information means obtains the information from the portable device, The gist is to notify that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to the erroneous activation due to noise in a form including information on the date and time when the portable device was erroneously activated due to the influence of noise.

  According to this configuration, the notification content for the user includes information regarding the date and time when the portable device was erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. Accordingly, it is possible to alert the user that the date and time needs to be taken into consideration in the storage method of the portable device. In addition, since the notification is provided by the notification means provided in the communication device, even when a relatively large amount of information such as information related to date and time is notified by display, for example, the display space of the portable device is not increased. In addition, the display by the portable device is used in combination, for example, the remaining information that is difficult to display by the portable device is displayed by the notification means included in the communication device, etc. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which notification by display is performed in cooperation.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
According to the present invention, when the power of the portable device is consumed due to so-called erroneous activation due to noise, it is possible to notify the user and alert the user.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the security system about one Embodiment which actualized the communication system which concerns on this invention to the security system for vehicles. Explanatory drawing which shows a smart communication area.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a communication system according to the present invention is embodied in a vehicle security system will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the security system 1 includes a vehicle owner, that is, an electronic key 2 possessed by a user as a vehicle key, and a security device 3 provided on the vehicle side, and bidirectional communication is possible between them. is there. The electronic key 2 is generally called a portable device because of its possession.

  The electronic key 2 has a reception function and a transmission function in wireless two-way communication, and includes a reception antenna 21, a reception circuit 22, a microcomputer 23, a transmission circuit 24, and a transmission antenna 25.

  The receiving antenna 21 is a medium for receiving an LF signal such as a WAKE signal or a request signal transmitted from the security device 3. The LF signal is a signal whose frequency range represented by the symbol LF in the Radio Law is 30 KHz to 300 KHz. The reception circuit 22 demodulates the LF signal received by the reception antenna 21 to generate a reception signal, and outputs the reception signal to the microcomputer 23.

  The microcomputer 23 includes a nonvolatile memory 23a, and an ID code (ID code of the electronic key 2) set individually for the electronic key 2 is stored in the memory 23a. When the reception signal related to the WAKE signal is input from the reception circuit 22, the microcomputer 23 generates an ACK original signal and outputs the ACK original signal to the transmission circuit 24 in order to respond to the WAKE signal. The microcomputer 23 generates a signal (ID code original signal) including the ID code of the electronic key 2 in order to respond to the request signal when the reception signal related to the request signal is input from the reception circuit 22. The ID code original signal is output to the transmission circuit 24.

  The transmission circuit 24 modulates the ACK original signal and ID code original signal input from the microcomputer 23 into radio waves of a predetermined frequency (312 MHz in this embodiment), and generates a UHF signal such as an ACK signal and an ID code signal. The UHF signal is a signal having a frequency range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz represented by the symbol UHF in the Radio Law. The transmission antenna 25 is a medium for transmitting the UHF signal generated by the transmission circuit 24.

  The electronic key 2 includes a button type battery (not shown) as a power source. The electronic key 2 covers the power from the button type battery and performs a series of communication operations from reception of the WAKE signal to transmission of the ID code signal. Various operations are performed. In this embodiment, the button-type battery is a primary battery that cannot be charged, and the electronic key 2 is configured so that it can be replaced with a new one when it is consumed.

  The security device 3 has a transmission function and a reception function in wireless two-way communication, and includes a transmission circuit 31, a transmission antenna 32, a reception antenna 33, a reception circuit 34, and a verification control device 35. In the vehicle of this embodiment, various control devices are electrically connected via an in-vehicle communication network. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, these control devices are collectively referred to as a collation control device, which is denoted by reference numeral 35. As will be described later, the verification control device 35 mainly performs security control related to electrical key verification necessary to allow various vehicle controls.

  The transmission circuit 31 modulates the WAKE original signal and the request original signal input from the verification control device 35 into radio waves of a predetermined frequency (134 KHz in this embodiment), and generates an LF signal such as a WAKE signal and a request signal. The transmission antenna 32 is a medium for transmitting the LF signal generated by the transmission circuit 31.

  Here, the LF signal from the transmission antenna 32 is transmitted to the smart communication area A32 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In the present embodiment, the smart communication area A32 is defined as an area having a radius of about 1 m around the door outside handle of the driver's seat door outside the vehicle. In this smart communication area A32, bidirectional communication between the electronic key 2 and the security device 3 is possible. That is, when the WAKE signal is transmitted to the smart communication area A32 and the electronic key 2 is brought into the smart communication area A32, the WAKE signal is received by the electronic key 2 and an ACK signal is received from the electronic key 2. Is transmitted, and when the request signal is received by the electronic key 2, the ID code signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the receiving antenna 33 is a medium for receiving a UHF signal such as an ACK signal or an ID code signal transmitted from the electronic key 2. The reception circuit 34 demodulates the UHF signal received by the reception antenna 33 to generate a reception signal, and outputs the reception signal to the verification control device 35.

  The collation control device 35 includes a non-volatile memory 35a, and the memory 35a includes an ID code (reference ID code) that is the same as the ID code of the regular electronic key 2 that is suitable for a vehicle on which the security device 3 is mounted. ) Is stored.

  When the door lock is locked, the verification control device 35 has an electronic key (which is not necessarily the regular electronic key 2) that is a target of bidirectional communication with the security device 3 in the smart communication area. In order to monitor whether or not it exists in A32, the WAKE original signal is output to the transmission circuit 31 periodically (in this embodiment, every 0.3 seconds). That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs the first call control. As a result, a WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 toward the smart communication area A32.

  When the reception signal related to the ACK signal is input from the reception circuit 34 in accordance with the execution of the first call control, the verification control device 35 is an electronic key to be communicated (this is the normal electronic key 2 and Is not present in the smart communication area A32. When the verification control device 35 recognizes in this way, it outputs a request original signal to the transmission circuit 31 in order to check whether or not the electronic key existing in the smart communication area A32 is the regular electronic key 2. To do. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs ID code request control. As a result, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 toward the smart communication area A32.

  The collation control device 35 receives the ID code and the reference ID code included in the received signal when the received signal related to the ID code signal is input from the receiving circuit 34 in accordance with the execution of the ID code request control. It is judged whether or not. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs electrical key collation. And the collation control apparatus 35 recognizes that the regular electronic key 2 exists in smart communication area A32, when both ID codes correspond by the said key collation. Then, when the collation control device 35 detects a touch operation on the door outside handle through a door handle sensor (not shown) in the state of recognition in this way, in this case, the ride by the owner of the authorized electronic key 2 The door lock will be unlocked.

  In addition, the collation control device 35 is configured such that when a door lock switch (not shown) provided outside the vehicle is operated, an electronic key (which is a normal electronic key 2 and a target of two-way communication with the security device 3). However, the WAKE original signal is output to the transmission circuit 31 in order to monitor whether or not it exists in the smart communication area A32. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs the second call control. As a result, a WAKE signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 toward the smart communication area A32.

  When the received signal related to the ACK signal is input from the receiving circuit 34 as a result of performing the second call control, the verification control device 35 is an electronic key to be communicated (this is the normal electronic key 2 and Is not present in the smart communication area A32. When the verification control device 35 recognizes in this way, it outputs a request original signal to the transmission circuit 31 in order to check whether or not the electronic key existing in the smart communication area A32 is the regular electronic key 2. To do. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs ID code request control. As a result, a request signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 32 toward the smart communication area A32.

  The collation control device 35 receives the ID code and the reference ID code included in the received signal when the received signal related to the ID code signal is input from the receiving circuit 34 in accordance with the execution of the ID code request control. It is judged whether or not. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 performs electrical key collation. And the collation control apparatus 35 recognizes that the regular electronic key 2 exists in smart communication area A32, when both ID codes correspond by the said key collation. When the verification control device 35 recognizes in this way, in this case, the intention of getting off the vehicle by the owner of the authorized electronic key 2 is recognized, so the door lock is locked. Since the door lock is locked under the condition that the electronic key 2 is taken out of the vehicle in this way, the door lock is locked without leaving the electronic key 2 in the vehicle. The occurrence of lock can be prevented.

  By the way, the microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2 determines whether or not the normal WAKE signal is received with the own key when the own key is activated from the standby state for waiting for the WAKE signal, for example, when the WAKE signal is received with the own key. WAKE determination is performed to determine whether or not. When the microcomputer 23 makes an affirmative determination in the WAKE determination, it generates an ACK original signal to respond to the WAKE signal, and as a result, an ACK reply in which an ACK signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2 is performed. Even when the electronic key 2 is not a regular WAKE signal but has a signal having the same or similar characteristics, that is, a signal that causes noise for the electronic key 2, the electronic key 2 is activated in the same manner as when the WAKE signal is received. Although the WAKE determination by the microcomputer 23 is performed, if a negative determination is made in the WAKE determination, an ACK reply is not performed.

  Then, the microcomputer 23 makes a certain period of time after the affirmative determination in the WAKE determination, that is, a period until a certain time defined as a time until the reception signal related to the request signal is input from the receiving circuit 22 elapses. It is determined whether or not a received signal related to the regular request signal is input from the receiving circuit 22. That is, in this case, the microcomputer 23 performs request determination. When the microcomputer 23 makes an affirmative decision in the request determination, it generates an ID code original signal in order to respond to the request signal, and as a result, an ID code reply is transmitted in which the ID code signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2. Is done. When noise equivalent to the normal WAKE signal is received by the electronic key 2, an ACK reply is implemented in response to an affirmative determination in the WAKE determination. In such a case, the request determination If a negative determination is made in step (2), no ID code is returned.

  The electronic key 2 is used not only when performing an ACK reply, but also when performing a WAKE determination until an ACK reply is not reached, or when performing a request determination or ID code reply. Consumes the power stored in the button-type battery. As described above, since the battery power is consumed somewhat when the electronic key 2 is activated regardless of the activation trigger, the power of the electronic key 2 is consumed in the security system 1 of the present embodiment due to erroneous activation due to noise. In such a case, ingenuity has been devised to inform the user of that and to call attention to the user. In consideration of the point that “location” is given as a strong relevance to noise, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the position information acquisition device 26 is connected to the microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2. A buzzer 27 and a liquid crystal screen 28 are also electrically connected to the microcomputer 23. The position information acquisition device 26 acquires information on the position where the own key exists by using a so-called GPS (Global Positioning System for Global Positioning System) function, and outputs the information to the microcomputer 23. .

  When the microcomputer 23 makes a negative determination in the WAKE determination or the request determination, the microcomputer 23 operates the buzzer 27 to notify the user that a certain abnormality has occurred in the electronic key 2 and to operate the liquid crystal screen 28. Thus, the display informs the user that the power of the electronic key 2 is consumed due to erroneous activation due to noise. In addition, when the microcomputer 23 makes a negative determination in the WAKE determination or the request determination, the microcomputer 23 specifies the position where the own key is erroneously activated from the information input from the position information acquisition device 26 and includes information related to the specified position. Thus, information suggesting that the own key has been erroneously activated is stored in the memory 23a. When the microcomputer 23 makes an affirmative decision in the request determination and the information is stored in the memory 23a, the microcomputer 23 generates an ID code original signal to which the information is added, and as a result, an ID including the information. A code signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2. After the information is stored in the memory 23a, when the transmission of the first ID code signal including this information is completed, the information may be deleted from the memory 23a. In order to ensure that the information is acquired, the information may be deleted from the memory 23a when the transmission of the ID code signal including this information reaches a predetermined number of times. In this case, by further adding information on the number of additions of the information to the ID code signal, it is possible to avoid duplication of history when the history is accumulated on the security device 3 side.

  Instead of the configuration as described above, the microcomputer 23 generates an ACK original signal to which the information is added when the information is stored in the memory 23a when the determination is affirmative in the WAKE determination. As a result, an ACK signal including the information may be transmitted from the electronic key 2. In this case, in the two-way communication between the electronic key 2 and the security device 3, a signal including the information is transmitted from the electronic key 2 at an earlier time. Incidentally, when the information is stored in the memory 23a, the microcomputer 23 adds this information to the original signals for all transmission signals to the security device 3 including the ACK original signal and the ID code original signal. In either case, each transmission signal including the information may be transmitted from the electronic key 2. In this case, the information can be reliably acquired on the security device 3 side.

  Returning to the above, when the ID code signal is received by the security device 3, the ID code signal is analyzed by the security device 3, and the key verification is performed by the verification control device 35 as part of the analysis. The collation control device 35 also analyzes whether or not the information is included in the ID code signal. Then, when the collation control device 35 makes an affirmative determination by key collation and the information is included in the ID code signal, the display device 36 is triggered by the detection of the touch operation on the door outside handle. The following notification operation is performed. That is, in this case, the collation control device 35 operates the display device 36 to include information on the location where the electronic key 2 is erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. The display informs the user that the second power is consumed. The display device 36 is composed of a monitor or the like used in a so-called car navigation system. Compared with the liquid crystal screen 28 provided in the electronic key 2, the display device 36 has a wide display area, and therefore, a relatively large amount of information including information on the place is displayed. It can be displayed. The display device 36 has a feature that the liquid crystal screen 28 of the electronic key 2 uses a primary battery with a small capacity as a power source, but covers power from a relatively large capacity power source such as a battery mounted on a vehicle. Considering this, when consuming the power necessary for the notification operation, there is no need to worry about running out of the battery, and there is no problem even if it has a large screen.

  Instead of the configuration as described above, the collation control device 35, in the case where an affirmative determination is made by key collation, when the information is included in the ID code signal, immediately without waiting for the touch operation. The notification operation by the display device 36 may be performed. In this case, the notification operation by the display device 36 is started soon after the security device 3 acquires the information from the electronic key 2.

Based on the above contents, an example of the operation when the electronic key 2 is erroneously activated due to noise will be described.
When the electronic key 2 is activated from the WAKE signal reception standby state, the microcomputer 23 performs a WAKE determination, and when a negative determination is made by the WAKE determination, a notification operation by the buzzer 27 and the liquid crystal screen 28 is performed. For example, the buzzer 27 is intermittently sounded “beep” continuously for a period in which the WAKE determination is negative, and a message such as “Battery is exhausted due to erroneous start-up” is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 28. After the message is displayed, a message such as “Please change the storage location” is displayed and the display is repeated. Therefore, the user can know that an abnormality has occurred in the electronic key 2 through the sound notification by the buzzer 27, and the specific contents can be known by seeing the display on the liquid crystal screen 28. be able to. The reason for switching the screen as described above is that the liquid crystal screen 28 having a narrow display area is employed so that the portability of the electronic key 2 is not hindered. By the way, when the storage location of the electronic key 2 is changed, the location is not affected by noise, and the location is not the smart communication area A32, the electronic key 2 changes from the activated state to the standby state for receiving the WAKE signal. The notification operation by the buzzer 27 and the liquid crystal screen 28 is terminated.

  In addition, when a negative determination is made in the WAKE determination by the microcomputer 23 as described above, information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated is included in the memory 23a in a form including information regarding the position where the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated. The stored information is added to the ID code signal and provided to the security device 3 when the two-way communication between the electronic key 2 and the security device 3 is established. The security device 3 notifies the information provided from the electronic key 2 by the display device 36 when a touch operation on the door outside handle is detected when an affirmative determination is made by the key verification by the verification control device 35. Reflect in operation. That is, in this case, after the car navigation system is activated in response to the touch operation and preparation for the display operation by the display device 36 is completed, the key is erroneously activated in the vicinity of the A message such as “We are exhausted. Note that “XX” in the above message indicates that the user can specify the location where the electronic key 2 is erroneously activated due to the influence of noise, such as a factory, a public building, or a base. In other words, it is desirable that the place can be assumed to be a place where noise is likely to be generated. Incidentally, after such a display by the display device 36 is made, when the user who has boarded the vehicle performs an operation for erasing the display by checking the message or the like, the display is discontinued.

  It should be noted that the information may be left as a key error activation history in a memory provided in the car navigation system or the memory 35a so that the user can confirm the message even after the display is erased. Here, the key misactivation history may be only the latest one, but as long as the memory capacity permits, the history so far may be accumulated, for example, the error may occur multiple times at the same location. When activated, they may be accumulated individually so that the user can recognize that there is a high probability of erroneous activation at that location.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic key 2 corresponds to a “portable device”, the security device 3 corresponds to a “communication device”, and the security system 1 corresponds to a “communication system”. The WAKE signal transmitted from the security device 3 corresponds to a “call signal” transmitted from the security device 3 as a trigger signal for establishing bidirectional communication. On the other hand, the ACK signal transmitted from the electronic key 2 corresponds to a “response signal” for the WAKE signal. The memory 23a of the electronic key 2 corresponds to “storage means” that stores information suggesting that the own key has been erroneously activated, and the microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2 stores “control information” in the memory 23a. It corresponds to “means”. Further, the position information acquisition device 26 of the electronic key 2 corresponds to “position information acquisition means” for acquiring information related to the position where the own key exists, and the microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2 indicates the position where the own key is erroneously activated. This corresponds to “position specifying means” to be specified. Further, the microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2 corresponds to “information providing means” for providing the information to the security device 3 through two-way communication. The display device 36 of the security device 3 has the electronic key due to erroneous activation due to noise. This corresponds to “notification means” for notifying that the second power is consumed. The microcomputer 23 of the electronic key 2 corresponds to “reception determination means” that performs WAKE determination and request determination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved.
(1) When the electronic key 2 is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the WAKE signal, it is indicated that the power of the electronic key 2 is consumed due to erroneous activation due to noise, etc. Is notified to the user under the notification. Therefore, it is possible to alert the user about the storage method of the electronic key 2 such as storing the electronic key 2 in an environment that is not affected by noise.

  (2) Not only informing the erroneous activation due to noise but also informing that the power of the electronic key 2 has been consumed due to the erroneous activation. The situation of the key 2 is easy to realize as an actual feeling, and it is easy to put into action the actions that should be taken in order to reduce the frequency of battery replacement. Therefore, high practicality can be obtained.

  (3) Since the notification by the security device 3 on the vehicle side is made, in comparison with the notification by the electronic key 2 alone, for example, when the notification by display is taken as an example, a wide display space can be easily obtained, and thus the details are obtained. Notification is possible. This contributes to a reduction in size and weight of the electronic key 2 and leads to an improvement in portability.

  (4) When the electronic key 2 is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the WAKE signal, information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated is stored in the memory 23a. It is possible to read from the memory 23a at the timing and provide it to the security device 3 from the electronic key 2. Accordingly, it is possible to deal flexibly, that is, high flexibility can be obtained.

  (5) Information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated is provided in a form added to a signal transmitted from the electronic key 2 during bidirectional communication by the so-called vehicle electronic key system, that is, the security system 1. The For this reason, it is possible to simplify the communication mode as a whole in comparison with a configuration in which the information is provided by communication different from bidirectional communication related to key verification.

  (6) In a situation where the regular electronic key 2 exists in a specific communication area such as the vehicle periphery, that is, the smart communication area A32, and the user who owns the electronic key 2 is also in the vehicle periphery. When information suggesting that the own key has been erroneously activated is stored in the memory 23a of the electronic key 2, this information is provided to the vehicle side and a notification is given by the display device 36. Therefore, the user can be surely alerted.

  (7) Information notified to the user by the display device 36 of the security device 3 includes information regarding the location where the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. Therefore, the user can be alerted about the storage location of the electronic key 2.

  (8) Since the notification is provided by the display device 36 included in the security device 3, even when a relatively large amount of information such as information about a location is notified by display, the display space of the electronic key 2 is not increased. Accordingly, the electronic key 2 can be reduced in size and weight.

  (9) The display on the liquid crystal screen 28 of the electronic key 2 is used in combination, and the display on the liquid crystal screen 28 is kept to the minimum necessary level. The remaining information that is difficult to display on the liquid crystal screen 28 is provided in the security device 3. The display by the display device 36 is performed. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the two perform notification by display in cooperation with each other, it is possible to thoroughly alert the user.

  (10) A WAKE signal is periodically transmitted from the security device 3 to establish bidirectional communication. When this WAKE signal is received by the electronic key 2, an ACK signal for the WAKE signal is received from the electronic key 2. When this ACK signal is transmitted and received by the security device 3, the bidirectional communication is established and the transmission of the WAKE signal is terminated. For this reason, when the electronic key 2 is activated along with the reception of the WAKE signal, the WAKE signal after the WAKE signal that triggered the activation is used for the WAKE determination, and an affirmative determination is made in the determination. Accordingly, in this case, since the electronic key 2 is not erroneously activated, notification by the display device 36 or the like is not performed. On the other hand, when the electronic key 2 is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the WAKE signal, a signal after the signal that triggered the activation is used for WAKE determination, and a negative determination is made in the determination. Therefore, in this case, since it is worthy of erroneous activation of the electronic key 2, notification by the display device 36 or the like is performed. Thus, through the WAKE determination, it is verified whether the signal that triggered the activation of the electronic key 2 is the WAKE signal, or another signal different from the WAKE signal, that is, a signal that causes noise for the electronic key 2. To be implemented. Therefore, the credibility of the notification content by the display device 36 or the like can be improved.

  (11) Since the sound notification by the buzzer 27 is performed on the electronic key 2 side, the user can easily notice, that is, the user can be surely notified that some abnormality has occurred in the electronic key 2. In other words, the first stage of alerting can be ensured and can be used as a basis for changing the key storage method by the user.

  (12) Since the notification by the liquid crystal screen 28 is performed in addition to the notification by the buzzer 27 on the electronic key 2 side, it is possible to reliably notify a certain amount of details on the display after first being noticed by sound. In this way, by using the sound and display notification on the electronic key 2 side, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the electronic key 2 is currently depleted due to erroneous activation.

  (13) When information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated is stored in the memory 23a, the information is added to the ID code signal transmitted last from the electronic key 2 during bidirectional communication. I am doing so. For this reason, in comparison with a signal transmitted from the electronic key 2 at an earlier stage than the ID code signal, for example, a configuration in which the information is added to the ACK signal, a plurality of determinations such as a WAKE determination and a request determination are performed. The credibility of whether or not the signal provided for each determination is a regular signal is increased. In other words, considering that the ID code signal is finally transmitted from the electronic key 2 when all the determinations are affirmed, the received signals such as the WAKE signal and the request signal are not noises, but are all normal signals. The probability of being is high. Accordingly, providing the information in response to noise can be prevented, so that useless information provision can be avoided, and high reliability can be obtained.

  (14) When an affirmative determination is made by key collation on the security device 3 side, from the electronic key 2 triggered by the detection of the touch operation on the door outside handle, that is, the detection of the user's intention to get on the vehicle. A notification operation for the provided information is performed. For this reason, in comparison with the configuration in which the notification operation by the display device 36 is performed as early as before the intention of boarding is detected, for example, when talking in the vicinity of the vehicle and then leaving the vehicle as it is In addition, it is possible to prevent the notification operation by the display device 36 from being performed when an affirmative determination is made by key collation but the vehicle has not actually been boarded. Therefore, an unnecessary notification operation is avoided, so that it can play a role in preventing information leakage, and high security can be obtained.

  (15) In relation to the above (14), the car navigation system including the display device 36 is activated before the user enters the vehicle as if a touch operation has been detected, that is, before getting on the vehicle. Here, a car navigation system or the like generally has some waiting time from the start of startup until the preparation for operation is completed, but in the configuration according to this embodiment, the door is opened after the touch operation and the user The waiting time is digested by making good use of the time until seating. For this reason, when the user reaches the seating state, the notification operation by the display device 36 can be immediately seen, and such a situation that the user hardly feels stress due to the waiting time can be created. it can. Therefore, high convenience can be obtained.

  (16) As can be understood from the above (14) and (15), since the notification operation is performed by the display device 36 at an appropriate stage that is neither too late nor too early, the user's kindness overflows, Added value can be increased.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
・ In addition to “place”, “date and time” can be cited as a strong link to noise. Therefore, instead of or in addition to the position information acquisition device 26, the date / time information acquisition device 29 may be electrically connected to the microcomputer 23 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. The date / time information acquisition device 29 acquires information related to the current date / time using a so-called real-time clock or GPS function, and outputs the information to the microcomputer 23. When the microcomputer 23 makes a negative determination in the WAKE determination or the request determination, the microcomputer 23 specifies the date and time when the own key is erroneously activated from the information input from the date and time information acquisition device 29, and includes information related to the specified date and time. The memory 23a stores information suggesting that the own key has been erroneously activated. The date information acquisition device 29 corresponds to “date information acquisition means”, and the microcomputer 23 corresponds to “date specification means”. Then, according to the configuration according to the embodiment, for example, when the information is stored in the memory 23a when the affirmative determination is made in the request determination, the microcomputer 23 receives the ID code original signal to which the information is added. As a result, an ID code signal including the information is transmitted from the electronic key 2.

  Then, when the ID code signal is received by the security device 3, following the configuration according to the embodiment, for example, when an affirmative determination is made by key verification, and the information is included in the ID code signal When the touch operation on the door outside handle is detected, a notification operation by the display device 36 is performed. That is, in this case, it is notified that the power of the electronic key 2 has been consumed due to the erroneous activation due to noise in a form including information on the date and time when the electronic key 2 was erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. For example, a message such as “Year, month, day, day, hour, minute and the key has been accidentally activated and the battery has run out. Be careful when storing this time.” Is displayed.

  When the position information acquisition device 26 having the configuration according to the above-described embodiment and the date / time information acquisition device 29 having the configuration according to this example are used together, for example, position information and time information are transmitted as a set from a GPS satellite. In consideration of this point, the position information acquisition device 26 and the date / time information acquisition device 29 may be combined with a single GPS receiver.

  Further, as information related to the date and time, for example, information related to the time when the electronic key 2 was erroneously activated due to the influence of noise, such as □ minutes from ○ hour ○ minutes to △ hour Δ minutes, etc., from the electronic key 2 to the security device 3 The information may be reflected in the notification operation by the display device 36. For example, “Year, Month, Day, Day, Hours, Hours, Minutes, and △ hours, △ minutes, the key has been accidentally activated and the battery has been exhausted. May be displayed. Alternatively, in the case where the position information acquisition device 26 and the date / time information acquisition device 29 are used in combination, the key is located in the vicinity of ◎◎ for □ minutes from XX year ○ month ○ date ○ hour ○ minute to △ hour △ minute. You may see a message such as “The battery has run out due to a malfunction, and you should be careful when storing it near the ◎ during this time.”

  According to these series of configurations, the notification content to the user includes information regarding the date and time when the electronic key 2 was erroneously activated due to the influence of noise. Therefore, it is possible to alert the user that it is necessary to consider the date and time in the storage method of the electronic key 2. Further, since the notification is provided by the display device 36 provided in the security device 3, even when a relatively large amount of information such as information related to date and time is notified by display, for example, the display space of the electronic key 2 is not increased in size. In addition, the display on the liquid crystal screen 28 of the electronic key 2 is used together, the display on the liquid crystal screen 28 is kept to a minimum, and the remaining information that is difficult to display on the liquid crystal screen 28 is displayed in the security device 3. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which both perform notification in cooperation with each other, such as performing display according to 36.

  ・ Provides time delay in WAKE determination and request determination, and indicates that the alarm operation by the buzzer 27 and the liquid crystal screen 28 or the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated when the negative determination continues for a certain period of time. A configuration in which an operation of storing information in the memory 23a may be employed.

  The information that is provided from the electronic key 2 to the security device 3 and suggests that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated may not necessarily include information regarding the position where the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated, Information regarding the date and time when the electronic key 2 is erroneously activated may not necessarily be included.

  Instead of the configuration in which all information is collectively added to one signal, for example, information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated is added to the ACK signal, and the ID code signal is electronic Each information may be added to a plurality of signals in a distributed manner, such as adding information about the position where the key 2 is erroneously activated. It should be noted that it is desirable to add all information in a single series of bidirectional communications.

  Information indicating that the electronic key 2 has been erroneously activated in a form added to a signal transmitted from the electronic key 2 during so-called smart communication, which is bidirectional communication between the electronic key 2 and the security device 3 In addition to the configuration in which the information is provided, a configuration in which the information is provided by communication different from the smart communication regarding the key verification may be adopted. In this case, smart communication can be simplified.

  -Smart communication for vehicles is generally classified into out-of-vehicle smart communication according to the above embodiment and in-vehicle smart communication similar to the above, but by linking the out-of-vehicle smart communication and in-vehicle smart communication here, The present invention may be applied as follows. In the in-car smart communication, when the door is opened, a WAKE signal is transmitted to the inside of the car when the door is closed, and when the electronic key 2 is brought into the car along with the ride, The WAKE signal is received at 2 and an ACK signal is transmitted from the electronic key 2 to establish two-way communication. Thereafter, the development is performed following the smart communication outside the vehicle. Then, when the engine start switch is operated in a state in which an affirmative determination is made by key collation in the vehicle, the engine is started on the condition that the brake operation is performed.

  Here, when the main subject is entered, when the touch operation on the door outside handle is detected in a state in which an affirmative determination is made by the key collation outside the vehicle, the notification operation by the display device 36 is not performed and the key in the vehicle is not used. The notification operation by the display device 36 may be performed in response to an affirmative determination by collation. That is, the notification operation by the display device 36 may be performed when it is detected that the regular electronic key 2 has been brought into the vehicle, that is, the user has entered the vehicle. Alternatively, a notification operation by the display device 36 may be performed when it is detected that the engine start switch has been operated while the brake operation is being performed in a state in which an affirmative determination is made by key collation in the vehicle. . Or a thing like a seating switch may be provided, and the notification operation by the display device 36 may be performed when seating in the driver's seat is detected. According to these configurations, since the notification operation by the display device 36 is performed at a stage where the user generally sees the display by the display device 36, the timing is extremely good.

  Instead of a configuration in which the display device 36 is automatically activated in conjunction with bidirectional communication, a configuration in which a notification operation is performed by the display device 36 when the display device 36 is activated through a manual operation is adopted. May be.

  The security system 1 having the configuration according to the above embodiment is no exception, and an electronic key (portable device) provided for this type of electronic key system is generally operated to perform vehicle control by remote control. Switches such as a lock switch and an unlock switch are provided. When these switches are operated, a remote operation signal including an ID code and a remote operation code is transmitted from the electronic key. When this signal is received by the security device, the security device analyzes the signal, for example, When it is determined that the signal is a signal requesting unlocking of the door lock from the regular electronic key, the door lock is unlocked. Such unidirectional communication with the electronic key as the transmission side is called remote keyless communication or wireless communication, and when information indicating that the electronic key 2 is erroneously activated is stored on the electronic key side, The information may be added to a remote operation signal transmitted from the electronic key during communication.

  In the configuration according to the above-described embodiment, the buzzer 27 and the liquid crystal screen 28 are used together on the electronic key 2 side so that the notification operation by sound and display is realized, but besides these, a light emitting diode (so-called LED) or the like A notification operation by light using a vibration, a notification operation by vibration using a vibration element or the like may be further added. In short, a configuration that realizes a notification operation by at least one of sound, display, light, vibration, and the like may be adopted. In the case of adopting a configuration in which a sound notification operation is realized, instead of or in addition to the configuration in which the notification operation by the buzzer 27 having the configuration according to the embodiment is realized, a notification operation by a voice message from a speaker or the like is performed. The realized configuration may be adopted.

  The notification means provided in the security device 3 is not limited to the display device 36. A display device other than the monitor used in the car navigation system may be separately provided and used as notification means, or the notification means may be constructed by cooperation of a plurality of display devices. Of course, the notification means on the vehicle side is configured to realize a notification operation by at least one of sound, display, light, vibration, and the like, following the above-described another example in which the notification mode on the electronic key 2 side is embodied. May be built by

The notification operation on the electronic key 2 side may be omitted.
・ It is not limited to a portable device with a primary battery such as a button-type battery, but a rechargeable secondary battery is built in as a power source. The secondary battery supplies power and receives the WAKE signal from the ID code signal. The present invention may be embodied in a communication system including a portable device that performs various operations including a series of communication operations leading to transmission. In this case, when the power stored in the secondary battery is exhausted, the stored power is restored by charging the secondary battery. When the present invention is embodied in a communication system including the following, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, it is not limited to notifying the erroneous activation due to noise, but it is notified that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to the erroneous activation. It's easy to feel the situation, and it's easy to put into action what you should do to reduce the frequency of charging. Therefore, high practicality can be obtained.

  The communication system according to the present invention is not limited to a vehicle security system, and may be embodied as a security system for buildings such as houses and stores. In the building security system, the resident of the building, that is, the user, possesses an electronic key such as the electronic key 2 configured as described above as a home key, and the security device 3 configured as described above. A security device is provided at the entrance door or the like. Then, a WAKE signal is transmitted from the security device to the smart communication area around the door. When this WAKE signal is received by the electronic key, an ACK signal is transmitted from the electronic key. Then, after the two-way communication is established in this way, when it is affirmed that a proper electronic key exists in the smart communication area through the key verification, the unlocking of the door by the security device is permitted. In some cases, the door is automatically opened on the condition that no person is present outdoors to realize the automatic door.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be described.
(A) In the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the portable device receives the call signal by the portable device when the portable device is activated from a standby state for receiving the call signal. Receiving determination means for determining whether or not the information has been received, and control means for storing, in the storage means, information indicating that the portable device has been erroneously activated when a negative determination is made by the reception determination means. A communication system.

  For example, a communication device periodically transmits an interrogation signal to establish bidirectional communication, and when the interrogation signal is received by the portable device, a response signal to the interrogation signal is transmitted from the portable device. It is assumed that when the response signal is received by the communication device, the bidirectional communication is established and the transmission of the interrogation signal is terminated. According to the same configuration, when the portable device is activated in response to the reception of the interrogation signal, the interrogation signal after the interrogation signal that triggered the activation is subjected to determination by the reception determination unit, and an affirmative determination is made in the determination . Therefore, in this case, since it is not worthy of erroneous activation of the portable device, notification by the notification means is not performed. On the other hand, when the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal, a signal after the signal that triggered the activation is used for determination by the reception determination means, and a negative determination is made in the determination. The Therefore, in this case, since it is worthy of erroneous activation of the portable device, notification by the notification means is performed. In this way, through the determination by the reception determination means, it is verified whether the signal that triggered the activation of the portable device is an interrogation signal or another signal that is different from the interrogation signal, that is, a signal that causes noise for the portable device. To be implemented. Therefore, the credibility of the notification content by the notification means can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Security system (communication system), 2 ... Electronic key (portable machine), 3 ... Security apparatus (communication apparatus), 21 ... Reception antenna, 22 ... Reception circuit, 23 ... Microcomputer (information provision means, position specification means, date and time) Identification means, control means, reception determination means), 23a ... memory (storage means), 24 ... transmission circuit, 25 ... transmission antenna, 26 ... position information acquisition device (position information acquisition means), 27 ... buzzer, 28 ... liquid crystal screen , 29 ... date and time information acquisition device (date and time information acquisition means), 31 ... transmission circuit, 32 ... transmission antenna, 33 ... reception antenna, 34 ... reception circuit, 35 ... collation control device, 35a ... memory, 36 ... display device (notification) Means), A32 ... smart communication area.

Claims (4)

In a communication system capable of two-way communication between a portable device owned by a user and a communication device,
A signal transmitted from the communication device as a trigger signal for establishing the bidirectional communication is defined as an interrogation signal,
When the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal, the portable device stores information indicating that the portable device has been erroneously activated, and the information is stored in the portable device. Information providing means for providing to the communication device through bidirectional communication,
The communication apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies that the power of the portable device has been consumed due to erroneous activation due to noise when the information is acquired from the portable device. In the bidirectional communication, when the interrogation signal is received by the portable device, a response signal to the interrogation signal is transmitted from the portable device, and when the response signal is received by the communication device, the bidirectional communication is performed. After the establishment of this bidirectional communication, a signal transmitted from the communication device to request that the communication device transmit the ID code of the portable device to the portable device is defined as a request signal, When this request signal is received by the portable device, an ID code signal including the ID code of the portable device is transmitted from the portable device, and when the ID code signal is received by the communication device, When the ID code signal is analyzed and, as a result of the analysis, an ID code that matches a reference ID code is included in the ID code signal, the bidirectional communication is When it is affirmed that a legitimate portable device is present in the established specific communication area, and the affirmative judgment is made in this way, the legitimate portable device is set to the vehicle key for the vehicle on which the communication device is mounted. Various vehicle controls are allowed,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit provides the information by adding the information to a transmission signal to the communication device including the response signal and the ID code signal in the bidirectional communication. . The communication system according to claim 1 or 2,
The portable device has a position information acquisition unit that acquires information about a position where the portable device is present, and the position information acquisition unit when the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal. Further comprising a position specifying means for specifying the position where the mobile device is erroneously started from the information acquired in
The information providing means provides information suggesting that the mobile device has erroneously started in a form including information on the position specified by the position specifying means,
When the information is acquired from the portable device, the notification means includes information on a location where the portable device is erroneously activated due to the influence of noise, and the power of the portable device is caused by erroneous activation due to noise. A communication system characterized by notifying consumption. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
From the information acquired by the date and time information acquisition unit when the portable device is activated in response to reception of another signal different from the call signal and date and time information acquisition unit for acquiring information related to date and time A date and time specifying means for specifying the date and time when the mobile device was erroneously started,
The information providing means provides information indicating that the mobile device has been erroneously started in a form including information on the date and time specified by the date and time specifying means,
When the information is acquired from the portable device, the notification means includes information on the date and time when the portable device is erroneously activated due to the influence of noise, and the power of the portable device is caused by erroneous activation due to noise. A communication system characterized by notifying consumption.

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