Wireless key device for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a wireless key device for a vehicle, in which high security is ensured while improving user convenience. The wireless key device (40) comprises: a wireless key memory (81) which is provided in a car (1) and in which key identification information of a wireless key (50) of the car 1 is registered; a terminal information memory (86) in which terminal identification information of a portable terminal (60) used separately from the wireless key (50) is registered; and a memory update unit (72) which checks the portable terminal (60) whose terminal identification information has been registered in the terminal information memory (86) when updating the wireless key memory (81).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless key device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles such as automobiles, wireless keys are used, for example, to unlock or lock vehicle doors and to start or stop a power source of the vehicle. In this case, a wireless key device is provided in the vehicle (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the wireless key device, key identification information of a wireless key that can be used in the vehicle is registered in the key memory. If the wireless key is operated by a user who is a passenger using the vehicle, the wireless key transmits the key identification information. The wireless key device receives the transmitted key identification information and compares it with the key identification information pre-registered in the key memory. And, if these key identification information match, the wireless key device outputs, for example, a start permission for the power source of the vehicle to the vehicle.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-188540 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] However, in such a wireless key device, it is necessary to ensure that no one can easily register the key identification information of a new wireless key in the key memory at any time.

[0009] Therefore, when registering or deleting a new wireless key, the wireless key device compares it with the wireless keys already registered in the key memory. Thus, the wireless key device can recognize this fact and confirm that the user who can obtain the registered wireless key wants to register or delete the new wireless key.

[0010] However, there is a possibility that the user may lose all of the multiple wireless keys provided together with the vehicle.

[0011] In this case, since the user does not have a registered wireless key, a new wireless key cannot be registered. In order to continue using the vehicle, the user must replace the wireless key device itself. However, the wireless key device is installed in the vehicle in a position and state that is difficult to replace in order to prevent theft and replacement. As a result, the user bears a large amount of replacement costs.

[0012] Therefore, in the wireless key device for a vehicle, it is desired to ensure high security and improve the convenience of the user.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] The wireless key device of the vehicle of the present invention comprises: a wireless key memory, which is arranged in the vehicle and in which key identification information of the wireless key of the vehicle is registered; a terminal information memory, which in which terminal identification information of a portable terminal used separately from the wireless key is registered; and a memory update unit, which, when updating the wireless key memory, verifies the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory with the portable terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the wireless key device may have: a communication device that communicates with the portable terminal used by the user; a key generation unit that generates a terminal key for sending from the communication device to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal; a terminal key memory in which the generated terminal key is registered; and a terminal registration unit that uses the terminal key registered in the terminal information memory to decrypt the received terminal identification information that has been encrypted in the portable terminal using the terminal key. If decryption is possible, it is determined that the terminal key is consistent, and the terminal identification information of the portable terminal is registered in the terminal information memory.

[0016] Preferably, the memory updating unit checks the portable terminal communicating with the communication device when updating the wireless key memory using the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory and the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory.

[0017] Preferably, the key generation unit may execute processing together with the terminal registration unit when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle.

[0018] Preferably, the key generation unit can generate new terminal keys multiple times by performing processing together with the terminal registration unit when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle, and update the terminal key sent from the communication device to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal, as well as the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage device.

[0019] Preferably, the terminal registration unit is able to use the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit to decrypt the terminal identification information received from the portable terminal and encrypted using the terminal key of the portable terminal multiple times, so that when the terminal key of the portable terminal is consistent with the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit multiple times, for the purpose of verification performed by the memory update unit, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal temporarily registered in the terminal information storage unit is officially registered in the terminal information storage unit.

[0020] Preferably, the terminal registration unit may perform a plurality of consistency determinations at every predetermined time interval.

[0021] Preferably, the key generation unit may generate a new terminal key in at least a plurality of times from the first time among a plurality of times of match determination performed by the terminal registration unit.

[0022] Preferably, the terminal registration unit can set the number of consistent judgments until the terminal identification information temporarily registered in the terminal information memory is formally registered in the terminal information memory for verification by the memory update unit and the number of consistent judgments until the terminal key temporarily stored in the portable terminal and the terminal information memory is formally stored to be different from the number of judgments.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] In the present invention, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal used separately for the wireless key is registered in the terminal information memory. Furthermore, when updating the wireless key memory provided in the vehicle and in which the key identification information of the wireless key of the vehicle is registered, the memory update unit checks the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory with the portable terminal. Thus, even if there is no wireless key whose key identification information is pre-registered in the wireless key memory, the memory update unit can use the portable terminal whose terminal identification information is registered in the terminal information memory to perform the checking process when updating the wireless key memory.

[0025] Even if the user loses all of the wireless keys provided with the vehicle, the user can register the key identification information of a new wireless key into the wireless key memory by checking with a portable terminal used independently of the wireless keys. The user does not need to replace the wireless key device in order to register the key identification information of the new wireless key into the wireless key memory.

[0026] Furthermore, in the present invention, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal not used with the wireless key is not registered in the terminal information memory. Even if a person who wants to steal a vehicle attempts to re-register the wireless key, he cannot register a new wireless key in the wireless key memory unless he steals the registered portable terminal from a regular user.

[0027] Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the authorized user who uses the wireless key while ensuring high security against persons other than the authorized user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of a car to which the present invention is applied.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An illustration of a control system of a car.

[0030] Figure 3 is used for Figure 1 Illustration of the wireless key device and peripheral devices of a car.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 This figure shows the main functions and data implemented by the wireless key device.

[0032] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the update process of the wireless key memory.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a formal registration process of a portable terminal and a terminal key mainly performed by a terminal registration unit.

[0034] Explanation of symbols

[0035] 1… Automobile (vehicle), 10… Control system, 19… Authentication ECU, 20… Communication ECU, 33… Lock mechanism, 35… Communication device, 40… Wireless key device, 41… In-vehicle communication unit, 42… Authentication memory, 43… Timer, 44… Authentication communication device, 50… Key device, 53… Key side memory, 60… Portable terminal, 63… Terminal side memory, 70… Wireless key system, 72… Memory update unit, 73… Terminal verification unit, 74… Terminal registration unit, 75… Key generation unit, 81… Wireless key memory, 82… Terminal information formal memory, 83… Terminal information temporary memory, 84… Terminal key formal memory, 85… Terminal key temporary memory, 86… Terminal information memory DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of a car 1 to which the present invention is applied.

[0038] Figure 1 The automobile 1 is an example of a vehicle.

[0039] Figure 1The figure shows a car 1 and a user who is a passenger. The user uses a key device 50 as a wireless key outside the car. In this case, as described later, a wireless key device 40 is provided in the car 1. In the wireless key device 40, key identification information of the key device 50 that can be used in the car 1 is registered in the wireless key memory 81. If the user who is a passenger using the car 1 operates the key device 50, the key device 50 transmits the key identification information wirelessly. Alternatively, if the user carries the key device 50 and approaches the car 1, the key device 50 receives a polling signal periodically transmitted by the wireless key device 40, and transmits the key identification information of the key device 50 wirelessly in response. The wireless key device 40 receives the key identification information transmitted from the key device 50 and compares it with the key identification information pre-registered in the wireless key memory 81. And, if these key identification information match, the wireless key device 40 outputs, for example, a start permission of the power source of the car 1 or an unlock instruction of the door of the car 1 to each part of the car 1.

[0040] This allows the user to get in and use the automobile 1 .

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram of a control system 10 of a car 1.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a plurality of control modules constituting a control system 10 of the automobile 1 are represented by respective assembled control ECUs (Electronic Control Units).

[0043] Specifically, Figure 2 The diagram shows a drive ECU 11, a steering ECU 12, a brake ECU 13, an automatic driving / driving assistance ECU 14, a driving operation ECU 15, a detection ECU 16, an air conditioning ECU 17, a door ECU 18, an authentication ECU 19, a communication ECU 20, a UI ECU 21, and a system ECU 22. These multiple control ECUs are connected to a central gateway (CGW) 27 as a transfer device through a vehicle network 26 such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and / or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) used in the vehicle 1.

[0044] Furthermore, in each control module, the control ECU is connected to an electronic device used in the automobile 1. The activated control ECU executes various processes and controls the operation of the respectively connected electronic devices based on the information (data) obtained from the automobile network 26. In addition, the control ECU outputs information (data) such as the operation status of the respectively connected electronic devices to the automobile network 26.

[0045] For example, the driving operation ECU 15 is connected to operation detection sensors such as the steering wheel 2, the brake pedal 3, the accelerator pedal 4, and the shift lever 5, which are operated by the passengers to control the driving of the car 1. The driving operation ECU 15 outputs control information corresponding to the operation amount to the car network 26. The drive ECU 11, the steering ECU 12, and the brake ECU 13 obtain information from the car network 26 to control the start or stop of the power source of the car 1 and the driving.

[0046] The detection ECU 16 is connected to the speed sensor 6 of the vehicle 1, the acceleration sensor 7 for detecting acceleration due to collision, etc., and the external camera 8 for photographing the outside of the vehicle. In the detection ECU 16, the values ​​of the speed sensor 6 and the acceleration sensor 7 of the vehicle 1, the image of the external camera 8, etc. are output to the vehicle network 26. The central gateway 27 transfers the information. The UIECU 21 obtains information from the vehicle network 26 and displays the information on the display device 31 connected thereto. The UIECU 21 is connected to the display device 31 and the operating device 32 for the passenger to operate.

[0047] The authentication ECU 19 is a control ECU of the wireless key device 40 . The authentication ECU 19 receives key identification information from the key device 50 , and authenticates the user by matching the key identification information. The authentication ECU 19 outputs the authentication information to the vehicle network 26 .

[0048] The door ECU 18 is connected to a locking mechanism 33 of the doors and / or the trunk of the automobile 1 .

[0049] The door ECU 18 obtains the authentication result from the vehicle network 26. If the door ECU 18 obtains the authentication result that matches, it controls the lock mechanism 33 to unlock. If the door ECU 18 obtains the authentication result for locking, it controls the lock mechanism 33 to lock.

[0050] The communication ECU 20 directly communicates wirelessly with, for example, a portable terminal 60 that exists outside the automobile 1. The communication ECU 20 may also indirectly communicate wirelessly with the portable terminal 60 via a communication base station (not shown).

[0051] Figure 3 is used for Figure 1 1 and a diagram for explaining a wireless key device 40 and peripheral devices of a car 1.

[0052] exist Figure 3 , it is shown that the wireless key device 40 , the drive ECU 11 , the door ECU 18 , and the communication ECU 20 are connected via the vehicle network 26 .

[0053] In addition, Figure 3 2 , a key device 50 and a portable terminal 60 that are portable and used by a user are also shown together with the wireless key device 40. Thus, a wireless key system 70 for a vehicle in the present embodiment is configured.

[0054] Figure 3 The wireless key device 40 includes an in-vehicle communication unit 41, an authentication ECU 19, an authentication memory 42, a timer 43, an authentication communication device 44, and an internal bus 45 connecting them.

[0055] The timer 43 measures elapsed time or the time.

[0056] The authentication communicator 44 communicates with the key-side communicator 51 of the key device 50 in a wireless manner. The transmission wave used at this time may be a transmission wave of LF or RF frequency, or a transmission wave transmitted by other communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The key device 50 has a key-side communicator 51, a key-side ECU 52, a key-side memory 53, and a key-side bus 54 connecting them. The key-side memory 53 stores the program and data of the key device 50. The key-side ECU 52 reads and executes the program from the key-side memory 53. In this way, the control unit of the key device 50 is realized.

[0057] The in-vehicle communication unit 41 is connected to the car network 26. The in-vehicle communication unit 41 receives information (data) between other control ECUs such as the drive ECU 11, the door ECU 18, and the communication ECU 20 through the car network 26, for example, as shown in the figure. The communication ECU 20 uses the communication device 35 to communicate directly or indirectly with the terminal side communication machine 61 of the portable terminal 60 used by the user. The portable terminal 60 has a terminal side communication machine 61, a terminal side ECU 62, a terminal side memory 63, and a terminal side bus 64 connecting them. The terminal side memory 63 stores the program and data of the portable terminal 60. The terminal side ECU 62 reads and executes the program from the terminal side memory 63. Thus, the control unit of the portable terminal 60 is realized. It should be noted that the function of the control unit used in this embodiment can be realized by installing a request program corresponding to the function in a portable terminal 60 that can execute an operating system program, for example. In this case, the operating system program and the request program are stored in the terminal side memory 63.

[0058] The authentication memory 42 stores programs and data of the wireless key device 40 .

[0059] The authentication ECU 19 reads and executes the program from the authentication memory 42. Thus, a control unit of the wireless key device 40 is realized.

[0060] However, in such a wireless key device 40 , it is necessary to ensure that no one can easily register the key identification information of a new key device 50 in the authentication memory 42 at any time.

[0061] Therefore, when registering or deleting the key identification information of a new key device 50, the wireless key device 40 checks the key identification information with the registered key device 50 registered in the authentication memory 42. Thus, the wireless key device 40 can recognize that the user who can obtain the registered key device 50 is trying to register or delete the new key device 50 after recognizing the situation.

[0062] However, there is a possibility that the user may lose all of the plurality of key devices 50 provided together with the automobile 1 .

[0063] In this case, since the user does not have a registered key device 50, the new key device 50 cannot be registered or deleted. In order to continue to use the car 1, the user must replace the wireless key device 40 itself. However, the wireless key device 40 is installed in the car 1 at a position and state that is difficult to replace in order to prevent theft or replacement. As a result, the user bears a large amount of replacement costs.

[0064] Thus, in the wireless key device 40 of the automobile 1 , high security is ensured while further improving the convenience of the user.

[0065] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 1 is an explanatory diagram of main functions and data implemented by the wireless key device 40.

[0066] exist Figure 4 4 shows an authentication unit 71 , a memory update unit 72 , a terminal verification unit 73 , a terminal registration unit 74 , and a key generation unit 75 as main functions of a control unit realizing the wireless key device 40 .

[0067] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, in the key-side memory 53 of the key device 50 , key identification information uniquely assigned to the key device 50 is registered.

[0068] In addition, Figure 4 , as various memories realizing the authentication memory 42 of the wireless key device 40 , a wireless key memory 81 , a terminal information official memory 82 , a terminal information temporary memory 83 , a terminal key official memory 84 , and a terminal key temporary memory 85 are shown.

[0069] Terminal identification information, a formal terminal key, and a temporary terminal key are registered in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60. The terminal identification information may be a communication ID uniquely assigned to the portable terminal 60. The formal terminal key is identification information uniquely issued in the present embodiment.

[0070] The wireless key memory 81 has registered therein key identification information of a wireless key that can be authenticated in the automobile 1 .

[0071] The terminal information official memory 82, the terminal information temporary memory 83, the terminal key official memory 84, and the terminal key temporary memory 85 constitute a terminal information memory 86 for registering terminal identification information in the portable terminal 60. Here, the portable terminal 60 is a device used by the user separately from the wireless key.

[0072] When receiving the key identification information from the key device 50 , the authentication unit 71 checks the key identification information with the key identification information registered in the wireless key memory 81 . If the key identification information matches, the authentication unit 71 outputs the authentication result of the match to the vehicle network 26 .

[0073] The memory update unit 72 executes an update process of the wireless key memory 81. The memory update unit 72 registers new key identification information in the wireless key memory 81, deletes key identification information individually from the wireless key memory 81, and deletes all key identification information from the wireless key memory 81 as an update process.

[0074] The terminal verification unit 73 uses the information registered in the terminal information memory 86 to verify it with the portable terminal 60 that the communication device 35 is communicating with. The terminal verification unit 73 returns the verification result to the portable terminal 60 in response to the request of the memory update unit 72. Thus, the terminal verification unit 73 can verify with the portable terminal 60 that the communication device 35 is communicating with when updating the wireless key memory 81. It should be noted that in this verification, the terminal verification unit 73 can verify using the information officially registered in the terminal information memory 86 and the information officially registered in the terminal side memory 63.

[0075] The terminal registration unit 74 manages the registration state of the portable terminal 60 in the terminal information storage unit 86. The terminal registration unit 74 can manage the registration of the portable terminal 60 to the terminal information storage unit 86.

[0076] For example, the terminal registering unit 74 receives the terminal identification information from the portable terminal 60 and registers it in the terminal information temporary storage unit 83. When the terminal registering unit 74 receives the same terminal identification information from the portable terminal 60, it updates the terminal information formal storage unit 82 using the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information temporary storage unit 83. In this case, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 confirmed multiple times by the terminal registering unit 74 is registered in the terminal information formal storage unit 82.

[0077] The terminal registration unit 74 manages the registration status of the terminal key in the terminal information memory 86 and the terminal side memory 63. The terminal registration unit 74 can store the terminal key in the portable terminal 60 and the terminal information memory 86 in a temporarily stored state and a formally stored state, for example.

[0078] For example, the terminal registration unit 74 sends the terminal key generated by the key generation unit 75 to the portable terminal 60, and registers it as a temporary terminal key in the terminal side memory 63. In addition, the terminal registration unit 74 registers the terminal key sent to the portable terminal 60 in the terminal key temporary memory 85. In addition, the terminal registration unit 74 formally registers the terminal key registered in the terminal side memory 63 and the terminal information memory 86 of the portable terminal 60 in a temporarily stored state. As a result, the formal terminal key is stored in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60. In addition, in the terminal information memory 86, it is formally registered in the terminal key formal memory 84.

[0079] The key generation unit 75 generates a terminal key having a random value through a specific operation process. When instructed by the terminal registration unit 74, the key generation unit 75 generates a terminal key and sends it from the communication device 35 to the portable terminal 60. Thus, a temporary terminal key or a formal terminal key is registered in the portable terminal 60. In addition, the key generation unit 75 registers the issued terminal key sent to the portable terminal 60 in the terminal key temporary storage 85.

[0080] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the update process of the wireless key memory 81 .

[0081] Figure 5 The update process of the wireless key memory 81 is performed by Figure 4 It is executed by the memory updating unit 72 and the authentication ECU 19 of the terminal verification unit 73.

[0082] In step ST1 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the memory update unit 72 and determines whether or not there is a request to update the wireless key memory 81 .

[0083] For example, when the authentication ECU 19 acquires a memory update request from an external device connected to the vehicle network 26, it determines that there is a request to update the wireless key memory 81. The authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST2.

[0084] In other cases, the authentication ECU 19 determines that there is no memory update request and ends the process. Figure 5 Memory update processing.

[0085] In step ST2 , the authentication ECU 19 as the memory update unit 72 determines whether or not it is possible to confirm the key device 50 whose key identification information has been registered in the wireless key memory 81 .

[0086] For example, the authentication ECU 19 transmits a polling signal from the authentication communication device 44. Thus, when the authentication communication device 44 does not receive the key identification information, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the key device 50 cannot be confirmed to be a registered key device.

[0087] When the authentication communication device 44 receives the key identification information, the authentication ECU 19 checks the received key identification information with the key identification information registered in the wireless key memory 81. When the corresponding key identification information is not registered in the wireless key memory 81, the authentication ECU 19 determines that it cannot confirm that it is the registered key device 50. In these cases, the authentication ECU 19 advances the processing to step ST3 because it cannot confirm the registered key device 50.

[0088] If the matching key identification information is registered in the wireless key memory 81, the authentication ECU 19 determines that it can confirm the registered key device 50. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 advances the process to the memory update process of step ST5 because it can confirm the registered key device 50.

[0089] In step ST3, the authentication ECU 19, as the memory update unit 72, determines whether there is a portable terminal 60 registered in the terminal information memory 86. For example, when the terminal identification information is registered in the terminal information formal memory 82 and the formal terminal key is registered in the terminal key formal memory 84, the authentication ECU 19 obtains their registered status from the terminal verification unit 73 and determines that there is a portable terminal 60 formally registered in the terminal information memory 86. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 advances the processing to step ST4. In other cases, the authentication ECU 19 ends the process because there is no portable terminal 60 in the formal registration state. Figure 5 Memory update processing.

[0090] In step ST4 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal verification unit 73 to determine whether the portable terminal 60 whose terminal identification information is registered in the terminal information memory 86 can be verified.

[0091] For example, the authentication ECU 19 receives the terminal information of the portable terminal 60 that can communicate through the communication device 35 from the communication ECU 20 through the vehicle network 26. The authentication ECU 19 receives the terminal identification information registered in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60 as the terminal information. At this time, the terminal identification information can be encrypted using the terminal key stored in the portable terminal 60.

[0092] If the terminal information cannot be received, or if the received terminal information is inconsistent with the terminal information registered in the terminal information memory 86, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the portable terminal 60 cannot be verified. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 ends the process because it cannot verify the portable terminal 60 as a consistent one. Figure 5 It should be noted that, when the received terminal information is encrypted using the terminal key of the portable terminal 60, in order to make a consistency judgment on the terminal information, the terminal verification unit 73 performs a decryption process using the information of the terminal key official memory 84. If the decryption process is completed, the authentication ECU 19 judges whether the terminal key of the portable terminal 60 is consistent with the terminal key official memory 84.

[0093] When the received terminal information is consistent with the terminal information registered in the terminal information memory 86, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the portable terminal 60 can be verified. In this judgment, the authentication ECU 19 can determine that the portable terminal 60 can be verified when the received terminal information is consistent with the terminal information registered in the terminal information memory 86 and the terminal key of the portable terminal 60 is consistent with the terminal key formal memory 84. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 enters the memory update process of step ST5 because it can confirm the registered portable terminal 60 instead of the key device 50.

[0094] If the portable terminal 60 cannot be verified, the authentication ECU 19 ends the process. Figure 5 Memory update processing.

[0095] In step ST5 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the memory update unit 72 to execute processing of the update request confirmed in step ST1 .

[0096] Thereby, the authentication ECU 19 deletes all key identification information from the wireless key memory 81 , for example. Thereby, the wireless key memory 81 is initialized. The wireless key memory 81 can register key identification information of a new key device 50 through an external device connected to the vehicle network 26 , for example.

[0097] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of formal registration processing of the portable terminal 60 and the terminal key mainly performed by the terminal registration unit 74 .

[0098] Figure 6 The formal registration process is handled by Figure 4 The terminal registration unit 74 and the authentication ECU 19 of the key generation unit 75 are executed.

[0099] In step ST11 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 and determines whether or not there is a terminal registration request.

[0100] For example, authentication ECU 19 determines that there is a terminal registration request when receiving a terminal registration request from an external device connected to vehicle network 26 or when there is a terminal registration request from registered portable terminal 60. Authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST12.

[0101] In other cases, the authentication ECU 19 determines that there is no terminal registration request and ends the process. Figure 5 Memory update processing.

[0102] In step ST12 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 to temporarily register the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 used by the user of the vehicle in the terminal information temporary storage 83 .

[0103] In step ST13, the authentication ECU 19 generates a new terminal key as the key generation unit 75. The authentication ECU 19 temporarily registers the generated terminal key in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60. Thus, the temporary terminal key is registered in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60. In addition, the authentication ECU 19 registers the portable key temporarily registered in the portable terminal 60 in the terminal key temporary memory 85.

[0104] In step ST14, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 determines whether the ignition of the automobile 1 has been turned off. If the ignition has not been turned off, the authentication ECU 19 returns to the process of step ST14. If the ignition has been turned off, the authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST21.

[0105] Through the above process, the authentication ECU 19 temporarily registers the information of the portable terminal 60 used by the vehicle user in the terminal information memory 86. Thereafter, the authentication ECU 19 performs a process for formally registering the information of the portable terminal 60 used by the vehicle user in the terminal information memory 86 through the process after step ST21.

[0106] In step ST21 for formal registration, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 determines whether the ignition device has been switched from the off state to the on state. In the case where the ignition device has not been switched from the off state to the on state, the authentication ECU 19 returns to the process of step ST21. In the case where the ignition device has been switched, the authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST22. The ignition device is a device that is operated when the automobile 1 is started or when the automobile 1 is stopped.

[0107] In step ST22, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 determines whether 24 hours have passed since the last update of the number of confirmations. The authentication ECU 19 can obtain the elapsed time measured by the timer 43 and determine whether 24 hours have passed. If 24 hours have not passed since the last time, the authentication ECU 19 returns the process to step ST21. If 24 hours have passed since the last time, the authentication ECU 19 enters the process into step ST23. Thus, the authentication ECU 19 can perform multiple consistency determinations for the portable terminal 60 every time a predetermined time interval has passed.

[0108] In step ST22, the authentication ECU 19 may count the number of times the ignition device is switched from the off state to the on state instead of the elapsed time to determine whether it is a predetermined number of times or more. If it is a predetermined number of times or more, the authentication ECU 19 may proceed to step ST23.

[0109] In step ST23 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 to search for the portable terminal 60 and receive the information thereof.

[0110] In step ST24 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 and determines whether the received portable terminal 60 has been temporarily registered.

[0111] For example, the authentication ECU 19 receives the terminal information of a portable terminal 60 that can communicate through the communication device 35 from the communication ECU 20 through the automobile network 26. The authentication ECU 19 receives the terminal identification information and the terminal key registered in the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60 as the terminal information. When the authentication ECU 19 obtains two consistency, namely, the consistency of the received terminal information and the terminal information registered in the terminal information memory 86 and the consistency of the received terminal key and the terminal key temporary memory 85, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the received portable terminal 60 has been temporarily registered. For example, the authentication ECU 19 receives the terminal information encrypted in the portable terminal 60 using the terminal key that has been pre-sent to the portable terminal 60 and registered in the terminal side memory 63, and decrypts the received information using the terminal key registered in the terminal information memory 86. When the decrypted terminal information is consistent with the terminal information pre-registered in the terminal information memory 86, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the received portable terminal 60 has been temporarily registered. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 determines that the terminal information and the terminal key are consistent when decryption is possible. The above Figure 5 The consistency judgment in step ST4 can also be the same.

[0112] If the terminal information cannot be received, or if the received terminal information is inconsistent with the terminal information temporarily registered in the terminal information memory 86, the authentication ECU 19 determines that there is no temporarily registered portable terminal 60. In this case, the authentication ECU 19 determines that there is no temporarily registered portable terminal 60, and returns the process to step ST21.

[0113] In other cases, that is, when the received terminal information matches the terminal information temporarily registered in the terminal information memory 86 , the authentication ECU 19 determines that the portable terminal 60 has been temporarily registered, and advances the process to step ST25 .

[0114] In step ST25, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 determines whether the number of times the portable terminal 60 has been confirmed is greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold is set to 3. If the number of times the portable terminal 60 has been confirmed is greater than the predetermined threshold, the authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST30. In other cases, the authentication ECU 19 advances the process to step ST26.

[0115] In step ST26, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 further determines whether the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 is the same as a predetermined threshold. If the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 is less than the predetermined threshold, the authentication ECU 19 causes the process to proceed to step ST27. If the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 is the same as the predetermined threshold, the authentication ECU 19 causes the process to proceed to step ST29.

[0116] In step ST27 , the authentication ECU 19 functions as the key generation unit 75 to generate a new terminal key.

[0117] In step ST28, the authentication ECU 19, as the key generation unit 75, temporarily registers the generated terminal key to the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60. Thus, the temporary terminal key registered to the terminal side memory 63 of the portable terminal 60 is updated. In addition, the authentication ECU 19 updates the terminal key temporary memory 85 by the portable key newly temporarily registered to the portable terminal 60. Thus, the authentication ECU 19 can generate and update the terminal key by the multiple confirmation judgments of the portable terminal 60, at least multiple times (here twice) from the first time. Immediately after the consistency judgment processing of the portable terminal 60, the authentication ECU 19 generates and updates the terminal key simultaneously and in parallel. The terminal key is updated each time it is confirmed. After that, the authentication ECU 19 causes the processing to enter step ST30.

[0118] In step ST29, the authentication ECU 19, as the terminal registration unit 74, formally registers the terminal key that has been temporarily registered in the portable terminal 60 and the terminal information memory 86. The authentication ECU 19 receives the temporary terminal key that has been temporarily registered in the portable terminal 60, and registers it in the portable terminal 60 as a formally registered terminal key. In addition, the authentication ECU 19 obtains the temporary terminal key that has been temporarily registered in the terminal key temporary memory 85, and registers it in the terminal key formal memory 84 as a formally registered terminal key. Thus, the authentication ECU 19 registers the formally registered terminal key in the portable terminal 60 and the terminal key formal memory 84 that have been correctly confirmed multiple times. As a result, after the authentication ECU 19 issues the terminal key, if the terminal key received from the portable terminal 60 is consistent with the temporary terminal key that has been temporarily registered in the terminal key temporary memory 85 multiple times, the terminal key of the portable terminal 60 can be formally registered in the terminal information memory 86. Thereafter, the authentication ECU 19 causes the processing to enter step ST30.

[0119] In step ST30, the authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 and updates the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60. The authentication ECU 19 functions as the terminal registration unit 74 and adds 1 to the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60.

[0120] In step ST31, the authentication ECU 19 as the terminal registration unit 74 determines whether the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 has reached a predetermined threshold. The threshold in this case may be, for example, 7 times. If the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 has not reached the threshold, the authentication ECU 19 returns the process to step ST21. If the number of confirmations of the portable terminal 60 has reached the threshold, the authentication ECU 19 proceeds to step ST31.

[0121] In step ST32, the authentication ECU 19, as the terminal registration unit 74, formally registers the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 that has completed the predetermined threshold number of confirmations. The authentication ECU 19 registers the terminal identification information that has been temporarily registered in the terminal information temporary memory 83 in the terminal information formal memory 82. Thus, when the terminal information received from the portable terminal 60 is consistent with the terminal information registered in the terminal information memory 86 after multiple times, the authentication ECU 19 can formally register the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 in the terminal information memory 86 for the verification by the terminal update unit.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 used by the user separately from the wireless key is registered in the terminal information memory 86. Furthermore, when updating the wireless key memory 81 provided in the automobile 1 and in which the key identification information of the key device 50 of the automobile 1 is registered, the memory update unit 72 checks the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory 86 with the portable terminal 60. Thus, even if there is no key device 50 whose key identification information is pre-registered in the wireless key memory 81, the memory update unit 72 can perform the checking process when updating the wireless key memory 81 by using the portable terminal 60 whose terminal identification information is registered in the terminal information memory 86.

[0123] Even if the user loses all the multiple key devices 50 provided with the automobile 1, the key identification information of the new key device 50 can be registered in the wireless key memory 81 by checking with the portable terminal 60 used independently for these key devices 50. The user can register the key identification information of the new key device 50 in the wireless key memory 81, so there is no need to replace the wireless key device 40.

[0124] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 that is not used by the user together with the key device 50 does not need to be registered in the terminal information memory 86. Even if a person who intends to steal the automobile 1 attempts to re-register the wireless key, he cannot register a new key device 50 in the wireless key memory 81 unless he steals the registered portable terminal 60 from a regular user.

[0125] Thus, in the present embodiment, while ensuring high security against persons other than the authorized user who does not use the key device 50 , convenience for the authorized user who uses the key device 50 can be further pursued.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the terminal key sent from the communication device 35 to the portable terminal 60 for registration is acquired and registered in the terminal key memory. In addition, in the present embodiment, after the terminal key is issued, when the terminal key received from the portable terminal 60 is consistent with the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 is formally registered in the terminal information memory 86. In addition, in the present embodiment, for the portable terminal 60 that communicates through the communication device 35 when updating the wireless key memory 81, the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory 86 and the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory are checked. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if only the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 is consistent, as long as the terminal key generated by the wireless key device 40 of the automobile 1 is inconsistent, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 cannot be formally registered in the terminal information memory 86. Even if a person who has stolen the user's portable terminal 60 uses the portable terminal 60, as long as the consistency judgment is not made for the terminal key, the new key device 50 cannot be formally registered in the wireless key memory 81.

[0127] In the present embodiment, when the ignition is operated when the automobile 1 is started or when the automobile 1 is stopped, the authentication ECU 19 executes a process of acquiring the terminal key simultaneously and in parallel with the matching determination process performed by the terminal registration unit 74 .

[0128] Therefore, for example, at the first startup, a terminal key is issued and registered to the unregistered portable terminal 60. In the processing at this time, since the portable terminal 60 is not registered, the terminal registration unit 74 cannot determine the match.

[0129] At the subsequent second startup, the terminal key used at the previous startup is issued and registered in the portable terminal 60. The terminal registration unit 74 can check the portable terminal 60 by determining whether the issued terminal key is identical.

[0130] In this case, the user has to start the car at least twice in order to update the wireless key memory 81. The portable terminal 60 takes at least two starts to be registered as a verification device for updating the wireless key memory 81.

[0131] Even if a person who intends to steal the automobile 1 intends to update the wireless key memory 81 by checking with the portable terminal 60 , the wireless key memory 81 cannot be updated promptly.

[0132] In contrast, the user who is the regular user of the car 1 continues to use the car 1 using the regular registered key device 50 of the car 1. In this normal use process, the portable terminal 60 of the regular user of the car 1 can be registered as a verification device for updating the wireless key memory 81. The regular user of the car 1 does not need to bear an additional burden for the registration of the portable terminal 60, and can use the registered portable terminal 60 to update the wireless key memory 81 in the event that the key device 50 is lost later. It can be expected that the regular user of the car 1 will register the portable terminal 60 of the regular user of the car 1 as a verification device for updating the wireless key memory 81 before losing all the multiple key devices 50 attached to the car 1.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the terminal registration unit 74 can decrypt the terminal identification information encrypted by the terminal key of the portable terminal 60 received from the portable terminal 60 multiple times using the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory, so that when the terminal key of the portable terminal 60 and the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory are consistent multiple times, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 is formally registered in the terminal information memory 86 for the verification performed by the memory update unit 72. Thus, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 60 is not formally registered in the terminal information memory 86 for the verification performed by the memory update unit 72 until multiple consistency determinations are made. In particular, the terminal registration unit 74 takes time to perform multiple consistency determinations every time a predetermined time interval passes, so that it takes a long time until the terminal identification information is registered.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the key generation unit 75 generates a new terminal key for registration sent from the communication device 35 to the portable terminal 60 multiple times, and updates the terminal key for verifying the portable terminal 60. In particular, the key generation unit 75 generates a new terminal key for multiple times of the multiple consistency judgments performed by the terminal registration unit 74, at least from the first time, and updates the terminal key stored in the portable terminal 60.

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, safety can be further improved.

[0136] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the terminal registration unit 74 sets the number of consistent judgments until the terminal identification information temporarily registered in the portable terminal 60 is formally registered in the terminal information memory 86 for the verification performed by the memory update unit 72, and the number of consistent judgments until the terminal key temporarily stored in the portable terminal 60 and the terminal information memory 86 is formally stored, to different numbers of judgments.

[0137] By making these judgment times different from each other, it becomes difficult to determine which time of the consistent judgment is related to the time when the terminal key is determined by formal registration. Even if multiple terminal keys sent from the wireless key device 40 to the portable terminal 60 are continuously monitored and analyzed, the terminal key itself cannot be cracked, and it cannot be determined which of the multiple terminal keys is used as formal registration.

[0138] The above-mentioned embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

Claims

1. A wireless key device for a vehicle, characterized in that: have: a wireless key memory, which is provided in the vehicle and in which key identification information of a wireless key of the vehicle is registered; a terminal information memory in which terminal identification information of a portable terminal used separately with respect to the wireless key is registered; a memory updating unit that checks the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory with the portable terminal when updating the wireless key memory; A communication device for communicating with the portable terminal used by the user; a key generating unit for generating a terminal key to be transmitted from the communication device to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal; a terminal key storage device in which the generated terminal key is registered; as well as a terminal registration unit, which uses the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit to decrypt the received terminal identification information encrypted by the terminal key in the portable terminal, and when the decryption is possible, determines that the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit is consistent with the terminal key in the portable terminal, and registers the terminal identification information of the portable terminal in the terminal information storage unit; The terminal registration unit is capable of using the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit to decrypt the terminal identification information received from the portable terminal and encrypted using the terminal key of the portable terminal multiple times, so that when the terminal key of the portable terminal is consistent with the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage unit multiple times, the terminal identification information of the portable terminal temporarily registered in the terminal information storage unit is officially registered in the terminal information storage unit for the verification performed by the memory update unit.

2. The wireless key device according to claim 1, wherein: The memory updating unit checks the portable terminal that is communicating with the communication device when the wireless key memory is updated, using the terminal identification information registered in the terminal information memory and the terminal key registered in the terminal key memory.

3. The wireless key device according to claim 1, wherein: The key generation unit performs processing together with the terminal registration unit when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle.

4. The wireless key device according to claim 2, wherein: The key generation unit performs processing together with the terminal registration unit when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle.

5. The wireless key device according to claim 3, wherein: The key generation unit performs processing together with the terminal registration unit to generate new terminal keys multiple times when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle, and updates the terminal key sent from the communication device to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal, and the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage.

6. The wireless key device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The key generation unit performs processing together with the terminal registration unit to generate new terminal keys multiple times when starting the vehicle or stopping the vehicle, and updates the terminal key sent from the communication device to the portable terminal and stored in the portable terminal, and the terminal key registered in the terminal information storage.

7. The wireless key device according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal registration unit performs a plurality of coincidence determinations at every predetermined time interval.

8. The wireless key device according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal key can be stored in the portable terminal and the terminal information memory in a temporarily stored state and a formally stored state, respectively. The terminal registration unit uses the terminal identification information to perform multiple terminal key match determinations, and when a match is obtained multiple times starting from at least the first time, formally stores the terminal keys temporarily stored in the portable terminal and the terminal information storage, respectively.

9. The wireless key device according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal registration unit sets the number of consistent judgments until the terminal identification information temporarily registered in the terminal information memory is formally registered in the terminal information memory for verification by the memory update unit and the number of consistent judgments until the terminal key temporarily stored in the portable terminal and the terminal information memory is formally stored as different judgment numbers.

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