Control system of a device in the vehicle

Abstract

In a control system for a device in a vehicle, the device is controlled based on the result of a verification operation. This operation involves two-way communication: a vehicle-mounted unit (100) sends a request signal, and the portable device (200) sends a response signal in reply to the request signal. If the verification is unsuccessful, the two-way communication is repeated by changing the communication frequency to perform the verification again. When a user operates a door locking sensor (140), the vehicle-mounted unit (100) first performs an external check.If the check is successful, a communication frequency used to successfully perform the check is stored in a memory (112) (S10 to S13). The vehicle-side unit (100) sets the communication frequency stored in the memory (112) as a communication frequency to be set for the portable device (200) to perform an internal check the next time (S16).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system of a device in a vehicle. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

[0002] As an exemplary conventional control system for a device in a vehicle, a vehicle electronic key system (verification system) is disclosed in the following patent document 1. In this vehicle electronic key system, a control device installed in a vehicle performs a verification of a portable device worn by a user of the control device by means of mutual radio communication and controls the device in the vehicle based on the result of the verification.

[0003] This vehicle electronic key system comprises an intelligent security control unit installed in a vehicle and a portable device worn by a user of the control unit. The intelligent security control unit sends a lock request signal, which specifies a response frequency, to the portable device. If no radio signal is received within a predetermined permissible time after transmission of the lock request signal, the intelligent security control unit sends a lock request signal by changing the response frequency to a different frequency. The portable device selects the response frequency specified by the lock request signal and transmits a receive response signal of the selected response frequency to the intelligent security control unit. This prevents the response signal from not being received due to interference.By making radio communication less susceptible to the influence of factors such as interference, a controlled object can be operated normally.

[0004] In the case of a system that changes the communication frequency to repeat the check when the test result indicates an unsuccessful check, the frequency must be changed until the test result indicates a successful check every time the check is performed, even if the radio wave conditions in which the vehicle and the portable device are located do not change. It is therefore likely that the response characteristics will degrade due to an increase in the number of communications and the time it takes. DOCUMENTS ON THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENTS Patent document 1: JP 2008- 190 173 A Patent document 2: DE 10 2008 007 223 A1 Patent document 3: US 2008 / 0 186 131 A1 Patent document 4: DE 698 31 192 T2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One object of the present invention is to create a control system of a device in the vehicle that is capable of suppressing a deterioration of a response characteristic, while making radio communication less susceptible to the influence of factors such as interference radio waves.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control system for a device in a vehicle comprises a portable device and a vehicle-mounted unit. The vehicle-mounted unit is attached to a vehicle for performing a check of the portable device by means of two-way communication, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit sends a request signal and the portable device returns a response signal in reply to the request signal of the vehicle-mounted unit, in order to control a device in the vehicle based on a check result, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit changes a communication frequency to repeat the two-way communication and check if the check result indicates an unsuccessful check.The portable device includes a communication section for receiving the request signal sent by the vehicle-side unit and returning the response signal for two-way communication with the vehicle-side unit. The response signal contains an ID code and is transmitted on a communication frequency determined by the vehicle-side unit. The vehicle-side unit includes a detection section, a frequency setting section, a vehicle-side communication section, a verification section, and a storage section. The detection section detects a user operation, which initiates the verification process. The frequency setting section sets the communication frequency to be configured for the portable device.The vehicle-side communication section sends the request signal to the portable device and receives the response signal as two-way communication with the portable device. The vehicle-side communication section transmits frequency information to the portable device, specifying the communication frequency set by the frequency setting section. The verification section checks the ID code and a pre-registered registration code. The response signal sent by the portable device and received by the vehicle-side communication section contains the ID code. The storage section stores the communication frequency used if the verification result indicates a successful verification. The frequency setting section is configured to change the communication frequency to the set frequency if the verification result indicates an unsuccessful verification.The frequency setting section is configured to perform multiple checks for each user operation captured by the capture section and, if an initial check among the multiple checks performed by the verification section is successful, to set the communication frequency stored in the storage section as the communication frequency to be used when performing the next and subsequent checks.

[0007] In the event that the verification is repeated multiple times each time a user operation is performed, it is generally expected that the radio frequency environment in which the vehicle and the portable device are located will not change significantly. Therefore, if the verification is successfully performed multiple times in response to each user operation, it is readily possible to establish two-way communication between the vehicle-based unit and the portable device using the communication frequency that resulted in the successful verification during subsequent verification operations.

[0008] According to the control system of the device in the vehicle, as described above, it is possible to specify for the portable device only the communication frequency that enabled the successful verification the first time, after the initial verification has resulted in a successful verification among the majority of subsequent verifications in response to each user operation. The communication frequency (the frequency used at the time of a successful verification) that is less susceptible to factors such as radio interference can thus be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the verification is performed, and the deterioration of the response characteristics is suppressed.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control system for a device in a vehicle comprises a portable device and a vehicle-mounted unit. The vehicle-mounted unit is attached to a vehicle for performing a check of the portable device by means of two-way communication, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit sends a request signal, and the portable device returns a response signal in reply to the request signal of the vehicle-mounted unit, in order to control a device in the vehicle based on a check result, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit changes a communication frequency to repeat the two-way communication and check if the check result indicates an unsuccessful check.The portable device includes a communication section for receiving the request signal sent by the vehicle-side unit and returning the response signal for two-way communication with the vehicle-side unit. The response signal contains an ID code and is transmitted on a communication frequency determined by the vehicle-side unit. The vehicle-side unit includes a detection section, a frequency setting section, a vehicle-side communication section, a verification section, a storage section, and an estimation section. The detection section detects a user operation that initiates the verification process. The frequency setting section sets the communication frequency to be configured for the portable device.The vehicle-side communication section sends the request signal to the portable device and receives the response signal as two-way communication with the portable device. The vehicle-side communication section transmits frequency information to the portable device, specifying the communication frequency set by the frequency setting section. The verification section checks the ID code and a pre-registered registration code. The response signal, sent by the portable device and received by the vehicle-side communication section, contains the ID code. The storage section stores the communication frequency used if the verification result indicates a successful check.The estimation section estimates any change in the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and portable device are located, following a successful verification by the verification section. The frequency setting section is configured to change the communication frequency to the one specified if the verification result indicates an unsuccessful verification. The frequency setting section is configured to set a communication frequency to the one stored in the storage section in response to a successful verification if no change in the radio wave environment is estimated.

[0010] In cases where the radio wave environment will not change after a successful check, the communication frequency is set to the frequency stored in memory at the time the check resulted in an OK. The communication frequency (the one used at the time of a successful check) that is less susceptible to factors such as interference can therefore be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the check is performed, and the degradation of the response characteristics is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a device in the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a control system of a device in the vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a frequency storage processing of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a frequency cancellation processing of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a frequency storage processing of first to fourth modified embodiments of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a frequency cancellation processing of the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a frequency cancellation processing of the second modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a frequency cancellation processing of the third modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a frequency cancellation processing of the fourth modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a control system of a device in the vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a frequency storage processing of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a frequency storage processing of the modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a control system of a device in the vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a storage processing and a deletion processing of an operating history of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a storage processing and a deletion processing of an operational history according to a first modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a storage processing and a deletion processing of an operational history according to a second modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment)

[0012] A first embodiment is described first.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a control system for a device in a vehicle comprises a vehicle-mounted unit 100 and a portable device 200. The control system of the device in the vehicle performs a check of the portable device 200 via two-way communication (radio communication), whereby the portable device 200 sends a response signal to a request signal transmitted by the vehicle-mounted unit 100, which is installed in the vehicle. Based on a check result from the verification operation, the system of the device in the vehicle controls a device in the vehicle (for example, a door locking device, a machine starting device). The control system of the device in the vehicle repeats the check by changing the communication frequency of the two-way communication if the check result indicates an unsuccessful check.

[0014] The vehicle-side unit 100 is installed in the vehicle. The vehicle-side unit 100 is designed to control functions of the vehicle-side unit 100 and includes an ECU (electronic control unit) 110, equipped with a CPU 111, a memory 112, and the like. In the vehicle-side unit 100, the ECU 110 is connected to a transmitter 120 (a vehicle-side communication section), a receiver 130 (a vehicle-side communication section), a door locking sensor (a detection section) 140, a door locking control 150, and a machine control 160. The transmitter 120 is used to send a request signal (containing frequency information) to a predetermined detection area outside the vehicle. The receiver 130 is a tuning device for receiving a response signal transmitted wirelessly by the portable device 200.The door locking control unit 150 is used to control and drive a door locking motor that locks and unlocks a vehicle door. The machine control unit 160 is used to control the starting of a machine installed in the vehicle. The door locking sensor 140 can be a switch or a touch sensor located on or near an external handle of the vehicle door. The vehicle-side unit 100 can be equipped with a loudspeaker or similar device that emits an alarm.

[0015] The transmitter 120, the door locking sensor 140, the door locking control unit 150, the door locking motor, and the like are provided for each vehicle door. Although not shown, the vehicle-side unit 100 may further include, for each vehicle door, a locking status detection sensor for detecting the locked / unlocked state of a vehicle door and a door opening detection sensor for detecting an open door.

[0016] Memory 112 of the ECU 110 stores an ID code, frequency information (for example, frequencies F1 to Fn), and the like. The ID code is used for verification. The frequency information specifies a number of communication frequencies available for radio communication from the portable device 200. Memory 112 (memory section) also stores a frequency (frequency information) at which the CPU 111 of the ECU 11 successfully performed the verification.

[0017] CPU 111 of CPU 110 outputs a control signal to instruct transmitter 120 to send a request signal based on a signal from door lock sensor 140. CPU 111 (as the verification section) further verifies, based on a signal from receiver 130, an ID code contained in the response signal from portable device 200 and a pre-registered code, and outputs control signals to door lock controller 150 and machine controller 160. In the event of an unsuccessful verification result, CPU 111 of ECU 110 changes the communication frequency set for portable device 200.When multiple checks are performed on the door lock sensor 140 for each user operation, the CPU 111 sets the communication frequency at which the first check among the multiple checks was successfully performed as the frequency for the next and subsequent checks (frequency setting section). The CPU 111 thus sets the communication frequency (frequency information) to be determined for the portable device 200. The processing operation of the ECU 110 (in particular the CPU 111) is described in detail later.

[0018] The transmitter 120 sends predetermined data by means of FM or AM modulation of a radio wave having a carrier wave of an LF (low frequency) band (for example, approximately 134 kHz). The receiver 130 is configured to receive a radio wave in a predetermined range, for example, in a UHF (ultra-high frequency) band. The receiver 130 has a tuning function for receiving a radio wave of a predetermined frequency with high receiver sensitivity. By tuning its receiving frequency to the communication frequency transmitted by the portable device 200, the receiver 130 receives the response signal when the portable device 200 outputs the response signal at the specified communication frequency in the door interlock control described later.

[0019] The portable device 200 comprises a microcomputer (not shown), a receiver section (a communication section of a portable device) 210, and a transmitter section (a communication section of a portable device) 220. The microcomputer controls functions of the portable device 200. The receiver section 210 is used for two-way communication with the vehicle-mounted unit 100 and receives, via a receiver antenna, the request signal sent by the transmitter 7, so that data contained in the request signal is entered into the microcomputer. The transmitter section 220 sends (gives) back, via a transmitter antenna, the response signal containing the data output by the microcomputer. The portable device 200 stores an ID code that identifies the portable device itself.

[0020] The transmitter section 220 selects the specified communication frequency from among the multiple communication frequencies for sending the response signal and transmits the predetermined data by FM or AM modulation of the radio wave that has the carrier wave of the selected communication frequency. When the portable device 200 receives the frequency information specifying the specified communication frequency transmitted by the vehicle-mounted unit 100, the portable device 200 sends the response signal to the vehicle-mounted unit 100 at the communication frequency corresponding to the frequency information. The communication frequency selectable by the transmitter section 220 is set to radio waves within a range of a UHF band (for example, 300 to 400 MHz). The multiple frequency information (for example, a frequency F1 to a frequency Fn) is set within this range.

[0021] In the control system of a device in the vehicle, the radio wave in the UHF band, which the portable device 200 uses for transmission, is more susceptible to noise (interference) generated by communication cables, large display devices, and the like than the radio wave in the LF band, which is used by the vehicle-side unit 100. Therefore, interference (i.e., a communication abnormality) is likely to occur.

[0022] The control system of a device in the vehicle is therefore configured to reduce the susceptibility of the portable device 200's response signal to interference and to minimize the deterioration of its response characteristics when the check is repeated multiple times in response to each user operation. A processing operation of this control system of a device in the vehicle is described with reference to Fig. Figure 2 describes a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the control system of a device in a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An example of a door locking operation is described here. The processing in the flowchart of Fig. For example, option 2 is started when all vehicle doors are closed.

[0023] In step S10, the CPU 111 checks whether a sensor reading from the door lock sensor 140 is present. That is, based on a reading from the door lock sensor 140, the CPU 111 checks whether the user has activated the door lock sensor 140 to initiate a vehicle door locking command. It thus checks whether the user has activated the door lock sensor 140 to initiate a door locking check. If the check result indicates sensor detection (i.e., the user has activated the door lock sensor 140), step S11 is executed. If the check result indicates no sensor detection (i.e., the user has not activated the door lock sensor 140), the CPU 111 repeats the check operation of step S10.

[0024] In step S11, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs an external check to verify the presence of the portable device 200 outside the vehicle by varying its frequency. The CPU 111 (the frequency setting section) thus performs the external check by changing the communication frequency assigned to the portable device 200 when the vehicle-side unit 100 determines a check failure (NG). In other words, this processing is the external check to verify the portable device 200 by changing its communication frequency when the portable device 200 sends the response signal.

[0025] The CPU 111 therefore sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information specifying a frequency to be set for the portable device 200. If the portable device 200 sends a response signal in reply to the request signal, it transmits the response signal at the set communication frequency to the vehicle-mounted unit 100.

[0026] A check failure (NG) indicates that the check was unsuccessful. An NG is determined if no response signal is received within a predetermined fixed time after the transmission of the request signal, or if an ID code contained in a received response signal does not have a predetermined correspondence (e.g., a match) with an ID code stored in memory 112 of the ECU 110. An OK indicates that the check was successful. An OK is determined if the response signal is received within the predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal, or if the ID code contained in the received response signal has a predetermined correspondence (e.g., a match) with the ID code stored in memory 112 of the ECU 110.

[0027] In step S12, CPU 111 checks whether the test result is OK or not. This means it checks whether the ID code contained in the received response signal has the predetermined correspondence relationship (for example, a match) to the ID code stored in memory 112. CPU 111 executes step S13 if the test result indicates OK. CPU 111 executes step S14 if the test result indicates NG (Non-Good) even if all frequency information has been transmitted to the portable device 200 (that is, even if all communication frequencies usable by the portable device 200 have been determined).

[0028] In step S13, the CPU 111 stores in memory 112 (storage section) the communication frequency of the response signal sent by the portable device 200, which resulted in a successful check; that is, the communication frequency (frequency information) set for the portable device 200. This means that the communication frequency at this time is the communication frequency at which the check was first successfully performed among multiple checks carried out in response to each user operation detected by the door lock sensor 140.The communication frequency is stored so that the communication frequency that enabled the first check among the majority of checks carried out in response to each user operation detected by the door lock sensor 140 to be successful can be used as a communication frequency to carry out next and subsequent checks.

[0029] In step S14, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (communication frequency) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. That is, it checks whether the communication frequency with which the external check in step S11 resulted in a successful check is stored. If the check result indicates the absence of a stored frequency, step S15 is executed. If the check result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S16 is executed.

[0030] In step S15, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs an internal check by varying the frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is located in the vehicle compartment. This step is used to perform the internal check by changing the communication frequency assigned to the portable device 200 when the NG of a check is determined in the vehicle-side unit 100. That is, the internal check is performed by changing the communication frequency at which the portable device 200 sends the response signal. The CPU 111 thus sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information specifying the communication frequency to be assigned to the portable device 200, to the portable device 200.When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in response to the request signal, the portable device 200 sends the response signal at the communication frequency specified by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0031] At step S16, CPU 111 (the verification section) performs an internal check at a fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is inside the vehicle compartment. This is done by setting the communication frequency (frequency setting section), which is stored in memory 112 at step S13. This communication frequency, set for the portable device 200, is the frequency used for the first check among the multiple checks performed in response to each user operation. The CPU therefore sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information stored in memory 112 at step S13, specifying the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200.The portable device 200 transmits the response signal at the communication frequency determined by the vehicle-side unit 100 when the portable device 200 sends the response signal in reply to the request signal.

[0032] At step S17, CPU 111 checks whether the test result is OK. That is, it checks whether the ID code contained in the received response signal has the predetermined correspondence relationship (for example, a match) to the ID code stored in memory 112. If the test result is OK, CPU 111 executes step S18. If the test result is NG, even if all frequency information has been sent to portable device 200 (even if all communication frequencies usable by portable device 200 have been determined), CPU 111 executes step S20.

[0033] In step S18, the CPU 111 issues an alarm indicating that the portable device 200 is locked or enclosed in the vehicle compartment, for example by emitting a sound from a loudspeaker.

[0034] In step S19, CPU 111 (resetting section) resets memory 112. Resetting memory 112 involves deleting the communication frequency that was stored when the check first resulted in a successful verification. This means the communication frequency (frequency information) stored in memory 112 is deleted when the check first resulted in a successful verification among the majority of checks performed in response to each user operation detected by the door lock sensor 140.

[0035] If the majority of checks for each user operation have been stopped, it is very likely that the radio wave environment in which the portable device 200 is located is changing. As done in step S19, it is therefore preferable to clear the communication frequency stored in memory 112 when the first check was successfully performed if the checks (both external and internal) have been stopped the majority of times in response to each user operation detected by the door lock sensor 140.

[0036] In step S20, CPU 111 checks whether the test result is OK. That is, CPU 111 checks whether the ID code contained in the received response signal has the predetermined correspondence relationship (for example, a match) to the ID code stored in memory 112. If the test result is OK, CPU 111 executes step S21. If the test result is NG, even if all frequency information has been sent to the portable device 200 (all communication frequencies usable by the portable device 200 have been determined), processing is stopped.

[0037] In step S21, the CPU I l 1 outputs a control signal indicating the locking of a vehicle door to the door locking control 150, so that the vehicle doors are locked.

[0038] At step S22, CPU 111 (the reset section) resets memory 112. Resetting memory 112 represents a deletion of the communication frequency that was stored when the check first resulted in a successful verification. Thus, the communication frequency (the frequency information) stored in memory 112 when the check first resulted in a successful verification among the majority of checks performed in response to each user operation detected by the door lock sensor is deleted.

[0039] It is likely that the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located will vary if the check is stopped the majority of times relative to a user operation. It is therefore preferred to delete the communication frequency stored in the memory, with which the check was successfully performed the first time in a case of multiple checks for each user operation detected by the door locking sensor (in this case, an external check and an internal check), as is done in step S 19.

[0040] In a case where the check is repeated multiple times (in this case, an external check and an internal check) each time user operation is detected by the door locking sensor 140, the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located is generally expected not to change significantly. Therefore, if the check is successfully performed multiple times in response to each user operation, it is readily possible to establish two-way communication between the vehicle unit 100 and the portable device 200 using the communication frequency that resulted in the successful checks during subsequent check operations.

[0041] According to the control system of a device in the vehicle in the present embodiment, it is possible to specify for the portable device 200 only the communication frequency that enabled the first successful verification after the initial verification (in this example, an external verification), which resulted in the successful verification among the majority of verifications (in this example, the external and internal verifications) in response to each user operation. That is, when performing subsequent verifications (for example, an internal verification), the portable device 200 communicates with the unit 110 using the communication frequency that enabled the first successful verification.The communication frequency (the frequency used at the time of a successful verification) that is less susceptible to factors such as interference can therefore be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the verification is performed, and the deterioration of the response characteristics is suppressed. (Second example)

[0042] A second embodiment is described next.

[0043] The present invention differs from the first embodiment in that an estimation section is provided to estimate changes in the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located. The vehicle-side unit 100 is furthermore equipped with a timer according to the present embodiment.

[0044] A communication frequency storage processing and a communication frequency deletion processing in the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the present embodiment are first described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0045] Communication frequency storage processing is the first thing to refer to. Fig. 4 described.

[0046] In step S130, CPU 111 checks whether the result of the external or internal check is OK. That is, it checks whether the ID code contained in the received response signal and the ID code stored in memory 112 have the predetermined correspondence relationship (for example, a match). If the check result is OK, CPU 111 executes step S131. If the check result is NG, CPU 111 stops frequency storage processing, even if all frequency information has been sent to portable device 200 (even if all communication frequencies usable by portable device 200 have been determined).

[0047] In step S131, the CPU 111 stores the communication frequency of the response signal with which the portable device 200 transmitted and which resulted in a successful check, that is, the communication frequency (the frequency information) assigned to the portable device 200, in memory 112 (storage section). Storing the communication frequency allows it to be used as the communication frequency as long as the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 were operating and in which the check resulted in a successful check does not change. In step S132, the CPU 111 resets a timer.

[0048] Communication frequency storage processing is next, with reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0049] In step S140, CPU 111 checks whether a fixed time has elapsed since the timer (time measurement section) was reset (that is, after the communication frequency was stored as a result of a successful check). This fixed time is set to a time interval during which the radio wave environment will not change. If it is determined that the fixed time has elapsed, CPU 111 executes step S141 to delete the communication frequency that was stored in memory 111 during the storage processing. If it is determined that the fixed time has not yet elapsed, the check in step S140 is repeated. If the time is within the fixed time after the successful check, CPU 111 (the estimation section) estimates that no radio wave environment has developed.During this interval, the communication frequency stored in memory 112 as a result of a successful check is not deleted. It is therefore possible to check (estimation section) whether the frequency has changed within the fixed time since the successful check, or whether the radio wave environment has changed.

[0050] The processing operation of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 3 is described next.

[0051] Step S110 checks similarly to step S10 in Fig. 2. The CPU 111 checks whether sensor acquisition is present. If the test result indicates sensor acquisition, step S111 is executed. If the test result indicates no sensor acquisition, the CPU 111 repeats the check from step S110.

[0052] In step S111, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (communication information) to be set for portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. Specifically, it checks whether the communication frequency that resulted in a successful verification within the allotted time during memory processing is stored in memory 112. This means that the communication frequency less susceptible to interference, such as radio noise, is stored in memory 112. If the test result indicates the absence of a stored frequency, step S112 is executed. If the test result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S115 is executed.

[0053] Step S112 is similar to step S11 in Fig. 2 the CPU 111 (a verification section) performs the internal verification by varying the frequency to check whether the portable device 200 is located in the vehicle cell.

[0054] In step S113, similar to step S111, the CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (the communication information) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. If the test result indicates the absence of the stored frequency, step S114 is executed. If the test result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S116 is executed.

[0055] Step S114 is similar to step S15 in Fig. 2 the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the internal verification by varying the frequency to check if the portable device 200 is present in the vehicle cell.

[0056] In step S115, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the external check at the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is outside the vehicle compartment. This serves to perform the external check (frequency setting section) by setting the communication frequency (frequency information), which is stored in memory 112 during storage processing (step S131 in). Fig. 4) This communication frequency, which is specified for the portable device 200, is the communication frequency at which the test resulted in a successful completion within the fixed time. This communication frequency is less susceptible to communication-interfering factors, such as radio interference.

[0057] Accordingly, CPU 111 sends the request signal containing the frequency information that was used in step S131. Fig. 4, which is stored in memory 112, to the portable device 200, and specifies the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in response to the request signal, the portable device 200 sends the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0058] In step S116, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the internal check by using the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is inside the vehicle compartment. This processing (frequency setting section) serves to perform the internal check by setting the communication frequency (frequency information) that was used in the storage processing (step S131 in Fig. 4) is stored in memory 112 for the portable device 200. This communication frequency, which has been set for the portable device 200, is the communication frequency at which the OK of a verification is generated within the fixed time. That is, this communication frequency is less susceptible to the influence of factors such as interference from radio waves, which will hinder radio communication.

[0059] Accordingly, the CPU 111 sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information specifying the communication frequency set for the portable device 200, to the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in reply to the request signal, the portable device 200 sends the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0060] Steps S117 to S120 are the same as steps S17, S18, S20 and S21, and therefore the same description is not repeated.

[0061] The communication frequency for the portable device 200 is thus fixed to the communication frequency stored in memory 112 when the test resulted in a successful check, for a fixed period after the successful check. The communication frequency (the one used at the time of a successful check), which is less susceptible to factors such as interference, can therefore be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the check is performed, and the deterioration of the response characteristics is suppressed. <Erstes modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0062] It is less likely that the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located will change during a time interval between the determination of successful verification and the opening of the vehicle door. As a first modified example of the second embodiment, it is possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the door is opened after the determination of successful verification. It is assumed that the vehicle-side unit 100, according to the present embodiment, has a door opening detection sensor (door opening detection section ). itt) which detects the opening of the door. This first modified example differs from the second embodiment in its frequency storage processing and frequency deletion processing. That is, the other basic processing operation of the control system of a device in the vehicle, besides frequency storage processing and frequency deletion processing, is similar to the second embodiment ( Fig. 3).

[0063] The storage processing of the communication frequency in the first modified embodiment is described first. This storage processing of the communication frequency corresponds to that described in Fig. The storage processing shown in 2, except that step S132 is omitted. This storage processing of the communication frequency according to the first modified example is similar to those of a second through a fourth modified example, which are described later. The deletion processing of the communication frequency according to the in Fig. The first modified example shown in Figure 7 is described next.

[0064] In step S1401, after determining a successful verification (i.e., storing the communication frequency) based on the door opening detection sensor's reading, CPU 111 checks whether the vehicle door is open. If the door is determined to be open, step S141 is executed. In S141, CPU 111 deletes the communication frequency that was stored in memory 112 during the storage process. If the door is determined to be closed, step S1401 is repeated. It is assumed that the radio wave environment remains constant for a period from the determination of a successful verification until the door is opened. Therefore, the communication frequency stored in memory 112 at the time of a successful verification is not deleted during this period.It is therefore possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the vehicle door is opened after the successful verification has been determined (estimation section). <Zweites modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0065] Furthermore, it is less likely that the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located will change during a time interval from the determination of the successful verification until the activation of an ignition switch (IG) or accessory switch (ACC) of the vehicle. As a second modified example of the second embodiment, it is possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the IG or the ACC of the vehicle is activated after the determination of the successful verification.

[0066] It is assumed that the vehicle-side unit 100, according to the present embodiment, has an ignition sensor that detects an on / off state of the IG or the ACC of the vehicle. This second modified example differs from the second embodiment and the first modified example in the frequency deletion processing. That is, unlike the frequency deletion processing, the basic processing operation and the storage processing of the control system of a device in the vehicle are similar to the second embodiment ( Fig. 3) and the first modified example ( Fig. 6).

[0067] The deletion processing of the communication frequency in the second modified example is first described with reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0068] In step S1402, CPU 111 checks, based on the ignition sensor's detection result, whether the vehicle's ignition control unit (IG) or adaptive cruise control (ACC) is in the "on" state after determining a successful check (i.e., storing the communication frequency). If it is determined that the vehicle's IG or ACC is in the "on" state, step S141 is executed. In S141, CPU 111 deletes the communication frequency that was stored in memory 112 during the storage processing. If it is determined that the vehicle's IG or ACC is not in the "on" state, step S1402 is repeated. It is assumed that the radio wave environment will not change during the time interval between determining the successful check and the vehicle's IG or ACC being switched on.For this reason, the communication frequency stored in memory 112 at the time of a successful verification is not cleared during this period. It is therefore possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the IG or the ACC is activated after the successful verification has been determined (estimation section). <Drittes modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0069] Furthermore, it is less likely that the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located will change during a time interval between the determination of successful verification and the switching on of a machine. As a third modified example of the second embodiment, it is possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the machine is started after the determination of successful verification.

[0070] It is assumed that the vehicle-side unit 100, according to the present embodiment, has a start sensor that detects when the vehicle's engine is started. This third modified example differs from the second modified example, the second embodiment, and the first modified example with respect to frequency deletion processing. That is to say, unlike the frequency deletion processing, the basic processing operation and the storage processing of the control system of a device in the vehicle are similar to the second embodiment ( Fig. 3) and the first modified example ( Fig. 6).

[0071] The deletion processing of the communication frequency in the third modified example is described with reference to Fig. As described in section 9, in step S1403, CPU 111 checks, based on the starter sensor's acquisition result, whether the vehicle will start after the successful verification (i.e., after the communication frequency has been stored). If it is determined that the vehicle will start, step S141 is executed. In S141, CPU 111 deletes the communication frequency that was stored in memory 112 during the storage process. If it is determined that the vehicle will not start, step S1402 is repeated. It is assumed that the radio wave environment remains constant for a period from the determination of the successful verification until the vehicle starts. Therefore, the communication frequency stored in memory 112 at the time of a verification success is not deleted during this period.It is therefore possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the vehicle's engine is started after the successful verification has been determined (estimation section). <Viertes modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0072] Furthermore, it is less likely that the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located will change during a time interval between the determination of successful verification and the detection of vehicle movement (vehicle speed). As a fourth modified example of the second embodiment, it is possible to estimate a change in the radio wave environment based on whether the vehicle started driving after the determination of successful verification.

[0073] It is assumed that the vehicle-side unit 100, according to the present embodiment, has a vehicle speed sensor that detects the movement of a vehicle. This fourth modified example differs from the second modified example, the second embodiment, and the first modified example in its frequency deletion processing. That is, unlike the frequency deletion processing, the basic processing operation and the storage processing are similar to the second embodiment ( Fig. 3) and the first modified example ( Fig. 6).

[0074] The deletion processing of the communication frequency in the fourth modified example is described with reference to Fig. 10 described.

[0075] In step S1404, CPU 111 checks, based on the acquisition result from the vehicle speed sensor, whether a vehicle speed, indicating that the vehicle is moving, is being detected after the successful verification (i.e., after the communication frequency has been stored). If it is determined that the vehicle speed is being detected, step S141 is executed. In S141, CPU 111 deletes the communication frequency that was stored in memory 112 during the storage processing. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is not being detected, step S1404 is repeated. It is assumed that the radio wave environment remains constant for a period from the determination of the successful verification until the vehicle speed is detected.For this reason, the communication frequency stored in memory 112 at the time of a successful verification is not erased during this period. It is therefore possible to estimate changes in the radio wave environment based on whether the vehicle's speed is being recorded after the successful verification (estimation section). (Third embodiment)

[0076] A third embodiment is described next with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 described.

[0077] The same configuration as in the first embodiment is not described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an estimation section is provided to estimate a change in the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 100 are located, after a verification has been successfully performed, based on the vehicle's location. The vehicle-side unit 100 according to the present embodiment is further equipped with a location detection device, such as a GPS, which detects the current location of the vehicle.

[0078] The communication frequency storage processing in the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the present embodiment is first described with reference to Fig. 12 described.

[0079] In step S230, CPU 111 checks whether the result of the external or internal check is OK. That is, it checks whether the ID code contained in the received response signal and the ID code stored in memory 112 have the predetermined correspondence relationship (for example, a match). If the check result is OK, CPU 111 executes step S231. If the check result is NG, even if all frequency information has been sent to portable device 200 (even if all communication frequencies usable by portable device 200 have been determined), CPU 111 stops processing.

[0080] In step S231, CPU 111 stores the communication frequency of the response signal sent by portable device 200, which resulted in a successful check, i.e., the communication frequency (frequency information) assigned to portable device 200, in memory 112 (storage section). Storing the communication frequency allows it to be used as the communication frequency as long as the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and portable device 200 are operating and the check resulted in a successful check remains unchanged.

[0081] In step S232, the CPU 111 stores the current location of the vehicle, as detected by the location detection device, by associating the current location with the communication frequency in memory 112 (location storage section). If the test result is OK, the CPU 111 stores the location where the test resulted in a successful verification, along with the communication frequency, in memory 112 (location storage section).

[0082] The radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located generally varies depending on the location. It is therefore likely that the location where the verification was successfully performed will not experience any changes in the radio wave environment, even if the next and subsequent verifications are performed there. It is therefore quite possible that the verification will be successful at that location. According to the present embodiment, a change in the radio wave environment is estimated (estimation section) based on whether the verification was previously successful at the same location.

[0083] The processing operation of a control system of a device in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, which is in Fig. The item shown in 11 is described next.

[0084] Step S210 checks similarly to step S10 in Fig. 2. The CPU 111 checks whether sensor acquisition is present. If the test result indicates sensor acquisition, step S211 is executed. If the test result indicates no sensor acquisition, the CPU 111 repeats the check from step S210.

[0085] In step S211, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (the communication information) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. Specifically, it checks whether the communication frequency that resulted in a successful check during memory processing is stored in memory 112. This means it checks whether the communication frequency, which is less susceptible to communication-interfering factors such as radio interference, is stored in memory 112. If the check result indicates the absence of a stored frequency, step S212 is executed. If the check result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S215 is executed.

[0086] Step S212 proceeds similarly to step S11 in Fig. 2. The CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the external verification by varying the frequency to check whether the portable device 200 is outside the vehicle cell.

[0087] In step S213, similar to step S211, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (the communication information) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. If the test result indicates the absence of the stored frequency, step S214 is executed. If the test result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S218 is executed.

[0088] Step S214 leads similarly to step S15 in Fig. 2 the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the internal verification by varying the frequency to check if the portable device 200 is present in the vehicle cell.

[0089] In step S215, the CPU 111 checks whether the vehicle location (the current location) detected by the location detection device is the same location as the location stored in memory 112 in an association to the communication frequency, to determine the current location of the vehicle.

[0090] If, at step S216, CPU 111 determines that the current location and the location stored in memory 112 are the same, step S217 is executed. If it is determined that the current location and the stored location are different, step S212 is executed.

[0091] In step S217, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the external check at the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is outside the vehicle compartment. This is done to perform the external check (frequency setting section) by setting the communication frequency (frequency information), which is stored in memory 112 during storage processing (step S231 in). Fig. 12) is stored. This communication frequency, which is set for the portable device 200, is the communication frequency with which the check at the current location resulted in an OK. This communication frequency is less susceptible to communication-interfering factors, such as interference radio waves.

[0092] Accordingly, CPU 111 sends the request signal containing the frequency information stored in memory 112 at step S231. Fig. 12, which are stored, to the portable device 200 and specifies the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in response to the request signal, the portable device 200 transmits the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0093] In step S218, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the internal check using the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is inside the vehicle cell. This processing (frequency setting section) serves to perform the internal check by setting the communication frequency (the frequency information) stored in memory 112 during the storage processing (step S231 in Fig. 12) is stored for the portable device 200. This communication frequency, which is set for the portable device 200, is the communication frequency with which the OK of a check at the current position is generated once. That is, this communication frequency is less susceptible to the influence of factors such as interference from radio noise, which will hinder radio communication.

[0094] Accordingly, CPU 111 sends the request signal containing the frequency information stored in memory 112 at step S231. Fig. 12 stored, indicates the portable device 200 and specifies the communication frequency set for the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in reply to the request signal, the portable device 200 sends the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0095] Steps S219 to S222 are the same as steps S17, S18, S20 and S21, and therefore the same description is not repeated.

[0096] According to the present embodiment, a change in the radio wave environment is estimated based on whether the location where the check is performed is the same location as where the check was previously performed successfully (estimation section). By thus storing the vehicle's location and the communication frequency when the check was performed successfully, such a communication frequency can be selected for the portable device 200 as one that will be less affected by factors such as interfering radio waves, in the event of a repeat check at the same location where the check was previously performed successfully.

[0097] This means that if a check is performed at the same location (assuming the radio wave environment remains constant) where the previous check was successful, the communication frequency stored in memory at the time of the successful check becomes the fixed communication frequency for the portable device 200. The communication frequency (the one used at the time of a successful check) that is less susceptible to factors such as radio wave interference can thus be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time a check is performed, and the degradation of the response characteristics is suppressed. <Erstes modifiziertes Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0098] The radio wave environment in which the portable device 200 and the vehicle are located can sometimes change depending on a time zone (for example, nighttime or daytime). As a first modified example of the third embodiment, it is possible to change the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device 200 are located from the time of a successful verification based on the time zone in which the verification is carried out, as in Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 is shown. It is assumed that the vehicle-side unit 100, according to the present embodiment, has a time recording device that records the time.

[0099] The storage processing of the communication frequency in the first modified example, which is in Fig. Item 14, which is shown, is described first.

[0100] Similar to the third embodiment ( Fig. 12) If the test result at step S230 is OK, the CPU 111 stores the communication frequency of the response signal sent by the portable device 200 that resulted in the OK of a check at step S231, that is, the communication frequency (the frequency information) set for the portable device 200, in memory 112 (the storage section).

[0101] Storing the communication frequency allows it to be used as the communication frequency as long as the radio wave environment in which the vehicle and portable device 200 are located, and in which the check resulted in an OK, does not change.

[0102] In step S2321, the CPU 111 uses the time-sensing device to detect the current time and stores the corresponding time zone by associating it with the communication frequency in memory 112 (the time zone storage section). That is, the CPU 111 stores the time zone in which the check was successfully performed, along with the communication frequency used at that time, in memory 112 (the time zone storage section).

[0103] The radio wave environment in which the vehicle and portable device 200 are located generally varies depending on time zones (for example, daytime and nighttime). A fluorescent light, for instance, is usually only activated at night and may adversely affect the radio wave environment. Therefore, at a location where a fluorescent light is present in close proximity, the radio wave environment may vary between daytime and nighttime, even at the same location. It is therefore likely that the time zone in which the check was once successfully performed will not experience any changes in the radio wave environment, even if the next and subsequent checks are performed in a similar time zone. It is therefore quite possible that the check will be successful.According to the present embodiment, a change in the radio wave environment is estimated based on whether the time zone for performing the check is the same time zone in which the check was previously successfully performed (estimation section).

[0104] The processing operation of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the first modified example, which is in Fig. The next item shown is number 13. Fig. 13 is merely a part that differs from the third embodiment ( Fig. 11) differs, shown. If the test result at step S211 in Fig. Step 11 indicates that the communication frequency (the frequency information) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. Step S215 is then executed. This step checks whether the communication frequency that resulted in a successful verification is stored in memory 112 during the storage processing. Specifically, it checks whether the communication frequency less affected by factors such as interfering radio waves is stored in memory 112.

[0105] In step S2151, the CPU detects 111 through the time recording device instead of step S215. Fig. 11 the current time. The CPU 111 then performs a time zone check to verify that a time zone containing the detected time is the same time zone that corresponds to the communication frequency stored in memory 112.

[0106] CPU 111 performs step S2161 instead of step S216, which is in Fig. shown in step 11. If, at step S2161, CPU 111 determines that the current time zone and the time zone stored in memory 112 are the same, CPU 111 executes the step shown in Fig. Step S217, shown in section 11, is executed. If the time zones are not the same, the CPU executes step 111, shown in [section / documentation]. Fig. Step S212 shown in 11.

[0107] According to the present embodiment, a change in the radio wave environment is estimated based on whether the time zone in which the verification is performed is the same time zone as the time zone in which the verification was previously successfully performed. By thus saving the time zone and communication frequency when the verification was successfully performed, such a communication frequency can be selected for the portable device 200 as one that will be less affected by factors such as interfering radio waves, in the event of a repeat verification in the same time zone in which the verification was previously successfully performed.

[0108] This means that if a verification is performed in the same time zone (assuming the radio wave environment remains constant) as the successful verification, the communication frequency stored in memory at the time of the successful verification will be fixed as the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200. The communication frequency (the one used at the time of the successful verification) that is less susceptible to factors such as radio wave interference can thus be selected. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time a verification is performed, and the degradation of the response characteristics is suppressed. (Fourth example)

[0109] A fourth embodiment is described next with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 described.

[0110] The same configuration as the second and third embodiments is not described. The present invention differs from the second and third embodiments in that the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200 is not fixed. The vehicle-side unit 100 according to the present embodiment is also provided with a timer.

[0111] Firstly, storage processing and deletion processing of an operating history are required in the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 16 described.

[0112] In step S330, the CPU 111 checks whether intelligent operation has been performed. That is, according to the present embodiment, the CPU 111 checks, based on the signal from the door lock sensor 140, whether the door lock sensor 140 was operated. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was operated in intelligent mode, step 331 is executed. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was not operated, i.e., intelligent operation was not performed, step S330 is repeated.

[0113] In step S331, CPU 111 checks whether the operating history is stored in memory 112. If it is determined that the operating history is stored, step S334 is executed. If it is determined that the operating history is not stored, step S332 is executed.

[0114] In step S332, CPU 111 resets a timer. In step S333, CPU 111 saves the operating history to memory 112.

[0115] In step S334, CPU 111 checks whether a predetermined fixed time has elapsed since intelligent operation. If it is determined that the fixed time has elapsed, step S335 is executed. If it is determined that the fixed time has not yet elapsed, step S337 is executed.

[0116] In step S335, CPU 111 resets the timer. In step S336, CPU 111 clears the operating history stored in memory 112.

[0117] In step S337, CPU 111 checks whether the user has performed the same intelligent operation. If it is determined that the same operation has been performed, step S338 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation has not been performed, step S340 is executed.

[0118] In step S338, CPU 111 stores the same operation in memory 112. In step S339, CPU 111 deletes the operation history that is stored in memory 112.

[0119] At step S340, CPU 111 resets the timer. At step S341, CPU 111 clears the operating history stored in memory 112.

[0120] The processing operation of the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the present embodiment, which is in Fig. The item shown in 15 is described next.

[0121] Step 5310 checks similarly to step S10 in Fig. 2. The CPU 111 checks whether sensor acquisition is present. If the test result indicates sensor acquisition, step S311 is executed. If the test result indicates no sensor acquisition, the CPU 111 repeats the check from step S310.

[0122] In step 311, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (the communication information) to be set for portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. Specifically, it checks whether the communication frequency that resulted in a successful check is stored in memory 112. This means it checks whether the communication frequency that is less susceptible to communication-interfering factors, such as radio interference, is stored in memory 112. If the check result indicates the absence of a stored frequency, step S312 is executed. If the check result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S315 is executed.

[0123] Step S312 is similar to step S11 in Fig. 2 the CPU 111 (verification section) performs the external verification by varying the frequency to check whether the portable device 200 is outside the vehicle cell.

[0124] In step S313, similar to step S311, CPU 111 checks whether the communication frequency (the communication information) to be set for the portable device 200 is stored in memory 112. If the check result indicates the absence of the stored frequency, step S314 is executed. If the check result indicates the presence of the stored frequency, step S315 is executed.

[0125] Step S314 is similar to step S15 in Fig. 2. The CPU 111 (a verification section) performs the internal verification by varying the frequency to check if the portable device 200 is present in the vehicle cell.

[0126] In step S315, the CPU checks 111 based on the processing that is in Fig. Figure 16 shows whether the same operation is present. If it is determined that the same operation is present, step S316 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation is not present, step S317 is executed. In step S316, CPU 111 deletes the same operation stored in memory 112.

[0127] In step S317, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the external check at the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is outside the vehicle compartment. This serves to perform the external check (frequency setting section) by setting the communication frequency (frequency information), which is stored in memory 112 during the storage processing in the second and third embodiments. This communication frequency, set for the portable device 200, is the communication frequency that is less susceptible to communication-interfering factors, such as radio interference.

[0128] Accordingly, the CPU 111 sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information stored in memory 112, to the portable device 200 and specifies the communication frequency to be set for the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in reply to the request signal, it sends the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0129] In step S318, the CPU 111 (the verification section) performs the internal check using the fixed frequency to verify that the portable device 200 is located inside the vehicle compartment. This processing (frequency setting section) serves to perform the internal check by setting the communication frequency (the frequency information), which is stored in memory 112 during the storage processing in the second and third embodiments, for the portable device 200. This communication frequency set for the portable device 200 is the communication frequency that is less susceptible to interference from factors such as radio noise that could impede radio communication.

[0130] Accordingly, the CPU 111 sends the request signal, which contains the frequency information stored in memory 112, to the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 sends the response signal in reply to the request signal, it sends the response signal at the communication frequency set by the vehicle-side unit 100.

[0131] Steps S319 to S322 are the same as steps S17, S18, S20 and S21, and therefore the same description is not repeated.

[0132] In the event that the user performs the same operation within the fixed time, it is generally expected that the device in the vehicle, which is the controlled object, will not be operating normally. By performing the preceding processing, a communication frequency (the communication frequency with which the check was successfully carried out) can be selected as one that will be less affected by factors such as interference radio waves. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the check is carried out, and the deterioration of the response characteristics is suppressed. However, if it is likely that the device in the vehicle, which is the controlled object, will not be operating normally, the communication frequency to be set can be left unfixed.

[0133] During the verification process at step S337, not only a single identical operation but also a sequence of the same operation can be checked. This means that if the user operation is the same operation, but not consecutive, it is possible to retain the fixed communication frequency. <Erstes modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0134] As a first modified example of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to release the communication frequency to be fixed from being locked if the user repeats the same operation a fixed number of times. The first modified example differs from the fourth embodiment in that it may be permissible to release the locking of the communication frequency if the same operation is repeated by the user. That is, a different basic processing operation than the frequency deletion processing in the control system of a device in the vehicle is equivalent to the fourth embodiment ( Fig. 15).

[0135] The storage processing and deletion processing of the operating history in the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the first modified example are described with reference to Fig. 17 described.

[0136] In step S360, a similar check is performed to step S330 in Fig. 16. The CPU 111 determines whether intelligent operation is being performed. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was operating in intelligent mode, step S361 is executed. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was not operating, i.e., intelligent operation was not performed, step S360 is executed.

[0137] Step S361 checks similarly to step S331 in Fig. 16. The CPU 111 checks whether the operating history is stored in memory 112. If it is determined that the operating history is stored, step S364 is executed. If it is determined that the operating history is not stored, step S362 is executed.

[0138] In step S362, CPU 111 resets a counter value of an operation stored in memory 112. In step S363, which is similar to step S333 in Fig. If the CPU is 16, it stores the operating history in memory 112.

[0139] In step S364, a similar check is performed as in step 337 in Fig. 16. The CPU 111 checks whether the same operation (the same intelligent operation) was performed by the user when step S361 determines that the operation history is present. If it is determined that the same operation was performed, step S365 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation was not present, step S369 is executed.

[0140] In step S365, CPU 111 checks whether the user has repeated the same operation a fixed number of times. If it is determined that the same operation has been repeated the fixed number of times, step S366 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation has not been repeated the fixed number of times, step S367 is executed. In step S366, CPU 111 updates the operation count stored in memory 112.

[0141] In step S367, CPU 111 stores the same operation in memory 112. In step S368, CPU 111 deletes the operation history stored in memory 112.

[0142] If, at step S364, it is determined that the same operation will not be performed, CPU 111 resets the counter value of an operation stored in memory 112. At step S370, CPU 111 clears the operation history stored in memory 112.

[0143] The system checks whether the user has performed the same operation a fixed number of times.

[0144] If the user performs the same operation a fixed number of times, it is generally expected that the verification was unsuccessful and that the device in the vehicle, which is a controlled object, is not functioning normally. By performing the preceding processing, a communication frequency (a communication frequency at which the verification was successful) can be selected that will be less affected by factors such as interference. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the verification is performed, and the degradation of the response characteristics is suppressed.However, if it is likely that the device in the vehicle, which is the controlled object, is not operating normally, the communication frequency to be set may be exempted from being fixed.

[0145] During the S364 step of the check, not only a single identical operation but also a sequence of the same operation can be verified. This means that if the user operation is the same operation but not sequential, it is possible to exempt the communication frequency from being fixed. <Zweites modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0146] As a second modified example of the embodiment, it is possible to release the communication frequency to be fixed if the user repeats the same operation a fixed number of times within a fixed time. The second modified example differs from the fourth embodiment in that it allows the communication frequency to be released if the user repeats the same operation a fixed number of times within the fixed time. That is, a different basic processing operation than the frequency deletion processing in the control system of a device in the vehicle is equivalent to the fourth embodiment ( Fig. 15).

[0147] The storage processing and deletion processing of the operating history in the control system of a device in the vehicle according to the second modified example are described with reference to Fig. 18 described.

[0148] In step S380, a similar check is performed to step S330 in Fig. Step 16 of the CPU 111 checks whether intelligent operation has been performed. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was operating in intelligent mode, step S381 is executed. If it is determined that the door lock sensor 140 was not operating, i.e., intelligent operation was not performed, step S380 is repeated.

[0149] Step S381 checks similarly to step S331 in Fig. Step 16 of the CPU checks whether the operating history is stored in memory 112. If it is determined that the operating history is stored, step S385 is executed. If it is determined that the operating history is not stored, step S382 is executed.

[0150] Step S382 is similar to step S332 in Fig. 16. The CPU 111 resets the timer. At step S383, the CPU 111 resets the operation counter value, which is stored in memory 112. At step S384, similar to step S333, it stores the counter value in memory 112. Fig. 16 the CPU 111 the operating history in the memory 112.

[0151] In step S385, similar to step 334, CPU 111 checks whether the predetermined fixed time has elapsed after the intelligent operation was performed. If it is determined that the fixed time has elapsed, step S386 is executed. If it is determined that the fixed time has not elapsed, step S389 is executed.

[0152] Step S386 is similar to step S335 in Fig. In step S387, CPU 111 resets the timer. Similarly to step S336, CPU 111 also resets the counter value of an operation stored in memory 112 in step S388.

[0153] Step S389 checks similarly to step S364 in Fig.17. The CPU 111 checks whether the user performed the same operation (the same intelligent operation). If it is determined that the same operation was performed, step S390 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation was not performed, step S394 is executed.

[0154] In step S390, CPU 111 checks whether the user has repeated the same operation the fixed number of times. If it is determined that the same operation has been repeated the fixed number of times, step S392 is executed. If it is determined that the same operation has not been repeated the fixed number of times, step S391 is repeated. In step S391, CPU 111 updates the counter value of an operation stored in memory 112.

[0155] In step S392, CPU 111 stores the same operation in memory 112. In step S393, CPU 111 deletes the operation history that is stored in memory 112.

[0156] At step 394, CPU 111 resets the timer. At step S395, the CPU resets the counter value of an operation stored in memory 112. At step S396, CPU 111 clears the operation history stored in memory 112.

[0157] This checks whether the same operation has been performed by the user the fixed number of times within the fixed time.

[0158] If the user performs the same operation a number of times within a fixed timeframe, it is generally expected that the verification will not be successful and the device in the vehicle, which is the controlled object, will not be functioning normally. By performing the preceding processing, a communication frequency (a frequency at which the verification was successful) can be selected that will be less affected by factors such as radio interference. As a result, it is not necessary to change the communication frequency each time the verification is performed, and the degradation of the response characteristics is suppressed.However, if it is likely that the device in the vehicle, which is the controlled object, is not operating normally, the communication frequency to be set may be exempted from being fixed.

[0159] During the verification process at step S389, not only a single identical operation but also a sequence of the same operation can be checked. This means that if the user operation is the same operation, but not consecutive, it is possible to retain the requirement to fix the communication frequency.

Claims

[1] Control system of a device in the vehicle, comprising: a portable device (200); and a vehicle-mounted unit (100) for performing a check of the portable device (200) by two-way communication, in which the vehicle-mounted unit (100) sends a request signal, and the portable device (200) returns a response signal to the vehicle-mounted unit (100) in response to the request signal, to thereby control a device in the vehicle based on a check result, wherein the vehicle-mounted unit (100) changes a communication frequency to perform the two-way communication and the check again if the check result indicates an unsuccessful check, wherein the portable device (200) has the following features: a communication section (210, 220) of a portable device for receiving the request signal transmitted from the on-vehicle device and returning the response signal as the two-way communication with the on-vehicle unit, wherein the response signal has an ID code and is transmitted at a communication frequency specified by the on-vehicle unit; wherein the vehicle-side unit (100) has the following features: a detecting section (140) for detecting a user operation by which the check is started, a frequency setting section (111) for setting the communication frequency to be fixed for the portable device; a vehicle-side communication section (120, 130) for transmitting the request signal to the portable device and receiving the response signal as the mutual communication with the portable device, wherein the vehicle-side communication section transmits frequency information indicating the communication frequency set by the frequency setting section to the portable device, a checking section (111) for checking the ID code and a pre-registered registration code, wherein the response signal transmitted from the portable device and received therefrom by the vehicle-side communication section includes the ID code; and a storage section (112) for storing the communication frequency used when the test result indicates a successful check, wherein the frequency setting section (111) is configured to change the communication frequency to be set when the check result indicates the unsuccessful check, and wherein the frequency setting section (111) is configured to perform a plurality of checks for each user operation detected by the detecting section and to set the communication frequency stored in the storage section when a first check among the plurality of checks performed by the checking section is successful as the communication frequency to be used when performing a next and subsequent checks characterized by , that the frequency setting section (111) is configured to perform a first check and a second check among the plurality of checks for each user operation, wherein the first check checks whether the portable device (200) is outside a vehicle, and the second check checks whether the portable device (200) is inside the vehicle, the frequency setting section (111) switches the communication frequency to the intended communication frequency when the check result of each of the first and second checks indicates the unsuccessful check, the frequency setting section (111) stores the communication frequency if the first check by the checking section is successful, the frequency setting section (111) sets the communication frequency stored in the storage section (112) as the communication frequency to be used for executing the second check following the executed first check, and the vehicle-side unit further comprises a reset section (111) that resets a stored content of the storage section when the plurality of checks are stopped in response to each user operation detected by the detection section, where the stored content corresponds to the communication frequency stored as a result of the first check and used for the second check. [2] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 1, wherein the detecting section (140) detects a vehicle door lock command from the user as a user operation for starting the plurality of checks. [3] Control system of a device in the vehicle, comprising: a portable device (200); and a vehicle-side unit (100) mounted on a vehicle for performing a check of the portable device by two-way communication, in which the vehicle-side unit sends a request signal, and the portable device returns a response signal in response to the request signal of the vehicle-side unit, thereby controlling a device in the vehicle based on a check result, wherein the vehicle-side unit changes a communication frequency to perform the two-way communication and the check again if the check result indicates an unsuccessful check, wherein the portable device (200) has the following features: a communication section (210, 220) of a portable device for receiving the request signal transmitted from the vehicle-side unit and returning the response signal as the mutual communication with the vehicle-side unit, wherein the response signal has an ID code and is transmitted at a communication frequency specified by the vehicle-side unit, wherein the vehicle-side unit (100) has the following features: a detecting section (140) for detecting a user operation by which the check is started; a frequency setting section (111) for setting the communication frequency to be set for the portable device; a vehicle-side communication section (120, 130) for transmitting the request signal to the portable device and receiving the response signal as the mutual communication with the portable device, wherein the vehicle-side communication section transmits frequency information indicating the communication frequency set by the frequency setting section to the portable device; a checking section (111) for checking the ID code and a pre-registered registration code, wherein the response signal transmitted from the portable device and received therefrom by the vehicle-side communication section includes the ID code therein; a storage section (112) for storing the communication frequency used when the test result indicates a successful verification; and an estimation section (111) for estimating a change in a radio wave environment in which the vehicle and the portable device are located after the successful verification by the verification section, wherein the frequency setting section (111) is configured to change the communication frequency to be set when the check result indicates the unsuccessful check, and wherein the frequency setting section (111) is configured to fix a communication frequency to the communication frequency stored in the storage section in response to the successful verification when no change in the radio wave environment is estimated characterized by , that the vehicle-side unit (100) has a vehicle running speed detecting section for detecting a running speed of the vehicle; and the estimation section (111) estimates that there is no change in the radio wave environment until the vehicle running speed detection section detects the vehicle running speed of the vehicle after the successful verification by the verification section. [4] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 3, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects a same operation by the user in a fixed time. [5] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 4, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects a series of the same operation by the user in the fixed time. [6] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 3, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects the same operation by the user a fixed number of times. [7] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 6, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects the series of the same operation by the user a fixed number of times. [8] The in-vehicle device control system according to claim 3, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects the same operation by the user a fixed number of times in a fixed time. [9] The control system of an in-vehicle device according to claim 8, wherein the frequency setting section (111) releases the communication frequency to be set from being fixed when the detecting section detects the series of the same operation by the user a fixed number of times in a fixed time.

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