System and program or the like

Abstract

To provide a system or the like superior to conventional ones.SOLUTION: The system, which is a remote control system of a vehicle, comprises: a portable unit having a function for transmitting a radio signal to remotely control a vehicle; and an on-vehicle apparatus post-installed in the vehicle for receiving the radio signal from the portable unit and controlling the vehicle to start up an engine. When the on-vehicle apparatus receives the radio signal indicating an engine start-up command, the apparatus carries out a first stage control including a first control which makes a genuine key-free control part of the vehicle recognize that a person has touched a door knob of a driver's side door of the vehicle, then carries out a second stage control to the vehicle which makes the vehicle start up the engine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an engine starting device that starts the engine by remote control, in which an in-vehicle unit receives a signal from a slave unit and starts the engine by imitating the movement of the key cylinder caused by the engine key. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2004-36505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional systems have had various problems. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a system, program, etc. having superior characteristics to conventional systems.

[0005] The object of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to obtain effects from parts of the configurations disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., by filing a divisional application, amendment, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the parts described as "can" and "is possible" in this specification are read as "is the problem." The problems are described as being independent, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for the configurations for solving each problem separately by filing a divisional application, amendment, etc. Even if the problems are implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configurations described in this specification in the scope of the patent claim by amendment or divisional application. In addition, the applicant has disclosed a configuration that solves a problem that combines these independent problems, and intends to obtain rights for it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A remote control system for a vehicle including a portable device having a function of sending out a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a specified control, wherein when the on-board device receives the specified wireless signal, the on-board device performs a first-stage control which is at least one of a first control which is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a person has touched a doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle, a second control which is a control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control which is a control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened, and then performs a second-stage control which is the specified control for the vehicle.

[0007] According to a configuration including the above-mentioned "control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle," in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the control unit of the vehicle does not recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be performed on the vehicle by wirelessly operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0008] According to a configuration including the above-mentioned "control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released," in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the control unit of the vehicle does not recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be performed on the vehicle by wirelessly operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0009] According to a configuration including the above-mentioned "control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened," in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the control unit of the vehicle does not recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be performed on the vehicle by wirelessly operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle may have a so-called immobilizer function, and may have a function to perform authentication between the genuine key and the vehicle using wireless information, and perform a predetermined control if the authentication is successful, and not perform the predetermined control if the authentication is not successful. In such a vehicle, information is transmitted and received wirelessly between the genuine key and the vehicle, but the vehicle has a predetermined control (such as engine start, which will be described later) that should be performed after detecting that the driver with the genuine key is inside the vehicle. However, since wireless communication is used for communication between the genuine key and the vehicle's control unit, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine by wireless communication whether the genuine key is outside the vehicle or inside the vehicle. For example, if the output of the radio waves transmitted inside the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle is weakened, there are cases where communication inside the vehicle is not possible, but if the output is strengthened, communication will occur even if the genuine key is outside the vehicle. Therefore, there is a problem that the control unit of the vehicle detects whether the driver is in the vehicle more strictly than before. In such a vehicle, it is preferable to detect the operation required when the driver gets in the vehicle from a state outside the vehicle. Therefore, for example, it may be described as "a remote control system for a vehicle including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an on-board device attached to the vehicle that receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, characterized in that, when the on-board device receives the predetermined wireless signal, the on-board device performs control to make the driver recognize that a necessary operation has been performed while the driver is getting into the vehicle from a state outside the vehicle, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle." In particular, in such a vehicle, it may be described as "when the on-board device receives the predetermined wireless signal, the on-board device performs at least one of control to make the control unit of the vehicle recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a predetermined door of the vehicle, control to make the control unit of the vehicle recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and control to make the control unit of the vehicle recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle."

[0011] "Remote" refers to a location outside the vehicle, farther than the communication range of the vehicle's original key, and particularly from several tens of meters to several kilometers away. The portable device may be a mobile phone or smartphone, etc., controlled via a 5G or LTE network. However, it is particularly preferable to control the vehicle parked in a parking lot at home from within the home.

[0012] The "operation" may be detected by a predetermined change in a sensor or the like provided in the portable device. In particular, it is preferable to provide an input means for inputting an operation from a user, and to output a wireless signal when a predetermined operation on the input means is detected.

[0013] The "radio signal" should be configured to transmit radio waves with characteristics such as frequency and output that can reach a "remote" range. In particular, it should use a frequency band different from the frequency band used by the vehicle. For example, it should be radio equipment for telecontrol of specific low-power radio stations that comply with technical standards. In particular, it should be in the 420MHz frequency band with a transmission output of 1mW or less. In particular, it should be in the 920MHz band with a transmission output of 20mW or less, and in particular, it should be in the 10mW transmission output.

[0014] The "portable device" is preferably a portable device different from the genuine key of the vehicle. The "portable device" is preferably equipped with an input means for inputting the above-mentioned operations. The input means may be a touch panel or the like, but is preferably a switch. As the switch, various types of switches can be used, for example a capacitance switch, but in particular a tact switch is preferably used. The "portable device" may preferably be provided with a portable device-side transmitting means capable of transmitting a "wireless signal."

[0015] The "predetermined control" in "control for causing a vehicle to perform a predetermined control" may be, in particular, the control required to create a state in which the driver can comfortably depart the vehicle when he or she gets in, and in particular, a state in which the air conditioner can be operated. In particular, in a vehicle having an engine that is not driven by a motor, it may be control to start the engine. In particular, in a vehicle that is driven by a motor, it may be control to turn on the so-called main power. For example, it may be control to change the vehicle's tires from a non-driveable state to a driveable state.

[0016] The "control for causing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control" may be, for example, a control for sending a signal simulating the operation of pressing a push start button while stepping on the vehicle's brake to the vehicle's control unit. For example, a brake line connected to the vehicle's control unit and a signal line of a push start switch connected to the vehicle's control unit may be connected, and a signal indicating that the brake has been stepped on and the push start switch has been pressed may be sent to the signal line.

[0017] The term "retrofitted" should refer to something that is not installed at the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle factory. The term "retrofitted" should refer to something that is retrofitted as a dealer option at a vehicle dealer or at a car accessory store. The "retrofit vehicle-mounted device" may preferably include a retrofit vehicle-mounted device-side receiving means capable of receiving a radio signal transmitted by the portable device. The "retrofit vehicle-mounted device" may be realized in one housing, but may also be realized in multiple housings or other components.

[0018] The "predetermined wireless signal" may be a wireless signal for causing a vehicle to perform a predetermined control, for example, a wireless signal having a specific pattern for instructing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, or a wireless signal including specific data for instructing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control. The "time when a specific radio signal is received" may be within a specific time after the specific radio signal is received, and in particular, may be immediately after the specific radio signal is received.

[0019] The "control to cause the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle" may be control to output a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a person touches the doorknob to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that a person has touched the specified doorknob, or information indicating that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door may be transmitted from a control means of an aftermarket in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle network to the in-vehicle network so that the control unit of the vehicle receives information indicating that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined doorknob may be any doorknob of the vehicle, but is preferably the driver's doorknob in particular.

[0020] The "control for causing the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specific door lock of the vehicle has been released" may be control for the control unit of the vehicle to output a signal equivalent to that which occurs when the specific door lock is released to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that the specific door lock has been released, or information indicating that the specific door lock has been released may be transmitted to the in-vehicle network from a control means of an aftermarket in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle network so that the control unit of the vehicle receives information indicating that the specific door lock has been released via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door lock may be the door lock of any door of the vehicle, but in particular the door lock of the driver's door.

[0021] The "control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened" may be control for outputting a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a specified door is opened to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that the control unit of the vehicle has been opened, or information indicating that a specified door has been opened may be transmitted to the in-vehicle network from a control means of an aftermarket in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle network so that the control unit of the vehicle receives information indicating that a specified door has been opened via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door may be any door of the vehicle, but is preferably the driver's door in particular.

[0022] The signal line connected to the control unit of the vehicle may be a signal line indirectly connected to the control unit of the vehicle, but may be a signal line directly connected to the control unit of the vehicle. For example, the signal line connected to the control unit of the vehicle may be simply connected to the signal line between the control unit and the controlled object, but may be connected to the signal line on the control unit side where the signal line between the control unit and the controlled object (for example, a door knob, a door lock, a switch or a sensor for detecting the state of the door) is disconnected, and while the control unit of the vehicle is performing the control for the recognition, the signal to be recognized is output to the signal line on the control unit side (regardless of the state of the signal line on the controlled object side where the signal line between the control unit and the controlled object is disconnected), while the control unit of the vehicle is not performing the control for the recognition, the state of the signal line on the controlled object side where the signal line between the control unit and the controlled object is disconnected is output.

[0023] The in-vehicle network may be, for example, a signal line of an in-vehicle network indirectly connected via a predetermined circuit, for example, a predetermined gateway ECU, etc., but it is preferable that the in-vehicle network is a signal line connected without going through a predetermined gateway ECU, etc. The control unit may repeatedly transmit a signal that recognizes that the control target is in a predetermined state. When an inquiry signal for the state of a control target such as the control unit (e.g., engine ECU) is detected, the control unit may transmit a signal that recognizes that the control unit (e.g., engine ECU) is in a predetermined state before the control unit (e.g., body ECU) of the control target returns a response signal to the inquiry signal. (2) After the first stage control, the retrofit vehicle device may perform control to lock the doors.

[0024] In this way, even in a vehicle in which the door lock is released by the first stage control from the on-board device, the door can be locked when a predetermined control command is remotely issued from the portable device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent someone from entering the vehicle with the door unlocked and tampering with it or to prevent the vehicle from being stolen, while allowing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control command from the portable device.

[0025] In addition, after the first stage control, the retrofitted in-vehicle device may check whether the doors are unlocked, and if the doors are locked, may not control the doors to lock, and if the doors are unlocked, may control the doors to lock, and then may perform a predetermined control for the vehicle. The control to lock the doors may be performed by driving an actuator (e.g., a motor or a solenoid) to output a locking signal to a signal line connected to a signal line that drives the actuator for locking the doors, or may be performed by outputting a locking signal to an in-vehicle network.

[0026] The first stage control may be performed after the second stage control, which is a predetermined control for the vehicle, or may be performed after the first stage control and before the second stage control, which is a predetermined control for the vehicle. In this way, the possibility of theft or vandalism inside the vehicle can be further reduced. (3) The first stage control may not be performed when the vehicle doors are unlocked.

[0027] The state when the door is not locked may be the state when the door is not locked or the state when the door is unlocked. The state when the door is locked may be acquired by at least one of the following means: a control unit of the vehicle connects to a signal line for detecting door lock, acquires a signal related to the state of the door lock of the vehicle via an in-vehicle network, or acquires the state of the door lock by installing a sensor for acquiring the state of the door lock near the door lock. (4) It is preferable that the present invention be a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system described in any one of (1) to (3).

[0028] The inventions shown in (1) to (3) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, the invention shown in (1) may be combined with at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions shown in (2) and after. In particular, the invention shown in (1) may be combined with at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions shown in (2) and after. Any configuration may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (3) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to the inventions including these configurations. In addition, even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe the configuration as being limited to that case or time. These are examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations other than these cases or times. In addition, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system etc. that is superior to the conventional systems.

[0030] The effects of the invention of this application are not limited to this, and effects achieved from the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configuration achieving said effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can" and "is possible" are statements that clearly indicate the effects achieved, and there are also parts that show effects even without statements such as "can" and "is possible." Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such statements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example (first embodiment, etc.) of a vehicle remote control system including a relay system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing communication timing of each data signal in the first embodiment etc. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply unit (dummy battery). [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example (second embodiment, etc.) of a vehicle remote control system including a relay system according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing communication timings of each data signal in the second embodiment etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is one embodiment of the present invention, and the contents of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that the present invention can employ. The configurations and shapes of the devices described are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited thereto. Various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. [First embodiment]

[0034] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The remote engine starting system (engine starter system) of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle employing a key-free system. The key-free system allows the start and stop of the engine to be controlled by operating an engine start switch 200 while carrying a genuine portable device 100 for a key-free key, without inserting an engine key (mechanical key) into the key cylinder, and products called intelligent keys (registered trademark: Nissan Motors) and smart keys (registered trademark: Toyota Motors) have been commercialized. That is, the genuine portable device 100 stores identification information such as a predetermined code, and the genuine portable device 100 is equipped with a transceiver and wirelessly transmits the identification information when it receives an inquiry wireless signal from the vehicle side. The genuine key-free control unit 300 (ECU) on the vehicle side is equipped with a transceiver and wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the genuine portable unit periodically or when a human is detected by a human sensor or a trigger (push switch, door knob switch, etc.) is turned ON, and when it receives identification information sent from the genuine portable unit 100 in response to this, it judges whether or not it is from the genuine genuine portable unit 100 that corresponds to itself. Then, when the engine start switch 1 is turned ON while the identification information has been received from the genuine portable unit 100, the genuine key-free control unit 300 rotates the starter motor 4 and executes the engine start process.

[0035] The genuine key-free control unit 300 of this embodiment also controls the locking and unlocking of the doors. That is, when a command signal for locking / unlocking the doors is received from the genuine portable device 100, a control signal corresponding to the received command signal is sent to the door lock unit 500 to control the locking and unlocking of the doors. Here, the door lock unit 500 is, for example, a drive motor for the door lock, and the door is locked or unlocked by rotating the drive motor forward or backward. The genuine key-free control unit 300 also has a function of sending a control signal to the door lock unit 500 to perform control for locking / unlocking not only when a command signal is received from the genuine portable device 100, but also when the user carrying the genuine portable device 100 presses a switch provided on the door of the vehicle. Note that the genuine portable device 100 does not have to have the control function for locking and unlocking the doors.

[0036] A door knob sensor 600 is connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300 of this embodiment. The door knob sensor 600 is a capacitance touch sensor provided inside the inside of the driver's door knob on the outside of the vehicle, and detects from a change in capacitance that the driver has put his / her hand on the outside door knob of the driver's seat to open the driver's seat door from the outside of the vehicle, and is used in various vehicles. When the genuine key-free control unit 300 determines from the change in capacitance of the door knob sensor 600 that the driver's seat door knob has been put, it determines whether the authentication information received from the genuine portable device 100 is genuine, and if it is genuine, it controls the door lock unit 500 to unlock the door lock. This releases the driver's seat door lock, and the driver gets into the driver's seat. After detecting the change in capacitance of the door knob sensor 600 and determining that the driver has put his / her hand on the driver's seat door knob, the genuine key-free control unit 300 starts the engine when it detects that the engine start switch 200 has been pressed. The genuine key-free control unit 300 performs control not to start the engine when it detects that the engine start switch 200 has been pressed while there is no change in the capacitance of the door knob sensor 600 and it has not determined that a hand has been placed on the driver's door knob.

[0037] The engine start switch 200 on the vehicle side can be an ignition knob that is operated by rotating, a button that is operated by pressing, etc. And, the genuine functions are conventionally known functions that are installed in vehicles, so detailed explanations of the known points will be omitted.

[0038] Next, the remote engine starting system will be described. This remote engine starting system is not installed at the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle factory, but is added after the vehicle is shipped from the vehicle manufacturer. For example, it may be added as a dealer option at a vehicle dealer, such as an aftermarket car accessory store.

[0039] This remote engine start system comprises a portable device (child device) 8 that the user places at hand, and an in-vehicle device (main device) 9 that is mounted on the vehicle. The portable device 8 has an engine start button 8a and an engine stop button 8b on the surface of the case. The portable device 8 has a transceiver function that allows two-way communication with the in-vehicle device 9, and therefore has a transmission / reception circuit and a control unit inside. Although not shown, output means such as an LED, a liquid crystal panel, and a speaker may also be provided. When the control unit in the portable device 8 recognizes that the engine start button 8a or the engine stop button 8b has been pressed, it transmits a command signal indicating the content of the pressed button (engine start / stop) together with a predetermined code (authentication information) for identifying itself via a transmission circuit.

[0040] Furthermore, when the receiving circuit of the portable device 8 receives a signal from the corresponding in-vehicle device 9, the control unit in the portable device 8 performs processing according to the received signal. That is, when the in-vehicle device 9 receives a command signal sent from the portable device 8 as described below, it performs processing according to the command signal and returns the result as an answerback, so that the portable device 8 performs processing according to the contents of the answerback. As an example, if the portable device 8 is provided with an output means, it notifies the contents of the answerback (success / failure). Furthermore, if the answerback is not received within a certain time, the control unit retransmits the command signal together with the authentication information.

[0041] The vehicle-mounted device 9 includes a remote control transmitter / receiver 10 and an MPU 15 as a control unit. The MPU 15 is a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, peripheral circuits, etc., and performs processing and realizes functions by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM. The remote control transmitter / receiver 10 includes an antenna 11, a receiving circuit 12, and a transmitting circuit 13. A signal received by the receiving circuit 12 via the antenna 11 is provided to the MPU 15. The MPU 15 determines whether the received signal is from the paired portable device 8 based on authentication information included in the received signal, and if the signal is from the paired portable device 8, executes processing based on a command signal included in the received signal. After executing processing based on the command signal, the control unit 15 generates an answerback signal and returns it to the portable device 8 via the transmitting circuit 13. The specific processing performed by the control unit 15 will be described later.

[0042] The MPU 15 is connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300. The specific connection point is the same as the connection point from the genuine engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. The MPU 15 provides the same signal as that provided from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300 when starting and stopping the engine. In this way, the MPU 15, upon receiving an engine start command, provides the genuine key-free control unit 300 with a signal similar to that when the engine start switch is ON (engine start), so that the genuine key-free control unit 300 executes engine start processing and rotates the starter motor 400 to start the engine. Similarly, the MPU 15, upon receiving an engine stop command, provides the genuine key-free control unit 300 with a signal similar to that when the engine start switch 200 is OFF (engine stop), so that the genuine key-free control unit 300 executes engine stop processing and stops the running engine.

[0043] However, in the vehicle of this embodiment, when the engine start switch 200 is detected to be pressed while there is no change in the capacitance of the door knob sensor 600 and it is not determined that a hand is placed on the driver's door knob, the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle performs control not to start the engine. Therefore, the MPU 15 is also connected to the door knob sensor 600. The specific connection point is the same as the genuine door knob sensor 600 connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300. For example, the signal line connected from the door knob sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300 is branched and connected by an electro-tap or the like. Then, when starting the engine, the MPU 15 outputs a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by the hand touching the door knob, which is given from the door knob sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300, before giving a signal similar to the signal given from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300, and then gives a signal similar to the signal given from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. In this way, even when the driver is actually outside the vehicle and in a remote location that is farther away than the communication distance between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle, the engine can be started.

[0044] Furthermore, a safety confirmation sensor 16 is provided to check whether it is OK to start the engine by checking whether the shift position of the vehicle is in the parking position, whether the ignition key switch is in the OFF position, etc. Only when the safety confirmation sensor 16 confirms that it is safe to start the engine, the MPU 15 executes the engine start process.

[0045] The MPU 15 also includes a start confirmation sensor 19 that detects whether the engine has started. For example, after giving an engine start command to the genuine key-free control unit 300, the MPU 15 judges whether the engine start process based on the current start command has been successful or unsuccessful depending on whether the start confirmation sensor 19 turns ON within a certain period of time, and returns the result via the transmission circuit 13. If the process has failed, the MPU 15 may output the engine start command to the genuine key-free control unit 300 again.

[0046] The main body also includes an operation unit 17 such as a keyboard for inputting various operations. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 18 is provided for detecting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. For example, the room air conditioner is switched on in advance, and the room air conditioner operates as the engine starts. When the temperature inside the vehicle detected by the temperature sensor 18 reaches a set value, the MPU 15 controls to stop the engine. The above-mentioned sensors 16, 18, 19 and operation unit 17 can be conventionally known ones, and are not necessarily required in the present invention.

[0047] Incidentally, in order for the genuine key-free control unit 300 to start the engine (to start rotation of the starter motor 400), it is necessary to receive regular authentication information from the corresponding genuine portable device 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the genuine portable device 100 is placed in a predetermined position in the vehicle cabin (a place where communication with the genuine key-free control unit 300 is possible), and when the MPU 15 outputs an engine start command to the genuine key-free control unit 300 (to the same state as when the engine start switch 200 is ON), it causes the genuine portable device 100 to output regular authentication information. As a result, the genuine key-free control unit 300 receives the regular authentication information output from the genuine portable device 100, and starts the starter motor 400 in accordance with the engine start command given by the MPU 15.

[0048] Here, the control by the MPU 15 to output the regular authentication information from the genuine portable device 100 at a desired timing is performed by stopping the operation of the genuine portable device 100 (at least the operation and function for outputting the regular authentication information) in a steady state and activating the operation and function for outputting the regular authentication information of the genuine portable device 100 when necessary, specifically, by controlling the power supply to the genuine portable device 100. That is, since the genuine portable device 100 is normally battery-driven, the battery is removed from the battery holder (storage section) of the genuine portable device 100, and the power supply means 20 connected to the vehicle-mounted device 9 (MPU 15) is attached to the battery holder. Since the genuine portable device 100 outputs the regular authentication information at a predetermined timing (for example, at a fixed interval) when the power is ON, the MPU 15 starts supplying power to the genuine portable device 100 from the power supply means 20 when outputting an engine start command. Then, the power supply is stopped under normal circumstances. As a result, the MPU 15 of the in-vehicle device 9, which has received the engine start command from the portable device 8, outputs a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by a hand touching the door handle, which is given to the genuine key-free control unit 300 from the door handle sensor 600, and then supplies power to the genuine portable device 100 via the power supply means 20, and operates the genuine portable device 100 to authenticate the immobilizer for the genuine key-free control unit 300, and generates a signal similar to the engine start signal output to the genuine key-free control unit 300 when the genuine engine is started, causing the engine to be started by the genuine key-free control unit 300. In this way, the engine can be started even when the driver is actually outside the vehicle and in a remote location farther away than the communication distance between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle.

[0049] The engine stop command can also be output in a similar manner. When the engine is stopped, the door knob sensor 600 does not output a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by touching the door knob, which is sent to the genuine key-free control unit 300 from the door knob sensor 600 when the engine is started.

[0050] At times other than engine start and engine stop (when authentication of the genuine portable device 100 by the genuine key-free control unit 300 is not required), power supply to the genuine portable device 100 is stopped to prevent the genuine portable device 100 from outputting regular authentication information. Even at this time, no processing is performed to output a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by a hand touching the door knob, which is sent from the door knob sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300 when the engine is started.

[0051] In this way, even if the genuine portable device 100 is left in the vehicle, the genuine key-free control unit 300 cannot recognize the presence of the genuine portable device 100, and the door can be locked, for example, when the driver gets off the vehicle. That is, in a vehicle that employs a door lock system that controls the locking / unlocking of the door by a command signal from the genuine portable device 100 or by pressing a door switch while the genuine portable device 100 is being carried, as described above, the door is controlled not to be locked when the genuine portable device 100 that outputs the genuine authentication information is placed in the vehicle interior, but as described above, the door can be locked / unlocked by stopping the power supply in the steady state. Of course, since a plurality of genuine portable devices are usually prepared, one of them can be placed at a predetermined position in the vehicle as the genuine portable device 100 in this system, and another genuine portable device can be used to remotely lock / unlock the door using the genuine portable device, and to control the engine start / stop based on the operation of the engine start switch 200.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the engine start processing algorithm. First, the user presses the engine start button 8a of the portable device 8 with a finger. In response to this operation, the portable device 8 transmits a wireless signal indicating an engine start command. When the in-vehicle device 9 (MPU 15) receives the engine start command from the paired portable device 8, it outputs a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by the hand touching the door knob, which is given from the door knob sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300, and waits for a predetermined time (10 seconds in this embodiment). This predetermined time should be longer than the time required for the driver to open the door from outside the vehicle and get into the driver's seat. Then, it starts supplying power to the dummy battery, which is the power supply means 20 (S2). This power supply may be performed as long as the genuine portable device 100 can perform an operation of outputting regular authentication information.

[0053] When the genuine portable device 100 starts to receive power from the dummy battery, it starts to output authentication information (S3). In response to this, the genuine key-free control unit 300 receives the regular authentication information from the genuine portable device 100 and recognizes that the genuine portable device 100 is present inside the vehicle.

[0054] Next, the MPU 15 outputs an engine start signal to the genuine key-free control unit 300 (S4). In response to this, the genuine key-free control unit 300 goes into the same state as when the engine start switch 200 is turned ON, and since it has also received the correct authentication information by executing process step S3, it rotates the starter motor 400 and executes the normal engine start process. When the MPU 15 confirms the start of the engine based on an input from the start confirmation sensor 19 (S5), the MPU 15 stops the power supply to the power supply means (S6).

[0055] The MPU 15 is also connected to the door lock unit 500. The specific connection point is the same as the connection point from the genuine door lock unit 500 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. For example, an electrotap or the like is used to branch and connect the signal line that connects from the door lock unit to the genuine key-free control unit 300. The MPU 15 then sends a signal similar to the signal sent from the genuine key-free control unit 300 to the door lock unit when the door is locked. In this manner, the vehicle's doors can be locked (S7).

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply means is provided with a power supply portion that fits into the battery holder of the genuine portable device and supplies power to a portion corresponding to the power terminal in the battery holder. For example, if the battery of the genuine portable device is a button battery, as shown in FIG. 3, the power supply means 20 is of the same shape as the button battery for the genuine portable device 100. The case body 21 is formed by joining an upper case 21a and a lower case 21b that are divided into two parts, upper and lower. A positive terminal plate 22 and a negative terminal plate 23 are arranged in the internal space of the case body 21, and parts of the positive terminal plate 22 and the negative terminal plate 23 are exposed to the outside of the case body 21. The positions exposed to the outside are positions that contact the power supply terminal in the battery holder of the genuine portable device 100. The positive terminal plate 22 and the negative terminal plate 23 are connected to lead wires 24, respectively, and connected to the in-vehicle device 9 via the lead wires 24. According to an instruction from the MPU 15, a desired voltage is applied between both terminals of the power supply means 20 (dummy battery) from the vehicle-mounted device 9 via the lead wire 24, thereby enabling the genuine portable device 100 to be powered.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the present invention is applied to an engine starting device that starts an engine by driving a starter motor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to starting devices for electric vehicles, air conditioning devices in electric vehicles, and other devices that are started by remote control (in-vehicle devices, vehicle devices).

[0058] In this embodiment, the vehicle remote control system includes a portable device 8 having a function of sending out a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device 9 attached to the vehicle that receives the wireless signal from the portable device 8 and controls the vehicle to start the engine. When the in-vehicle device 9 receives a wireless signal indicating an engine start command, it performs a first stage control including a first control (S1) which is a control for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 to recognize that a person has touched the door handle of the driver's door of the vehicle, and then performs a second stage control (S2 to S6) which is a control for causing the vehicle to start the vehicle's engine.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first stage control is performed to make the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle recognize that a person has touched the door handle of the driver's door of the vehicle, but in a vehicle in which the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle detects that a specific door lock of the vehicle has been released before the engine start operation, it is preferable to perform a second control, which is a control for making the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle recognize that a specific door lock of the vehicle has been released, instead of or in addition to this. Also, in this embodiment, the first stage control is performed to make the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle recognize that a person has touched the door handle of the driver's door of the vehicle, but in a vehicle in which the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle detects that a specific door of the vehicle has been opened before the engine start operation, it is preferable to perform a third control, which is a control for making the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle recognize that a specific door of the vehicle has been opened, instead of or in addition to this. It is advisable to provide a switching function such as a DIP switch for setting these combinations, and to set whether or not to execute control for each of the first to third controls, and to configure the control to be executed according to this setting.

[0060] According to a configuration including a control section for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control section 300 to recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle (the doorknob on the outside of the driver's seat in the above embodiment), in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the vehicle's genuine key-free control section 300 does not recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle prior to the specified control, the vehicle can be made to perform the specified control wirelessly by operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0061] According to a configuration including a control section for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control section 300 to recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released, in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the vehicle's genuine key-free control section 300 does not recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be performed on the vehicle by wirelessly operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0062] According to a configuration including a control section for causing the genuine key-free control section 300 of the vehicle to recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened, in a vehicle having a function for not executing the specified control when the genuine key-free control section 300 of the vehicle does not recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be performed on the vehicle by wirelessly operating a user's portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

[0063] The vehicle may have a so-called immobilizer function, as in this embodiment, and may have a function of performing authentication between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle using wireless information, performing a predetermined control if the authentication is successful, and not performing the predetermined control if the authentication is not successful. In such a vehicle, information is transmitted and received wirelessly between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle, but the vehicle has a predetermined control (such as starting the engine) that is to be performed after detecting that the driver holding the genuine portable device 100 is inside the vehicle. However, since wireless communication is used for communication between the genuine portable device 100 and the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine by wireless communication whether the genuine portable device 100 is outside or inside the vehicle. For example, if the output of the radio wave transmitted inside the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle is weakened, there are cases where communication inside the vehicle is not possible, but if the output is strengthened, communication will occur even if the genuine portable device 100 is outside the vehicle. To address this problem, the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle is designed to detect whether the driver is in the vehicle more strictly than before. In such a vehicle, it is preferable to detect the operation required while the driver is getting in the vehicle from a state outside the vehicle. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to describe a vehicle remote control system including a portable device 8 having a function of sending a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an on-board device 9 attached to the vehicle that receives the wireless signal from the portable device 8 and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, characterized in that, when the on-board device 9 receives the predetermined wireless signal, it performs control to recognize that a necessary operation has been performed while the driver is getting in the vehicle from a state outside the vehicle, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle. In particular, in such a vehicle, it is preferable to describe that, when the on-board device receives the predetermined wireless signal, it performs at least one of control to cause the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle to recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a predetermined door of the vehicle, control to cause the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and control to cause the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle.

[0064] The term "remote" refers to a location outside the vehicle and far from the communication range of the original portable device 100 of the vehicle, particularly from several tens of meters to several kilometers. The portable device 8 may be a mobile phone, smartphone, or the like, and may be controlled via a 5G or LTE network. However, it is particularly preferable to use a remote control that can control a vehicle parked in a parking lot at home from within the home.

[0065] In this embodiment, the "operation" is the pressing of a button, but it may be detected by a predetermined change in a sensor or the like provided in the portable device 8. However, it is not limited to a button as in this embodiment, but it is preferable to provide an input means for inputting an operation from the user, and to output a wireless signal when a predetermined operation on the input means is detected.

[0066] The "radio signal" should preferably be configured to transmit radio waves with characteristics such as frequency and output that can reach a "remote" range. In particular, it should use a frequency band different from the frequency band used by vehicles. For example, it should be radio equipment for telecontrol of specific low-power radio stations that comply with technical standards. In particular, it should be in the 420MHz frequency band and have a transmission output of 1mW or less. Or, in particular, it should be in the 920MHz band and have a transmission output of 20mW or less, and in particular, it should be a transmission output of 10mW or less.

[0067] The "portable device 8" may be a portable device different from the genuine portable device 100 of the vehicle. The "portable device 8" may be provided with an input means for inputting the above-mentioned operations. The input means may be a touch panel or the like, but is preferably a switch. As the switch, various types of switches may be used, for example a capacitance switch, but is particularly preferably a tact switch. The "portable device 8" may preferably include a portable device-side transmitting means capable of transmitting a "wireless signal."

[0068] The "predetermined control" in "control for causing a vehicle to perform a predetermined control" may be, in particular, the control required to create a state in which the driver can comfortably depart the vehicle when he or she gets in, and in particular, a state in which the air conditioner can be operated. In particular, in a vehicle having an engine that is not driven by a motor, control for starting the engine as in the above-mentioned embodiment may be used. On the other hand, in a vehicle that is driven by a motor, control for turning on the so-called main power may be used. For example, control for changing the vehicle's tires from a non-driveable state to a driveable state may be used.

[0069] An example of "control for causing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control" is a control that sends a signal simulating the operation of pressing a push start button while stepping on the vehicle's brake to the vehicle's genuine key free control unit 300. For example, a configuration is possible in which a brake line to which the vehicle's genuine key free control unit 300 is connected and a signal line to a push start switch to which the vehicle's genuine key free control unit 300 is connected are connected, and a signal indicating that the brake has been stepped on and the push start switch has been pressed is sent to the signal line. The "vehicle-mounted device 9" may preferably include a vehicle-mounted device side receiving means capable of receiving a radio signal transmitted by the portable device. The "vehicle-mounted device 9" may be realized as a single housing, or may be realized as a plurality of housings or other members.

[0070] The "predetermined wireless signal" may be a wireless signal for causing a vehicle to perform a predetermined control, for example, a wireless signal having a specific pattern for instructing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, or a wireless signal including specific data for instructing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control. The "time when a specific radio signal is received" may be within a specific time after the specific radio signal is received, and in particular, may be immediately after the specific radio signal is received.

[0071] The "control for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 to recognize that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door of the vehicle" may be a control in which the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 outputs a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a person touches the doorknob to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that a person has touched the specified doorknob, or information indicating that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door may be transmitted from the control means of the in-vehicle device 9 connected to the in-vehicle network to the in-vehicle network so that the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 receives information indicating that a person has touched the doorknob of a specified door via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door handle may be any door handle of the vehicle, but in particular may be the driver's door handle as in the above embodiment.

[0072] The "control for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 to recognize that a specific door lock of the vehicle has been released" may be control for the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 to output a signal equivalent to that which is generated when the specific door lock is released to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that the specific door lock has been released, or the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 may be configured to transmit information indicating that the specific door lock has been released from the control means of the in-vehicle device 9 connected to the in-vehicle network to the in-vehicle network so that the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 receives information indicating that the specific door lock has been released via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door lock may be the door lock of any door of the vehicle, but in particular the door lock of the driver's door.

[0073] The "control for causing the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 to recognize that a specified door of the vehicle has been opened" may be control for outputting a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a specified door is opened to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 has opened the specified door, or information indicating that a specified door has been opened may be transmitted to the in-vehicle network from the control means of the in-vehicle device 9 connected to the in-vehicle network so that the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 receives information indicating that a specified door has been opened via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door may be any door of the vehicle, but is preferably the driver's door in particular.

[0074] The signal line connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle may be a signal line indirectly connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle, but it is preferable that it is a signal line directly connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Also, for example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the signal line connected to the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle is simply connected to the signal line between the genuine key free control unit 300 and the controlled object, but it may be connected to a signal line on the genuine key free control unit 300 side where the signal line between the genuine key free control unit 300 and the controlled object (for example, a door knob, door lock, a switch or sensor that detects the state of the door) is cut, and while the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle is performing control for the recognition, the recognized signal is output to the signal line on the genuine key free control unit 300 side (regardless of the state of the signal line on the controlled object side where the signal line between the genuine key free control unit 300 and the controlled object is cut), while while the genuine key free control unit 300 of the vehicle is not performing control for the recognition, it outputs the state of the signal line on the controlled object side where the signal line between the genuine key free control unit 300 and the controlled object is cut.

[0075] The in-vehicle network may be, for example, a signal line of an in-vehicle network indirectly connected via a predetermined circuit, for example, a predetermined gateway ECU, etc., but it is preferable that it is, for example, a signal line of an in-vehicle network connected without going through a predetermined gateway ECU, etc. The genuine key free control unit 300 may repeatedly transmit a signal recognizing that the controlled object is in a predetermined state. When an inquiry signal for the state of a controlled object such as the genuine key free control unit 300 (for example, an engine ECU) is detected, a signal recognizing that the genuine key free control unit 300 (for example, an engine ECU) is in a predetermined state may be transmitted before the genuine key free control unit 300 (for example, a body ECU) of the controlled object returns a response signal to the inquiry signal. The vehicle-mounted device 9 may perform control to lock the doors after the first-stage control as in the above-described embodiment.

[0076] In this way, even in a vehicle in which the door lock is released by the first stage control from the vehicle-mounted device 9, the door can be locked when a predetermined control command for the vehicle is remotely received from the portable device. This prevents someone from entering the vehicle with the door unlocked and tampering with it, or the vehicle from being stolen, while allowing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control command from the portable device.

[0077] After the first stage control, the vehicle-mounted device 9 may check whether the doors are unlocked, and if the doors are locked, may not control the doors to lock, and if the doors are unlocked, may control the doors to lock, and then may perform a predetermined control for the vehicle. The control for locking the doors may be performed by driving an actuator (such as a motor or a solenoid) to output a locking signal to a signal line connected to a signal line for driving the actuator, or may be performed by outputting a locking signal to an in-vehicle network.

[0078] The first stage control (S1) may be performed after the second stage control (S2 to S6) which is a predetermined control for the vehicle as in the above-mentioned embodiment, but it may be performed after the first stage control (S1) and before the second stage control (S2) which is a predetermined control for the vehicle, that is, between S1 and S2, for example. In this way, the possibility of theft or vandalism inside the vehicle can be further reduced. The first stage control may be performed by checking the door lock status of the vehicle, and is not performed when the doors are unlocked, but is performed when the doors are locked.

[0079] The state when the door is not locked may be a state when the door is not locked or a state when the door is unlocked. The state of the door lock may be acquired by at least one of the following means: the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle connects to a signal line for detecting the door lock, acquires a signal related to the state of the door lock of the vehicle via an in-vehicle network, or acquires the state of the door lock by installing a sensor near the door lock. [Second embodiment]

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a vehicle remote control system using a relay system of the present invention. Based on FIG. 4, the basic configuration of the system will be described while explaining the operation of the communication process. This system includes a vehicle control device 1 (corresponding to the genuine key-free control unit 300 (ECU) on the vehicle side in the first embodiment) installed in a vehicle, a vehicle repeater 2 (corresponding to the vehicle-mounted device (device main body) 9 in the first embodiment), a portable repeater 3 (corresponding to the portable device (child device) 8 in the first embodiment), and a portable device 4 (corresponding to the genuine portable device 100 in the first embodiment). Below, the different parts will be described in correspondence with the first embodiment, and the same configuration parts will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the genuine portable device 100 is placed in the vehicle, but in the second embodiment, the driver takes the portable device 4 out of the vehicle and carries it with the portable repeater 3. Then, the authentication information stored in the portable device 4 is relayed to the vehicle control device 1 connected to the vehicle repeater 2 via communication between the portable repeater 3 and the vehicle repeater 2.

[0081] The vehicle control device 1 is a device for controlling a specific device of a vehicle. The control of the specific device is for starting the vehicle so that it can run in response to a user operation such as pressing a push start button, and may include turning on a starter motor (engine start) in an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, or turning on the power supply to an electric motor in an electric automobile powered by an electric motor. The following describes the case of "engine start" as an example.

[0082] The vehicle control device 1 of this embodiment performs control of engine starting, etc., with one of the conditions being that authentication information stored in the portable device 4 matches authentication information stored in the vehicle control device 1, before controlling the equipment of the vehicle to be controlled.

[0083] To perform this process, the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 are configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with each other. To perform this process, the vehicle control device 1 includes a control unit 1a, a transmission / reception unit 1b, and an authentication information storage unit 1c. Although not shown, the vehicle control device 1 is connected to a battery of the vehicle and receives power from the battery. The vehicle control device 1 communicates with devices of the vehicle to be controlled, for example, via wired communication, and controls the specified devices. The authentication information storage unit 1c is a non-volatile storage means, and stores authentication information of the authorized portable device 4. The authentication information is, for example, an ID code. When there are multiple authorized portable devices 4, the authentication information of each of the multiple portable devices 4 is stored.

[0084] The control unit 1a is configured with, for example, an MPU, etc. The control unit 1a has a function of outputting a control signal for controlling the equipment of the vehicle to be controlled, and a function of outputting command data and the like when communicating with other devices, such as a response request signal (LF data) for confirming the presence of the authorized portable device 4, based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 1c.

[0085] The transceiver 1b performs wireless communication with the transceiver mounted on the portable device 4 and the vehicle repeater 2. The transceiver 1b is, for example, configured by an in-vehicle RFIC for transceiver. The transceiver 1b has a function of wirelessly transmitting LF data such as various command data output from the control unit 1a at a first frequency, and a function of receiving RF data such as command data wirelessly transmitted from another device at a second frequency and passing it to the control unit 1a. The second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and the communication distance of the RF data using the second frequency is also longer. As an example, the first frequency is 134 kHz and the second frequency is 314 MHz.

[0086] The portable device 4 is, for example, what is called a smart key or a genuine key. The portable device 4 includes a control unit 4a, a transmission / reception unit 4b, and an authentication information storage unit 4c. The power source of the portable device 4 is a built-in primary battery. If a commercially available dry cell or button cell is used as the primary battery, it is preferable because it can be easily obtained, installed, and handled. In particular, if a button cell is used, it is preferable because the portable device 4 can be made smaller.

[0087] The authentication information storage unit 4c stores a unique ID code as authentication information for the immobilizer function. The control unit 4a is configured, for example, by an MPU or the like. When the control unit 1a receives a response request signal addressed to itself from the vehicle control device 1 that is paired with the control unit 1a, the control unit 1a outputs a response signal (RF data: response data). The transceiver unit 4b performs wireless communication with the transceiver unit mounted on the vehicle control device 1 or the portable repeater 3. For example, the transceiver unit 4b is configured by an in-vehicle transceiver RFIC. The transceiver unit 4b has a function of receiving LF data such as command data wirelessly transmitted at a first frequency and passing it to the control unit 4a, and a function of wirelessly transmitting RF data such as various command data such as a response signal output from the control unit 4a at a second frequency.

[0088] When a transmission timing such as receiving a predetermined signal is met, the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, acquires an ID code as stored authentication information, and outputs a response request signal (LF data) including the ID code. An example of the predetermined signal is a foot brake signal output when the foot brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed. When the portable device 4 is within a communication distance of the response request signal and receives the response request signal, the portable device 4 wirelessly transmits a response signal including its own authentication information. As described above, the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 performs engine start processing, with one of the conditions being that a response signal including regular authentication information is received within a certain time after the vehicle control device 1 outputs the response request signal.

[0089] The communication distance between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is relatively short because it is sufficient for communication to be possible when, for example, a driver carrying the portable device 4 is sitting in the driver's seat and performing an engine start operation. If the first frequency for transmitting LF data is 134 kHz, this relatively short distance is about 1 to 2 m. In this embodiment, a vehicle repeater 2 and a portable repeater 3 are provided, and the wireless communication between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is relayed by these repeaters, thereby increasing the communication distance. By increasing the communication distance in this manner, the system allows, for example, a user carrying the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 to perform authentication using authentication information between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 even if the user is located relatively far from the vehicle, and can start the engine from the distant location.

[0090] The vehicle repeater 2 is placed at a predetermined position inside the vehicle. The vehicle repeater 2 is equipped with a control unit 2a that controls the vehicle repeater 2, a first vehicle side transceiver 2b for wireless communication with the vehicle control device 1, and a second vehicle side transceiver 2c for wireless communication with the portable repeater 3. Although not shown in the figure, the vehicle repeater 2 is connected to the vehicle's battery and receives power from the battery. The control unit 2a is configured, for example, by an MPU, and realizes its functions by executing a stored program. In addition, the first vehicle side transceiver 2b and the second vehicle side transceiver 2c are each configured by an in-vehicle transceiver RFIC for transmission and reception.

[0091] The first vehicle-side transmitting / receiving unit 2b transmits and receives data to and from the transmitting / receiving unit 1b of the vehicle control device 1, receives radio waves transmitted by radio in the transmission frequency band (first frequency) of the transmitting / receiving unit 1b, and transmits by radio in the second frequency. Since the communication distance is short, a weak radio wave used in a weak radio station, which is one of radio stations, is used. The second vehicle-side transmitting / receiving unit 2c uses radio waves in a frequency band used in a specific low-power radio station. By using this specific low-power radio communication, the communication distance is, for example, about 1 to 2 km in terms of a line of sight, and even if there is an obstacle, it is, for example, about several hundred meters. Therefore, even if the home is a detached house or an apartment and the vehicle is parked in a parking lot on the premises, communication with the vehicle control device 1 is possible.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle repeater 2 and the vehicle control device 1 are connected by a communication cable for wired communication. Using this wired communication, the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 sends a signal similar to a signal corresponding to a change in capacitance caused by a hand touching the door handle on the outside of the driver's seat, and then transmits a foot brake signal and an engine start request signal. The foot brake signal is a signal corresponding to a signal output when the foot brake pedal of the vehicle is stepped on. The engine start request signal is a signal corresponding to a signal output when, for example, the push start button of the vehicle is pressed.

[0093] The mobile repeater 3 includes a control unit 3a for controlling the mobile repeater 3, a first mobile side transceiver 3b for communicating with the mobile device 4, and a second mobile side transceiver 3c for communicating with the vehicle repeater 2. Furthermore, the mobile repeater 3 includes an operation unit 3d and an alarm unit 3e.

[0094] The operation unit 3d is, for example, a push button switch that corresponds to an operation instruction such as a start switch or a stop switch. A user at a location away from the vehicle can operate the vehicle control device 1 mounted on the vehicle by pressing the operation unit 3d, and remotely control the engine by starting or stopping it. In order to perform such processing, when the control unit 3a detects an operation on the operation unit 3d, it transmits an instruction command corresponding to the operation from the second mobile side transmitting / receiving unit 3c. The power source of the portable repeater 3 is a built-in primary battery. The primary battery is preferably a commercially available dry cell or button cell, which can be easily obtained, installed, and handled. In particular, a button cell is preferably used, since it allows the portable repeater 3 to be made smaller.

[0095] The notification unit 3e notifies the operating status, etc., for example, the execution result such as engine start success or error sent from the vehicle control device 1 / vehicle repeater 2. The notification unit 3e notifies visually or aurally. In the case of a visual notification, the notification unit 3e may, for example, use a display panel to display the execution result with characters, figures, etc., or may use a light-emitting means such as an LED to notify by the lighting state (blinking / off / on) or the light emission color. In the case of a hearing notification, the notification unit 3e may, for example, use a speaker to notify by voice or buzzer. These may be realized by combining one or more of them.

[0096] The control unit 3a is configured by, for example, an MPU. The first mobile side transmitting / receiving unit 3b and the second mobile side transmitting / receiving unit 3c are each configured by an RFIC for transmitting and receiving in a vehicle. The first mobile side transmitting / receiving unit 3b wirelessly transmits at the receiving frequency band (first frequency) of the transmitting / receiving unit 4b of the portable device 4, and wirelessly receives at the transmitting frequency (second frequency) of the transmitting / receiving unit 4b. Since the communication distance is short, weak radio waves used in a weak radio station, which is one type of radio station, are used. The second mobile side transmitting / receiving unit 3c uses radio waves in a frequency band used in a specified low-power radio station.

[0097] In this embodiment, the engine can be remotely started using the relay function through the communication transition shown in Figures 4 and 5. (0) The control unit 3a of the portable repeater 3 outputs a start signal when the operation unit 3d is pressed. The second portable side transceiver 3c wirelessly transmits this start signal to the vehicle repeater 2.

[0098] (1) The second vehicle side transceiver 2c of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the start signal transmitted from the portable repeater 3. When the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the start signal, it transmits a doorknob contact signal to the vehicle control device 1 using the wired communication function. In this embodiment, it transmits a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by a hand touching the doorknob on the outside of the driver's seat. It then waits a predetermined time (although this is shown as short in FIG. 5, in practice it may be set to, for example, 10 seconds, as in the first embodiment). It then transmits a foot brake signal as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle repeater 2 maintains the foot brake signal ON during the relay and transmission process of each data signal shown below.

[0099] (3) When the control unit 1a of the vehicle control device 1 receives the foot brake signal, it accesses the authentication information storage unit 1c, acquires the ID code as the stored authentication information, and outputs a response request signal (LF data) including the ID code. The transceiver unit 1b transmits the LF data using a wireless transmission function.

[0100] (4) The first vehicle-side transceiver 2b of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the LF data. The vehicle repeater 2 wirelessly transmits wireless LF data based on the received LF data to the portable repeater 3 using the transmission function of the second vehicle-side transceiver 2c. The wireless LF data is reversible data to the LF data.

[0101] (5) The second mobile-side transceiver 3c of the mobile repeater 3 receives the wireless LF data. The mobile repeater 3 generates original LF data from the received wireless LF data, and transmits the generated LF data to the mobile device 4 at the first frequency using the transmission function of the first mobile-side transceiver 3b.

[0102] (6) The LF data transmitted by the portable repeater 3 is transmitted at the first frequency and is equivalent to the LF data transmitted by the transceiver 1b of the vehicle control device 1, so the transceiver 4b of the portable device 4 receives the LF data. The control unit 4a judges whether the received LF data is addressed to itself. Specifically, it judges whether the ID code included in the LF data matches its own ID code stored in the authentication information storage unit 4c. Then, if the ID codes match, the control unit 4a transmits RF data (response data) as a response signal using the transmission function of the transceiver 4b. Note that if the ID codes do not match, the control unit 4a does not transmit anything.

[0103] (7) The first mobile side transceiver 3b of the mobile repeater 3 receives the RF data. The mobile repeater 3 transmits wireless RF data based on the received RF data using the transmission function of the second mobile side transceiver 3c. The wireless RF data is reversible with the LF data.

[0104] (8), (9) The second vehicle side transceiver 2c of the vehicle repeater 2 receives the wireless RF data. The vehicle repeater 2 generates original RF data from the received wireless RF data and transmits the generated RF data at a second frequency using the transmission function of the first vehicle side transceiver 2b. In addition, the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 transmits an engine start request signal to the vehicle control device 1 using the wired communication function prior to transmission of the RF data from the first vehicle side transceiver 2b. The vehicle repeater 2 wirelessly transmits the above RF data while keeping the engine start request signal ON.

[0105] The transceiver 1b of the vehicle control device 1 receives the RF data sent from the vehicle repeater 2. The control unit 1a authenticates whether the received RF data is RF data (response data) from the legitimate portable device 4. If the authentication result indicates that the RF data is from the legitimate portable device 4 and both the engine start request signal and the foot brake signal are ON, control is performed to start the engine. After that, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 2a of the vehicle repeater 2 transmits a door lock signal to the vehicle control device 1 using the wired communication function. In response, the vehicle doors are locked.

[0106] When a certain time has elapsed since the engine was started, the control unit 1a performs control to stop the engine. By continuing the operation of the engine, the engine is warmed up and the temperature inside the vehicle is adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the air conditioner installed in the vehicle.

[0107] Furthermore, when stopping the engine during warm-up operation, the user operates the operation unit 3d of the portable repeater 3. When the portable repeater 3 receives an operation stop command associated with the operation of this operation unit 3d, it transmits the operation stop command. The transmitted operation stop command reaches the vehicle control device 1 via the vehicle repeater 2. When the control unit 1a receives the operation stop command, it performs control to stop the engine that is in operation. Furthermore, the control unit 1a relays and transmits the execution result of the received operation command in the same manner as LF data, and when it reaches the portable repeater 3, it notifies the result. The variations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. [Other embodiments]

[0108] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification. The configurations of the present invention that are to be patented are specified in the attached claims, but it is our intention to include configurations disclosed in this specification in the claims in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiment. The components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Any components of each of the embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily combined with any components described in the means for solving the invention or any components that embody any components described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to acquire rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. We also disclose configurations that are not in these cases or times, and we intend to acquire rights. Furthermore, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. We also disclose configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and we intend to acquire rights.

[0110] In addition, we intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by converting to a design registration application. The drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, but they include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for a part of the device. For example, some parts of the device may be partial designs, and the drawings include some parts of the device as partial designs regardless of the parts. A part of the device may be a part of the device, or a part of that part. We intend to obtain rights to the overall design, as well as partial designs in which any part of the solid line part of the drawing is shown as a broken line part. In addition, the modules, parts, and components inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to trade independently, and we intend to obtain rights to them by converting to a design registration application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100 genuine mobile phone 200 Engine start switch 300 Genuine keyless control unit 400 Starter Motor 500 Door lock section 600 Door knob sensor 800 Mobile Phone 900 Onboard equipment 1 Vehicle control device 1a Control section 1b Transmitter / receiver 1c Authentication information storage section 2 Vehicle repeater 2a Control section 2b First vehicle side transmitter / receiver 2c Second vehicle side transmitter / receiver 2d Parameter Storage 2e Notification Department 3. Mobile repeater 3a Control section 3b First mobile phone side transceiver 3c Second mobile phone transceiver 3d control unit 3e Notification Department 3f Parameter storage section 3g setting switch 3h Normal LF data information storage section 4. Portable Devices 4a Control section 4b Transmitter / receiver 4c Authentication information storage section

Claims

1. A vehicle remote control system including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating a vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, When the retrofitted in-vehicle device receives the wireless signal, the retrofitted in-vehicle device performs a first-stage control, which is at least one of a second control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then a function of performing second-stage control, which is the predetermined control for the vehicle; When the second stage control is a control related to an engine stop command, the first stage control is not performed. A remote control system comprising:

2. A remote control system according to claim 1, The system has a function to stop the engine when the temperature inside the vehicle, detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the vehicle, reaches a preset value. A remote control system comprising:

3. In the remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, The first stage control is to transmit a signal that indicates that the control unit is in a predetermined state when a state inquiry signal for the controlled object is detected from a control unit of the vehicle and before a response to the inquiry is transmitted. A remote control system comprising:

4. In the remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The signal sent in the first stage control is sent directly to the in-vehicle network without going through the gateway ECU in the vehicle. A remote control system comprising:

5. In the remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The signal transmission path in the first stage control is such that the signal line between the control unit of the vehicle and the controlled object is disconnected and connected to the control unit side, and the state of the signal line on the controlled object side is transmitted to the control unit side while the first stage control is not being performed. A remote control system comprising:

6. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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