Electronic Key System

Abstract

To provide an electronic key system capable of securing sufficient security without damaging convenience.SOLUTION: An electronic key system 1 detects a specific operation signal when a user performs an intentional specific operation and a general operation signal when the user performs a general operation other than the specific operation in a portable machine 2, and collates the detected specific operation signal with a registered specific operation signal registered beforehand, and also collates the detected registered general operation signal with a registered general operation signal registered beforehand. In an on-vehicle machine 3, when it is confirmed that a key signal received by wireless communication from the portable machine 2 coincides with a registered key signal registered beforehand, the specific operation signal coincides with the registered specific operation signal, and the general operation signal coincides with the registered general operation signal, unlocking of a door unit 4 is permitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key system that performs authentication between a control target and a portable device, and enables operation of the control target when authentication is successful. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic key systems (smart key systems) are known for vehicles such as automobiles that use wireless communication to lock and unlock doors and allow engine start, etc. In this type of electronic key system, a user approaches the vehicle carrying a portable device (smart key) such as a smartphone or a dedicated electronic key, and the door can be unlocked by performing predetermined user authentication between the portable device and the in-vehicle device.

[0003] Furthermore, in recent electronic key systems, various technologies have been proposed to counter so-called relay attacks, in which unlocking and other operations are performed by establishing communication using a repeater even when the portable device is out of communication range with the vehicle.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that prevents relay attacks by enabling the operation of an electronic key by tapping the electronic key, and sending a signal (request signal) to an in-vehicle device to request locking or unlocking depending on the number of times the electronic key is tapped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-275701 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example, a third party who has stolen the electronic key can perform unlocking and other operations by performing a specific tapping motion, making it difficult to effectively prevent vehicle theft. In response to this, it is possible to configure the electronic key so that unlocking and other operations are permitted only when multiple different patterns of motion are performed on the electronic key, but such a configuration may impair the convenience of the electronic key system.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an electronic key system that can ensure sufficient security without compromising convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic key system includes a door unit installed in a locking target, a portable device that can be carried by a user, and an installed device that is installed in the locking target and permits unlocking of the door unit based on a result of wireless communication with the portable device, the electronic key system including: an action detection means that is installed in the portable device and detects specific action information when a user carrying the portable device performs an intentional specific action on the portable device, and general action information when the user carrying the portable device performs a general action other than the specific action; a key comparison means that is installed in the installed device and compares registered key information preregistered in the installed device with key information transmitted from the portable device; a specific action comparison means that compares registered specific action information of the user preregistered in advance with the specific action information; a general action comparison means that compares registered general action information of the user preregistered in advance with the general action information; and an unlocking permission means that permits unlocking of the door unit when the key information matches the registered key information, the specific action information matches the registered specific action information, and the general action information matches the registered general action information. The specific action comparison means and the general action comparison means are provided in the portable device, and the general action comparison means compares the registered general action information with the general action information after the specific action comparison means determines that the registered specific action information and the specific action information match. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure sufficient security without impairing convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic key system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic key system applied to a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] A flowchart showing a notification control routine for prompting a user to perform a specific action. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing a routine for determining permission to transmit radio waves to an in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing a routine for verifying a user's actions. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing a radio wave transmission control routine for the vehicle-mounted device. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the unlock determination routine. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating waveforms associated with the user's movements. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the process from when a user approaches a vehicle to when the vehicle is unlocked. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a motion matching routine for a user's motion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a radio wave transmission control routine for the vehicle-mounted device. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the unlock determination routine. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an electronic key system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing a radio wave transmission control routine for the vehicle-mounted device. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the unlock determination routine. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic key system according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic key system applied to a vehicle according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 9 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic key system.

[0012] The electronic key system 1 shown in Figure 1 is composed of a portable device 2 that can be carried by a user, an on-board device 3 that is an installed device provided in a vehicle 10 to be locked, and a door unit 4 provided in the door of the vehicle 10.

[0013] The portable device 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a dedicated electronic key, etc. The portable device 2 includes a radio wave receiving unit 21, a notification unit 22, a motion sensor 23, a portable device control unit 24, and a radio wave transmitting unit 25.

[0014] The radio wave receiving unit 21 is configured with, for example, a receiver for receiving an LF signal (Low Frequency signal). The radio wave receiving unit 21 receives a polling signal, etc., modulated into an LF signal by the vehicle-mounted device 3, within the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3. Then, the radio wave receiving unit 21 demodulates the received polling signal, etc., and outputs it to the notification unit 22 and the portable device control unit 24.

[0015] The notification unit 22 has a vibrator, a speaker, etc. (not shown). When a polling signal is input from the radio wave receiving unit 21, the notification unit 22 generates vibrations or sounds through the vibrator, the speaker, etc. In this way, the notification unit 22 notifies the user that the portable device 2 has entered the communication range of the vehicle-mounted device 3.

[0016] The motion sensor 23 is configured to include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. This motion sensor 23 detects vibrations and the like applied to the portable device 2 by the user as motion information. That is, the motion sensor 23 detects specific motion information when the user carrying the portable device 2 intentionally performs a predetermined specific motion on the portable device 2. In addition, the motion sensor 23 detects general motion information transmitted to the portable device 2 when the user carrying the portable device 2 performs a general motion other than the specific motion.

[0017] Specifically, a specific action performed by a user may be, for example, an action in which a user holding the portable device 2 taps the portable device 2 a predetermined number of times at a predetermined rhythm, which the user has determined in advance. A general action performed by a user may be, for example, an action not intentionally performed on the portable device 2 by a user holding the portable device 2, such as walking. The motion sensor 23 detects vibration waveforms input to the portable device 2 due to these specific actions and general actions, for example, as action waveform signals (specific action waveform signals and general action waveform signals). Then, the motion sensor 23 outputs the detected action waveform signals to the portable device control unit 24. In this way, in this embodiment, the motion sensor 23 realizes a function as an action detection means.

[0018] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the amplitude of a specific motion waveform signal resulting from a specific motion such as tapping is basically greater than the amplitude of a general motion waveform signal resulting from a general motion such as walking. Also, the wavelength of a specific motion waveform signal is basically shorter than the wavelength of a general motion waveform signal.

[0019] Functionally, the portable device control unit 24 has a transmission permission determination unit 26, a waveform storage unit 27, and a waveform comparison unit .

[0020] The transmission permission determination unit 26 receives the polling signal from the radio wave receiving unit 21 and also receives the motion waveform signal from the motion sensor 23. When the polling signal is input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 is turned on and outputs a transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmitting unit 25. On the other hand, when a set time has elapsed in a state in which the polling signal is not input from the radio wave receiving unit 21 and the specific motion waveform signal is not input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 is turned off and cancels the output of the communication permission signal.

[0021] Whether or not a specific operation waveform signal has been input can be determined, for example, by whether or not an operation waveform signal showing an amplitude equal to or greater than a preset threshold (see FIG. 8) has been input from the motion sensor 23. Alternatively, whether or not a specific operation waveform signal has been input can be determined, for example, by whether or not an operation waveform signal showing a wavelength less than a preset threshold has been input from the motion sensor 23.

[0022] The owner of the portable device 2 (the owner himself or her family, etc.) can register specific action information and general action information in advance in the waveform storage unit 27. Specifically, the specific action waveform signals and general action waveform signals obtained by the owner performing specific actions and general actions in advance can be registered in the waveform storage unit 27 as registered specific action waveform signals (registered specific action information) and registered general action waveform signals (registered general action information). The registration of registered action waveform information in the waveform storage unit 27 can be performed for one or more people at a dealer, etc.

[0023] The waveform comparison unit 28 compares the motion waveform signal input from the motion sensor 23 based on information from the waveform storage unit 27. That is, when a motion waveform signal having an amplitude equal to or greater than a preset threshold value (see FIG. 8 ) is input, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered specific motion waveform signal from the waveform storage unit 27 and compares the input motion waveform signal with the read out registered specific motion waveform signal. Then, when these motion waveform signals and the registered specific motion waveform signal match under preset conditions, the waveform comparison unit 28 outputs a key signal (identification information) preset in the portable device 2 to the radio wave transmission unit 25. That is, in this embodiment, the key signal also serves as specific motion comparison completion information indicating that the specific motion waveform signal matches the registered specific motion waveform signal of the owner, etc.

[0024] On the other hand, when a waveform signal having an amplitude less than a preset threshold is input, for example, waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered general action waveform signal from waveform storage unit 27 and compares the input action waveform signal with the read out registered general action waveform signal. When the action waveform signal and the registered general action waveform signal match under preset conditions, waveform comparison unit 28 outputs a general action comparison completion signal preset in portable device 2 to radio wave transmission unit 25.

[0025] In this manner, in this embodiment, the waveform comparison unit 28 realizes the functions of a specific action comparison means and a general action comparison means.

[0026] The radio wave transmitting unit 25 is composed of, for example, a transmitter for transmitting an RF signal (Radio Frequency signal). When a key signal or a general action comparison completion signal is input from the waveform comparing unit 28, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 appropriately outputs (transmits) an RF signal obtained by modulating the input signal to the surrounding area on condition that a communication permission signal is input from the transmission permission determining unit 26.

[0027] The vehicle-mounted device 3 includes a radio wave transmitting unit 31 , a radio wave receiving unit 32 , and a vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 .

[0028] The radio wave transmitting unit 31 is, for example, configured by a transmitter for transmitting an LF signal. This radio wave transmitting unit 31 repeatedly transmits an LF signal obtained by modulating a preset polling signal or the like at set intervals. The reachable range of this LF signal is set, for example, to a radius of about 2 m from the vehicle-mounted device 3 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2).

[0029] The radio wave receiving unit 32 is configured by, for example, a receiver for receiving an RF signal. The radio wave receiving unit 32 receives various signals, such as a key signal modulated into an RF signal and an action verification completion signal, within the communication range with the portable device 2. The radio wave receiving unit 32 then demodulates the received various signals and outputs them to the in-vehicle device control unit 33.

[0030] Functionally, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 has a key collating unit 34 and an unlock determining unit 35.

[0031] The key comparison unit 34 receives a key signal from the radio wave receiving unit 32. When the key comparison unit 34 receives the key signal from the radio wave receiving unit 32, it compares the received key signal with registered key information (registered key signal) preregistered in the in-vehicle device 3. When the received key signal matches the registered key signal, the key comparison unit 34 outputs a key comparison completion signal to the unlock determination unit 35. In this manner, in this embodiment, the key comparison unit 34 functions as a key comparison means.

[0032] The key matching unit 34 also determines whether the portable device 2 is inside or outside the vehicle compartment based on, for example, the radio wave reception status of the radio wave receiving unit 32. The key matching unit 34 outputs, for example, an interior / exterior determination signal indicating whether the portable device 2 is inside or outside the vehicle compartment to the unlock determination unit 35.

[0033] The unlock determination unit 35 receives an operation verification completion signal from the radio wave receiving unit 32, as well as a key verification completion signal and a vehicle interior / exterior determination signal from the key verification unit 34. Furthermore, the unlock determination unit 35 receives an unlock request signal (described later) from the door unit 4.

[0034] The unlock determination unit 35 then determines whether to permit unlocking of the doors on the condition that a key verification completion signal is input, a vehicle interior / exterior determination signal indicating that the portable device 2 is outside the vehicle interior is input, and an operation verification completion signal is input. Furthermore, when an unlock request signal (described later) is input from the door unit 4 within a set time period after the determination that unlocking of the doors is permitted is made, the unlock determination unit 35 outputs an unlock instruction signal to the door unit 4. Thus, in this embodiment, the unlock determination unit 35 functions as an unlock permission means.

[0035] The door unit 4 is provided in each door of the vehicle 10. The door unit 4 includes a touch sensor 41 and a door lock actuator .

[0036] The touch sensor 41 is provided, for example, adjacent to a door handle of the vehicle 10, or on the back side of the door handle. The touch sensor 41 outputs a predetermined unlock request signal to the unlock determination unit 35 when the touch sensor 41 is touched by a user or the like.

[0037] In this embodiment, the touch sensor 41 is provided only in the door units 4 provided on each door, for example, only in the front door on the driver's seat side, or only in the front door and back door on the driver's seat side, but it can also be provided in the door units 4 of other doors. Also, instead of the touch sensor 41, the switch / sensor provided in the door unit 4 can be, for example, a switch that outputs an unlock request signal when pressed by a user.

[0038] The door lock actuator 42 is an actuator for locking and unlocking the doors of the vehicle 10. When an unlock instruction signal is input from the unlock determination unit 35 of the vehicle-mounted device 3, the door lock actuator 42 unlocks the doors.

[0039] Next, notification control in the notification unit 22 of the portable device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the notification control routine shown in Fig. 3. This routine starts when the portable device 2 enters the communication range of the vehicle-mounted device 3 from outside the communication range and a polling signal is input from the radio wave receiving unit 21 to the notification unit 22.

[0040] When the routine starts, the notification unit 22 outputs a notification to the user in step S101. That is, the notification unit 22 notifies the user that the portable device 2 has entered the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3, for example, by vibrating a vibrator or by outputting a notification sound through a speaker.

[0041] In the following step S102, the notification unit 22 checks whether or not a polling signal is periodically input from the radio wave receiving unit 21. That is, the notification unit 22 checks whether or not the radio wave receiving unit 21 is receiving a polling signal periodically transmitted from the radio wave transmitting unit 31 of the vehicle-mounted device 3.

[0042] Then, in step S102, if it is determined that a polling signal is being periodically input, the notification unit 22 continues to wait.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the polling signal has not been periodically input, the notification unit 22 ends the routine.

[0044] By such control, the notification unit 22 can notify the user only immediately after the portable device 2 enters the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the notification from being repeatedly performed while the portable device 2 is within the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3, and to reduce the inconvenience to the user, etc.

[0045] Next, the radio wave transmission permission determination in the transmission permission determination unit 26 of the portable device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the radio wave transmission permission determination routine shown in Fig. 4. This routine starts when the portable device 2 moves from outside the communication range of the vehicle-mounted device 3 into the communication range and a polling signal is input from the radio wave receiving unit 21 to the transmission permission determination unit 26.

[0046] When the routine starts, the transmission permission determination unit 26 turns on the transmission permission signal in step S201. That is, in step S201, the transmission permission determination unit 26 starts outputting the transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmitting unit 25 on the condition that the portable device 2 has entered the communication range of the vehicle-mounted device 3.

[0047] In the next step S202, the transmission permission determination unit 26 checks whether or not a polling signal is periodically input from the radio wave receiving unit 21. That is, the transmission permission determination unit 26 checks whether or not the portable device 2 remains within the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3, depending on whether or not the radio wave receiving unit 21 receives a polling signal periodically transmitted from the radio wave transmitting unit 31 of the vehicle-mounted device 3.

[0048] Then, in step S202, if it is determined that a polling signal is being periodically input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 waits as is. As a result, the transmission permission determination unit 26 maintains the output of the transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that a polling signal has not been periodically input, the transmission permission decision unit 26 proceeds to step S203.

[0050] Proceeding from step S202 to step S203, the transmission permission determination unit 26 checks whether or not a specific motion waveform signal has been input from the motion sensor 23. That is, in step S203, the transmission permission determination unit 26 checks whether or not a motion waveform signal is currently being input from the motion sensor 23. Furthermore, if a motion waveform signal has been input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 checks, for example, whether or not the amplitude of the motion waveform signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value.

[0051] Then, when it is determined in step S203 that the specific operation waveform signal is currently being input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 returns to step S202. That is, when it is determined in step S203 that the operation waveform signal is currently being input and that the amplitude of the operation waveform signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the transmission permission determination unit 26 returns to step S202. As a result, the transmission permission determination unit 26 maintains the output of the transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the specific operation waveform signal is not currently being input, the transmission permission determination unit 26 proceeds to step S204. That is, if it is determined in step S203 that the operation waveform signal is not currently being input, or if it is determined that the operation waveform signal is currently being input but the amplitude of the operation waveform signal is less than a preset threshold, the transmission permission determination unit 26 proceeds to step S204.

[0053] When proceeding from step S203 to step S204, the transmission permission determination unit 26 periodically checks whether or not a preset time has elapsed since the polling signal was no longer input and the specific operation waveform signal was no longer input.

[0054] If it is determined in step S204 that the set time has not yet elapsed, the transmission permission determination unit 26 returns to step S202. As a result, the transmission permission determination unit 26 maintains the output of the transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the set time has elapsed, the transmission permission determination unit 26 proceeds to step S205, turns off the transmission permission signal, and then ends the routine. That is, in step S205, the transmission permission determination unit 26 cancels the output of the transmission permission signal to the radio wave transmitter 25, and then ends the routine.

[0056] Thus, in this embodiment, the portable device 2 includes the transmission permission determination unit 26, and mainly issues transmission permission to the radio wave transmitting unit 25 when the portable device 2 is within the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3. Therefore, unnecessary radio wave output from the radio wave transmitting unit 25 can be suppressed, and consumption of the battery of the portable device 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0057] Next, the motion comparison in the waveform comparison unit 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the motion comparison routine shown in Fig. 5. This routine starts when a specific motion waveform signal is input from the motion sensor 23, for example.

[0058] When the routine starts, in step S301, the waveform comparison unit 28 checks whether or not a polling signal is currently being periodically input from the radio wave receiving unit 21.

[0059] If it is determined in step S301 that the polling signal is not currently being periodically input, the waveform comparison section 28 ends the routine.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that a polling signal is currently being periodically input, waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S302 and performs a comparison of the specific movement waveform. That is, waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered specific movement waveform signal from waveform storage unit 27, and compares the specific movement waveform signal input from motion sensor 23 with the read registered specific movement waveform signal. Note that, if registered specific waveform signals relating to multiple users, etc. are registered in waveform storage unit 27, waveform comparison unit 28 reads out all registered specific waveform signals, and compares the specific movement waveform signal input from motion sensor 23 with all read registered specific waveform signals.

[0061] When proceeding from step S302 to step S303, the waveform comparison section 28 refers to the comparison result of step S302 and checks whether or not the specific action waveform signal matches any of the registered specific waveform signals within a predetermined error range.

[0062] Then, in step S303, if it is determined that the specific action waveform signal does not match any of the registered specific action waveform signals, the waveform comparison section 28 ends the routine.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the specific action waveform signal matches any of the registered specific action waveform signals, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S304, where it outputs a key signal of the portable device 2 to the radio wave transmission unit 25, and then proceeds to step S305. That is, the waveform comparison unit 28 outputs a unique key signal that has been registered in advance in the portable device 2 to the radio wave transmission unit 25, instead of a specific action comparison completion signal indicating that the specific action waveform signal matches the registered specific waveform signal.

[0064] When the process proceeds from step S304 to step S305, the waveform comparison unit 28 checks whether or not a polling signal is currently being input from the radio wave receiving unit 21 at regular intervals.

[0065] If it is determined in step S305 that the polling signal is not currently being periodically input, the waveform comparison section 28 ends the routine.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that a polling signal is currently being input periodically, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S306 and checks whether or not a set time has elapsed since this routine was started by the input of the specific operation waveform signal.

[0067] Then, in step S306, when it is determined that the set time has elapsed since the start of this routine, the waveform comparison unit 28 ends the routine as it is. Here, when a sufficient time has elapsed since the specific operation waveform signal was input, for example, a user who performed a specific operation on the portable device 2 within the communication range of the in-vehicle device 3 may lose interest in getting in the car midway and time out. Alternatively, for example, a user may perform a specific operation on the portable device 2 placed on a table or the like within the communication range of the in-vehicle device 3 by chance. Alternatively, a user may perform a specific operation outside the communication range of the in-vehicle device 3, for example, at the timing of a relay attack by a third party.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the set time has not elapsed since the start of this routine, waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S307 to compare the general action waveform. That is, waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered general action waveform signal from waveform storage unit 27. Then, when a general action waveform signal is input from motion sensor 23, waveform comparison unit 28 compares the general action waveform signal with the read out registered general action waveform signal. In this case, it is desirable for waveform comparison unit 28 to read out only the registered general action waveform signal of the user, etc. that corresponds to the specific action waveform signal that is currently determined to match.

[0069] When proceeding from step S307 to step S308, the waveform comparison unit 28 refers to the comparison result of step S307 and checks whether the general action waveform signal and the registered general action waveform signal match within a predetermined error range.

[0070] Then, if it is determined in step S308 that the general action waveform signal does not match the registered general action waveform signal, the waveform comparison section 28 returns to step S305.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the general action waveform signal matches the registered general action waveform signal, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S309, outputs a general action comparison completion signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25, and then terminates the routine.

[0072] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the general action waveform signal is not compared with the registered general action waveform signal until the specific action waveform signal matches the registered specific action waveform signal. This reduces the computational load for waveform comparison in the portable device 2, and suppresses battery consumption in the portable device 2.

[0073] Furthermore, when the waveform storage unit 27 has registered specific action waveform signals and general action waveform signals for multiple users, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out only the registered general action waveform signal corresponding to the registered specific action waveform signal with which the specific action waveform signal matches, and performs comparison with the general action waveform signal only for the registered general action waveform signal that has been read out. This reduces the computational load for waveform comparison in the portable device, and suppresses battery consumption in the portable device 2.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, when matching of the specific action waveform is completed, the waveform matching unit 28 outputs a key signal instead of a specific action matching completion signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25. Therefore, the radio wave transmission unit 25, which will be described later, does not need to transmit the specific action matching completion signal and the key signal separately, and it is possible to suppress consumption of the battery of the portable device 2 due to radio wave transmission.

[0075] Next, radio wave transmission control in radio wave transmitter 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the radio wave transmission control routine shown in Fig. 6. This routine starts when a transmission permission signal is input from transmission permission determination unit 26, for example.

[0076] When the routine starts, in step S401, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 checks whether or not the transmission permission signal is still being input.

[0077] If it is determined in step S401 that the transmission permission signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 ends the routine.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the transmission permission signal is being input, the radio wave transmitting section 25 proceeds to step S402 and checks whether or not a key signal has been input from the waveform comparing section .

[0079] If it is determined in step S402 that a key signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 returns to step S401.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that a key signal has been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds to step S403, transmits the input key signal, and then proceeds to step S404. That is, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 modulates the key signal into an RF signal and transmits the modulated key signal.

[0081] When the process proceeds from step S403 to step S404, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 checks whether or not the transmission permission signal is still being input.

[0082] If it is determined in step S404 that the transmission permission signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 ends the routine.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the transmission permission signal is being input, the radio wave transmitting section 25 proceeds to step S405 and checks whether or not a general action comparison completion signal has been input from the waveform comparing section .

[0084] If it is determined in step S405 that the general action verification completion signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 returns to step S404.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the general motion matching completion signal has been input, the radio wave transmitter 25 proceeds to step S406, transmits the general motion matching completion signal, and then ends the routine. That is, the radio wave transmitter 25 modulates the general motion matching completion signal into an RF signal and transmits the modulated general motion matching completion signal.

[0086] In this manner, in this embodiment, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 transmits various signals on the condition that the transmission permission signal is being input from the transmission permission determining unit 26. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption due to radio wave transmission, and to suppress consumption of the battery of the portable device 2.

[0087] Next, the unlock determination in the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 of the vehicle-mounted device 3 will be described with reference to an unlock determination routine shown in Fig. 7. This routine starts when a key signal is input from the radio wave receiving unit 32, for example.

[0088] When the routine starts, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 checks in step S501 whether the portable device 2 is located outside the vehicle compartment.

[0089] Then, in step S501, when it is determined that the portable device 2 is present in the vehicle interior, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 ends the routine. Although a detailed description is omitted, when the portable device 2 is present in the vehicle interior, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 performs a separate unlock determination.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the portable device 2 is outside the vehicle compartment, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S502 to check whether or not the key signal received from the portable device 2 matches a registered key signal preregistered in the in-vehicle device 3. That is, in step S502, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks, based on the key signal received from the portable device 2, whether or not the portable device 2 is the portable device 2 associated with the in-vehicle device 3 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, based on the input of the key signal, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 indirectly checks whether the specific operation signal detected in the portable device 2 matches a registered specific operation signal preregistered in the portable device 2 by the user.

[0091] Then, if it is determined in step S502 that the key signals do not match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S506, determines that unlocking of the doors is not permitted, and then ends the routine.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the key signals match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S503 and checks whether or not a set time has elapsed since receiving the key signal.

[0093] Then, if it is determined in step S503 that the set time has elapsed since the key signal was received, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S506, determines that unlocking of the doors is not permitted, and then ends the routine. In other words, if a general action verification completion signal, which will be described later, is not received until the set time has elapsed since the key signal was received, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 determines that there is a possibility that a third party who has stolen the portable device 2 has performed a specific action on the portable device 2 while posing as the user, etc., and determines that unlocking of the doors is not permitted.

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the set time has not elapsed since the key signal was received, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S504 to check whether or not a general action verification completion signal has been received by the radio wave receiving unit 32. That is, in step S504, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks whether or not it has been determined in the portable device 2 that the detected general action signal coincides with a registered general action signal registered in advance by the user.

[0095] Then, in step S504, if it is determined that the general action comparison completion signal has not been received, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 returns to step S503. That is, if the general action signal has not been detected yet in the portable device 2, or if the detected general action signal does not match the registered general action signal in a predetermined manner, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 returns from step S504 to step S503.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the general action verification completion signal has been received, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S505, determines whether to permit unlocking of the doors, and then ends the routine.

[0097] As a result, the unlock determination unit 35 outputs an unlock instruction signal to the door lock actuator 42 on the condition that a touch sensor signal is input from the touch sensor 41 of the door unit 4 within the set time period after the determination to permit unlocking is made. When the unlock instruction signal is input, the door lock actuator 42 unlocks the doors.

[0098] By these controls, the door lock actuator 42 of the door unit 4 is unlocked in the following procedure, as shown in FIG.

[0099] First, when a user carrying the portable device 2 approaches the vehicle 10 and the portable device 2 enters within communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3 of the vehicle 10, the portable device 2 receives a polling signal periodically transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 3 and notifies the user through the notification unit 22 to prompt the user to perform a specific action (see S31, S10, S21, and S32 in Figure 9).

[0100] When the user receives a notification from the portable device 2 and gives a predetermined specific action to the portable device 2, the portable device 2 recognizes and verifies the specific action, and allows communication on the portable device 2 side. This turns on radio communication on the portable device 2 side, and transmits the key information to the in-vehicle device 3 (see S33, S22, S23 in FIG. 9).

[0101] When the vehicle-mounted device 3 receives the key signal from the portable device 2, the vehicle-mounted device 3 recognizes that the portable device 2 is near the vehicle 10, and compares the received key signal with a registered key signal (see S11 and S12 in FIG. 9).

[0102] Furthermore, when the user, after applying a specific motion to the portable device 2, starts walking toward the vehicle 10, the portable device 2 measures (detects) a general motion waveform, extracts feature points of the measured general motion waveform, and compares them with a registered general motion waveform signal (see S24 and S25 in FIG. 9). Then, when comparison of the general motion waveform is completed, the portable device 2 transmits a general motion comparison completion signal to the in-vehicle device 3 (see S26 in FIG. 9).

[0103] When the in-vehicle device 3 receives a general action matching completion signal from the portable device 2 and recognizes that the key matching and general action matching have been completed, it unlocks the door lock actuator 42 on the condition that the user has touched the touch sensor 41 (see S13, S35, and S14 in Figure 9).

[0104] According to this embodiment, the portable device 2 detects a specific operation signal when the user performs an intentional specific operation and a general operation signal when the user performs a general operation other than a specific operation, and compares the detected specific operation signal with a registered specific operation signal that has been preregistered, as well as compares the detected registered general operation signal with a registered general operation signal that has been preregistered. When the vehicle-mounted device 3 confirms that the key signal received by wireless communication from the portable device 2 matches the registered key signal that has been preregistered, that the specific operation signal matches the registered specific operation signal, and that the general operation signal matches the registered general operation signal, it allows the door unit 4 to be unlocked, thereby ensuring sufficient security without compromising convenience.

[0105] In other words, not only are the results of comparing specific action signals resulting from intentional specific actions such as tapping the portable device 2 checked, but also the results of comparing general action signals resulting from general actions such as the user walking while carrying the portable device 2 are checked, and if at least one of these does not match, unlocking is not permitted, thereby ensuring sufficient security against theft of the portable device 2 and so-called relay attacks.

[0106] In this case, the general action signal collated by the portable device 2 is not intentionally given to the portable device 2 by the user, but is caused by a general action such as walking that the user who enters the communication range with the vehicle-mounted device 3 performs before reaching the vehicle 10. Therefore, personal authentication can be performed without forcing the user to perform multiple patterns of bothersome intentional actions, and security can be ensured while maintaining high convenience.

[0107] Next, Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a motion matching routine for a user's motion, Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a radio wave transmission control routine for an in-vehicle device, and Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an unlock determination routine. Here, the first embodiment described above performs a general motion matching after completing a specific motion matching, whereas this embodiment differs mainly in that the specific motion matching and the general motion matching are performed in any order. Note that the description of the same configuration and operation as the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] First, the operation comparison in the waveform comparison section 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the operation comparison routine shown in Fig. 10. This routine starts when a polling signal is input from the radio wave receiving section 21, for example.

[0109] When the routine starts, in step S601, the waveform comparison unit 28 checks whether or not a polling signal is currently being periodically input from the radio wave receiving unit 21.

[0110] If it is determined in step S601 that the polling signal is not currently being periodically input, the waveform comparison section 28 ends the routine.

[0111] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the polling signal is currently being periodically input, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S602 and performs a comparison of the specific action waveform. That is, if a specific action waveform signal is input from the motion sensor 23, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered specific action waveform signal from the waveform storage unit 27. Then, the waveform comparison unit 28 compares the input specific action waveform signal with the read out registered specific action waveform signal. If registered specific waveform signals related to a plurality of users, etc. are registered in the waveform storage unit 27, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out all the registered specific waveform signals and compares the specific action waveform signal input from the motion sensor 23 with all the read out registered specific waveform signals. In this case, if a comparison result indicating that the general action waveform signal and the registered general action waveform signal match has already been obtained in the process of step S605 described later, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out only the registered specific action waveform signal related to the user corresponding to the registered general action waveform signal, and compares it with the specific action waveform signal.

[0112] When proceeding from step S602 to step S603, the waveform comparison section 28 refers to the comparison result of step S602 and checks whether or not the specific action waveform signal matches any of the registered specific waveform signals within a predetermined error range.

[0113] Then, if it is determined in step S603 that the specific action waveform signal does not match any of the registered specific action waveform signals, the waveform comparison section 28 proceeds to step S605.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the specific action waveform signal matches any of the registered specific action waveform signals, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S604, where it outputs a key signal of the portable device 2 to the radio wave transmission unit 25, and then proceeds to step S605. That is, the waveform comparison unit 28 outputs a unique key signal registered in advance in the portable device 2 to the radio wave transmission unit 25, instead of a specific action comparison completion signal indicating that the specific action waveform signal matches the registered specific waveform signal.

[0115] When the process proceeds from step S603 or step S604 to step S605, the waveform comparison unit 28 performs a comparison of the general action waveform. That is, when a general action waveform signal is input from the motion sensor 23, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out a registered general action waveform signal from the waveform storage unit 27. Then, the waveform comparison unit 28 compares the input general action waveform signal with the read out registered general action waveform signal. When registered general waveform signals related to a plurality of users are registered in the waveform storage unit 27, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out all the registered general waveform signals and compares the general action waveform signal input from the motion sensor 23 with all the read out registered general waveform signals. In this case, when a comparison result indicating that the specific action waveform signal and the registered specific action waveform signal match has already been obtained in the process of step S602 described above, the waveform comparison unit 28 reads out only the registered general action waveform signal related to the user corresponding to the registered specific action waveform signal, and compares it with the general action waveform signal.

[0116] When proceeding from step S605 to step S606, the waveform comparison unit 28 refers to the comparison result of step S605 and checks whether or not the general operation waveform signal matches any of the registered general waveform signals within a predetermined error range.

[0117] Then, if it is determined in step S607 that the general action waveform signal does not match any of the registered general action waveform signals, the waveform comparison section 28 proceeds to step S609.

[0118] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that the general action waveform signal matches any of the registered general action waveform signals, the waveform comparison unit 28 proceeds to step S608, outputs a general action comparison completion signal to the radio wave transmission unit 25, and then proceeds to step S609.

[0119] When the process proceeds from step S607 or step S608 to step S609, waveform comparison unit 28 checks whether or not all signals have been output, that is, whether or not output of the key signal and general action comparison completion signal to radio wave transmission unit 25 has been completed.

[0120] Then, if it is determined in step S609 that all signals have not been output, the waveform comparison section 28 returns to step S601.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S609 that all signals have been output, the waveform comparison section 28 ends the routine.

[0122] Next, radio wave transmission control in the radio wave transmitter 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the radio wave transmission control routine shown in Fig. 11. This routine starts when a transmission permission signal is input from the transmission permission determination unit 26, for example.

[0123] When the routine starts, in step S701, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 checks whether or not the transmission permission signal is still being input.

[0124] If it is determined in step S701 that the transmission permission signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 ends the routine.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the transmission permission signal is being input, the radio wave transmitting section 25 proceeds to step S702 and checks whether or not a key signal has been input from the waveform comparing section .

[0126] If it is determined in step S702 that a key signal has been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds to step S303, transmits the input key signal, and then proceeds to step S704. That is, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 modulates the key signal into an RF signal and transmits the modulated key signal.

[0127] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that a key signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds directly to step S704.

[0128] When proceeding from step S702 or step S703 to step S704, the radio wave transmitting section 25 checks whether or not a general action comparison completion signal has been input from the waveform comparing section 28.

[0129] Then, if it is determined in step S704 that the general motion matching completion signal has been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds to step S705, transmits the input general motion matching completion signal, and then proceeds to step S706. That is, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 modulates the general motion matching completion signal into an RF signal, and transmits the modulated general motion matching completion signal.

[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the general action verification completion signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds directly to step S706.

[0131] When the process proceeds from step S704 or step S705 to step S706, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 checks whether or not all signals have been transmitted, that is, whether or not the transmission of the key signal and the general action verification completion signal has been completed.

[0132] If it is determined in step S706 that all signals have not been transmitted, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 returns to step S701.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S706 that all signals have been transmitted, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 ends the routine.

[0134] Next, the unlock determination in the on-board device control unit 33 of the on-board device 3 will be described with reference to the unlock determination routine shown in Fig. 12. This routine is started, for example, when the radio wave receiving unit 32 receives a radio wave from the portable device 2. That is, in this embodiment, this routine is started, for example, when the key signal or the general action verification completion signal received by the radio wave receiving unit 32 from the portable device 2 is input to the on-board device control unit 33.

[0135] When the routine starts, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 checks in step S801 whether the portable device 2 is located outside the vehicle compartment.

[0136] Then, in step S801, when it is determined that the portable device 2 is present in the vehicle interior, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 ends the routine. Although a detailed description is omitted, when the portable device 2 is present in the vehicle interior, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 performs a separate unlock determination.

[0137] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the portable device 2 is outside the vehicle compartment, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S802 and checks whether or not all signals have been input, that is, whether or not the radio wave receiving unit 32 has completed receiving the key signal and the general action verification completion signal.

[0138] If it is determined in step S802 that all signals have been input, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S804.

[0139] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that all signals have not been input, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 proceeds to step S803 and checks whether a preset time has elapsed since the start of this routine.

[0140] Then, if it is determined in step S803 that the set time has not elapsed, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 returns to step S802 and waits until all signals are input.

[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that the set time has elapsed, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S806.

[0142] When proceeding from step S802 to step S804, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks whether or not the key signal matches a registered key signal previously registered in the in-vehicle device 3. That is, in step S804, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks, based on the key signal received from the portable device 2, whether or not the portable device 2 is the portable device 2 associated with the in-vehicle device 3 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, based on the input of the key signal, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 indirectly checks whether the specific operation signal and general operation signal detected in the portable device 2 match the registered specific operation signal previously registered in the portable device 2 by the user.

[0143] If it is determined in step S804 that the key signals match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S805, where it determines whether to permit unlocking of the doors, and then ends the routine.

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that the key signals do not match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S806.

[0145] When the process proceeds from step S803 or step S804 to step S806, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 determines that unlocking of the door is not permitted, and then ends the routine. Note that, as one of the cases where the key signal is not input within the set time, for example, when the user carrying the portable device 2 is walking away from the vehicle 10, a third party may perform a so-called relay attack on the portable device 2.

[0146] As a result, the unlock determination unit 35 outputs an unlock instruction signal to the door lock actuator 42 on the condition that a touch sensor signal is input from the touch sensor 41 of the door unit 4 within the set time period after the determination to permit unlocking is made. When the unlock instruction signal is input, the door lock actuator 42 unlocks the doors.

[0147] According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0148] Next, Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electronic key system, Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a radio wave transmission control routine for an in-vehicle unit, and Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an unlock determination routine. Here, the main difference between the first and second embodiments is that the specific action and general action are verified by the portable unit 2, whereas this embodiment is characterized in that the specific action and general action are verified by the in-vehicle unit 3. Note that explanations of the same configurations and operations as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0149] 13, in the electronic key system 1 of this embodiment, a waveform storage unit 36 ​​and a waveform comparison unit 37 are provided in the in-vehicle device control unit 33 instead of the portable device control unit 24. Therefore, the operation waveform signal detected by the motion sensor 23 is directly input to the radio wave transmission unit 25. The waveform storage unit 36 ​​and the waveform comparison unit 37 have substantially the same functions as the waveform storage unit 27 and the waveform comparison unit 37 described in the first embodiment above.

[0150] Next, radio wave transmission control in the radio wave transmitter 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the radio wave transmission control routine shown in Fig. 14. This routine starts when a transmission permission signal is input from the transmission permission determination unit 26, for example.

[0151] When the routine starts, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 transmits a key signal that is registered in advance in the portable device 2 in step S901.

[0152] In the next step S902, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 checks whether or not the transmission permission signal is still being input from the transmission permission determining unit .

[0153] If it is determined in step S902 that the transmission permission signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 ends the routine.

[0154] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that the transmission permission signal is being input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds to step S903 and checks whether or not an operation signal is being input from the motion sensor .

[0155] If it is determined in step S903 that the operation signal has not been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 returns to step S902.

[0156] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the operation signal has been input, the radio wave transmitting unit 25 proceeds to step S904, transmits the input operation signal, and then returns to step S902.

[0157] Next, the unlock determination in the on-board device control unit 33 of the on-board device 3 will be described with reference to the unlock determination routine shown in Fig. 15. This routine starts, for example, when the radio wave receiving unit 32 receives radio waves from the portable device 2. That is, in this embodiment, this routine starts, for example, when the key signal received by the radio wave receiving unit 32 from the portable device 2 is input to the on-board device control unit 33.

[0158] When the routine starts, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 checks in step S1001 whether or not the portable device is present outside the vehicle compartment.

[0159] Then, in step S1001, if it is determined that the portable device 2 is present inside the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 exits the routine.

[0160] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the portable device 2 is outside the vehicle compartment, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks in step S1002 whether or not the key signal matches a registered key signal that has been registered in advance in the in-vehicle device 3. That is, in step S1002, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 checks, based on the key signal received from the portable device 2, whether or not the portable device 2 is the portable device 2 associated with the in-vehicle device 3 of the vehicle 10.

[0161] If it is determined in step S1002 that the key signals do not match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1009, determines that unlocking of the doors is not permitted, and then ends the routine.

[0162] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the key signals match, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1003 to perform a comparison process of the motion waveform signal. That is, if a motion waveform signal is received from the portable device 2, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 reads out a registered specific motion waveform signal and a registered general motion waveform signal that are registered in advance in the waveform storage unit 36, and compares them with the received motion waveform signal.

[0163] When the process proceeds from step S1003 to step S1004, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 refers to the result of the collation process in step S1003, and checks whether or not the specific motion waveform signal matches the registered specific motion waveform signal.

[0164] If it is determined in step S1004 that the specific operation waveform signal coincides with a predetermined waveform, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1006.

[0165] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1004 that the specific motion waveform signal does not match the predetermined signal, or if it is determined that the comparison process in step S1003 was not a comparison process of the specific motion waveform signal in the first place, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1005.

[0166] When the process proceeds from step S1004 to step S1005, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 refers to the result of the collation process in step S1003, and checks whether the general motion waveform signal matches the registered general motion waveform signal.

[0167] If it is determined in step S1005 that the general operation waveform signal coincides with a predetermined waveform, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1006.

[0168] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the general operation waveform signal does not match the predetermined signal, or if it is determined that the comparison process in step S1003 was not a comparison process of the general operation waveform signal in the first place, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 returns to step S1003.

[0169] When proceeding from step S1004 or step S1005 to step S1006, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 checks whether all matching processes have been completed, i.e., whether matching processes have been completed to determine whether the specific motion waveform signal and the general motion waveform signal match as specified.

[0170] Then, if it is determined in step S1006 that all the verification processes have been completed, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1008, determines whether to permit unlocking of the doors, and then ends the routine.

[0171] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1006 that all of the matching processes have not yet been completed, the vehicle-mounted device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1007 and checks whether a preset time has elapsed since the start of this routine.

[0172] Then, if it is determined in step S1007 that the set time has not elapsed, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 returns to step S1003.

[0173] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1007 that the set time has elapsed, the in-vehicle device control unit 33 proceeds to step S1009, determines not to permit unlocking of the doors, and then ends the routine.

[0174] According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above. In addition, in this embodiment, since the specific action and the general action are checked on the vehicle-mounted device 3 side, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the battery of the portable device 2.

[0175] In each of the above-described embodiments, in order to obtain the general operation waveform signal more accurately, it is also possible to detect the approach of a user carrying the portable device 2 to the vehicle 10 based on position information from a GPS or the like before the user enters the communication range between the radio wave transmitting unit 31 and the radio wave receiving unit 21. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 16, a GPS receiving unit 29 and a relative position calculating unit 30 are added to the portable device 2 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1 of the above-described first embodiment.

[0176] The GPS receiving unit 29 receives positioning signals from a plurality of satellites, thereby locating the current position (absolute coordinates) of the portable device 2. The current position of the portable device 2 thus located is output to the relative position calculation unit 30.

[0177] The relative position calculation unit 30 calculates, for example, the relative distance between the vehicle 10 and the portable device 2 when the vehicle is stopped. For this reason, the relative position calculation unit 30 stores, for example, the current position measured by the GPS receiving unit 29 at the timing when the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is turned off, as the position of the vehicle 10 (reference position).

[0178] Then, the relative position calculation unit 30 calculates the relative distance of the portable device 2 with respect to the vehicle 10 based on the coordinates of the stored reference position and the coordinates of the current position of the portable device 2 measured by the GPS receiver 29. That is, the relative position calculation unit 30 sequentially calculates the relative distance between the vehicle 10 after the ignition switch is turned off and the user (the user carrying the portable device 2) who has got off the vehicle 10.

[0179] Furthermore, for example, after the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is turned off, when the relative distance between the vehicle 10 and the portable device 2 becomes greater than a set distance R0 (e.g., 10 m) and then becomes less than or equal to the set distance R0 again (see FIG. 17), the relative position calculation unit 30 outputs a signal equivalent to a polling signal to the notification unit 22 and the waveform comparison unit 28.

[0180] According to this modified example, a sufficient distance can be secured for acquiring general motion waveform signals caused by the user walking or the like.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the portable device control unit 24 and the in-vehicle device control unit 33 are configured with a well-known microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile storage unit, etc., and peripheral devices thereof, and the ROM stores programs to be executed by the CPU and fixed data such as data tables in advance. Note that all or part of the functions of the processor may be configured with logic circuits or analog circuits, and the processing of various programs may be realized by electronic circuits such as FPGAs.

[0182] The invention described in the above embodiments is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, an example of applying an electronic key system to a vehicle has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a house, etc. For example, applying an electronic key system to the front door or back door of a house can prevent house break-ins using relay attacks, improving security. Furthermore, security measures using such an electronic key system can realize security measures that are less expensive and less bothersome than theft systems using security cameras, etc.

[0183] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of a configuration in which the radio wave transmitting unit of the portable device transmits an RF signal and the radio wave transmitting unit of the vehicle-mounted device transmits an LF signal has been described, but the signals transmitted by each radio wave transmitting unit are not limited to these, and other signals may also be used.

[0184] Furthermore, each of the above embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed constituent elements.

[0185] For example, if some of the constituent elements shown in each form are deleted, and the stated problem can be solved and the stated effect can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 1. Electronic key system 2. Portable device 3…In-vehicle device 4. Door unit 10…Vehicle 21...Radio wave receiving unit 22…Notification section 23...Motion sensor 24...Portable device control unit 25...Radio wave transmitter 26...Transmission permission determination unit 27…Waveform storage section 28...Waveform comparison section 29…GPS receiver 30...Relative position calculation unit 31...Radio wave transmitter 32…Radio wave receiving unit 33... Vehicle-mounted device control unit 34...Key matching section 35…Unlock judgment section 36...Waveform storage section 37...Waveform comparison section 41...Touch sensor 42...Door lock actuator

Claims

1. An electronic key system including a door unit provided in a locking target, a portable device that can be carried by a user, and an installation device that is provided in the locking target and permits unlocking of the door unit based on the result of wireless communication with the portable device, a motion detection means provided in the portable device for detecting specific motion information when the user carrying the portable device performs an intentional specific motion on the portable device, and general motion information when the user carrying the portable device performs a general motion other than the specific motion; a key collating means provided in the installed machine for collating registered key information preregistered in the installed machine with key information transmitted from the portable machine; a specific action matching means for matching the specific action information with registered specific action information of the user that has been registered in advance; A general action checking means for checking the general action information of the user registered in advance against the general action information; an unlock permission means for permitting unlocking of the door unit when the key information matches the registered key information, the specific operation information matches the registered specific operation information, and the general operation information matches the registered general operation information, the specific action verification means and the general action verification means are provided in the portable device, The general action comparison means compares the registered general action information with the general action information after the specific action comparison means determines that the registered specific action information and the specific action information match.

2. The electronic key system as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specific action information and the general action information are vibration waveform signals generated in the portable device by the action of the user.

3. An electronic key system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the object to be locked is a vehicle.

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