Remote control system, control device, mobile device, and computer program

Abstract

To enhance the convenience of a remote control system for remotely controlling a controlled device by using a mobile device.SOLUTION: A mobile device 11 is portable by a person 20. A first communication device 131 can receive radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11. A second communication device 132 can receive radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11 disposed at a prescribed position. A control device 12 controls operation of a controlled device 31 on the basis of whether a reception intensity of a radio wave according to the first communication device 131 exceeds a threshold, and at least either the threshold or a transmission intensity of radio waves in the mobile device 11 is changed on the basis of a reception intensity of a radio wave according to the second communication device 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system for remotely controlling a controlled device using a mobile device that can be carried by a person. The present invention also relates to a control device for controlling the operation of the controlled device and the mobile device. The present invention also relates to a computer program executable by a processing unit of the control device. The present invention also relates to a computer program executable by a processing unit of the mobile device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication system as an example of a remote control system. In this system, authentication is performed through radio wave communication between a control device that controls the operation of a vehicle locking device as an example of a controlled device and a key as an example of a mobile device that can be carried by a person. When authentication is successful, the vehicle door is unlocked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-211334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of a remote control system that remotely controls a controlled device using a mobile device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is an authentication system, comprising: a mobile device capable of being carried by a person; a first communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device; a second communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position; a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device based on whether the received strength of the radio waves by the first communication device exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio waves in the mobile device based on the received strength of the radio waves by the second communication device; It is equipped with:

[0006] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a control device, a first reception unit that acquires first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person by a first communication device; a second receiving unit that acquires second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device placed at a predetermined position by a second communication device; a processing unit that controls an operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio wave in the mobile device based on the second data; It is equipped with:

[0007] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a computer program executable by a processing unit of a control device, By being executed, the control device acquiring first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a user by a first communication device; acquiring second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position by a second communication device; Controlling the operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold value; At least one of the threshold value and the transmission strength of the radio wave from the mobile device is changed based on the second data.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a mobile device that can be carried by a person, comprising: a transmitter capable of transmitting radio waves; a processing unit that changes the transmission intensity of the radio waves based on an instruction transmitted from a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device in response to the radio waves transmitted from the transmission unit; It is equipped with:

[0009] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a computer program executable by a processing unit of a mobile device that can be carried by a person, the computer program comprising: When executed, the mobile device: Sends radio waves, The transmission strength of the radio waves is changed based on an instruction sent from a control device that controls the operation of a controlled device in response to the radio waves.

[0010] The transmission strength of radio waves from mobile devices may vary between individual devices depending on the device model, usage history, etc. The distance from the identified first communication device to the mobile device may change due to this variation in transmission strength. According to the configurations of the above aspects, the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a position where the distance from the second communication device can be identified may be acquired. Therefore, the variation in the transmission strength of radio waves for each mobile device can be detected. By having the mobile device change the transmission strength of radio waves to eliminate the variation, or by changing the threshold value related to the reception strength of radio waves in the first communication device used in the control device to compensate for the variation, a mobile device located at a desired position relative to the first communication device can be associated with operational control of a controlled device.

[0011] This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of remote control of the controlled device caused by variations in the transmission strength of radio waves due to the model, usage history, etc. of the mobile device, thereby improving the convenience of the remote control system that remotely controls the controlled device using the mobile device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an authentication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the authentication system of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 illustrates an example of a process flow performed by the mobile device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 5] 10 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 6] 3 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013]

[0023] An example of an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of an authentication system 10 according to an embodiment. The authentication system 10 is an example of a remote control system.

[0014] The authentication system 10 includes a mobile device 11. The mobile device 11 is a device that can be carried by a person 20. The authentication system 10 can be used, for example, to authenticate the mobile device 11 and thereby allow the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 to use a vehicle 30. The shape of the vehicle 30 is merely exemplary. The vehicle 30 is an example of a moving object.

[0015] The authentication system 10 includes a control device 12. In this example, the control device 12 is mounted on a vehicle 30. The control device 12 is configured to control the operation of a controlled device 31 mounted on the vehicle 30 based on an authentication process that authenticates the mobile device 11.

[0016] 1, a locking / unlocking device 311 and an ignition power supply 312 are exemplified as controlled devices 31. The locking / unlocking device 311 is a device that locks and unlocks the doors of vehicle 30. The ignition power supply 312 is a device that supplies power to start the engine of vehicle 30. The engine may include at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

[0017] The authentication system 10 includes a first communication device 131. The first communication device 131 is mounted on the vehicle 30 and has an antenna capable of forming a wireless communication area A. The wireless communication area A is an area in which short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11 can be performed.

[0018] The term "short-range wireless communication" used in this specification refers to contactless communication using radio waves while complying with the IEEE802.15 or IEEE802.11 standard. Technologies capable of short-range wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this specification, "short-range wireless communication" is distinguished from "near-field wireless communication," which is contactless communication that transmits information through electromagnetic induction coupling. Technologies capable of short-range wireless communication include NFC (Near Field Communication), RF-ID, and the like.

[0019] The expression "transmitting a signal by radio waves" used in this specification means wirelessly transmitting a signal by radio waves at a frequency or frequency band defined by the above short-range wireless communication standard.

[0020] When the mobile device 11 carried by the person 20 enters the wireless communication area A, an authentication process is performed between the mobile device 11 and the control device 12. An example of the authentication process will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0021] 2, the first communication device 131 is configured to transmit a trigger signal TR by radio waves. The trigger signal TR may be transmitted intermittently at predetermined time intervals or continuously.

[0022] The mobile device 11 includes a receiving unit 111. The receiving unit 111 includes an antenna capable of receiving the trigger signal TR transmitted from the first communication device 131 by radio wave.

[0023] The mobile device 11 includes a processing unit 112 and a transmitting unit 113. The processing unit 112 is configured to transmit a confirmation signal AK by radio wave from the transmitting unit 113 when the strength of the trigger signal TR received by the receiving unit 111 exceeds a threshold. The threshold corresponds to the size of the wireless communication area A.

[0024] That is, the transmitter 113 is equipped with an antenna capable of transmitting the confirmation signal AK, while the first communication device 131 is equipped with an antenna capable of receiving the confirmation signal AK.

[0025] The control device 12 includes a first receiving unit 121. The first receiving unit 121 is configured as an interface that acquires first data D1 corresponding to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131. When the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131 is provided in the form of analog data, the first receiving unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0026] The control device 12 includes a processing unit 122. The processing unit 122 is configured to estimate the location of the mobile device 11 relative to the first communication device 131 based on the first data D1. The stronger the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 corresponding to the first data D1, the closer the mobile device 11 is estimated to be to the first communication device 131.

[0027] The processing unit 122 is configured to start the authentication process when the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 corresponding to the first data D1 exceeds a first threshold It1. For example, the first threshold It1 can be determined to correspond to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from the mobile device 11 located at a first distance d1 away from the first communication device 131 in FIG. 1.

[0028] 2, when the authentication process is started, the processing unit 122 is configured to transmit a request signal RQ by radio waves to the mobile device 11 via the first communication device 131. The request signal RQ is a signal that requests the mobile device 11 to wirelessly transmit authentication information AI.

[0029] That is, the antenna of the first communication device is configured to be able to transmit the request signal RQ as well, while the antenna of the receiver 111 of the mobile device 11 is configured to be able to receive the request signal RQ as well.

[0030] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to transmit authentication information AI by radio waves via the transmission unit 113 in response to the request signal RQ. The authentication information AI is information that can identify at least one of the mobile device 11 and the person 20. The authentication information AI may be in the form of analog data or digital data.

[0031] That is, the antenna of the transmitter 113 is configured to be able to transmit the authentication information AI as well. On the other hand, the antenna of the first communication device 131 is configured to be able to receive the authentication information AI as well.

[0032] The first reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the authentication information AI through the first communication device 131. When the authentication information AI is in the form of analog data, the first reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0033] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12 is configured to be able to execute a process of reading or referencing authentication information AI stored in a storage device (not shown). The processing unit 122 compares the authentication information AI accepted by the first accepting unit 121 with the authentication information AI stored in the storage device, and establishes authentication when the degree of match between the two exceeds a threshold.

[0034] The control device 12 includes an output unit 123. The processing unit 122 allows a control signal CS to be output from the output unit 123. The control signal CS is a signal that controls the operation of the controlled device 31. The control signal CS may be a digital signal or an analog signal. When the control signal CS is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0035] For example, the control signal CS may be a signal that causes the locking / unlocking device 311 to unlock the doors of the vehicle 30. That is, when the mobile device 11 located at a position less than a first distance d1 from the first communication device 131 is authenticated, the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 is regarded as the user of the vehicle 30, and is permitted to unlock the doors. The operation of unlocking the doors of the vehicle 30 by the locking / unlocking device 311 is an example of a first controlled operation.

[0036] Two or more thresholds related to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 may be defined. For example, a second threshold It2 may be defined to correspond to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from a mobile device 11 located a second distance d2 away from the first communication device 131 in FIG. 1. The second distance d2 is shorter than the first distance d1. Therefore, the second threshold It2 is greater than the first threshold It1.

[0037] For example, the second threshold value It2 may be associated with operational control of the ignition power supply 312. In this case, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 may be configured to output, from the output unit 123, a control signal CS that activates the ignition power supply 312 when the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131 corresponding to the first data D1 exceeds the second threshold value It2. The authentication process may be omitted or may be performed again. The activation of the ignition power supply 312 is an example of a second controlled operation.

[0038] That is, when it is confirmed that the mobile device 11 is located at a position less than the second distance d2 from the first communication device 131, the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 is allowed to start the engine of the vehicle 30.

[0039] Although only two controlled actions are illustrated in this example, three or more controlled actions can be defined depending on the distance from the first communication device 131. That is, three or more thresholds can be defined for the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131. Examples of other controlled actions include locking the doors using the locking / unlocking device 311, prohibiting the start of the ignition power supply 312, issuing a warning to the driver when leaving the vehicle 30 without stopping the engine, forcibly stopping the engine, and starting or stopping the air conditioning equipment.

[0040] 1 and 2, the authentication system 10 includes a second communication device 132. The second communication device 132 is mounted on the vehicle 30 and has an antenna capable of receiving a confirmation signal AK from the mobile device 11 placed at a predetermined location. For example, the antenna may be located in a tray or holder installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 30. The person 20 can achieve the "placed at a predetermined location" state by placing the mobile device 11 on the tray or holder.

[0041] The second communication device 132 is also configured to transmit a trigger signal TR by radio waves. The trigger signal TR may be constantly transmitted or may be transmitted in response to a specific operation by the person 20. The "predetermined location" is determined so that the reception strength of the trigger signal TR at the receiver 111 of the mobile device 11 exceeds the above-mentioned threshold. Therefore, when the mobile device 11 placed at the predetermined location receives the trigger signal TR, it immediately transmits a confirmation signal AK by radio waves in response. The second communication device 132 has an antenna capable of receiving the confirmation signal AK.

[0042] The control device 12 includes a second receiving unit 124. The second receiving unit 124 is configured as an interface that acquires second data D2 corresponding to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the second communication device 132. When the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the second communication device 132 is provided in the form of analog data, the second receiving unit 124 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0043] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12 is configured to determine whether the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the second communication device 132 corresponding to the second data D2 and a predetermined reception strength exceeds a threshold value.

[0044] If it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold, the processing unit 122 is configured to transmit an intensity modification signal IC by radio waves from the second communication device 132. The intensity modification signal IC includes an instruction to the mobile device 11 to modify the transmission intensity of the confirmation signal AK. The amount of modification of the transmission intensity is determined so that the difference does not exceed the threshold.

[0045] That is, the antenna of the second communication device 132 is configured to be able to transmit the intensity modification signal IC as well. The antenna of the receiving unit 111 of the mobile device 11 is configured to be able to receive the intensity modification signal IC as well.

[0046] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to change the transmission intensity of the confirmation signal AK sent from the transmitting unit 113 based on the amount of change specified by the intensity change signal IC received by the receiving unit 111.

[0047] The flow of processing performed between the mobile device 11 and the control device 12 in the authentication system 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 illustrates an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11. Figure 4 illustrates an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12.

[0048] The processing unit 112 determines whether the strength of the trigger signal TR received through the receiving unit 111 exceeds a threshold (STEP 11 in FIG. 3). The processing is repeated until it is determined that the reception strength of the trigger signal TR exceeds the threshold (NO in STEP 11). If the trigger signal TR is transmitted from the first communication device 131, the processing is repeated until the mobile device 11 approaches the first communication device 131 to a certain extent.

[0049] If it is determined that the reception strength of the trigger signal TR exceeds the threshold (YES in STEP 11), the processing unit 112 transmits an acknowledgment signal AK by radio wave through the transmission unit 113 (STEP 12). If the trigger signal TR is transmitted from the second communication device 132, the acknowledgment signal AK is transmitted immediately.

[0050] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the second communication device 132 corresponding to the second data D2 acquired through the second receiving unit 124 and a predetermined reception strength exceeds a threshold value (STEP 21 in FIG. 4). If it is determined that the difference does not exceed the threshold value (NO in STEP 21), the processing ends.

[0051] If it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold value (YES in STEP 21), the processing unit 122 calculates the amount of change in the transmission intensity of the confirmation signal AK required to make the difference equal to or less than the threshold value, and transmits an intensity change signal IC including the amount of change as information from the second communication device 132 (STEP 22). Then, the processing ends.

[0052] After transmitting the confirmation signal AK, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines whether the receiving unit 111 has received the intensity change signal IC (STEP 13 in FIG. 3). If it is determined that the receiving unit 111 has not received the intensity change signal IC (NO in STEP 13), the processing unit 112 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the confirmation signal AK (STEP 14). The processing of STEP 13 and STEP 14 is repeated until it is determined that the intensity change signal IC has been received or until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the intensity change signal IC has not been received and the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in STEP 14), the processing ends.

[0053] When it is determined that the intensity change signal IC has been received by the receiving unit 111 (YES in STEP 13), the processing unit 112 changes the transmission intensity of the confirmation signal AK sent from the transmitting unit 113 based on the amount of change specified by the intensity change signal IC (STEP 15), and terminates the processing.

[0054] The transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK from the mobile device 11 may vary between individual devices depending on the device model, usage history, and the like. This variation in transmission strength may cause a change in the distance between the identified first communication device 131 and the mobile device 11. For example, in the case of the mobile device 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 , the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from the first communication device 131 at a position of a first distance d1 from the first communication device 131 exceeds the first threshold value It1. For a mobile device with a weaker transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK, the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 does not exceed the first threshold value It1 until the mobile device 11 reaches, for example, a third distance d3, which is shorter than the first distance d1. In other words, while operational control of the locking / unlocking device 311 is normally permitted when the mobile device is located at the first distance d1 from the first communication device 131, operational control of the locking / unlocking device 311 is not permitted when the mobile device is located at the third distance d3 from the first communication device 131.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted by radio waves from the mobile device 11 located at a predetermined position is acquired via the second communication device 132. In other words, the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from a position whose distance from the second communication device 132 can be specified is acquired. Therefore, it is possible to detect variations in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK for each mobile device. By having the mobile device 11 change the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK to eliminate this variation, it is possible to associate the mobile device 11 located at a desired position relative to the first communication device 131 with the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 311.

[0056] For example, in the case of a mobile device whose transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK described above is weaker than a predetermined value, the intensity adjustment signal IC transmitted from the second communication device 132 is configured to increase the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK to such an extent that the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK, transmitted from a position at a first distance d1 from the first communication device 131, at the first communication device 131 exceeds a first threshold value It1. Conversely, in the case of a mobile device whose transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK is stronger than a predetermined value, the intensity adjustment signal IC is configured to decrease the transmission strength.

[0057] This can suppress a decrease in accuracy of remote control of the controlled device 31 caused by variations in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK due to the model and usage history of the mobile device 11. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the authentication system 10 that remotely controls the controlled device 31 using the mobile device 11.

[0058] In addition to or instead of the processing described with reference to FIG. 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 may perform processing exemplified in FIG.

[0059] Specifically, when the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines that the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the second communication device 132 corresponding to the second data D2 acquired through the second receiving unit 124 and a predetermined reception strength exceeds a threshold value (YES in STEP 21), the processing unit 122 changes the first threshold value It1 and the second threshold value It2 according to the difference (STEP 32).

[0060] 1, it has been explained that the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from the first communication device 131 at a position the first distance d1 exceeds the first threshold It1. In the case of a mobile device in which the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK is weaker, the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from the first communication device 131 at a position the first distance d1 may be a value Io that is lower than the first threshold It1. In other words, while operation control of the locking / unlocking device 311 would normally be permitted at a position the first distance d1 from the first communication device 131, in the case of a mobile device in which the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK is weaker, operation control of the locking / unlocking device 311 is not permitted at that position.

[0061] As described above, the above configuration makes it possible to detect variations in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK for each mobile device. By changing the threshold value related to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131 used in the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 so as to compensate for this variation, it is possible to associate the mobile device 11 located at a desired position with respect to the first communication device 131 with the operation control of the controlled device 31.

[0062] For example, in the case of a mobile device whose transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK described above is weaker than a predetermined value, the first threshold value used to determine whether or not to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 311 is changed to be smaller from It1 to Io. That is, the change is made so that operation control of the locking / unlocking device 311 is permitted when the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 exceeds a new first threshold value Io that is smaller than the original first threshold value It1. As a result, operation control of the locking / unlocking device 311 can be permitted based on a confirmation signal AK transmitted from a mobile device whose transmission strength is weak and which is located a first distance d1 from the first communication device 131. Conversely, in the case of a mobile device whose transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK is stronger than a predetermined value, the first threshold value It1 is changed to be larger.

[0063] This configuration can also suppress a decrease in accuracy of remote control of the controlled device 31 caused by variations in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK due to the model and usage history of the mobile device 11. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the authentication system 10 that remotely controls the controlled device 31 using the mobile device 11.

[0064] In the above example, both the first threshold It1 and the second threshold It2 related to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 are changed. The authentication system 10 can be configured to be able to individually change at least one of the first threshold It1 and the second threshold It2 based on an instruction from the mobile device 11.

[0065] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the mobile device 11 may include a display unit 114. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the display unit 114 is configured to visualize, to the person 20, a first wireless communication region A1 associated with a first threshold value It1 and a second wireless communication region A2 associated with a second threshold value It2.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the person 20 can change the size of at least one of the first wireless communication area A1 and the second wireless communication area A2 through a specific operation. In the figure, the display unit 114 is configured to be able to receive a touch operation by the person 20, and an example is shown in which the initial second wireless communication area A2, indicated by a two-dot chain line, is enlarged through the touch operation. This operation corresponds to a change to decrease the second threshold value It2 related to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the first communication device 131, which is used to determine whether or not to control the operation of the ignition power source 312. This may allow the operation of the ignition power source 312 to be controlled at a location farther away from the first communication device 131 than originally intended.

[0067] 3, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to determine whether an operation to change the size of at least one of the first wireless communication area A1 and the second wireless communication area A2 has been input through the user interface (STEP 16). This process is repeated until it is determined that an operation has been input (NO in STEP 16).

[0068] When it is determined that an operation to change the size of at least one of the first wireless communication area A1 and the second wireless communication area A2 has been input through the user interface (YES in STEP 16), the processing unit 112 transmits a threshold change signal TC by radio wave from the transmission unit 113 (STEP 17). The threshold change signal TC is configured to include an instruction to the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 to change at least one of the first threshold It1 and the second threshold It2 corresponding to the input operation.

[0069] 2, the antenna of the transmitter 113 may be configured to be able to transmit the threshold change signal TC as well. The threshold change signal TC may be received by the first communication device 131 or may be received by the second communication device 132. Therefore, each of the antenna of the first communication device 131 and the antenna of the second communication device 132 may be configured to be able to receive the threshold change signal TC as well.

[0070] 5, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 is configured to determine whether a threshold change signal TC has been received through the first communication device 131 or the second communication device 132 (STEP 33). This process is repeated until it is determined that the threshold change signal TC has been received (NO in STEP 33).

[0071] When it is determined that a threshold change signal TC has been received through the first communication device 131 or the second communication device 132 (YES in STEP 33), the processing unit 122 changes at least one of the first threshold It1 and the second threshold It2 based on the instructions contained in the threshold change signal TC (STEP 32).

[0072] According to this configuration, the operating conditions of at least one controlled device 31 can be changed according to the preferences and behavior of person 20. Therefore, the convenience of authentication system 10 using mobile device 11 that can be carried by person 20 can be further improved.

[0073] In particular, when the mobile device 11 is provided with the display unit 114 that visualizes an area associated with a threshold related to determining whether or not the operation of the controlled device 31 can be controlled, a more intuitive user interface can be provided to the person 20. Therefore, the convenience of the authentication system 10 that uses the mobile device 11 that can be carried by the person 20 can be further improved.

[0074] However, the operation of changing the size of at least one of the first wireless communication area A1 and the second wireless communication area A2 may be performed by inputting a voice command. For example, the size of the area can be changed by specifying at least one of the first wireless communication area A1 and the second wireless communication area A2 and inputting a voice command such as "wider / farther" or "narrower / closer."

[0075] 2, the mobile device 11 may include an acceleration sensor 115. The acceleration sensor 115 is configured to detect acceleration applied to the mobile device 11.

[0076] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to transmit an acceleration signal AC via radio waves from the transmitting unit 113 based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 115. The acceleration signal AC can be configured to indicate the value of the detected acceleration.

[0077] That is, the antenna of the transmitter 113 can be configured to be able to transmit the acceleration signal AC as well. On the other hand, the antenna of the second communication device 132 can be configured to be able to receive the acceleration signal AC as well.

[0078] 4 and 5, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 may be configured to determine whether the acceleration value indicated by the acceleration signal AC received by the second communication device 132 is below a threshold value (STEP 23). This process is repeated until it is determined that the acceleration value is below the threshold value (NO in STEP 23).

[0079] When it is determined that the acceleration value indicated by the acceleration signal AC received by the second communication device 132 is below the threshold value (YES in STEP 23), the processing unit 122 determines whether the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the second communication device 132 and a predetermined reception strength exceeds the threshold value (STEP 21).

[0080] 2, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 may be configured to transmit the acceleration signal AC by radio wave from the transmission unit 113 when the acceleration value detected by the acceleration sensor 115 is below a threshold. In this case, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines that the acceleration value is below the threshold based on the fact that the acceleration signal AC has been received by the second communication device 132 (YES in STEP 23 in FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0081] That is, the control device 12 can be configured to change at least one of the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK sent from the mobile device 11 and the threshold related to the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the first communication device 131 when the value of the acceleration applied to the mobile device 11 falls below a threshold.

[0082] According to this configuration, since the second communication device 132 acquires the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK when the mobile device 11 is not significantly displaced, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy due to the variation in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK for each mobile device. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the remote control of the controlled device 31 due to the variation.

[0083] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11, which has the various functions described above, may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, a computer program for executing the above-described processing may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the computer program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device (not shown) via a wireless communication network (not shown) and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program.

[0084] The processing unit 112 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the computer program, such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In this case, the computer program is pre-installed in a memory element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The memory element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0085] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12, which has the various functions described above, may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, a computer program for executing the above-described processing may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the computer program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device (not shown) via a wireless communication network (not shown) and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program.

[0086] The processing unit 122 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the computer program, such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In this case, the computer program is pre-installed in a memory element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The memory element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0087] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and the configurations according to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0088] The signal used by the second communication device 132 to acquire the reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11 is not limited to the confirmation signal AK. Any appropriate signal transmitted by radio waves from the mobile device 11 can be used as long as it can acquire the reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11 in the first communication device 131. For example, the second communication device 132 may be configured as a device that operates based on a near-field communication standard such as RF-ID or NFC, or may be configured as a device that operates based on a wireless power supply standard such as Qi (registered trademark). In this case, the signal used by the second communication device 132 to acquire the reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11 can be a signal used in that standard.

[0089] When the second communication device 132 is configured to operate based on the close proximity wireless communication standard or the wireless power supply standard, the mobile device 11 needs to be brought close to the second communication device 132 in order to receive radio waves transmitted from the mobile device 11. This allows the second communication device 132 to acquire the reception strength of the radio waves when the mobile device 11 is not significantly displaced, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy due to variations in the transmission strength of the confirmation signal AK for each mobile device. Therefore, a decrease in the accuracy of remote control of the controlled device 31 caused by the variations can be suppressed.

[0090] The position of the mobile device 11 relative to the vehicle 30 may be estimated based on the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at each of the plurality of first communication devices 131 .

[0091] In each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 12 is mounted on the vehicle 30. With such a configuration, communication delays that may occur in short-distance wireless communication with the mobile device 11 can be easily suppressed.

[0092] However, at least a part of the authentication process performed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 may be performed in an external server device (not shown) that can communicate with the mobile device 11 via a wireless communication network (not shown).

[0093] The controlled devices controlled by the control device 12 as a result of the authentication process are not limited to the locking / unlocking device 311 and the ignition power supply 312. Other examples of controlled devices include an air conditioning device, audiovisual equipment, lighting equipment, and position adjustment mechanisms for a seat or a steering wheel mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0094] The authentication system 10 can also be applied to moving bodies other than the vehicle 30. Examples of other moving bodies include trains, airplanes, ships, etc. The moving bodies may not require a driver.

[0095] The opening / closing body that is locked and unlocked by the locking / unlocking device is not limited to the door of a mobile body. Doors and windows in a house or facility can also be examples of the opening / closing body. In other words, the first communication device 131 and the second communication device 132 do not need to be mounted on a mobile body.

[0096] In order to control the operation of a controlled device using the mobile device 11 carried by the person 20, an authentication process does not necessarily have to be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10: authentication system, 11: mobile device, 112: processing unit, 113: transmission unit, 114: display unit, 115: acceleration sensor, 12: control device, 121: first reception unit, 122: processing unit, 124: second reception unit, 131: first communication device, 132: second communication device, 20: person, 30: vehicle, 31: controlled device, 311: locking / unlocking device, 312: ignition power supply, AK: confirmation signal, D1: first data, D2: second data, It1: first threshold, It2: second threshold

Claims

1. a mobile device capable of being carried by a person; a first communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device; a second communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position; a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device based on whether the received strength of the radio waves by the first communication device exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio waves in the mobile device based on the received strength of the radio waves by the second communication device; It is equipped with the thresholds include a first threshold associated with a first controlled behavior and a second threshold associated with a second controlled behavior; the control device is capable of changing at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value based on an instruction from the mobile device. Remote control system.

2. A mobile device that can be carried by a person; a first communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device; a second communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position; a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device based on whether the received strength of the radio waves by the first communication device exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio waves in the mobile device based on the received strength of the radio waves by the second communication device; It is equipped with the mobile device includes a display that visualizes the area associated with the threshold value to the person. Remote control system.

3. A mobile device that can be carried by a person; a first communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device; a second communication device capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position; a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device based on whether the received strength of the radio waves by the first communication device exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio waves in the mobile device based on the received strength of the radio waves by the second communication device; It is equipped with an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the mobile device is mounted on the mobile device; the control device changes at least one of the threshold value and the transmission intensity when the detected acceleration is below a threshold value. Remote control system.

4. the second communication device is configured to operate based on a close proximity wireless communication standard or a wireless power supply standard; A remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first communication device and the second communication device are mounted on a moving object. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a first reception unit that acquires first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person by a first communication device; a second receiving unit that acquires second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device placed at a predetermined position by a second communication device; a processing unit that controls an operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio wave in the mobile device based on the second data; It is equipped with the thresholds include a first threshold associated with a first controlled behavior and a second threshold associated with a second controlled behavior; the processing unit is capable of changing at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value based on an instruction from the mobile device. Control device.

7. A computer program executable by a processing unit of a control device, By being executed, the control device acquiring first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a user by a first communication device; acquiring second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position by a second communication device; Controlling the operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold value; changing at least one of the threshold value and the transmission strength of the radio waves from the mobile device based on the second data; the thresholds include a first threshold associated with a first controlled behavior and a second threshold associated with a second controlled behavior; the control device changes at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value based on an instruction from the mobile device. Computer program.

8. A first reception unit that acquires first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person by a first communication device; a second receiving unit that acquires second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device placed at a predetermined position by a second communication device; a processing unit that controls an operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold, and changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission strength of the radio wave in the mobile device based on the second data; It is equipped with an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the mobile device is mounted on the mobile device; the processing unit changes at least one of the threshold and the transmission intensity when the detected acceleration is below a threshold. Control device.

9. A computer program executable by a processing unit of a control device, By being executed, the control device acquiring first data corresponding to a reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a user by a first communication device; acquiring second data corresponding to the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the mobile device located at a predetermined position by a second communication device; Controlling the operation of the controlled device based on whether the reception strength of the radio wave corresponding to the first data exceeds a threshold value; changing at least one of the threshold value and the transmission strength of the radio waves from the mobile device based on the second data; an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the mobile device is mounted on the mobile device; the control device changes at least one of the threshold value and the transmission intensity when the detected acceleration is below a threshold value. Computer program.

10. 1. A mobile device capable of being carried by a person, comprising: a transmitter capable of transmitting radio waves to a communication device; a processing unit that changes the transmission intensity of the radio waves based on an instruction transmitted from a control device that controls an operation of a controlled device in response to the radio waves transmitted from the transmission unit; A display unit; It is equipped with The controlled device is operated based on whether the received strength of the radio wave in the communication device exceeds a threshold value. the display unit visualizes the area associated with the threshold value to the person; Mobile devices.

11. A computer program executable by a processing unit of a mobile device that can be carried by a person and has a display unit, When executed, the mobile device: Transmitting radio waves to a communication device, changing the transmission intensity of the radio waves based on an instruction transmitted from a control device that controls the operation of the controlled device in response to the radio waves; The controlled device is operated based on whether the received strength of the radio wave in the communication device exceeds a threshold value. the display unit visualizes the area associated with the threshold value to the person; Computer program.

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