Systems and programs

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] However, conventional systems have had various problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system, program, etc. having better characteristics than conventional systems.

[0005] The object of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by parts of the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrases "can" and "is possible" are read as "the problem is." Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to claim part of the configuration described in this specification through amendments or divisional applications. Furthermore, the applicant has disclosed configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for them. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] According to a configuration including the part of "control to make the control unit of the vehicle recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a specified door of the vehicle," in a vehicle having a function to not execute the specified control when the control unit of the vehicle does not recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a specified door of the vehicle prior to the specified control, the specified control can be caused to be executed by the user's wireless operation of a portable device from a remote location away from the vehicle.

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

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

[0010] The vehicle may be particularly equipped with a so-called immobilizer function, such as a function that performs authentication between the genuine key and the vehicle using wireless information, and performs a predetermined control if authentication is successful, but does not perform the predetermined control if authentication is not successful. In such vehicles, information is sent and received wirelessly between the genuine key and the vehicle. However, the vehicle may perform certain controls (such as starting the engine, as described below) only after detecting that a driver with the genuine key is inside the vehicle. However, because wireless communication is used to communicate between the genuine key and the vehicle's control unit, it is difficult to determine whether the genuine key is inside or outside the vehicle using wireless communication. For example, weakening the output of radio waves transmitted inside the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle may result in inability to communicate inside the vehicle, while strengthening the output may result in communication even when the genuine key is outside the vehicle. To address this issue, some vehicle control units are designed to detect whether the driver is inside the vehicle more strictly than before. In such vehicles, it is preferable to detect the operations required when the driver enters the vehicle from an outside state. Therefore, for example, it would be good to state that "a remote control system for a vehicle includes a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an on-board device attached to the vehicle that receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, wherein the on-board device, upon receiving the predetermined wireless signal, performs control to recognize that a necessary operation has been performed while the driver was outside the vehicle and getting into the vehicle, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle." In particular, in such a vehicle, it would be good to state that "the on-board device, upon receiving the predetermined wireless signal, performs at least one of control to cause a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a predetermined door of the vehicle, control to cause the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and control to cause the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle."

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] The "control for causing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control" may be, for example, a control for sending a signal to the vehicle's control unit that simulates the operation of pressing a push start button while the vehicle's brake is depressed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the signal is connected to a brake line connected to the vehicle's control unit and a signal line of a push start switch connected to the vehicle's control unit, and a signal indicating that the brake has been depressed and the push start switch has been pressed is sent to the signal line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0024] In this way, even in a vehicle in which the vehicle door locks are unlocked by the first stage control from the retrofit in-vehicle device, the doors can be locked when a predetermined control command for the vehicle is received from a remote location from the portable device. This prevents someone from entering the vehicle with the doors left unlocked and tampering with it, or the vehicle from being stolen, while allowing the vehicle to perform the predetermined control in response to a command from the portable device.

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

[0026] The first stage control may be performed after the second stage control, which is a predetermined control for the vehicle, but it is more preferable to perform the first stage control before the second stage control, which is a predetermined control for the vehicle, in order to further reduce the possibility of theft or vandalism inside the vehicle. (3) The first stage control may not be performed when the vehicle doors are unlocked.

[0027] The state when the door is not locked may be when the door is not detected as locked or when the door is detected as unlocked. The state of the door lock may be acquired by connecting the control unit of the vehicle to a signal line for detecting the door lock, by acquiring a signal relating to the state of the door lock of the vehicle transmitted via an in-vehicle network, or by installing a sensor for acquiring the state of the door lock near the door lock. (4) It is preferable that the function of the system described in any one of (1) to (3) be implemented by a computer as a program.

[0028] The inventions described in (1) to (3) above can be combined in any way. For example, a configuration may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items to all or a portion of the configuration of the invention described in (1). In particular, an invention may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items to the invention described in (1). Furthermore, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions described in (1) to (3) and combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions including these configurations. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that are not in these cases or times. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Effects of the Invention]

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

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

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example (first embodiment, etc.) of a vehicle remote control system including a relay system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing communication timings of each data signal in the first embodiment and the like. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply means (dummy battery). [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example (second embodiment, etc.) of a vehicle remote control system including a relay system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing communication timings of each data signal according to the second embodiment, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0034] A preferred first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The remote engine starting system (engine starter system) of this embodiment is installed in a vehicle employing a key-free system. The key-free system allows the driver to control engine start and stop by operating an engine start switch 200 while carrying a genuine portable device 100 for a key-free key, without inserting an engine key (mechanical key) into the key cylinder. Key-free systems are commercially available under the names Intelligent Key (registered trademark: Nissan Motors) and Smart Key (registered trademark: Toyota Motors). The genuine portable device 100 stores identification information such as a predetermined code, and is equipped with a transceiver to wirelessly transmit the identification information upon receiving an inquiry wireless signal from the vehicle. The genuine key-free control unit 300 (ECU) on the vehicle side is equipped with a transceiver and wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the genuine portable device periodically or when a human sensor detects a person or a trigger (push switch, door knob switch, etc.) is turned on. When it receives identification information from the genuine portable device 100 in response to this, it determines whether or not it is from the corresponding genuine genuine portable device 100. Then, when the engine start switch 1 is turned on after receiving the identification information from the genuine portable device 100, the genuine key-free control unit 300 rotates the starter motor 4 and executes engine start processing.

[0035] The genuine key-free control unit 300 of this embodiment also controls the locking and unlocking of doors. That is, when it receives a command signal to lock / unlock the doors from the genuine portable device 100, it sends a control signal to the door lock unit 500 in response to the received command signal, thereby controlling the locking and unlocking of the doors. Here, the door lock unit 500 is, for example, a drive motor for the door lock, and locks and unlocks the doors by rotating the drive motor forward and backward. Furthermore, the genuine key-free control unit 300 also has a function to send a control signal to the door lock unit 500 to control the locking / unlocking of the doors not only when it receives a command signal from the genuine portable device 100, but also when the user carrying the genuine portable device 100 presses a switch provided on the vehicle door. Note that the genuine portable device 100 does not necessarily have the door lock / unlock control function.

[0036] A door handle sensor 600 is connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300 of this embodiment. The door handle sensor 600 is a capacitance touch sensor provided inside the driver's door handle on the outside of the vehicle. It detects, from a change in capacitance, that the driver has placed their hand on the outside door handle of the driver's door to open the driver's door from outside the vehicle. This type of sensor is used in various vehicles. When the genuine key-free control unit 300 determines, from the change in capacitance of the door handle sensor 600, that the driver's hand has been placed on the driver's door handle, it determines whether the authentication information received from the genuine portable device 100 is authentic. If the authentication information is authentic, it controls the door lock unit 500 to unlock the door. This unlocks the driver's door, allowing the driver to enter the driver's seat. After detecting the change in capacitance of the door handle sensor 600 and determining that the driver's hand has been placed on the driver's door handle, the genuine key-free control unit 300 starts the engine when it detects that the engine start switch 200 has been pressed. The genuine key-free control unit 300 performs control not to start the engine when it detects that the engine start switch 200 has been pressed, in a state where there is no change in the capacitance of the door handle sensor 600 and it has not determined that a hand has been placed on the driver's door handle.

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

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

[0039] This remote engine start system comprises a portable device (sub-device) 8 held by the user and an in-vehicle device (device main body) 9 mounted in the vehicle. The portable device 8 has an engine start button 8a and an engine stop button 8b on the surface of its case. The portable device 8 has a transceiver function that enables two-way communication with the in-vehicle device 9, and therefore includes a transmitter / receiver circuit, a control unit, and the like. Although not shown, output means such as an LED, LCD panel, or speaker may also be provided. When the control unit in the portable device 8 recognizes that the engine start button 8a or the engine stop button 8b has been pressed, it transmits a command signal indicating the pressed button (engine start / stop) via the transmission circuit, along with a predetermined code (authentication information) for identifying itself.

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

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

[0042] The MPU 15 is connected to the genuine key-free control unit 300. Specifically, the connection point is the same as the connection point from the genuine engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. The MPU 15 provides the same signal as that provided from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300 when starting and stopping the engine. Upon receiving an engine start command, the MPU 15 provides the genuine key-free control unit 300 with a signal similar to that provided when the engine start switch is ON (engine start). This causes the genuine key-free control unit 300 to execute engine start processing and rotate the starter motor 400 to start the engine. Similarly, upon receiving an engine stop command, the MPU 15 provides the genuine key-free control unit 300 with a signal similar to that provided when the engine start switch 200 is OFF (engine stop). This causes the genuine key-free control unit 300 to execute engine stop processing and stop the running engine.

[0043] However, in this embodiment, the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle does not start the engine if it detects that the engine start switch 200 has been pressed while there is no change in the capacitance of the door handle sensor 600 and it has not yet determined that a hand has been placed on the driver's door handle. Therefore, the MPU 15 is also connected to the door handle sensor 600. Specifically, the connection point is the same as the connection point of the genuine door handle sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. For example, an electrotap or the like is used to branch and connect the signal line connecting the door handle sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. When starting the engine, the MPU 15 outputs a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by touching the door handle, which is sent from the door handle sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300, before sending a signal similar to the signal sent from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. Then, the MPU 15 sends a signal similar to the signal sent from the engine start switch 200 to the genuine key-free control unit 300. In this way, even when the driver is actually outside the vehicle and at a remote location that is farther away than the communication distance between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle, the engine can be started.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0050] At times other than engine start and engine stop (when the genuine portable device 100 does not need to be authenticated by the genuine key-free control unit 300), power supply to the genuine portable device 100 is stopped to prevent the genuine portable device 100 from outputting regular authentication information. Even at this time, the door knob sensor 600 does not output a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the change in capacitance caused by touching the door knob that is sent to the genuine key-free control unit 300 when the engine is started.

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

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the engine start processing algorithm. First, the user presses the engine start button 8a on the portable device 8 with their finger. In response to this operation, the portable device 8 transmits a wireless signal indicating an engine start command. Upon receiving the engine start command from the companion portable device 8, the in-vehicle device 9 (MPU 15) outputs a signal similar to the signal corresponding to the capacitance change caused by touching the door handle, which is transmitted from the door handle sensor 600 to the genuine key-free control unit 300, and waits for a predetermined time (10 seconds in this embodiment). This predetermined time should preferably be longer than the time required for the driver to open the door from outside the vehicle and enter the driver's seat. Subsequently, power supply to the dummy battery, which is the power supply means 20, begins (S2). This power supply may be performed as long as the genuine portable device 100 is capable of outputting authorized authentication information.

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

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

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

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply means is provided with a power supply portion that fits into the battery holder of the genuine portable device and supplies power to a portion corresponding to the power terminal in the battery holder. For example, if the battery of the genuine portable device is a button battery, the power supply means 20 has a shape similar to that of the button battery, as shown in FIG. 3 . That is, the power supply means 20 includes a case body 21 having an external shape similar to that of the button battery for the genuine portable device 100. The case body 21 is formed by joining an upper case 21a and a lower case 21b, which are divided into two parts, one above the other. A positive terminal plate 22 and a negative terminal plate 23 are disposed within the interior space of the case body 21, and portions of the positive terminal plate 22 and the negative terminal plate 23 are exposed to the outside of the case body 21. These exposed positions are positions that contact the power supply terminals in the battery holder of the genuine portable device 100. The positive terminal plate 22 and the negative terminal plate 23 are each connected to lead wires 24 and connected to the in-vehicle device 9 via the lead wires 24. In accordance with an instruction from the MPU 15, a desired voltage is applied between both terminals of the power supply means 20 (dummy battery) from the vehicle-mounted device 9 via the lead wire 24, thereby enabling power supply to the genuine portable device 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] The vehicle, as in this embodiment, may be a vehicle with a so-called immobilizer function. For example, the vehicle may have a function that performs authentication using wireless information between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle, performs a predetermined control if authentication is successful, and does not perform the predetermined control if authentication is not successful. In such a vehicle, information is transmitted and received wirelessly between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle. However, the vehicle may perform a predetermined control (e.g., engine start) only after detecting that the driver carrying the genuine portable device 100 is inside the vehicle. However, because wireless communication is used to communicate between the genuine portable device 100 and the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300, it is difficult to determine whether the genuine portable device 100 is inside or outside the vehicle. For example, weakening the output of radio waves transmitted inside the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle may result in inability to communicate inside the vehicle, whereas strengthening the output may result in communication even when the genuine portable device 100 is outside the vehicle. To address this issue, some vehicle genuine key-free control units 300 are designed to detect whether a driver is inside the vehicle more strictly than before. In such a vehicle, it is preferable to detect the operation required while the driver is getting into the vehicle from a state where the driver is outside the vehicle. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to describe a vehicle remote control system including a portable device 8 having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating the vehicle, and an on-board device 9 attached to the vehicle that receives the wireless signal from the portable device 8 and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, wherein the on-board device 9, upon receiving the predetermined wireless signal, performs control to recognize that a necessary operation has been performed while the driver was getting into the vehicle from a state where the driver was outside the vehicle, and then performs the predetermined control on the vehicle. In particular, in such a vehicle, it is preferable to describe the on-board device, upon receiving the predetermined wireless signal, performing at least one of control to recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a predetermined door of the vehicle, control to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and control to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then perform the predetermined control on the vehicle.

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

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

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

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

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

[0069] The "control for causing the vehicle to perform a predetermined control" may be, for example, a control for sending a signal simulating the operation of pressing a push start button while the vehicle's brake is depressed to the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300. For example, the signal may be connected to a brake line connected to the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 and a signal line of a push start switch connected to the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300, and a signal indicating that the brake has been depressed and the push start switch has been pressed may be sent to the signal line. The "vehicle-mounted device 9" may be provided with a vehicle-mounted device-side receiving means capable of receiving a radio signal transmitted by the portable device. The "vehicle-mounted device 9" may be realized in one housing, or may be realized in multiple housings or other components.

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

[0071] The "control to make the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 recognize that a person has touched the door handle of a specified door of the vehicle" may be a control to output a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a person touches the door handle to a connection wire connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that a person has touched the specified door handle, or information indicating that a person has touched the door handle may be sent from the control means of the vehicle-mounted device 9 connected to the in-vehicle network to the in-vehicle network so that the vehicle's genuine key-free control unit 300 receives information indicating that a person has touched the door handle of a specified door via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door handle may be any door handle of the vehicle, but it is particularly preferable to use the driver's door handle as in the above-described embodiment.

[0072] The "control to make the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle recognize that a specified door lock of the vehicle has been released" may be a control in which the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle outputs a signal equivalent to that which occurs when a specified door lock is released to a connection line connected to a sensor unit or switch unit that detects that the specified door lock has been released, or information indicating that a specified door lock has been released may be sent from the control means of the in-vehicle device 9 connected to the in-vehicle network to the in-vehicle network so that the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle receives information indicating that the specified door lock has been released via the in-vehicle network. The predetermined door lock may be the door lock of any door of the vehicle, but is particularly preferably the door lock of the driver's door.

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

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

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

[0076] In this way, even in a vehicle in which the vehicle doors are unlocked by the first stage control from the in-vehicle device 9, the doors can be locked when a predetermined control command for the vehicle is received remotely from the portable device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent someone from entering the vehicle with the doors left unlocked and tampering with it, or to prevent the vehicle from being stolen, while also allowing the vehicle to perform predetermined control in response to a command from the portable device.

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

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

[0079] The state when the doors are not locked may be when the locking of the doors is not detected or when the unlocking of the doors is detected. The state of the doors may be acquired by connecting the genuine key-free control unit 300 of the vehicle to a signal line for detecting the door lock, by acquiring a signal relating to the state of the doors of the vehicle that is transmitted via an in-vehicle network, or by installing a sensor for acquiring the state of the doors near the door lock. [Second embodiment]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0086] The portable device 4 is what is called, for example, a smart key or a genuine key. The portable device 4 includes a control unit 4a, a transmission / reception unit 4b, and an authentication information storage unit 4c. The portable device 4 is powered by a built-in primary battery. The primary battery may be a commercially available dry cell battery or button cell battery, which are easily available, easy to install, and easy to handle. In particular, a button cell battery is preferable because it allows the portable device 4 to be made smaller.

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

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

[0089] The communication distance between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 is relatively short, since it is sufficient for communication to occur when, for example, a driver carrying the portable device 4 is sitting in the driver's seat and performing an engine start operation. This relatively short distance is approximately 1 to 2 meters when the first frequency for transmitting LF data is 134 kHz. In this embodiment, a vehicle repeater 2 and a portable repeater 3 are provided, and the repeaters relay wireless communication between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4, thereby extending the communication distance. By extending the communication distance in this manner, the system allows, for example, a user carrying the portable repeater 3 and the portable device 4 to perform authentication using authentication information between the vehicle control device 1 and the portable device 4 even when the user is located relatively far from the vehicle, and can start the engine from that remote location.

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

[0091] The first vehicle-side transceiver 2b transmits and receives data to and from the transceiver 1b of the vehicle control device 1, receives radio waves transmitted wirelessly in the transmission frequency band (first frequency) of the transceiver 1b, and transmits the data wirelessly in the second frequency. Since the communication distance is short, it uses weak radio waves used in a low-power radio station, which is a type of radio station. The second vehicle-side transceiver 2c uses radio waves in a frequency band used by specified low-power radio stations. By using this specified low-power radio communication, the communication distance is, for example, about 1 to 2 km in terms of line of sight, and even if there are obstacles, it is only about several hundred meters. Therefore, even if you live in a detached house or an apartment building and park your vehicle in a parking lot on the premises, you can communicate with the vehicle control device 1.

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

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

[0094] The operation unit 3d is, for example, a push button switch that corresponds to operation instructions such as a start switch or a stop switch. A user located away from the vehicle can press the operation unit 3d to operate the vehicle control device 1 installed in the vehicle and start or stop the engine, thereby remotely controlling the vehicle. To perform this processing, when the control unit 3a detects an operation on the operation unit 3d, it transmits an instruction command corresponding to the operation from the second mobile side transceiver unit 3c. The power source for the portable repeater 3 is a built-in primary battery. The primary battery is preferably a commercially available dry cell battery or button battery, as it is easy to obtain, install, and handle. In particular, using a button battery is preferable because it allows the portable repeater 3 to be made smaller.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0106] After a certain time has passed since the engine was started, the control unit 1a stops the engine. By continuing the engine operation, the engine can be warmed up or the temperature inside the vehicle can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the air conditioner installed in the vehicle.

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

[0108] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the structures explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. The structures of the present invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the appended claims, but it is the intention of the present inventors to claim structures disclosed in this specification in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention also intends to obtain rights to these configurations through amendments or divisional applications of the present application. Even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them.

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

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

Claims

1. A vehicle remote control system including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating a vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, When the retrofitted in-vehicle device receives the wireless signal, the retrofitted in-vehicle device performs a first-stage control, which is at least one of a second control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then a function of performing second-stage control, which is the predetermined control for the vehicle; The system has a function to stop the engine when the temperature inside the vehicle, detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the vehicle, reaches a preset value. A remote control system comprising:

2. A vehicle remote control system including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating a vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, When the retrofitted in-vehicle device receives the wireless signal, the retrofitted in-vehicle device performs a first-stage control, which is at least one of a second control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then a function of performing second-stage control, which is the predetermined control for the vehicle; The first stage control is to transmit a signal that indicates that the control unit is in a predetermined state when a state inquiry signal for the controlled object is detected from a control unit of the vehicle and before a response to the inquiry is transmitted. A remote control system comprising:

3. A vehicle remote control system including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating a vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, When the retrofitted in-vehicle device receives the wireless signal, the retrofitted in-vehicle device performs a first-stage control, which is at least one of a second control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then a function of performing second-stage control, which is the predetermined control for the vehicle; The signal sent in the first stage control is sent directly to the in-vehicle network without going through the gateway ECU in the vehicle. A remote control system comprising:

4. A vehicle remote control system including a portable device having a function of transmitting a wireless signal for remotely operating a vehicle, and an on-board device that is attached to the vehicle and receives the wireless signal from the portable device and controls the vehicle to perform a predetermined control, When the retrofitted in-vehicle device receives the wireless signal, the retrofitted in-vehicle device performs a first-stage control, which is at least one of a second control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door lock of the vehicle has been released, and a third control that is a control for causing a control unit of the vehicle to recognize that a predetermined door of the vehicle has been opened, and then a function of performing second-stage control, which is the predetermined control for the vehicle; The signal transmission path in the first stage control is such that the signal line between the control unit of the vehicle and the controlled object is disconnected and connected to the control unit side, and the state of the signal line on the controlled object side is transmitted to the control unit side while the first stage control is not being performed. A remote control system comprising:

5. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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