Antenna circuit switching device and method using motion sensor, and key fob using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna circuit switching device and method using a motion sensor, and a fob to which the same is applied. More specifically, the invention relates to a circuit path switching technology that enables a signal output device including an antenna circuit to output an RF signal having optimized characteristics according to the situation in which the signal output device transmits an RF signal. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor comprises: an antenna circuit including a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal; a motion sensor that outputs an output value according to whether motion is detected; and a control unit that controls a switch provided in the antenna circuit based on the output value of the motion sensor. The antenna circuit can output an RF signal using a path connected by the switch among the plurality of paths.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna circuit switching device and method using a motion sensor, and a key fob to which the same is applied. More specifically, the invention relates to a circuit path switching technology that enables a signal output device including an antenna circuit to output an RF signal having optimized characteristics depending on the situation in which the signal output device transmits an RF signal. Background Technology

[0002] A fob used to remotely control a vehicle includes an antenna circuit for transmitting a signal to a signal receiving unit of the vehicle, wherein the RF (Radio Frequency) signal output from the antenna circuit can have characteristics including transmission distance determined according to the configuration of the circuit.

[0003] Meanwhile, the vehicle control range of a fob used for remote vehicle control can be viewed as an important indicator for evaluating the performance of the fob. However, the antenna circuits applied to conventional fobs are designed to output an RF signal with only one characteristic, without considering variables such as situations where radio interference is nearby.

[0004] Accordingly, it is necessary to consider an antenna circuit capable of outputting an RF signal with characteristics optimized for each situation, and a fob including the same. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0039575 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention is designed to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide an antenna circuit switching device and method using a motion sensor capable of determining whether the antenna circuit is affected by a radio wave obstacle, including when the fob is held by a user, and switching the circuit path constituting the antenna circuit according to the result of the determination, as well as a fob to which the same is applied. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, which sets the characteristics of an RF signal output according to the detection result of a motion sensor, comprises: an antenna circuit including a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal; a motion sensor that outputs an output value according to whether motion is detected; and a control unit that controls a switch provided in the antenna circuit based on the output value of the motion sensor, wherein the antenna circuit can output an RF signal using a path connected by the switch among the plurality of paths.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the switch to connect the first path when a first output value is output from the motion sensor, and the first path may be designed so that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased in a state where there is no radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the switch to connect the second path when a second output value is output from the motion sensor, and the second path may be designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit when a radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit exists.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switch may include a first switch that can be connected to the front end of each path included in the antenna circuit; and a second switch that can be connected to the rear end of each path included in the antenna circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control unit can output an RF signal using the path connected by the first switch and the second switch by simultaneously controlling the first switch and the second switch according to a judgment result based on the output value of the motion sensor to connect the front and rear ends of a specific path.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first switch and the second switch may be configured as SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type switches.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first path may include a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit in a state where there is no radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second path may include a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit when a radio wave obstacle is present in close proximity to the antenna circuit.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for path switching of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, performed in a path switching device of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, may include: a step of detecting whether movement occurs through a motion sensor; a step of controlling a switch provided in the antenna circuit based on an output value of the motion sensor output according to the detection result of the motion sensor; a step of connecting one of a plurality of paths included in the antenna circuit by the controlled switch; and a step of outputting an RF signal through the antenna circuit using the connected path.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a key fob, which sets the characteristics of an RF signal output depending on whether a user grasps it, comprises: an antenna circuit including a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal; a motion sensor that outputs an output value based on whether movement of the key fob is detected; and a control unit that determines whether the key fob is grasped by a user based on the output value of the motion sensor and controls a switch provided in the antenna circuit according to the result of the determination, wherein the antenna circuit can output an RF signal using a path connected by the switch among the plurality of paths.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the control unit determines that the fob is not being held by a user, it controls the switch to connect a first path, and the first path may be designed so that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased when the fob is not being held.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the control unit determines that the fob is in a state of being held by a user, it controls the switch to connect a second path, and the second path may be designed so that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased when the fob is held.

[0021] In one embodiment, the switch may include a first switch that can be connected to the front end of each path included in the antenna circuit; and a second switch that can be connected to the rear end of each path included in the antenna circuit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit can output an RF signal using the path connected by the first switch and the second switch by simultaneously controlling the first switch and the second switch according to the judgment result to connect the front and rear ends of a specific path. Effects of the invention

[0023] An antenna circuit switching device and method using a motion sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a fob applying the same, determine whether an antenna circuit outputting an RF signal is affected by a radio wave obstacle, and switch the circuit path constituting the antenna circuit according to the result of the determination, thereby outputting an RF signal having optimal characteristics for each situation and improving performance related to transmission distance. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] Figure 1 is a reference diagram for explaining a signal output device using a conventional antenna circuit. FIG. 2 is a reference diagram for explaining a path switching device of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a path switching method of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," etc., as used in the specification may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0027] Additionally, the term "...part" as described in the specification refers to a unit that processes one or more functions or operations, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram for explaining a signal output device (10) using a conventional antenna circuit.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a signal output device (10) (hereinafter, signal output device) using a conventional antenna circuit may be configured to include a motion sensor (11), a control unit (12), and an antenna circuit (13). Here, the above components are mentioned as basic components to explain the operating principle of the signal output device (10) applied to a conventional Key Fob, and in actual application cases, some components may be changed or not included.

[0032] In one embodiment, a motion sensor (11) in a signal output device (10) can detect a user's approach to the fob and transmit the detection result to a control unit (12). Then, the control unit (12) can generate a command signal based on the received detection result and user input applied to the fob. The command signal generated by the control unit (12) can be output in the form of an RF (Radio Frequency) signal through an antenna circuit (13) and transmitted to a receiver of a vehicle to be controlled. Here, the antenna circuit (13) may be configured to include an element (14) and an antenna (15). The element (14) is a component capable of determining the characteristics of the RF signal finally output through the antenna (15), and may include, for example, electronic circuit elements such as a resistor, an inductor, or a capacitor, and the characteristics of the RF signal described above may be determined according to the arrangement structure of the element (14) and parameters assigned to each element (14).

[0034] FIG. 2 is a reference diagram for explaining a path switching device (100) (hereinafter, path switching device) of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the path switching device (100) according to the present invention may be configured to include an antenna circuit (110), a motion sensor (120), and a control unit (130).

[0036] The antenna circuit (110) may include a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal. Here, the plurality of paths may be provided for the purpose of outputting an RF signal having different characteristics for each path used when outputting the signal.

[0037] In one embodiment, the antenna circuit (110) may include a first path (111) designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) in a state where there are no radio wave obstacles close to the antenna circuit (110). Here, the first path (111) may include a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) in a state where there are no radio wave obstacles close to the antenna circuit (110). The component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal may refer to electronic circuit components such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors as mentioned in the conventional signal output device (10). For example, the inductor and capacitor placed in the first path (111) may be designed to have a placement order and parameters that can minimize the non-linear component of the RF signal output in a state where there are no radio wave obstacles close to the antenna circuit (110).

[0038] In one embodiment, the antenna circuit (110) may include a second path (112) designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) when a radio wave obstacle is present in close proximity to the antenna circuit (110). Here, the second path (112) may include a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) when a radio wave obstacle is present in close proximity to the antenna circuit (110). For example, the inductor and capacitor placed in the second path (112) may be designed to have a placement order and parameters that minimize the non-linear component of the RF signal output when no radio wave obstacle is present in close proximity to the antenna circuit (110).

[0039] In one embodiment, the antenna circuit (110) may include a switch that connects a path to be used for RF signal output among a plurality of paths included in the antenna circuit (110). Here, the switch may be configured to include a first switch (113) that can be connected to the front end of each path included in the antenna circuit (110) and a second switch (114) that can be connected to the rear end of each path included in the antenna circuit (110). Additionally, the first switch (113) and the second switch (114) may be configured as SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type switches to be simultaneously controlled to connect one of the plurality of paths included in the antenna circuit (110).

[0041] The motion sensor (120) can output an output value depending on whether motion is detected. For example, when motion is detected in the path switching device (100) including the motion sensor (120), the motion sensor (120) can output an output value and transmit it to the control unit (130). Specifically, for example, the motion sensor (120) can output a low level signal when no motion is detected in the path switching device (100), and can output a high level signal when motion is detected in the path switching device (100). In addition, the low level signal here may mean a signal output with a value of 0V, and the high level signal may mean a signal output with a voltage value of a battery (e.g., 3V) supplying power to the path switching device (100).

[0043] The control unit (130) can control a switch provided in the antenna circuit (110) based on the motion sensor (120). Here, the antenna circuit (110) can output an RF signal using a path connected by a switch controlled by the control unit (130) among a plurality of paths included in the antenna circuit (110).

[0044] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can control the switch to connect the first path (111) when a first output value is output from the motion sensor (120). Here, the first output value may mean an output value corresponding to a low level signal output from the motion sensor (120).

[0045] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can control the switch to connect the second path when a second output value is output from the motion sensor (120). Here, the second output value may refer to an output value corresponding to a high-level signal output from the motion sensor (120).

[0046] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can simultaneously control the first switch (113) and the second switch (114) according to a judgment result based on the output value of the motion sensor (120) to connect the front and rear ends of a specific path, thereby enabling the antenna circuit (110) to output an RF signal using the path connected by the first switch (113) and the second switch (114).

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the path switching device (100) according to the present invention can be applied to a conventional fob to improve performance related to the operating distance.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fob can determine whether a user is gripping the fob based on the output value of a motion sensor (120) through a control unit (130), and can control a switch provided in an antenna circuit (110) according to the result of the determination. For example, the motion sensor (120) of the fob can output an output value based on whether movement of the fob is detected. Specifically, the motion sensor (120) can output a low level signal with a value of 0V when no movement of the fob is detected, and when the control unit (130) receives such a low level signal from the motion sensor (120), it can determine that the fob is not being gripped by the user. Additionally, the motion sensor (120) can output a high level signal that is output as the battery voltage level of the fob when movement of the fob is detected, and the control unit (130) can determine that the fob is in a state of being held by a user when it receives such a high level signal from the motion sensor (120).

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) may control the switch to connect the first path (111) when it is determined that the fob is not being held by a user. Here, the first path (111) may be designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) when the fob is not being held. In other words, when the antenna circuit (110) outputs an RF signal using the connected first path (111), it can output an RF signal exhibiting optimal transmission efficiency in a situation where there are no radio wave obstacles close to the antenna circuit (110) mounted on the fob.

[0051] In one embodiment, when the control unit (130) determines that the fob is in a state where it is being held by a user, it can control the switch to connect the second path (112). Here, the second path (112) can be designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit (110) when the fob is being held. In other words, when the antenna circuit (110) outputs an RF signal using the connected second path (112), it can output an RF signal that exhibits optimal transmission efficiency in a situation where there is a radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit (110) mounted on the fob. At this time, the situation where there is a radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit (110) may include a case where a radio wave obstacle (e.g., the user's body) surrounding the fob is located along the outer surface of the fob on which the antenna circuit (110) is mounted.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a path switching method of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the motion sensor detects whether movement occurs in a device including the motion sensor (S301). Here, the motion sensor outputs an output value according to the detection result, and the output value is transmitted to the control unit.

[0055] When the output value of the motion sensor is transmitted to the control unit, the control unit can control the switch of the antenna circuit based on the transmitted output value (S302).

[0056] The above switch selects and connects one of the multiple paths provided in the antenna circuit according to the control of the control unit (S303).

[0057] When one of the multiple paths provided in the antenna circuit is connected, the control unit inputs a command signal according to user input to the antenna circuit, and the antenna circuit outputs the processed command signal in the form of an RF signal through the antenna while passing through the connected path (S304).

[0059] The path switching method of an antenna circuit using the aforementioned motion sensor has been described with reference to the flowchart presented in the drawings. For simplicity of explanation, the method has been illustrated and described in a series of blocks; however, the present invention is not limited to the order of said blocks, and some blocks may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other blocks as illustrated and described herein, and various other branches, flow paths, and sequences of blocks that achieve the same or similar results may be implemented. Furthermore, not all illustrated blocks may be required for the implementation of the method described herein.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0062] 10: Signal output device using a conventional antenna circuit, 11: Motion sensor, 12: Control unit, 13: Antenna circuit, 14: Element, 15: Antenna, 100: Path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, 110: Antenna circuit, 111: First path, 112: Second path, 113: First switch, 114: Second switch, 120: Motion sensor, 130: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, which sets the characteristics of an RF signal output according to the detection result of a motion sensor, comprising: an antenna circuit including a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal; a motion sensor that outputs an output value according to whether motion is detected; and a control unit that controls a switch provided in the antenna circuit based on the output value of the motion sensor, detects the presence of a radio wave obstacle by considering a change in the RF signal characteristics within a preset range of the antenna circuit, and controls the switch based on the detection result, wherein the antenna circuit outputs an RF signal using a path connected by the switch among the plurality of paths. Claim 2 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the switch to connect the first path when a first output value is output from the motion sensor, and the first path is designed such that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased in a state where there is no radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit. Claim 3 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the switch to connect a second path when a second output value is output from the motion sensor, and the second path is designed to increase the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit when a radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit exists. Claim 4 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises: a first switch that can be connected to the front end of each path included in the antenna circuit; and a second switch that can be connected to the rear end of each path included in the antenna circuit. Claim 5 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, characterized in that, in claim 4, the control unit simultaneously controls the first switch and the second switch according to a judgment result based on the output value of the motion sensor to connect the front and rear ends of a specific path, thereby causing the antenna circuit to output an RF signal using the path connected by the first switch and the second switch. Claim 6 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, characterized in that, in claim 4, the first switch and the second switch are configured as SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) type switches. Claim 7 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the first path includes a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit in a state where no radio wave obstacle is present near the antenna circuit. Claim 8 A path switching device for an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, characterized in that, in paragraph 3, the second path includes a component that minimizes the non-linear component of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit in a state where a radio wave obstacle close to the antenna circuit exists. Claim 9 A method for path switching of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, performed in a path switching device of an antenna circuit using a motion sensor, comprising: a step of detecting whether movement occurs through a motion sensor; a step of detecting whether a radio wave obstacle exists based on a change in RF signal characteristics and an output value of the motion sensor output according to the detection result of the motion sensor, and controlling a switch provided in the antenna circuit based on the detection result; a step of connecting one of a plurality of paths included in the antenna circuit by the controlled switch; and a step of outputting an RF signal through the antenna circuit using the connected path. Claim 10 A key fob that sets the characteristics of an RF signal output depending on whether a user grips it, comprising: an antenna circuit including a plurality of paths for outputting an RF signal; a motion sensor that outputs an output value based on whether movement of the key fob is detected; and a control unit that determines whether the key fob is gripped by a user and whether there is a radio wave obstacle based on the output value of the motion sensor and a change in the RF signal characteristics, and controls a switch provided in the antenna circuit according to the determination result, wherein the antenna circuit outputs an RF signal using a path connected by the switch among the plurality of paths. Claim 11 A fob according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls the switch to connect a first path when it is determined that the fob is not being held by a user, and the first path is designed such that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased when the fob is not being held. Claim 12 A fob according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls the switch to connect a second path when it is determined that the fob is in a state of being held by a user, and the second path is designed such that the transmission efficiency of the RF signal output through the antenna circuit is increased when the fob is held. Claim 13 In paragraph 10, the switch comprises a first switch that can be connected to the front end of each path included in the antenna circuit; and a second switch that can be connected to the rear end of each path included in the antenna circuit. Claim 14 In claim 13, the control unit is characterized by simultaneously controlling the first switch and the second switch according to the judgment result to connect the front and rear ends of a specific path, thereby causing the antenna circuit to output an RF signal using the path connected by the first switch and the second switch.

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