JP5293217B2 - Electronic key system and portable device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic key system for controlling a vehicle in accordance with a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle side device mounted on the vehicle, and the electronic key system. The present invention relates to a portable device that constitutes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a fuel level display device that displays the fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle, a fuel level display device installed on an instrument panel in a vehicle compartment is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-105602 A

  When the user himself / herself supplies fuel to the fuel tank of the vehicle at the self-stand, the information disclosed to the user is only the meter (liter display) of the fuel tank in the above-described conventional technology. It was not possible to refuel while checking the level. Therefore, for example, even if the user wants to supply fuel to the fuel tank to about half, for example, the user sets the fuel level of the fuel tank based on the tank capacity of the vehicle, the fuel level before refueling, and past experience. I had to estimate.

  Further, in some one-box vehicles, the fuel filler port is installed at a low position of the vehicle, and the distance in the vertical direction between the fuel tank and the fuel filler port is small. If the refueling nozzle is fully inserted into such a vehicle, refueling may automatically stop even though the fuel level of the fuel tank is far below the full level of the fuel tank. In such a case, the user has to inevitably pull out the oil supply nozzle and supply the fuel in a dangerous state in which it is not known when it overflows.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to check the fuel level of a fuel tank during refueling of a vehicle, and thus to perform safe refueling and a portable key system. Is to provide a machine.

In order to achieve such an object, according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, in accordance with the result of code verification using wireless communication between the portable device carried by the user and the vehicle side device mounted on the vehicle. An electronic key system for controlling the vehicle, wherein the portable device wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle side device, and wirelessly receives information from the vehicle side device. A portable device transmitter that transmits the fuel level, a portable device display that displays the fuel level of the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle, and a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display. A portable device communication control unit for transmitting the fuel level transmission request from the portable device transmission unit, and the portable device receiving the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time. A vehicle-side notification control unit for displaying on a machine display unit, wherein the vehicle-side device receives the fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level and information transmitted from the portable device by radio. And the fuel detected by the fuel level gauge based on receiving the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle side transmission unit and the vehicle side reception unit. And a vehicle-side device communication control unit that transmits a level from the vehicle-side transmission unit every predetermined time.

  In the above configuration as the electric key system, when a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit is performed on the portable device, the portable device communication control unit transmits a request for transmitting the fuel level to the portable device. Send from the department. When this fuel level transmission request is received, the vehicle side device communication control unit transmits the fuel level detected by the operating fuel level gauge from the vehicle side transmission unit every predetermined time. Then, the portable device notification control unit displays the fuel level received every predetermined time by the portable device receiving unit on the portable device display unit. Accordingly, when the predetermined operation is performed on the portable device, the fuel level is displayed on the portable device display unit every predetermined time. Even when fuel is supplied, it is possible to supply fuel while checking the fuel level on the portable device display unit. As a result, it is not necessary to supply oil in a dangerous state in which the oil supply nozzle is pulled out, so that it is possible to supply oil safely.

In the first aspect of the present invention, even if the vehicle-side device communication control unit receives the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side receiving unit, the vehicle-side transmission unit receives the fuel level transmission request from the vehicle-side transmitting unit. also characterized in that the not to transmit the fuel level.

  In the above configuration as an electric key system, even if the predetermined operation is performed on the portable device during operation of the vehicle-mounted engine, the fuel level is not transmitted from the vehicle-side transmission unit, and is received by the portable device reception unit at predetermined time intervals. The fuel level that should have been received is not received. Therefore, the fuel level is not displayed on the portable device display unit, or the fuel level displayed on the portable device display unit does not reflect the actual fuel level. This makes it impossible for the user to refuel while confirming the fuel level of the fuel tank on the portable device display unit. However, if the predetermined operation is performed on the portable device while the operation of the in-vehicle engine is stopped, the fuel level is transmitted from the vehicle-side transmission unit, the fuel level is displayed on the portable device display unit, and the user displays the portable device display unit. The fuel can be supplied while checking the fuel level in the fuel tank. Thus, for users who know that it is determined whether or not the fuel level can be confirmed according to the state of the in-vehicle engine at the time of executing the predetermined operation, refueling after stopping the operation of the in-vehicle engine To be encouraged to do so.

However, not all users know the above matters. Therefore, in the invention described in 請 Motomeko 2, the vehicle-side device communication control unit, based on receiving the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side receiving unit during operation of the vehicle engine, the vehicle engine The fact that it is operating is transmitted from the vehicle-side transmitter, and the portable device notification controller stops the vehicle-mounted engine based on the fact that the vehicle-mounted engine is being activated by the portable device receiver. The proposal to be displayed is displayed on the portable device display unit. Thereby, it becomes possible to prompt the user who does not know the above matter to refuel after stopping the operation of the in-vehicle engine.

Furthermore, as in the invention described in 請 Motomeko 6, wherein the portable device communication control unit, based on a predetermined operation to allow the operation stop of the vehicle engine is performed on the portable device, the vehicle An engine operation stop request is transmitted from the portable device transmitter, and the vehicle side device stops the operation of the in-vehicle engine based on receiving the operation stop request of the in-vehicle engine by the vehicle side receiver. An engine control unit may be further provided. As a result, the in-vehicle engine can be stopped without the user getting into the vehicle.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the portable device further includes a warning sound output unit that outputs a warning sound, and the portable device notification control unit receives the information by the portable device receiver. A warning sound indicating that communication with the vehicle-side device cannot be maintained may be output from the warning sound output unit based on the fact that communication cannot be performed. Alternatively, as in the invention described in 請 Motomeko 8, wherein the portable device notification control unit, on the basis of the inability to receive the information by the portable device receiving unit, communication with the vehicle-side device is maintained It is good also as displaying on the said portable machine display part that it cannot be performed. According to the configuration described in claim 7 or claim 8 , it is possible to notify that the communication between the portable device and the vehicle-side device cannot be maintained by at least one of the warning sound and the display.

Further, the invention described in 請 Motomeko 3, wherein the portable device further comprises a warning sound output unit that outputs a warning sound, the portable device notification control unit is received at predetermined time intervals by the portable device receiving unit And determining whether the fuel tank is full of the fuel based on the fuel level and determining that the fuel tank is full of the fuel. in an alarm sound indicating that full you output from said alarm sound output unit. As a result, a warning sound can be notified that the fuel tank is full of fuel.

Further, the invention described in 請 Motomeko 4, wherein the portable device notification control part, based on the fuel level received at predetermined time intervals by the portable device receiving unit, the fuel tank is full with the fuel And a warning for the user not to forget to close the fuel cap based on the determination that the fuel tank is full of the fuel. The As a result, the user can be alerted not to forget to close the fuel cap.

Further, the invention described in 請 Motomeko 5, wherein the portable device communication control unit, based on the fuel level received at predetermined time intervals by the portable device receiving unit, the fuel tank is full with the fuel Based on determining whether or not the fuel tank is full of the fuel, the fact is transmitted from the portable device transmission unit, and the vehicle side device communication control unit based on the fact that the fuel tank is received that is filled with the fuel by the receiving unit, that stops transmission of the fuel level from the vehicle-side transmission unit. Thereby, the display of the fuel level on the portable device display unit can be ended.

In the configuration according to claim 4 or 5 , as in the invention according to claim 9 , the portable device communication control unit is configured such that the fuel level received every predetermined time by the portable device reception unit. If the fuel tank does not change for a certain period, it may be determined that the fuel tank is full of the fuel.

Inventions described in 請 Motomeko 10 is an invention of the portable device in an electronic key system of any one of claims 2～6,9.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle-side device and FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable device according to an embodiment of an electronic key system and a portable device according to the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the portable device side process performed by a portable device. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the vehicle side process performed by the vehicle side apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the fuel level of a fuel tank.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic key system according to the present invention and a portable device constituting the electronic key system will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The electronic key system according to the present embodiment is configured to include a vehicle-side device 100 mounted on a vehicle C and a portable device 200 carried by the user, and the portable device 200 is in a wireless communication area around the vehicle C. So-called smart entry function for executing control such as unlocking of the vehicle door when entering, and so-called remote keyless for executing control of locking and unlocking of the vehicle door according to the operation of the switch of the portable device 200 Has an entry function.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the vehicle side device 100 of the electronic key system according to the present invention. With reference to this Fig.1 (a), the structure and function of the vehicle side apparatus 100 are demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle side device 100 includes a control unit 101, an LF transmission unit 102, a UHF transmission / reception unit 103, a Bluetooth communication unit 104, an engine switch 106, a door antenna 107, an indoor antenna 108, a back An antenna 109 outside the door, a fuel level gauge 110, and a meter 111 are provided.

  Among these, the control unit 101 is a known computer including a CPU and a built-in memory (both not shown), and executes various processes according to programs stored in advance in the built-in memory. The control unit 101 corresponds to an operation start control unit, a vehicle-side device communication control unit, and an engine control unit described in the claims, and processing executed by the control unit 101 will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.

  The LF transmission unit 102 has an LF antenna, and transmits a signal (information) to the portable device 200 via the LF antenna using radio waves in the LF band (for example, “30 to 300 [kHz]”). Signals transmitted from the LF transmitter 102 reach only within a limited communication area via the door antennas 107, the indoor antennas 108, and the backdoor outside antennas 19 arranged at four locations of the vehicle C, respectively. . The LF transmitter 102 corresponds to the vehicle-side transmitter described in the claims.

  The UHF transmission / reception unit 103 has a UHF antenna, and a signal (information) is transmitted to the portable device 200 via the UHF antenna using radio waves in the UHF band (for example, “300 [MHz] to 3 [GHz]”). In addition to transmission, a signal (information) transmitted from the portable device 200 using radio waves in the UHF band is received via the UHF antenna. The signal transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 reaches a wider communication area than the signal transmitted from the LF transmission unit 102. The UHF transmission / reception unit 103 is connected to the control unit 101 and transmits a signal output from the control unit 101 from the UHF antenna, and outputs a signal received by the UHF antenna to the control unit 101. The UHF transmission / reception unit 103 corresponds to a vehicle-side transmission unit and a vehicle-side reception unit described in the claims.

  The engine switch 106 is a push switch for the user to operate to start the operation of a vehicle engine (not shown), and is connected to the control unit 101. When the engine switch 106 is operated by the user, the engine switch 106 outputs an electrical signal indicating that to the control unit 101. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit 101 selects the vehicle C from “IG-ON (start operation of the in-vehicle engine)”, “ACC (accessory)”, and “IG-OFF (stop operation of the in-vehicle engine)”. Control the state. When the engine switch 106 is set to “IG-ON”, it is controlled by the control unit 101 to start operation of the in-vehicle engine, and various in-vehicle devices including the fuel level gauge 119 are supplied with power from an in-vehicle battery (not shown). And become operational. When the engine switch 106 is set to “ACC” by the user, the on-board engine stops operating by being controlled by the control unit 101, and various on-vehicle devices can operate by being supplied with power from an unillustrated on-board battery. . When the engine switch 106 is set to “IG-OFF” by the user, the control is performed by the control unit 101, so that the in-vehicle engine stops operating, and the in-vehicle device stops operating because power is not supplied from the in-vehicle battery (not shown). To do.

  The Bluetooth (hereinafter, also referred to as BT) communication unit 104 has a BT antenna, and via the BT antenna, radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (“2.4 [GHz]”) are transmitted to the portable device 200. A signal (information) is transmitted, and a signal (information) transmitted from the portable device 200 using radio waves in this frequency band (“2.4 [GHz]”) is received via the BT antenna. Although the signal transmitted from the BT communication unit 104 has a wider communication area than the signal transmitted from the LF transmission unit 102, the communication area is not as large as the signal transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103. The BT communication unit 104 is connected to the control unit 101 and transmits a signal output from the control unit 101 from the BT antenna, and outputs a signal received by the BT antenna to the control unit 101. The BT communication unit 104 corresponds to a vehicle side receiving unit and a vehicle side transmitting unit described in the claims. Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the vehicle side apparatus 100 employ | adopted the structure which has the BT communication part 104 single-piece | unit, it is not restricted to this. Some navigation devices that use the well-known GPS to detect the current position of the vehicle C have a BT communication unit. A navigation device having such a BT communication unit may be mounted on the vehicle C, and a signal may be transmitted to and received from the portable device 200 using the BT communication unit of the navigation device.

  The fuel level gauge 110 is a known fuel level gauge disposed in a fuel tank (not shown) mounted on the vehicle C, and is connected to the control unit 101. The fuel level gauge 110 can detect the fuel level of the fuel tank by being supplied with power from the in-vehicle battery while the engine switch 106 is set to “IG-ON” by the user. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fuel level gauge 110 is controlled by the control unit 101 to supply power from a vehicle battery (not shown), and the operation start and operation stop are controlled. When the fuel level gauge 110 detects the fuel level of the fuel tank during operation, the fuel level gauge 110 outputs the detected fuel level to the control unit 101.

  The meter 111 is disposed at an appropriate location in the passenger compartment where the driver of the vehicle C can visually recognize, and displays the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge 110 on the screen.

  FIG. 1B shows a configuration example of the portable device 200 of the electronic key system according to the present invention in a block diagram. With reference to this FIG.1 (b), the structure and function of the vehicle side apparatus 100 are demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the portable device 200 includes a control unit 201, an LF reception unit 202, a UHF transmission / reception unit 203, a Bluetooth communication unit 204, a storage unit 205, push switches 206 and 207, a speaker 208, and A display 209 is provided.

  Among these, the control unit 201 is a known computer having a CPU, a built-in memory (not shown), and the like, and executes various processes according to programs stored in advance in the built-in memory or the storage unit 205, which is an external memory. To do. The control unit 201 corresponds to the portable device communication control unit and the portable device notification control unit described in the claims, and processing executed by the control unit 201 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The LF reception unit 202 includes an LF antenna, and receives a signal (information) transmitted from the vehicle-side device 100 using an LF band radio wave via the LF antenna. The LF receiving unit 202 is connected to the control unit 201 and outputs a signal received by the LF antenna to the control unit 201. The LF transmitter 202 corresponds to the portable device receiver described in the claims.

  The UHF transmission / reception unit 203 has a UHF antenna. The UHF antenna transmits a signal (information) to the vehicle-side device 100 via the UHF band using radio waves in the UHF band, and from the portable device 200 to the UHF band radio waves. The signal (information) transmitted in this manner is received via this UHF antenna. The UHF transmission / reception unit 203 is connected to the control unit 201, and transmits a signal output from the control unit 201 from the UHF antenna, while outputting a signal received by the UHF antenna to the control unit 201. The UHF transmission / reception unit 203 corresponds to the portable device transmission unit and the portable device reception unit described in the claims.

  The Bluetooth (hereinafter also referred to as BT) communication unit 204 includes a BT antenna, and transmits radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (“2.4 [GHz]”) to the vehicle side device 100 via the BT antenna. And a signal (information) transmitted from the vehicle-side device 100 using radio waves in this frequency band (“2.4 [GHz]”). The signal transmitted from the BT communication unit 204 is not as wide as the signal transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203. The BT communication unit 204 is connected to the control unit 201, and transmits a signal output from the control unit 201 from the BT antenna, and outputs a signal received by the BT antenna to the control unit 201. The BT communication unit 204 corresponds to the portable device receiving unit and the portable device transmitting unit described in the claims.

  The push switches 206 and 207 are mainly switches for using the remote keyless entry function. When the push switch 206 is operated by one push, the vehicle door is locked. When the push switch 207 is operated by one push, the vehicle door is unlocked.

  The speaker 208 is connected to the control unit 201 and outputs a predetermined warning sound. The display 209 is composed of an LCD and an LED, and displays various information including the fuel level of the fuel tank. The speaker 208 corresponds to the warning sound output unit described in the claims, and the display 209 corresponds to the portable device display unit described in the claims.

Next, the outline of the smart entry function for unlocking the vehicle door according to the result of code verification using wireless communication between the vehicle side device 100 and the portable device 200 will be described.
Each part of the vehicle-side device 100 operates under the control of the control unit 101, and under the control, the LF transmission unit 102 periodically transmits a so-called request signal that requests transmission of a response signal. Each unit of the portable device 200 operates under the control of the control unit 201. When the portable device 200 enters the wireless communication area in which the request signal from the LF transmission unit 202 can be received, the request signal is transmitted to the LF. The receiving unit 202 receives it.

  Note that wireless communication using radio waves in the LF band is performed between the LF transmitter 102 and the LF receiver 202. In order to limit the communication area between the vehicle-side device 100 and the portable device 200 to the periphery of the vehicle C, radio waves in the LF band are used for transmission / reception of request signals. Specifically, by transmitting signals from the door antenna 107, the indoor antenna 108, the back door outside antenna 109, and the like, the communication area can be limited to the vicinity of the vehicle door, the interior of the vehicle, and the vicinity of the outside of the trunk. Thereby, possibility that the portable device 200 will receive the request signal from the vehicle side apparatus 100 of another vehicle can be made low, for example.

  When the LF reception unit 202 receives a request signal from the vehicle-side device 100, the UHF transmission / reception unit 203 transmits a response signal including a code unique to the vehicle C corresponding to the portable device 200. Then, in the vehicle side device 100, the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device 200.

  Note that wireless communication using radio waves in the UHF band is performed between the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 and the UHF transmission / reception unit 203. The reason why UHF band radio waves are used for the transmission / reception of the response signal is that even if the output level of the signal transmitted from the portable device 200 is weak, a communication distance can be obtained correspondingly, and the response signal is more reliably transmitted to the vehicle side device 100 side. This is because it can be transmitted.

  When the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 receives a response signal transmitted from the portable device 200, the control unit 101 of the vehicle side device 100 matches the code included in the response signal with the code stored in the control unit 101. If it matches, the vehicle door is allowed to be unlocked.

  Note that, after unlocking the vehicle door, known control in this type of electronic key system is executed. For example, when it is detected in the unlocking state that a person has touched the door knob by a signal from a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the door knob outside the driver's door, the control unit 101 controls the door control system. As a result, a door lock motor (not shown) is driven and all the vehicle doors are unlocked. In addition to this, various controls such as a state where the engine start is permitted are performed. However, since these controls are known in the art, further explanation is omitted here.

  Hereinafter, the portable device side processing S200 executed by the portable device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the portable device side processing S200 executed by the portable device 200, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the fuel level by the display 209 of the portable device 200.

  The portable device 200 (specifically, the control unit 201) causes the portable device 200 to perform a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the display device 209, for example, by continuously pressing the push switches 206 and 207 for two seconds or more. If so, the execution of the portable device side processing S200 is started. In this embodiment, the operation using both the push switches 206 and 207 is adopted as the predetermined operation. However, the operation using only one of the push switches 206 and 207 is not limited to this. It may be adopted as an operation. Alternatively, a dedicated push switch for starting the execution of the portable device side process S200 may be newly provided in the portable device 200, and an operation using this dedicated push switch may be adopted as the predetermined operation. In short, the above-mentioned predetermined operation is arbitrary as long as the execution of the portable device side processing S200 can be started.

  When the predetermined operation is performed on the portable device 200, the control unit 201 first transmits a command from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203 as processing of step S201. Specifically, the control unit 201 transmits a transmission request for requesting the vehicle side device 100 to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge 110 to the portable device 200 from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203.

  As will be described later, when the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 receives the transmission request transmitted from the portable device 200 in the process of step S201, the vehicle-side device 100 sets the engine switch 106 at the time of reception (“ ("IG-ON", "ACC", and "IG-OFF"), "Whether fuel level gauge 110 is operating" or "While fuel level gauge 110 is stopped" At the same time, it is determined whether “fuel level information can be transmitted” or “fuel level information cannot be transmitted” (refer to steps S105, S106, and S110 (FIG. 3)).

  Specifically, when the engine switch 106 is set to “IG-ON”, the fuel level gauge 110 is operating and can detect the fuel level, but this is not desirable as the state of the vehicle C during refueling. Therefore, even when the fuel level can be detected, the control unit 101 configuring the vehicle-side device 100 transmits a response indicating that the fuel level information cannot be transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103. On the other hand, when the engine switch 106 is set to “ACC” or “IG-OFF”, the fuel level gauge 110 is not operating and cannot detect the fuel level, but the state of the vehicle C at the time of refueling. As desirable. Therefore, the control unit 101 starts the operation of the fuel level gauge 110 by supplying power from the in-vehicle battery, and transmits a response indicating that the fuel level information can be transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103.

  When the process of step S201 is completed, the control unit 201 receives the response transmitted from the vehicle side device 100 as the subsequent process of step S202, and the content of the received response as the determination process of the subsequent step S203. Judging. Specifically, when it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the content of the response indicates “fuel level information can be transmitted”, the control unit 201 proceeds to the subsequent process of step S204. On the other hand, when it is determined that the content of the response indicates that “fuel level information cannot be transmitted”, the control unit 201 proceeds to the subsequent step S208.

  When the process proceeds to step S204, the control unit 201 attempts a Bluetooth connection to the vehicle-side device 100, prepares to establish BT communication between the BT communication unit 204 and the BT communication unit 104, and continues to step S205. As the determination process, it is determined whether or not the connection is OK.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S205 that BT communication has been established between the BT communication unit 204 and the BT communication unit 104 ("Yes" in the determination process of step S205), the control unit 201 continues to step S206. As a process of the above, the mode shifts to the Bluetooth communication mode. Specifically, the control unit 201 receives fuel level information repeatedly transmitted from the BT communication unit 104 every predetermined time (for example, “several seconds”) at the BT communication unit 204 and displays the received fuel level information. The display 209 is controlled (see, for example, FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the control unit 201 sets “E” indicating that the fuel tank is empty as the left end and indicates that the fuel tank is full. The fuel level of the fuel tank is displayed using a display 209 having a bar with “F” at the right end. The fuel level display mode is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. In addition, for example, the fuel level of the fuel tank is configured such that the indicator 209 is configured by a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the fuel level, and the LEDs are turned on / off according to the fuel level information transmitted from the vehicle side device 100. May be displayed. In short, if the user can confirm the fuel level with the display 209 of the portable device 200, the display mode is arbitrary.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process in step S205 that BT communication is not established between the BT communication unit 204 and the BT communication unit 104 (“No” in the determination process in step S205), the control unit 201 continues. As a process in step S207, a warning sound indicating that BT communication is not maintained (and therefore the fuel level cannot be displayed) is output from the speaker 208, and a display indicating that is displayed on the display 209. In addition, when BT communication is not maintained between the BT communication unit 204 and the BT communication unit 104, for example, when a user carrying the portable device 200 leaves the vehicle C, the BT communication unit 104 sets a predetermined time (for example, “several seconds”). Since the BT communication unit 204 cannot receive the fuel level information that should be repeatedly transmitted every time, the control unit 201 can determine that. As long as the user can distinguish from other warning sounds, any warning sound may be output from the speaker 208 as a warning sound indicating that the BT communication is not maintained (therefore, the fuel level cannot be displayed). As long as the user can distinguish from other displays, the display 209 may be displayed on the display 209 as a display indicating that. Moreover, it is not necessary to use a warning sound and a display together, and either one may be used.

  When the process proceeds to step S208, the control unit 201 makes an IG-OFF proposal notification (display / sound). Specifically, the control unit 201 outputs a warning sound indicating a proposal to stop the in-vehicle engine from the speaker 208 and displays a display indicating that on the display 209. In addition, as long as the user can be distinguished from other warning sounds, any warning sound may be output from the speaker 208 as a warning sound indicating a proposal to stop the in-vehicle engine, and the user can be distinguished from other displays. As long as there is a suggestion, the display 209 may be displayed on the screen as a proposal for stopping the in-vehicle engine. Moreover, it is not necessary to use a warning sound and a display together, and either one may be used.

  Then, the control unit 201 determines whether or not it is permitted to stop the operation of the in-vehicle engine as the determination process in the subsequent step S209. Specifically, the control unit 201 performs a predetermined operation for permitting the on-board engine to stop operating, for example, by continuously pressing the push switches 206 and 207 for 5 seconds or more to the portable device 200 after the notification of the IG-OFF proposal. Determine whether it is done.

  Here, if it is determined that the predetermined operation for permitting the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine is not performed on the portable device 200 (“No” in the determination process of step S209), the control unit 201 performs the process of step S207. As a result, notification (display / sound) is performed. Specifically, the control unit 201 outputs a warning sound from the speaker 208 indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has not been permitted (and thus the fuel level cannot be displayed), and displays a display indicating that fact on the display unit 209. Display on the screen. As long as the user can discriminate from other warning sounds, what kind of warning sound is given from the speaker 208 as a warning sound indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine is not permitted (and therefore the fuel level cannot be displayed). As long as the user can distinguish from other displays, the display 209 may be displayed on the display 209 as a display indicating that. Moreover, it is not necessary to use a warning sound and a display together, and either one may be used.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined operation for permitting the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine is performed on the portable device 200 (“Yes” in the determination process of step S209), the control unit 201 performs IG as a process of step S210. -An OFF request is transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203. Specifically, the control unit 201 transmits a (operation) stop request for the in-vehicle engine from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203. Although details will be described later, when the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 receives the stop request transmitted in the process of step S210, the vehicle-side device 100 sets the engine switch 106 to “IG-OFF”. After the setting is completed, a response indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has been completed is transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 (see the processing in steps S111 to S115 (FIG. 3)).

  When the process of step S210 is completed, the control unit 201 transmits a response indicating that “the operation stop of the vehicle-mounted engine has been completed” is transmitted from the vehicle-side device 100 as the subsequent process of step S211 and the determination process of step S212. Judge whether to come or not. When determining that the response indicating that “the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has been completed” has been received (“Yes” in the determination process of step S212), the control unit 201 proceeds to the process of the previous step S204, while “ If it is determined that a response indicating that “the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has been completed” is not received (“No” in the determination process of step S212), the control unit 201 proceeds to the subsequent process of step S207. Specifically, as a process of subsequent step S207, the control unit 201 outputs a warning sound indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has not been completed (therefore, the fuel level cannot be displayed) from the speaker 208. Is displayed on the display 209. As long as the user can distinguish from other warning sounds, what kind of warning sound is given from the speaker 208 as a warning sound indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine has not been completed (therefore, the fuel level cannot be displayed). As long as the user can distinguish from other displays, the display 209 may be displayed on the display 209 as a display indicating that. Moreover, it is not necessary to use a warning sound and a display together, and either one may be used.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the vehicle-side process S100 executed by the vehicle-side device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of vehicle-side processing S100 executed by the vehicle-side device 100.

  The vehicle side device 100 (specifically, the control unit 101) repeatedly executes the vehicle side processing S100 every predetermined time. When execution of the vehicle-side process S100 is started, the control unit 101 first determines whether or not the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 has received a command. If it is determined that the command has not been received (“No” in the determination process in step S101), the control unit 101 executes the determination process in step S101 again. The control unit 101 waits until the UHF transmission / reception unit 103 receives a command through the determination process in step S101.

  If the UHF transceiver 103 determines that the command has been received (“Yes” in the determination process in step S101), the control unit 101 determines whether the received command is the transmission request as the determination process in step S102. Determine whether. When the control unit 101 determines that the request is not the above transmission request (“No” in the determination process in step S102), the control unit 101 proceeds to the subsequent determination process in step S103, while determining that the request is the transmission request (in the determination process in step S102). “Yes”), the process proceeds to the subsequent determination process of step S105.

  When the process proceeds to the determination process in step S103 (“No” in the determination process in step S102), the control unit 101 determines whether the received command is another command. If the received command is not another command (“No” in the determination process in step S103), the control unit 101 executes the determination process in the previous step S101 again. On the other hand, when the received command is another command (“Yes” in the determination process of step S103), the control unit 101 executes a specified process corresponding to the other command as the process of subsequent step S104. The prescribed process is a process such as unlocking the vehicle door as described above. When the determination process of step S103 or the process of step S104 is executed in this way, the control unit 101 executes the determination process of the previous step S101 again.

  When the process proceeds to the determination process in step S105 (“No” in the determination process in step S102), the control unit 101 determines whether the engine switch 106 is “IG-ON (in-vehicle engine is operating)”. Judging. Note that it is not desirable to refuel while the in-vehicle engine is operating, and it is desirable to refuel while the in-vehicle engine is stopped.

  Here, if it is determined that the engine switch 106 is not “IG-ON”, that is, the in-vehicle engine is stopped (“No” in the determination process of step S105), the control unit 101 performs the following steps. As a process of S106, a response indicating that “fuel level information can be transmitted” is transmitted from the UHF transceiver 103, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S107. On the other hand, when it is determined that the engine switch 106 is “IG-ON”, that is, the in-vehicle engine is operating (“Yes” in the determination process of step S105), the control unit 101 performs the subsequent process of step S110. , A response indicating that “fuel level information cannot be transmitted” is transmitted, and then the process proceeds to the determination process in step S111.

  When the process of step S106 is executed, the control unit 101 tries to establish a Bluetooth connection to the portable device 200 as a process of subsequent step S107, and prepares to establish BT communication between the BT communication unit 104 and the BT communication unit 204. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the connection is OK.

  In the determination process of step S108, when it is determined that BT communication is established between the BT communication unit 104 and the BT communication unit 204 ("Yes" in the determination process of step S108), the control unit 101 continues to step S109. As a process of the above, the mode shifts to the Bluetooth communication mode. Specifically, the control unit 101 repeatedly transmits fuel level information from the BT communication unit 104 every predetermined time (for example, “several seconds”). On the other hand, when it is determined that the BT communication is not maintained between the BT communication unit 104 and the BT communication unit 204 in the determination process of step S108 ("No" in the determination process of step S108), the control unit 101 The vehicle-side process S100 is temporarily terminated as it is, and the vehicle-side process S100 is executed again.

  In addition, when the process of step S110 is executed, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the on-vehicle engine stop request is received within the time limit through subsequent determination processes of steps S111 to S113.

  Specifically, the control unit 101 first determines whether or not a command has been received as the determination process in step S111, and determines that the command has been received (“Yes” in the determination process in step S111). As the determination process in step S112, it is determined whether or not the received command is an engine (operation) stop request. If it is determined that the command is not received (“No” in the determination process of step S111), or if it is determined that the received command is not an engine stop request (“No” in the determination process of step S112), The control unit 101 determines whether or not the time is up in the subsequent determination process of step S113, and determines that the time is not up ("No" in the determination process of step S113), the determination of step S111 and step S112 above Run the process again. If it is determined in the determination process of step S113 that the time is up ("Yes" in the determination process of step S113), the control unit 101 ends the vehicle-side process S100 as it is.

  When the control unit 101 receives a request for stopping the in-vehicle engine within the time limit (“Yes” in the determination process in step S112), the control unit 101 executes an IG-OFF process as the subsequent process in step S114. After the execution, as a process in step S115, a response indicating that the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine is completed is transmitted from the UHF transmission / reception unit 103. And the control part 101 transfers to the process of said step S107.

  In the embodiment described above, when a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the display 209 is performed on the portable device 200, the portable device 200 sends a fuel level transmission request from the UHF transmission / reception unit 203. Send. When the vehicle-side device 100 receives a fuel level transmission request while the fuel level gauge 110 is operating, the vehicle-side device 100 transmits the detected fuel level from the BT communication unit 104 every predetermined time, while the fuel level gauge 110 is operating while the fuel level gauge 110 is stopped. When the level transmission request is received, the fuel level gauge is started to operate, the fuel level is detected, and the detected fuel level is transmitted from the BT communication unit 104 every predetermined time. Then, the portable device 200 displays the fuel level received every predetermined time by the BT communication unit 204 on the display 209. Thereby, even when the user refuels the fuel tank of the vehicle with the self-stand, the user can refuel while confirming the fuel level with the display 209 of the portable device 200. As a result, it is not necessary to supply oil in a dangerous state in which the oil supply nozzle is pulled out, so that it is possible to supply oil safely.

  It should be noted that the electronic key system according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration exemplified in the above embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. . That is, for example, the following embodiment can be implemented by appropriately changing the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the portable device 200 (specifically, the control unit 201) receives the fuel level information repeatedly transmitted every predetermined time (for example, “several seconds”) by the BT communication unit 204 and receives the received fuel level information. Although the fuel level information is displayed on the display 209 (see step S206 (FIG. 2)), the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  In addition, for example, the portable device 200 determines whether or not the fuel tank is full based on the fuel level information received by the BT communication unit 204 every predetermined time, and determines that the fuel tank is full. Based on the above, a warning sound indicating that may be output from the speaker 208. Thus, even if the user does not bother to visually determine the display 209, it can be notified by a warning sound that the fuel tank is full of fuel.

  Also, the portable device 200 determines whether or not the fuel tank is full based on the fuel level information received every predetermined time by the BT communication unit 204, and based on determining that the fuel tank is full. Thus, a warning for the user not to forget to close the fuel cap may be displayed on the display 209. As a result, the user can be alerted not to forget to close the fuel cap.

  Also, the portable device 200 determines whether or not the fuel tank is full based on the fuel level information received every predetermined time by the BT communication unit 204, and based on determining that the fuel tank is full. Then, the fact is transmitted from the BT communication unit 204. On the other hand, the vehicle-side device 100 may stop transmitting the fuel level information from the BT communication unit 104 based on the fact that the BT communication unit 104 receives that the fuel tank is full of fuel. Thereby, the display of the fuel level on the display device 209 constituting the portable device 200 can be ended.

  Incidentally, when the fuel level does not change for a certain period of time (for example, “10 seconds”) based on the fuel level information received every predetermined time by the BT communication unit 204, the portable device 200 is filled with fuel. It may be determined that the fuel tank is present, and it may be determined that the fuel tank is full of fuel when the fuel level reaches a predetermined level.

  In the above embodiment (including modifications), fuel level information is transmitted and received between the BT communication unit 204 and the BT communication unit 104 using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (“2.4 [GHz]”). However, it is not limited to this. In addition, for example, it is technically possible to transmit and receive fuel level information by using radio waves in the UHF band between the UHF transceiver unit 203 and the UHF transceiver unit 103.

  In the above embodiment (including modifications), when a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on display device 209 is performed on portable device 200, control unit 201 sends a request for transmission of the fuel level to the UHF transmission / reception unit. Although it transmitted from 203, it is not restricted to operation with respect to the portable device 200. In addition, for example, a dedicated switch may be provided in the vehicle-side device 100, and the vehicle-side device 100 may be configured to transmit the fuel level when this dedicated switch is operated. Alternatively, the vehicle-side device 100 may be configured to transmit the fuel level when a predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle C, for example, when the fuel lid is opened. Furthermore, such a predetermined operation may not be performed. For example, the vehicle-side device 100 may be provided with a car navigation device, and when the vehicle C detects that the vehicle C has entered a gas station, the vehicle-side device 100 may transmit the fuel level. The point is that the fuel level can be confirmed on the display 209 of the portable device 200.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Vehicle side apparatus, 101 ... Control part (vehicle-mounted engine control part, vehicle side apparatus communication control part), 102 ... LF transmission part (vehicle side transmission part), 103 ... UHF transmission / reception part (vehicle side transmission part, vehicle side reception) Part), 104 ... Bluetooth communication part (vehicle side transmission part, vehicle side reception part), 106 ... engine switch, 107 ... door antenna, 108 ... indoor antenna, 109 ... antenna outside the back door, 110 ... fuel level gauge, 111 ... Meter 200, portable device, 201, control unit (portable device communication control unit, portable device notification control unit), 202, LF reception unit (portable device reception unit), 203, UHF transmission / reception unit (portable device transmission unit, portable device) Receiving unit), 204 ... Bluetooth communication unit (portable device transmission unit, portable device receiving unit), 205 ... storage unit, 206 ... display unit (portable device display unit), 207 ... unlock switch, 208 ... lock Switch, 209 ... speaker (warning sound output unit), C ... vehicle

Claims (10)

An electronic key system that controls the vehicle according to a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle-side device mounted on the vehicle,
The portable device is
A portable receiver that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle-side device;
A portable device transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information to the vehicle side device;
A portable device display unit for displaying a fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle;
A portable device communication control unit for transmitting a request for transmission of the fuel level from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit being performed on the portable device. When,
A portable device notification control unit that displays the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time on the portable device display unit;
The vehicle side device
A fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level;
A vehicle-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the portable device;
A vehicle-side transmitter that transmits information wirelessly to the portable device;
A vehicle-side device communication control unit configured to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge from the vehicle-side transmission unit at predetermined time intervals based on reception of the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side reception unit; equipped with a,
The vehicle-side device communication control unit does not transmit the fuel level from the vehicle-side transmission unit during operation of the in-vehicle engine even when the vehicle-side reception unit receives the fuel level transmission request. Electronic key system to do. An electronic key system that controls the vehicle according to a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle-side device mounted on the vehicle,
The portable device is
A portable receiver that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle-side device;
A portable device transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information to the vehicle side device;
A portable device display unit for displaying a fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle;
A portable device communication control unit for transmitting a request for transmission of the fuel level from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit being performed on the portable device. When,
A portable device notification control unit that displays the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time on the portable device display unit;
The vehicle side device
A fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level;
A vehicle-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the portable device;
A vehicle-side transmitter that transmits information wirelessly to the portable device;
A vehicle-side device communication control unit configured to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge from the vehicle-side transmission unit at predetermined time intervals based on reception of the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side reception unit; With
The vehicle-side device communication control unit indicates from the vehicle-side transmission unit that the vehicle-mounted engine is operating based on receiving the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side receiving unit during operation of the vehicle-mounted engine. Send
The portable device notification control unit displays, on the portable device display unit, a proposal to stop the on-vehicle engine based on the fact that the on-vehicle engine is being activated by the portable device reception unit. Electronic key system to do. An electronic key system that controls the vehicle according to a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle-side device mounted on the vehicle,
The portable device is
A portable receiver that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle-side device;
A portable device transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information to the vehicle side device;
A portable device display unit for displaying a fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle;
A portable device communication control unit for transmitting a request for transmission of the fuel level from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit being performed on the portable device. When,
A portable device notification control unit that displays the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time on the portable device display unit;
The vehicle side device
A fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level;
A vehicle-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the portable device;
A vehicle-side transmitter that transmits information wirelessly to the portable device;
A vehicle-side device communication control unit configured to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge from the vehicle-side transmission unit at predetermined time intervals based on reception of the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side reception unit; With
The portable device further includes a warning sound output unit that outputs a warning sound,
The portable device notification control unit determines whether the fuel tank is full of the fuel based on the fuel level received every predetermined time by the portable device receiving unit, and the fuel tank An electronic key system that outputs a warning sound indicating that the fuel tank is full of the fuel from the warning sound output unit based on determining that the fuel is full. An electronic key system that controls the vehicle according to a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle-side device mounted on the vehicle,
The portable device is
A portable receiver that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle-side device;
A portable device transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information to the vehicle side device;
A portable device display unit for displaying a fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle;
A portable device communication control unit for transmitting a request for transmission of the fuel level from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit being performed on the portable device. When,
A portable device notification control unit that displays the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time on the portable device display unit;
The vehicle side device
A fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level;
A vehicle-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the portable device;
A vehicle-side transmitter that transmits information wirelessly to the portable device;
A vehicle-side device communication control unit configured to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge from the vehicle-side transmission unit at predetermined time intervals based on reception of the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side reception unit; With
The portable device notification control unit determines whether the fuel tank is full of the fuel based on the fuel level received every predetermined time by the portable device receiving unit, and the fuel tank An electronic key system that displays on the portable device display unit a caution to prevent the user from forgetting to close the fuel cap based on determining that the fuel is full. An electronic key system that controls the vehicle according to a result of code verification using wireless communication between a portable device carried by a user and a vehicle-side device mounted on the vehicle,
The portable device is
A portable receiver that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the vehicle-side device;
A portable device transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information to the vehicle side device;
A portable device display unit for displaying a fuel level of a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle;
A portable device communication control unit for transmitting a request for transmission of the fuel level from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for displaying the fuel level on the portable device display unit being performed on the portable device. When,
A portable device notification control unit that displays the fuel level received by the portable device reception unit every predetermined time on the portable device display unit;
The vehicle side device
A fuel level gauge capable of detecting the fuel level;
A vehicle-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives information transmitted from the portable device;
A vehicle-side transmitter that transmits information wirelessly to the portable device;
A vehicle-side device communication control unit configured to transmit the fuel level detected by the fuel level gauge from the vehicle-side transmission unit at predetermined time intervals based on reception of the fuel level transmission request by the vehicle-side reception unit; With
The portable device communication control unit determines whether the fuel tank is full of the fuel based on the fuel level received every predetermined time by the portable device receiving unit, and the fuel tank Based on determining that the fuel is full, the fact is transmitted from the portable device transmitter,
The vehicle-side device communication control unit stops transmission of the fuel level from the vehicle-side transmission unit based on the fact that the vehicle-side reception unit receives that the fuel tank is full of fuel. An electronic key system characterized by that. The electronic key system according to claim 2 ,
The portable device communication control unit transmits an operation stop request for the in-vehicle engine from the portable device transmission unit based on a predetermined operation for permitting the operation stop of the in-vehicle engine being performed on the portable device. ,
The said vehicle side apparatus is further equipped with the engine control part which stops operation | movement of the said vehicle-mounted engine based on receiving the operation stop request | requirement of the said vehicle-mounted engine by the said vehicle side receiving part, The electronic key system characterized by the above-mentioned. In the electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The portable device further includes a warning sound output unit that outputs a warning sound,
The portable device notification control unit outputs a warning sound indicating that communication with the vehicle-side device cannot be maintained from the warning sound output unit based on the fact that the information cannot be received by the portable device receiving unit. An electronic key system characterized by In the electronic key system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The portable device notification control unit displays on the portable device display unit that communication with the vehicle-side device cannot be maintained based on the fact that the information cannot be received by the portable device reception unit. And electronic key system. The electronic key system according to claim 4 or 5 ,
The portable device communication control unit determines that the fuel tank is full of the fuel when the fuel level received by the portable device receiving unit every predetermined time does not change for a certain period. Electronic key system . A portable device in the electronic key system according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

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