JP7617657B2 - System, device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, a system, an apparatus, and a program.

Remote engine starting devices (engine starters) that remotely start the engine for the purpose of warming the engine and regulating the temperature inside the vehicle are becoming popular. This remote engine starting device is installed in the vehicle and has a relay drive circuit that controls the engine start and the operation of electrical equipment, and a main control circuit that controls the relay drive circuit when it receives a start command signal. The start command signal is sent from a wireless remote control transmitter (portable device) that the user holds close by.

Patent No. 3959146

For systems such as engine starters that have a portable device and another communication device and that use the portable device to remotely control the operation of the other communication device, companies have traditionally used specific low-power radio devices with a 420 MHz frequency band, FSK (frequency shift keying) modulation method, and output of 10 mW or 1 mW for signal transmission and reception. The problem with such systems is that the communication distance limit is roughly the same for each company. The communication distance varies depending on the conditions, but the maximum expected range is about 4 km, and depending on the conditions it can be as low as a few hundred meters, so companies are competing like two chestnuts against each other. None of the companies have been able to break out of this situation, and although there was a strong desire to break out of it, it was partly the common sense and stereotypes of the industry that prevented them from breaking out.

The object of the present invention is to provide a system that can perform remote control more reliably and is easier to use than conventional systems.

(1) For example, a system may be provided that includes a first device and a second device capable of wireless communication, the wireless communication between the first device and the second device is based on a spread spectrum method, at least one of the first device and the second device is portable by a user, and a signal transmitted by one of the devices includes a signal that activates a function of the other of the first device or the second device.

In this way, compared to conventional FSK methods other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a significantly longer distance than the comparisons made between the various companies up until now. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventors, the device's functions can be operated over a distance roughly twice as long as conventional methods. For example, in the case where the distance at which wireless communication is reliably possible with the conventional FSK method is 1 km, the spread spectrum method allows communication over a distance of more than twice that distance, at 2 km or more.

At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, but may be, for example, a golf navigation system, and may be, in particular, a portable device or a remote controller (hereinafter, also referred to as "remote control" for short). For example, the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates the function of the other of the first device and the second device. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be particularly equipped with a function for inputting instructions from a user, and may be configured to transmit a signal that activates the function of the other device based on the input instruction. The function for inputting instructions from a user may be any device that can input instructions, but may be, for example, a sensor that can detect the user's movements, and may in particular be equipped with a means for inputting user instructions. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be a wearable terminal that can be attached to the body. Preferably, at least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be a device that can be carried by hand, and may be equipped with a function for inputting instructions by hand. It is preferable to have a means for inputting instructions by pressing with a finger. It is even more preferable to configure the means for inputting instructions as a switch.

The other of the first device and the second device may be any device, but may be, for example, a device that is portable by the user, preferably a device that is not portable by the user, for example, a device fixed to an object, and more preferably a device installed indoors. When fixed to an object, it may be fixed to the ground, for example, and preferably to a gas, electricity, or water meter. When fixed to the ground, it may be, for example, a water sprinkler. When fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, it may be a terminal device that transmits meter reading data to a remote control. When installed indoors, it may be installed in a golf clubhouse or inside a car. When installed in a clubhouse, it may be, for example, digital signage. When installed in a car, it may be, for example, an in-car device. Most preferably, when the first device is a portable device, the second device is a device fixed to another object, or when the second device is a portable device, the first device is a device fixed to another object.

The system of the present invention may be any system, but may be, for example, a system for use in consumer devices or various industrial devices, and in particular, a system for use in automobile-related devices such as the engine starter described above. This allows the user to appropriately remotely control various devices.

For example, a system for use with consumer devices may have one of a first device or a second device that is portable by the user as a remote control, and the other as a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates a function of the device.

As a system for use in consumer devices, it is preferable that one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a portable device, and the other is a transmitter fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, etc. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device preferably includes meter reading data and a signal that causes the portable device to compile the meter reading data (a signal that activates a function of the portable device).

In particular, it is preferable to use a wireless communication system that uses a standard called "Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network)" and is equipped with a terminal device fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, and collects meter reading data using wireless communication with a portable device. By using the system of the present invention in Wi-SUN, a user can collect meter reading data from a more remote location than before, and the effort of traveling associated with data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous residence that is far from roads that can be traveled by car and can only be approached on foot, the meter reader carrying the portable device is more likely to be able to collect meter reading data (hereinafter also referred to as "meter information") within the range that can be traveled by car, and even if walking is required after traveling by car, the travel distance can be reduced. In particular, it is preferable that the portable device is one that the user can carry and travel on foot, and that instructions can be input manually.

More preferably, this system would have the first device be a golf navigation system and the second device be digital signage installed in the clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation system would include a signal that activates the display function and tallying function of the digital signage. In this case, it would be possible to have the digital signage sequentially display rankings based on the player's results entered into the golf navigation system during the round, saving the user the trouble of tallying up the player's results, etc.

As a system for use in automobile-related equipment, for example, a system for use in an automobile engine starter or car security, with the first device being a remote control and the second device being an in-vehicle device, may be used. In particular, the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates a function of the in-vehicle device, and the signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device may include a signal that activates a function of the remote control. Preferably, the signal transmitted from the remote control is configured to be transmitted based on a user's instruction.

Here, in the case of conventional engine starters and car security, for example, in large apartment buildings, there were cases where the parking lot was very far from the room and could not be used. This problem was particularly noticeable in tower apartments. Also, for example, there were cases where the radio waves were blocked by a concrete wall and the user had to go out onto the balcony to use the device. However, even in such cases, if the present invention is used, the user can activate the function of the other device more reliably than before. For example, the engine starter or car security function can be activated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, even if the user previously had to move to a place where radio waves could reach the car in the parking lot more easily, such as a window or balcony, in order to activate the function of the other device, the user is more likely to be able to activate the engine starter or car security by operating it from a position indoors, such as by the bedside.

Furthermore, for example, a system for use in automobile-related devices that includes the above-mentioned remote control (portable device) and in-vehicle device can be combined with a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information, etc., and the in-vehicle device can act as a gateway (gateway) to transmit meter information generated in the house to the portable device. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device can receive information such as meter reading data for gas, electricity, and water meters and power generation data for a solar power generation device installed in the house from a Wi-SUN device in Wi-SUN mode (a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), and the in-vehicle device can transfer this received information to a portable device (remote control) carried by the user in spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as meter reading data within a bicycle range that is wider than the conventional walking range. For example, under conditions where radio waves could only reach about 1 km in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), a range of 6 km can be achieved by lowering the bit rate using the spread spectrum method. An area with a diameter of 1 km from the center of a residential house is considered to be within the daily living area (walking distance), while an area with a diameter of 6 km is considered to be within the local living area (if necessary, refer to Table 5 on page 6, page 32, and Table 4-3 on page 37 of the following electronic technical information (Ishihara Hiroshi, "Basic Research on Daily Living Areas (Part 2)", [online], March 2008, Nagoya Urban Center, [searched July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.nui.or.jp/user/media/document/investigation/h19/nichijo.pdf>). Also, usually, almost everything can be done within the local living area (biking distance) from one's home (if necessary, refer to page 11 of the following electronic technical information (Ichimura Machio, "Method of Analyzing Commercial Demand Based on Living Area", [online], June 2006, Community Builders' Net, [searched July 5, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.geocities.jp/non_non_net2006/p_rep/seikatukenn2.pdf>).)

Preferably, the first device is fixed to an object, and the second device is portable by the user. The user carrying the second device can operate the function of the first device without the second device at the location of the object to which the first device is fixed. The second device is carried by the user and moves with the user's movement on foot or bicycle from the location of the object to which the first device is fixed as a base point (e.g., the starting point of the movement), and the second device returns to the base point (e.g., the original starting point as the end point after moving to a specified destination) when the user moves to the location of the object to which the first device is fixed. The "movement on foot or bicycle" may be configured to be 5 km or more and 20 km or less in line of sight. For example, the base point may be a home, and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. Alternatively, the base point may be an automobile, and the user may walk from the automobile, do some shopping at a shopping center, for example, start the engine while shopping, and then return to the automobile, which is the base point. Alternatively, the base point may be an automobile, and the user may walk from the automobile to his/her home after returning home, and the next morning start the automobile engine from inside the home and then return to the automobile. Alternatively, the base point may be a clubhouse, and the user may walk around the golf course while playing, and return to the clubhouse after playing.

For example, the first device may be a parent device installed in a nursing facility, and the second device may be a child device carried by each of the multiple people residing in the nursing facility. For example, each child device may have a different ID stored therein, and the parent device may store a correspondence between the ID stored in each child device and the name of the person carrying the child device. Each child device transmits radio waves containing ID data using a spread spectrum method at regular intervals (for example, every minute). The parent device checks the ID data contained in the received radio waves and the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received radio waves, and when the RSSI of the received radio waves falls below a set value, the parent device displays the approximate distance from the parent device to the child device that transmitted the radio waves, calculated based on the level of the RSSI, and the name of the person associated with the ID. The "RSSI setting value" can be set by determining in advance the relationship between the distance between the parent unit and child unit and the RSSI value and storing it in the parent unit, and inputting the distance into the parent unit. Alternatively, "when the RSSI falls below the setting value" can be set when the RSSI level reaches that equivalent to outside the care facility, based on the difference in RSSI measured in advance between inside and outside the care facility and set in the facility.

The parent unit may have a function for selecting a person's name stored in advance from a list or the like, and a function for wirelessly transmitting a signal requesting a reply to a child unit having an ID corresponding to that person's name. If the received ID is the child unit's own ID and a reply is requested by the parent unit, the child unit wirelessly transmits level information regarding the received electric field strength and its own ID. The parent unit determines and displays the position of the child unit (e.g., distance from the parent unit) from the level of electric field strength of the received ID.

Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a function for relaying a wireless signal of an inquiry from the parent unit between the child units. For example, the parent unit is provided with a "normal search button (a button for searching without relaying)" and a "relay and search button." When the "normal search button" is pressed, it requests a reply of the ID and the field strength level from all child units within the range of the parent unit's radio waves, while when the "relay and search button" is pressed, it requests a reply from all child units within the range of the parent unit's radio waves and from all child units within the range of the radio waves from the child units. The reply (e.g., the ID and field strength level of the other child units) is relayed by the child unit between the parent unit and the other child units. Note that it is also possible to further relay between the child units, and it is preferable to set a limit on the number of relays between the child units. It is also possible to provide a position detector such as a GPS in each of the parent unit and the child unit, so that only child units within a range specified by the parent unit from the parent unit's position relay.

In communication using the "spread spectrum method," for example, the power density of a narrowband signal modulated to be transmitted is reduced by spreading it to a wideband using a specified spreading method, and then the signal is transmitted from the transmitting side. On the receiving side, the received signal is despread to obtain the original narrowband signal with high power density. In addition, the "spread spectrum method" is particularly configured to restore the original narrowband signal with high power density by despreading, even if the spread signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, and then demodulate the restored original narrowband signal to reproduce it as the signal to be transmitted. In this way, even signals that have attenuated below the noise floor at long distances can be received.

In addition, in communication using the "spread spectrum method," the modulation of the spread signal performed on the transmitting side and the demodulation of the spread signal performed on the receiving side may be performed using a hardware modulator or demodulator, or may be performed using a software radio. In particular, it is preferable to use an IC chip that performs the calculation processing equivalent to such modulation and demodulation.

Any communication method may be used as the "spread spectrum method", but it is particularly preferable to use a method that can increase the communication distance even at the expense of communication speed. For example, a frequency hopping method may be used. It is preferable to use a method other than a direct spread spread method. More preferably, the "spread spectrum method" is configured as a method (hereinafter referred to as the "chirp method") in which a chirp signal is generated by continuously changing the frequency, and a signal based on the data to be transmitted is spread and modulated by this (hereinafter referred to as the "chirp method"). In particular, it is preferable to combine the chirp method with other methods. For example, it is preferable to combine the chirp method with at least one of the frequency hopping method and the direct spread spread method. For example, it is preferable to use the LoRa method, which will be described in detail later, as the communication method using the "spread spectrum method". Conversely, conventional modulation methods other than the spread spectrum method include, in addition to the FSK method mentioned above, OOK (on-off keying), GFSK (phase-continuous FSK), MSK (minimum shift keying), GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying), etc. (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as "FSK, etc.").

The "first device and/or the second device" that is "portable by the user" may be any device, but may be, for example, a portable communication device, a portable information device, a wearable terminal, or the like. The "first device and/or the second device" that is "portable by the user" may be, for example, a non-dedicated device that can perform functions other than remote control, but may be, in particular, a dedicated device for remote control, such as a remote control.

The "signal transmitted by the one device" may include a signal that activates a function of the other of the first device or the second device. For example, in the case of an engine starter or car security, the signal may include a signal for starting these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, etc. In the case of an engine starter or car security, the signal may include a signal for activating an alarm function from these devices to a portable device or remote control, etc. Desirably, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may include a signal other than a signal that activates a function of the other device. The "signal other than a signal that activates a function of the other device" may be data detected by a sensor installed in the vehicle, such as the current temperature inside the vehicle in the case of an engine starter, or the degree of impact applied to the vehicle in the case of a car security.

In addition, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include start and stop signals for consumer devices such as water sprinklers and various industrial devices. In addition, in devices such as golf navigation systems, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include signals such as player performance information entered into the golf navigation system. In addition, when the system of the present invention is used in devices such as gas, electricity, and water meters that use standards such as Wi-SUN, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include various data such as meter reading data.

For example, if the first device is a portable device such as a remote control and the second device is an in-vehicle device, the portable device may be configured to have a single receive mode and the in-vehicle device to have a continuous receive mode. This allows the battery of the portable device to last longer, and the in-vehicle device to more reliably capture the signal transmitted from the portable device. In this configuration, it is preferable that the in-vehicle device transmits the same information multiple times. This reduces the occurrence of missed readings due to disturbances in the portable device. More preferably, a function is provided for transmitting a signal from the in-vehicle device to the portable device to switch to the continuous receive mode, and when the portable device receives the signal to switch, it operates in the continuous receive mode. In such a configuration, it is particularly advisable to set the time for operation in continuous receive mode to a fixed period of time. This type of communication mode can be implemented, for example, by using the communication chip "SX1272" described below.

The "single receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular when communicating at a fixed receive timing, it is preferable to configure the receiving circuit to be turned on only at the required receive timing. In this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption during standby for reception. The "continuous receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which signals are received continuously.

(2) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device using a spread spectrum method may be a LoRa method.

In this way, users can overcome the current situation where the distance at which remote control is possible is roughly uniform.

A wireless system using a spread spectrum method, particularly a LoRa method (hereinafter also referred to as a "LoRa wireless system"), can communicate at a higher transmission bit rate (hereinafter also referred to simply as "bit rate", "data rate" or "transmission speed") when designed for the same communication distance as an FSK method, for example. A higher bit rate shortens communication time, so that a user can obtain a system that can quickly activate a function of the other device when a signal to activate the function of the other device is transmitted from either the first device or the second device.

In particular, it is preferable that at least one of the first device and the second device, which are portable by the user, has a function for inputting instructions from the user and transmits a signal to activate the function of the other device based on the input instruction. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a system that quickly responds to the input operation of instructions.

In the LoRa system, it is preferable to set the bit rate low. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferable is to set the bit rate as low as possible. In particular, it is preferable to set the bit rate as low as possible in the first or second device, whichever is portable by the user. In this way, the user can transmit a signal from the portable device to activate a function of the other device from a longer distance than before, and activate the function on the other device. In addition, it is preferable to set the bit rate of the portable device lower than the bit rate of the device that activates the function by the signal transmitted from the portable device. Furthermore, it is preferable to have the configurations (3) and (3-1) described later. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventors, with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a transmission distance that is about four times longer and a coverage area that is about 16 times larger than that of the conventional 420 MHz band FSK system.

It is desirable to set the bit rate low in this way, especially in systems that transmit and receive a small amount of digital information. It is even more desirable to set the bit rate low when transmitting digital information such as an automobile engine starter or car security.

LoRa wireless communication can be implemented, for example, by using the communications chip "SX1272" manufactured by SEMTECH. This communications chip performs the modulation and demodulation of the above-mentioned signals through calculations.

(3) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may use a sub-gigahertz band and a channel in the sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth is wider than the bandwidth of a channel in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band.

In this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication with a smaller device and at a longer distance than before. Radio waves generally have a shorter range in the sub-gigahertz band than in frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band, but this problem of short range of radio waves can be solved by using a channel in the sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth is wider than the bandwidth of a channel in the frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. For example, it is advisable to set a channel in the sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth of the channel to be used is wider than the bandwidth of a channel in the frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band.

For example, the frequency of an oscillator for wireless communication provided in the first device and the second device may be set as in (3). In particular, for example, the setting of the frequency for wireless communication may be performed by a control unit provided in the first device and the second device, and the set frequency may be set as in (3). Desirably, the control unit is a computer, and a value corresponding to the frequency to be set is written to a register of the computer.

(3-1) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device should be specific low-power wireless, using the sub-gigahertz band, and using a sub-gigahertz frequency where the transmittable power is greater than the transmittable power in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band.

The "frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band" may be the 400 MHz band, and preferably, for example, any of the bands 449.7125 to 449.8250 MHz, 449.8375 to 449.8875 MHz or 469.4375 to 469.4875 MHz, and more preferably, any of the bands 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. In each of these bands, the channel bandwidth may be, for example, 12.5 kHz, and in particular in the 426.0375-426.1125 MHz band, it may be, for example, 25 kHz. In addition, the transmittable power may be, for example, 1 mW in the 426.0250-426.1375 MHz and 426.0375-426.1125 MHz bands of frequencies below the sub-gigahertz band, and, for example, 10 mW in the other bands.

The "sub-gigahertz band" may be, for example, a frequency band slightly lower than 1 GHz, and preferably, for example, 800 to 950 MHz. More preferably, it may be the 920 MHz band defined by Japanese laws and regulations, and even more preferably, for example, a band with a center frequency of 928.15 to 929.65 MHz, and most preferably, for example, a band with a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz. In the band with a center frequency of 928.15 to 929.65 MHz, the channel bandwidth may be, for example, 100 kHz, and in the band with a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz, the channel bandwidth may be, for example, 200 kHz. In addition, the channel used in the sub-gigahertz band may be a channel with a bandwidth four or more times the bandwidth of a channel in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. It is preferable to select a channel with a bandwidth of 200 kHz, which is 8 times the bandwidth of the channel in the range of 426.0375 to 426.1125 MHz (25 kHz). More preferable to select a channel in the sub-gigahertz band with a bandwidth of 200 kHz, which is 16 times the bandwidth of the channel in the range of 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz, or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. In addition, the transmittable power may be, for example, 1 mW in the range of 916.0 to 920.4 MHz and 928.15 to 929.65 MHz in the sub-gigahertz band, and 20 mW in the ranges other than these. A channel to be used in the sub-gigahertz band should have a transmittable power of 20 mW, which is 20 times the transmittable power of 1 mW or twice the transmittable power of 10 mW in frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band.

In the 400 MHz band, which is included in the "frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band," the Japanese domestic regulations at the time of filing allocate a bandwidth of 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz per channel. On the other hand, in the sub-gigahertz band, there is the 920 MHz band, which allocates a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz per channel. In this way, the sub-gigahertz band, particularly the 920 MHz band, is a frequency band with a wider bandwidth per channel than the 400 MHz band, which is a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. Although the 400 MHz band has a narrower bandwidth per channel than the 920 MHz band, the 400 MHz band has the advantage that radio waves can reach farther than the 920 MHz band, and are less directional and more prone to diffraction, making it easier to receive even in the shadows of distant obstacles (mountains and buildings).

The inventors have found that the "channel to be used" should be one of the 15 channels in the 920.6-923.4 MHz band, with a bandwidth of 200 kHz and intervals of 200 kHz, and the 14 channels in the 920.7-923.3 MHz band, with a bandwidth of 400 kHz and intervals of 200 kHz, and in particular, at least one of the six channels with center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz (each with a bandwidth of 200 kHz). In particular, it should be configured to be able to switch between some of these channels, and preferably to automatically switch to a channel that is determined to have no signal by a Busy judgment. These channels may also be configured to use a wider bandwidth by combining multiple adjacent channels; for example, five adjacent channels out of the six channels above may be combined to use a bandwidth of 1000 kHz.

A "channel" may be, for example, a frequency band allocated for use in communications, particularly a frequency band allocated by the laws and regulations of the country of use, and particularly a frequency band allocated by the laws and regulations of Japan.

When making a channel busy judgment (a judgment to prohibit transmission because a signal is present), the level judgment of the signal of the spread spectrum method is performed, for example, by using CAD (Channel Acceleration and Delay Timer).
The CAD function may be configured to detect the presence of a spread spectrum signal at such a low level that the presence of the signal cannot be detected by the RSSI. The busy determination may be configured to determine the busy state when the spread spectrum signal is at -130 dBm or higher, and the busy state when the other modulation method signal is at -80 dBm or higher. In this way, a more appropriate channel busy determination is possible, and the device functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance.

Table 1 shows all the cases where the presence of a signal is confirmed by the CAD function and RSSI and where it is not, with the top row of each column indicating the Busy determination and the bottom row indicating what type of signal may be transmitted. Table 1 shows the cases where signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum methods can be transmitted in the first and second devices. In Table 1, the case where the presence of a signal is confirmed by the CAD function is indicated as "CAD present" and the case where it is not confirmed is indicated as "CAD absent", the case where the presence of a signal is confirmed by RSSI is indicated as "RSSI present" and the case where it is not confirmed is indicated as "RSSI absent".

As shown in Table 1, in the cases of "RSSI present" and "CAD present", (A) the busy judgment is due to the presence of both a spread spectrum signal and a signal using a modulation method other than spread spectrum, or (B) the busy judgment is due to the presence of a relatively strong spread spectrum signal (-80 dBm or higher). In the case of (A), the transmission of signals using all modulation methods is prohibited, while in the case of (B), the transmission of signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum is possible. Furthermore, even in the case of (A), transmission is possible if the spread spectrum signal has a different bandwidth and spreading rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

When "RSSI present" and "CAD absent", the busy determination is due to the presence of a signal using a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, and since there is no spread spectrum signal, it is possible to transmit a spread spectrum signal.

In the cases of "RSSI not present" and "CAD present", the busy determination is due to the presence of a spread spectrum signal, and since there are no signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum, it is possible to transmit signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum. Furthermore, even if the signal is a spread spectrum signal, it can be transmitted as long as the signal has a different bandwidth and spreading rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

When "RSSI not present" and "CAD not present", there is no Busy determination, and since there are no signals using the spread spectrum method or any other modulation method, it is possible to transmit signals using all modulation methods.

(4) The strength of the signal transmitted from the first device or the second device may be below the noise floor.

In this way, the possibility of interfering with signals using modulation methods other than the spread spectrum method, such as signals using the FSK method, is extremely low. As a method for making the signal strength below the noise floor, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the transmission power is controlled to be reduced, or a configuration may be adopted in which the transmitted signal is transmitted with a high spreading rate at which the signal strength is below the noise floor. When the spreading rate of the transmitted signal increases, the transmission speed decreases slightly, but the communication sensitivity improves, and the communication distance increases. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a longer distance than before. A configuration in which the "noise floor" is -80 dBm is recommended.

(5) The wireless communication between the first device and the second device using the spread spectrum method may be such that signals can be transmitted with the same power in one of the quarter portions of the bandwidth of the channel used from both ends of the bandwidth to the inside of the band, and in the center of the bandwidth.

In this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a longer distance than before. Such a system with high modulation efficiency and communication at a high transmission bit rate can be implemented, for example, by the spread spectrum method or the LoRa method. On the other hand, in the FSK method, the transmission power of the signal decreases at the high-frequency and low-frequency ends of the bandwidth, and the signal extends outside the bandwidth, resulting in low modulation efficiency.

In the wireless communication between the first device and the second device using the spread spectrum method, it is preferable that signals can be transmitted at the same power near both ends of the bandwidth of the channel used, inwardly from the quarter of the bandwidth, and near the center of the bandwidth. More preferable, signals can be transmitted at the same power near at least one end and near the center of the bandwidth of the channel used. Even more preferable, signals can be transmitted at the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel used.

In the configuration of (5), it is particularly preferable to configure the power for transmitting signals outside the bandwidth of the channel to be less than a specified value. In this way, the amount of signal that goes outside the bandwidth is less than the specified value, and the modulation efficiency is high. When the same communication distance is set in a communication system, the higher the modulation efficiency, the higher the bit rate at which communication is possible.

At least one of the first device and the second device should preferably be a device whose power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. When the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device decreases, and power consumption in the system can be reduced. In particular, it is preferable to use a battery as the power source for the device. In this way, the battery life (hereinafter also referred to as "battery lifespan") can be extended. This allows the user to minimize the hassle of battery replacement, etc.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the increase in power consumption caused by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption can be reduced and battery life can be extended.

For example, the wireless communication between the first and second devices may be configured to use a method that allows transmission of signals at the center and one peripheral end with the same power instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. In particular, the wireless communication between the first and second devices may be configured to allow transmission of signals at the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel used. For example, the wireless communication between the first and second devices may use an OFDM modulation method instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. In particular, Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 820.11ah) may be used.

The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be configured to use GFSK modulation instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. It is preferable to use GFSK modulation at a speed of several hundred bits per second or less. More preferable is Sigfox. However, the best method at present is the spread spectrum method, and the LoRa method (2) is particularly preferable.

In addition, the wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be performed by wireless network communication, but it is preferable to perform it as one-to-one communication between the first device and the second device. For example, the communication chip "SX1272" may be configured to use, for example, 0x12 as the SyncWord value, instead of 0x34 used in LoRaWAN. It is preferable to configure it to use a value other than 0x34 or 0x12. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with commercially available devices that perform wireless communication using the Lora method.

(6) Of the first device and the second device, the one that is portable by the user may be provided with a built-in antenna for use in the wireless communication.

In this way, users can use devices with simple configurations where the antenna is not exposed to the outside, particularly portable devices with excellent portability, as portable devices. This is because a wireless system using the spread spectrum method can use an antenna with a lower antenna gain when designed for the same communication distance and the same communication bit rate as a wireless system using the FSK method.

This effect is particularly pronounced in a wireless system that uses the LoRa method, as in (2). Furthermore, while common spread spectrum wireless systems (WLAN, WCDMA (registered trademark), etc.) strive to prevent interference and achieve high bit rates, the LoRa method can greatly improve sensitivity by consuming a large bandwidth while spreading low bit rate signals over a wide band using spectrum spread. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further miniaturize the built-in antenna. This allows the system to be used stress-free, without getting in the way even when the user carries the portable device in a pocket, etc.

In this way, the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, so a smaller antenna with low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting a LoRa wireless system, it becomes possible to use a remote control (portable device) that has a radio wave range similar to that of a remote control using a conventional rod antenna, despite having a built-in antenna, and a system with a highly portable remote control (portable device) can be provided to the user.

It is preferable to have the configuration of (3). It is more preferable to have the configuration of (3-1). It is even more preferable to have the configurations of (3) and (3-1). It is most preferable to have the configurations of (2), (3) and (3-1). In this case, the advantage of having a built-in antenna is particularly great.

(7) It is preferable that the user be able to change the magnitude of the signal transmission power directly or indirectly.

In this way, the user can use the system with the optimal transmission power according to the environment in which the user uses the system. For example, when the distance between the first device and the second device is small and the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power can be minimized by setting the transmission power low within a range where there is no problem in transmitting signals. Of the first device and the second device, the device that transmits the signal can use a battery as a power source. In this way, the user can extend the battery life and reduce the frequency of battery replacement, etc. On the other hand, when the user wants to prioritize the reliability of the signal transmission between the first device and the second device over minimizing the transmission power, the transmission power can be set high, taking into account the expected communication distance, etc. This ensures reliable signal transmission, and the user can accurately control the device equipped with the system of the present invention.

Here, an example of a configuration in which the "user can directly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power" is a configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device is set by inputting a power value. By allowing the "user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission power" in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power so that it is appropriate for their own usage conditions.

As an example of a configuration in which the "user can indirectly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power," the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device may be set by a relative numerical value or index associated with the power value. Various indices such as "strong, medium, weak" and indices according to the operation mode may be considered as indices associated with the power value. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and a "long-life mode" with a long battery life can be selected. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize battery life or the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. By making the "user can indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power" in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output to the magnitude of the transmission power that is suitable for his or her own conditions of use.

The configuration in which "the user can directly or indirectly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power" may be any configuration, and may be configured to do so via switches (e.g., dip switches) or control devices provided on the non-portable device of the first device or the second device, such as an engine starter or an in-vehicle device in a car security system, and may particularly be configured to do so on the portable device of the first device or the second device, such as a portable device such as a remote control.

The magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed based on the operation of an operation unit provided on, for example, a remote control or other device. The operation unit may be configured, for example, as a slider, or may be configured as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control or other device.

It is preferable that the portable one of the first device and the second device is configured to be selectable between the above-mentioned "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and "long-life mode." In this way, the user can extend the battery life by selecting the long-life mode in an area where communication is possible in the long-life mode, and when communication in the long-life mode is no longer possible in an area farther away than the area where communication is possible in the long-life mode, the user can switch to the long-distance communication mode and activate the functions of the other device by remote control using wireless communication.

In addition, when the operating mode is set according to the magnitude of the signal transmission power, such as "long distance communication mode (normal mode)" or "long life mode," each mode may be set in multiple steps or steplessly according to the magnitude of the transmission power. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission power.

(8) It is preferable that the user can change the transmission bit rate of the signal directly or indirectly.

In this way, the user can adjust the transmission bit rate to use the system under optimal conditions for the environment in which the user is using it. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate low, the user can improve communication sensitivity while ensuring a large communication range. In contrast, by setting the transmission bit rate high, the user can minimize communication time at the expense of communication sensitivity and communication distance, and can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances with agile communication operations.

At least one of the first device and the second device should preferably be a device whose power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. When the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device decreases, so that the power consumption in the system can be reduced, and in particular the power consumption of the device that transmits the signal can be reduced. In particular, it is preferable to use a battery as the power source for the device. In this way, the user can extend the battery life and minimize the hassle of battery replacement, etc.

At least one of the first device and the second device may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is preferable to set the transmission bit rate so that the transmission power reduced by shortening the communication time exceeds the increase in power consumption caused by increasing the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption can be reduced and battery life can be extended.

Here, an example of a configuration in which the "user can directly change the transmission bit rate of a signal" is a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device is set by inputting a bit rate value. By allowing the "user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate" in this way, the user can precisely adjust the transmission bit rate to suit their own usage conditions.

As an example of a configuration in which the "user can indirectly change the transmission bit rate of a signal," the transmission bit rate of the first device or the second device may be set by a relative numerical value or index associated with the transmission bit rate. Various indices such as "large, medium, small" and indices according to operation modes may be considered as indices associated with the transmission bit rate. In particular, it is preferable to be able to select, for example, a "normal mode" and a "speed mode" in which communication operations are quick. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication, or to prioritize the speed of communication operations. In this way, by making the "user can indirectly change the transmission bit rate of a signal," the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the transmission bit rate to a level suitable for his or her own conditions of use.

The configuration in which "the user can directly or indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal" may be any configuration, and may be configured to do so via switches (e.g., dip switches) or control devices provided on the non-portable device of the first device or the second device, such as an engine starter or an on-board device in a car security system, and may particularly be configured to do so on the portable device of the first device or the second device, such as a portable device such as a remote control.

It is preferable that the portable one of the first device and the second device is configured to be selectable between the above-mentioned "normal mode" and "speed mode." In this way, the user can select the speed mode in an area where communication is possible in the speed mode to make communication operations swift, and when communication in the speed mode becomes impossible in an area farther away than the area where communication is possible in the speed mode, the user can switch to the normal mode and activate the functions of the other device by remote control using wireless communication.

The transmission bit rate may be changed based on the operation of an operation unit provided on, for example, a remote control or other device. The operation unit may be configured, for example, as a slider, or may be configured as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control or other device.

In addition, when the operating mode is set according to the transmission bit rate, such as "normal mode" or "speed mode," each mode may be set in multiple stages or steplessly according to the transmission bit rate. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the transmission bit rate of the signal.

(9) In the information regarding the strength of a signal received in the last communication between the first device and the second device, if the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is reduced, and if the strength of the signal is less than the predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is maintained at least at the transmission power at the time of the last communication.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission power consumption while ensuring the transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, if the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is greater than necessary, the next signal strength to be transmitted may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the first and second devices is portable, even if the signal strength received by the device is greater than necessary, the distance between the first and second devices may increase over time due to the user's movement. In this way, when adjusting the transmission power in the next communication according to the signal strength received by the device in the last communication, for example, a change in the distance between the first and second devices may be assumed using time as an index, and adjustment may be made based on this assumption. In the configuration of (9), the transmission power is reduced not only when the signal strength received in the last communication is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, but also when the next signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication. Furthermore, in the configuration of (9), when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or when the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the signal in the last communication, at least the transmission power is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances, and the transmission power consumption can be reduced. Also, if a battery is used as the power source, the battery life can be extended, so the user does not need to replace the battery frequently.

Here, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the distance at which communication between the first and second devices is expected to be established even if the distance between the first and second devices increases, and the assumed speed at which the distance between the first and second devices increases, for example, when the transmission power of the next signal to be transmitted is to be reduced from the transmission power at the time of the signal transmission in the last communication. For example, if one of the first and second devices is a portable device such as a remote control and the other is a fixed device that does not move, and the case is assumed in which the distance between the first and second devices increases as the user moves on foot, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the relationship between the average moving speed of an average adult moving on foot, the distance at which communication between the first and second devices is expected to be established after the transmission power is reduced, and the communication distance that will be reduced by the reduction in transmission power. In this way, by using time as an index to estimate the change in the distance between the first device and the second device, setting a "predetermined time" based on this estimated result, and using this predetermined time as one of the standards for reducing transmission power, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances without feeling inconvenienced, even when control is performed to reduce transmission power consumption.

The "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power may be, for example, between one and two minutes. This "predetermined time" may be constant or may vary depending on the signal strength.

Here, for example, the system may be one in which the first device is a portable device (e.g., a remote control) and the second device is a fixed device (e.g., an in-vehicle device, a home device, or other device that can obtain an external power source). In this way, in a system in which basic control begins with sending commands from a remote control, the transmission power consumption of the fixed device can be reduced. In this case, for example, if the fixed device is configured to use a battery installed in the car as its power source, such as an engine starter or car security system, the power consumption of this battery can be kept to a minimum.

It is also advisable to configure a system in which the fixed device periodically transmits a link confirmation signal to the remote control. In this way, the radio wave strength of the link confirmation signal can be checked and the transmission power of the remote control's transmission signal can be reduced. If the remote control's transmission power can be reduced and its power consumption can be reduced, the life of the battery built into the remote control (portable device) can be extended and the user will no longer need to frequently replace the battery.

For example, when the amount of information to be transmitted is large and the information is divided into multiple transmissions, the first transmission can be performed with high transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions can be adjusted based on the radio wave strength of the first transmission. In this way, the transmission power can be optimized. In this case, for example, a battery can be used as the power source. In this way, the battery life can be extended and the frequency with which the user needs to change the battery can be minimized.

In addition, for example, in the case of car security, it is possible to configure the system so that when a sensor detects that some kind of trouble has occurred in the car, a signal is sent from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote control, even if no command is sent from the remote control. In this way, when a user who has learned that the car security is activated performs a process such as disabling the car security using the remote control, the transmission power of the remote control's transmission signal can be reduced based on the radio wave strength of the signal previously received from the in-vehicle device, minimizing power consumption in batteries built into the remote control and minimizing the frequency with which the user needs to replace the battery.

It is also preferable to configure the system so that, for example, a remote control can be used to send a signal to the fixed device and set up the system. In this way, the remote control can send a start setting command and based on the radio wave strength of the response signal returned from the fixed device, the transmission power of the signal from the remote control can be reduced, minimizing power consumption in the battery built into the remote control and minimizing the frequency with which the user needs to change the battery.

The user carrying the remote control may move after receiving a signal in the last communication in the system. Therefore, if the transmission power of the remote control or the fixed device is reduced after a certain time has passed, the distance between the remote control and the fixed device may become too large, causing the radio wave strength to be insufficient, and it may become impossible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the transmission power within a certain time and maintain the transmission power after the certain time has passed. In this way, it is possible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and to extend the battery life. This minimizes the frequency with which the user has to perform bothersome tasks such as battery replacement.

In addition, the configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission power" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission power, or a configuration of increasing the transmission power. As in the configuration of (9), when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission power may be maintained at least at the transmission power at the time of the last communication. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being unable to be established due to lowering the transmission power, and to ensure the stability of communication. As a result, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience, even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication.

When the "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power is changed according to the signal strength, it is advisable to configure the system so that the greater the signal strength, the shorter the predetermined time is, and the smaller the signal strength, the longer the predetermined time is. However, if the signal strength is below the predetermined value, the transmission power is at least maintained.

In the configuration of (9), for example, if communication is not possible with the transmission power lowered, the transmission power is increased, and if communication is still not possible, the transmission power is increased further. The method of increasing the transmission power when communication is not possible with the transmission power lowered may be a stepwise or continuous increase, and in particular a direct increase to the maximum. In this way, the user can obtain the advantage of being able to minimize power consumption.

In the configuration of (9), for example, the transmission power of the remote control and the fixed device may be set to maximum under normal conditions and then automatically reduced, or the user may set it by operating the remote control or by setting a dip switch on the vehicle-mounted device. The remote control may also be configured to display the transmission power on its display screen. In this way, the user can check the transmission power from this display. The remote control may also be configured to display the strength of the received radio waves on its display screen. In this way, the user can use the remote control while checking whether communication is possible from the displayed radio wave strength.

(10) In the information regarding the strength of a signal received in the last communication between the first device and the second device, if the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and if the strength of the signal is less than the predetermined value or the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is maintained at least at the transmission bit rate at the time of the last communication.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission bit rate while ensuring the transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, if the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is greater than necessary, the next signal strength to be transmitted may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the first and second devices is portable, even if the signal strength received by the device is greater than necessary, the distance between the first and second devices may increase over time due to the user's movement, etc. In this way, when the transmission bit rate in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, a change in the distance between the first and second devices may be assumed using time as an index, and adjustment may be made based on this assumption. In the configuration of (10), the transmission bit rate is increased not only when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is greater than a predetermined value, but also when the next signal is transmitted within a predetermined time from the reception of the signal in the last communication. Furthermore, in the configuration of (10), when the signal strength is below a predetermined value or when transmission is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal was received in the last communication, at least the transmission bit rate is maintained. In this way, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and transmission power consumption can be reduced. Also, for example, when a battery is used as the power source, the battery life can be extended, so the user does not need to frequently replace the battery.

Here, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the distance at which communication between the first and second devices is expected to be established even if the distance between the first and second devices increases, and the assumed speed at which the distance between the first and second devices increases, for example, when the transmission bit rate of the next signal is to be increased from the transmission bit rate at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. For example, if one of the first and second devices is a portable device such as a remote control and the other is a stationary device that does not move, and the case is assumed in which the distance between the first and second devices increases as the user moves on foot, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the relationship between the average moving speed of an average adult moving on foot, the distance at which communication between the first and second devices is expected to be established after the increase in the transmission bit rate is reduced, and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. In this way, by using time as an index to estimate the change in the distance between the first device and the second device, setting a "predetermined time" based on this estimated result, and using this predecessor time as one of the standards for increasing the transmission bit rate, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling inconvenienced, even when control is performed to increase the transmission bit rate.

The "predetermined time" for increasing the transmission bit rate may be, for example, between one and two minutes. This "predetermined time" may be constant or may vary depending on the signal strength.

The configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission bit rate" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate or a configuration of lowering the transmission bit rate. As in the configuration of (10), when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than a predetermined value or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the signal in the last communication, it is preferable to maintain the transmission bit rate at least at the transmission bit rate at the time of the last communication. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being unable to be established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to ensure the stability of communication. As a result, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without feeling any inconvenience, even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication.

In a communication system, if the bandwidth is the same, the transmission bit rate, sensitivity (distance), and transmission power are inversely proportional to each other. That is, in the system of the present invention, if the transmission bit rate is increased, the distance will not be as long (sensitivity will decrease) for the same bandwidth and transmission power, and the distance at which the device's functions can be activated by remote control using wireless communication will be shorter, but the transmission time can be shortened and the system's communication operation can be made faster. Here, if the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even with low sensitivity, so communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. Therefore, in the configuration of (10), it is recommended to increase the transmission bit rate as the received radio wave is stronger. In this way, a user can obtain a system that can quickly activate the function of the other device when a signal to activate the function of the other device is transmitted from either the first device or the second device.

(11) In the wireless communication using the spread spectrum method, multiple spreading rates can be set, and the spreading rate can be changed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In this way, users can create wireless systems that are extremely difficult to intercept.

The "change in spreading factor" may be configured to be performed in a predetermined pattern. The "predetermined pattern" of the "change in spreading factor" may be configured to be random or in a predetermined order. Here, in the system of the present invention, the higher the spreading factor, the longer the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. Therefore, in particular, the spreading factor may be configured to adopt the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step lower. In such a configuration, the pattern of the change in spreading factor may be configured to alternate between the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step lower in a predetermined pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance in a manner that is difficult to intercept.

"When a specified condition is satisfied" may be configured to occur every time one packet is transmitted, every time a packet of a specified amount of data is transmitted, or every time a specified time period has elapsed.

The "spreading rate" may be, for example, the ratio (C/B) of the spreading code speed (also called the "chip rate"; C) to the transmission bit rate (B).

(12) It would be good to be able to communicate by switching the channel used for communication.

In this way, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, and users can obtain a system that is less susceptible to interference between spread spectrum communication systems. In this case, the receiver and transmitter switch channels in sync. For example, if the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, it is recommended to use six channels with center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz, which can be switched between. Note that channels other than these may also be used.

In the spread spectrum method, especially the LoRa method, the distance over which communication is possible is significantly longer than in the FSK method. Therefore, when a communication method that allows communication over a long distance, such as the LoRa method, is adopted, there is a high possibility that interference will occur due to communication by other users interrupting the communication range. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, especially the LoRa method, is adopted, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching the channel used for communication. This allows the user to communicate stably without being affected, even if other users nearby are using devices that communicate using the spread spectrum method.

(13) A system according to any one of (1) to (12), comprising a vehicle control device that starts a drive device of a vehicle based on a predetermined vehicle start signal, and a start permission device capable of transmitting a start permission signal to the vehicle control device to permit the start of the drive device, and is used to receive the PIN code transmitted from a PIN code transmitter that is portable by a user and capable of transmitting a predetermined PIN code, and to indirectly transmit the PIN code to a vehicle to which the start permission signal is transmitted by the start permission device based on the received PIN code and a reference code provided in the start permission device, wherein the system comprises: a first device and a second device; The wireless communication with the vehicle control device can be selected between a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method, the first device can be carried by a user and can receive the pin code from the pin code transmitter, and can transmit to the second device a signal including a conversion code obtained by converting the received pin code in a predetermined manner and a start instruction signal, and the second device can be mounted on the vehicle and can convert the received conversion code into the pin code and transmit the converted pin code to the start permission device, and can transmit the vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device when it receives the start instruction signal.

In this way, in an automobile equipped with a start permission device (so-called immobilizer) that uses a secret code, the user can start the drive device, such as the engine or motor, using a remote control (a first device that can be carried by the user) without leaving the secret code transmitter inside the vehicle, but while carrying it with him/her. Generally, the secret code transmitter and the start permission device cannot send and receive the secret code unless they are in close proximity, for example due to security concerns, and the start of the drive device cannot be permitted. However, in this way, even if the secret code transmitter and the start permission device are far apart, the secret code transmitted from the secret code transmitter is relayed by the remote control (a first device that can be carried by the user) and the vehicle-mounted device (a second device mounted on the vehicle) and can be received by the start permission device, allowing the start of the drive device to be permitted.

An "indirect transmission" configuration for a PIN code may be, for example, a configuration in which a first device receives a PIN code from a PIN code transmitter, converts the PIN code into a different conversion code and transmits it to a second device, and the second device converts the received conversion code back into the original PIN code before transmitting it to the start permission device.

Regarding the second device, the configuration of "mounting it on a vehicle" may be a configuration in which the device is originally attached to the vehicle when the vehicle is manufactured by the automobile manufacturer, and in particular, a configuration in which the device is retrofitted to a sold vehicle.

The start instruction signal transmitted by the first device may be configured to be issued in response to a user instruction.

The wireless communication between the first device and the second device may be configured to select between a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. In this way, even if it is difficult to permit the start of the drive device using one of the methods, the possibility of permitting the start of the drive device can be increased. The "selection of the communication method" may be configured in any way, for example, via switches (e.g., dip switches) or a control device provided on the vehicle-mounted device (the second device mounted on the vehicle), and in particular, on the remote control (the portable first device). In addition, the selection of the communication method may be configured to be performed based on the operation of an operation unit provided on the remote control or another device. The operation unit may be configured, for example, as a slider, or may be configured as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control or another device.

It is preferable to configure the system so that the user can select between a mode in which the PIN code transmitted from the PIN code transmitter is relayed by a first communication device carried by the user and a second communication device mounted on the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "relay mode"), and a mode in which the PIN code is not relayed (hereinafter referred to as the "non-relay mode"). In this way, users and retailers can handle both vehicle models with immobilizers and vehicle models without immobilizers by simply preparing one type of system equipped with a remote control and an on-board device, and can also accommodate users of vehicle models equipped with immobilizers who do not mind placing a PIN code transmitter in the vehicle. The configuration for selecting between the "relay mode" and the "non-relay mode" can be configured so that the on-board device is provided with a selection means such as a switch and the selection is made by using this selection means such as a switch.

When "relay mode" is selected, the wireless communication should be configured to be a continuous mode using a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. In this case, the "communication method other than the spread spectrum method" should be FSK or the like. "Continuous mode" is a mode in which the level of the DIO2/DATA pin is transmitted as is (without going through a FIFO).

When the "non-relay mode" is selected, the "long distance mode" and the "short distance mode" may be selected. The "long distance mode" may be configured to select a packet mode of the spread spectrum method for wireless communication, and in particular, a packet mode of the LoRa method. The "packet mode" is a mode that uses SPI (Serial Peripheral
It is preferable that the data provided by the FIFO interface is sent in packets via a FIFO.

The "short distance mode" may be configured such that wireless communication is in a packet mode using a communication method other than the spread spectrum method, and preferably the wireless communication is in a packet mode using the spread spectrum method with a higher transmission bit rate than the long distance communication mode, and more preferably the wireless communication is in the LoRa method with a higher transmission bit rate than the long distance communication mode. A communication device that can select between the LoRa method and the FSK method, and can also select between the continuous mode and the packet mode, may be, for example, the above-mentioned communication chip "SX1272".

Any of the configurations (1) to (13) may be combined in any desired manner. Also, any of the components described in the configurations (1) to (13) may be combined in any desired manner.

(14) For example, it may be configured as the first device in any of the systems described in (1) to (13) above.

(15) For example, it may be configured as a second device in any of the systems described in (1) to (13) above.

Such devices may be, for example, devices for systems used in the above-mentioned consumer devices and various industrial devices, or devices for wireless communication systems that collect meter reading data, and may in particular be configured as devices for systems used in automobile-related devices. Devices for systems used in automobile-related devices may be configured as remote controls or in-vehicle devices, for example, as devices for systems used in engine starters.

(16) For example, it may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize any of the functions described in (1) to (13) above.

The present invention can provide a system that can perform remote control more reliably and is easier to use than conventional systems.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of an engine starter using a system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, where (a) is a front view of the remote control, and (b) is a perspective view of the junction unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the engine is started using the remote control. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the engine status is confirmed using the remote control. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when idling extension is performed using the remote control. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the engine is stopped using the remote control. FIG. 7 shows the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the door is locked or unlocked using the remote control. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the first remote control registration method. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the second remote control registration method. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows the case where a user carries and uses a genuine key in an automobile equipped with an immobilizer. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, and shows the case where a genuine key is placed inside an automobile equipped with an immobilizer. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention, showing the case where it is used in an automobile not equipped with an immobilizer.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The system of this embodiment is a system used in an engine starter that starts an automobile engine (drive unit) by remote control using a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control"). Note that the present invention is not limited to the examples in the embodiments described below, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims based on the teachings and spirit of the present invention.

1. Configuration of the engine starter Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an external view of the engine starter using the system according to the present invention, where Fig. 2(a) is a front view of the remote control, and Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of the junction unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine starter 10 includes a remote control 20 (first device) and a junction unit 40 (second device) mounted on the vehicle. The remote control 20 can be held by the user and operated or moved. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the remote control 20 includes a display unit 24 on the front of a flat, approximately rectangular case 22 with rounded top and bottom, from the center to the top in the vertical direction. The display unit 24 is a monochrome two-tone segment type liquid crystal screen. The display unit 24 has a built-in seven-color backlight, and the backlight is turned on when the operation of the operation button 26 is detected, thereby improving visibility. However, since the battery will be consumed quickly if the backlight is turned on all the time, the backlight is turned off after being turned on for a set time. This time can be changed by the user (for example, select from 5 seconds/10 seconds/20 seconds (initial value is 5 seconds)). It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the backlight is not turned on at all. The color of the backlight can also be changed by the user (for example, white/yellow/purple/blue/orange/green/indigo). The display unit 24 displays the items and contents to be set during setup, and can display the operating status of the system and engine during use. Examples of various displays on the display unit 24 are shown in Figures 3 to 8, which will be described later.

Operation buttons 26 are provided below the display unit 24 on the front of the case 22. The operation buttons 26 are used for operation and include a start button 26a, an engine button 26b, and a stop button 26c. The start button 26a also serves as a lock button, and the stop button 26c also serves as an unlock button. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the start button 26a on the left side and the stop button 26c on the right side are in contact with each other, and the engine button 26b is provided so as to be in contact with the lower parts of the start button 26a and the stop button 26c. A rod-type antenna 28 is provided on the upper left of the case 22. The antenna 28 is pulled out far when the remote control 20 is in use, and is pushed in far when not in use. A battery cover (not shown) is provided on the back of the case 22.

The remote control 20 includes a wireless communication circuit 30, a control unit 32, and a battery 34 inside the case 22, as shown in FIG. 1.

The junction unit 40 is attached to the vehicle after the vehicle is purchased. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the junction unit 40 includes a first connector 42 that is connected to the vehicle's key cylinder connector and vehicle connector via cables, a second connector 44 that is connected to the brake detection line, door lock line, door unlock line, etc. via cables, a third connector 46 that is connected to the temperature sensor 54, and a fourth connector 48 that is connected to the antenna unit 56.

The first connector 42, the key cylinder side connector, and the vehicle side connector are connected so that when the remote control 20 is operated, the same signal that is sent from the key cylinder via the cable to the vehicle side when the key cylinder is operated with a key is sent from the junction unit 40 to the vehicle side via the first connector 42 and the cable. Therefore, for example, when the remote control 20 is used to start the engine, the same vehicle start signal as when the key is used to start the car engine is sent to the vehicle control device on the vehicle side, and the engine starts.

The door lock line and door unlock line connected to the second connector 44 are connected to a door control device on the vehicle side. When the door is locked or unlocked using the remote control 20, the same door lock signal or door unlock signal that is sent to the door control device when the door is locked or unlocked using a key or a remote control originally attached to the key (a remote control separate from the remote control 20) is sent from the junction unit 40 to the door control device, and the door is locked or unlocked.

Note that each remote control 20 is assigned a unique ID, and when the junction unit 40 receives a signal from a remote control 20 whose ID is paired with the junction unit 40, it operates based on that signal. Therefore, for example, even if an operation to start the engine is performed using an unpaired remote control 20, the junction unit 40 does not respond to the vehicle start signal sent from the remote control 20, and the engine cannot be started.

The junction unit 40 includes a wireless communication circuit 50 and a control unit 52 as shown in FIG. 1. The junction unit 40 is powered by the battery installed in the vehicle.

The remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 are both equipped with the SEMTECH SX1272 communications chip, and the wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote control 20 and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 are both built around this communications chip. The wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote control 20 is connected to the antenna 28, and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 is connected to the antenna unit 56.

The wireless communication circuit 30 and the wireless communication circuit 50 can switch between six channels from CH33 to CH38 in the 920 MHz sub-gigahertz band. The center frequencies of the channels are 922.4 MHz for CH33, 922.6 MHz for CH34, 922.8 MHz for CH35, 923.0 MHz for CH36, 923.2 MHz for CH37, and 923.4 MHz for CH38. The bandwidth of each channel is 200 kHz, and the transmittable power is 20 mW. The wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specified low-power radio.

The 200 kHz bandwidth of these channels is 16 times the 12.5 kHz bandwidth of channels in the bands 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz used in conventional engine starters. Furthermore, the transmittable power of 20 mW for these channels is 20 times the transmittable power of 1 mW for 426.0250-426.1375 MHz or 426.0375-426.1125 MHz used in conventional engine starters, and twice the transmittable power of 10 mW for 429.1750-429.2375 MHz, 429.2500-429.7375 MHz, or 429.8125-429.9250 MHz.

The wireless communication circuit 30 and the wireless communication circuit 50 perform wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40. Radio waves used for wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 are transmitted and received via the antenna 28 of the remote control 20 and the antenna unit 56 of the junction unit 40. The wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed using the LoRa method, which is a type of spread spectrum method. In addition, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 transmits signals at the same power in one of the quarter portions of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel used to the inside of the band, and at the center of the bandwidth.

The control unit 32 of the remote control 20 and the control unit 52 of the junction unit 40 each include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, etc. The control units 32 and 52 use a boot loader recorded in the ROM to expand the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory onto the RAM, and execute the OS and application programs on the RAM to perform various processes and realize various functions. Unless otherwise specified, all functions are realized by the processing of the control units 32 and 52. The frequency or channel of the oscillator for wireless communication provided in the wireless communication circuit 30 of the remote control 20 and the wireless communication circuit 50 of the junction unit 40 is written into a register of the microcomputer provided in the control units 32 and 52.

2. How to Use and Operation of the Engine Starter Next, how to use and operation of the engine starter 10 will be described.

2-1. Starting the engine Fig. 3 shows the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when starting the engine using the remote control. (a) to (i) in the following description correspond to (a) to (i) in the figure, respectively.

(a) When starting the car engine, press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm the operation. The display unit 24 will show a flashing "E."

(b) Next, while "E" is flashing (for about 3 seconds), press the start button 26a until the remote control 20 emits the sounds "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So." The display unit 24 displays "START" along with a transmission animation, and a start instruction signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the start instruction signal, it sends a response signal back to the remote control 20. As shown in (b1), the transmission animation shows three horizontal bars lined up one above the other moving from right to left in order from the top, and then two vertical bars moving from right to left, repeating this action.

(c) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display unit 24 slowly blinks and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right.

(d) When the remote control 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits a receiving sound "Sofa Mi Re Do." Here, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is ON, the current vehicle interior temperature is displayed on the display unit 24 for a certain period of time based on the temperature information contained in the response signal, and then the temperature display disappears and the system waits for the reception of an engine start confirmation signal. The temperature information is the vehicle interior temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54.

(e) On the other hand, when the vehicle interior temperature display setting is OFF, when the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Sofa Mi Re Do", the display unit 24 displays "oK" for a certain period of time, after which the oK display disappears and the system waits for the reception of an engine start confirmation signal.

The junction unit 40 sends a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device to start the engine. When the engine starts, the junction unit 40 detects the engine start and sends an engine start confirmation signal to the remote control 20. The vehicle start signal sent by the junction unit 40 is the same as the vehicle start signal sent from the key cylinder when an operation to start the engine is performed using a key.

(f) When the remote control 20 receives an engine start confirmation signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Do Re Mi Fa So Fa Mi Re Do." Here, if the auto-stop is disabled, the display unit 24 displays the engine start animation 24b and the idling setting time.

(g) On the other hand, when auto-stop is enabled, when the remote control 20 emits the received sound "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-Mi-Re-Do," the display unit 24 displays the engine start animation 24b and "AUTO." Auto-stop is a function that automatically stops idling if the temperature inside the vehicle interior reaches a preset temperature while idling in order to prevent unnecessary idling of the vehicle. If the temperature inside the vehicle interior when the engine is started is within ±2°C of the set temperature, the idling time is fixed to 5 minutes.

When idling, a series of "beep beep beep" sounds are emitted from the junction unit 40 to notify you that the vehicle is idling.

If the junction unit 40 is unable to detect engine start, it will perform a restart (retry) twice.

(h) When a retry operation is performed, "RT" flashes on the display unit 24 to notify the user of the retry operation.

(i) If the engine does not start even after the second retry operation, a retry failure signal is sent from the junction unit 40, and the remote control 20 that receives the retry failure signal emits a "beep beep beep" sound, the display unit 24 shows "ER" in a flashing state, and the retry operation is stopped. Even if the retry setting is turned OFF, the display unit 24 will show the same as (i).

2-2. Checking the engine status Figure 4 shows the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when checking the engine status using the remote control. (a) to (i) in the following description correspond to (a) to (i) in the figure, respectively.

(a) To check the engine status, press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm the operation. The display unit 24 will show a flashing "E."

(b) Next, while "E" is flashing (for about 3 seconds), press the engine button 26b again until the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So" sound is emitted from the remote control 20. The display unit 24 will display "chK."

(c) On the display unit 24, a transmission animation is displayed following "chK", and an engine status confirmation signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the engine status confirmation signal, it sends a response signal back to the remote control 20.

(d) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display 24 slowly flashes and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right. If the engine fails to start, a start error sound can be heard by pressing the engine button 26b twice.

(e) When the vehicle interior temperature display setting is ON, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Sofa Mi Re Do," and the temperature inside the vehicle interior is displayed on the display unit 24 based on the temperature information contained in the response signal. The temperature information is the vehicle interior temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54. When the vehicle interior temperature display setting is OFF, this display is not performed.

(f, g) After displaying the cabin temperature, the idling time is displayed on the display unit 24. Here, (f) if auto-stop is disabled, when the vehicle is in an "idling state", the remaining idling time is displayed on the display unit 24. (g) When the vehicle is in an "engine stopped state", the set idling time is displayed on the display unit 24.

(h, i) On the other hand, when auto-stop is enabled, (h) in the "idling state", the idling elapsed time is displayed on the display unit 24. (i) in the "engine stopped state", "AUTO" is displayed on the display unit 24.

2-3. Extension of idling time During idling using the engine starter according to this embodiment, idling can be extended by 10 minutes once for the set idling time.

Figure 5 shows the display of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when idling extension is performed using the remote control. (a) to (h) in the following explanation correspond to (a) to (h) in the figure, respectively.

(a) To extend the idling time, press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm the operation. The display unit 24 will show a flashing "E."

(b) Next, while "E" is flashing (for about 3 seconds), press the start button 26a until the remote control 20 emits the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So" sound. The display unit 24 displays "START" along with a transmission animation, and an idling time extension signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the idling time extension signal, it sends a response signal back to the remote control 20.

(c) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display unit 24 slowly blinks and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right.

(d) When the remote control 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Do Re Mi Fa So Fa Mi Re Do", and (e, f) the display unit 24 alternates between "Ido" and "+10", notifying the user that the idling time has been extended.

(g, h) Here, when auto-stop is enabled, idling extension is disabled, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Do Re Mi Fa So Fa Mi Re Do," and the display alternates between the elapsed time and "Ido."

2-4 Stopping the Engine When the engine is started by the engine starter according to this embodiment, the engine can be stopped by using the remote control 20.

Figure 6 shows the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the engine is stopped using the remote control. (a) to (d) in the following explanation correspond to (a) to (d) in the figure, respectively.

(a) When stopping the car engine, press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm the operation. The display unit 24 will show a flashing "E."

(b) Next, while "E" is flashing (for approximately 3 seconds), press the stop button 26c until the remote control 20 emits the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So" sound. The display unit 24 displays "STOP" along with a transmission animation, and a stop instruction signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the stop instruction signal, it sends an engine stop signal to the vehicle control device to stop the engine, and sends a response signal back to the remote control 20. The engine stop signal sent by the junction unit 40 is the same signal as the engine stop signal sent from the key cylinder when an operation to stop the engine is performed using a key.

(c) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display unit 24 slowly blinks and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right.

(d) When the remote control 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "SoMiReDoRe", "oK" is displayed on the display unit 24, an engine stop animation is displayed, and the user is notified that the engine has stopped.

2-5. Door Lock/Unlock Operation The engine starter remote control 20 according to this embodiment can be used to lock and unlock the doors of the vehicle.

Figure 7 shows the display on the display unit of the remote control and the sound emitted from the remote control when the door is locked or unlocked using the remote control. (a) to (h) in the following explanation correspond to (a) to (h) in the figure, respectively.

(a) To lock the door, press the start button 26a, which also serves as the lock button, until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm operation. The display unit 24 will show a flashing "locked padlock."

(b) Next, while "LOCKED PADLOCK" is flashing (for approximately 3 seconds), press the start button 26a again until the remote control 20 emits the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So" sound. "LOCKED PADLOCK" is momentarily displayed on the display unit 24, and a lock instruction signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the lock instruction signal, it sends a door lock signal to the door control device via the second connector 44 and the door lock line, and after the door control device locks the door, it sends a response signal back to the remote control 20.

(c) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display unit 24 slowly blinks and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right.

(d) When the remote control 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "SofaMiReDo" and the display unit 24 displays "Padlock in Locked State" and "oK," notifying the user that the door is locked.

(e) To unlock the door, press the stop button 26c, which also serves as the unlock button, until the remote control 20 emits a beep to confirm operation. The display unit 24 will show an "unlocked padlock" in a flashing state.

(f) Next, while "Unlocked Padlock" is flashing (for about 3 seconds), press the stop button 26c again until the remote control 20 emits the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So" sound. "Unlocked Padlock" is momentarily displayed on the display 24, and an unlock instruction signal is sent from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 recognizes the unlock instruction signal, it sends a door unlock signal to the door control device via the second connector 44 and the door unlock line, and after the door control device unlocks the door, it sends a response signal back to the remote control 20.

(g) While waiting for a response signal from the junction unit 40, the backlight on the display unit 24 slowly blinks and a reception waiting animation is displayed in which the horizontal bars 24a light up in sequence from left to right.

(h) When the remote control 20 receives a response signal from the junction unit 40, the remote control 20 emits the receiving sound "Sofa Mi Re Do" and the display unit 24 shows "Unlocked padlock" and "oK," notifying the user that the door is unlocked.

2-6. Method of registering a remote control The engine starter of this embodiment uses six channels: CH33 (922.4 MHz), CH34 (922.6 MHz), CH35 (922.8 MHz), CH36 (923.0 MHz), CH37 (923.2 MHz), and CH38 (923.4 MHz). When the product is shipped, the radio frequency is set to CH38. If the user registers the remote control again with the same junction unit 40 using the same remote control 20, the wireless communication channel is changed to the next channel (or the next channel if there is a carrier sense error). The channel is changed in the following order: CH38 → CH33 → CH34 → ... → CH38 → CH33. Even if the signal of the remote control 20 cannot be received on CH38 and it is necessary to change the channel (even if it is being interfered with), this remote control registration work is performed at a position close to the junction unit 40, so there is no problem. Two types of remote control registration methods are described below. Since the remote control registration is completed when the product is shipped, the remote control registration work is performed in order to register the ID of a new remote control in the junction unit and to make the new remote control usable when the remote control in use is lost or broken.

(1) First remote control registration method Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the first remote control registration method. The first remote control registration method will be described below with reference to the same figure. <Step 1> to <Step 8> described in the following explanation correspond to <Step 1> to <Step 8> in the same figure, respectively.
<Step 1> Press and hold both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c on the remote control 20 simultaneously for about five seconds.
<Step 2> Press the stop button 26c until "Rmd" appears on the display 24 of the remote control 20. If no button is pressed for 20 seconds or more, the remote control 20 will emit a buzzer sound "beep beep beep" and the registration will be cancelled.
<Step 3> Press the engine button 26b on the remote control 20. "REC" appears on the display 24, and the remote control 20 emits a series of confirmation sounds, "beep beep beep...." If no button is pressed for 20 seconds or more, the remote control 20 emits a buzzer sound, "beep beep beep," and the registration is canceled.

The following steps 4 to 7 are to be performed while the confirmation beep "beep beep" is being emitted from the remote control 20 (for about 40 seconds). If 40 seconds pass before steps 4 to 7 are completed, the confirmation beep "beep beep" will disappear and the registration will be canceled.
<Step 4> Insert the key 62 into the keyhole 64 provided in the vehicle body, and operate the key 62 to switch between ACC→ON→ACC→OFF three times within 7.5 seconds.
<Step 5> With the key 62 in the OFF position, the junction unit 40 emits a beeping sound for 10 seconds, and then a beep. If the key 62 is operated while the beeping sound is being emitted, the registration is cancelled.
<Step 6> Operate the key 62 to switch OFF → ACC → ON → ACC → OFF three times within 7.5 seconds after the beep is emitted from the junction unit 40. A beep is emitted from the junction unit 40. If 7.5 seconds pass before the three switches are completed, the registration is canceled.
<Step 7> Press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits the sounds "Do Re Mi.""REC" displayed on the display 24 flashes once, and a signal including the ID is transmitted from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 receives the signal including the ID and registers the ID, the junction unit 40 emits beeps, beeps, and beeps, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote control 20. When the remote control 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, it emits the receiving sound "Mi Re Do," the display 24 displays "OK," and notification is given that the remote control registration is complete.
<Step 8> Remove the key 62 from the keyhole 64.

(2) Second remote control registration method Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the second remote control registration method. The second remote control registration method will be described below with reference to the same figure. <Step 1> to <Step 8> described in the following explanation correspond to <Step 1> to <Step 8> in the same figure, respectively.
<Step 1> Disconnect and then reconnect the connector 42a from the first connector 42 of the junction unit 40. The junction unit 40 will emit a series of confirmation beeps: "beep beep beep beep beep."
<Step 2> Press and hold both the start button 26a and the stop button 26c on the remote control 20 simultaneously for about five seconds.
<Step 3> Press the stop button 26c until "Rmd" appears on the display 24 of the remote control 20. If no button is pressed for 20 seconds or more, the remote control 20 will emit a buzzer sound "beep beep beep" and the registration will be cancelled.
<Step 4> Press the engine button 26b on the remote control 20. "REC" appears on the display 24, and the remote control 20 emits a series of confirmation sounds, "beep beep beep...." If no button is pressed for 20 seconds or more, the remote control 20 emits a buzzer sound, "beep beep beep," and the registration is canceled.

The following steps 5 and 6 are performed while the confirmation beep "beep beep" is being emitted from the remote control 20 (for about 40 seconds). If 40 seconds pass before steps 5 and 6 are completed, the confirmation beep "beep beep" goes off and the registration is canceled.
<Step 5> Insert the key 62 into the keyhole 64 provided on the vehicle body, and operate the key 62 to switch from OFF to ACC to ON. After about three seconds, the junction unit 40 will emit a beep.
<Step 6> Press the engine button 26b until the remote control 20 emits the sounds "Do Re Mi.""REC" displayed on the display 24 flashes once, and a signal including the ID is transmitted from the remote control 20. When the junction unit 40 receives the signal including the ID and registers the ID, the junction unit 40 emits beeps, beeps, and beeps, and a response signal is transmitted to the remote control 20. When the remote control 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the junction unit 40, it emits the receiving sound "Mi Re Do," the display 24 displays "OK," and notification is given that the remote control registration is complete.
<Step 8> Operate the key 62 to switch from ON to ACC to OFF, and remove the key 62 from the keyhole 64.

3. Another embodiment of the engine starter Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system according to the present invention. The figure shows a state in which the engine starter 10 is used in an automobile 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66 (start permission device). In the figure, parts having substantially the same configuration as those of the engine starter shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. The engine starter 10 of this embodiment can be used in an automobile 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66.

3-1. Overall configuration An automobile 60 is provided with an engine 70 (drive device), a vehicle control device 68, an immobilizer 66, and a junction unit 40, and the vehicle control device 68, the immobilizer 66, and the junction unit 40 are connected to each other by a cable 36. The remote control 20 and the genuine key 62a (personal identification code transmitter) are carried by the user. In Fig. 10, the dashed lines indicate connections by wireless communication (the same applies to Figs. 11 and 12 described below).

The vehicle control device 68 starts the engine 70 based on a vehicle start signal. The vehicle start signal is transmitted from the remote control 20 when the user operates the remote control 20 to start the engine, and is then transmitted to the vehicle control device 68 from the junction unit 40 which receives the vehicle start signal. The vehicle start signal is also transmitted to the vehicle control device 68 by pressing a start button (not shown) provided on the automobile 60, or by inserting the original key 62a into the keyhole and turning it. The original key 62a is provided with the automobile when it is sold, and transmits a pin code.

When the immobilizer 66 receives the pin code transmitted from the genuine key 62a, it compares this pin code with a reference code stored in a memory device provided in the immobilizer 66, and if they match, it transmits a start permission signal to the vehicle control device 68 to permit starting of the engine 70. When the vehicle control device 68 receives the vehicle start signal, it checks for the presence of the start permission signal for 20 ms, and if it confirms that the start permission signal is present during that time, it can start the engine 70.

In the engine starter 10 of this embodiment, the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 are both equipped with the communication chip "SX1272", so that the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 can be selected between the LoRa method, which is a spread spectrum method, and the FSK method, which is a communication method other than the spread spectrum method. When used in a car 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66 and when the user carries the original key 62a, the wireless communication is the FSK method.

The remote control 20 can receive a personal identification code from the genuine key 62a, converts the received personal identification code into another code (hereinafter referred to as a "conversion code"), and transmits this conversion code to the junction unit 40. In the following, "converting the personal identification code transmitted from the genuine key 62a into a conversion code by the remote control 20 and transmitting it to the junction unit 40, and then converting the conversion code back to the original personal identification code by the junction unit 40 and transmitting it to the immobilizer 66" is referred to as "relaying a personal identification code." In addition, when the user operates to start the engine, the remote control 20 transmits a start command signal to the junction unit 40.

When the junction unit 40 receives a conversion code from the remote control 20, it converts the conversion code into the original secret code and transmits the converted secret code wirelessly to the immobilizer 66. When the junction unit 40 receives a start instruction signal from the remote control 20, it transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68 via the cable 36. The communication distance between the genuine key 62a and the immobilizer 66 or the remote control 20 is shorter than the communication distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40.

3-2. Operation When a user performs an engine start operation using the remote control 20, a signal including a conversion code and a start instruction signal are transmitted from the remote control 20 to the junction unit 40.

The junction unit 40 receives the signal including the conversion code and the start instruction signal, and transmits the secret code to the immobilizer 66 and a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68.

When the immobilizer 66 receives the secret code, it compares the secret code with a reference code stored in the storage device of the immobilizer 66, and if they match, it sends a start permission signal to the vehicle control device 68 to allow the engine 70 to start.

When the vehicle control device 68 confirms the presence of the start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, it starts the engine 70. Because the presence of the start permission signal must be confirmed within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, the FSK method is selected, which has faster communication and response speeds than the LoRa method. However, the distance over which remote control by the remote control 20 can be performed is shorter than with the LoRa method.

3-3. Other Uses (1) When Used with a Genuine Key Placed Inside a Vehicle Equipped with an Immobilizer The engine starter of this embodiment can also be used in a vehicle equipped with an immobilizer when a genuine key is placed inside the vehicle.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system of the present invention, showing the case where a genuine key is placed inside a vehicle equipped with an immobilizer. In this case, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 uses the LoRa method.

In this case, since the original key 62a is placed inside the automobile 60, the immobilizer 66 is capable of constantly receiving the pin code transmitted from the original key 62a, and is also capable of constantly transmitting a start permission signal to the vehicle control device 68. In this case, the "relay pin code" function is not used, so this function is turned OFF and the "non-relay mode" is selected.

When the user performs an engine start operation, a start instruction signal is transmitted from the remote control 20, and the junction unit 40 that receives this start instruction signal transmits a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. If the vehicle control device 68 receives a start permission signal within 20 ms after receiving the vehicle start signal, it starts the engine 70.

The communication method is selected from either the LoRa method or the FSK method, whichever is available. The presence of the start permission signal must be confirmed within 20 ms of receiving the vehicle start signal, but since the start permission signal is sent from the original key 62a placed inside the automobile 60, either method may be selected. If priority is given to the distance over which remote control is possible using the remote control 20, the packet mode of the LoRa method is selected (long distance mode). If priority is given to communication speed and response speed, the packet mode of the LoRa method with a setting that is higher in transmission bit rate than the long distance mode is selected (short distance mode).

(2) Use in a Vehicle Not Equipped with an Immobilizer The engine starter of this embodiment can also be used in a vehicle not equipped with an immobilizer.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of another example of the configuration of an engine starter using the system of the present invention, showing the case where it is used in a car that does not have an immobilizer. In this case, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 uses the LoRa method.

In this case, since there is no immobilizer, when the user performs the engine start operation, a start instruction signal is sent from the remote control 20, and the junction unit 40, which receives this start instruction signal, sends a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68. When the vehicle control device 68 receives a start permission signal, it starts the engine 70. In this case, too, the "relay PIN code" function is not used, so this function is turned OFF.

The communication method is selected from the LoRa method and the FSK method, whichever is available. If communication speed and response speed are prioritized, the FSK method should be selected, and if the distance over which remote control is possible using the remote control 20 is prioritized, the LoRa method should be selected.

4. Modifications of the System According to the Present Invention In the engine starter using the system according to the present invention, the above-described two embodiments may be modified as follows.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment may transmit signals from at least one of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 at a strength below the noise floor.

The antenna used for wireless communication with the junction unit 40 of the remote control 20 may be a built-in antenna disposed inside the case 22, in addition to the rod-type antenna 28 shown in FIG. 2.

The remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 may allow the user to directly or indirectly change at least one of the magnitude of the signal transmission power and the signal bit rate.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment may be configured to reduce the transmission power when the signal strength received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is -80 dBm or greater and is transmitted within one minute of receiving the signal in the last communication, and to maintain the transmission power at least at the transmission power during the last communication when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or is transmitted one minute after receiving the signal in the last communication.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment may be configured to increase the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal when the signal strength information received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 indicates that the signal strength is -80 dBm or greater and is transmitted within one minute of receiving the signal in the last communication, and to maintain the transmission bit rate at least at the transmission bit rate of the last communication when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or when the signal is transmitted one minute after receiving the signal in the last communication.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment is preferably configured to allow multiple spreading rates to be set in wireless communication using the spread spectrum method, and to change the spreading rate for each packet transmission.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment may be able to communicate by switching the channel used for communication.

The engine starter according to the above embodiment may be configured to automatically switch to a channel for which it has been confirmed that no signal is present in the busy judgment. Busy judgment of a channel is performed by the control unit 32 of the remote control 20 and the control unit 52 of the junction unit 40, the level judgment of a spread spectrum signal is performed using a CAD function, and the level judgment of signals using modulation methods other than the spread spectrum method is performed by RSSI. Busy judgment is performed when the spread spectrum signal is -130 dBm or higher, and when the other modulation method signals are -80 dBm or higher.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system described above includes a remote control 20 (first device) and a junction unit 40 (second device) capable of wireless communication, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed using a spread spectrum method, the remote control 20 is portable by the user, and the signal transmitted by the remote control 20 includes a signal that activates the function of the junction unit 40. The function of the junction unit 40 is, for example, to transmit a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68.

In this way, compared to conventional FSK methods other than the spread spectrum method (frequency spread method), users can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a significantly longer distance than the comparisons made between companies up until now. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventors, the device's functions can be operated over a distance roughly twice as long as conventional methods. For example, in the case where the distance at which wireless communication is reliably possible with the conventional FSK method is 1 km, the spread spectrum method allows communication over a distance of more than twice that distance, at 2 km or more.

At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be any device, but may be, for example, a golf navigation system, and may be, in particular, a portable device or a remote control. In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is the remote control 20. For example, the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates the function of the other device. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be particularly equipped with a function for inputting instructions from the user, and may be configured to transmit a signal that activates the function of the other device based on the input instruction. The function for inputting instructions from the user may be any device that can input instructions, but may be a sensor that can detect the user's movements, etc., and may particularly be equipped with a means for inputting instructions from the user. At least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be a wearable terminal that can be attached to the body. Preferably, at least one of the first device and the second device that can be carried by the user may be a device that can be carried by hand, and may be equipped with a function for inputting instructions by hand. Preferably, it may be equipped with a means for inputting instructions by pressing with the fingers of the hand. More preferably, the means for inputting instructions should be a switch.

The other of the first device and the second device may be any device, but may be, for example, a device that is portable by the user, preferably a device that is not portable by the user, for example, a device fixed to an object, and more preferably a device installed indoors. When fixed to an object, it may be fixed to the ground, for example, and preferably to a gas, electricity, or water meter. When fixed to the ground, it may be, for example, a water sprinkler. When fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, it may be a terminal device that transmits meter reading data to a remote control. When installed indoors, it may be installed in a golf clubhouse or inside a car. When installed in a clubhouse, it may be, for example, digital signage. When installed inside a car, it may be, for example, an in-car device. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the junction unit 40 is installed in a car.

The system of the present invention may be any system, but may be, for example, a system for use in consumer devices or various industrial devices, and in particular, a system for use in automobile-related devices such as the engine starter described above. This allows the user to appropriately remotely control various devices.

For example, a system for use with consumer devices may have one of a first device or a second device that is portable by the user as a remote control, and the other as a device fixed to the ground, and the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates a function of the device.

As a system for use in consumer devices, it is preferable that one of the first device or the second device that can be carried by the user is a portable device, and the other is a transmitter fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, etc. The signal transmitted from the transmitter to the portable device preferably includes meter reading data and a signal that causes the portable device to compile the meter reading data (a signal that activates a function of the portable device).

In particular, it is preferable to use a wireless communication system that uses a standard called "Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network)" and is equipped with a terminal device fixed to a gas, electricity, or water meter, and collects meter reading data using wireless communication with a portable device. By using the system of the present invention in Wi-SUN, a user can collect meter reading data from a more remote location than before, and the effort of traveling associated with data collection can be minimized. For example, when reading an electricity meter in a mountainous residence that is far from roads that can be traveled by car and can only be approached on foot, the meter reader carrying the portable device is more likely to be able to collect meter reading data (hereinafter also referred to as "meter information") within the range that can be traveled by car, and even if walking is required after traveling by car, the travel distance can be reduced. In particular, it is preferable that the portable device is one that the user can carry and travel on foot, and that instructions can be input manually.

More preferably, this system would have the first device be a golf navigation system and the second device be digital signage installed in the clubhouse. In particular, the signal transmitted from the golf navigation system would include a signal that activates the display function and tallying function of the digital signage. In this case, it would be possible to have the digital signage sequentially display rankings based on the player's results entered into the golf navigation system during the round, saving the user the trouble of tallying up the player's results, etc.

As a system for use in automobile-related equipment, for example, a system for use in an automobile engine starter or car security, with the first device being a remote control and the second device being an in-vehicle device, may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the system is an automobile engine starter. In particular, the signal transmitted from the remote control may include a signal that activates a function of the in-vehicle device, and the signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device may include a signal that activates a function of the remote control. Preferably, the signal transmitted from the remote control may be configured to be transmitted based on a user's instruction.

Here, in the case of conventional engine starters and car security, for example, in large apartment buildings, there were cases where the parking lot was very far from the room and could not be used. This problem was particularly noticeable in tower apartments. Also, for example, there were cases where the radio waves were blocked by a concrete wall and the user had to go out onto the balcony to use the device. However, even in such cases, if the present invention is used, the user can activate the function of the other device more reliably than before. For example, the engine starter or car security function can be activated more reliably than before. Therefore, for example, even if the user previously had to move to a place where radio waves could reach the car in the parking lot more easily, such as a window or balcony, in order to activate the function of the other device, the user is more likely to be able to activate the engine starter or car security by operating it from a position indoors, such as by the bedside.

Furthermore, for example, a system for use in automobile-related devices that includes the above-mentioned remote control (portable device) and in-vehicle device can be combined with a wireless communication system that collects Wi-SUN meter information, etc., and the in-vehicle device can act as a gateway (gateway) to transmit meter information generated in the house to the portable device. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle device can receive information such as meter reading data for gas, electricity, and water meters and power generation data for a solar power generation device installed in the house from a Wi-SUN device in Wi-SUN mode (a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), and the in-vehicle device can transfer this received information to a portable device (remote control) carried by the user in spread spectrum mode. In this way, the user can receive information such as meter reading data within a bicycle range that is wider than the conventional walking range. For example, under conditions where radio waves could only reach about 1 km in the conventional Wi-SUN mode (a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method), a range of 6 km can be achieved by lowering the bit rate using the spread spectrum method. A 1km radius around the house you live in is considered to be within your daily living area (walking distance), while a 6km radius is considered to be within your local living area. Also, usually, you can get almost everything you need within this local living area (biking distance) from your home.

Preferably, the first device is fixed to an object, and the second device is portable by the user. The user carrying the second device can operate the function of the first device without the second device at the location of the object to which the first device is fixed. The second device is carried by the user and moves with the user's movement on foot or bicycle from the location of the object to which the first device is fixed as a base point (e.g., the starting point of the movement), and the second device returns to the base point (e.g., the original starting point as the end point after moving to a specified destination) when the user moves to the location of the object to which the first device is fixed. The "movement on foot or bicycle" may be configured to be 5 km or more and 20 km or less in line of sight. For example, the base point may be a home, and the user may be an elderly person with dementia. Alternatively, the base point may be an automobile, with the user walking from the automobile, shopping at a shopping center, for example, starting the engine while shopping, and returning to the automobile, which is the base point. Alternatively, the base point may be an automobile, with the user walking from the automobile to his/her home after returning home, and starting the automobile engine from inside the home the next morning before returning to the automobile. Alternatively, the base point may be a clubhouse, with the user walking or otherwise moving around the golf course while playing, and returning to the clubhouse after playing.

For example, the first device may be a parent device installed in a nursing facility, and the second device may be a child device carried by each of the multiple people residing in the nursing facility. The IDs attached to the child devices are different, and the parent device stores the correspondence between the IDs attached to the child devices and the names of the people carrying the child devices. Each child device transmits radio waves including the ID by a spread spectrum method at a fixed time (for example, every minute). The parent device checks the ID and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received radio waves, and when the RSSI of the received radio waves falls below a set value, the parent device displays the approximate distance from the parent device to the child device that transmitted the radio waves and the name of the person associated with the ID. The "RSSI setting value" may be set by previously determining the relationship between the distance between the parent device and the child device and the RSSI value, and inputting it into the parent device as the distance. Alternatively, "when the RSSI falls below a set value" may be when the RSSI level reaches that outside the care facility, based on the difference in RSSI measured and set in advance between inside and outside the facility.

The parent unit may have a function for selecting a person's name stored in advance from a list or the like, and a function for wirelessly transmitting a signal requesting a reply to a child unit having an ID corresponding to that person's name. If the received ID is the child unit's own ID and a reply is requested by the parent unit, the child unit wirelessly transmits level information regarding the received electric field strength and its own ID. The parent unit determines and displays the position of the child unit (e.g., distance from the parent unit) from the level of electric field strength of the received ID.

Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a function for relaying a wireless signal of an inquiry from the parent unit between the child units. For example, the parent unit is provided with a "normal search button (a button for searching without relaying)" and a "relay and search button." When the "normal search button" is pressed, it requests a reply of the ID and the field strength level from all child units within the range of the parent unit's radio waves, while when the "relay and search button" is pressed, it requests a reply from all child units within the range of the parent unit's radio waves and from all child units within the range of the radio waves from the child units. The reply (e.g., the ID and field strength level of the other child units) is relayed by the child unit between the parent unit and the other child units. Note that it is also possible to further relay between the child units, and it is preferable to set a limit on the number of relays between the child units. It is also possible to provide a position detector such as a GPS in each of the parent unit and the child unit, so that only child units within a range specified by the parent unit from the parent unit's position relay.

In communication using the "spread spectrum method," for example, the power density of a narrowband signal modulated to be transmitted is reduced by spreading it to a wideband using a specified spreading method, and then the signal is transmitted from the transmitting side. On the receiving side, the received signal is despread to obtain the original narrowband signal with high power density. In addition, the "spread spectrum method" is particularly configured to restore the original narrowband signal with high power density by despreading, even if the spread signal received on the receiving side is a weak signal below the so-called noise floor, and then demodulate the restored original narrowband signal to reproduce it as the signal to be transmitted. In this way, even signals that have attenuated below the noise floor at long distances can be received.

In addition, in communication using the "spread spectrum method," the modulation of the spread signal performed on the transmitting side and the demodulation of the spread signal performed on the receiving side may be performed using a hardware modulator or demodulator, or may be performed using a software radio. In particular, it is preferable to use an IC chip that performs the calculation processing equivalent to such modulation and demodulation.

Any communication method may be used as the "spread spectrum method", but it is particularly preferable to use a method that can increase the communication distance even at the expense of communication speed. For example, a frequency hopping method may be used. It is preferable to use a method other than a direct spread spread method. More preferably, the "spread spectrum method" is configured as a method (hereinafter referred to as the "chirp method") in which a chirp signal is generated by continuously changing the frequency, and a signal based on the data to be transmitted is spread and modulated by this (hereinafter referred to as the "chirp method"). In particular, it is preferable to combine the chirp method with other methods. For example, it is preferable to combine the chirp method with at least one of the frequency hopping method and the direct spread spread method. For example, it is preferable to use the LoRa method, which will be described in detail later, as the communication method using the "spread spectrum method". Conversely, conventional modulation methods other than the spread spectrum method include, in addition to the FSK method mentioned above, OOK (on-off keying), GFSK (phase-continuous FSK), MSK (minimum shift keying), GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying), etc. (hereinafter, these modulation methods are collectively referred to as "FSK, etc.").

The "first device and/or the second device" that is "portable by the user" may be any device, but may be, for example, a portable communication device, a portable information device, a wearable terminal, or the like. The "first device and/or the second device" that is "portable by the user" may be, for example, a non-dedicated device that can perform functions other than remote control, but may be, in particular, a dedicated device for remote control, such as a remote control.

The "signal transmitted by the one device" may include a signal that activates a function of the other of the first device or the second device. For example, in the case of an engine starter or car security, the signal may include a signal for starting these devices, a signal for stopping them, a signal for changing settings, etc. In the case of an engine starter or car security, the signal may include a signal for activating an alarm function from these devices to a portable device or remote control, etc. Desirably, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may include a signal other than a signal that activates a function of the other device. In the case of a car security, the "signal other than a signal that activates a function of the other device" may be data detected by a sensor installed in the vehicle, such as the degree of impact applied to the vehicle. In this embodiment, the current temperature inside the vehicle of the engine starter is used.

In addition, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include start and stop signals for consumer devices such as water sprinklers and various industrial devices. In addition, in devices such as golf navigation systems, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include signals such as player performance information entered into the golf navigation system. In addition, when the system of the present invention is used in devices such as gas, electricity, and water meters that use standards such as Wi-SUN, the "signal transmitted by the one device" may be configured to include various data such as meter reading data.

For example, if the first device is a portable device such as a remote control and the second device is an in-vehicle device, the portable device may be configured to have a single receive mode and the in-vehicle device to have a continuous receive mode. This allows the battery of the portable device to last longer, and the in-vehicle device to more reliably capture the signal transmitted from the portable device. In this configuration, it is preferable that the in-vehicle device transmits the same information multiple times. This reduces the occurrence of missed readings due to disturbances in the portable device. More preferably, a function is provided for transmitting a signal from the in-vehicle device to the portable device to switch to the continuous receive mode, and when the portable device receives the signal to switch, it operates in the continuous receive mode. In such a configuration, it is particularly advisable to set the time for operating in continuous receive mode to a fixed period of time. This type of communication mode can be implemented, for example, by using the communication chip "SX1272."

The "single receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which only one packet is received within a set time, and in particular when communicating at a fixed receive timing, it is preferable to configure the receiving circuit to be turned on only at the required receive timing. In this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption during standby for reception. The "continuous receive mode" is, for example, a mode in which signals are received continuously.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is performed using the LoRa spread spectrum method.

This allows users to break away from the current situation where the distance at which remote control is possible is roughly uniform.

A wireless system using the spread spectrum method, particularly the LoRa method (hereinafter also referred to as the "LoRa wireless system"), can communicate at a higher transmission bit rate (hereinafter also referred to as simply the "bit rate", also referred to as the "data rate" or "transmission speed") when designed for the same communication distance as the FSK method, for example. A higher bit rate shortens communication time, so that the user can obtain a system that can quickly activate one of the functions when a signal to activate the other function is transmitted from either the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40.

In this embodiment, the remote control 20 has a function for inputting instructions from the user, and is configured to transmit a signal that activates the function of the junction unit 40 based on the input instruction. This results in a system that quickly responds to the input operation of instructions.

In the LoRa method, it is preferable to set the bit rate low. In this way, higher sensitivity can be obtained. Most preferable is to set the bit rate as low as possible. In particular, it is preferable to set the bit rate as low as possible in the remote control 20 that the user can carry. In this way, the user can transmit a signal to activate the function of the junction unit 40 from the remote control 20 from a longer distance than before, and cause the junction unit 40 to activate the function. Also, for example, it is preferable to set the bit rate of the remote control 20 lower than the bit rate of the junction unit 40.

It is preferable to set the bit rate low in this way in systems that transmit and receive a small amount of digital information. It is even more preferable to set the bit rate low when transmitting digital information such as for car security or the engine starter of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the LoRa wireless communication is implemented using the communication chip "SX1272" manufactured by SEMTECH. This communication chip performs the modulation and demodulation of the above-mentioned signals through calculation processing.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 uses a sub-gigahertz band, and a channel in the sub-gigahertz band whose bandwidth is wider than the bandwidth of a channel in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band is used.

This allows the user to operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication, with a smaller device than before, and over a longer distance than before. Radio waves generally have a shorter range in the sub-gigahertz band than in frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band, but this problem of short range of radio waves can be solved by using a channel of a sub-gigahertz band frequency that has a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth of a channel in the frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. In this embodiment, a channel of a sub-gigahertz band frequency is set, with the bandwidth of the channel being used being wider than the bandwidth of a channel in the frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band.

In this embodiment, the sub-gigahertz band is used as the frequency of the oscillators provided in the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 for wireless communication, and a channel of a sub-gigahertz band frequency is used, the bandwidth of the channel being used being wider than the bandwidth of a channel in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. The frequency for wireless communication is set by the control unit 32 provided in the remote control 20 and the control unit 52 provided in the junction unit 40. Furthermore, both the control unit 32 and the control unit 52 are equipped with a microcomputer, and write a value corresponding to the frequency to be set in a register of the microcomputer.

In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is a specific low-power wireless communication, using the sub-gigahertz band, and the transmittable power used is a sub-gigahertz band frequency that is higher than the transmittable power in a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band.

In this embodiment, the "frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band" are the bands 426.0250-426.1375MHz, 426.0375-426.1125MHz, 429.1750-429.2375MHz, 429.2500-429.7375MHz, or 429.8125-429.9250MHz. In each of these bands, the channel bandwidth is 12.5kHz, and in particular, in the band 426.0375-426.1125MHz, it is 25kHz. In addition, the transmittable power is 1mW in the bands 426.0250-426.1375MHz and 426.0375-426.1125MHz, and 10mW in each of the other bands.

In this embodiment, the "sub-gigahertz band" is a band with a center frequency of 916.0 to 928.0 MHz, and the channel bandwidth is 200 kHz. Furthermore, channels used in the sub-gigahertz band are sub-gigahertz channels with a bandwidth of 200 kHz, which is 16 times the bandwidth of 12.5 kHz for channels in 426.0250 to 426.1375 MHz, 429.1750 to 429.2375 MHz, 429.2500 to 429.7375 MHz, or 429.8125 to 429.9250 MHz. Furthermore, the transmittable power is 20 mW. Channels used in the sub-gigahertz band are channels with a transmittable power of 20 mW, which is twice the transmittable power of 10 mW in frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band.

In the 400 MHz band, which is included in the "frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band," the Japanese domestic regulations at the time of filing allocate a bandwidth of 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz per channel. On the other hand, in the sub-gigahertz band, there is the 920 MHz band, which allocates a bandwidth of 100 kHz or 200 kHz per channel. In this way, the sub-gigahertz band, particularly the 920 MHz band, is a frequency band with a wider bandwidth per channel than the 400 MHz band, which is a frequency band below the sub-gigahertz band. Although the 400 MHz band has a narrower bandwidth per channel than the 920 MHz band, the 400 MHz band has the advantage that radio waves can reach farther than the 920 MHz band, and are less directional and more prone to diffraction, making it easier to receive even in the shadows of distant obstacles (mountains and buildings).

In this embodiment, the "channel to be used" is at least one of the six channels with center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz (each with a bandwidth of 200 kHz), and some of these channels can be switched. It is preferable to have a configuration in which among these channels, a channel that is confirmed to have no signal by a busy judgment can be automatically switched to. In addition, these channels may be configured to use a wider bandwidth by combining multiple adjacent channels, for example, a configuration in which five adjacent channels of the above six channels are combined and used as a bandwidth of 1000 kHz.

In this embodiment, a "channel" is a frequency band allocated for use in communication, and is a frequency band allocated under Japanese domestic regulations.

When determining whether a channel is busy, the level of the spread spectrum signal is determined using the CAD function, and the level of signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum is determined by RSSI. The CAD function detects the presence of a spread spectrum signal at such a low level that the presence of the signal cannot be detected by RSSI. A busy state is determined when the spread spectrum signal is -130 dBm or higher, and when the signal is -80 dBm or higher for signals using other modulation methods. This allows for more appropriate channel busy determination, and makes it possible to operate the device's functions over long distances by remote control using wireless communication.

As shown in Table 1 above, in the cases of "RSSI present" and "CAD present", (A) the busy judgment is due to the presence of both a spread spectrum signal and a signal using a modulation method other than spread spectrum, or (B) the busy judgment is due to the presence of a relatively strong spread spectrum signal (-80 dBm or higher). In the case of (A), the transmission of signals using all modulation methods is prohibited, while in the case of (B), the transmission of signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum is possible. Furthermore, even in the case of (A), transmission is possible if the spread spectrum signal has a different bandwidth and spreading rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

When "RSSI present" and "CAD absent", the busy determination is due to the presence of a signal using a modulation method other than the spread spectrum method, and since there is no spread spectrum signal, it is possible to transmit a spread spectrum signal.

In the cases of "RSSI not present" and "CAD present", the busy determination is due to the presence of a spread spectrum signal, and since there are no signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum, it is possible to transmit signals using modulation methods other than spread spectrum. Furthermore, even if the signal is a spread spectrum signal, it can be transmitted as long as the signal has a different bandwidth and spreading rate from the existing spread spectrum signal.

When "RSSI not present" and "CAD not present", there is no Busy determination, and since there are no signals using the spread spectrum method or any other modulation method, it is possible to transmit signals using all modulation methods.

In this embodiment, the strength of the signal transmitted from the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 is not specified, but it is preferable that it is below the noise floor.

In this way, the possibility of interfering with signals using modulation methods other than the spread spectrum method, such as signals using the FSK method, is extremely low. As a method for making the signal strength below the noise floor, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the transmission power is controlled to be reduced, or a configuration may be adopted in which the transmitted signal is transmitted with a high spreading rate at which the signal strength is below the noise floor. When the spreading rate of the transmitted signal increases, the transmission speed decreases slightly, but the communication sensitivity improves, and the communication distance increases. Therefore, in this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a longer distance than before. A configuration in which the "noise floor" is -80 dBm is recommended.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 using the spread spectrum method is designed to enable the transmission of signals with the same power at one of the quarter portions of the bandwidth from both ends of the bandwidth of the channel being used to the inside of the bandwidth, and at the center of the bandwidth.

This allows users to operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over longer distances than before. Such a system with high modulation efficiency and communication at a high transmission bit rate can be implemented, for example, using the spread spectrum method or the LoRa method. On the other hand, the FSK method has low modulation efficiency because the transmission power of the signal decreases at the high-frequency and low-frequency ends of the bandwidth and the signal extends outside the bandwidth.

In wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 using the spread spectrum method, it is preferable that signals can be transmitted at the same power near both ends of the bandwidth of the channel being used, in the vicinity of a quarter of the bandwidth on the inside of the band, and near the center of the bandwidth. It is more preferable that signals can be transmitted at the same power near at least one end and near the center of the bandwidth of the channel being used. It is even more preferable that signals can be transmitted at the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel being used.

In particular, it is advisable to configure the power at which signals are transmitted outside the bandwidth of the channel being used to be less than a specified value. In this way, the amount of signal that extends outside the bandwidth is less than the specified value, and the modulation efficiency is high. When the same communication distance is set in a communication system, the higher the modulation efficiency, the higher the bit rate at which communication can be achieved.

In this embodiment, the remote control 20 and junction unit 40 use the communication chip "SX1272," and power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. Therefore, when the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device decreases, and power consumption in the system can be reduced. The remote control 20 uses a battery as the power source for the device, so battery life can be extended. This allows the user to minimize the hassle of battery replacement, etc.

At least one of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is advisable to set the transmission bit rate so that the reduction in transmission power due to the shortened communication time exceeds the increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption can be reduced and battery life can be extended.

In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be configured to use a method that allows transmission at the same power at the center of the entire width and at one peripheral end, instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. In particular, it is preferable to use a method that allows transmission of signals at the same power over the entire bandwidth of the channel being used. Also, for example, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may use an OFDM modulation method, instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. In particular, it is preferable to use Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 820.11ah).

The wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be configured to use GFSK modulation instead of or in addition to the spread spectrum method. Preferably, the GFSK modulation is performed at a speed of several hundred bits per second or less. More preferably, Sigfox is used.

In addition, wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be performed by wireless network communication, but it is preferable to perform one-to-one communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40. The communication chip "SX1272" may be configured to use, for example, 0x12 as the SyncWord value, rather than 0x34 used in LoRaWAN. It is preferable to configure it to use a value other than 0x34 or 0x12. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with commercially available devices that perform wireless communication using the Lora method.

In this embodiment, the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 use an antenna 28 or antenna unit 56 that is exposed to the outside, but it is particularly preferable for the remote control 20 to have a built-in antenna for use in wireless communication.

This allows the user to use a device with a simple configuration in which the antenna is not exposed to the outside, particularly the highly portable remote control 20. This is because a wireless system using the spread spectrum method can use an antenna with a lower antenna gain when designed for the same communication distance and the same communication bit rate as a wireless system using the FSK method.

This effect is particularly pronounced when the wireless system uses the LoRa method as in this embodiment. Furthermore, while typical spread spectrum wireless systems (WLAN, WCDMA, etc.) pursue interference prevention and high bit rates, the LoRa method can greatly improve sensitivity by consuming a large bandwidth while spreading low bit rate signals over a wide band using spectrum spreading. Therefore, by adopting the LoRa communication method, it is possible to further miniaturize the built-in antenna. This allows the system to be used stress-free, without getting in the way even when the user carries the portable device in a pocket, etc.

In this way, the LoRa wireless system has high communication sensitivity, so a smaller antenna with low gain can be used. Therefore, by adopting a LoRa wireless system, it becomes possible to use a remote control (portable device) that has a radio wave range similar to that of a remote control using a conventional rod antenna, despite having a built-in antenna, and a system with a highly portable remote control (portable device) can be provided to the user.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is LoRa, using the sub-gigahertz band, and the bandwidth and transmittable power of the channel used are wider than the bandwidth of channels in frequency bands below the sub-gigahertz band and are greater than the transmittable power in those bands, which is a channel of sub-gigahertz band frequencies, so there is a great advantage to having a built-in antenna.

In this embodiment, the magnitude of the signal transmission power may be changed directly or indirectly by the user.

This allows the user to use the system with the optimal transmission power depending on the environment in which the user uses it. For example, when the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is small and the communication environment is relatively good, the transmission power can be minimized by setting the transmission power low within a range that does not cause problems in signal transmission. In the remote control 20 that uses the battery 34 as a power source, the user can extend the battery life and reduce the frequency of battery replacement, etc. On the other hand, when it is desired to prioritize the reliability of signal transmission between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 over minimizing the transmission power, the transmission power can be set high, taking into account the expected communication distance, etc. This ensures reliable signal transmission, allowing the user to precisely control the device equipped with the system of the present invention.

Here, an example of a configuration in which the "user can directly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power" is a configuration in which the magnitude of the transmission power of the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 is set by inputting a power value. By allowing the "user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission power" in this way, the user can accurately adjust the transmission power to a level suitable for their own usage conditions.

As an example of a configuration in which the "user can indirectly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power", the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 may be configured to set the magnitude of the transmission power by a relative numerical value or index associated with a power value. Various indices such as "strong, medium, weak" and indices according to the operation mode can be considered as indices associated with the power value. In particular, it is preferable to configure the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 to be selectable between a "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and a "long-life mode" with a long battery life. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize battery life or the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. By making the "user can indirectly change the magnitude of the transmission power", the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the output to the magnitude of the transmission power suitable for his or her own conditions of use.

The configuration in which "the user can directly or indirectly change the magnitude of the signal transmission power" may be any configuration, and may be configured to do so via switches (e.g., dip switches) or a control device provided on a junction unit 40 that is not portable by the user, and in particular, may be configured to do so via a remote control 20 that is portable by the user.

The signal transmission power may be changed based on the operation of an operation unit provided on the remote control 20 or other device. The operation unit may be configured as a slider, for example, or as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control 20 or other device.

It is desirable to configure the remote control 20 to be selectable between the above-mentioned "long-distance communication mode (normal mode)" and "long-life mode." In this way, the user can extend the battery life by selecting the long-life mode in an area where communication is possible in the long-life mode, and when communication in the long-life mode becomes impossible in an area farther away than the area where communication is possible in the long-life mode, the user can switch to the long-distance communication mode and activate the functions of the other device by remote control using wireless communication.

In addition, when the operating mode is set according to the magnitude of the signal transmission power, such as "long distance communication mode (normal mode)" or "long life mode," each mode may be set in multiple steps or steplessly according to the magnitude of the transmission power. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the magnitude of the signal transmission power.

In this embodiment, the transmission bit rate of the signal may be changed directly or indirectly by the user.

In this way, the user can adjust the transmission bit rate to use the system under optimal conditions for the environment in which the user is using it. For example, by setting the transmission bit rate low, the user can improve communication sensitivity while ensuring a large communication range. In contrast, by setting the transmission bit rate high, the user can minimize communication time at the expense of communication sensitivity and communication distance, and can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances with agile communication operations.

In this embodiment, the remote control 20 and junction unit 40 use the communication chip "SX1272," and power consumption does not change even if the transmission bit rate is changed. Therefore, when the transmission bit rate is increased and the communication time is shortened, the current consumption of the device decreases, making it possible to reduce power consumption in the system, and in particular, power consumption in the device that transmits the signal. The remote control 20 uses a battery as the device's power source, so battery life can be extended. This allows the user to minimize the hassle of battery replacement, etc.

At least one of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be a device whose power consumption increases when the transmission bit rate is increased. In particular, it is advisable to set the transmission bit rate so that the reduction in transmission power due to the shortened communication time exceeds the increase in power consumption due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. In this way, overall power consumption can be reduced and battery life can be extended.

Here, an example of a configuration in which the "user can directly change the transmission bit rate of the signal" is a configuration in which the transmission bit rate of the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 is set by inputting a bit rate value. In this way, by allowing the "user to directly change the magnitude of the transmission bit rate," the user can precisely adjust the transmission bit rate to suit their own usage conditions.

As an example of a configuration in which the "user can indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal," the transmission bit rate of the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 may be set by a relative numerical value or index associated with the transmission bit rate. Various indices such as "large, medium, small" and indices according to operation modes can be considered as indices associated with the transmission bit rate. In particular, it is preferable to be able to select, for example, a "normal mode" and a "speed mode" in which communication operations are quick. In this way, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication, or the speed of communication operations. By making the "user can indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal" in this way, the user can intuitively or intuitively adjust the transmission bit rate to a level suitable for his or her own usage conditions.

The configuration in which the "user can directly or indirectly change the transmission bit rate of the signal" may be any configuration, and may be configured to do so via switches (e.g., dip switches) or a control device provided on a junction unit 40 that is not portable by the user, and in particular, may be configured to do so via a remote control 20 that is portable by the user.

It is preferable that the remote control 20 is configured to be selectable between the above-mentioned "normal mode" and "speed mode." In this way, the user can select the speed mode in an area where communication is possible in the speed mode to make communication operations swift, and when communication in the speed mode becomes impossible in an area farther away than the area where communication is possible in the speed mode, the user can switch to the normal mode and activate the functions of the other device by remote control using wireless communication.

The transmission bit rate may be changed based on the operation of an operation unit provided on, for example, a remote control or other device. The operation unit may be configured, for example, as a slider, or may be configured as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control or other device.

In addition, when the operating mode is set according to the transmission bit rate, such as "normal mode" or "speed mode," each mode may be set in multiple stages or steplessly according to the transmission bit rate. By adopting these methods, the user can easily and accurately adjust the transmission bit rate of the signal.

In this embodiment, in the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, if the signal strength is -80 dBm or more and the transmission is made within one minute of receiving the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is reduced, and if the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or the transmission is made one minute after receiving the signal in the last communication, the transmission power is maintained at least at the transmission power at the time of the last communication.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission power consumption while ensuring the transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, if the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is greater than necessary, the next signal strength to be transmitted may be reduced. Here, since at least one of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 is portable, even if the signal strength received by the device is greater than necessary, the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may increase over time as the user moves. In this way, when the transmission power in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, a change in the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be assumed using time as an index, and adjustment may be made based on this assumption. In this embodiment, the transmission power is reduced not only when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is -80 dBm or more, but also when the next signal is transmitted within one minute of receiving the signal in the last communication. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the transmission power is at least maintained when the signal strength is less than a predetermined value or when the signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the signal in the last communication. In this way, the user can operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and the transmission power consumption can be reduced. In addition, in the case of a remote control 20 that uses a battery as a power source, the battery life can be extended, so the user does not need to frequently replace the battery.

Here, the "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power, defined as "1 minute", may be set based on the assumed distance at which communication would be established between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 even if the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 were to increase, and the assumed speed at which the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 would increase, for example, when attempting to reduce the transmission power of the next signal to be transmitted below the transmission power at the time of signal transmission in the last communication. For example, assuming a case in which the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 increases as a result of a user carrying the remote control 20 moving on foot, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the relationship between the average moving speed of an average adult moving on foot, the assumed distance at which communication would be established between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 after the transmission power is reduced, and the magnitude of the communication distance that would be reduced by the reduction in transmission power. In this way, by using time as an index to estimate the change in the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, setting a "predetermined time" based on this estimated result, and using this predetermined time as one of the standards for reducing transmission power, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances without feeling inconvenienced, even when control is performed to reduce transmission power consumption.

The "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power may be constant or may vary depending on the signal strength.

Here, in a system that includes a remote control 20 that can be carried by the user and a junction unit 40 that is powered by a battery installed in the vehicle, and in which basic control begins with sending commands from the remote control 20, it is possible to reduce the transmission power consumption on the junction unit 40 side, and to minimize the power consumption of the battery installed in the vehicle.

For example, when the amount of information to be transmitted is large and the information is divided into multiple transmissions, the first transmission can be performed with high transmission power, and the second and subsequent transmissions can be adjusted based on the radio wave strength of the first transmission. In this way, the transmission power can be optimized. In this case, the battery life of the remote control 20 can be extended, and the frequency with which the user needs to change the battery can be minimized.

In addition, for example, in the case of car security, it is possible to configure the system so that when a sensor detects that some kind of trouble has occurred in the car, a signal is sent from the in-vehicle device, which is a fixed device, to the remote control, even if no command is sent from the remote control. In this way, when a user who has learned that the car security is activated performs a process such as disabling the car security using the remote control, the transmission power of the remote control's transmission signal can be reduced based on the radio wave strength of the signal previously received from the in-vehicle device, minimizing power consumption in batteries built into the remote control and minimizing the frequency with which the user needs to replace the battery.

Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the system so that, for example, the remote control 20 can send a signal to the junction unit 40 and configure the system. In this way, the remote control 20 can send a configuration start command, and based on the radio wave strength of the response signal returned from the junction unit 40, the transmission power of the transmission signal from the remote control 20 can be reduced, minimizing power consumption in the battery 34 built into the remote control 20 and minimizing the frequency with which the user needs to replace the battery.

The user carrying the remote control 20 may move after receiving a signal in the last communication in the system. Therefore, if the transmission power of the remote control 20 or the junction unit 40 is reduced after a predetermined time (one minute in this embodiment) has elapsed, the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may become too large, causing the radio wave strength to be insufficient, and it may become impossible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the transmission power within a predetermined time and maintain the transmission power after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, it is possible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance, and the battery life can be extended. This allows the user to minimize the frequency with which troublesome tasks such as battery replacement are performed.

The configuration for "maintaining at least the transmission power" may be a configuration for maintaining the transmission power or a configuration for increasing the transmission power. As in this embodiment, when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than -80 dBm or when transmission is performed one minute after the signal is received in the last communication, the transmission power may be maintained at the transmission power at least at the transmission power at the time of the last communication. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being unable to be established due to lowering the transmission power, and to ensure the stability of communication. This allows the user to operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without any inconvenience, even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or a predetermined time has passed since the previous communication.

When the "predetermined time" for reducing the transmission power is changed according to the signal strength, it is advisable to configure the system so that the greater the signal strength, the shorter the predetermined time is, and the smaller the signal strength, the longer the predetermined time is. However, if the signal strength is below the predetermined value, the transmission power is at least maintained.

In the configuration of this embodiment, for example, if communication is not possible with the transmission power lowered, the transmission power is increased, and if communication is still not possible, the transmission power is increased further. The method of increasing the transmission power when communication is not possible with the transmission power lowered may be a stepwise or continuous increase, and in particular a direct increase to the maximum. In this way, the user can obtain the advantage of being able to minimize power consumption.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the transmission power of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be set to maximum under normal conditions and automatically reduced, or may be set by the user by operating the remote control 20 or by setting a dip switch provided on the junction unit 40. The transmission power may also be displayed on the display unit 24 of the remote control 20. This allows the user to check the transmission power from this display. The display unit 24 of the remote control 20 may also be configured to display the strength of the received radio waves. This allows the user to use the remote control 20 while checking whether communication is possible from the displayed radio wave strength.

In this embodiment, in the information regarding the strength of the signal received in the last communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, if the signal strength is -80 dBm or more and the signal is transmitted within one minute of receiving the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate for transmitting the signal is increased, and if the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or the signal is transmitted one minute after receiving the signal in the last communication, the transmission bit rate is maintained at least at the transmission bit rate for the last communication.

In this way, the user can optimize the transmission bit rate while ensuring the transmission and reception of signals in the system. For example, if the signal strength received by the device in the last communication is greater than necessary, the next signal strength to be transmitted may be reduced. Here, since the remote control 20 is portable, even if the signal strength received by the device is greater than necessary, the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may increase over time due to the user's movement, etc. In this way, when the transmission bit rate in the next communication can be adjusted according to the strength of the signal received by the device in the last communication, for example, a change in the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 may be assumed using time as an index, and adjustment may be made based on this assumption. In the configuration of this embodiment, the transmission bit rate is increased not only when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is -80 dBm or more, but also when the next signal is transmitted within one minute after the signal is received in the last communication. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the transmission bit rate is at least maintained when the signal strength is less than -80 dBm or when the signal is transmitted one minute after the signal is received in the last communication. In this way, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances, and transmission power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the remote control 20 uses the battery 34 as a power source, so the battery life can be extended, eliminating the need for the user to frequently replace the battery.

Here, the "predetermined time" for increasing the transmission bit rate, specified as "1 minute", may be set based on the distance at which communication is expected to be established between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 even if the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 increases, and the assumed speed of the expansion of the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, when, for example, the transmission bit rate of the next signal to be transmitted is increased above the transmission bit rate at the time of the signal transmission in the last communication. If a case is assumed in which the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 increases as the user moves on foot, the "predetermined time" may be set based on the relationship between the average moving speed of an average adult moving on foot, the distance at which communication is expected to be established between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 after the increase in the transmission bit rate is reduced, and the size of the communication distance that will be reduced due to the increase in the transmission bit rate. In this way, by using time as an index to estimate the change in the distance between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, setting a "predetermined time" based on this estimated result, and using this predetermined time as one of the standards for increasing the transmission bit rate, the user can operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over long distances without feeling inconvenienced, even when control is performed to increase the transmission bit rate.

The "predetermined time" for increasing the transmission bit rate may be constant or may vary depending on the signal strength.

The configuration of "maintaining at least the transmission bit rate" may be a configuration of maintaining the transmission bit rate or a configuration of lowering the transmission bit rate. As in this embodiment, when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is less than -80 dBm or when transmission is performed one minute after the signal is received in the last communication, the transmission bit rate may be maintained at least at the transmission bit rate at the time of the last communication. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication from being unable to be established by increasing the transmission bit rate, and to ensure communication stability. This allows the user to operate the functions of the device by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance without any inconvenience, even when the strength of the signal received in the last communication is weak or a predetermined time has passed since the previous communication.

In a communication system, if the bandwidth is the same, the transmission bit rate, sensitivity (distance), and transmission power are inversely proportional to each other. That is, in the system of the present invention, if the transmission bit rate is increased, the distance will not be as long (sensitivity will decrease) for the same bandwidth and transmission power, and the distance at which the device's functions can be activated by remote control using wireless communication will be shortened, but the transmission time can be shortened and the communication operation of the system can be made quicker. Here, if the received signal strength is high, communication is possible even with low sensitivity, so communication is possible even if the transmission bit rate is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stronger the received radio wave, the higher the transmission bit rate should be. In this way, a user can obtain a system that can quickly activate one of the functions when a signal to activate the other function is transmitted from one of the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40.

In this embodiment, multiple spreading factors can be set in wireless communication using the spread spectrum method, and the spreading factor can be changed for each packet transmission.

This allows users to create wireless systems that are extremely difficult to intercept.

The "change in spreading factor" may be configured to be performed in a predetermined pattern. The "predetermined pattern" of the "change in spreading factor" may be configured to be random or in a predetermined order. Here, in the system of the present invention, the higher the spreading factor, the longer the distance at which the device's functions can be operated by remote control using wireless communication. Therefore, in particular, the spreading factor may be configured to adopt the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step lower. In such a configuration, the pattern of the change in spreading factor may be configured to alternate between the maximum spreading factor and the spreading factor one step lower in a predetermined pattern. In this way, it is possible to operate the device's functions by remote control using wireless communication over a long distance in a manner that is difficult to intercept.

In this embodiment, the spreading factor is changed every time a packet is transmitted, but any configuration is acceptable, including every time a packet of a predetermined amount of data is transmitted, or every time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

The "spreading rate" may be, for example, the ratio (C/B) of the spreading code speed (also called the "chip rate"; C) to the transmission bit rate (B).

In this embodiment, it is preferable to be able to communicate by switching the channel used for communication.

In this way, communication is performed while switching the frequency band allocated for use in communication, and users can obtain a system that is less susceptible to interference between spread spectrum communication systems. In this case, the receiver and transmitter switch channels in sync. For example, if the band used for wireless communication is the 920 MHz band, it is recommended to use six channels with center frequencies of 922.4 MHz, 922.6 MHz, 922.8 MHz, 923.0 MHz, 923.2 MHz, and 923.4 MHz, which can be switched between. Note that channels other than these may also be used.

In the spread spectrum method, especially the LoRa method, the distance over which communication is possible is significantly longer than in the FSK method. Therefore, when a communication method that allows communication over a long distance, such as the LoRa method, is adopted, there is a high possibility that interference will occur due to communication by other users interrupting the communication range. Therefore, when the spread spectrum method, especially the LoRa method, is adopted, it is preferable to suppress interference by appropriately switching the channel used for communication. This allows the user to communicate stably without being affected, even if other users nearby are using devices that communicate using the spread spectrum method.

In this embodiment, the system includes a vehicle control device 68 that starts the engine based on a vehicle start signal, and an immobilizer 66 that can transmit a start permission signal to the vehicle control device 68 to permit starting of the engine 70. The system receives a secret code transmitted from a genuine key 62a that is portable by the user and capable of transmitting a secret code, and based on the received secret code and a reference code provided in the immobilizer 66, transmits the start permission signal to the automobile 60 to which the immobilizer 66 transmits the secret code indirectly. The system is used to indirectly transmit the secret code to the automobile 60 to which the start permission signal is transmitted from the immobilizer 66, and is connected to the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40. The wireless communication can be selected between a spread spectrum method and a communication method other than the spread spectrum method, and the remote control 20 that can be carried by the user can receive a secret code from the genuine key 62a and can transmit a signal including a conversion code converted from the received secret code and a start instruction signal to the junction unit 40. The junction unit 40 is mounted on the automobile 60 and can convert the received conversion code into a secret code and transmit the converted secret code to the immobilizer 66, and can transmit a vehicle start signal to the vehicle control device 68 when it receives a start instruction signal.

In this way, the user can start the engine 70 of an automobile 60 equipped with an immobilizer 66 using the remote control 20 that the user can carry with him or her without leaving the original key 62a inside the vehicle. Generally, the original key 62a and the immobilizer 66 cannot send and receive a secret code unless they are in close proximity, for example due to security concerns, and the engine 70 cannot be started. However, in this way, even if the original key 62a and the immobilizer 66 are far apart, the secret code sent from the original key 62a is relayed by the remote control 20 that the user can carry with him or her and the junction unit 40 installed in the automobile 60, and can be received by the immobilizer 66, allowing the engine 70 to be started.

In this embodiment, the "indirect transmission" of the PIN code is achieved by having the remote control 20 receive the PIN code from the genuine key 62a, convert the PIN code into a different conversion code, and transmit it to the junction unit 40, which then converts the received conversion code back into the original PIN code before transmitting it to the immobilizer 66.

In this embodiment, the junction unit 40 is "mounted on a vehicle" as a so-called retrofit to a sold vehicle, but it may also be attached to the vehicle by the automobile manufacturer when the vehicle is manufactured.

In this embodiment, the start instruction signal sent by the remote control 20 is issued by the user operating the operation button 26.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 can select between the LoRa method and the FSK method. Therefore, even if it is difficult to permit the start of the engine 70 using one of the methods, the possibility of permitting the start of the engine 70 can be increased. The configuration for "selecting the communication method" may be any configuration, for example, via switches (e.g., dip switches) or a control device provided on the junction unit 40, and in particular, may be configured to be performed on the portable remote control 20 side. In addition, the communication method may be selected based on the operation of an operation unit provided on the remote control 20 or another device. The operation unit may be, for example, configured as a slider, or may be configured as a slider displayed on a display screen provided on the remote control 20 or another device.

It is preferable to configure the system so that the user can select between a mode in which the PIN code transmitted from the genuine key 62a is relayed by the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "relay mode") and a mode in which the PIN code is not relayed (hereinafter referred to as the "non-relay mode"). In this way, users and retailers can handle both vehicle models with an immobilizer 66 and vehicle models without an immobilizer 66 by simply preparing one type of system equipped with the remote control 20 and the junction unit 40, and can also accommodate users of vehicle models equipped with an immobilizer 66 who do not mind leaving the genuine key 26a in the vehicle 60. The configuration for selecting the "relay mode" and the "non-relay mode" can be configured so that the user can select the "relay mode" or the "non-relay mode" by using a switch provided on the vehicle-mounted device, for example.

When "relay mode" is selected, it is recommended that the wireless communication on the transmitting side be configured to be in continuous mode using the FSK method. "Continuous mode" is a mode in which the level of the DIO2/DATA pin is transmitted as is (without going through a FIFO).

When the "non-relay mode" is selected, the "long distance mode" and the "short distance mode" may be selected. In this embodiment, the "long distance mode" selects the packet mode of the LoRa system for the wireless communication on the transmitting side. The "packet mode" is a mode in which the SPI (Serial Number) is used.
It is preferable that the data provided by the FIFO peripheral interface is converted into packets and transmitted via the FIFO.

In this embodiment, the "short distance mode" is set so that the wireless communication on the transmitting side is LoRa and has a higher transmission bit rate than the long distance communication mode, but the wireless communication on the transmitting side may also be configured to be in FSK packet mode.

The components of this embodiment may be combined in any desired manner. Also, the components described in the Means for Solving the Problems and the components of this embodiment may be combined in any desired manner.

10 Engine starter 20 Remote control 22 Case 24 Display unit 24a Horizontal bar 24b Engine start animation 26 Operation button 26a Start button 26b Engine button 26c Stop button 28 Antenna 30 Wireless communication circuit 32 Control unit 34 Battery 36 Cable 40 Junction unit 42 First connector 42a Plug 44 Second connector 46 Third connector 48 Fourth connector 50 Wireless communication circuit 52 Control unit 54 Temperature sensor 56 Antenna unit 60 Automobile 62 Key 62a Genuine key 64 Keyhole 66 Immobilizer 68 Vehicle control device 70 Engine

Claims (1)

The vehicle-side portable device includes a first device and a second device capable of wireless communication between the vehicle-side portable device and the second device;
At least one of the first device and the second device is portable by a user, and a signal transmitted by the one device includes a signal for activating a function of the other of the first device or the second device,
a change means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by a user operating an operation unit ,
The system is characterized in that the change means for directly or indirectly changing the magnitude of the transmission power of the signal by the user operating an operating unit is configured to set the magnitude of the transmission power of the first device or the second device based on an index according to either an operating mode, a long-distance communication mode associated with a power value, or a long-life mode having a long battery life .

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