The present disclosure relates to an authentication system, a portable device, an authentication device and a registration method.
For electronic key systems known in the art, authentication IDs have been transmitted by respective electronic keys, each of which is carried by a user, to a given in-vehicle device in order to authenticate using the authentication IDs. Thus, each of the electronic key systems can lock or release a door lock of a vehicle by remote control through an electronic key. For instance, in such an electronic key system, in a case where an electronic key is lost or damaged or where an electronic key is newly provided or the like, a new electronic key can be registered by an in-vehicle device.
For instance, in order to register an electronic key with an in-vehicle device, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-079554 (Patent Document 1) discloses techniques of changing a reception frequency of the in-vehicle device such that the reception frequency corresponds to a transmission frequency of the electronic key, when the transmission frequency of the electronic key, which is included in information transmitted by the electronic key to the in-vehicle device, does not correspond to the reception frequency of the in-vehicle device, which is set in a memory in the in-vehicle device. Information relating to the electronic key then is registered in the memory of the in-vehicle device. According to such techniques, in a case of registering an electronic key by an in-vehicle device, even when a reception frequency of an in-vehicle device does not correspond to a transmission frequency of an electronic key, costs of registration for the electronic key are known to be saved by changing the reception frequency of the in-vehicle device, because the in-vehicle device is not needed to be replaced by a new one.
In one aspect according to embodiments, an authentication system includes at least one portable device including: a measurement unit configured to measure a signal intensity value in communicating with an authentication device, prior to registering of an authentication ID of the portable device by the authentication device; and an ID transmitting unit configured to transmit, to the authentication device, the authentication ID at a transmission timing depending on the signal intensity value measured by the measurement unit; and the authentication device including: a receiving unit configured to receive the authentication ID transmitted by the portable device; a determination unit configured to select, as a target authentication ID, the authentication ID transmitted at a predetermined timing by the portable device, among at least one authentication ID received by the receiving unit; and a registration unit configured to register the target authentication ID selected by the determination unit.
Other objects and further features of embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The inventor has recognized that, typically, as a method of registering an electronic key with an in-vehicle device, the following is employed: the in-vehicle device transmits a request signal for requesting to transmit an authentication ID. When receiving the request signal, an electronic key transmits an authentication ID of the electronic key to the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device then registers this authentication ID. However, according to the recognition by the inventor, when there are multiple electronic keys in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device, the multiple electronic keys may simultaneously transmit respective authentication IDs. In this case, the in-vehicle device may register a wrong authentication ID, or may be unable to successfully register a target authentication ID on account of interference of transmission waves used for the multiple authentication IDs.
In view of the above, by way of example, the inventor has recognized the following: in registering an authentication ID of a portable device with an authentication device, an authentication ID of an authorized portable device is required to be successfully registered, even when authentication IDs from respective portable devices existing in the surroundings of the authentication device are transmitted.
Embodiments will be explained hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
The in-vehicle device 100 is an example of an “authentication device”, and is provided with the vehicle 20. The in-vehicle device 100 is a device that controls remote operation of a door lock 21 and an engine 22 of the vehicle 20 through the electronic key 110 as well as authentication for the electronic key 110.
As illustrated in
The ECU 101 controls the whole in-vehicle device 100, and performs various processing (e.g., processing of transmitting and receiving various data signals for use in the electronic key 110, processing of perfoLming authentication for the electronic key 110, and processing of controlling the door lock 21 and the engine 22 in accordance with remote operation through the electronic key 110, or the like).
The LF transmitter 102 transmits various data signals to the electronic key 110 existing in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100 through LF band communication via an LF antenna 102a. The LF band communication refers to wireless communication of which the frequency band ranges from 30 KHz to 300 KHz. In the present embodiment, a frequency used in LF band communication is 125 KHz that is capable of communicating at a relatively short distance (e.g., 2 meters).
The RF receiver 103 receives various data signals transmitted by the electronic key 110 through UHF band communication via a RF antenna 103a. The UHF band communication refers to wireless communication of which the frequency band ranges from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. In the present embodiment, a frequency used in UHF band communication is 315 MHz that is capable of communicating at a relatively short distance (e.g., 20 meters).
The electronic key 110 is an example of a “portable device” and is carried by a user. The electronic key 110 is a device for remotely operating the door lock 21 and the engine 22 of the vehicle 20.
As illustrated in
The ECU 111 controls the whole electronic key 110, and performs various processing of the electronic key 110 (e.g., processing of transmitting and receiving various data signals for use in the in-vehicle device 100 and the remote starting device 120, or the like).
The LF receiver 112 receives various data signals (e.g., request signals used by an authentication function) transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 through LF band communication (125 KHz) via an LF antenna 112a.
The RF transmitter 113 transmits various data signals (e.g., response signals used by the authentication function) to the in-vehicle device 100 through UHF band communication (315 MHz) via an RF antenna 113a.
The transceiver 114 transmits and receives various data signals for use in the remote starting device 120 through wireless communication via a transceiver antenna 114a. In the present embodiment, communication between the electronic key 110 and the remote starting device 120 is bidirectional, and such a bidirectional communication is performed on a same frequency. In the present embodiment, a frequency used in communication between the electronic key 110 and the remote starting device 120 is 922 MHz that is capable of communicating at a relatively long distance (e.g., 200 meters).
The operation unit 115 is an input device used when various operations (e.g., remote operation of the door lock 21, remote operation of the engine 22, and the like) are performed by a user. For example, the operation unit 115 includes a push button, a touch panel, a display, and the like.
The remote starting device 120 is an example of an “intermediate device”, and is coupled to the in-vehicle device 100 via a communication cable or the like. The remote starting device 120 is a device that controls remote operation of the engine 22 of the vehicle 20 through the electronic key 110.
As illustrated in
The ECU 121 controls the entire remote starting device 120, and performs various processing of the remote starting device 120 (e.g., processing of transmitting and receiving various data signals for use in the electronic key 110 and processing of forwarding various data signals for use in the in-vehicle device 100, or the like).
The transceiver 122 transmits and receives various data signals for use in the electronic key 110 through wireless communication (922 MHz) via a transceiver antenna 122a.
Such an electronic key system 10 can perform remote control of door lock 21 through the electronic key 110, through LF band communication (125 KHz) and UHF band communication (315 MHz). For example, in a case of remotely operating the door lock 21, the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a request signal to surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100 through LF band communication (125 KHz). When the electronic key 110 existing in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100 (in a communication area where the request signal reaches) receives such a request signal, the electronic key 110 transmits a response signal, which includes an authentication ID of the electronic key 110, to the in-vehicle device 100 through UHF band communication (315 MHz). Upon receipt of this response signal, the in-vehicle device 100 performs authentication for the electronic key 110 with the authentication ID included in the response signal. When authentication for the electronic key 110 is achieved by the in-vehicle device 100, remote control (locking or unlocking) of the door lock 21 can be performed by the electronic key 110.
Also, in the electronic key system 10, remote control of the engine 22 can be performed by the electronic key 110 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. For example, in a case of operating the engine 22 remotely, first, when the user operates the electronic key 110 in a predetermined manner (e.g., a start button or a stop button is pressed), the electronic key 110 transmits a remote-operation-request signal, which includes an authentication ID of the electronic key 110, to the in-vehicle device 100 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. The in-vehicle device 100 receives this remote-operation-request signal and then achieves authentication for the electronic key 110 using the authentication ID included in the remote-operation-request signal. The electronic key 110 is authenticated, and thus the in-vehicle device 100 causes the engine 22 to start or stop in accordance with the remote-operation-request signal. Upon the engine 22 starting or stopping, the in-vehicle device 100 transmits, to the electronic key 110, information for indicating that the engine 22 has started or stopped, via the remote starting device 120. When receiving such information, the electronic key 110 indicates to the user information indicating that the engine 22 has started or stopped, by displaying such information on a display provided with the operation unit 115, etc.
In addition, in the electronic key system 10, by way of example, an authentication ID of a new electronic key 110 can be registered by the in-vehicle device 100 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120 in the following case: a case where an electronic key 110 is initially registered, a case where an electronic key 110 is lost or damaged, a case where a new electronic key 110 is added, etc. As an example, in the electronic key system 10, in a case of registering an authentication ID of a new electronic key 110, an authentication ID of another electronic key 110 can be prevented from being registered faultily, or alternatively, interference of transmission waves with use for respective authentication IDs can be avoided. This point is described in detail below.
As illustrated in
The request-signal receiving unit 201 receives an ID-registration-request signal transmitted by the electronic key 110 via the remote starting device 120. Specifically, an ID-registration-request signal transmitted by the electronic key 110 is received by the remote starting device 120, and then is forwarded to the in-vehicle device 100 by the remote starting device 120. Accordingly, the request-signal receiving unit 201 receives, from the remote starting device 120, the ID-registration-request signal transmitted by the electronic key 110. Note that the ID-registration-request signal refers to a signal for requesting the in-vehicle device 100 to register an authentication ID.
When the request-signal receiving unit 201 receives the ID-registration-request signal, the mode switching unit 202 switches the operation of the in-vehicle device 100, from a “normal mode” for authentication for the electronic key 110 as well as for remote operation through the electronic key 110 to a “registration mode” for registering ID-registration information.
When the operation of the in-vehicle device 100 is switched to the “registration mode” by the mode switching unit 202, the preparation-signal transmitting unit 203 transmits an ID-registration-preparation signal to the electronic key 110 existing in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100 via the remote starting device 120. Specifically, the preparation-signal transmitting unit 203 transmits an ID-registration-preparation signal to the remote starting device 120. In response to this transmission, the remote starting device 120 transmits the ID-registration-preparation signal to the electronic key 110 existing in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100. Note that the ID-registration-preparation signal refers to a signal for requesting the electronic key 110 to transmit ID-registration information.
The ID receiving unit 204 receives ID-registration information transmitted by the electronic key 110 via the remote starting device 120. Specifically, ID-registration information transmitted by the electronic key 110 is received by the remote starting device 120, and then is forwarded to the in-vehicle device 100 by the remote starting device 120. Accordingly, the request-signal receiving unit 201 receives the ID-registration information transmitted by the electronic key 110, via the remote starting device 120. Note that the ID-registration information includes an authentication ID of at least one electronic key 110.
The determination unit 205 selects, as target ID-registration information, ID-registration information transmitted at a predetermined timing, among ID registration information received by the ID receiving unit 204. As an example, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 205 selects, as target ID-registration information, ID-registration information transmitted at an earliest timing, among ID registration information received by the ID receiving unit 204.
The registration unit 206 registers the target ID-registration information (e.g., the ID-registration information transmitted at the earliest timing) selected by the deteLmination unit 205, in the storage unit 200. The storage unit 200 stores the ID-registration information registered by the registration unit 206. When the ID-registration information is stored in the storage unit 200, the in-vehicle device 100 can perform authentication for the electronic key 110 corresponding to such ID-registration information.
The electronic key 110, on the other hand, includes a storage unit 210, a request-signal transmitting unit 211, a preparation-signal receiving unit 212, a measurement unit 213, a timing determining unit 214, and an ID transmitting unit 215.
The storage unit 210 stores ID-registration information that includes an authentication ID of a given electronic key 110. Also, the storage unit 210 stores a determination table for determining a transmission timing of ID-registration information. In the determination table, the transmission timing is preliminarily set for each range of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values. As an example, in the determination table, the transmission timing is set so as to become early as a RSSI value increases. Note that a specific example of the determination table stored in the storage unit 210 will be described below with reference to
When a predetermined operation (e.g., a plurality of push buttons are pressed simultaneously, etc.) is performed using the electronic key 110 by the user, the request-signal transmitting unit 211 transmits an ID-registration-request signal to the in-vehicle device 100 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. Specifically, the request-signal transmitting unit 211 transmits an ID-registration-request signal to the remote starting device 120 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. When receiving this ID-registration-request signal, the remote starting device 120 forwards the ID-registration-request signal to the in-vehicle device 100.
The preparation-signal receiving unit 212 receives an ID-registration-preparation signal transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. Specifically, an ID-registration-preparation signal is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 to the remote starting device 120, and then is forwarded to the electronic key 110 by the remote starting device 120. Accordingly, the electronic key 110 receives the ID-registration-preparation signal from the remote starting device 120.
The measurement unit 213 measures a RSSI value (which is an example of a signal intensity value) in performing communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120, when the preparation-signal receiving unit 212 receives the ID-registration-preparation signal. Note that as a manner of measuring a RSSI value, various methods known in the art can be used.
The timing determining unit 214 determines a transmission timing of ID-registration information based on a RSSI value measured by the measurement unit 213. Specifically, with reference to the determination table stored in the storage unit 210, the timing determining unit 214 determines, as the transmission timing of ID-registration information, a transmission timing corresponding to the RSSI value measured by the measuring unit 213.
The ID transmitting unit 215 transmits, to the in-vehicle device 100, ID-registration information stored in the storage unit 210 at the transmission timing determined by the timing determining unit 214, through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. Specifically, the ID transmitting unit 215 transmits ID-registration information to the remote starting device 120 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. When receiving the ID-registration information, the remote starting device 120 forwards the ID-registration information to the in-vehicle device 100.
Note that each functional unit of the in-vehicle device 100 is implemented by a processor executing a program that is stored in a memory in the ECU 101 (computer) provided with the in-vehicle device 100, by way of example. In addition, each functional unit of the electronic key 110 is implemented by a processor executing a program that is stored in a memory in the ECU 111 (computer) provided with the electronic key 110, by way of example. As an example of the processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro processing unit), or the like is used. As an example of the memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like is used.
Such a program may be provided along with the in-vehicle device 100 or the electronic key 110 in which the program is preliminarily installed. Alternatively, such a program is provided alone in such a manner that is separated from the in-vehicle device 100 or the electronic key 110, and then may be installed in the in-vehicle device 100 or the electronic key 110. In this case, such a program may be provided using an external storage media (e.g., a USB memory, a memory card, a CD-ROM, etc.), or may be provided by downloading it from a server over a network (e.g., the Internet, etc.).
As illustrated in
For example, in the determination table of
Note that, in the determination table illustrated in
First, the request-signal receiving unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined operation is performed using the operation unit 115 by a user (step S401). In step S401, when it is deteLmined that a predetermined operation is not performed (step S401: NO), the request-signal receiving unit 201 again executes a determination process in step S401.
On the other hand, in step S401, when it is determined that a predetermined operation is performed (step S401: YES), the request-signal receiving unit 201 transmits an ID-registration-request signal to the in-vehicle device 100 through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120 (step S402).
Next, the preparation-signal receiving unit 212 determines whether or not an ID-registration-preparation signal transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 is received through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120 (step S403). In step S403, when it is determined that the ID-registration-preparation signal is not received (step S403: NO), the preparation-signal receiving unit 212 again executes a determination process in step S403.
On the other hand, in step S403, when it is determined that the ID-registration-preparation signal is received (step S403: YES), the measurement unit 213 measures a RSSI value in communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120, when the ID-registration-preparation signal is received (step S404).
The timing determining unit 214 determines a transmission timing of ID-registration information based on the RSSI value measured in step S404 (step S405). Further, the ID transmitting unit 215 transmits ID-registration infoLmation to the in-vehicle device 100 at the transmission timing determined in step S405 (step S406). The electronic key 110 then finishes the step sequence illustrated in
First, the request-signal receiving unit 201 determines whether or not an ID-registration-request signal transmitted by the electronic key 110 is received via the remote starting device 120 (step S501). In step S501, when it is deteLmined that an ID-registration-request signal is not received (step S501: NO), the request-signal receiving unit 201 again executes a determination process in step S501.
On the other hand, in step S501, when it is determined that an ID-registration-request signal is received (step S501: YES), the mode switching unit 202 switches the operation of the in-vehicle device 100 from the “normal mode” to the “registration mode” (step S502). The preparation-signal transmitting unit 203 then transmits an ID-registration-preparation signal to the electronic key 110 existing in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100, via the remote starting device 120 (step S503).
Next, the ID receiving unit 204 receives an ID-registration-preparation signal from the electronic key 110 that has received the ID-registration-preparation signal, via the remote starting device 120 (step S504). In such a manner, if there are a plurality of electronic keys 110 in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100, the ID receiving unit 204 receives ID-registration information from each electronic key 110.
The determination unit 205 determines, as a target ID-registration information, ID-registration information transmitted at an earliest timing, among ID-registration information received in step S504 (step S505). Further, the registration unit 206 registers the target ID-registration information determined in step S505 in the registration unit 206 (step S506). The in-vehicle device 100 then finishes a step sequence as illustrated in
As an example,
In the example of
In the example of
In this case, first, based on the determination table illustrated in
Subsequently, based on the determination table illustrated in
Subsequently, based on the determination table illustrated in
In such a manner, in the example of
As a result, the ID-registration information (authentication ID=ID1) with respect to an authorized electronic key 110A is registered with the in-vehicle device 100. Note that each of the electronic keys 110A, 110B and 110C transmits ID-registration information to the in-vehicle device 100 through communication with the remote starting device 120, which is performed on a usage frequency of 922 MHz. However, as illustrated in
As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of electronic keys 110 (portable devices) can each transmit ID-registration information at a different timing corresponding to a RSSI value (signal intensity value), which varies depending on a distance from the in-vehicle device 100 (authentication device). Further, in the present embodiment, an electronic key 110 that is positioned closest to the in-vehicle device 100 can transmit an authentication ID at an earliest timing.
In such a manner, according to the present embodiment, an authorized electronic key 110 that exists inside the vehicle 20 (e.g., a location closest to the in-vehicle device 100) is registered. Thereby, an authentication ID of such an electronic key 110 is able to be surely registered, while authentication ID(s) of other electronic key(s) 110 that exist outside the in-vehicle device 100 are not able to be registered. Also, in the present embodiment, because transmission waves in use for respective authentication IDs are transmitted at a different timing, interference of these transmission waves for the authentication IDs can be prevented. Thereby, in the present embodiment, in a case of registering an authentication ID of a given electronic key 110 with the in-vehicle device 100, the authentication ID of the given authorized electronic key 110 can be successfully registered, even when authentication IDs are transmitted by respective electronic keys 110 that exist in the surroundings of the in-vehicle device 100.
Further, in the present embodiment, communication between the electronic key 110 and the remote starting device 120 is performed on a specific frequency that is usable in bidirectional communication performed on a same frequency. In such a manner, according to the present embodiment, for communication between the electronic key 110 and the remote starting device 120, the radio propagation characteristics can be common to bidirectional communication. Thereby, the relationship between a RSSI value relating to the radio wave propagation characteristics and the transmission timing relating to the radio wave propagation characteristics during transmission can be increased.
Further, in the present embodiment, a specific frequency for use in communication between the electronic key 110 and the remote starting device 120 is 922 MHz. Thereby, communication can be achieved at a longer distance than communication performed by an authentication function of the in-vehicle device 100. Note that, in a case where communication distances are longer, the likelihood of receiving a transmission wave from an electronic key 110 that is not subject to registration may be increased. However, in the present embodiment, even in such a case, interference of multiple transmission waves does not occur, and only an authentication ID of an authorized electronic key 110 can be registered with the in-vehicle device 100.
Note that a configuration of the present embodiment is useful in a case where a user newly registers an authentication ID of an electronic key 110 with the in-vehicle device 100, by way of example. In this case, registration of authentication ID(s) of other electronic key(s) 110, which are used by other person(s) existing in the surroundings of the user, can be prevented. Alternatively, a failure to register a target authentication ID can be avoided on account of being affected by transmission waves from other electronic key(s) 110 of other person(s).
Further, a configuration of the present embodiment is useful in a case where, in a work line in a factory, an operator initially registers an authentication ID of an electronic key 110 with the in-vehicle 100, by way of example. In this case, registration of authentication ID(s) of other electronic key(s) 110, which exist in other work lines, can be prevented. Alternatively, a failure to register a target authentication ID can be avoided on account of being affected by transmission waves from other electronic key(s) 110 in another work line.
As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, but are not limited to these examples. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes to the foregoing embodiments are made within the scope of the present invention or the equivalent thereof.
For example, in the above embodiments, ID-registration information transmitted at an earliest timing is registered. However, ID-registration information transmitted at an earliest timing within a predetermined period may be registered. In such a manner, in a case where there is no ID-registration information transmitted within the predetermined period, no ID-registration information may be registered. Also, for example, when a location other than a location closest to the in-vehicle device 100 is set as a predetermined registration location, ID-registration information transmitted at predetermined timing other than an earliest timing may be registered in accordance with such a predetermined registration location. Further, ID-registration information may be transmitted at a timing that becomes later as a RSSI value increases, and then ID-registration information transmitted at a latest timing may be registered.
In the above embodiments, the remote starting device 120 is provided outside the in-vehicle device 100, but may be provided inside the in-vehicle vehicle device 100.
In the above embodiment, an authentication ID of an electronic key 110 is registered through communication (922 MHz) with the remote starting device 120. However, the authentication ID of the electronic key 110 may be registered with the in-vehicle device 100 though direct communication between the electronic key 110 and the in-vehicle device 100, without using the remote starting device 120.
An authentication ID of an electronic key 110 may be registered with the in-vehicle device 100 through communication with an intermediate device other than the remote starting device 120. In this case, the intermediate device may be installed outside the in-vehicle device 100, or be installed inside the in-vehicle device 100.
An authentication ID of an electronic key 110 may be registered with the in-vehicle vehicle 100 through communication over a frequency band other than 922 MHz. In this case, a usable frequency is not particularly limited to a specific frequency, but may preferably be a frequency (e.g., a higher frequency than 315 MHz used by an authentication function) that enables a longer communication distance than a frequency used by an authentication function.
In the above embodiment, when a RSSI value measured by an electronic key 110 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., “79” or less as illustrated in the determination table of
Also, in the above embodiments, as an example, an electronic key system for a vehicle has been described. However, in the case of an authentication system in which authentication can be achieved using an authentication ID of a portable device, the authentication system can be applied to other authentication systems. For example, the authentication system is applicable for a household electronic key system.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2017-021695 | Feb 2017 | JP | national |
This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/030539 filed on Aug. 25, 2017, and designated the U.S., which is based upon and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-021695, filed on Feb. 8, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP2017/030539 | Aug 2017 | US |
Child | 16502160 | US |