Detailed description of the invention
Introduction
The power level of the regulation of portable data assistance is measured in " free space ", it is not necessary to staffTouch or close to key card.Staff may interfere with biography close to the transceiver antennas in portable data assistanceDefeated and reduce RF output.People-portable data assistance may change antenna radiation pattern alternately to be madeObtain gain on the direction of vehicle less.Additionally, when portable data assistance battery is the most close to the longevityDuring the end (having lost its major part electric charge) ordered, the output of portable data assistance mayCan reduce.Output reduction can reduce the scope of RKE system, and operator may be caused to be discontented with.
Fig. 1 illustrates exemplary remote key (RKE) system 10 for vehicle 12, RKE systemSystem includes for regulating output with compensation from object such as, the interference of operatorOne or more mechanisms.RKE system 10 provides to be applied various vehicles 12 from key card 14Such as door lock, trunk latch, inside and outside illumination, engine start, climate controlling etc.Long-range control.Vehicle 12 is based on ground the generally vehicle with two or more wheels,Such as, passenger vehicle, light truck, motorcycle etc..Vehicle 12 includes that base station 16, base station 16 are used for connecingReceive from the message of key card 14 and optionally transmit the message to key card 14.
Key card 14 transmits the message to base station 16 and can also receive the message from base station 16.Key card 14 includes shell 18 and interface 20.Interface 20 receives the input from operator and generalOutput provides to operator.
In order to determine that output is arranged, key card 14 can include for detecting close or hand-held closeOne or more sensors of the existence of the operator of key card 14.Key card 14 may further includeFor detecting real output level and by the output power levels detected and the threshold value of storageThe one or more feedback mechanisms compared.Based on the information from sensor and/or feedback mechanism,Key card 14 can regulate output power levels.The output power levels of regulation key card 14 is to compensateInterference allows such as key card 14 to communicate in longer scope with vehicle 12, and can increaseAdd operation person's satisfaction to RKE system 10.Except regulating the output power levels of key card 14Outside, the time that other messaging parameter can such as enter sleep pattern (sends transmission and connectsReceive the time delay between response), data rate, lead code time etc. is adjusted.
System element
As in figure 2 it is shown, vehicle 12 includes elementary cell 16 and farther includes control unit 38With interface 40.
Base station 16 includes controller 30, controller 30 to include for performing storing in the memory 33The processor 31 of program.Base station 16 farther includes receptor (RX) 32 and emitter 34,Receptor (RX) 32 all communicates with controller 30 with emitter 34.Base station 16 farther includes to useIn receiving from the output signal of key card 14 and output signal being transferred to of receptor 32Or multiple transceiver antennas (TX) 36.In the case of base station 16 includes emitter 34, launchDevice 34 can also use one or more transceiver antennas 36 to transfer information to key card 14.
Base station 16 directly or indirectly communicates with one or more control units 38.Control unit 38 canTo control the various functions of vehicle 12, such as door lock, trunk latch, inner/outer illumination, gasWait control, engine start etc..Each control unit 38 can have for receiving from base stationInstruct and control the processor of actuator.Such as, doorlock control unit can include processor and useMotor (or solenoid) in door lock.Further, control unit 38 can be sent outSend message to the controller 30 of base station 16.Door can be locked by such as doorlock control unit 38Signal is sent to the controller 30 of base station 16.
Communication between controller 30 and control unit 38 such as can be existed by network-busCarry out in CAN (controller local area network) bus or carried out by other wired or wireless mechanisms.Controller 30 can include one or more processor.More than one processor is included at controller 30In the case of, the communication between processor can also be carried out by network-bus.Additionally, controller 30Can be arranged to via various wired and/or network technology such as, cellular technology,USB (universal serial bus) (USB), wiredly and/or wirelessly packet network etc. communicate with other equipment.
It addition, vehicle 12 generally comprises interface 40.Generally, interface 40 is provided with acceptance to controlThe input of the device 30 processed and/or output from controller 30 is provided.Such as, vehicle 12 can includeOne or more display, one or more display are configured to supply graphical operation person interface(GUI) or the like, interactive voice response (IVR) system, audio output apparatus, useIn providing sense of touch output etc., providing the mechanism of communication between vehicle 12 and operator.Additionally, behaviourAuthor's equipment, such as, portable computing device (such as panel computer, smart phone or the like)May be used for providing to controller 30 part or all of interface 40.Such as, operator's equipment is permissibleUse technology discussed above such as, USB,Etc. being connected to controller 30,And can be used for accepting the input to controller 30 and/or the output from controller 30 being provided.
Controller 30 can be configured to the most i.e., via another in vehicle 12Calculating equipment communicates with network 21.Network 21 represents vehicle 12 can be with remote computationOne or more mechanism that equipment communication is relied on, and can be various wired or wireless communication mechanismIn one or more, including wired (such as, cable and optical fiber) and/or wireless (such as, honeycomb,Wireless, satellite, microwave and radio frequency) the most required combination in communication mechanism and any required network open upFlutter (the maybe multiple topologys when using multiple communication mechanism).Exemplary communication network includes channel radioCommunication network (such as, using bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 etc.), LAN (LAN) and/or include carryingWide area network (WAN) for the Internet of data communication services.
As in figure 2 it is shown, key card 14 includes that controller 50, controller 50 include processor 51 HeMemorizer 53.Program that processor 51 is configured to perform to be stored in memorizer 53 and control closeThe various functions of key card 14, such as, transmission message to vehicle 12, receive the message from vehicle 12,Calibration output power levels, etc..As described below, processor 51 can also be programmed to execute oneOr the output power levels that multiple process is during regulation operation.
Key card 14 farther includes emitter (TX) 52 and at least one transceiver antennas 56.Emitter 52 is communicably connected to controller 50 and is configured to RF via transceiver antennas 56Message is sent to vehicle 12.Emitter 52 includes for setting up the adjusting machine that peak power output is arrangedSetting up an organization of structure and the output power levels during regulate operation.
In order to support two-way communication, key card 14 can include receptor (RX) 54, receptor 54It is communicably connected to controller 50.Receptor 54 can be configured to receive via transceiver antennas 56RF from such as vehicle 12 communicates.
At least one transceiver antennas 56 can include the such as first and second transceiver antennas 56.?Under some operating condition, processor 51 can be programmed to be used in the first of balanced arrangement andBoth two transceivers 56 transmit or receive message.That is, in transfer mode, first andEach in two transceiver antennas 56 can such as transmit under substantially equal power level.Under other operating conditions, processor 51 can be programmed to select in two transceiver antennas 56One for transmission or receives and disables another antenna 56 in transmission or reception period.At anotherUnder operating condition, processor 51 can regulate the tuning between the first and second transceiver antennas.AsLower described, processor can consider the position of the most hand-held key card of operating condition 14 withWhich determines, tuning between how many and transceiver antennas 56 is for transmitting or receiving.
As discussed above, key card 14 includes and inciting somebody to action from the input of operator for receptionOutput provides the interface 20 to operator, the driver of operator's such as vehicle 12.Interface 20 includesOne or more input equipments and display can be included.Input equipment could be for receive fromThe button of the input of operator, touch-screen display, gesture sensor device etc..Display can includeShow for liquid crystal (LCD) display that information is provided to operator, light emitting diode (LED)Show device, buzzer, speaker, sense of touch feedback etc..
Key card 14 can include one or more sensor 60, and one or more sensors 60 are permissibleIt is connected communicatedly with controller 50.Sensor 60 may be used for detect close to key card 14 or and itsThe directly existence of the object such as staff of contact.It is right that sensor 60 can detect furtherAs if it is no close to transceiver antennas 56.Such as, sensor 60 can include that one or more electric capacity passesSensor, electric resistance sensor, electromagnetic transducer, optical pickocff etc..Except detection object existence andObject and transceiver antennas 56 close to outside, sensor 60 can detect, such as, object bigLittle, position, direction, electric conductivity or other characteristics.Sensor 60 can be configured to be distributed in closeArray on the surface of key card 14, such as 3 × 3 capacitance sensor array, in order to receive about closeThe additional information of the Properties of Objects of key card 14.
Additionally or alternatively, sensor 60 can include the movement for detection key card 14 or sideTo accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetic field sensor etc..Processor 51 can be programmed to, such as,Movement based on the key card 14 such as detected by one or more sensors 60 determines key card14 whether be maintained in the pocket of people by people, static etc..
Key card 14 may further include for the feedback signal representing output power levels being sentFeedback mechanism 62 to controller 50.Feedback mechanism can include RF sensing element 63.RF sensesElement 63 can be the trace on such as spaced apart with transceiver antennas 56 printed circuit board (PCB).In additionOr selectively, in the case of there is more than one transceiver antennas 56, controller 50 can be controlledKey card 14 processed so that when a transceiver antennas 56 is used for transmitting message, another transceiverAntenna 56 is used as RF sensing element 63.
Battery 64 supplies electric energy for key card 14.Key card 14 can include state-of-charge unit(SOC) 66 to monitor the state-of-charge of battery 64.SOC 66 can monitor the output of battery 64Voltage, output electric current, output resistance etc..The value monitored based on these, the calculating in SOC 66Equipment, processor 51 or another calculating equipment may determine that the estimated state-of-charge of battery 64.Determination based on the low state-of-charge of battery, processor 51 can regulate output power levels and/or regulationOther messaging parameter.Additionally or alternatively, state of charge information can be conveyed to by processor 51Vehicle 12.
The calibration of peak power output level
In order to minimize or avoid interference possibly other communication system, and as applicable, in order to abide byAbiding by the law rule, key card 14 can be calibrated at the output less than or equal to maximal power levelTransmit under level.Test can be according to particular design type or model in the example of key card 14Carry out on property sample.Under known conditions, key card 14 can pass under known output is arrangedSend message.In order to prevent from staff or the interference of the existence of other conductive object, key card 14 canIt is activated (for example, it is possible to pressing transmission button) with the object by being made from a material that be electrically non-conductive.DefeatedGo out power level can by measuring unit known distance such as distance key card 14 1 meters,Three meters etc. measure.Based on the output power levels recorded, key card 14 emitter 52In component values can be conditioned or power level arranges calibration and can be determined.Parts regulation or powerLevel arranges calibration can be included in the manufacture of the key card 14 with same design type or modelIn.Such as, arrange corresponding to the initial of the maximal power level under calibration condition or the first power levelCan be stored in the memorizer 53 of controller 50.
The compensation of interference
Regulation based on object detection
Such as, staff may cause close close to the transceiver antennas 56 of key card 14 objectThe reduction of the output power levels of key card 14 and disturb transmission.As it has been described above, people-key card is mutualCan change antenna radiation pattern makes gain on the direction of vehicle less.This may cause RKE systemThe reduction of scope of system and cause operator's satisfaction to reduce.In order to compensate the fall of output power levelsLow, key card 14 can regulate output based on the detection of the object close to transceiver antennas 56Arrange.Can be defined as the most directly contacting key card 14 shell 18 close to transceiver antennas 56On at least one sensor 60.As another example, can be determined close to transceiver antennas 56Justice is (such as, to be generally directed towards vehicle when key card 14 operates in the particular side of key card 14The side of 12) on 3 centimetres of transceiver antennas 56 in touch key card 14 shell.As anotherIndividual example, the gesture can being defined as in being included in key card 14 close to transceiver antennas 56 is knownOther system 60 can be within detection range, such as 5 centimetres.
Sensor 60 may be used for detecting the existence of the object close to transceiver antennas 56.Once detectTo object, sensor 60 just can provide data to controller 50.Such as, one or more electricityHold sensor 60 can be included in the shell 18 of key card 14.One or more capacitance sensingsDevice 60 can be positioned so that away from transceiver antennas 56 3 centimetres or less with detection touch key card 14Hands or other objects.
As another example, sensor 60 can include known gesture or proximity transducer, exampleAs, optics, electric capacity, magnetic sensor 60.Sensor 60 can detect close to transceiver antennasHands or the existence of other object in the space of 56, object the most directly contacts key card 14.
Object-based detection, sensor 60 can would indicate that the object close to transceiver antennas 56The message existed is sent to processor 51.Based on this message, processor 51 can pass through predetermined adjustmentThe factor regulates output and arranges.Predetermined adjustment factor can be that the interference for being caused by object is mendedRepay output power levels and measure determined by maximal power level.Predetermined adjustment factor can rootDetermine according to experience.Such as, test can carry out determining when object is close to receiving in controlled environmentThe minimum power loss occurred when sending out device antenna 56.Predetermined adjustment factor can be determined to compensateSmall-power is lost.Limit of error can be included in the determination of predetermined adjustment factor to allow each singleThe change of performance of unit and the change caused due to the difference between object.
Except detection is close in addition to the existence of the object of transceiver antennas 56, and sensor 60 can detectAbout the bells and whistles of object and reported to processor 51.Such as, as it is shown on figure 3, keyCard 14 can include that capacitance sensor array 60, capacitance sensor array 60 include being arranged on key cardMultiple capacitance sensors of the various positions on 14.Based on the letter from capacitance sensor array 60Number, processor 51 may determine that object is such as close to the right side of key card 14.Determine based on this, placeReason device 51 can such as use the first transceiver antenna 56 on the left side of key card 14 to transmit to disappearCease and disable the second transceiver antenna 56 on the right side of key card 14, or regulation first and secondTuning between transceiver antennas 56.
As another example, based on the input from sensor 60, controller 50 can be evaluated whether to doThe rank disturbed.Processor 51 can receive such as object and just cover the community around transceiver antennas 56Territory or the input in big region, and the rank of interference based on estimation from one or more predetermined adjustment because ofSon selects.
As it has been described above, in addition to the output power levels of regulation key card 14, other can be led toLetter parameter such as enters the time of sleep pattern, data rate, lead code time etc. and carries outRegulation.
Sensor 60 may be used for preventing the accident of key card 14 from activating.Such as, processor 51 canTo be programmed to when based on the input from sensor 60, controller determines that object (such as staff) connectsWhen touching key card 14, only receive the input from interface 20.
Additionally or alternatively, when processor 51 has been received by the input from interface 20, someSensor 60 can only be activated (energising).By this way, the power consumption of sensor 60 canTo reduce.
Regulation based on feedback
Feedback mechanism 62 can be used for monitoring and the output power levels of regulation key card 14.As aboveDescribed, the RF sensing element 63 or other antennas that are included in key card 14 can receive from receiptsSend out the output signal of device antenna 56.Output signal can be passed by RF sensing element 63 or other antennasIt is handed to feedback mechanism 62.Based on the output signal received, feedback signal can be provided by feedback mechanismTo processor 51.By monitoring feedback signal, processor 51 can know when that output signal just connectsNearly maximal power level.
In an example process, first processor 51 determines the feedback corresponding to maximal power levelSignal level.During calibrating, as it has been described above, exemplary key card 14 is conditioned with at maximum workThe 14 times operations of rate level.Under maximal power level operation during, controller 50 can receive andThe feedback signal corresponding to maximum level power level is stored in memorizer 53.It is at least partially based onThis level, the threshold value of storage can be determined.Such as, the threshold value of storage can be determined that at keyCard 14 level of feedback signal during operation under maximal power level deducts the nargin factor, as followsDescribed.
During key card 14 transmits under standard operation pattern, feedback signal can pass through processor51 monitor.If feedback signal is less than stored threshold value, then processor 51 can increase outputPower setting.
The nargin factor can be determined to consider the change in the manufacture process of key card 14.NarginThe factor can be determined to consider output work based on the minimum available adjustment to power setting furtherThe expection change of rate level.In other words, the threshold value stored can be chosen such that power setting is adjustedJoint will not result in and exceedes maximal power level.The threshold value stored can be stored in the fabrication processIn the memorizer 53 of other key card 14 of same design.
As an example, controller 50 can be incrementally increased output and arrange.Increase incrementIt can be the fixed amount of characteristic based on key card 14 emitter 52.Such as, output setting canThere to be the value of fixed qty, and controller 50 can select next higher value.Selectively,Increase increment to calculate based on feedback signal level.Processor 51 can be based on representing the most defeatedGo out power setting to be increased to reach and calculate less than the feedback signal of peak power outputRegulated value.Then processor 51 can increase output according to regulated value and arrange.Increasing outputAfter power setting, processor 51 can continue monitor feedback signal with determine the need for any enterOne step calibration.
In addition to arranging based on feedback signal regulation output, processor 51 can be programmed toThe tuning of regulation transceiver antennas 56.Such as, processor 51 can change the first and second transceiversTuning between antenna 56 so that such as first transceiver antenna 56 is than second transceiver antenna 56Transmit under higher power level, and determine whether the level of feedback signal increases based on change.
In the case of key card 14 breaks down and exceedes stored threshold value so that feedback signal, placeReason device 51 can also be programmed to reduce output arrange, if and/or condition continue, then disableKey card 14 transceiver 52.Other messaging parameter can also be adjusted.
Processor 51 can be further programmed to use and from the data of sensor 60 and come reflexiveThe feedback of feedback mechanism 62 regulates the output of key card 14 and arranges.As an example, processDevice 51 can be programmed to be set by output based on the data received from sensor 60 as mentioned abovePut regulation scheduled volume.After adjustment, controller 50 can be based on the feedback from feedback mechanism 62Signal determines the need for regulating further.
Report battery behavior
Key card 14 can include that state-of-charge unit (SOC) 66 is with the residue in estimation battery 64Electric charge.SOC 66 can measure the output voltage of battery during operation, output electric current, output electricityResistance etc., and based on these measured values, determine the characteristic of battery 64, such as, estimated residueElectric charge.The characteristic of battery 64 determined by based on, key card 14 can regulate the behaviour of key card 14Make characteristic.Such as, if it is determined that the output voltage of battery 64 reduces, then due to low state of chargeProcessor 51 can regulate the power setting of emitter 52, or regulates other messaging parameter.In addition orSelectively, key card 14 can be by characteristic reporter to vehicle 12 base station 16.
Similarly, base station 16 characteristic based on battery 64 can regulate the operation of base station 16.ExampleAs, if base station 16 receives the estimated residual charge of battery 64 less than the first charge threshold waterFlat message, then base station 16 can increase the sensitivity of base station 16 receptor 32.First electric charge thresholdValue level can rule of thumb be confirmed as a charge level, in this charge level, such as, specificThe key card 14 of design exports delivering power and reduces about 20%.
As another example, residual charge estimated in base station 16 receives battery 64 is less than theDuring the message of two charge threshold levels, via interface 40, base station 16 such as can show that battery 64 connectsThe end in nearly life-span or need the message recharged if applicable.Second charge threshold level canTo be rule of thumb confirmed as a charge level, in this charge level, such as, battery 64 can be protectedHold the lasting 100 times estimated additional key cards 14 of specific operating condition to transmit.Base station 16 canWith the most such as via network 21 the most such as, via e-mail will be with battery 64 stateRelevant information provides to operator.
Example process
Fig. 4 be the instruction generally in accordance with processor 51 perform for based on close to key card 14The detection of the object of transceiver antennas 56 and compensate the example process 100 of the interference to key card 14Schematic diagram.
Process 100 starts from frame 105, and in block 105, key card 14 detects from interface 20Operator inputs.Such as, interface 20 can include multiple button.The operator of vehicle 12 can be byOne of pressure button, it is provided that be input to processor 51.Based on input, processor 51 determines that operator thinksMessage to be transmitted is to vehicle 12.Process 100 continues in block 110.
In block 110, processor 51 receives the input from one or more sensors 60.As aboveDescribed, sensor 60 can provide the detection input that denoted object directly contacts with key card 14, andAnd may indicate that the one or more positions on the key card 14 that object directly contacts.Sensor 60 canWith additionally denoted object whether close to key card 14 transceiver antennas 56.Further, sensor60 can provide the mobile etc. of other information, the such as direction of key card 14, key card 14.ProcessDevice 51 can receive and store the input from sensor 60.Process 100 continues in frame 115.
In frame 115, processor 51 may determine that Properties of Objects.Such as, based on straight with objectOne or more positions of the key card 14 of contact, controller 50 may determine that key card 14 quiltHands is maintained at right side or left side.Direction based on instruction key card 14 or the input of movement, processor51 may determine that such as key card 14 is just being maintained at horizontal level.Processor 51 may determine that objectOther characteristics, such as, object is just covering the electric conductivity etc. of the degree of key card 14, object.CrossJourney 100 continues in block 120.
In block 120, processor 51 may determine that the regulation that power level is arranged.As it has been described above,Output is arranged and can be regulated by predetermined adjustment factor.Predetermined adjustment factor can be fixingValue, or can based on determined by Properties of Objects select from multiple predetermined adjustment factor.Process 100 continues in frame 125.
In frame 125, processor 51 is close according to the predetermined adjustment factor regulation determined in block 120The output of key card 14 emitter 52 is arranged.As it has been described above, processor 51 can send instructionTo emitter 52, and based on this instruction, emitter 52 can regulate output and arrange with reflectionPredetermined adjustment factor.Additionally or alternatively, processor 51 can regulate other messaging parameter.CrossJourney 100 continues in frame 130.
In frame 130, processor 51 indicates key card 14 emitter 52 to transmit message to vehicle12.Emitter 52 arranges lower transmission message at the output arranged in frame 125.Once transmitCompleting, process 100 can terminate.
Fig. 5 be generally in accordance with processor 51 instruction perform for based on from feedback mechanism 62The feedback compensation schematic diagram to the example process 200 of the interference of key card 14.
Process 200 starts from frame 205, and in frame 205, key card 14 detects from interface 20Operator inputs.As about described by process 100, interface 20 can include multiple button.CarThe operator of 12 can press one of button, provides input to controller 50.Processor 51Determine that operator wants to transmit message to vehicle 12 based on input.Process 200 continues in block 210.
In block 210, processor 51 arranges and/or is incremented by the power electricity of key card 14 emitter 52Flat setting.For initial transmission, after the detection of the operator's input in frame 205, processor 51Power level can be set to initial power arrange.Primary power level can be such as from closeThe initial power that the calibration of key card 14 determines is arranged, as mentioned above.For transmission subsequently, powerArrange and can be incrementally increased.Increments can be fixed amount, or determine based on feedback signal valueAmount, as mentioned above.Additionally or alternatively, other messaging parameter can be adjusted by processor 51Joint.Process 200 continues in frame 215.
In frame 215, key card 14 transmits the message to vehicle 12.Processor 51 sends a command toEmitter 52, emitter 52 transmits message under the power setting arranged in block 210.Process 200Frame 220 continues.
In frame 220, processor 51 determines whether the value of feedback signal is less than stored threshold value.The feedback letter of the output power levels of the output signal that instruction is launched by feedback mechanism 62 from emitter 52Number provide to controller.Feedback signal is compared by processor 51 with the threshold value stored.IfProcessor 51 determines that feedback signal is less than stored threshold value, then process 200 continues in block 210And under bigger power setting, initiate another transmission as mentioned above.If processor 51 determines insteadFeedback signal is greater than or equal to predetermined threshold, then process 200 terminates.
Term used herein " exemplary " is the meaning representing example, such as, with reference to " exampleThe little device of property " should be understood that the example only referring to little device.
In the accompanying drawings, the element that identical reference instruction is identical.Further, in these elementsSome or all can change.It is understood, therefore, that description above is intended to illustrativeRather than restrictive.By read description above, it is provided that example beyond many embodimentsWill be apparent from for a person skilled in the art with application.The scope of the present invention should referenceDescription above determines, but should be enjoyed together with such claim with reference to claimsThe four corner of some equivalents determines.Should expect and be contemplated that the development in future will be sent outRaw in field discussed in this article, and disclosed system and method will be incorporated into such futureEmbodiment in.In sum, it should be understood that, the present invention can modify and change and only byClaim below limits.