JP2007325035A - Auto-lock system for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent interference between different systems when electronic equipment onto which an auto-lock system is mounted is located close to each other. <P>SOLUTION: A lock release device 5 intermittently transmits a lock release signal for releasing operation restrictions while including an individual identifier (an ID code) of a portable telephone 3 in the lock release signal. The transmission interval of the lock release signal is changed for every transmission at each time. Consequently, it is possible to prevent each transmission timing from being overlapped with each other even when a large number of the auto-lock systems mixedly exist in the same place. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic lock system for electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a portable electronic terminal, and a notebook computer.

  Some portable electronic devices are equipped with an automatic lock system that automatically disables operations when they are away from a specific user in order to prevent unauthorized operation by a non-specific user. . For example, as a key lock system (automatic lock system) for a mobile phone, a specific user possesses a mobile phone and a lock release device that transmits a weak radio signal carrying the lock release code in advance. Thus, there is one that automatically locks or unlocks the key operation of the mobile phone (see Patent Document 1).

In the above key lock system, if a specific user has a mobile phone and a corresponding unlock device in close proximity to each other, the unlock code stored in the mobile phone and the received unlock code And the key lock of the cellular phone is released. On the other hand, if a specific user forgets only the mobile phone and leaves it, the mobile phone will not receive the radio signal with the unlock code, and the mobile phone will automatically be key-locked. . In this case, even if a person who is not a specific user tries to operate the key of the mobile phone without permission, the operation is not accepted.
Japanese Patent No. 2937820

  However, when a mobile phone adopting the above-described key lock system is widely spread, in a place where a relatively large number of people gather (for example, a stadium, a commercial facility, a business place, etc.), each person owns the same place. A situation occurs in which the mobile phone and the corresponding unlocking device are densely arranged and a plurality of them are close to each other. Under such circumstances, even if each mobile phone has a separate unlock code, frequent interference is caused by receiving multiple radio signals simultaneously from multiple unlock devices in the vicinity. May occur.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a lock system that is less likely to cause the above-described interference problems even when applied to a generally widespread electronic device such as a mobile phone.

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having individual identifiers that enable individuals to be distinguished from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an electronic device. It is an automatic lock system provided with a receiver that can receive an unlock signal. In this automatic lock system, when the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, while the unlock signal is If the included identifier information does not match the individual identifier, or if the unlock signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period, the acceptance of the operation on the electronic device is restricted.

  And in order to solve said subject, in this invention, it has the following characteristics about a lock release apparatus. In other words, the lock release device according to the first invention includes intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting the lock release signal, and transmission interval changing means for changing the transmission interval at which the intermittent transmission means transmits the lock release signal. (Claim 1).

  According to the first invention, even in a situation where many systems are mixed in one place and a plurality of unlocking devices are close to each other, the transmission timings of the unlocking signals by the individual unlocking devices are made different from each other. be able to. For this reason, the individual electronic devices do not receive different lock release signals from the plurality of lock release devices basically at the same time, so that interference of the lock release signals can be prevented.

  Thereby, in each electronic device, it can be reliably determined whether or not the individual identifier included in the received unlock signal and the individual identifier match. For this reason, even in the case where there are a plurality of unlocking devices around the electronic device, if the individual identifier included in the received unlocking signal matches that of its own, the operation can be reliably permitted, If the identifiers do not match, it is possible to reliably continue the operation restriction.

  The second invention has an independent configuration as an automatic lock system. In other words, the lock release device according to the second invention includes an intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting a lock signal at a transmission interval obtained by multiplying a predetermined reference time by a predetermined coefficient, and a reference by the intermittent transmission means. Transmission interval changing means for changing the transmission interval of the lock release signal by the intermittent transmission means by changing the value of the coefficient by which time is multiplied (claim 2).

  According to the second invention, it is possible to prevent interference of the unlock signal as in the first invention, and it is possible to change the transmission interval of the unlock signal by more specific means.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect described above, the transmission interval changing means changes the value of the coefficient by which the reference time is multiplied by the intermittent transmission means each time the lock release signal is transmitted, and the next intermittent transmission means It is also possible to change the transmission interval of the unlock signal (claim 3).

  In this case, since the transmission interval changes every time the unlock signal is transmitted, it is unlikely that the transmission timings of a plurality of different unlock signals coincide by chance in an environment where a plurality of systems coexist. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent interference of the unlock signal and maximize the usefulness of the automatic lock system.

  The fourth invention further has a separate structure. Although the basic configuration of the automatic lock system is the same as that of the first invention, the lock release device according to the fourth invention sets a transmittable time zone at predetermined intervals in advance as a time zone in which the lock release signal can be transmitted. In addition, the transmission time zone is further subdivided into a plurality of unit time zones, and intermittent transmission means for intermittent transmission by transmitting a lock release signal in any one of the unit time zones, and intermittent transmission means Each time a lock release signal is transmitted, a time zone designating unit that designates a unit time zone that is different from the one unit time zone in which the current transmission was made among a plurality of unit time zones, and a unit time zone designation unit Transmission that changes the transmission interval of the unlock signal by setting another designated unit time zone as one new unit time zone in which the intermittent transmission means should transmit the next unlock signal And a septum changing means (claim 4).

  According to the fourth invention, even when a plurality of electronic devices are used in close proximity to each other in an environment where a large number of systems are mixed, the individual unlocking devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of electronic devices are Each time an unlock signal is transmitted, another unit time zone is specified and the next transmission timing is set. Accordingly, each lock release device transmits a lock release signal at a transmission timing based on a unit time zone specified individually.

  Therefore, even when a plurality of unlocking devices are close to each other, the transmission timings of the unlocking signals by the plurality of unlocking devices can be different from each other. The lock release signal is not received at the same time, and the interference is not caused.

  5th invention has the characteristics in the electronic device which comprises an automatic lock system. That is, in the first to fourth inventions, the electronic device according to the fifth invention is a standby time zone setting means for setting a reception standby time zone for every predetermined interval as a time zone for waiting for an unlock signal by the receiver. And a reception state control means for making the lock release signal receivable by the receiver in the reception standby time zone set by the standby time zone setting means and for not receiving the lock release signal in other time zones. (Claim 5).

  According to the fifth invention, in addition to the first to fourth inventions, the reception operation of the lock signal by the electronic device which is a part of the system becomes intermittent and the operation time is limited. Power can be reduced.

  The sixth invention also has a separate structure. Although the basic configuration of the automatic lock system is the same as that of the first invention, the sixth invention is characterized by both the unlocking device and the electronic device. That is, an unlocking device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting an unlock signal, and information on the next transmission timing every time the intermittent transmission means transmits an unlock signal. And a transmission time notification means included in. On the other hand, the electronic device according to the sixth aspect of the invention extracts the next transmission timing from the information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver, and outputs the unlock signal by the receiver next time based on the extracted transmission timing. A reception time zone setting means for setting a reception time zone to be received, and a reception control means for making the receiver receivable during the reception time zone set by the reception time zone setting means. 6).

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the electronic device determines the timing, time zone, time, etc. at which the unlocking device will transmit the unlocking signal based on the information on the transmission timing received from the unlocking device. Can be predicted. For this reason, in the electronic device, it is only necessary to intermittently set the time zone for receiving the lock release signal in accordance with the predictable timing, so there is no need to perform the receiving operation in other time zones. Therefore, the electronic device can further reduce power consumption.

  Further, even if a malicious person tries to release the restriction on the operation of the electronic device by outputting a lock release signal using a so-called learning remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “learning remote controller”), for example, Can be prevented.

  That is, since the unlock signal output from the learning remote controller does not include information related to the transmission timing of the unlock signal, even if the electronic device receives this unlock signal, the transmission timing from the unlock signal is transmitted. Unable to extract information about. Therefore, the electronic device cannot set a time zone for the next reception operation. For this reason, the electronic device cannot release the regulation of the operation by misusing such a learning remote controller, and has a strong countermeasure against fraudulent acts exploiting this.

  In any one of the first to sixth inventions, the electronic device according to the seventh invention pauses reception of the unlock signal by the receiver when the receiver cannot receive the unlock signal for a predetermined period of time. A sleep state transition unit that shifts to the sleep state, a sleep state release unit that cancels the sleep state and allows the receiver to receive the unlock signal after the sleep state transition unit continues the sleep state for a certain period of time. And a sleep state control unit that alternately and repeatedly executes the transition to the sleep state by the sleep state transition unit and the cancellation of the sleep state by the sleep release unit.

  For electronic devices that make up an automatic lock system, for example, if the owner who owns the unlocking device forgets to leave the electronic device and leaves, Continued operation to receive the unlock signal is likely to lead to wasteful power consumption.

  Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the electronic device shifts to the sleep state when such a state continues. For this reason, although the electronic device cannot receive the unlock signal, the electronic device does not continue to operate to receive the unlock signal unnecessarily. For this reason, since the electronic device can suppress useless power consumption, it can suppress power consumption over a long period of time. In particular, when the electronic device has a rechargeable battery, the remaining amount of the battery can be maintained for a long time, so that the electronic device has excellent portability.

  Moreover, even when the electronic device has shifted to the sleep state, the sleep state is canceled and a lock release signal can be received again after a certain period of time. Therefore, the electronic device can wait for reception of the lock release signal while suppressing power consumption.

  According to the automatic lock system for electronic devices of the present invention, even in a situation where a large number of systems coexist and a lock release signal is transmitted from a plurality of lock release devices, the interference occurs in each electronic device. Can be reliably prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments suitable for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The lock system of the present invention can take a preferred embodiment, for example, as a lock system for a mobile phone, which is a generally widely used electronic device. However, the electronic device is not limited to a mobile phone, and may be a portable information terminal, a notebook computer, a portable electronic game machine, or the like.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of an automatic locking system as an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience, the entire automatic locking system is indicated by reference numerals (1, 1a to 1e). The automatic lock system 1 includes a mobile phone 3 and an unlock device 5. The mobile phone 3 is an electronic device that can perform voice calls, information communication, and the like by key operations, for example.

  Each mobile phone 3 is assigned an ID (Identification) code as an individual identifier. The ID code is stored in a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory built in the mobile phone 3. Alternatively, when a central processing unit (CPU) having an individual ID code such as a security chip is used for the mobile phone 3, an individual identifier is assigned to the mobile phone 3 by the ID code.

  In the automatic lock system 1, the lock release device 5 corresponds to the mobile phone 3, and the mobile phone 3 is used as a set with the lock release device 5 corresponding thereto. Specifically, the lock release device 5 has a function of transmitting a lock release signal to the mobile phone 3, and the lock release signal includes the ID code of the corresponding mobile phone 3.

  The mobile phone 3 has a function of automatically locking or unlocking key operations, a so-called automatic lock function. Here, although generally referred to as “key operation”, the operation of the mobile phone 3 is necessary for the user to utilize the functions of the mobile phone 3 such as operation of a rotary wheel and operation of a toggle switch. Various operations are included. The mobile phone 3 has a built-in receiver 7, and a receiving program is executed in the receiver 7.

  When the key lock function is activated, the key operation of the mobile phone 3 is locked (restricted). In this state, key operations are not accepted even when the power of the mobile phone 3 is turned on. Conversely, in a state where the key lock function is not working, the lock of the key operation as described above is released, and the user can perform the key operation as usual.

  The automatic lock system 1 is basically used by a user who is the owner of the mobile phone 3 holding the lock release device 5 as a set and using them in close proximity to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the unlocking device 5 is, for example, a key holder type to improve the convenience of carrying the user. Alternatively, the lock release device 5 may be in the form of a card type or a neck-down type.

  In any case, when the mobile phone 3 receives the unlock signal from the unlock device 5 by the built-in receiver 7, it is determined whether or not the ID code included in the unlock signal matches the ID code stored therein. Determine whether. As a result, when the ID codes match, the mobile phone 3 unlocks the key operation. As described above, when the key operation is unlocked in the cellular phone 3, the user can freely perform the key operation.

  On the other hand, when the mobile phone 3 cannot receive the lock release signal, or has received the lock release signal, but the ID code included in this lock release signal does not match the own ID code, the key lock function causes the key Continue to lock the operation. According to such a key lock function, the mobile phone 3 can prevent a key operation from being performed by a person who is not the original user. As a result, the address book, the mail document, the image, etc. in the memory of the mobile phone 3 are not looked into by another person, and the call is not transmitted by another person.

  Note that when the ID code included in the unlock signal received by the mobile phone 3 does not match the own ID code, the lock release corresponding to another mobile phone (having a different ID code) is located near the mobile phone 3 This is a case where a device exists and an unlock signal is received from the unlock device. In this case, since the ID codes do not match in the mobile phone 3, the key operation lock of the mobile phone 3 is not released by another lock release device.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the automatic lock system 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an example in which the receiver 7 is built in the mobile phone 3 as described above is given as an example. Between the receiver 7 and the mobile phone 3, a notification signal for notifying the lock or release of the key operation and a power control signal related to power control are exchanged. However, the receiver 7 is not only in a form built in the mobile phone 3 but also in a form separate from the mobile phone 3 and connected to the mobile phone 3 via a connector (so-called external form). Also good.

The lock release device 5 includes a CPU 5a, a transmission RF circuit 5b, a ROM 5c, an EEPROM 5d, and a battery 5f, and preferably includes a timer 5e. “CPU” is a central processing unit, and “ROM” is a read-only memory (Read
Only Memory) and “EEPROM” are electrically erasable PROM (Electronic Erasable)
Each abbreviation for Programmable Read Only Memory.

  The EEPROM 5d is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The EEPROM 5d stores information related to the ID code and function of the corresponding mobile phone 3. Here, an ID code is used as the individual identifier, but a so-called MAC address may be used instead of the ID code. The function represents processing content to be executed by the mobile phone 3, and is a code corresponding to an instruction indicating that the key operation should be unlocked or the key operation should be locked, for example.

  The ROM 5c stores a transmission program that controls transmission of the lock release signal. The CPU 5a reads the transmission program stored in the ROM 5c and executes it. Further, when executing the transmission program, the CPU 5a generates a transmission frame including an ID code and a function to be executed from the EEPROM 5d.

  The timer 5e has a function of measuring a transmission interval under the control of the CPU 5a. The timer 5e may be replaced with a timer built in the CPU 5a.

  On the other hand, the receiver 7 incorporated in the mobile phone 3 includes a CPU 7a, a reception RF circuit 7b, a ROM 7c, an EEPROM 7d, and a battery 7f, and preferably includes a timer 7e. The receiver 7 may be incorporated as a substrate module that becomes a part of the mobile phone 3 or may be incorporated as an independent device.

  The EEPROM 7d is a rewritable nonvolatile memory as described above. Here, the ID code (own individual identifier) of the mobile phone 3 is recorded. The EEPROM 7d stores information such as functions and transmission timing in addition to the ID code, which will be described later.

  The ROM 7c stores a reception program. The CPU 7c reads out the reception program stored in the ROM 7c and executes it. The reception RF circuit 7b operates based on the control of the CPU 7a, and demodulates the received lock release signal. As the reception program is executed, the CPU 5a extracts the ID code and function from the demodulated lock release signal and stores them in the EEPROM 7.

  Further, the CPU 5a determines whether or not the extracted ID code matches the ID code unique to the mobile phone 3 along with the execution of the reception program. If not, do not execute processing according to the function. As this function, for example, there is an instruction to unlock the key operation and an instruction to lock the key operation.

  In the mobile phone 3, a control program that exhibits the key lock function (hereinafter referred to as “key lock control program”) is operating. In this key lock control program, when there is a notification (instruction) from the receiver 7 that the lock of the key operation should be released, a process of releasing the lock of the key operation is performed. On the other hand, when there is a notification (instruction) to lock the key operation, a process for locking the key operation is performed.

  FIG. 3 conceptually shows a transmission frame of the lock release signal. As shown in FIG. 3, the lock release signal transmission frame has a frame configuration in which an ID code 9b and a function 9c are sandwiched between a start bit 9a and a stop bit 9d. The transmission RF circuit 5b of the unlocking device 5 has a function of modulating the transmission frame 9 based on the control of the CPU 5a, and wirelessly transmitting the lock release signal composed of the modulated transmission frame 9.

  Next, an operation example of the actual automatic lock system 1 will be described. In this embodiment, for example, in a place where a large number of people gather, such as a stadium, a commercial facility, and a business office, most of these many people have a mobile phone 3 and a lock release device 5 corresponding to each other. Is assumed. In such a situation, if a plurality of unlocking devices 5 transmit the unlocking signal using the same frequency, the mobile phone 3 nearby receives a plurality of unlocking signals almost simultaneously, Interference may occur. Therefore, in the first to third embodiments described below, interference of the unlock signal is effectively avoided by each method.

[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a reference time, which is a basic transmission cycle of the lock release signal by the transmission RF circuit 5b, is set to 5 seconds, for example, and a certain natural number (for example, 1, 2, 3) with respect to this reference time (5 seconds) , 4 or 5) to set the actual transmission interval. The lock release signal is actually transmitted by the transmission RF circuit 5b with the set transmission interval, and the value of the natural number is changed for each transmission.

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the lock release signal transmission state, the reception state, and the lock release operation according to the first embodiment. For example, when the lock release device 5 first transmits a lock release signal from the transmission RF circuit 5b (at the time of activation) (time t1 in the figure), the CPU 5a doubles the reference time (= 5 seconds) and next transmission interval. Set. When the next transmission interval (5 seconds) is measured by the timer 5e, the CPU 5a causes the transmission RF circuit 5b to transmit a lock release signal at that timing. Next, the CPU 5a sets the next transmission interval by doubling the reference time (5 seconds × 2 = 10 seconds), and measures the next transmission interval (10 seconds) by the timer 5e. An unlock signal is transmitted by 5b. Similarly, every time an unlock signal is transmitted, the CPU 5a changes the value of the natural number multiplied by the reference time from 1 to 5 in order, so that the transmission interval of each time is in the range of 15 seconds ± 10 seconds. Can be changed within.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval of 5 seconds in the next time of the first time. In this next time (third time), the lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval of 10 seconds as shown in FIG. 4B. Further, at the next time (fourth time), as shown in FIG. 4C, a lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval of 15 seconds. In the next time (fifth time), as shown as (D) in FIG. 4, the lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval of 20 seconds. Then, at the next time (sixth time), as shown as (E) in FIG. 4, the lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval of 25 seconds. As described above, when the natural number multiplied by the reference interval (5 seconds) reaches 5, the CPU 5a performs a process of returning the natural number to 1 and incrementing the natural number from 1 to 5. Although the natural number values are circulated in the order of 1 to 5 here, when the natural number value reaches 5, it may be returned in the reverse order of 4, 3, 2, and 1 next. .

  In the first embodiment, every time the lock release device 5 transmits the lock release signal once, the transmission interval of the next lock release signal changes in increments of 5 seconds within the range of 15 seconds ± 10 seconds. For this reason, each unlocking device 5 does not always have a constant transmission timing, appears to be random, and can intermittently transmit the unlocking signal.

  On the other hand, the receiver 7 performs an intermittent reception operation for switching between a receivable state (ON) and a non-reception state (OFF) at an interval of 5 seconds, which is a basic unit of the transmission interval, under the control of the CPU 7a. In a state where the unlock signal can be received (ON), the receiver 7 receives the unlock signal by the reception RF circuit 7b. Further, the CPU 7a reads out its own ID code from the EEPROM 7d, and determines whether or not the ID code included in the received unlock signal matches the own ID code.

  As a result of this determination, the CPU 7a releases the lock to the key lock control program of the mobile phone 3 so as to allow the key operation when the ID code included in the unlock signal matches the ID code of its own. Make a notification. On the other hand, when the ID code included in the unlock signal does not match the own ID code, a lock notification is issued to restrict the key operation.

  The mobile phone 3 unlocks the key operation while receiving the unlock notification, and locks the key operation when the lock notification is received. Therefore, the cellular phone 3 cannot perform the key operation unless the lock of the key operation is released by the proximity of the unlocking device 5. Alternatively, if the unlocking device 5 is so far away that the unlocking signal does not reach, the key operation of the mobile phone 3 is locked. For this reason, even if the mobile phone 3 is lost or stolen, personal information may be stolen or misused by a third party as long as the operator keeps even the unlocking device 5. There is nothing.

  In the first embodiment, 25 seconds (= 5 seconds × 5) is set as the maximum interval (Wmax) at which the unlock signal is not transmitted from the unlock device 5. For this reason, even if the receiver 7 cannot receive the unlock signal during one receiving operation (for example, at time t2 in FIG. 4), the receiver 7 continues to wait for the unlock signal without immediately issuing a lock notification. . If the unlock signal cannot be received even after the maximum interval (Wmax) has elapsed, the receiver 7 issues a lock notification. Thereby, the key operation of the mobile phone 3 is locked. In addition, the relationship of such a state is shown with the dashed-two dotted line in FIG. 4 (for example, time t3-time t4).

  According to the first embodiment, even when a plurality of mobile phones 3 and the unlocking device 5 are used in close proximity to each other in a place where a large number of people are crowded, the individual unlocking devices 5 transmit unlocking signals. The lock release signal is transmitted at a transmission interval (15 seconds ± 10 seconds) obtained by multiplying the natural time after changing the reference time while changing the value of the natural number each time.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, even when the plurality of unlocking devices 5 are close to each other, the transmission timings of the unlock signals by the plurality of unlocking devices 5 can be made different from each other. Accordingly, each mobile phone 3 is unlikely to receive different unlock signals simultaneously from the plurality of unlock devices 5, so that interference of the unlock signals can be prevented. In this case, in the mobile phone 3, the CPU 7a of the receiver 7 can reliably determine whether or not the ID code included in the unlock signal matches the own ID code. For this reason, even when there are a plurality of unlocking devices 5 around the cellular phone 3, if the ID code in the received unlocking signal matches the own ID code, the key operation can be reliably permitted. In addition, when the ID codes do not match, it is possible to reliably continue the key operation restriction.

[Sleep state transition control]
Further, the CPU 7a of the receiver 7 performs the intermittent reception operation by the reception RF circuit 7b when the state in which the lock release signal cannot be received by the reception RF circuit 7b continues for a predetermined time (the maximum interval Wmax in the first embodiment). The process of shifting to the sleep state in which the execution of is restricted is performed. When shifting to the sleep state, the receiver 7 basically stops power supply to the reception RF circuit 7b. Then, after continuing this sleep state for a certain period of time (for example, for several minutes to several tens of minutes), the CPU 7a once cancels the sleep state. As a result, power supply to the reception RF circuit 7b is resumed, and an intermittent reception operation that alternately repeats a receivable state and a receivable state at regular intervals (5 seconds in the first embodiment) is performed. The intermittent reception operation after returning from the sleep state continues until, for example, the maximum interval Wmax elapses. If the lock release signal cannot be received during this time, the CPU 7a shifts the reception RF circuit 7b to the sleep state again. In this way, the CPU 7a executes control for alternately repeating the transition to the sleep state and the cancellation of the sleep state.

  With such a sleep function, it is possible to prevent the reception RF circuit 7b from continuing to operate to receive the unlock signal even though the unlock signal cannot be received. Accordingly, the cellular phone 3 can reduce wasteful power consumption by the reception RF circuit 7b, and thus can further reduce power consumption.

  In addition, even when the mobile phone 3 once shifts to the sleep state, the CPU 7a cancels the sleep state after a certain period of time, so that the reception RF circuit 7b can again receive the lock release signal. Therefore, the mobile phone 3 can continue to wait for reception of the unlock signal over a long period of time while suppressing power consumption. For this reason, once the user has left the cellular phone 3 and left it, the user again possesses the unlocking device 5 even if the cellular phone 3 automatically enters the sleep state while being locked. If the mobile phone 3 returns, the lock release signal is received when the mobile phone 3 returns from the sleep state, and the lock state of the mobile phone 3 is released. Thereby, the convenience of a user's use can be improved, utilizing the automatic lock function of the mobile telephone 3. FIG. Such transition control to the sleep state can also be applied to the second and third embodiments described below.

[Details of intermittent reception operation]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of the intermittent reception operation that the receiver 7 performs intermittently. The intermittent reception operation shown in the figure is an example of processing executed by the CPU 7a of the receiver 7 at regular intervals.

  When the receiver 7 is activated, the CPU 7a first checks whether or not its own ID code is set and registered in the EEPROM 7d (step S1). The CPU 7a terminates the execution of the intermittent reception operation when its own ID code is not set and registered. On the other hand, when its own ID code is set and registered, the key lock function setting is valid (ON). It is checked whether or not (step S2). Usually, since the ID code is set after shipment (step S1 = Y), the CPU 7a proceeds to step S2.

  Next, when the setting of the key lock function is invalid (step S2 = N), the CPU 7a ends the intermittent reception operation. On the other hand, when the setting of the key lock function is valid (step S2 = Y), reception by the reception RF circuit 7b is attempted, and the lock release signal is output by the reception RF circuit 7b during the reception possible time zone (within the release time). It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S3).

  Here, when the CPU 7a has not received the lock release signal (step S3 = N), the number of times the lock release signal cannot be received (those counted continuously) is within a predetermined number (5 times in the first embodiment). It is determined whether or not (step S4). If the number of times the lock release signal is not received exceeds the predetermined number (step S4 = N), the CPU 7a determines that the possibility of receiving the lock release signal is low, and proceeds to step S7 to perform the process of shifting to the locked state. move on. In step S7, the CPU 7a controls the reception RF circuit 7b every predetermined time (every 5 seconds in the first embodiment) and waits for reception of the unlock signal.

  On the other hand, if the number of times the lock release signal cannot be received is within the predetermined number of times (step S4 = Y), it is determined that there is a possibility that the lock release signal can still be received, and the process of shifting to the locked state is not performed. Continue intermittent reception. The CPU 7a initializes the number of times the lock release signal cannot be received every time the lock release signal is received once.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 7a has received the lock release signal (step S3 = Y), the CPU 7a executes ID code verification processing. In this verification process, the CPU 7a extracts the ID code included in the lock release signal, and determines whether or not the extracted ID code matches its own ID code (step S5).

  When both ID codes match each other (step S5 = Y), the CPU 7a shifts to a state where the key operation is unlocked (unlocked state) and performs a basic reception operation in the unlocked state (first implementation). (In the form, every 5 seconds) is executed (step S6). As a result, the receiver 7 continues the above intermittent reception operation.

  On the other hand, when the two ID codes do not match each other (step S5 = N), the CPU 7a performs a process of shifting to the locked state and executes a basic reception operation in the locked state (step S7).

  By repeating the above procedure, the receiver 7 repeatedly performs the intermittent reception operation of waiting for reception at regular intervals, and enters the lock state when the lock release signal cannot be received or the ID code does not match. Migration processing is performed.

  Thereby, for example, when the mobile phone 3 can receive the unlock signal from the unlock device 5 in the receivable time zone set every 5 seconds, the mobile phone 3 executes the ID code authentication process and locks the key operation. To control. In this case, since the operation of the reception RF circuit 7b becomes intermittent and the operation time is limited, the mobile phone 3 incorporating the receiver 7 keeps the reception RF circuit 7b in a state in which reception is possible. Since it is not necessary, power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The automatic lock system 1b as the second embodiment shares the basic configuration and operation with the automatic lock system 1 of the first embodiment. For this reason, the description of the same configuration and operation is omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. In the second embodiment, when the same matters as those in the first embodiment are explained, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  In the automatic lock system 1b as the second embodiment, further improvements are made to the transmission timing of the unlock signal transmitted by the unlock device 5. Specifically, the CPU 5a of the unlocking device 5 sets a transmission available time zone that arrives at regular intervals, and further sets this transmission available time zone to a plurality of unit time zones (also referred to as “slots”). The lock release signal is transmitted using one of the unit time zones. At this time, the CPU 5a designates any one unit time zone each time the lock release signal is output from the transmission RF circuit 5b.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the lock release signal transmission state, the reception state, and the lock release operation according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a transmittable time zone (for example, a time zone from time t1 to time t2) that arrives at regular intervals (here, 30 seconds) is set, and the lock release signal is transmitted in this transmittable time zone. Sent in. The transmittable time zone is further subdivided into six slots, and the lock release signal is actually transmitted only in the time zone corresponding to one of these slots.

[Operation example]
For example, if the CPU 5a selects the first slot (slot A) in the transmittable time zone at a certain transmission timing, the lock release signal is a unit time corresponding to the slot A from the beginning of the transmittable time zone (time t1). Sent between bands. No lock release signal is transmitted within the remaining time. The time included in one slot is, for example, 50 milliseconds, and one transmittable time zone (symbol S) including six slots is, for example, 300 milliseconds.

  The CPU 5a can randomly select any one of these six slots (A to F). The probability of selection may be equal (1/6 each). In the illustrated example, the slots selected by the CPU 5a are indicated by solid lines, and the slots not selected are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

  Specifically, for example, when the first slot A is selected, the CPU 5a sets the transmission timing from the beginning of the transmittable time zone (time t1). Then, when the second slot B is selected, the transmission timing is set not from the beginning of the transmittable time zone but from the second unit time zone. Similarly, when the CPU 5a selects the third slot C, the transmission timing is set from the third unit time zone, and when the fourth slot D is selected, the transmission starts from the fourth unit time zone. Set the timing. Obviously, when the CPU 5a selects the fifth and sixth slots E and F, the transmission timing is set from the fifth and sixth unit time zones, respectively.

  On the other hand, the receiver 7 waits in a state in which the lock release signal can be received from the beginning to the end of the transmittable time zone (from time t1 to time t2 in the figure). This considers that the lock release signal is transmitted in any one unit time period of the transmittable time period. Therefore, when the receiver 7 receives the unlock signal during this receivable time zone and the ID code matches the ID code of the mobile phone 3, the unlock state is maintained.

  On the other hand, when the lock release signal cannot be received within the receivable time zone, the mobile phone 3 shifts to the locked state. FIG. 6 shows a case where such a transition to the locked state is performed by a two-dot chain line (time t3). In the case where the control example of the intermittent reception operation of FIG. 5 is applied to the second embodiment. The predetermined number of times in step S4 can be, for example, about 0 to 2 times.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which slots A to F are selected in order, but in the second embodiment, the CPU 5a randomly designates slots A to F and sets the transmission timing for each transmission. May be. Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the CPU 5a may select the slots so that the actual designated slots in the adjacent transmittable time zones are different from each other. For example, when slot A is selected, another slot C is selected next, and slot F is selected next. Thereby, for example, even when a malicious third party knows the timing of a specific slot, the timing of the slot in the next transmittable time zone cannot be easily grasped.

  According to the second embodiment, even when a plurality of mobile phones 3 are used in close proximity to each other in an area where a large number of people are crowded, each time the individual unlock device 5 transmits the unlock signal, Another slot is designated as the transmission timing of the lock release signal. As a result, the timing at which the unlock signal is actually transmitted from each unlock device 5 is irregularly distributed with little synchronization.

  For this reason, even when the plurality of unlocking devices 5 are close to each other, the transmission timings of the unlock signals by the transmission RF circuits 5b of the individual unlocking devices 5 are different from each other. Accordingly, each mobile phone 3 basically does not receive different unlock signals from the plurality of unlock devices 5 at the same time, and can reduce interference of the unlock signals.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The automatic lock system 1d as the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration and operation as the automatic lock system 1 as the first embodiment. For this reason, description of common matters is omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. Note that in the third embodiment, when the same matters as in the first embodiment are explained, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, when the CPU 5a of the lock release device 5 sets a time zone in which the lock release signal can be transmitted, information related to the time zone in which the lock can be transmitted is included in the lock release signal and transmitted. It has become a thing.

  FIG. 7 is a frame configuration diagram showing an example of the transmission frame 19 of the lock release signal. The transmission frame 19 is basically the same as the transmission frame 9 shown in FIG. 3 except that the transmission frame 19 includes the next transmission timing 9e. The next transmission timing 9e is information indicating the transmission timing at which the lock release signal should be transmitted next.

  By generating the lock release signal having such a frame configuration by the lock release device 5, in the third embodiment, the next transmission timing 9 e (information on a transmittable time zone) from the lock release signal received by the receiver 7. Is extracted, and a time zone in which the lock release signal can be received is set according to the time zone in which transmission is possible based on the next transmission timing 9e.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the lock release signal transmission state, the reception state, and the lock release operation according to the third embodiment. For example, when the lock release device 5 transmits a lock release signal from the transmission RF circuit 5b at a certain time (time t1 in the figure), the lock release signal includes information on the next transmission timing as described above. Yes. This information includes, for example, an elapsed time until the next transmission timing or a code representing an interval from the current transmission timing to the next transmission timing.

  When the receiver 7 receives the lock release signal, the receiver 7 changes from a state where transmission is possible (ON) to a state where transmission is impossible (OFF). Then, the receiver 7 extracts information related to the transmission timing from the received unlocking signal, and performs the next reception operation in accordance with the extracted transmission timing (time t2). One unlocking device 5 transmits the next unlocking signal according to the transmission timing included in the previous unlocking signal (same time t2). Thereby, the transmission operation by the lock release device 5 and the reception operation by the receiver 7 are synchronized with each other at the transmission interval.

  In the case of the third embodiment, the transmission timing interval set by the lock release device 5 is different every time. For this reason, for example, the transmission interval from the first transmission timing (time t1) to the next (second) transmission timing (time t2) and the second transmission timing to the next (third) transmission timing (time) The transmission interval until t3) is different. Similarly, every time the unlocking device 5 transmits the unlocking signal, information (time t4, t5, t6, etc.) regarding the transmission timing set as the next transmission timing is transmitted, and the transmission timing extracted from this is transmitted. Based on this, the receiver 7 can switch the reception state (ON or OFF) in accordance with the next transmission timing.

  Accordingly, the receiver 7 can completely match the reception timing with the timing when the lock release device 5 transmits the lock release signal. Therefore, the receiver 7 can regulate the operation of the reception RF circuit 7b while repeating the intermittent reception operation at random intervals and shifting to the state where the lock release signal is not received.

  According to the third embodiment, since the receiver 7 can accurately grasp the reception timing at which the lock release signal is to be received next until that time, the reception RF circuit 7b can be received only when the next reception timing arrives. It can be activated to the state. Therefore, the cellular phone device 3 does not need to operate the reception RF circuit 7b at any timing other than the next reception timing, and thus can reduce power consumption accordingly.

  In the third embodiment, since the next transmission timing is clearly grasped in the receiver 7, for example, the receiver 7 cannot receive the lock release signal even though the receiver 7 has performed the reception operation. In such a case, it is possible to execute a process of shifting to the locked state with the one non-reception (step S4 = N in FIG. 5). In FIG. 8, a change when the process of shifting to such a locked state is performed is indicated by a two-dot chain line. When the control example of the intermittent reception operation of FIG. 5 is applied to the third embodiment, the predetermined number of times in step S4 can be, for example, zero, but is not limited thereto.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, even when a third party measures the transmission interval of a certain two lock release signals, the transmission interval is changed randomly. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent fraudulent acts that misuse so-called learning remote controllers.

  In addition, since the false unlock signal output from the learning remote controller does not include information related to the transmission timing of the unlock signal, the mobile phone 3 may receive this false lock signal even if it receives this false unlock signal. Information on transmission timing cannot be extracted from the release signal. Therefore, the mobile phone 3 cannot set the reception timing for receiving the lock release signal next. For this reason, the mobile phone 3 cannot abuse the learning remote controller and release the restriction of the operation, and can reliably prevent fraudulent acts that misuse it.

The method according to the third embodiment described above can also be applied to the first and second embodiments.
For example, when applied to the first embodiment, the CPU 5a of the lock release device 5 transmits the lock release signal including information on a natural number value used for setting the next transmission interval. In the receiver 7 that has received this, the CPU 7a can calculate the next transmission timing from the value of the natural number, and can perform a reception operation in accordance with the timing. In this case, the receiver 7 of the mobile phone 3 does not need to perform an unnecessary reception operation at a timing when the lock release signal is not transmitted, and further promotes power saving.

  Further, when applied to the second embodiment, the CPU 5a of the lock release device 5 transmits the lock release signal including information on the unit time zone (slots A to F) used for the next transmission. In the receiver 7 that has received this, the CPU 7a can perform a receiving operation in accordance with the next unit time zone. Similarly, in this case, the receiver 7 of the mobile phone 3 does not need to perform a receiving operation in a unit time zone in which no unlock signal is transmitted, and further promotes power saving.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, a part of each configuration of the above embodiment can be omitted, or can be arbitrarily combined so as to be different from the above.

In the first embodiment, the values of natural numbers (for example, 1 to 5) are sequentially changed, but these may be changed irregularly. Further, the value of the natural number is not necessarily changed every time, and may be changed every certain number of times or irregularly.
In particular, the coefficient by which the reference interval is multiplied in the first embodiment may not be a natural number, and may be a rational number other than a natural number as long as it is a practically meaningful number (for example, a positive real number).

  In the above embodiment, the mobile phone 3 is cited as an example of the electronic device. However, the present invention has a property that the operation is preferably locked when the user or the owner leaves the hand. You may employ | adopt the other electronic device which has. Examples of other electronic devices include a portable information terminal, a portable game machine, and a notebook computer.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of the automatic lock system as 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of an automatic lock system. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission frame of a lock release signal. It is the timing chart which showed the relevance of the transmission state of the unlock signal regarding 1st Embodiment, its receiving state, and lock release operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the control example of the intermittent reception operation | movement which a receiver performs intermittently. It is the timing chart which showed the relevance of the transmission state of the lock release signal regarding the 2nd Embodiment, its receiving state, and lock release operation | movement. It is a frame block diagram which shows an example of the transmission frame of the lock release signal which a transmission RF circuit transmits. It is the timing chart which showed the relevance of the transmission state of the unlocking signal regarding the third embodiment, its receiving state, and the unlocking operation.

Explanation of symbols

1 Automatic lock system 3 Mobile phone 5 Unlocking device 5a CPU
5b Transmission RF circuit 7a CPU
7b Reception RF circuit

Claims (7)

An electronic device having an individual identifier that makes it possible to identify individuals from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an accessory to the electronic device And a receiver capable of receiving the unlocking signal,
When the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, but is included in the unlock signal. In the electronic device automatic lock system in which the reception of the operation to the electronic device is restricted when the identifier information does not match the individual identifier or the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period of time,
The unlocking device is:
Intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting the unlocking signal;
An electronic device automatic lock system comprising: a transmission interval changing means for changing the transmission interval at which the intermittent transmission means transmits the lock release signal. An electronic device having an individual identifier that makes it possible to identify individuals from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an accessory to the electronic device And a receiver capable of receiving the unlocking signal,
When the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, but is included in the unlock signal. In the electronic device automatic lock system in which the reception of the operation to the electronic device is restricted when the identifier information does not match the individual identifier or the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period of time,
The unlocking device is:
Intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting the lock signal at a transmission interval obtained by multiplying a predetermined reference time by a predetermined coefficient;
An electronic apparatus automatic device comprising: a transmission interval changing unit that changes a transmission interval of the lock release signal by the intermittent transmission unit by changing a value of a coefficient by which the reference time is multiplied by the intermittent transmission unit. Lock system. In the automatic lock system of the electronic device according to claim 2,
The transmission interval changing means changes the value of the coefficient by which the reference time is multiplied by the intermittent transmission means every time the lock release signal is transmitted, and changes the transmission interval of the unlock signal by the next intermittent transmission means. An automatic lock system for electronic equipment. An electronic device having an individual identifier that makes it possible to identify individuals from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an accessory to the electronic device And a receiver capable of receiving the unlocking signal,
When the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, but is included in the unlock signal. In the electronic device automatic lock system in which the reception of the operation to the electronic device is restricted when the identifier information does not match the individual identifier or the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period of time,
The unlocking device is:
As a time zone in which the unlock signal can be transmitted, a transmittable time zone is set in advance at predetermined intervals, and this transmittable time zone is further subdivided into a plurality of unit time zones, and any one of these unit time zones Intermittent transmission means for performing intermittent transmission by transmitting the lock release signal at
Each time the intermittent transmission means transmits the unlock signal, a time zone designating means for designating a unit time zone different from the one unit time zone in which the current transmission was made among the plurality of unit time zones;
Transmission of the unlock signal by setting another unit time zone designated by the unit time zone designating means as a new unit time zone in which the intermittent transmission means should transmit the next unlocking signal. An electronic device automatic lock system comprising: a transmission interval changing means for changing the interval. In the automatic locking system of the electronic device in any one of Claim 1 to 4,
The electronic device is
A standby time zone setting means for setting a reception standby time zone for each predetermined interval as a time zone for waiting for the unlocking signal by the receiver;
A reception state control means for setting the receiver to be able to receive the unlock signal in the reception standby time zone set by the standby time zone setting means, and not receiving the lock release signal in other time zones; An automatic lock system for electronic equipment, comprising: An electronic device having an individual identifier that makes it possible to identify individuals from each other, an unlocking device that transmits an unlock signal including identifier information corresponding to the individual identifier to the electronic device, and an accessory to the electronic device And a receiver capable of receiving the unlocking signal,
When the identifier information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver of the electronic device matches the individual identifier, the electronic device is allowed to accept an operation, but is included in the unlock signal. In the electronic device automatic lock system in which the reception of the operation to the electronic device is restricted when the identifier information does not match the individual identifier or the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver within a predetermined period of time,
The unlocking device is:
Intermittent transmission means for intermittently transmitting the unlocking signal;
Each time the intermittent transmission means transmits the unlock signal, the transmission time notification means includes information on the next transmission timing in the unlock signal.
The electronic device is
A next transmission timing is extracted from information included in the unlock signal received by the receiver, and a reception time zone in which the unlock signal is to be received next time by the receiver based on the extracted transmission timing. A reception time zone setting means to be set;
An electronic device automatic lock system comprising: a reception control unit configured to enable reception of the receiver during a reception time period set by the reception time period setting unit. In the automatic lock system of the electronic device in any one of Claim 1 to 6,
The electronic device is
A sleep state transition means for transitioning to a sleep state in which reception of the unlock signal by the receiver is suspended when a state in which the lock release signal cannot be received by the receiver continues for a predetermined period;
After the sleep state is continued for a certain time by the sleep state transition means, the sleep state is released from the sleep state, and the receiver can receive the unlock signal by the receiver.
An electronic device automatic lock system comprising: sleep state control means for alternately and repeatedly executing transition to the sleep state by the sleep state transition means and cancellation of the sleep state by the sleep release means.

Images