KR20120102414A - Vehicle smart key system and processing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A smart key system for a vehicle and an operating method thereof are provided to prevent the unnecessary repetition of locking and unlocking of a vehicle door-lock by controlling the operation of a smart key certification function. CONSTITUTION: A smart key system for a vehicle(200) includes a vehicle identification data transmitting unit(201), a key identification information receiving unit(202), an RFID(Radio Frequency ID) reader(203), and a central control unit(208). The key identification data receiving unit receives key identification data from a smart key. The RFID reader receives tag identification data from an RFID tag. The central control unit performs a smart key certification function based on the key identification data transmitted from the key identification data receiving unit. If the tag identification data is certificated, the central control unit operates or stops the smart key certification function. [Reference numerals] (200) Smart key system; (201) Vehicle identification data transmitting unit; (202) Key identification information receiving unit; (203) RFID reader; (204) Vehicle door locking device control unit; (205) Vehicle door sensing unit; (206) Engine ignition control unit; (207) Password input unit; (208) Central control unit; (210) Smart key; (230) RFID tag; (240) Vehicle door locking device; (250) Vehicle door sensing device; (260) Engine ignition control unit

Description

Vehicle smart key system and its operation method {Vehicle smart key system and processing method

The present invention relates to a smart key system for a vehicle and an operation method thereof, and more particularly, to a smart key system for a vehicle that can control the operation of the smart key authentication function using an RFID tag and a method of operating the same.

The automobile, which is a necessity of modern man, has been controlled by mechanical method in the past and used a key key as a method of obtaining a representative vehicle control right. For example, the car door lock was unlocked and locked with the key, and the engine was started using the key.

However, with the development of electronic control technology and wireless communication technology, it is possible to remotely control electronic devices in a vehicle remotely. Accordingly, the door lock device can be remotely unlocked using radio frequency (RF). Apparatuses such as a vehicle wireless control remote control for controlling a ruler and enabling a vehicle to start are developed and widely used.

In recent years, through the advancement of RF technology, a keyless entry for automatically unlocking a car door lock device when a user is close to a vehicle by holding a wireless electronic key (smart key) without a separate operation of a remote control or a car key is performed. Smart Key System with Keyless Go function that gives the user the right to start the vehicle when possessing the function and the electronic key has been developed to improve the security of the vehicle and the user's convenience. .

Referring to FIG. 1, the smart key system 100 uses a wake frequency (LF) antenna installed inside a vehicle to wake up a certain distance to track the proximity of the smart key 110. When the smart key 110 receives the wake up signal and transmits unique identification information through RF (Radio Frequency) data communication, the smart key system 100 receives the registered information. By comparing with, it is determined that the user is a legitimate user.

Specifically, the vehicle smart key system 100 according to the prior art after receiving the unique identification information (hereinafter referred to as 'key identification information') of the smart key 110 and compared with the key identification information registered therein If it matches, the smart key is authenticated or not, the door lock is unlocked, and the engine can be started. After that, the timer operates for a predetermined time in the authentication state, and each time the timer operation is completed, the smart key is checked again. If the smart key is not found, the smart key is regarded as a departure and the smart key is authenticated. Change whether to unauthorized status. Then, the door lock is controlled to be determined, and a series of operations are performed so that the engine cannot be started.

However, in the smart key system operating as described above, when the user is holding the smart key and is standing at the boundary of the area where the smart key is determined to be adjacent, or when the user repeatedly approaches and leaves the vehicle to wash the car. The determination of the proximity (authentication state) and departure (non-authentication state) of the smart key is repeated alternately. Accordingly, the smart key authentication of the vehicle is repeated as well as the unlocking and ruling of the vehicle door lock. There was a problem that caused discomfort.

In addition, when the user loses the smart key or the smart key is broken or the battery is unable to operate, it becomes difficult to ride in the vehicle, and even if the vehicle is opened with a mechanical key, the vehicle cannot be started. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the object of the present invention relates to a smart key system for a vehicle that can control the operation of the smart key authentication function using the RFID tag and its operation method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart key system for a vehicle that can start a vehicle using an RFID tag and a password even without a smart key, and a method of operating the same.

For the above purpose, a smart key system for a vehicle of one embodiment of the present invention includes a key identification information receiving unit for receiving key identification information from a smart key; An RFID reader for receiving tag identification information from an RFID tag; And a central control unit performing a smart key authentication function based on the key identification information transmitted from the key identification information receiving unit, wherein the central control unit performs authentication by receiving tag identification information from the RFID reader, and performs the tag identification. When the authentication of the information is successful, the smart key authentication function is characterized in that the operation or stop.

The method for operating a vehicle smart key system of one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: performing a smart key authentication function based on key identification information unique to the smart key transmitted from the smart key; Receiving the tag identification information unique to the RFID tag transmitted from the RFID tag to perform authentication of the tag identification information: and if the authentication of the tag identification information is successful, the step of operating or stopping the smart key authentication function; It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, by controlling the operation of the smart key authentication function using the RFID tag has the effect of preventing the repetition of the unlocking of the vehicle door lock that is unnecessary operation and ruling.

In addition, according to the present invention, by enabling the vehicle to be started using the RFID tag and the password has an effect that can operate the vehicle even when the smart key is missing or inoperable.

1 is a diagram illustrating the application of a smart key system according to the prior art to a vehicle.
2 is a block diagram of a smart key system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating the application of a smart key system according to the present invention to a vehicle.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an operation method associated with a smart key authentication function.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an operation method associated with a timer function.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an operation method related to RFID tag authentication.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the following description, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention unnecessarily obscure.

2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smart key system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, the vehicle smart key system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle identification information transmitting unit 201, key identification information receiving unit 202, RFID reader 203, car door lock device control unit ( 204, car door open / close detection unit 205, engine start control unit 206, password input unit 207, central control unit 208, and the like.

In detail, first, the vehicle identification information transmitter 201 transmits a radio signal (vehicle identification signal) including vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle. In this case, in order to have a constant reaching distance around the vehicle, it is preferable to use a low frequency (LF) such as a long wave or an ultra long wave, and a method of transmitting a radio signal is based on a magnetic field-based interaction method. It is preferable to use a signal transmission method.

On the other hand, the smart key 210 receives a wireless signal (vehicle identification signal) transmitted by the vehicle identification information transmitter 201 when located within the reach of the vehicle identification signal, and receives the vehicle identification information included in the wireless signal. The extracted information is compared with vehicle identification information stored in the smart key 210. And, if the received vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information stored in the smart key 210, the smart key 210 is a wireless signal containing the key identification information unique to the pre-stored smart key (key identification Signal). That is, the smart key 210 is in a waiting state for receiving in normal times, and when receiving a vehicle identification signal transmitted to a vehicle adjacent distance, extracts the vehicle identification information from the corresponding signal, compares it with the previously stored vehicle identification information, and if it matches In this case, a wireless signal (key identification signal) including key identification information is transmitted to the vehicle.

The key identification information receiver 202 receives a radio signal (key identification signal) transmitted by the smart key 210, extracts key identification information, and transmits the key identification information to the central controller 208. Then, the central control unit 208 compares the key identification information transmitted from the key identification information receiving unit 202 with the key identification information previously stored in the internal memory, etc., and authenticates whether the corresponding key is a legitimate key having the authority to use the vehicle. Perform key authentication.

The RFID reader 203 is located in a dashboard of a vehicle and transmits radio waves to enable the RFID tag 230 to be activated. When the RFID reader 203 receives a signal containing tag identification information from the RFID tag 230, the RFID reader 203 may be centralized. Transfer to the control unit 208.

Here, the RFID tag 230 is a device for transmitting the tag identification information by performing RFID communication with the RFID reader 203, using a wireless electromagnetic wave supplied from the RFID reader 203 when placed near the RFID reader 203. It charges the internal operating power and transmits the tag identification information when it is sufficiently charged. For reference, in the present invention, the RFID tag 230 preferably uses a passive RFID tag in the form of a card that a user (driver) can carry, and sets the communication distance between the RFID tag and the RFID reader to be 20 cm or less. desirable.

The car door locking device controller 204 transmits a control signal to the car door locking device 240 to control the car door locking device to be locked or unlocked. For example, when the central control unit 208 performs the smart key authentication function and determines that the key is a legitimate key (that is, the authentication state), the central control unit 208 requests the unlocking of the car door lock control unit 204, and the car door lock control unit ( 204 sends a control signal to the car door lock 240 to unlock the car door lock.

The car door open / close detection unit 205 receives the car door open / close information from the car door open / close detection device 250 and transmits it to the central control unit 208. At this time, the central control unit 208 is regarded as the boarding of the user when the car door is opened in the smart key authentication state (that is, the registered user opens the car door).

The engine starting control unit 206 transmits a control signal to the engine starting device 260 to control the engine starting device to start the engine. For reference, the engine starting device 260 is a device to apply a current to the start motor to cause the start motor to rotate the engine to start.

The password input unit 207 is used to determine whether the user is a legitimate user by inputting a password when there is no smart key, which is to receive a password through a button (for example, a number button for radio tuning) provided in the existing car audio. In this case, the input password is transmitted to the central control unit 208.

Finally, the central control unit 208 performs a smart key function by controlling each component of the smart key system 200 as a whole. For example, the central control unit 208 performs a smart key authentication function based on the key identification information transmitted from the key identification information receiving unit 202, and the car door lock device if the user is authenticated as a legitimate user (ie, in an authentication state). The controller 204 requests unlocking so that the vehicle door lock 240 of the vehicle is released. The central control unit 208 receives the car door opening / closing information from the car door opening / closing detection unit 205 and requests the engine starting control unit 206 to start the engine when the engine start button is pressed while the car door is closed after the user boards. .

In addition, the central control unit 208 operates the timer for a predetermined time in the authenticated state, and checks whether the smart key is adjacent each time the timer operation is completed, and if the smart key is not found, the smart key is regarded as having escaped. Change the authentication status of the smart key to unauthorized status. The central control unit 208 requests the car door lock device control unit 204 to rule the car door lock device 240, and controls the engine start control unit 206 to prevent the engine from starting.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, upon receiving the tag identification information from the RFID reader 203, the central controller 208 operates or stops the aforementioned smart key authentication function. That is, when the RFID reader 203 recognizes the RFID tag 230 and transmits the tag identification information while the smart key authentication function is in operation, the central control unit 208 stops the smart key authentication function and controls the door lock device controller ( 204 is controlled to stop the operation (unlocking and locking) of the car door locking device 240. On the contrary, when the RFID reader 203 recognizes the RFID tag 230 and transmits the tag identification information while the smart key authentication function is stopped, the central control unit 208 operates the smart key authentication function again.

Hereinafter, a method of operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an operation method related to a smart key authentication function.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step S410, the smart key system transmits a vehicle identification signal including vehicle identification information through the vehicle identification information transmitter. In this case, if the smart key is located within the reach of the vehicle identification signal, the smart key receives the vehicle identification signal, extracts the vehicle identification information, compares it with the vehicle identification information stored in the smart key and matches the smart key. The key identification signal including the unique key identification information is transmitted.

In step S420, the smart key system checks whether the key identification information sent from the smart key has been received. Authenticate the legitimate key If the reception and / or authentication of the key identification information fails, the process returns to step S410 to transmit the vehicle identification information.

On the other hand, if the reception and authentication of the key identification information is successful, in step S430, the smart key system releases the car door lock device through the car door lock control unit.

In operation S440, the smart key system operates a timer for a predetermined time for periodic authentication.

In this regard, FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an operation method associated with a timer function.

First, in step S510, a timer set to a predetermined time (i.e., authentication validity period) is operated.

In operation S520, the smart key system checks whether the authentication validity period has expired. If the authentication validity period has not expired, the smart key system proceeds to step S510 to continue operation of the timer.

On the other hand, if the authentication validity period has expired, in step S530, the smart key system transmits a vehicle identification signal containing the vehicle identification information through the vehicle identification information transmitter.

Then, in step S540, the smart key system checks whether the key identification information sent from the smart key has been received, and if the key identification information has been received, authenticates whether the corresponding key is a legitimate key having the authority to use the vehicle. For reference, steps S530 and S540 are the same processes as steps S410 and S420 of FIG. 4 described above.

If the reception and / or authentication of the key identification information fails in step S540, the flow advances to step S550, where the timer is operated again to update the authentication validity period. In step S510, the above-described steps are repeated.

However, if the reception and authentication of the key identification information is successful in step S540, the flow proceeds to step S560, the smart key system locks the car door lock device through the car door lock control unit.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a smart key system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an operation method related to RFID tag authentication.

First, in step S610, the smart key system transmits wireless electromagnetic waves through the RFID reader. In this case, if the user places the RFID tag close to the RFID reader, the RFID tag charges the internal operating power by using the wireless electromagnetic wave supplied from the RFID reader, and transmits the tag identification information when the RFID tag is sufficiently charged.

In step S620, the smart key system checks whether the tag identification information has been received from the RFID tag, and if the tag identification information is received, the smart key system compares the tag identification information stored in the internal memory to the legitimate authority of the corresponding RFID tag. Authenticate if it is a user tag. If reception and / or authentication of the tag identification information fails, the process returns to step S610.

On the other hand, if the reception and authentication of the tag identification information is successful, in step S630, the smart key system checks whether the smart key authentication function is currently operating.

If the smart key authentication function is currently in operation, the flow proceeds to step S640 to stop the smart key authentication function. For example, the smart key system stops the transmission of the vehicle identification signal and stops the operation of the timer.

However, if the smart key authentication function is currently stopped, the flow advances to step S650 to reactivate the smart key authentication function. For example, the smart key system sends a vehicle identification signal and resumes timer operation.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that the embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. .

Claims (16)

In the vehicle smart key system,
A key identification information receiver configured to receive key identification information unique to the smart key from the smart key;
An RFID reader for receiving tag identification information unique to the RFID tag from the RFID tag; And
A central control unit for performing a smart key authentication function based on the key identification information transmitted from the key identification information receiving unit,
The central control unit receives the tag identification information from the RFID reader, performs authentication of tag identification information, and when the authentication of the tag identification information is successful, operates or stops the smart key authentication function. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a vehicle identification information transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal including the vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle,
The smart key receives the vehicle identification information to authenticate the vehicle identification information and transmits the key identification information when the authentication of the vehicle identification information is successful. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a password input unit for receiving a password from the user,
The central controller is configured to request the engine to start when a predetermined password is input while the smart key authentication function is stopped. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The central controller checks the expiration of the authentication validity period through a timer if the authentication of the smart key is successful, and re-executes the smart key authentication function when the authentication validity period has expired. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a car door lock control unit for controlling the car door lock,
The central control unit, if the authentication of the smart key is successful, characterized in that to request the release of the car door lock to the car door lock control unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising an engine starting control unit for controlling the engine starting device,
And the central controller requests an engine to start the engine when the engine start button is pressed while the smart key is successfully authenticated. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
And the function of the key identification information receiver is stopped when the smart key authentication function is stopped. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
And a function of the key identification information receiver when the smart key authentication function is operated. In the operation method of the vehicle smart key system,
Performing a smart key authentication function based on key identification information unique to the smart key transmitted from the smart key;
Receiving tag identification information unique to the RFID tag transmitted from the RFID tag and authenticating the tag identification information; And
And if the authentication of the tag identification information is successful, operating or stopping the smart key authentication function. The method of claim 9, wherein before performing the smart key authentication function,
Transmitting a wireless signal including vehicle-specific vehicle identification information,
The smart key receives the vehicle identification information to authenticate the vehicle identification information, and if the authentication of the vehicle identification information is successful, transmitting the key identification information. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
And requesting engine start when a preset password is input while the smart key authentication function is stopped. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
Checking the expiration of the authentication validity period through a timer if the authentication of the smart key is successful, and re-executing the smart key authentication function when the authentication validity period has expired. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
And requesting release of the car door lock when the smart key is successfully authenticated. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
Requesting to start the engine when the engine start button is pressed while the smart key is successfully authenticated. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
And requesting release of the car door lock when the smart key authentication function is activated. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
When the smart key authentication function is stopped, characterized in that it further comprises the step of requesting the rule of the car door lock.

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