DE4141504A1 - Remote control for vehicle on-board equipment - has receiver and multiplex data bus between CPU and control modules - Google Patents

Abstract

Different operations of the on-board equipment are controlled by a CPU (12) and a data-bus (21) which takes multiplex control signals and passes them to local control modules. These operate the groups of equipment drives. The coded signals between the CPU and the control modules refer to particular operations. The remote control is via a hand held control unit (65). The remote unit can only be used if the vehicle ignition is switched off. It enables the driver to prepare the vehicle before reaching it, e.g. to open the door locks, set the seats, mirrors etc. The on board receiver has an antenna to pick up the signals and a receiver module to link to the CPU. ADVANTAGE - Failsafe remote operation, simple multiplex control.

Description

The invention relates to a remote control system stem and relates in particular to the remote control of a Multiplex control system for remote control of electrical Vehicle subsystems.

A control circuit arrangement is used in multiplex control systems used in which a serial, time-division multiplexed Transmission of control signals to control a variety is used by electrical subsystems. It's be knows such multiplex control systems for controlling a re relatively large number of different electrical force vehicle subsystems, d. H. electric seats, electri mirrors, anti-theft systems, electrical To use door locks, etc. Examples of such Vehicle multiplex control systems can be found in US 45 28 662, 45 34 025 and 47 06 194, all on the same registration derin like the present application.

In the above multiplex control systems, a variety of input signals and output signals which differ to which electrical vehicle subsystems are assigned, to and from a central control station via a serial Multiplex data connection (transmission bus) via one or several remote multiplex controllers or controllers (remote multi plex controllers or "remuxes"). The bus is working tet with time division multiplexing for transmitting Si gnalen between the remote multiplex controllers and the central Control station.

The input devices are in different places in within the vehicle for communication with the remote multinationals  plexers arranged. In a common case, a Input device can be a switch for delivering a Input command to the control system via a remote multi plex controller and the bus and accordingly to a motor vehicle witness subsystem, e.g. B. an electric door lock. More common wise these input devices are physically in the Vehicle or arranged on the vehicle body and he require manual operation by an operator son, either directly or using a Key to an input command to the control system admit.

The object of the invention is an improved vehicle mul to create a tiplex control system that is suitable for remote control is suitable.

According to the invention, encoded instructions are issued by one of sent from a vehicle away and through a Receive receiver on the vehicle, then be the coded commands a multiplex control system on the Vehicle for optional control of various vehicles subsystems controlled by the multiplex control system be fed.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the remote control of the driving multiplex control system not possible when the ignition the vehicle is not in the OFF position.

The invention enables remote control of a vehicle multiplex control system, which allows, for example, per to make personal entries away from the vehicle. In this way, doors can be unlocked and motor (i.e. electrically adjustable) seats and mirrors in a vorbe desired position to be brought during the Driver is still traveling to the vehicle. If the driver arrives, the vehicle is already ready for operation be. The system according to the invention can be used to to remotely control any motor vehicle function by an in  multiplex control system installed on the vehicle becomes. Therefore, the system can easily adapt to a variety of Customized for what consumer needs especially in the highly competitive automotive market important is.

An embodiment of the invention is un below ter described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It demonstrate

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle multi plexsteuersystems according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the multi plexsteuersystems according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a handheld transmitter used in the multiplex control system shown in Fig. 1, and

FIGS. 4A and 4B is a flow chart of a control routine executed by a central processing unit or CPU for realizing the remote control according to the invention.

The remote controlled multiplex control system according to the invention is for use with multiplex control systems of the type provided that in the above-mentioned US 45 28 662, 45 34 025 and 47 06 194 is described on the regarding rer details.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a multiplexed control system 10 is built into a vehicle 11 is shown and includes a central control station 12, a plurality of remote multiplex controller or -Controller 15 (in Fig. 2 are respectively referred to as REMUX) at various remote locations on the vehicle and a serial four-wire multiplex data transmission link (transmission bus) 21 , which is used for connecting together the central control station 12 and the various remote multiplex controller 15 . The bus 21 has a first wire 21 a for transmitting bidirectional, serial, time-multiplexed data (MUX DATA), a second wire 21 b for transmitting a serial multiplex clock signal (MUX TAKT), a third wire 21 c for supplying the central control station and the remote multiplex controller with a DC supply voltage of +5 volts and a fourth wire 21 d, which serves as a signal ground (MASS) for the control system. The transmission bus 21 is shown here in the exemplary embodiment as a loop that is terminated at its opposite ends or connections by various parts of the central control station 12 to increase integrity and security.

The central control station 12 contains a microprocessor (CPU) 23 , which is connected by lines 25 to a central multiplex controller or controller 26 and by lines 28 to one or more reserve multiplex controllers or controllers 29 . The central control station 12 is also connected via lines 30 to a memory (SP) 31 , which is used by the CPU for storing and retrieving data. The central multiplexer 26 serves as a transmission interface between the remote multiplexers 15 and the CPU 23 for the transmission and reception of serial messages, ie control signals.

A variety of peripheral devices are connected to the remote multiplexing controllers 15 , including peripheral input devices 32 and peripheral output devices 33 , so that input signals can be output to the CPU or output signals can be received therefrom via the remote multiplexing controllers. The term "peripheral device" as used herein is intended to include not only an electronic element that directly outputs an input signal to a remote multiplex controller or receives an output signal from a remote multiplex controller, but broadly the entire arrangement that provides that input signal or uses this output signal.

In the exemplary embodiment of the multiplex control system according to the invention, the remote multiplex controllers 15 are provided at five remote locations on the vehicle 11 , each location being referred to as a module and having one or more remote multiplex controllers. The five modules include a left door module 35 , a right door module 36 , an engine seat module 37 , a trunk lid module 38 and a receiver module 39 . The remote division multiplex controllers included in each module are of the type described in the above-mentioned US 45 28 662. Each remote multiplex controller has connections for 16 inputs, ie AI ₀ -AI ₇ and BI ₀ -BI ₇ , and 16 outputs, ie AO ₀ -AO ₇ and BO ₀ -BO ₇ . The number of remote multiplex controllers located in each module will depend on the number of inputs and outputs controlled by the module, and any unused remote multiplex controller connections remain available for a variety of related or unrelated uses.

Each remote multiplex controller 15 in the control system also has a unique address provided by an address circuit 41 to uniquely identify this remote multiplex controller when communicating with the CPU 23 . Each address circuit 41 provides a preselected, different 7-bit address that is wired directly into the circuit.

The left and right door modules 35 , 36 receive position feedback information from a left and right wing mirror 45 , 46 , convert the information into a digital representation and output it to the transmission bus 21 when the CPU 23 polls these modules, as shown in FIG the above-mentioned US 45 34 025. The door modules 35 , 36 also monitor the status of door jamb switches 48 , 49 , which indicate whether a door (not shown) is half open or ajar, and send this information over the communication bus 21 to the CPU 23 for use in an anti-theft subsystem. The status of several input switches 51 , 52 is also monitored by the door modules 35 , 36 and reported to the CPU 23 , these switches including: a trunk lid unlocking switch, door locking / unlocking switch, manual seat adjustment switch, manual mirror adjustment switch, memory seat and mirror position switches and save and recall switches. The store and recall switches are used to manually enter memory seat and mirror memory 1 and memory 2 positions in the memory and then recall those positions.

The engine seat module 37 monitors the state of an ignition switch 55 and receives position feedback information from left and right engine seats 57 and 58, respectively. It outputs this information via the transmission bus 21 when the CPU 23 queries the module 37 . The motor seat module 37 also receives seat movement commands from the CPU 23 via the transfer bus 21 and then applies control voltages to both seats 57 , 58 to cause movement in many different directions as required by the CPU.

The trunk lid module 38 monitors the condition of a trunk lid lock removal switch 61 to determine if the trunk lid is ajar and reports this via the transfer bus 21 to the CPU 23 for use in the anti-theft subsystem. The trunk lid module 38 also receives trunk lid locking commands via the bus from the CPU and activates a trunk release electromagnet 63 on the basis of these commands.

Referring to FIG. 3, a transmitter 65 is provided for communi cation with the receiver module 39 for the remote operation of the multiplex control system 10 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the hand-held transmitter 65 has a signal generator 67 , a modulator 68 , a memory 69 , a transmitting antenna 70 , a plurality of selection buttons or switches 71 and a suitable power supply (not shown), e.g. B. a long-life battery. The signal generator 67 generates an RF carrier signal which is output to the modulator 68 . The memory 69 stores a large number of unique digitally coded commands which can be selected by pressing one of the selector switches 71 . When a selector switch 71 is actuated, the memory 69 outputs a corresponding code to the modulator 68 , which in turn modulates the carrier signal with the code. The encoded or modulated carrier signal is then delivered to the transmitting antenna 70 , which transmits the modulated RF signal.

A bidirectional antenna 75 is provided on the vehicle 11 for receiving coded signals from the handheld transmitter 65 . Upon receipt of a signal by the bidirectional antenna 75 , the signal is provided to a demodulator 76 which demodulates the received signal to convert it into a digital signal (an encoded command) which is provided to the receiver module 39 as an input signal. The receiver module 39 issues the coded command to the transmission bus 21 in the form of a serial message when the CPU 23 queries the receiver module for information. Based on a coded command, the CPU controls the central multiplexer 26 to provide control signals to the transmission bus to control a peripheral device or a combination of peripheral devices.

In the exemplary embodiment, five separate encoded commands are available by depressing one of the five switches (S) 71 on the handheld transmitter 65 . The commands are: LOCK ALL, UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR, PERSONAL INPUT 1, PERSONAL INPUT 2 and UNLOCK LOCKER LID.

When a valid LOCK ALL command is received by the receiver 39 and issued to the CPU 23 , the CPU issues control signals to both door modules 35 , 36 to place all of the door lock motors (not shown) in the locked position. If any door is open during the time that the LOCK ALL command is received and executed, the system will then arm the anti-theft subsystem. As a final step, the CPU will send control signals over the communication bus 21 to the engine seat module 37 to move the driver seat 57 fully forward against the steering wheel (not shown) to make the vehicle drivable should it be broken into.

Upon receipt of an UNLOCK DRIVER command, the CPU sends control signals to the left door module 35 to move the left door lock motor (not shown) to the open position. Subsequently, the CPU outputs control signals to the motor seat module 37 in order to move both seats 57 , 58 all the way to the rear, that is to say into a position which makes it easier to climb on. The CPU then makes the anti-theft subsystem ineffective.

Upon receipt of the PERSONAL INPUT 1 command, the CPU 23 first outputs control signals to the left door module 35 to move the left door lock motor to the open position. Control signals are then output to the motor seat module 37 to place the driver seat 57 in the memory. 1 position and the front passenger seat 58 to be in the memory 2 position, and to the left and right door modules 35 , 36 to move the left and right wing mirrors 45 and 46 to their memory 1 position. The anti-theft subsystem is then disarmed.

Likewise, upon receipt of a PERSONAL INPUT 2 command, control signals cause the left door module 35 to move the left door lock motor to the open position, the motor seat module 37 , the driver seat 57 to the memory 2 position, and the passenger seat 58 to the memory 1 -Position to move, and to move the left and right door modules 35 , 36 , the left and right exterior mirrors 45 and 46 in their memory 2 position.

The LOCK LOCK command causes the CPU 23 to issue a control signal to the trunk lid module 38 to activate the trunk lid release solenoid 63 .

The CPU executes an algorithmic subroutine as shown in FIGS . 4A and 4B to effect remote control of the multiplex control system 10 in accordance with the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4A and carried 4B, when the CPU catcher module to Emp queries 39 and a coded command is present, because one of the selector switch on the remote control is pressed down, the entry into the subroutine in a step 100, and the CPU checks in a test 101 whether the ignition switch 55 is in the operating or auxiliary position. When the ignition switch is in the operating or auxiliary position, steps 102-104 are performed in sequence, wherein a transmit status bit is set to an L signal value, an input lock flag is reset, and an input lock timer is reset. The subroutine then returns in step 105 . Therefore, when the ignition switch is in the operating or auxiliary position (ie, not in the OFF position), the multiplex control system 10 will not respond to any commands sent from the handheld transmitter 65 .

If the ignition switch 55 is not in the operating or auxiliary position, the CPU checks in a test 110 whether the blocking timer is reset. Initially, the lockout timer is reset, and positive results from test 110 will reach a test 120 where the CPU checks to see if there is a change in the transmit status bit. The transmit status bit is initially set to an L signal value, and if no encoded command is received by the receiver module, the transmit status bit remains at the L signal value and the subroutine returns in step 105 . However, when an encoded command is received by the receiver module, the transmit status bit is switched from an L signal value to an H signal value, which gives positive results of the test 120 .

The CPU then checks in a test 130 whether the transmit status bit is at an H signal value. Since the transmit status bit is at an H signal value when the coded command is received by the receiver module, the results of the test 130 are positive, and the CPU checks in a test 140 whether the input lock flag is set. At the beginning, the input blocking flag is not set, and the CPU checks in a test 150 whether a valid command LOCK ALL has been received. If the results of test 150 are positive, steps 151-153 are performed in sequence, with the CPU commanding the left and right door modules to place all door lock motors in the locked position, arming the anti-theft subsystem and causing the engine seat module, the driver's seat to move fully forward against the steering wheel. The subroutine then returns in step 105 .

If the results of the test 150 are negative, the CPU checks in a test 160 whether a valid UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR command has been received. If the results of test 160 are positive, steps 161-163 are performed in sequence, with the CPU causing the left door module to move the left door lock motor to the open position, causing the motor seat module to move both seats into the easy entry position move, and the thief steel security subsystem ineffective. The subroutine then returns in step 105 .

If the results of the test 160 are negative, the CPU checks in a test 170 whether a valid PERSONAL INPUT 1 command has been received. If the results of test 170 are positive, steps 171-175 are performed in succession, with the CPU causing the left door module to move the left door lock motor to the open position, the motor seat module, and the driver seat to the memory 1 position and move the passenger seat to the memory 2 position, move the left and right door modules, the left and right mirrors to their memory 1 position, and disarm the anti-theft subsystem. The subroutine then returns in step 105 .

If the results of the test 170 are negative, the CPU checks in a test 180 whether a valid PERSONAL INPUT 2 command has been received. If the results of test 180 are positive, steps 181-185 are performed in turn, with the CPU causing the left door module to move the left door lock motor to the open position, the seat module, the driver seat to memory 2 position and move the passenger seat to memory 1 position, move the left and right door modules, left and right mirrors to their memory 2 position, and disarm the anti-theft subsystem. The subroutine then returns in step 105 .

If the results of the test 180 are negative, the CPU checks in a test 190 whether a valid RELEASE COVER LOCK command has been received. If the results of test 190 are positive, step 191 is performed and the CPU causes the trunk lid module to actuate the trunk lid release electromagnet. The subroutine then returns in step 105 . If the results of test 190 are negative, no valid command has been received and the subroutine returns in step 105 .

If the switch depressed on the hand transmitter is released, the subroutine is re-entered in step 100 , and the negative results of tests 101 and 110 result in test 120 , in which the CPU checks for a change has occurred in the transmit status bit. When the switch on the handheld transmitter is released, the transmit status bit changes from the H signal value to the L signal value, which is why the positive results of test 120 result in test 130 , in which the CPU checks whether the transmit status bit is on an H Signal value is. Since the transmit status bit is at an L signal value, the negative results of the test 130 result in steps 131 and 132 , in which the input inhibit flag is set and the input inhibit timer is started, which counts up to a period of 100 milliseconds. The subroutine then returns in step 105 .

To debounce, the subroutine requires that there must be at least 100 milliseconds between the time a valid transmission ends and the time another begins. For example, if a valid transmission is received during the 100 millisecond period, the subroutine is entered in step 100 and test 110 is reached due to the continued negative results of test 101 . After the lock timer has started to run, a test 111 is reached based on the negative results of test 110 , in which the CPU checks whether the input lock timer has reached the time lock. During the 100 millisecond period, the results of test 111 will be negative and the CPU will test 120 to determine if there is a transmit status bit change. The valid transmission will change the value of the transmit status bit from L to H and produce positive results from test 120 , thereby reaching test 130 . The positive results of test 130 result in test 140 being reached , in which the CPU checks whether the lock flag is set. Because the timer has not yet timed out, the results of test 140 will be positive and the subroutine returns in step 105 .

If a transmission is received after the 100 millisecond period, the subroutine re-enters at step 100 and the continued negative results of test 101 result in test 110 being reached . The negative results of test 110 result in test 111 being reached , in which the CPU checks whether the timer has timed out. Because the 100 millisecond time has elapsed, the results of test 111 are positive and steps 112 and 113 are performed sequentially, with the input lock flag and lock timer reset. The CPU then checks in a test 114 whether the transmit status bit is high on a signal. If the transmission was due to a switch being released after the lockout timer timed out, the transmit status bit is at a signal value L and the subroutine returns in step 105 . However, if the transmission was caused to cause a switch to be depressed after the timer timed out, the transmit status bit is at a signal value H. Then the positive results of tests 120 and 130 result in test 140 being reached , in which the CPU checks whether the input block flag is set. The lock flag was reset in step 112 and therefore the results of test 140 are negative. The subroutine then performs the tests 150 to 190 by to determine whether a term Gul command has been received.

Although the subroutine has been described so that it responds to five special commands issued by the Handheld transmitters are sent to certain peripheral devices controls the vehicle, it is clear that the Handheld transmitter can be set so that it combines every Kombina tion of vehicle subsystems controlled by the Mul tiplex control system can be controlled.  

The multiplex transmission bus is connected in a loop shown at their opposite ends or to different parts of the central tax office tion is complete. However, the invention works just as well with a transmission bus, which at the ends of fen and where a central control station at one End of the bus is arranged and the various long distance multiplex controller in parallel-T connection to the conductors the length of the bus are connected. Beyond that the hand-held transmitter has been described in such a way that it Signals are used to send coded commands to the receiver However, other signals such as Infra Red and ultrasonic signals are used to encode commands between the handheld transmitter and the receiver module transferred to. In this case, receiving devices, which either respond to infrared or ultrasonic signals speak, used on the vehicle to the coded Be to receive and then input signals to the To deliver receiver module remote multiplex controller.

Claims (6)

1. Device for remote control of a vehicle ( 11 ), characterized by :
a plurality of peripheral devices ( 32 , 33 ) in the vehicle ( 11 );
a central controller ( 12 );
a multiplex data link ( 21 );
one or more remote controllers ( 15 ) connected to the central controller ( 12 ) through the multiplex data link ( 21 ), each of the peripheral devices ( 32 , 33 ) being connected for transmission to the central controller ( 12 ) via the remote controller ( 15 ),
transmitting means ( 65 ) for emitting a plurality of signals, each of which signals indicating a unique, digitally encoded command;
receiving means ( 39 ) for receiving a signal and converting the signal into a received signal indicative of a digitally encoded command; and
a signal processing device which, in response to a received signal, controls the central controller ( 12 ) in order to generate a unique control signal or a combination of unambiguous control signals to a corresponding peripheral device ( 32 , 33 ) or a corresponding combination of the peripheral devices ( 32 , 33 ) to transmit, wherein each of the unique control signals or each of the combinations of unique control signals corresponds to a unique, digitally coded command. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitting device is a portable hand-held transmitter ( 65 ). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hand-held transmitter ( 65 ) has:
a signal generator ( 67 ) for generating a carrier signal;
a memory ( 69 ) for storing a plurality of unique, digitally encoded instructions;
modulation means ( 68 ) for modulating the carrier signal based on a digitally encoded command;
a plurality of selector switches ( 71 ) for delivering one of the unique, digitally coded commands to the modulation device ( 68 ) due to the activation of the corresponding selector switch ( 71 ); and
a transmit antenna ( 70 ) for transmitting a modulated carrier signal. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the carrier signal is a high frequency signal. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving device ( 39 ) is connected to one of the remote controllers ( 15 ) and an antenna ( 75 ) for receiving a modulated signal and a demodulation device ( 76 ) for demodulating the modu signal into a received signal indicating a digitally encoded command. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each remote controller ( 15 ) has:
an address circuit ( 41 ) for providing an address for uniquely identifying each remote controller ( 15 ), the address circuit ( 41 ) responsive to a control signal containing its address; and
Input and output connections (AI ₀ -AI ₇ , BI ₀ -BI ₇ , AO ₀ - AO ₇ , BO ₀ -BO ₇ ) for inputting and outputting control signals from peripheral devices ( 32 , 33 ) connected to them or at peripheral devices connected to them ( 32 , 33 ).