SE458886B - PROCEDURES AND SYSTEMS TO TRANSFER INFORMATION AND CONTROL COMPONENTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for transmitting information between vehicle components (VE) in a vehicle. The vehicle components are connected to a plurality of transmission nodes (NT1, NT2...NT7), which in turn are connected to a bus (B1). The transmission nodes transmit on the bus information in the form of function parameters and parameter identifiers. The function parameters are derived by the respective transmission node from information from connected vehicle components. The information which is to be supplied to a vehicle component is derived by the transmission node to which the vehicle component is connected. The derivation takes place with the aid of functional relationships stored in the respective transmission node and function parameters received on the bus. Firstly there are sent on the bus from the respective transmission node certain function parameters having values which have changed since they were last transmitted on the bus. Certain transmission parameters having values which have not changed since they were last transmitted from the respective transmission node are only transmitted if none of the parameter values derived in the transmission node for this function parameter has been changed since they were last transmitted.

Description

'458 886 2 but from a certain transmitter and receiver station may have different lengths and contain data from different many information sources. Depending on the normal rate of change of different types of information in the vehicle, data with different identification characteristics may appear more or less often in data telegrams from a particular transmitter and receiver station.

In an article entitled "Proposal for an automotive multiplex wiring system" and the designation C20S / 85 by E.D. van VELDHUIZEN, published by IMechE In 1985, describes a system for transmitting information in vehicles. This article discusses various aspects of a system, of which aspects at least "change-of-state and polling transfers" may be of interest as a technical background to the present invention.

RELEASE OF THE LJPP INVENTION In designing methods and systems for transmitting information between vehicle components in a vehicle, which methods and systems are intended to at least partially replace conventional systems with several separate conductors between the vehicle components, there are several special problems that must be considered.

A problem with methods and systems for transferring information between vehicle components in a vehicle is that the information to be transferred from and to different vehicle components has such a different character in terms of the information content. Many vehicle components only need to be transmitted binary information of type "on / off", "open / closed", "complete / broken", etc. However, certain vehicle components need to be transferred analogously varying information of type "coolant temperature" - "amount of fuel" o At least in some vehicles, it also needs to be possible to transfer information of the text string type between vehicle components, eg hall name in buses.

Another problem with methods and systems for transmitting information between vehicle components in a vehicle is that the information to be transmitted from and to different vehicle components has such a different character in terms of rate of change and pattern of change. Certain types of information to / from these vehicle components change comparatively rapidly or frequently, while other types of information change comparatively slowly or infrequently. 2D 458 886 3 Another problem with procedures and systems for transferring information between vehicle components in a vehicle is that certain information to and from certain vehicle components is particularly important from a road safety point of view. Legislation on vehicle function entails special requirements for transmission safety and transmission times for certain information of special importance from a traffic safety point of view.

In a method according to the invention, the above and other problems have been read first and foremost by deriving function transmission parameters in transmission nodes with the aid of information from the vehicle components, and that from the transmission node to other transmission nodes primarily transmit certain function parameters whose parameter value has changed since the last . Some function parameters, whose parameter values have not changed since they were last transmitted from one transmission node, are transmitted from the transmission node to other transmission nodes only if none of the parameter values for these function parameters derived from the transmission node have changed since they were last transmitted.

Function parameters transmitted from each transmission node include parameter identities in connection with parameter values, which indicate to which function parameter each parameter value belongs. In the transmission node series, functional assemblies are stored for connected vehicle components, which function assemblies indicate? connection between information to be supplied to non-vehicle components and functional parameters present on the bus as well as information from connected vehicle components. At each transfer node, information is derived and supplied to connected vehicle components in accordance with the functional sambarid stored in this transfer node.

Preferably, only one function parameter was transmitted from the respective transmission node at a time, so that between transmitting two successive function parameters from a transmission node, a function parameter was transmitted from at least one other transmission node.

Preference newspapers prioritize certain function parameters in relation to others, whereby a parameter value for at least one priority function parameter is transmitted with priority when the parameter value of a priority function parameter is changed in relation to the last transmitted parameter value for the function parameter. What is characteristic of a method according to the invention and preferred embodiments thereof appear from the claims.

In a system according to the invention, the above and other problems are solved by means which function in accordance with a method as above. What is characteristic of a system according to the invention and preferred embodiments thereof is apparent from the claims.

Designing a method and system for transferring information between vehicle components in a vehicle in accordance with the invention entails several advantages.

One of the most important advantages of a method and a system according to the invention is that the transmission capacity of the data bus is utilized in an efficient manner for the transmission of information. Because certain function parameters with changed parameter values are transmitted in the first place and certain function parameters with unchanged parameter values are only transmitted secondarily and in time, and that transmission takes place directly from one transmission node to other transmission nodes, the information transmitted on the data bus is largely avoided. is redundant, ie has already been transferred previously. At the same time, the method and the system achieve an automatic adaptation of the distribution of the data louse's transmission capacity on different kinds of information to and from different vehicle components. Information that currently has a high rate of change automatically receives a larger share of the data bus' transmission capacity by transmitting the corresponding function parameters more often. Information that currently has a comparatively legal rate of change automatically receives a smaller share of the data bus's transmission capacity by the corresponding functional parameters being transmitted less frequently. By transferring certain function parameters with changed parameter values in the first place, it is also assumed that the average time from a change of an information until the information is transferred becomes shorter.

In methods and systems that apply cyclic interrogation (polling) of the transmission nodes by means of a monitor node, this average time becomes particularly short in preferred embodiments where only one functional parameter at a time is transmitted from a transmission node. Such embodiments of methods and systems according to the invention are also well suited for prioritizing certain functional parameters. Another important advantage of a method and system according to the invention is that many of a vehicle's vehicle functions independently of each other can be quickly and easily adapted to national regulations and / or special wishes of the vehicle owner or user. Namely, the information supplied to a certain vehicle component can be changed by changing the respective function relationship in the transmission node to which the vehicle component is connected. Other functional connections or the transmission node in general do not normally need to be changed, nor do the other transmission nodes.

Additional advantages of a method and system according to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the following description of preferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 illustrates a system according to the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a transmission node in a system according to Figure 1.

Figure 3-6 illustrates communication in a system according to the invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart for a transmission node.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a transmission node.

EMBODIMENTS The figure greatly illustrates a first embodiment of a system according to the invention. The system comprises a monitor node NM, a plurality of transmission nodes NT1-NT7, a bus B1, a bus monitoring means NS and two additional buses BZ and 83. The monitor node and the transmission nodes are connected directly to the bus B1 and can communicate with each other via the bus. The bus monitoring means is connected to the bus B1 via the additional buses and can, in the event of an interruption on the bus B1, connect the two additional buses 82 and 83 so that an alternative signal path is created for the communication of the nodes.

Figure 2 greatly illustrates a transmission node NT in a system according to Figure 1. The transmission node comprises a longitudinal means DR with five component inputs lN1-INS, an output means DT with three component outputs OUT¿-OUTB, a transmitter and receiver means TR, a gate means DM and a functional connection body DF. '458 2D 886 6 A plurality of vehicle components VE are connected to the component inputs of the transmission nodes in the system according to Figure 1. The vehicle components VEl-VES afislutria to the transmission node in Figure 2 may be sensors for analog or digital physical quantities or other equipment in the vehicle to sense or detect at least one specific event or condition of importance for something to be performed or accomplished in the vehicle when the vehicle is operating on desired way.

The connected vehicle components VEl-VES can be, for example, sensors for coolant temperature or fuel quantity, sensing means for doors, operating means that the driver of the vehicle can influence, etc.

A plurality of vehicle components are also connected to the component outputs of the transmission nodes in the system according to Figure 1. The vehicle components VElá-VEG connected to the transmission node in Figure 2 may be servomotors, stables, indicators or other equipment in the vehicle to perform something specific as a result of at least one specific sensing or detected event or condition in the vehicle. The connected vehicle components VEá-VES can be, for example, electric window lifts, horn, brake lights, waxing indicators for oil pressure or charging, ventilation fans, pneumatic door openers and door bars, headlights, etc.

The system according to Figure 1 can be in different states. The nodes work and communicate with each other in different ways depending on whether the system is in start state, work state or service state.

Start-up condition When the system is energized, it automatically first enters start-up mode. As the system is in start-up state, the task of the monitor node is mainly to check the system and find out which working transmission nodes are in the system. The transmission nodes then have the main task of notifying the monitor node that they are in the system and if possible announcing whether they work or! has something wrong. After the monitor node has checked the system and found out existing and functioning nodes in the start state, the system automatically ends up in a working state, provided that the control has shown that the system works to a sufficient extent. 458 886 7 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an example of communication between the nodes via the bus in connection with the system in Figure 1 being energized. The monitor node NM first sends out a selective call with a first node address NAI of a number of possible node addresses NA. In addition to the node address, this first selective call contains a call code MP. The call code indicates that the call comes from the monitor node and is a selective call. The end code ME indicates that the call comes from the monitor node and is over.

The first selective call from the monitor node is received by all existing functioning transmission nodes Ni 'in the system. Each transmission node has its own unique node address and can use the call code and the node address in the first selective call to determine if it is affected by the call. Each transmission node compares the node address NA1 in the first selective call from the monitor mode with its own original node address. Only the transmission node, its own node address corresponds to the node address in the first selective call from the monitor node may answer the call. For simplicity, this transmission node is assumed to be NTI. The transmission node NT1 affected by the call answers the call from the monitor node only after receiving the end code ME in the call. The NT1 transmission node emits a sponge call on the bus in response to the first selective call. The answer call from the transmission node NT1 contains a call code GC, a parameter identity PID, a parameter value PV and an end code NE.

The call code GC indicates that it is a general call directed to all transmission nodes. The parameter identity PID indicates the identity of the function parameter whose parameter value PV is in the answer call. When starting the system, the parameter identity PID indicates that the function parameter is the operating state of the transmission node. The parameter value PV then indicates, for example, "in operation", "incorrect" and the like. The end code NE indicates that the answer call comes from a transfer mode and is over.

The answer call from the first transmission node NT1 is received by the memory and all transmission nodes. After receiving the entire answer call, the monitor node can determine that an answer call has arrived in response to the first selective call. The monitor node assumes that the answer call came from the first transmission node NT 1 because it was the first transmission node called in the selective call. However, there is no information in the answer call itself as identifying the first transmission node other than the time at which the answer call ended. However, the monitor node records in a call table that the first transmission node is the answer and its operating state, which is assumed to have been "in operation" and the like.

After receiving an answer to its first selective call, the monitor node on the bus sends a second selective call with the node address NAZ to a second NTZ of the transmission nodes. In addition to the node address NAZ, this second selective call contains a call code MP and an end code ME. The call code and the end code of the second selective call correspond to the call code and the end code of the first selective call.

The second selective call from the monitor node is received as well as the first selective call from all functioning transmission nodes in the system. Each transmission period compares the node address NAZ in the second selective call with its own node address. After receiving the alut code ME in the second selective call from the monitor node, the second transmission node answers the NTZ call by sending an answer call on the bus. The answer call from the transmission node NTZ includes, as well as the answer call from the first transmission node NT1, a call code GC, a parameter identity PID, a parameter value PV and an end code NE. The Aru code and the end code in the answer call from the transmission node NTZ correspond to the call code and the alut code in the answer call from the transmission node NT1.

The answer call from the second transmission node NTZ is received by the monitor node and all transmission nodes. After receiving the entire answer request, the monitor below assumes that the answer call has come from the transmission node NTZ and the monitor node notes in the call table that the transmission node NTZ has answered and its operating state in accordance with the parameter value PV in the answer call. The operating condition is assumed to have been "in operation" and the like.

After receiving an answer to its second selective call, the monitor network on the bus sends a third selective call with node address NA; to a third NT; of the transmission nodes. In order to be able to explain whether the system works, it is now assumed that an error has occurred in the third transmission node NT3, so that the third transmission node cannot send any answer calls on the bus. The monitor node waits for an alert call a certain predetermined time after its third selective call. 458 ass 9 When the monitor node has not received an answer call within a certain time, it notes in the call table that no answer has been received from the third transmission node. The monitor node then sends a fourth selective call with the node address NAa to a fourth NT¿ of the transfer nodes. The fourth transmission node NTh responds by sending an answer call on the bus. After receiving the answer call from the fourth transmission node, the monitor node sends a fifth selective call, and so on.

When setting up and starting the system in figure 1, the monitor node does not know the number of transmission nodes that are connected in the system. On the other hand, the monitor node knows which node addresses and how many transmission nodes there can be in the system at most. Therefore, after receiving the answer call from the seventh transmission node NT7, the monitor node sends an eighth selective call with an eighth node address NAB. However, the system in Figure 1 comprises only seven transmission nodes and no transmission node with node address NA8 is present in the system. The monitor node therefore does not receive an answer call after its eighth selective call. The monitor node then notes in the call table that one of the eighth transmission nodes did not answer. Thereafter, the monitor node sends a ninth selective call with a ninth node address NA9. After not receiving any answer call within a predetermined time after the ninth selective call, the monitor node records in the call file that no ninth transmission node answered.

If the system is dimensioned so that there may be transmission nodes with other node addresses than those which have hitherto occurred in any 'selective call', the monitor continues to send selective calls in the manner described with new node addresses which have not hitherto been used until all possible node addresses have occurred. time in one of the selective air calls. For the sake of simplicity, however, it is assumed that the system in Figure 1 is of a type dimensioned for a maximum of nine transmission nodes.

After the monitor node has selectively called all possible transmission nodes and the antenna has any answers within a predetermined time, the system automatically switches from start state to working state. In the example in figure 3 and å, the transition to a work permit takes place in connection with the selective call with the node address NAl in figure li. 458 886 Working conditions When the system is in working condition, the transmission nodes have the task of receiving component information from connected vehicle components, transferring component information arising from information from connected vehicle components on the bus, and supplying the component information to connected vehicle components normally needed for vehicle components. shall function as intended. When the system is in working condition, the task of the system is, among other things, to monitor the transmission of information on the bus and allocate search time on the bus to the individual transmission nodes.

Some functions in the vehicle are more important than others for safety reasons and the nodes have, when the system is in a work permit, the task of giving information belonging to such vehicle functions, when necessary, a certain priority in the transmission of information. The transmission of information originating from vehicle components takes place on the bus in the form of function switches, which function parameters are transmitted on the bus from the transmission node to which the respective vehicle component is connected. For example, the component VE1-VE5 are connected to the component inputs N1-NS of the transfer node in Figure 2. At the component inputs, the input means DR in the transmission node receives component information VDIN1- VDIQIS from the prehistoric components, for example in the form of potentials of electrical voltages or amplitudes of electrical currents. The task of the input means DR is to derive function parameters FP from the component information and to supply the function parameters to the memory means DM and the transmitter and receiver means TR. The function parameters include parameter identities PID and parameter values PV. In the example above with component information in the form of potentials or amplitudes on the component inputs, the input means normally derives the parameter identities mainly by means of the kmp flfl e fl lïï fl gå fi ß fl l 'ïNl-Nf, on which the respective potential or amplitude is received, while the parameter values are normally derived potential or amplitude.

Since the system is in working condition, a transmission node can only transmit one function parameter at a time and not transmit several function parameters in a sequence. All or at least some function parameters, whose parameter values 458 886 ll have changed since they were last transmitted, shall be transmitted in the first instance, while function parameters, whose parameter values have not changed since they were last transmitted, shall be transmitted first in the second instance. Among the functional parameters whose parameter values have changed, priority function parameters that affect priority vehicle functions shall be given priority. The transmitter and receiver means therefore have the task of evaluating the operating parameters from the input means in order to. determine if they have changed in relation to when they were last broadcast. In any case, therefore, the transmitter and receiver means TR form in the transmission node, if necessary, one or two transmission queues for functional parameters.

In a first transmission queue, only the priority function parameters whose parameter values have changed since they were last transmitted on the bus. In the second transmission queue, all other function parameters whose parameter values have changed.

As long as there are some functional parameters in the first or second transmitting queue, the transmitting and receiving means transmits only such functional parameters on the bus. Only if there is no operating parameter in any of the transmission queues does the transmitting and receiving means transmit unchanged operating parameters and in that case according to a cyclic sequence.

Since the system is in working condition, the transmitter and receiver means TR also have the task of receiving from the bus function parameters transmitted on the bus from other transmission nodes. In addition, the transmitter and receiver means have the task of transmitting to the memory means at least some and preferably all function parameters received from the bus, which function parameters are stored in the memory means DM at memory positions determined by their parameter identities.

To the component outputs 0UT6, OUT7 and OUTS of the output means 1 of the transmission node in Figure 2, vehicle components VE¿, VE., And VEB, respectively, are connected.

The output means has the task of outputting component information VDOUT6, VD0UT7 and VDOUTB on the component output axes to the connected preheater components V55, VE7 and V58, respectively, for example in the form of potentials of electrical voltages or amplitudes of electrical currents. In order for the vehicle components to function as intended, the component information, VDOUT, output at a specific component output, OUT, must have a certain predetermined relationship with component information VDIN from one or more vehicle components connected to one or more component inputs lN of one or more several transfer l45s see 12 nodes. The connection is provided by a vehicle function. By vehicle function is meant here that according to certain rules in the vehicle specification must be achieved in the vehicle as a result of certain events or conditions in the vehicle, for example in a bus the entrance lighting at a passenger door must be switched on and only if the passenger door is open while the bus dimming . In the function connection means DF, for each of the component outputs OUT's component outputs, there is a function connection FR, which function connection indicates how the component information, VDOUT, to be output at the component output, OUT, is to be derived from at least one furactory parameter FP in the system and / or from component information VDIN on at least one of the component inputs IN of the transmission node.

For each of its component outputs, the output means derives the component information VDOUT to be output at the respective component output.

The conduction takes place by means of the function connections FR in the function of the transfer node connection line DF and the function parameters FP in the memory means DM and possibly also by means of component information VDIN directly from the input means DR in the same transmission node NT. The output means DT outputs the derived component information VDOUT to the respective vehicle component VE, usually in the form of a potential of an electric voltage or an amplitude of an electric current. Figures 11 and 5 illustrate an example of communication between the nodes when the system is in a working state. When no parameter value has been changed for any function parameter belonging to a priority vehicle function, the monitor node sends out selective calls to the transmission nodes that sent answer calls in the start state in a specific cyclic sequence. Thus, in the example described above, the monitor node calls only the transmission nodes NT1, NTZ, NT 4, NTS, NTó and NT7 in the system according to Figure 1 with selective calls in a cyclic turorching. The selective calls from the monitor node are of the same type as in the start state. Between two successive calls, the monitor node waits for a certain time for an answer call of the same type as in the start state. The one of the transmission nodes which is called with a selective call from the monitor node can in its answer call transmit a function tone parameter FP, i.e. a parameter value PV with associated parameter identity PID. If the operating parameters in the second transmission queue of the transmission node are transmitted, then the function parameter which is first in the second transmission queue. If function parameters are missing in the second transmission queue of the transmission node, the function parameter that is first in turn is transmitted according to the cyclic sequence in the transmission node. Answer calls are not selective but are directed to all nodes in the system. The parameter values transmitted on the bus are stored by the respective receiving transmission nodes in the controller at memory positions corresponding to the respective parameter identity.

Communication with selective calls and answer calls between the nodes continues as described above as long as the system is energized and in working condition and no transfer node needs to transfer any changed parameter value of any function parameter belonging to any prioritized vehicle function. For reasons of space, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate only one cycle of selective calls and answer calls after the start state.

Figure 7 illustrates in the form of a simplified flow chart an example of how a microprocessor-controlled transmission node can function in general in connection with derivation, transmission and reception of functional parameters. The transmission node has in the transmitter and receiver means a reception buffer RXBU for receiving information on the bus. To determine if a call from the monitor node has been received, compare the transmission node contents of the receive buffer with the special codes and node addresses used by the monitor node. If there is in the reception buffer at the same time a call code and an end code used by the monitor node and also a node address, which codes and address together can be a call, a call from the monitor node is considered to have been received. If, on the other hand, there is no call code in the reception buffer or there is no end code used by the monitor node or there is no node address, any call from the monitor node is considered not to have been received.

If any call from the monitor node is not considered to have been received, the transfer node compares the contents of the receive buffer RXBU with the codes and operating parameters used by the transfer nodes. If in the reception buffer RXBU there is at the same time a call code, GC, and an end code, NE, which the transmission nodes, NT, use and also a function parameter with parameter identity, PID, and parameter value, PV, which codes and function parameters together can be an answer call , an answer call is considered to have been received from an unidentified transmission node. If, on the other hand, there is no call code, GC, or no end code, NE, or no function parameter in the receive buffer, no answer call from any transmission node is considered to have been received.

If no response call from any transmission node is considered to have been received, the transmission node performs one or possibly more of a number of tasks, which must be performed in a cyclic order for certain tasks. After performing one or possibly more of the tasks in the cyclic sequence, the transmission node again compares the contents of the receive buffer with the special codes and the node addresses used by the monitor node.

If the content of the reception buffer is such that a call is considered to have been received from the monitor node, the transmission node resets a monitoring means, which monitoring means when not reset during a certain time indicates errors in the communication. After the reset of the monitoring means, the transmission node compares the node address in the received call in the reception buffer with its own node address. If the node address in the call does not match the own node address, the transmission node performs one or possibly more of the tasks that are in turn to be performed according to the Eyklian order of precedence.

Then, the transfer node again compares the contents of the receive buffer in the manner described above. .a If the node address in the call in the reception buffer corresponds to the transmission node's own node address, the transmission node is considered to have been called and shall send an answer call. The transfer node then examines whether there is any function parameter whose parameter value has changed since it was last transmitted.

There is a single such function parameter transmitting this ice response call from the transmission node. If there are two or more such function parameters in a transmission queue, the one who is first in the transmission queue is transmitted. If no parameter value of the function parameter has changed since it was last transmitted, the transmission node in the answer call sends the function parameter which is in turn according to a cyclic sequence. After sending the answer call, the transmission node again performs one or possibly several of the tasks included in the cyclic sequence.

Then, the transfer node again compares the contents of the receive buffer and determines if calls and answer calls, if any, have been received: in the manner described above 458 ass. If an answer call is considered to have been received from a transmission node, the transmission node retrieves the parameter value PV and the parameter identity PID from the answer call in the receive buffer. The transfer node stores the parameter value in a memory means at a memory location whose address is determined by the parameter identity. With the aid of the parameter identity, the function connection means DF retrieves the possible function sambarid FR 1 which enters the parameter value of the parameter with the parameter identity PID in the answer call. Thereafter, the transmission means derives component information VDOUT 1 in accordance with any such possible function connection. Thereafter, the transfer node again performs one or possibly more of the tasks that are included in the cyclic sequence of tasks. Then, the transfer node again compares the contents of the receive buffer in the manner described above and determines whether calls or answer calls may have been received in the manner specified above. Changed parameter values of function parameters that belong to a priority vehicle function must be transferred with priority. A transmission node, the input means of which derives a function parameter belonging to a priority vehicle function, when the parameter value for a then function load parameter is changed, the monitor node must be aware that such a changed parameter value needs to be transmitted.

Figure 6 illustrates an example of communication between the nodes in connection with a change in parameter value of a priority function parameter in the transmission node NTS. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed in the example illustrated in Figure 6 that priority function parameters are derived only in the transmission nodes NT1 and NTS. The transmission node NTS draws the monitor node's attention to the fact that there is a need in the system to transmit a changed parameter value for a priority function parameter by sending an interrupt call .XXX on the bus approximately at the same time as the monitor node transmits a selective call with the node address NA7. The monitor node interrupts its transmission of selective calls in the determined cyclic sequence when the monitor node detects that the transmission is interrupted by an interrupt call. Thereafter, the monitor node proceeds to send priority calls in a priority tour to only those transmission nodes 458 886 16 that derive priority function parameters. It does not appear from the interrupt call which transmission node needs to transmit a priority function parameter. The monitor node therefore first sends a first priority call with the node address NA1 to the first of the transmission nodes that derives priority vehicle components. In addition to the node address NAl, the first priority call contains a call code PP and an end code ME. The end code corresponds to the end code in normal selective calls from the monitor node. The call code PP, on the other hand, differs from the call code in ordinary selective calls from the monitor node. The call code PP indicates that the call is a priority call and that the call comes from the monitor node. The monitor node then awaits a response for a predetermined time after the first priority call.

The first transmission node NT1 answers the first priority call with an answer call. The answer call includes a call code GC, a function parameter identity PID, a parameter value PV and an end code NE. The call code GC and the end code NE correspond to the corresponding codes in answer calls to ordinary selective calls. The parameter identity PID and the parameter value PV refer to a priority function parameter which is derived from the transmission node NT1.

If there is no priority function parameter in the first seed queue in the transmission node NT1, transmit the of the transmission node's priority function parameters which are before any other priority function parameters in the transmission node NT1 cyclic sequence. If there is only one priority function parameter in the transmission node NT in the first transmission, this function parameter is transmitted in the answer call on the first priority call. If there are two or more priority function parameters in the first transmission queue of the transmission node NT1, the function parameter that is first in the first transmission queue is transmitted.

After receiving the answer call from the first transmission node NT1 within a certain time after the first priority call, the monitor node NM sends a second priority call. The second priority call contains the node address NAS to the next of the transmission nodes that derives priority vehicle functions. The monitor node then awaits a response for a predetermined time after the second priority call. 458 886 17 The fifth transmission node NTS answers the second priority call with an answer call. The answer call is of the same type as the answer call from the transmission node NT1. In the answer call, the transmission node NTS transmits the function parameter whose value has changed and which caused the transmission node to transmit the interrupt call XXX.

After receiving the answer call from the fifth transmission-within NTS within a certain time after the second priority call, the monitor node returns to sending and waiting calls according to the normal call cycle including all existing functioning transmission nodes NT1, NT 2, NT¿, NTS, NT6 and the NT7 monitor node then returns to the location in the normal call cycle where it was at the interrupt call and sends a selective call with the node address NA7.

Thus, the monitor node sends only a single priority call to each of the transmission nodes that derive priority vehicle functions when the monitor node detects an interrupt call. If a transmission node needs to transmit two priority function parameters whose parameter values have changed since they were last transmitted, the interrupt call sent must therefore be transmitted twice.

Answer calls after priority calls are of the same type as answer calls after regular selective calls and have the same call code GC. Each transmission node therefore processes received answer calls after priority calls, i.e. transmitted parameter values PV are stored in memory positions determined by transmitted parameter identity Pro. Service mode By means of an external device connected to the system, which external device is hereinafter referred to as the service node, the system can be put into a service mode.

The service condition is primarily intended for testing and troubleshooting the system in connection with maintenance, repair and alterations to the system. However, the service permit can also be used in other contexts as the vehicle does not need to be driven in public traffic in a traffic-safe manner, eg when demonstrating the system in a stationary vehicle.

In the service state, the monitor node does not transmit selective or priority calls on the bus. Such calls can instead be transmitted by the service node, the service node not being bound to the cyclic priority order for selective calls and priority calls that apply in the working state. The service node can send calls in any order determined by a test program, a demonstration program or manually.

In addition to selective calls and priority calls of the same type that the monitor node sends in the working state, the servo node can also send simulated answer calls and servo calls. The simulated answer calls are of the same type as the answer calls from the transfer nodes in the working state. The service call includes a special call code SP, a node address NA and an end code ME. The node address and end code in a service call are of the same type as the corresponding node address and end code in a call from the monitor node in the working state.

The call code SP in a service call, on the other hand, differs from the call code MP in a selective call and the call code PP in a priority call. The transfer nodes respond in the service state to selective calls and priority calls from the service node in the same way as they respond to corresponding calls from the monitor node in the working state. In the service state, the transfer nodes also respond to simulated response calls from the service node in the same way as they respond to response calls from a transfer node in the working state.

By sending calls from the service node and analyzing how the transfer nodes respond to their calls with answer calls and component information to the vehicle grain components, the transfer nodes can be tested and errors in the system Tokalized.

Only the transmission node whose node address corresponds to the node address in the service call responds to a service call. This transmission node sends a status response on the bus in response to the service call. The status answer includes a special call code SC, data and an end code NE. The end code in a status answer is of the same type as the end code in an answer call from a transfer node in the work permit. The call code SC in a status answer, on the other hand, differs from other call codes that occur in the work state and the service state. Data in a statuary can vary from transmission node to transmission node in accordance with instructions stored in each transmission node. For example, data in a status response may include all function parameters derived from the transmission node as well as all component information that the transmission node receives ..., .. ......._..... s ... ..- ...-. .-.> ..-. - ... , .. «. \ .- .. 458 886 19 on its component inputs and emits on its component outputs connected to vehicle components.

The nodes Figure 8 illustrates in a very simple manner an embodiment of a transmission node intended for a method and a system according to the invention. The transfer node comprises a processor 1 of type HD 6303 with timer 2, SCI communication part 3 and input / output means 4. The communication part of the processor is a communication drive stage 5 according to specification RS485 connected to the system bus 8. An EPROM memory is also connected to the processor. 6 of type 27128 with the capacity 16kB and a RAM 7 of type 6264 with the capacity 8 kB. In memory 6 there are stored function connections FR and programs for the processor. memory parameters are stored in memory 7. A s.k. processor monitoring watchdog 8 is connected to a travel input of processor 1.

The process input / output means 4 is connected by a serial internal bus 9 to four integrated circuits 10, 11, 12 and 13. The integrated circuit 10 is of type Pcf 8591 from Philips and has four inputs IN for analog component information from vehicle components and an output OUT for analog component information to a vehicle component - For space purposes, only one of the analog inputs IN and the analog output OUT are illustrated.

The integrated circuit ll is of the type Pcf 8574 from Philips and has eight inputs IN for digital component information from vehicle components. For space reasons, only two of the digital inputs IN connected to their respective vehicle components in the form of switches 15 and 16, respectively, are illustrated.

The integrated circuits 12 and 13 are also of the type Pcf 857ä from Philips. The integrated circuit 12 has eight outputs OUT connected via each output stage 14 to each output OUT for digital component information. For reasons of space, only one of the output stages 14 is illustrated, all of which are of the SMT12 type from Siemens. The integrated circuit 13 has eight inputs IN connected to a status output SU of each of the output stages 14. .t __. ...-..- ~. ~ _... i. = :. ~.: .._ '. ::'.:.; ".. z: ': _: .. a_-. i45s ess By supplementing the transmission node according to Figure 8 with further integrated circuits of type Pcf 8591 and / or type Pcf 8574 and associated output stages of type SMT1Z, the transmission node can be modified so that it has more analog and / or digital inputs and / or outputs for component information.

A monitor node intended for a method and a system according to the invention may comprise a processor with associated means corresponding to 1-'8 in Figure 8 connected to each other in the same way as in a transmission node. The EPROM memory 6 in such a monitor node then contains partly different programs than the EPROM memory in the transmission node, since the monitor node must function in a partly different way than a transmission node. The RAM 'I in such a monitor node then contains, among other things, information about which transmission nodes have answered the monitor node's calls and are in operation. A monitor node which is not directly connected to any vehicle component need not, of course, comprise any means corresponding. A service node intended for a method and a system according to the invention may also be at least partially constructed in a manner similar to a transmission node according to Figure 8 and the monitor node described above. . The RAM memory 7 in such a service node can then contain partly parameter values and partly data which the service node_ receives in statues from transmission nodes. The RAM 7 can also contain load values and the like. which parameter values or status response data from the transfer nodes are to be compared with in testing or troubleshooting. Test and debugging programs may be stored in the EPROM memory 6 and / or the RAM memory 7. These mimes may therefore have a different capacity in the service transfer node. Instead of the integrated circuits 10-13 in a transmission node according to Figure 8, a service node may have a keyboard, a printer, a monitor or other display means connected to the processor via an internal bus.

There are several possible alternatives for causing a system according to the invention to end up in the service state. One of the simplest is that the power supply to the monitor node is interrupted and that the service node is connected to the bus B via a connector on the vehicle. A more sophisticated alternative is that the service node 1D 2D 458 saa 21 has its own node address similar to the node address of the transmission nodes, which node address the monitor node when the system is energized and ends up in the start state sends in a selective call before the selective calls with the node addresses of the transmission nodes. If the monitor node then receives an answer call, it stops sending selective calls and enters an inactive state as long as it is energized.

The system described above is dependent on a functioning monitor node. To increase the operational reliability and reliability of such a system, it is conceivable to design the system so that there is a backup monitor node, which is inactive as long as the regular monitor node works as intended but in the event of a failure of the regular monitor node takes over its task in operation and possibly also in the start state. The backup monitor node may consist of a separate monitor node of a similar construction to the ordinary monitor node with a slightly different program in its EPROM memory 6. Alternatively, it is conceivable to let one of the transmission nodes function as a backup monitor node. This transfer node will then differ from other transfer nodes mainly by the programs in its EPROM memory and the information in its RAM memory, which memories may need to have a larger capacity than the corresponding memories in a normal transfer node.

The invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments of methods and systems, but a method and a system according to the invention may deviate from described embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

'45s saa 1D 15 20 25 22 PATENTKRAV A method for transmitting information between vehicle components (VE) in the vehicle by means of a plurality of transmission nodes (NT1, NT2, ..., NT7) connected to a bus (B1) in a vehicle so that vehicle functions are provided in the vehicle, at which method at the transfer nodes, component information (VDIN) is received from the vehicle components, whereby during the transfer modes, function parameters (FP) are derived with parameter values (PV) and parameter identities (PID) by means of the component information (VDIN) from the vehicle components (VE), which parameter identities PID) indicates to which function parameter (FP) the respective parameter value (PV) belongs, whereby from each transmission node on the bus (B1) function parameters (FP) with parameter values and parameter identities (PID) are sent to other transmission nodes, whereby at each transmission node pa the bus receives function parameters (FP) with parameter values (PV) and parameter identities (PID) transmitted from the other transmission nodes, whereby at each transmission node at least certain parameter values (PV) received on the bus are stored, characterized in that from each transmission node certain function parameters (FP) are primarily transmitted, the parameter values of which have changed since they were last transmitted on the bus from the transmission node, that certain F parameters ), whose parameter values (PV) have not changed since they were last transmitted from a transmission node were transmitted from the respective transmission node only if none of the parameter values derived from the transmission node for these function parameters have changed since they were last transmitted, that for the vehicle functions to be performed connection (FR) in the transmission nodes, which function connection (FR) indicates connection between component information (VDOUT) to be supplied to the vehicle components (VE) and functional parameters (FP) and component information (VDIN) transmitted on the bus from vehicle components (VE), and that at each transmission node is derived and til Component information (VDOUT) is entered into vehicle components in accordance with the functional relationships stored in this transmission node. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at the respective transmission node before transmitting certain derived function parameters, the last derived parameter value (PV) for each function parameter (FP) 10 M 453 see 23 is compared with the last transmitted parameter value (PV) for each function parameter. . 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at each transmission node in connection with derivation of certain functional parameters current component information (VDIN) from the respective vehicle component (VE) is compared with previously received component information from the same vehicle component (VE). ' Method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that only one functional parameter (FP) is transmitted from the respective transmission node at a time on the bus (B1), and that between transmitting on the bus two successive function parameters (FP) from the same transmission node are transmitted on the bus a function parameter (FP) from at least one other transmission node. S. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that certain function parameters are prioritized over others when transmitted on the bus, wherein then the parameter value of a priority function parameter is changed in relation to the last transmitted parameter value for the function parameter a parameter value for at least one priority function parameter was sent with priority on the bus. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the transmission nodes function parameters (FP) and component information (VDOUT) to connected vehicle components (VE) are derived according to a cyclic turn-thing, which turn order depending on connected vehicles - components may differ from transmission node to transmission node, that upon receipt of a function parameter (FP) from the bus the cyclic sequence for derivation of function parameters and component information is interrupted, that component information (VDOUT) is derived in accordance with any of the functions received by the receiver parameter identifier (PID) determined function relationships (FR), and that the derivation of function parameters and component information thereafter proceeds according to the cyclic sequence. 7. System for transferring information between vehicle components in a vehicle and using Transferred Information and the vehicle components _... ..._.._... in _.__.__ l ..__. . See vehicle functions in the vehicle, which system comprises a plurality of transmission nodes (NT 1, NTZ, NT3, NT N NTS, NT 6, NT-I) connected to a bus (B1) in the vehicle for transmitting signals between the transmission nodes. , which transfer nodes each have at least one component input (IN) for receiving from a vehicle component (VE) component information (VDIN) of importance for a vehicle function to be provided, which transfer nodes each have at least one component output (OUT) to a vehicle component (VE); ) provide component information (VDOUT) to provide a vehicle function, transmission nodes comprise means (TR) for transmitting signals on the bus (B1) (GC + PID + PV + NE) with function parameters (FP) derived (VDIN) from component information from their connected vehicle components (VE), which transmitted function parameters include parameter identities (PID) in connection with parameter values (PV), which parameter identities (PID) indicate to which f function parameters (FP) and parameter values (PV) respectively, which transmission nodes each comprise means (TR) for receiving signals (GC + PID + PV + NE) with function parameters (FP) transmitted on the bus from any of several other transmission nodes (NT1-NT which are 7) and regardless of when the signals are transmitted on the bus from the respective transmission node, which transmission nodes each comprise mime means (DM) to store at least certain function parameters (FP) received in signals (GC + PID) + PV + NE) on the bus, which transmission nodes each comprise output means (DT) in order to derive, by means of at least one functional parameter (FP) received via the bus and on a separate component output (OUT), component information (VDOUT). that each of the transmission nodes comprises means for transmitting in the first place certain function parameters whose parameter values (PV) have changed in relation to when they were last transmitted, that each of the transmission nodes comprise means for transmitting only in certain hand and in time certain function parameters whose parameter values (PV) have not changed in relation to when they were last transmitted, and that each of the transmission nodes comprises means (DF) for storing functional connections (FR), which functional connections (FR) specify connections between component information (VDOUT) which are to be output at the component outputs (OUT) to the vehicle components (VE) and functional parameters transmitted on the bus, as well as component information (VDIN) from vehicle components (VE). 10 15 458 886 25 System according to claim 7, characterized in that certain function parameters (FP) are prioritized in relation to other function parameters, that some of the transmission anodes (NT1, NTS) are anorched to prioritize parameter values (PV) for priority function parameters when transmitting on the bus. , and that each of the transmission nodes is arranged to interrupt, if necessary, (XXX) transmission on the bus from another transmission node in order to be able to transmit a parameter value (PV) for a prioritized function parameter (FP). System according to claim 7, characterized by a monitor node (NM) with means for, in accordance with predetermined rules with selective calls (MP + NA + ME) on the bus, in turn calling the transmission anodes and preparing the transmission nodes in order to transmit in sequence avar call (GC + PID + PV + NE) with a function parameter (PID + PV), that certain function parameters are prioritized in relation to other function parameters, that some of the transmission nodes include means (TR) to interrupt if necessary ( XXX) monitor node (NM) call allocation (MP _ + NA + ME) on the bus to alert the monitor node that a parameter value for a priority function parameter (FP) has changed since it was last transmitted, that the monitor node when sending a need alert sent a pair for a priority function parameter temporarily interrupts the calls of transmission nodes with signals (MP + NA + NIE) with node addresses (NA), that the monitor node then according to specific rules send priority calls (PP + NA + ME) with in turn orching node addresses (NA) to only the transmission nodes (NT1, NTS) that derive and send priority function parameters.