WO2011003813A1

WO2011003813A1 - Graduated sleep operating modes in a motor vehicle and corresponding control device

Info

Publication number: WO2011003813A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/059418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andre Owerfeldt
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-07-09
Filing date: 2010-07-02
Publication date: 2011-01-13
Also published as: DE102009027593A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a control device (1) for controlling a plurality of functions in a motor vehicle, wherein a number of functions are performed in a normal operating mode, wherein the control device (1) is connected to a number of waking sources (4), having the following steps: - taking on (S3, S4) a first sleep operating mode, if a first condition is present in the normal operating mode, wherein only part of the functions are performed in the first sleep operating mode and/or at least one of the functions is operated at reduced performance, so that the overall energy consumption in the first sleep operating mode is reduced relative to the energy consumption in the normal operating mode; - taking on (S5, S6) a second sleep operating mode if a second condition is present in the first sleep operating mode, wherein only part of the functions are performed in the second sleep operating mode and/or at least one of the functions is operated at reduced performance, so that the overall energy consumption in the second sleep operating mode is reduced relative to the energy consumption in the first sleep operating mode.

Description

DEDUCTED SLEEPING MODES IN A MOTOR VEHICLE AND CORRESPONDING CONTROL DEVICE

Technical area

The invention relates to a controller which is operable in a sleep mode to reduce power consumption of the controller.

State of the art

Control devices for motor vehicles are generally designed to perform a plurality of different functions and, in addition to a normal operating mode, also have a so-called sleep operating mode in which the number of functions performed is reduced in order to save energy. While in the normal operating mode the functions of the control unit are completely executed, only a part of these functions are executed in sleep mode or these functions are only partially executed and / or with a reduced processor performance.

For example, in sleep mode, individual units of the controller are completely turned off and activated only when a wake-up event occurs. Such a wake-up event is typically triggered externally in the controller, e.g. by a corresponding signal from one or more arranged in the motor vehicle controls and / or sensors, with the aid of a corresponding change of a state to be detected can be detected. In motor vehicles, for example, those sensors which serve as wake-up sources can be arranged in door handles, operating elements or other devices which are suitable for providing a wake-up signal. In particular, switching states of actuation switches can be used as sources of wake-up signals.

If, for example, the motor vehicle is switched off, the control unit is put into a sleep mode immediately or after some time. In the sleep mode, the wake-up sources are polled permanently, for example, statically by recognition. NEN a state change or a query method in which the state of the wake-up source is detected at intervals.

However, the power consumption of a control device in the conventional sleep mode is not always negligible, and it is therefore desirable to further reduce power consumption, especially in the case of longer sleep mode sleep times.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by the control device according to claim 1 and the method for operating a control device according to the independent claim.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, a method for operating a control device for controlling a plurality of functions in a motor vehicle is provided, wherein in a normal operation mode, the plurality of functions are performed, wherein the control device is connected to a number of wake-up sources. The method comprises the following steps:

Assuming a first sleep operation mode when in the normal operation mode, a first condition is present, wherein in the first sleep operation mode only a part of the plurality of functions is performed and / or at least one of the reduced power functions are operated so that the total energy consumption in the first sleep operation mode reduced compared to the energy consumption in the normal operating mode;

Assuming a second sleeping mode of operation when there is a second condition in the first sleeping mode of operation, in the second sleeping mode of operation only a part of the functions being performed and / or at least one of the reduced capacity functions being operated so that the total energy consumption in the second sleeping mode

Sleep mode is reduced compared to the energy consumption in the first sleep mode.

One idea of the above controller is to provide several sleep modes in which different power consumptions can be realized. For example, a first sleep mode may be based on a normal sleep mode. operation mode are monitored by monitoring a first group of wake-up sources and providing a second sleep mode in which a second group of wake-up sources, typically representing a sub-group of the first group, is monitored. The second sleep mode of operation is taken based on a particular event defined by the second condition, based on the first sleep mode of operation. In the presence of a wake-up event, the sleep modes are transitioned to normal operation mode. Furthermore, in a wake-up event, which is triggered by a change in state of at least one of the wake-up sources, the normal operating mode can be taken.

According to one embodiment, the first condition may include that none of the wake-up sources has triggered a wake-up event during a first time period and a first time duration has elapsed.

According to another embodiment, the second condition may include that none of the wake-up sources active in the first sleep mode has triggered a wake-up event during a second time period and a second time duration has elapsed.

Furthermore, the functions can be operated with reduced power by operating them at a reduced clock frequency and / or with a reduced supply voltage.

In another aspect, a controller for controlling multiple functions in a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the controller is configured to perform the plurality of functions in a normal mode of operation, the controller being connected to a number of wake-up sources, the controller being configured to: :

to enter a first sleep mode of operation when in the normal mode of operation, a first condition exists, wherein in the first sleep mode, only a portion of the number of functions is performed and / or the functions are operated at reduced power such that the total energy consumption is in the first sleep mode the energy consumption is reduced in the normal operating mode;

- enter a second mode of sleep when in the first sleep mode a second condition exists, wherein in the second sleep mode only a portion of the number of functions is performed and / or the functions are operated at reduced power, so that the total energy consumption in the second sleep mode is reduced over the energy consumption in the first sleep mode.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program which, when executed on a data processing unit, executes the above method. Brief description of the drawings

Preferred embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle with a plurality of control devices and with several wake-up sources;

2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a controller with multiple sleep modes.

Description of embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle with a plurality of control devices 1, which are connected to each other via a bus system 2, in particular a CAN bus system. The control devices may include, for example, a door control unit, a roof / sliding roof control unit, an electric window control unit, a seat adjustment control unit, a climate control unit, a steering column lever control unit, a tailgate control unit, a lighting system control unit, a radio receiver, a navigation device , an engine control unit and the like.

Each of the control units 1 is connected to one or more wake-up sources 4, which have, for example, sensors or switches or the like, so that they can detect a change in state and generate a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal may correspond to a conventional actuation signal of a switch or the like, e.g. the operation of an electric door handle. A switch provided in the wake-up source 4 can be directly coupled to one of the control units 1 to which the switch is assigned, so that an actuation of the switch for

Activating a specific vehicle function causes a change in the switch position. vorruft. The change of the shift position results in a normal operation mode for performing a predetermined function. In a sleep mode, the change in shift position can be interpreted as a wake-up event. Examples of such wake-up sources 4 are, for example, a door handle, a door lock, a control for electric windows, a control for seat adjustments, a control for a climate control unit, a steering column lever, a light switch, a control of a radio receiver and the like. In general, each actuatable switch can serve as a wake-up source 4. Furthermore, wake-up sources 4 may be designed as sensors, for example

Monitor vehicle and ambient conditions and provide a corresponding status signal. The status signal is evaluated permanently or at regular intervals in the control unit 1 and generates a corresponding wake-up signal.

During operation of the motor vehicle, the control unit 1 is operated in the normal operating mode and the above-mentioned operating elements or functional units are polled regularly in order to execute the requested function assigned to this wake-up source 4 with the aid of the control unit 1 assigned to the wake-up source 4.

If the vehicle is turned off, a part of the control units 1 or all control units 1 is put into a sleep mode after a certain first period of time after switching off. The first time durations may also be different for the control units 1. As a result, the power consumption in the control units 1 is considerably reduced. Of the

Sleep mode provides that individual subunits of the controller 1 are turned off or operated at a lower operating clock so as to reduce the power consumption. In the sleep mode, the wake-up sources 4 are still queried and the sleep mode is left when a change of state is detected at one of the wake-up sources 4.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for illustrating a method for operating one of the control units 1. According to step S1, the controller 1 is in a normal operation mode in which all or a number of functions of the controller are properly executed. Thus, the control unit 1, for example, on the operation of door handles, various controls such as Opening a sunroof, for a power window, for a seat adjustment, for a climate control unit, for opening a tailgate, for a lighting system, for a radio receiver, a steering column lever and the like, respond to the operation of a navigation device.

In step S2, a first condition is requested, in which the control unit 1 is to be set to a first sleep operating mode. If the first condition is met, the control unit 1 is subsequently operated in the first sleep operating mode in step S3. If the condition for taking the sleep mode is not met (alternative: no), then the controller continues to operate in the sleep mode according to step S1.

The first condition of step S2, which leads to the transition from the normal operating mode to the first sleep operating mode, may be in a motor vehicle, for example, a switched-off engine and a withdrawn ignition key and a non-actuated state of all connected to the control unit 1 controls (waking sources 4). Alternatively, it may be provided that the non-actuated state of the operating elements has been present for a specific first period of time before the first sleep operating mode is assumed. A further alternative or an optional condition for taking the sleeping mode of operation may also be a prior locking of the motor vehicle by means of a locking device.

In the first sleep mode of the step S3, the controller 1 operates in a power saving mode in which only essential functions are maintained. Functions for controlling the motor vehicle are essentially deactivated, so that no power is consumed by them. Only the wake-up sources 4 are polled continuously, at regular time intervals or at predetermined time intervals in order to determine whether a state change has occurred at one or more of the wake-up sources 4.

The interrogation of the wake-up sources 4 can take place statically, wherein upon actuation, for example, of an operating element (switch) or changing an output signal of a sensor, a level at an input of the control unit 1 changes, which can be treated as an interrupt in the control unit 1, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide the state of each individual operating element (wake-up source) at predetermined time intervals, for example by applying an electrical signal to query to detect a state change by comparing a previously detected state of the respective control element with the currently detected state of the control element. If there is a change of state, then there is a wake-up event.

If a change of state is detected in step S4 (alternative: yes), the method returns to step S1 and the normal operating mode is entered. If no wake-up event is detected (alternative: no), it is further checked in step S5 whether there is another condition or conditions in which it is possible to move from the first sleep mode to a second sleep mode in step S6.

The further conditions checked in step S5 may include, for example, the presence of the first sleep mode for a predetermined second period of time. For example, the second sleep mode may be taken after a few days, for example, if, after this period of time, none of the wake-up sources 4 have generated a wake-up event.

The second sleep mode may then be e.g. Provide that the wake-up source 4 or a part of the wake-up sources 4 are no longer queried, which are located inside the vehicle. If the first sleeping mode of operation has been taken after the vehicle has been locked and, for example, the vehicle doors have not been opened for a certain period of a few days, it can be assumed that there is no driver in the motor vehicle.

In the second sleep mode of the step S6, a further energy saving compared to the first sleep mode can be achieved by, for example, only a portion of the wake-up sources 4, ie a part of the controls or other sensors queried. The reduced number of queried wake-up sources 4 leads to a reduced power consumption of the control device 1. Furthermore, it can be provided to query all or a part of the wake-up sources 4 with a reduced interrogation frequency, whereby likewise an energy saving can be achieved. Alternatively, in addition to the second condition, in the presence of which transition from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode, the battery status of the motor vehicle in battery-operated control units 1 can be queried. If the charging capacity of the vehicle battery falls below a predetermined threshold value, energy saving is necessary and it may be possible to switch from the first sleep operating mode to the second sleep operating mode independently of the waiting of the second time duration.

The second group of wake-up sources 4 queried in the second sleep mode can furthermore generate a wake-up event and it is determined in step S7 if a wake-up event is present (alternative: yes). In this case, it returns to the normal operation mode of step S1. If there is no wake-up event (alternative: no), then the method returns to step S6 of the second sleep mode and the second sleep mode is maintained.

The above method is not limited to two sleep modes, any number of different subordinate sleep modes may be provided that result in different energy savings and that may be taken according to different conditions from a previous normal mode of sleep mode.

Alternatively or additionally, starting from a normal operating mode or a sleep operating mode depending on an existing branching condition, it is possible to proceed to different sleep operating modes with the same power consumption of the respective control device 1 or different powers of the respective control device 1, e.g. depending on whether the vehicle is in a locked or unfinished state. For example, in an unfinished state of the vehicle, another group of wake-up sources 4 may be interrogated than in the completed state. This also applies to the query of the battery state of charge. Depending on the battery state of charge, sleep modes can be taken with different power consumption.

The various sleep modes may be associated with different groups of wake-up sources 4 associated with, for example, a classification of the importance of the respective control or sensor elements associated with the wake-up source 4. Wake-up sources 4 of greater importance are less strong in their functionality and speed reduced as wake-up sources 4 lower priority. A criterion for classifying the wake-up sources 4 may be, for example, the arrangement in the motor vehicle, for example the monitoring of wake-up sources 4 assigned to control or sensor elements located on the exterior of the vehicle, such as door handles, proximity sensors and the like, is more important than the one

Monitoring of those inside the vehicle.

The sleep modes may also differ only in that the frequency of polling the wake-up sources 4 is set depending on the level of the desired sleep mode of operation. That is, the lower the sampling frequency, the lower the power consumption of the respective control device 1.

Claims

claims

A method of operating a control device (1) for controlling a plurality of functions in a motor vehicle, the plurality of functions being performed in a normal operation mode, the control device (1) being connected to a number of wake-up sources (4), comprising the steps of:

Assuming (S3, S4) a first sleeping mode of operation when in the normal operating mode a first condition exists, wherein in the first sleeping mode of operation only a part of the functions is carried out and / or at least one of the functions is operated with reduced power, so that the total energy consumption in first sleep mode is reduced from the power consumption in the normal mode of operation;

Ingesting (S5, S6) a second sleep mode of operation when in the first sleep mode, a second condition exists, wherein in the second sleep mode, only a portion of the functions are performed and / or at least one of the reduced power functions operates, such that the total power consumption of the controller (1) in the second sleep mode is reduced from the power consumption in the first sleep mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in a wake-up event, the in a

State change of at least one of the wake-up sources (4) is triggered, the normal operation mode is taken.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first condition comprises that none of the wake-up sources (4) has triggered a wake-up event during a first time period and a first time duration has elapsed.

The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second condition comprises that none of the wake-up sources (4) active in the first sleep mode has triggered a wake-up event during a second time period and a second time duration has elapsed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the functions are operated at a reduced power by these are operated at a reduced clock frequency and / or with a reduced supply voltage.

A controller (1) for controlling a plurality of functions in a motor vehicle, wherein the controller (1) is adapted to perform the plurality of functions in a normal mode of operation, the controller (1) being connected to a number of wake-up sources (4). wherein the controller (1) is adapted to:

to enter a first sleep mode when in the normal mode, a first condition exists, wherein in the first sleep mode, only a portion of the number of functions is performed and / or the functions are operated at reduced power, such that the total energy consumption in the first sleep mode is greater than the energy consumption is reduced in normal operating mode;

to enter a second sleep mode when in the first sleep mode a second condition exists, wherein in the second sleep mode only part of the number of functions is performed and / or the functions are operated at reduced power such that the total energy consumption in the second sleep mode is greater than that Energy consumption in the first sleep mode is reduced.

A computer program, product containing a computer program which, when executed on a data processing unit, executes a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.