Vehicle control system, abnormality sensing method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle control system, an abnormality sensing method, and a recording medium. The vehicle control system includes: a first unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit data; a second unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive data; and a data communication line mounted on the vehicle, connecting a first connection portion connected to the first unit and a second connection portion connected to the second unit so that data can be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit. The vehicle control system is configured to: determine whether the state of the first unit is a data transmissible state; in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is a non-data transmissible state where data cannot be transmitted, send a prescribed abnormality prompt signal from the first connection portion to the second connection portion via the data communication line; in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is a data transmissible state, do not send the abnormality prompt signal from the first connection portion to the second connection portion via the data communication line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control system having an abnormality sensing function (self-diagnosis function). Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle control system having an abnormality sensing function (hereinafter referred to as "conventional device") has been known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] The conventional device includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit and the second unit are connected via a first communication cable (network). That is, in the conventional device, data is transmitted from the first unit to the second unit via the first communication cable. Further, the first unit and the second unit are connected via a second communication cable different from the first communication cable. A prescribed signal indicating the state of the first unit (whether an abnormality has occurred) is transmitted to the second unit via the second communication cable. The second unit determines (diagnoses) the state of the conventional device based on the prescribed signal.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-016106

[0007] In the above conventional device, in addition to the first communication cable for transmitting the data from the first unit to the second unit, a second communication cable for transmitting the prescribed signal from the first unit to the second unit is provided. As a result, due to reasons such as an increase in the number of wires and an increase in the number of pins of the connector, the cost of the product becomes high. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive vehicle control system including two units connected via a communication wire and having an abnormality sensing function.

[0009] The vehicle control system (1, 1A) of the present invention includes: a first unit (10) mounted on a vehicle (V) and configured to transmit data; a second unit (20) mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive the data; and a data communication line (W+, W−) mounted on the vehicle, connecting a first connection portion (Pa) connected to the first unit and a second connection portion (Pb) connected to the second unit so that data can be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit.

[0010] The vehicle control system includes: a monitoring device (15) for monitoring the state of the first unit; and an information providing device (24, 25) configured to be able to provide information to a user of the vehicle.

[0011] The monitoring device is configured to: determine whether the state of the first unit is a data transmissible state in which data can be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit via the data communication line or a data non - transmissible state in which data cannot be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit via the data communication line; in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data non - transmissible state, send a specified abnormal prompt signal (PS) different from the data from the first connection part to the second connection part via the data communication line; in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data transmissible state, do not send the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection part to the second connection part via the data communication line. The information providing device is configured to: sense whether the abnormal prompt signal is sent to the second connection part, and change the information (X, Y, Y1, Y2) provided to the user according to the sensing result.

[0012] In the vehicle control system of the present invention, the monitoring device uses the data communication line as a transmission path for the abnormal prompt signal in a state where the data communication line is not used as a transmission path for data. Therefore, according to the vehicle control system of the present invention, compared with the case where a wire serving as a transmission path for the abnormal prompt signal is separately provided from the data communication line serving as a path for transmitting data, the number of components and component costs can be reduced.

[0013] In a vehicle control system according to one aspect of the present invention, the monitoring device is configured to: in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data non - transmissible state because the state of the components constituting the first unit is in a specified specific state, send a first signal as the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection part to the second connection part via the data communication line; in the case where the state of the components constituting the first unit is in a state different from the specific state and it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data non - transmissible state, send a second signal different from the first signal as the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection part to the second connection part via the data communication line.

[0014] According to the vehicle control system of this aspect, in the case where the state of the first unit is the data non - transmissible state, it is possible to distinguish whether the first unit is in a specific state or in a state different from the specific state.

[0015] In vehicle control systems according to other aspects of the present invention, the monitoring device determines that it is the data transmissible state when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is below a specified threshold value, and the monitoring device determines that it is the data non - transmissible state when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is higher than the specified threshold value.

[0016] Accordingly, the user can identify the temperature of the first unit based on the information provided by the information providing device.

[0017] In the vehicle control system according to other aspects of the present invention, the first unit includes: a transmitter that transmits the data; and a power supply device that supplies power to the transmitter. The monitoring device allows power supply from the power supply device to the transmitter when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is below the specified threshold value, and cuts off the power supply from the power supply device to the transmitter when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is higher than the specified threshold value.

[0018] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the components constituting the first unit from exceeding the threshold value and further heating, thereby causing damage to the components and / or other components constituting the first unit.

[0019] It should be noted that the present invention is also related to the method used in the above vehicle control system, and also relates to a computer program executed in the above vehicle control system.

[0020] In the above description, in order to help understand the present invention, the components of the invention corresponding to the embodiments described later are added with reference numerals used in the embodiments in parentheses. However, each component of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments defined by the reference numerals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle camera device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a monitoring program according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a diagnostic program according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a diagram showing Figure 3 The diagnostic result obtained by executing the diagnostic program is an example of an image showing that the operation of the slave unit has been temporarily stopped.

[0025] Figure 5 is a diagram showing Figure 3 The diagnostic result obtained by executing the diagnostic program is an example of an image indicating that the in-vehicle camera device needs to be repaired.

[0026] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the operation of the in-vehicle camera device at normal temperature.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the operation of the in-vehicle camera device at high temperatures.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing the operation of the in-vehicle camera device in a state where a failure has occurred in the communication device of the slave unit.

[0029] Figure 9 It represents the execution of Figure 3 A table of diagnostic results obtained from the diagnostic program.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of the monitoring program according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of the diagnostic program according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 It represents the execution of Figure 11 A table of diagnostic results obtained from the diagnostic program.

[0033] Figure 13 It represents the execution of Figure 11 An image of the diagnostic results obtained from the diagnostic program, which is an example of the first image indicating that the in-vehicle camera device needs to be repaired.

[0034] Figure 14 It represents the execution of Figure 11 An image of the diagnostic results obtained from the diagnostic program, which is an example of the second image indicating that the in-vehicle camera device needs to be repaired. Detailed Embodiments

[0035] <First Embodiment>

[0036] (Configuration)

[0037] The vehicle control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is Figure 1 The in-vehicle camera device 1 shown in

[0038] The in-vehicle camera device 1 includes a slave unit 10 and a master unit 20. Moreover, the in-vehicle camera device 1 includes a communication cable 30 that connects the slave unit 10 and the master unit 20. The slave unit 10 is accommodated, for example, in front of the rearview mirror of the vehicle V in a housing fixed to the windshield. The master unit 20 is assembled, for example, in the instrument panel.

[0039] The slave unit 10 includes a power supply device 11, a digital camera 12, a communicator 13, a connector 14, and a control device 15. Moreover, the slave unit 10 includes a printed circuit board 16. Electronic components constituting the power supply device 11, the digital camera 12, the communicator 13, the connector 14, and the control device 15 are mounted on the printed circuit board 16.

[0040] The power supply device 11 inputs (receives) direct current from a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V, and converts the direct current so that the voltage value of the direct current (for example, "12V") becomes a specified voltage value (for example, "3.3V"). The power supply device 11 supplies the direct current after voltage conversion to the digital camera 12, the communicator 13, and the control device 15. It should be noted that the power supply device 11 is configured to be able to switch the power supply state to the communicator 13 between a state of "supplying power to the communicator 13" and a state of "not supplying power to the communicator 13".

[0041] The digital camera 12 includes a lens 121 and an image sensor 122. The digital camera 12 captures the foreground of the vehicle V at a specified time interval and generates image data (hereinafter referred to as "original image data") representing the image (hereinafter referred to as "original image"). The digital camera 12 has a terminal 12a for outputting the original image data.

[0042] The communicator 13 has a terminal 13a for inputting (acquiring) the original image data. The terminal 13a is connected to the terminal 12a of the digital camera 12. Further, the communicator 13 includes a converter that converts the original image data input (acquired) from the digital camera 12 into low-voltage differential signals D+, D−. The low-voltage differential signal is a signal in accordance with a specification also known as Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), and is a signal in accordance with the physical layer specification for a serial interface standardized as "ANSI / TIA / EIA-644". The low-voltage differential signal is a signal that suppresses the amplitude of the signal to a low voltage of about 350 mV instead of 3.3V and transmits data at a higher transmission rate (for example, refer to Japanese Patent No. 5860644, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-204705, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-177242, etc.). The signal D+ is called the positive signal, and the signal D− is also called the negative signal. These signals change in a manner that they are in antiphase with each other with a common-mode voltage (for example, 1.2V) as the center. The potential difference between these two signals is 350 mV.

[0043] Further, the communicator 13 has terminals T+, T− for respectively outputting the low-voltage differential signals D+, D−. The terminals T+, T− are respectively connected to the contact pins PT+, PT− of the connector 14.

[0044] The control device 15 includes a microcomputer 151, a temperature sensor 152, and a pulse output device 153. The microcomputer 151 includes an arithmetic device (CPU), storage devices (ROM, RAM, etc.), a timing device, and the like. The temperature sensor 152 detects the temperature T of the unit 10 (for example, the surface temperature of the digital video camera 12), and supplies temperature data representing the detection result to the microcomputer 151. The pulse output device 153 generates a pulse signal PS. The frequency of the pulse signal PS is controlled by the microcomputer 151. In the first embodiment, the frequency of the pulse signal PS is "10 Hz" which is the first frequency. The amplitude (voltage) of the pulse signal PS is "3.3 V". The pulse output device 153 includes a terminal 153a for outputting the pulse signal PS. The terminal 153a is connected to the contact pins PT+, PT− of the connector 14 via a buffer element BB and a resistor RR. The pulse output device 153 is configured to be able to switch its pulse output state between "the state of outputting the pulse signal PS" and "the state of not outputting the pulse signal PS".

[0045] The main unit 20 includes a power supply device 21, a communicator 22, a connector 23, a control device 24, and a display 25. Moreover, the main unit 20 includes a printed circuit board 26. Electronic components constituting the power supply device 21, the communicator 22, the connector 23, and the control device 24 are mounted on the printed circuit board 26.

[0046] The power supply device 21 inputs (receives) direct current from the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted battery, and converts the direct current so that the voltage value thereof (for example, "12 V") becomes a specified voltage value (for example, "3.3 V"). The power supply device 21 supplies the direct current after the voltage conversion to the communicator 22, the control device 24, and the display 25.

[0047] The communicator 22 includes terminals R+, R− for respectively inputting low-voltage differential signals D+, D−. The terminals R+, R− are respectively connected to the contact pins PR+, PR− of the connector 23. The communicator 22 includes an inverse converter that converts (restores) the input (acquired) low-voltage differential signals D+, D− into original image data. Moreover, the communicator 22 includes a terminal 22a for outputting the original image data obtained by converting the low-voltage differential signals D+, D−.

[0048] The control device 24 includes a microcomputer 241 and a buffer circuit 242. The microcomputer 241 includes an arithmetic device (CPU), storage devices (ROM, RAM, etc.), a timing device, and the like. The microcomputer 241 has a terminal 241a for inputting (acquiring) original image data. The terminal 241a is connected to the terminal 22a of the communicator 22. Further, the microcomputer 241 has a terminal 241b for inputting (acquiring) a pulse signal. The terminal 241b is connected to the contact pins PR+, PR− of the connector 23 via the buffer circuit 242. The buffer circuit 242 includes a transistor 242a. The collector of the transistor 242a is connected via a resistor rr to a point A (a point with a logic level of “H”) having the same potential as the positive terminal of the power output terminal of the power supply device 21, and is also connected to the terminal 241b. The emitter of the transistor 242a is connected to a point B (a point with a logic level of “L”) having the same potential as the negative terminal of the power output terminal of the power supply device 21. The base of the transistor 242a is connected to the contact pins PR+, PR− of the connector 23 via resistors RR, RR. The microcomputer 241 executes a diagnostic program described later to determine (diagnose) the state of the in-vehicle camera device 1 (whether the in-vehicle camera device 1 needs repair).

[0049] The display 25 includes a liquid crystal display screen and a display controller. The display controller receives image data representing a prescribed image (characters, graphics, etc.) from the microcomputer 241, and causes the image represented by the received image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen.

[0050] The communication cable 30 includes two wires W+, W− and a pair of plugs 30a, 30b. The wires W+, W− correspond to low-voltage differential signals D+, D− respectively. The wires W+ and W− are twisted together. Plugs 30a are attached to one ends of the wires W+, W−, and plugs 30b are attached to the other ends of the wires W+, W−. One ends of the wires W+, W− are connected to the contact pins Pa+, Pa− of the plug 30a respectively, and the other ends of the wires W+, W− are connected to the contact pins Pb+, Pb− of the plug 30b respectively. The plug 30a is inserted into the connector 14. In this state, the contact pins Pa+, Pa− are in contact with the contact pins PT+, PT− respectively and are thus electrically connected. On the other hand, the plug 30b is inserted into the connector 23. In this state, the contact pins Pb+, Pb− are in contact with the contact pins PR+, PR− respectively and are thus electrically connected.

[0051] (Operation)

[0052] A general description of the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1 will be given. As described above, the unit 10 is disposed inside the vehicle cabin in front of the rearview mirror of the vehicle V. Therefore, sunlight shines on the unit 10, and as a result, the temperature of the unit 10 (especially the digital camera 12) becomes relatively high. The operation of the unit 10 may become unstable, or the components of the unit 10 may be deformed due to heat. To prevent damage to the unit 10, it is preferable to stop supplying power to the heat-generating component (the communicator 13 in this embodiment). Therefore, as will be described below, the microcomputer 151 monitors (senses) the temperature T of the unit 10 and controls the power supply device 11 based on the sensing result as described below.

[0053] When the temperature T is equal to or lower than a specified threshold value Tth, the microcomputer 151 controls the power supply device 11 to supply power to the communicator 13. The communicator 13 converts the original image data into low-voltage differential signals D+, D− and outputs them. The low-voltage differential signals D+, D− are transmitted to the communicator 22 via the communication cable 30. The communicator 22 converts the low-voltage differential signals D+, D− into original image data and supplies it to the microcomputer 241. It should be noted that in this case, the microcomputer 151 controls the pulse output device 153 so as not to output the pulse signal PS from the pulse output device 153.

[0054] On the other hand, when the temperature T is higher than the specified threshold value Tth, the microcomputer 151 controls the power supply device 11 to cut off the power supply to the communicator 13. When the power supply to the communicator 13 is cut off, the communicator 13 stops the operation of converting the original image data into the low-voltage differential signals D+, D−. Therefore, the communication cable 30 is not used as a path for transmitting the low-voltage differential signals D+, D−. On the other hand, the microcomputer 151 controls the pulse output device 153 to output the pulse signal PS from the pulse output device 153. This pulse signal PS is transmitted to the control device 24 via the communication cable 30.

[0055] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle camera device 1, basically, the communicator 13 functions as a transmitter of low-voltage differential signals D+ and D−, and the communicator 22 functions as a receiver of low-voltage differential signals D+ and D−. Among them, the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 have a two-way communication function (reverse channel communication function) for mutually transmitting and receiving a specified signal (a signal different from the low-voltage differential signals D+ and D−). The communicator 13 and the communicator 22 use this two-way communication function to sense whether they are in a state where they can communicate with each other. Specifically, the communicator 22 sends a specified request signal to the communicator 13. For the communicator 13, when it receives the request signal, it sends a specified response signal to the communicator 22. After the communicator 22 sends the request signal to the communicator 13, when it receives a response signal from the communicator 13 within a specified time, it updates the communication error flag F stored in the flag register provided in the communicator 22 to "0" indicating "can communicate". On the other hand, after the communicator 22 sends the request signal to the communicator 13, when it does not receive a response signal from the communicator 13 within a specified time, it updates the communication error flag F to "1" indicating "cannot communicate". On the other hand, when the request signal from the communicator 22 is interrupted (when the request signal cannot be received even after a specified time) for the communicator 13, it updates the communication error flag F provided in the communicator 13 to "1". For the communicator 13 and the communicator 22, when the communication error flag F is updated to "1", communication stops thereafter. It should be noted that if the communicator 22 is normal (if the communicator 22 does not malfunction), the microcomputer 241 can read the communication error flag F of the communicator 22. If the communicator 13 is normal (if the communicator 13 does not malfunction), the microcomputer 151 can read the communication error flag F of the communicator 13.

[0056] Moreover, the microcomputer 241 senses whether it is receiving the pulse signal PS. The control device 24 determines (diagnoses) the state of the in-vehicle camera device 1 (whether repair is required) based on the read result of the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 and the sensing result of the pulse signal PS, and causes an image indicating the determination result to be displayed on the display 25.

[0057] It should be noted that for the microcomputer 241, every time original image data is supplied from the communicator 22, it performs image recognition processing based on the original image data. For example, the microcomputer 241 recognizes road signs, driving lanes, etc. based on the original image data, and sends the recognition result to the microcomputer that controls the engine, brakes, steering device, etc. of the vehicle V. In other words, the data based on the original image data is used for the controller for vehicle driving assistance control.

[0058] Next, the specific operations of the microcomputer 151 and the microcomputer 241 will be described. When the engine of the vehicle V is started (or when the drive source of the vehicle V is started), the arithmetic unit of the microcomputer 151 (hereinafter referred to as "slave CPU") starts Figure 2 the execution of the monitoring program shown in. Moreover, the arithmetic unit of the microcomputer 241 (hereinafter referred to as "master CPU") starts Figure 3 the execution of the diagnostic program shown in.

[0059] The slave CPU starts the monitoring process from step 200. Next, the slave CPU acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 152 in step 201 to sense the temperature T. Next, the slave CPU determines in step 202 whether the temperature T is equal to or lower than a specified threshold value Tth. When the temperature T is equal to or lower than the specified threshold value Tth (202: Yes), the slave CPU proceeds to step 203. On the other hand, when the temperature T is higher than the threshold value Tth (202: No), the slave CPU proceeds to step 205.

[0060] When proceeding from step 202 to step 203, the slave CPU controls the power supply device 11 so as to supply power to the communicator 13. Next, the slave CPU controls the pulse output device 153 so as not to output the pulse signal PS from the terminal 153a in step 204. Then, the slave CPU returns to step 201.

[0061] On the other hand, when proceeding from step 202 to step 205, the slave CPU controls the power supply device 11 so as not to supply power to the communicator 13. Next, the slave CPU controls the pulse output device 153 so as to output the pulse signal PS from the terminal 153a in step 206. Then, the slave CPU returns to step 201.

[0062] The master CPU starts the diagnostic process from step 300. The master CPU determines whether the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a communicable state through the processes of steps 301 to 303. Specifically, the master CPU attempts to read the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 in step 301. Next, the master CPU determines in step 302 whether the reading of the communication error flag F was successful. When the reading of the communication error flag F was successful (302: Yes), the master CPU proceeds to step 303.

[0063] The master CPU determines in step 303 whether the read communication error flag F is "0". When the read communication error flag F is "0" (303: Yes), the master CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a communicable state" and returns to step 301. On the other hand, when the read communication error flag F is "1" (303: No), the master CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a non - communicable state" and proceeds to step 304.

[0064] In step 304, the main CPU determines whether a pulse signal is being input to terminal 241b (whether the pulse signal PS is being received). When a pulse signal is being input to terminal 241b (304: Yes), the main CPU proceeds to step 305, causes the display 25 to display an image X indicating that "the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1 (communicator 13) has been stopped" (see Figure 4 .), and returns to step 301. On the other hand, when a pulse signal PS is not being input to terminal 241b (when the logic level of terminal 241b remains "H" for a period longer than the pulse width corresponding to the pulse signal PS (304: No)), the main CPU proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the main CPU causes the display 25 to display an image Y indicating that "the in-vehicle camera device 1 needs to be repaired" (see Figure 5 .), and returns to step 301.

[0065] On the other hand, when the communication error flag F is not read in step 301 (when the communicator 22 does not respond to the read request), the main CPU can determine that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a state where they cannot communicate" (the communicator 22 has malfunctioned). Therefore, in this case, the main CPU determines "No" in step 302 and proceeds to step 306, causes Figure 5 image Y to be displayed, and then returns to step 301. It should be noted that in this case, the main CPU can also cause a "different image from image Y" indicating the meaning of "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a state where they cannot communicate" to be displayed on the display 25.

[0066] Next, referring to Figure 6 , the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1 at normal temperature (when the temperature T is below the threshold value Tth) will be specifically described. Among them, in this Figure 6 example, all components of the in-vehicle camera device 1 are in a state where they can function normally (that is, no malfunction has occurred).

[0067] The digital camera 12 generates original image data representing the original image obtained by photographing the foreground of the vehicle V. This original image data is output from terminal 12a and input to terminal 13a of the communicator 13. In this case, power is supplied to the communicator 13 (see Figure 2Step 203.). The communicator 13 converts the original image data into low-voltage differential signals D+, D-. The low-voltage differential signals D+, D- are output from the terminals T+, T- and are transmitted via the connector 14, the communication cable 30, and the connector 23 to the terminals R+, R- of the communicator 22. In this way, the original image data is converted into differential signals and transmitted, so the vehicle-mounted camera device 1 has high resistance to external noise in data transmission. It should be noted that in this case, the pulse output device 153 does not output the pulse signal PS (refer to Figure 2 Step 204). The communicator 22 converts (restores) the low-voltage differential signals D+, D- into the original image data. This original image data is output from the terminal 22a and input to the terminal 241a of the main CPU. In this example, the communicators 13 and 22 are in a communicable state. That is, the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 is "0". Thus, the main CPU neither causes the display 25 to display the image X nor causes the display 25 to display the image Y. Moreover, the main CPU performs the above-described image recognition process based on the original image data. It should be noted that as described above, the low-voltage differential signals D+, D- change in a manner that they are in antiphase with each other with a common-mode voltage (for example, 1.2V) as the center, and the potential difference between these two signals is 350 mV. The above common-mode voltage is applied to the connection point C of the resistors RR, RR of the main unit 20. Therefore, the transistor 242a remains in the on state, and the logic level of the terminal 241b remains "L" without change.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 7 , and the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera device 1 at high temperatures (when the temperature T of the slave unit 10 is higher than the threshold value Tth) will be specifically described. Among them, in this Figure 7 example, all the components of the vehicle-mounted camera device 1 are in a state where they can function normally (that is, no failure has occurred).

[0069] Power is not supplied to the communicator 13 (refer to Figure 2 Step 205.). That is to say, the operation of the communicator 13 has been stopped. Thus, in this case, the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 is "1". Moreover, in this case, the pulse output device 153 outputs a pulse signal PS of 3.3V (refer to Figure 2Step 206). The pulse signal PS is transmitted via the communication cable 30 to the resistor RR, RR of the main unit 20. The pulse signal PS transmitted via the wire W+ of the communication cable 30 and the pulse signal PS transmitted via the wire W− are in the same phase. Therefore, the potential of the connection point C of the resistors RR, RR of the main unit 20 changes according to the pulse signal PS (a signal that changes from 0V to 3.3V and then to 0V). When 3.3V is applied to the base of the transistor 242a, the transistor 242a changes from the off state to the on state. When 0V is applied to the base of the transistor 242a, the transistor 242a changes from the on state to the off state. As a result, the transistor 242a repeatedly turns on / off according to the period of the pulse signal PS. Consequently, the pulse signal PS (strictly speaking, a signal that is inverted with respect to the pulse signal PS) is input to the terminal 241b. The main CPU senses that the pulse signal PS is being input to the terminal 241b and causes the display 25 to display the image X (refer to Figure 3 Step 305). It should be noted that in this case, the original image data is not supplied to the main CPU, so the main CPU does not perform the above-mentioned image recognition process.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figure 8 , the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1 in the case where the communicator 13 has failed at normal temperature and other components are normal will be specifically described.

[0071] In this case, since the communicator 13 has failed, the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 cannot communicate. That is, the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 is "1". Moreover, since the temperature T is below the threshold value Tth, the pulse signal PS is not output from the pulse output device 153 (refer to Figure 2 Step 204). Thus, in this case, the main CPU causes the display 25 to display the image Y (refer to Figure 3 Step 306).

[0072] Summarize the matters described above in the Figure 9 table. As shown in this table, in the in-vehicle camera device 1, the main CPU controls the display content of the display 25 based on the determination result of whether the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 can communicate and the determination result of whether the pulse signal PS is being input to the terminal 241b (pulse input terminal). It should be noted that when the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 can communicate and the pulse signal PS is not being input to the terminal 241b (when the in-vehicle camera device 1 is operating normally (refer to Figure 9In the state (1)), the main CPU does not cause the display 25 to display an image related to the state of the in-vehicle camera device 1. However, in this case, it is also possible to cause the display 25 to display an image indicating that "the in-vehicle camera device 1 is operating normally". The user (driver or vehicle owner of vehicle V) and the repair person in charge of the in-vehicle camera device 1 can respond as follows based on the image (image X or image Y) displayed on the display 25.

[0073] "When the digital camera 12 is in a high-temperature state and the operation of the communicator 13 has been stopped" (see Figure 9 the state (2)), image X is displayed. In this case, at least the power supply device 11, the control device 15, the communication cable 30, the power supply device 21, and the control device 24 are operating normally. Therefore, in this case, the user can wait until the temperature T decreases and the communicator 13 restarts its operation.

[0074] It should be noted that when the temperature T becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth (or a temperature that is lower than the threshold value Tth by a positive specified temperature), the CPU controls the power supply device 11 to supply power to the communicator 13. Moreover, the CPU controls the pulse output device 153 so as not to output the pulse signal PS from the pulse output device 153. For the main CPU, when it senses that the pulse signal PS is no longer input to the terminal 241b, the communicator 22 is restarted (rebooted). In this way, the in-vehicle camera device 1 becomes a state in which the original image data can be transmitted from the slave unit 10 to the master unit 20.

[0075] "When communication cannot be established between the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 and the pulse signal PS is not being input to the master unit 20" (see Figure 9 the state (3)), image Y is displayed. Therefore, when the communicator 13 has failed as exemplified in Figure 8 image Y is displayed. In addition, image Y is also displayed when the following faults occur.

[0076] · Failure of the power supply device 11

[0077] · Failure of the slave CPU

[0078] · Disconnection of the communication cable 30 and / or poor fitting of the plug and the connector (poor contact of the contact pins)

[0079] · Failure of the communicator 22

[0080] Accordingly, when image Y is displayed, the user needs to commission the repair of the system including the in-vehicle camera device 1.

[0081] In this case, it is advisable for the repair person in charge to respond as follows.

[0082] ·Temporarily unplug the plug of the communication cable 30 from the connector and insert it again.

[0083] ·Replace the slave unit 10

[0084] ·Replace the main unit 20

[0085] ·Replace the communication cable 30

[0086] It should be noted that the person in charge of repair uses an oscilloscope to observe the signals output from each terminal to determine the fault location, so as to determine the components that need to be replaced.

[0087] It should be noted that when the image X is displayed, if the temperature T decreases, it can be expected that the in-vehicle camera device 1 will become usable. Here, for example, assume the following state: The digital camera 12 is in a high-temperature state, so the operation of the communicator 13 has stopped, and the communicator 13 or the communicator 22 has failed. In this case, when the temperature T decreases, the pulse signal is no longer output from the pulse output device 153. However, since the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 cannot communicate, as a result, the image Y is displayed. In this case, the person in charge of repair can presume that at least the power supply device 11, the control device 15, the communication cable 30, the power supply device 21, and the control device 24 are operating normally, and other components have failed. Therefore, in this case, the person in charge of repair does not need to replace the communication cable 30, and it is sufficient to replace either or both of the slave unit 10 and the main unit 20. It should be noted that the person in charge of repair can use an oscilloscope to observe the signals output from the terminal 12a, the terminals T +, T−, the terminal 23a, etc. to determine the fault location. Then, the person in charge of repair can replace the unit including the determined fault location.

[0088] (Effect of the first embodiment)

[0089] In the in-vehicle camera device 1, when the temperature T of the slave unit 10 is higher than the threshold value Tth, the operation of the communicator 13 is stopped. Moreover, in this state, the pulse signal PS is output from the pulse output device 153. That is, the pulse signal PS indicates that "the operation of the communicator 13 has been stopped". In this state, the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 do not communicate. That is, the communication cable 30 is not used as the transmission path for the low-voltage differential signals D +, D− (signals obtained by converting the original image data). In this state, the communication cable 30 is used as the transmission path for the pulse signal PS. Therefore, according to the in-vehicle camera device 1, compared with the case where the communication cable, the bus bar, etc. as the transmission path for the pulse signal PS are provided separately from the transmission path for the low-voltage differential signals D +, D−, the number of components and the component cost can be reduced.

[0090] <Second Embodiment>

[0091] (Configuration)

[0092] The configuration of the in-vehicle camera device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the in-vehicle camera device 1 shown in Figure 1 .

[0093] (Operation)

[0094] A general overview of the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1A will be described. In the in-vehicle camera device 1A, when the temperature T is higher than the threshold value Tth, as in the case of the in-vehicle camera device 1, the operation of the communicator 13 is stopped by the CPU, and the pulse output device 153 outputs a pulse signal PS. The frequency of the pulse signal PS in this case is "10 Hz" which is the first frequency. On the other hand, in the in-vehicle camera device 1A, when the temperature T is equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth and the communication error flag F of the communicator 13 is "1", the pulse output device 153 outputs a pulse signal PS from the CPU. The frequency of the pulse signal PS in this case is "a second frequency different from the first frequency", which is "20 Hz" in this example.

[0095] The main CPU determines (diagnoses) the state of the in-vehicle camera device 1A based on the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 and the frequency of the pulse signal input to the terminal 241b, and controls the display content of the display 25 based on the result.

[0096] Next, the specific operations of the slave CPU and the main CPU will be described. When the engine of the vehicle V is started, the slave CPU starts the execution of the monitoring program shown in Figure 10 , and the main CPU starts the execution of the diagnostic program shown in Figure 11 .

[0097] The slave CPU of the in-vehicle camera device 1A starts the monitoring process from step 1000. Next, the slave CPU acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 152 to sense the temperature T in step 1001. Next, the slave CPU determines in step 1002 whether the temperature T is equal to or lower than a specified threshold value Tth. When the temperature T is equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth (1002: Yes), the slave CPU proceeds to step 1003.

[0098] The CPU controls the power supply device 11 in such a way as to supply power to the communicator 13 in step 1003. Next, the CPU attempts to read the communication error flag F from the flag register of the communicator 13 in step 1004. Next, the CPU determines in step 1005 whether the reading of the communication error flag F was successful. When the reading of the communication error flag F was successful (1005: Yes), the CPU proceeds to step 1006. On the other hand, when the communication error flag F was not read (when the communicator 13 did not respond to the read request (1005: No)), the CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a state where communication is not possible" (the communicator 13 has malfunctioned), and proceeds to step 1008 described later.

[0099] When proceeding from step 1005 to step 1006, the CPU determines whether the read communication error flag F is "0". When the read communication error flag F is "0" (1006: Yes), the CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a state where communication is possible", and proceeds to step 1007. The CPU controls the pulse output device 153 in such a way as not to output the pulse signal PS from the terminal 153a in step 1007. Then, the CPU returns to step 1001.

[0100] In contrast, when the successfully read communication error flag F is "1" (1006: No), the CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a state where communication is not possible", and proceeds to step 1008.

[0101] When proceeding from step 1005 or step 1006 to step 1008, the CPU controls the pulse output device 153 in such a way as to output the pulse signal PS from the terminal 153a. At this time, the CPU controls the pulse output device 153 such that the frequency of this pulse signal PS is 20 Hz (second frequency). Then, the CPU returns to step 1001.

[0102] In contrast, when the temperature T obtained in step 1001 is higher than the threshold value Tth (1002: No), the CPU proceeds to step 1009 described later. In step 1009, the CPU controls the power supply device 11 in such a way as not to supply power to the communicator 13. Next, the CPU proceeds to step 1010 to control the pulse output device 153 to output a pulse signal from the terminal 153a. At this time, the CPU controls the pulse output device 153 such that the frequency of the pulse signal PS is 10 Hz (first frequency). Then, the CPU returns to step 1001.

[0103] The main CPU of the in-vehicle camera device 1A starts the diagnosis process from step 1100. The main CPU determines whether the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a communicable state through the processes of steps 1101 to 1103. Specifically, the main CPU attempts to read the communication error flag F of the communicator 22 in step 1101. Next, the main CPU determines whether the reading of the communication error flag F was successful in step 1102. When the reading of the communication error flag F is successful (1102: Yes), the main CPU proceeds to step 1103.

[0104] When proceeding from step 1102 to step 1103, the main CPU determines whether the read communication error flag F is "0". When the value of the read communication error flag F is "0" (1103: Yes), the main CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a communicable state" and returns to step 1101. On the other hand, when the read communication error flag F is "1" (1103: No), the main CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a non-communicable state" and proceeds to step 1104.

[0105] When proceeding from step 1103 to step 1104, the main CPU determines whether a pulse signal PS is being input to terminal 241b (whether the pulse signal PS is being received). When a pulse signal PS is being input to terminal 241b (1104: Yes), the main CPU proceeds to step 1105.

[0106] When proceeding from step 1104 to step 1105, the main CPU determines whether the frequency of the pulse signal PS being input to terminal 241b is 10 Hz. When the frequency of the pulse signal PS is 10 Hz (1105: Yes), the main CPU proceeds to step 1106. On the other hand, when the frequency of the pulse signal PS is not 10 Hz (when the frequency of the pulse signal PS is 20 Hz (1105: No)), the main CPU proceeds to step 1107.

[0107] When proceeding from step 1105 to step 1106, the main CPU causes the display 25 to display an image X indicating that "the operation of the in-vehicle camera device 1 (communicator 13) has been stopped" (refer to Figure 4 ), and returns to step 1101.

[0108] When proceeding from step 1105 to step 1107, the main CPU causes the display 25 to display a first image Y1 indicating that "the in-vehicle camera device 1A needs to be repaired" (refer to Figure 13 ), and returns to step 1101.

[0109] Note that when the communication error flag F has not been read out (when the communicator 22 does not respond to the read request (1102: No)), the main CPU determines that "the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 are in a non - communicable state, and the communicator 22 has failed." and proceeds to step 1108. Also, when "the communication error flag F is '1' (1103: No) and a pulse signal PS is not being input to the terminal 241b (1104: No)", the main CPU determines that the slave unit 10, the communication cable 30, etc. have failed and proceeds to step 1108.

[0110] In step 1108, the main CPU causes the display 25 to display a second image Y2 indicating "Repair of the in - vehicle camera device 1A is required" (see Figure 14 ), and returns to step 1101.

[0111] Summarize the above - described matters in the Figure 12 table. As shown in this table, in the in - vehicle camera device 1A, the main CPU controls the display content of the display 25 based on the following three determination results.

[0112] · The determination result of whether the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 can communicate

[0113] · The determination result of whether a pulse signal PS is being input to the terminal 241b (pulse input terminal)

[0114] · The determination result of the frequency of the pulse signal PS (whether it is the first frequency or the second frequency)

[0115] Note that in this embodiment, when the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 can communicate and a pulse signal PS is not being input to the terminal 241b (when the in - vehicle camera device 1A is operating normally (see Figure 12 state (1))), the main CPU does not cause the display 25 to display an image related to the state of the in - vehicle camera device 1A. However, in this case, it is also possible to cause the display 25 to display an image indicating that "the in - vehicle camera device 1A is operating normally". The user (driver or vehicle owner of the vehicle V) and the repair person in charge of the vehicle V can respond as follows based on the image (image X, image Y1, or image Y2) displayed on the display 25.

[0116] Similar to the in - vehicle camera device 1, "when the digital camera 12 is in a high - temperature state and the operation of the communicator 13 has stopped" (see Figure 12 state (2)), the image X is displayed. Thus, when the image X is displayed, the user can standby until the temperature T decreases and the communicator 13 resumes its operation.

[0117] When either image Y1 or image Y2 is displayed, the user needs to commission the repair of the in-vehicle camera device 1A. In this case, the repair person in charge can respond as follows. It should be noted that it is rare for multiple parts of the in-vehicle camera device 1A to fail simultaneously. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that only one part of the in-vehicle camera device 1A has failed.

[0118] "When the digital camera 12 is at room temperature, but the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 cannot communicate, and the pulse signal PS is being transmitted from the slave unit 10 to the master unit 20" (refer to Figure 12 state (3)), image Y1 is displayed. That is, when image Y1 is displayed, the power supply device 11, the control device 15, and the communication cable 30 are operating normally. In other words, when image Y1 is displayed, the repair person in charge can presume that any one of the following faults has occurred.

[0119] · Fault of the communicator 13

[0120] · Fault of the communicator 22

[0121] Therefore, the repair person in charge focuses on investigating the above-mentioned parts to determine the faulty part, and it is only necessary to replace the unit including the determined part.

[0122] "When the digital camera 12 is at room temperature, but the communicator 13 and the communicator 22 cannot communicate, and the pulse signal is not being transmitted from the slave unit 10 to the master unit 20" (refer to Figure 12 state (4)), image Y2 is displayed. In this case, the repair person in charge can presume that any one of the following faults has occurred.

[0123] · Fault of the power supply device 11

[0124] · Fault of the control device 15

[0125] · Fault of the communication cable 30 (such as disconnection, poor contact of contact pins, etc.)

[0126] Therefore, the repair person in charge focuses on investigating the above-mentioned parts to determine the faulty part, and it is only necessary to replace the unit including the determined part or the communication cable 30.

[0127] (Effect of the second embodiment)

[0128] According to the in-vehicle camera device 1A, in addition to the effects obtained by the in-vehicle camera device 1, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, according to the in-vehicle camera device 1, the user and the repair person in charge can distinguish Figure 9the three states shown in, and according to the in-vehicle camera device 1A, the user and the repair person in charge can distinguish Figure 12 the four states shown in. In other words, according to the in-vehicle camera device 1A, the repair person in charge can easily determine the failure location of the in-vehicle camera device 1A and can complete the repair quickly.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as described below, various modification examples can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

[0130] (Modification Example 1)

[0131] In each of the above-described embodiments, a transmission method (protocol) is adopted in which the original image data is converted into low-voltage differential signals D+ and D− in the slave unit 10 and the low-voltage differential signals D+ and D− are transmitted to the master unit 20 via the communication cable 30. However, the transmission method of the original image data is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and well-known serial data transmission methods, parallel data transmission methods, etc. can be adopted.

[0132] (Modification Example 2)

[0133] The frequencies (the first frequency and the second frequency) of the above-described pulse signal PS are an example, and other frequencies can also be adopted. Moreover, a signal presenting a prescribed bit pattern can be adopted instead of the pulse signal PS. In this case, in the in-vehicle camera device 1A, when the temperature T is higher than the threshold Tth, the CPU causes the pulse output device 153 to output a signal S1 having the first bit pattern. On the other hand, in the in-vehicle camera device 1A, when the temperature T is equal to or lower than the threshold Tth and the communication error flag F of the communicator 13 is "1", the CPU causes the pulse output device 153 to output "a signal S2 having a second bit pattern different from the first bit pattern". The main CPU of the in-vehicle camera device 1A discriminates which of the first bit pattern and the second bit pattern the transmitted signal has.

[0134] (Modification Example 3)

[0135] The main CPU causes images X, Y, etc. indicating the results (diagnosis results) obtained by executing the diagnostic program to be displayed on the display 25, but the method of presenting the diagnosis results is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is sufficient that some information indicating the diagnosis results is presented to the user and the repair person in charge. For example, sounds corresponding to the images X, Y, etc. can also be generated. Moreover, the diagnosis results can be stored in a non-volatile memory together with the time (date and time) when the diagnosis results are obtained, etc., or can be transmitted to an external server using the in-vehicle communicator. In this case, the user and the repair person in charge can read out the diagnosis results from the non-volatile memory or the external server and use them for repair, etc.

[0136] (Modification Example 4)

[0137] The above-described embodiment is an example of applying the present invention to an in-vehicle camera device, but the present invention can also be applied to other vehicle control systems (the vehicle control system includes two units connected via a communication cable and has a self-diagnosis function).

Claims

1. A vehicle control system, comprising: A first unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit data; A second unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive the data; and A data communication line mounted on the vehicle, connecting a first connection portion connected to the first unit and a second connection portion connected to the second unit, enabling data to be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit, The vehicle control system further comprises: A monitoring device provided in the first unit to monitor the state of the first unit; and An information providing device provided in the second unit and configured to be able to provide information to the user of the vehicle, The first unit comprises: a transmitter connected to the first connection portion and transmitting the data from the first connection portion, The monitoring device is configured to: Determine whether the state of the first unit is a data-transmissible state in which the data can be transmitted from the transmitter; In the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is a non-data-transmissible state in which the data cannot be transmitted due to the state of the components constituting the first unit being in a specified specific state, control the transmitter to a state in which the data cannot be transmitted, and in the case where the data communication line is not used as a transmission path for the data due to the state of the first unit being the non-data-transmissible state, transmit a specified abnormal prompt signal different from the data from the first connection portion; In the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data-transmissible state, control the transmitter to a state in which the data can be transmitted, and do not transmit the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection portion, The information providing device is configured to: Determine whether the second unit is in a receivable state in which the data can be received from the transmitter via the data communication line; In the case where it is determined that the second unit is in a non-receivable state in which the data cannot be received and the second unit is receiving the abnormal prompt signal, provide the user with specified first image information; In the case where it is determined that the second unit is in the non-receivable state and the second unit is not receiving the abnormal prompt signal, provide the user with specified second image information.

2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein The monitoring device determines that it is the data-transmissible state when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is below a specified threshold value, The monitoring device determines that it is the non-data-transmissible state when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is higher than the specified threshold value.

3. The vehicle control system according to claim 2, wherein The first unit comprises: a power supply device for supplying power to the transmitter, The monitoring device permits power supply from the power supply device to the transmitter when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is below the specified threshold value, The monitoring device cuts off the power supply from the power supply device to the transmitter when the temperature of the components constituting the first unit is higher than the specified threshold value.

4. An abnormal sensing method for a vehicle control system, which is applied to a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system includes: A first unit, mounted on the vehicle and configured to send data; A second unit, mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive the data; A data communication line, mounted on the vehicle, connecting a first connection part connected to the first unit and a second connection part connected to the second unit, so that the data can be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit; And A transmitter, connected to the first connection part and sending the data from the first connection part, The abnormal sensing method of the vehicle control system includes: A first determination step of determining whether the state of the first unit is a data transmissible state in which the data can be sent from the transmitter; An abnormal signal sending step of controlling the transmitter to a state where the data cannot be sent in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is a non-data transmissible state in which the state of the components constituting the first unit is in a specified specific state, and sending a specified abnormal prompt signal different from the data from the first connection part in the case where the data communication line is not used as a transmission path for the data due to the non-data transmissible state of the first unit; An abnormal signal cutting-off step of controlling the transmitter to a state where the data can be sent and not sending the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection part in the case where it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data transmissible state; A second determination step of determining whether the second unit is in a receivable state in which the data can be received from the transmitter via the data communication line; A first image information providing step of providing specified first image information to the user in the case where it is determined that the second unit is in a non-receivable state where the data cannot be received and the second unit is receiving the abnormal prompt signal; and A second image information providing step of providing specified second image information to the user in the case where it is determined that the second unit is in the non-receivable state and the second unit is not receiving the abnormal prompt signal.

5. A recording medium storing an abnormal sensing program for a vehicle control system. The abnormal sensing program is applied to a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system includes: A first unit, mounted on the vehicle and configured to send data; A second unit, mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive the data; A data communication line, mounted on the vehicle, connecting a first connection part connected to the first unit and a second connection part connected to the second unit, so that the data can be transmitted from the first unit to the second unit; and A transmitter, connected to the first connection part and sending the data from the first connection part, The abnormal sensing program of the vehicle control system causes a computer to execute: A first determination step of determining whether the state of the first unit is a data transmissible state in which the data can be sent from the transmitter; Abnormal signal sending step: When it is determined that the state of the first unit is a non-data-transmissible state where data cannot be transmitted because the state of the components constituting the first unit is in a specified specific state, control the transmitter to a state where the data cannot be sent. When the data communication line is not used as the transmission path for the data due to the state of the first unit being the non-data-transmissible state, send a specified abnormal prompt signal different from the data from the first connection part; Abnormal signal cutting-off step: When it is determined that the state of the first unit is the data-transmissible state, control the transmitter to a state where the data can be sent, and do not send the abnormal prompt signal from the first connection part; Second determination step: Determine whether the second unit is in a receivable state where it can receive the data via the data communication line from the transmitter; First image information providing step: When it is determined that the second unit is in a non-receivable state where it cannot receive the data and the second unit is receiving the abnormal prompt signal, provide specified first image information to the user; And Second image information providing step: When it is determined that the second unit is in the non-receivable state and the second unit is not receiving the abnormal prompt signal, provide specified second image information to the user.

Images