Vehicle electronic system and control method thereof

Abstract

A vehicle electronic system and a control method thereof, the vehicle electronic system comprising a detection element, a first cable, and a control device. The detection element comprises a first serializer, wherein the first serializer supports a first signal mode. The control device comprises a processor and a first deserializer. The processor can generate a first control signal. The first deserializer can be coupled to the first serializer via the first cable, and can switch between multiple operation modes according to the first control signal. In response to the detection element, the first deserializer selects a first specific mode among the operation modes, wherein the first specific mode matches the first signal mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive electronic system, and more particularly to an automotive electronic system capable of dynamically switching operating modes and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In traditional automotive electronic systems, since the signal modes of various peripheral components are different, communication between them and the control device is often hindered, which will increase the overall complexity and manufacturing cost. In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new solution to overcome the problems faced by existing technologies. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a vehicle electronic system, comprising: a detection element, including a first serializer, wherein the first serializer supports a first signal mode; a first cable; and a control device, including: a processor, generating a first control signal; and a first deserializer, coupled to the first serializer via the first cable, and switching between multiple operating modes according to the first control signal, wherein in response to the detection element, the first deserializer selects a first specific mode among the operating modes, and the first specific mode matches the first signal mode.

[0004] In some embodiments, the detection element is a camera element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the control device is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0006] In some embodiments, the operation modes include an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) mode, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) mode, and a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) mode.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first control signal includes a first initialization signal and a first switching signal, any one of the operation modes is switched according to the first switching signal, and the first deserializer is initialized according to the first initialization signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, when switching between the operation modes, the first deserializer outputs a first test signal to the first serializer and confirms whether a first response signal is received within a predetermined time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the vehicle electronic system further includes: an output element including a second deserializer, wherein the second deserializer supports a second signal mode; and a second cable.

[0010] In some embodiments, the output element is a display element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor further generates a second control signal, and the control device also includes: a second serializer, coupled to the second deserializer via the second cable, and switching between the operating modes according to the second control signal, wherein in response to the output element, the second serializer selects a second specific mode among the operating modes, and the second specific mode matches the second signal mode.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a control method for a vehicle electronic system, comprising: providing a detection element, a first cable, and a control device, wherein the detection element includes a first serializer, the control device includes a first deserializer, and the first deserializer is coupled to the first serializer via the first cable; switching between multiple operating modes is performed by the first deserializer; and selecting a first specific mode among the operating modes by the first deserializer in response to the detection element, wherein the first specific mode matches a first signal mode supported by the first serializer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the switching of different operation modes of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5A FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a camera element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing a display element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing a control method of a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]

Explanation of symbols

[0022] 100, 300, 400, 600: Automotive electronic systems

[0023] 110: Detection element

[0024] 121: First serializer

[0025] 122: Second serializer

[0026] 130, 430: Control device

[0027] 140, 440: Processor

[0028] 151: First deserializer

[0029] 152: Second deserializer

[0030] 160: First Cable

[0031] 170: Output element

[0032] 180: Second cable

[0033] 601: Car body

[0034] 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618: detection element (camera element)

[0035] 620: Output element (display element)

[0036] S710, S720, S730: Steps

[0037] SC1: First control signal

[0038] SC2: Second control signal

[0039] SK1: First Response Signal

[0040] SK2: Second response signal

[0041] SR1: First initialization signal

[0042] SR2: Second initialization signal

[0043] ST1: First test signal

[0044] ST2: Second test signal

[0045] SW1: First switching signal

[0046] SW2: Second switching signal DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Certain words are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that hardware manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not use differences in names as a way to distinguish components, but use differences in the functions of components as the criteria for distinction. The words "including" and "comprising" mentioned throughout the specification and claims are open-ended terms and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to". The word "substantially" means that within an acceptable error range, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem within a certain error range and achieve the basic technical effect. In addition, the word "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if the text describes a first device coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device via other devices or connection means.

[0049] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the different features of the present application. The following disclosure describes specific examples of various components and their arrangements to simplify the description. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if the present disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it means that it may include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, and may also include an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first feature and the second feature, so that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the same reference symbols and / or marks may be reused in different examples in the following description. These repetitions are for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and are not intended to limit the specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed.

[0050] In addition, spatially related terms such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms are used to facilitate description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature in the figure. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, these spatially related terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be turned to different orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein may be interpreted in the same manner.

[0051] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an automotive electronic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle electronic system 100 includes at least a detection element 110, a control device 130, and a first cable 160. For example, the control device 130 may be an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which may be implemented on a central control computer of a vehicle, but is not limited thereto. It should be understood that although not shown in FIG. Figure 1 However, the vehicle electronic system 100 may further include other components, such as: a display device, a speaker, a touch control module, a power supply module, or (and) a housing.

[0052] The detection element 110 can be used to receive any information about the vehicle. For example, the detection element 110 can be a camera element, an antenna element, a recording element, or other types of receiving elements. The detection element 110 includes a first serializer 121, wherein the first serializer 121 can support a first signal mode. For example, the term "mode" can also refer to a "control interface". In some embodiments, the aforementioned first signal mode can be one of an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) mode, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) mode, and a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the aforementioned first signal mode can also be any other signal mode that can be applied to vehicle communications.

[0053] The control device 130 includes a processor 140 and a first deserializer 151. For example, the processor 140 may be a system on a chip (SoC). The processor 140 may generate a first control signal SC1 to control the operation of the first deserializer 151. The first deserializer 151 of the control device 130 may be coupled to the first serializer 121 of the detection element 110 via the first cable 160. The first cable 160 may be regarded as an all-in-one serial link, the type of which is not particularly limited in the present invention. It should be noted that the first serializer 121 and the first deserializer 151 may be collectively referred to as a combination of "Serdes". Generally speaking, the information received by the detection element 110 may be transmitted from the first serializer 121 to the first deserializer 151 of the control device 130.

[0054] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing that the control device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention switches different operation modes, which can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. In order to successfully establish communication between the first serializer 121 and the first deserializer 151, initially, the first deserializer 151 can switch between multiple operation modes according to the first control signal SC1. In some embodiments, the aforementioned operation modes include an I2C mode, an SPI mode, and a UART mode. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the aforementioned operation mode can also be any other signal mode that can be applied to vehicle communication. In response to the detection element 110, the first deserializer 151 can eventually select a first specific mode in the aforementioned operation mode, and this first specific mode can match the first signal mode of the first serializer 121.

[0055] Since the detection element 110 comes from various manufacturers, it may only support one of the multiple modes. Through the design of the present invention, the control device 130 of the automotive electronic system 100 can dynamically select a specific operation mode that is exactly compatible with the detection element 110, which not only simplifies the overall complexity, but also reduces the total manufacturing cost of the automotive electronic system 100. The following embodiments will introduce the detailed structure and operation method of the automotive electronic system 100. It must be understood that these drawings and descriptions are only examples and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle electronic system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, the first control signal SC1 includes a first initialization signal SR1 and a first switching signal SW1. The first deserializer 151 can switch to any of the aforementioned operation modes according to the first switching signal SW1, and the first deserializer 151 can perform corresponding initialization settings (Reset) according to the first initialization signal SR1 to formally enter the selected operation mode.

[0057] In some embodiments, the processor 140 may control the first deserializer 151 to switch to each of the aforementioned operation modes one by one, and then select the best operation mode according to the response of the detection element 110. It is assumed below that the first signal mode supported by the first serializer 121 of the detection element 110 is the UART mode (in fact, it may vary according to different requirements). First, the first deserializer 151 may switch to the I2C mode according to the first control signal SC1, and may output a first test signal ST1 in the I2C mode to the first serializer 121. Since the I2C mode cannot match the UART mode, the first deserializer 151 will not receive a first response signal SK1 from the first serializer 121 within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (that is, the first serializer 121 has no response). Then, the first deserializer 151 may switch to the SPI mode according to the first control signal SC1, and may output a first test signal ST1 in the SPI mode to the first serializer 121. Since the SPI mode still cannot match the UART mode, the first deserializer 151 still will not receive the first response signal SK1 from the first serializer 121 within a predetermined time. Finally, the first deserializer 151 can switch to the UART mode according to the first control signal SC1, and can output a first test signal ST1 in the UART mode to the first serializer 121. Since the UART mode can match the UART mode, the first deserializer 151 will receive the first response signal SK1 from the first serializer 121 within a predetermined time. In this example, according to the response of the detection element 110, the first specific mode finally selected by the first deserializer 151 is the UART mode (which can match the first signal mode supported by the first serializer 121). Figure 3 The remaining features of the vehicle electronic system 300 are the same as Figure 1 The vehicle electronic system 100 is similar to that of the present invention, so the two embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0058] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle electronic system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 3 Similar. Figure 4In an embodiment, the vehicle electronic system 400 further includes an output element 170 and a second cable 180, and a control device 430 of the vehicle electronic system 400 further includes a second serializer 122. The output element 170 can be used to output any information about the vehicle. For example, the output element 170 can be a display element, an antenna element, a speaker element, or other types of display elements. The output element 170 includes a second deserializer 152, wherein the second deserializer 152 can support a second signal mode. In some embodiments, the aforementioned second signal mode can be one of an I2C mode, an SPI mode, and a UART. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the aforementioned second signal mode can also be any other signal mode that can be applied to vehicle communications.

[0059] A processor 440 of the control device 430 can further generate a second control signal SC2 to control the operation of the second serializer 122. The second serializer 122 of the control device 430 can be coupled to the second deserializer 152 of the output element 170 via the second cable 180. The second cable 180 can be regarded as an all-in-one serial link, and its type is not particularly limited in the present invention. Similarly, the second serializer 122 and the second deserializer 152 can also be collectively referred to as a combination of "Serdes". Generally speaking, the information generated by the processor 440 (for example: audio and video signal data) can be transmitted from the second serializer 122 to the second deserializer 152 of the output element 170. In order to successfully establish communication between the second serializer 122 and the second deserializer 152, initially, the second serializer 122 can switch between multiple operation modes according to the second control signal SC2. In some embodiments, the aforementioned operation modes include an I2C mode, an SPI mode, and a UART mode. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the aforementioned operation mode may also be any other signal mode applicable to vehicle communication. In response to the output element 170 , the second serializer 122 may eventually select a second specific mode among the aforementioned operation modes, and the second specific mode may match the second signal mode of the second deserializer 152 .

[0060] In some embodiments, the second control signal SC2 includes a second initialization signal SR2 and a second switching signal SW2. The second serializer 122 can switch to any of the aforementioned operation modes according to the second switching signal SW2, and the second serializer 122 can perform corresponding initialization settings according to the second initialization signal SR2 to formally enter the selected operation mode.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processor 440 may control the second serializer 122 to switch to each of the aforementioned operation modes one by one, and then select the best operation mode according to the response of the output element 170. It is assumed below that the second signal mode supported by the second deserializer 152 of the output element 170 is the SPI mode (in fact, it may vary according to different requirements). First, the second serializer 122 may switch to the I2C mode according to the second control signal SC2, and may output a second test signal ST2 in the I2C mode to the second deserializer 152. Since the I2C mode cannot match the SPI mode, the second serializer 122 will not receive a second response signal SK2 from the second deserializer 152 within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (that is, the second deserializer 152 has no response). Then, the second serializer 122 may switch to the SPI mode according to the second control signal SC2, and may output a second test signal ST2 in the SPI mode to the second deserializer 152. Since the SPI mode can match the SPI mode, the second serializer 122 can receive the second response signal SK2 from the second deserializer 152 within a predetermined time. In addition, the second serializer 122 no longer needs to switch to the UART mode. In this example, according to the response of the output element 170, the second specific mode finally selected by the second serializer 122 is the SPI mode (which can match the second signal mode supported by the second deserializer 152). Figure 4 The remaining features of the vehicle electronic system 400 are the same as Figure 3 The vehicle electronic system 300 is similar to that of the present invention, so the two embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0062] Figure 5A FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a camera element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing a display element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A , 5B It is used to illustrate the possible appearance of camera components and display components. Figure 6 6 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle electronic system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to different requirements, the vehicle electronic system 600 may include a plurality of detection elements (or camera elements) 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618 and an output element (or display element) 620, wherein the aforementioned detection elements 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618 may be arranged on the outside of a vehicle body 601 to collect external information, and the output element 620 may be arranged inside the vehicle body 601 to provide information to the driver. It must be understood that the above configuration is only an example, and in fact the vehicle electronic system 600 may include more or fewer detection elements and output elements.

[0063] Figure 7 : is a flow chart showing a control method of a vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S710, a detection element, a first cable, and a control device are provided, wherein the detection element includes a first serializer, the control device includes a first deserializer, and the first deserializer is coupled to the first serializer via the first cable. In step S720, switching between multiple operating modes is performed by the first deserializer. In step S730, a first specific mode among the operating modes is finally selected by the first deserializer in response to the detection element, wherein the first specific mode matches a first signal mode supported by the first serializer. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed in sequence, but Figure 1-4 Each feature of the embodiments of 5A-5B and 6 can be applied to Figure 7 of the control methods.

[0064] The present invention provides a novel vehicle electronic system. Compared with the conventional technology, the present invention has at least the advantages of reducing complexity and manufacturing cost, so it is very suitable for application in various intelligent vehicles.

[0065] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned component parameters are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these setting values ​​according to different needs. The automotive electronic system and control method of the present invention are not limited to the states illustrated in Figures 1-4, 5A-5B, and 6-7. The present invention may only include any one or more features of any one or more embodiments of Figures 1-4, 5A-5B, and 6-7. In other words, not all the illustrated features must be implemented simultaneously in the automotive electronic system and control method of the present invention.

[0066] The method of the present invention, or a specific form or part thereof, may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, a CD, a hard disk, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, or a computer program product in an external form, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission type, wherein when the program code is received, loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processing unit, the program code combines with the processing unit to provide a unique device that operates similarly to application-specific logic circuits.

[0067] In the present specification and claims, ordinal numbers, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., have no sequential relationship with each other, and are only used to distinguish two different components with the same name.

[0068] Although the present invention is disclosed as above in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the scope defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle electronic system, comprising: A detection element comprising a first serializer, wherein the first serializer supports a first signal mode; First cable line; as well as Control device, including: A processor generates a first control signal; as well as a first deserializer coupled to the first serializer via the first cable and switching between a plurality of operation modes according to the first control signal, wherein in response to the detection element, the first deserializer selects a first specific mode among the operation modes, and the first specific mode matches the first signal mode, When switching between the operation modes, the first deserializer outputs a first test signal to the first serializer, and confirms whether a first response signal is received within a predetermined time. 2 . The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the detection element is a camera element. 3 . The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control device is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). 4 . The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the operation mode comprises an I 2 C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) mode, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) mode, and a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) mode. 5 . The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first control signal comprises a first initialization signal and a first switching signal, any one of the operation modes is switched according to the first switching signal, and the first deserializer is initialized according to the first initialization signal.

6. The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an output element comprising a second deserializer, wherein the second deserializer supports a second signal mode; as well as Second cable. 7 . The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the output element is a display element.

8. The vehicle electronic system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processor further generates a second control signal, and the control device further comprises: The second serializer is coupled to the second deserializer via the second cable and switches between the operation modes according to the second control signal, wherein in response to the output element, the second serializer selects a second specific mode among the operation modes, and the second specific mode matches the second signal mode.

9. A control method for a vehicle electronic system, comprising: A detection element, a first cable, and a control device are provided, wherein the detection element includes a first serializer, the control device includes a first deserializer, and the first deserializer is coupled to the first serializer via the first cable; Switching between a plurality of operation modes by means of the first deserializer; as well as By means of the first deserializer, in response to the detection element, a first specific mode among the operation modes is selected, wherein the first specific mode matches a first signal mode supported by the first serializer, When switching between the operation modes, the first deserializer outputs a first test signal to the first serializer, and confirms whether a first response signal is received within a predetermined time.

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