External instrument system for vehicles, vehicle instrument and its function extender

Abstract

This application discloses an external vehicle instrument system, a vehicle instrument, and its function extender, applicable to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology. The system includes an instrument body and a function extender with a matching shape. The instrument body includes a controller, a main communication module, an electrical connection module, and a loop detection module. The function extender includes a secondary communication module and an extended memory. The instrument body and the function extender are connected via the electrical connection module, and the loop detection module detects whether the function extender is connected to the instrument body. The instrument body communicates with the secondary communication module of the function extender via the main communication module and reads data from the extended memory. The controller executes corresponding data update tasks based on the acquired information to be extended and / or data to be upgraded, effectively improving the practicality of the external vehicle instrument and meeting users' customization needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to an external vehicle instrument system, a vehicle instrument, and a function extender thereof. Background Technology

[0002] As more and more users use vehicles as a means of transportation, their requirements for vehicle-related facilities such as vehicle instruments (such as speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge, charging gauge, etc.) are also increasing. Based on the built-in instruments in vehicles, external instruments have emerged.

[0003] Currently, external vehicle instrument clusters are typically sold as standalone devices with limited functionality, only able to run the factory-preset functions. Adding new features requires purchasing a different model or returning the device for an upgrade. Upgrade options require the developer to send an upgrade package to the dealer, who then downloads it online and uses a professional programmer to upgrade the individual instrument cluster. This process is cumbersome, prone to failure, and inconvenient for customized applications.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the practicality of vehicle external instruments and meet users' customized needs is a technical problem that technical personnel in this field need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a vehicle external instrument system, a vehicle instrument and its function extender, which effectively improves the practicality of the vehicle external instrument and can meet the user's customization needs.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle external instrument system, including an instrument body and a functional extender with a matching shape;

[0008] The instrument body includes a controller, a main communication module, an electrical connection module, and a loop detection module; the function expander includes a secondary communication module and an extended memory.

[0009] The instrument body and the function extender are connected through the electrical connection module, and the loop detection module is used to detect whether the function extender is connected to the instrument body;

[0010] The instrument body communicates with the secondary communication module of the function expander through the main communication module, and reads data from the extended memory.

[0011] The controller is used to perform corresponding data update tasks based on the acquired information to be expanded and / or data to be upgraded.

[0012] Optionally, the information to be expanded is an activation key; the instrument's main memory pre-stores multiple preset extended applications, each of which is inactive; the extended memory pre-stores the activation key of the target preset extended application; the controller is further configured to:

[0013] When it is detected that the function extender has completed electrical connection with the instrument body, the activation key of the target preset extended application is read through the main communication module and the secondary communication module;

[0014] The corresponding target preset extended application in the main memory is activated according to the activation key, and the target preset extended application is set to an active state.

[0015] Optionally, the controller is also used for:

[0016] After the activation key is obtained through parsing, a password input instruction is generated to make the display show a password input box;

[0017] When the instrument body password is received from the user, the instrument body password is verified.

[0018] If the user enters the correct password for the instrument itself, the target preset extended application is set to be active.

[0019] Optionally, the information to be expanded is a function installation package of a target preset extended application; the extended memory pre-stores the function installation package of the target preset extended application; the controller is further configured to:

[0020] When the function extender is detected to be electrically connected to the instrument body, the function installation package of the target preset extension application is read through the main communication module and the secondary communication module, downloaded and installed into the instrument body, and the target preset extension application is displayed at the same time.

[0021] Optionally, the instrument body is pre-bound to the target client, and the controller is further used for:

[0022] When an upgrade command is received from the target user terminal, the data to be upgraded is obtained by parsing the upgrade command;

[0023] The instrument body is upgraded according to the data to be upgraded.

[0024] Optionally, the main communication module includes a main pin and / or an NFC reader and / or a main wireless communication module and / or an RFID reader; correspondingly,

[0025] The secondary communication module includes a secondary pin, an NFC chip, a secondary wireless communication module, and an RFID chip.

[0026] Optionally, the function extender includes a flexible protective sleeve, and the secondary communication module and the extended memory are placed inside the flexible protective sleeve;

[0027] The function extender is fitted onto the outside of the dial of the instrument body through the flexible protective sleeve.

[0028] Optionally, the function extender is placed on the outside of the dial of the instrument body by means of plugging, magnetic attraction or adhesive.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle instrument panel, including an instrument panel body as described in any of the preceding claims; the instrument panel body is adapted to multiple function extenders.

[0030] This invention also provides a function extender for a vehicle instrument panel, including the function extender described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0031] The advantages of the technical solution provided in this application are that a main communication module is set up in the instrument panel to receive customized extended function data or upgrade data. The instrument panel and the matching function extender are electrically connected. Users can directly migrate new functions to the finished instrument panel through the function extender, realizing function expansion simply and efficiently, thereby meeting various user customization needs. Due to the built-in communication module, users can also transmit data with the instrument panel through a client to upgrade the function or version of the instrument panel, effectively improving the practicality of the vehicle's external instrument panel, making it more universal, and providing a better user experience.

[0032] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a vehicle instrument panel and its function extender, which have corresponding advantages.

[0033] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the vehicle external instrument system provided in this invention.

[0036] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a function extender in an exemplary application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an instrument body in an exemplary application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may include steps or units not listed. Various non-limiting embodiments of this application are described in detail below.

[0040] First see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structural framework of an external vehicle instrument system under one embodiment. The embodiment may include the following:

[0041] An external instrument cluster system for a vehicle may include an instrument cluster body 1 and function extenders 2. One instrument cluster body 1 can be adapted to multiple function extenders 2. When expanding functions, the instrument cluster body 1 selects the appropriate function extender 2 based on the desired expanded function, and then uses the selected function extender 2 to perform the function expansion in communication with the instrument cluster body 1. When the instrument cluster body 1 is not expanding functions, the instrument cluster body 1 and the function extenders 2 are independent, meaning they are not connected. The shapes of the function extenders 2 can be the same or different, as long as their shapes match the applicable instrument cluster body 1. The connection between the instrument cluster body 1 and the function extenders 2 can be achieved by fitting the function extender onto the instrument cluster body 1. Those skilled in the art can also achieve the connection using any other method. Optionally, the function extender 2 can be in the form of a flexible protective sleeve; that is, the function extender 2 may include a flexible protective sleeve, with the secondary communication module and extended memory of the function extender 2 housed within the flexible protective sleeve; the function extender 2 is fitted onto the outside of the instrument cluster body 1's dial through the flexible protective sleeve. Figure 2The functional extender 2 shown is movably fitted with a flexible protective sleeve. Figure 3 The outer side of the dial of the instrument body 1 shown can also be used for exterior protection. Furthermore, the function expander 2 can also be in the form of a USB flash drive. Correspondingly, the function expander 2 is placed on the outer side of the dial of the instrument body 1 by means of plugging, magnetic attraction, or adhesive to expand functionality. Of course, those skilled in the art can use any method, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0042] In this embodiment, the instrument body 1 may include a controller, a main communication module, an electrical connection module, and a loop detection module. Of course, the instrument body 1 may also include a memory, and the controller, the main memory, and the main communication module may be integrated into a control circuit board. Correspondingly, the function extender 2 may include a secondary communication module and an extended memory. The instrument body 1 and the function extender 2 are connected via the electrical connection module. The loop detection module is used to detect whether the function extender 2 is connected to the instrument body 1. The electrical connection module can use any circuit that provides electrical connection in the related technology, and the loop detection module can use any loop detection circuit in the related technology; this application does not limit this in any way. The instrument body 1 communicates with the secondary communication module of the function extender 2 via the main communication module and reads data from the extended memory. The main communication module and the secondary communication module correspond in their communication types. For example, the main communication module includes a main pin and / or an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader and / or a main wireless communication module and / or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader; correspondingly, the secondary communication module includes a secondary pin, an NFC chip, a secondary wireless communication module, and an RFID chip. That is, if the main communication module includes a main pin, the secondary communication module will also include a secondary pin; if the main communication module includes an NFC reader, the secondary communication module will include an NFC chip; if the main communication module includes an RFID reader, the secondary communication module will include an RFID chip; if the main communication module includes a main wireless communication module such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the secondary communication module will include a secondary wireless communication module. In other words, when the function extender 2 and the instrument body 1 communicate, they can couple via the main pin to the secondary pin, communicate by the NFC reader reading the NFC chip, transmit signals via the wireless communication module, or transmit signals by the RFID reader reading the RFID chip. The controller performs corresponding data update tasks based on the acquired information to be expanded and / or data to be upgraded. The information to be expanded is read from the extended memory of the function expander 2, and functional expansion can be achieved based on this information. The data to be upgraded can be obtained from a third terminal or the function expander 2, and is used to upgrade the software version of the instrument body 1 or a specific functional application. The controller performs functional expansion tasks based on the information to be expanded and data upgrade tasks based on the data to be upgraded.

[0043] The controller may include one or more processing cores, such as a quad-core processor or an octa-core processor. It may also be a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other data processing chip. The controller can be implemented using at least one hardware form of DSP (Digital Signal Processing), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or PLA (Programmable Logic Array). The controller may also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor, also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), is used to process data in the wake-up state; the coprocessor is a low-power processor used to process data in the standby state. In some embodiments, the controller may integrate a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is responsible for rendering and drawing the content to be displayed on the screen. In some embodiments, the controller may also include an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, which handles computational operations related to machine learning.

[0044] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, a main communication module is set in the instrument body to receive customized extended function data or upgrade data. The instrument body and the adapted function extender are electrically connected. Users can directly migrate new functions to the finished instrument body through the function extender, realizing function expansion simply and efficiently, thereby meeting various customized needs of users. Due to the built-in communication module, users can also transmit data with the instrument body through the client to upgrade the function or version of the instrument body, effectively improving the practicality of the vehicle's external instrument, making it more universal, and providing a better user experience.

[0045] In the above embodiments, no limitation is made on how the data is updated. This application also provides several embodiments for data updating, which may include the following:

[0046] As an optional implementation, if the information to be extended is an activation key; the main memory of the instrument body 1 also pre-stores a variety of preset extended applications, each of which is inactive; the extended memory 2 pre-stores the activation key of the target preset extended application; the controller is also used to: when it detects that the function extender 2 has completed an electrical connection with the instrument body 1, read the activation key of the target preset extended application through the main communication module and the secondary communication module; activate the corresponding target preset extended application in the main memory according to the activation key, and set the target preset extended application to be in an active state.

[0047] For ease of distinction, in this embodiment, the memory of the function expander 2 is referred to as the extended memory, and the memory of the instrument body 1 is referred to as the body memory. The extended memory and the body memory may include one or more computer-readable storage media, which may be non-transitory. The extended memory and the body memory may also include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices or flash storage devices. In some embodiments, the extended memory and the body memory may be internal storage units of an electronic device, such as a hard disk. In other embodiments, the extended memory and the body memory may also be external storage devices of an electronic device, such as plug-in hard disks on servers, smart media cards (SMC), secure digital (SD) cards, flash cards, etc. Furthermore, the extended memory and the body memory may include both internal storage units and external storage devices of an electronic device. The extended memory and the body memory can be used not only to store application software and various types of data installed on the electronic device, such as code of programs executing function application expansion processes, but also to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output. In this embodiment, the main memory is used to store at least the following computer program, which, after being loaded and executed by the controller, is capable of implementing the function extension-related steps disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments. Additionally, the resources stored in the extended memory and the main memory may also include operating systems and data, and the storage method may be temporary or permanent storage.

[0048] In this embodiment, the target preset extended application refers to one or more preset extended applications, specifically the preset extended application requested by the user or the preset extended application corresponding to the current function extension. Each preset extended application includes an application body and an icon. The body memory pre-stores a computer program for reading and parsing the activation key. The instrument body 1 has multiple preset extended applications embedded in an inactive state, which are indicated by hiding or setting the preset extended application to a grayed-out unusable state. The function extender 2 has a key embedded in it to activate the preset extended application; different function extenders 2 have different single or multiple activation keys built in, used to activate the corresponding preset extended application. Users can purchase the required function extender 2 according to their needs and preferences, and use it to unlock new preset extended functions. The required function extender 2 is placed outside the instrument body 1, and the position of the function extender 2 is adjusted so that the main communication module and the secondary communication module can complete electrical coupling, thereby reading the activation key stored in the function extender 2. The preset function extended application is indicated by appearing on the desktop or changing to a colored usable state, indicating that it is in an active state. Taking the main communication module as an example, which includes a main pin, and the secondary communication module as an example, the main body 1 and the function extender 2 are electrically coupled through the main pin and the secondary pin. The instrument body is equipped with a loop detection module, which detects that the function extender 2 is plugged into the instrument body 1. The instrument body 1 reads the activation key and reads and parses the activation key through the stored key reading and parsing program. The activation key is used to activate the key of the preset extended application. The hidden preset extended application is revealed or displayed in color through the key, so that the user can use it.

[0049] For example, to enhance the fun of the vehicle's external instrument panel, a game module focused on relaxation and nurturing can be built into the instrument panel itself (1). When a pet-themed shell (i.e., function extender 2) is installed, the NFC module of the instrument panel itself (1) can read the unlock information from the shell, thus unlocking the game. Users accumulate riding mileage to earn food to feed their personal pet, which will act as their most loyal companion during lonely rides, providing care and encouragement. Users also need to contribute and witness its growth.

[0050] Furthermore, to enhance security, the controller is also used to: generate a password input command after obtaining the activation key, causing the display to show a password input box; verify the user-entered instrument body password upon receiving it; and activate the target preset extended application if the user-entered password is correct. After obtaining the activation key, a password input box will appear on the instrument body display, requiring the user to enter the instrument body password. This password can be preset, and only by entering the correct password can the hidden preset extended application be revealed or displayed in color.

[0051] As another optional implementation, if the information to be expanded is the function installation package of the target preset extended application; the extended memory 2 pre-stores the function installation package of the target preset extended application; the controller is also used to: when it is detected that the function extender 2 has completed electrical connection with the instrument body 1, read the function installation package of the target preset extended application through the main communication module and the auxiliary communication module, download and install it into the instrument body 1, and display the target preset extended application at the same time.

[0052] The extended memory 2 stores preset extended applications, each corresponding to a function installation package. Multiple preset extended applications can be stored in one extended memory 2, or only one can be stored at a time. Users can purchase extended memory 2 according to their needs and preferences to obtain new preset functions. The instrument body 1's main memory pre-stores computer programs capable of reading the preset extended applications. The controller retrieves the required function installation package from the extended memory by reading this computer program and then parses and installs it. The extended memory 2 is fitted onto the instrument body 1, and its position is adjusted to ensure electrical coupling between the main communication module and the secondary communication module. The main communication module reads and downloads the function installation package of the preset extended application from the extended memory 2. After installing the function installation package on the instrument body 1, the target preset extended application is displayed and can be applied on the instrument body 1's screen.

[0053] As another optional implementation, the instrument body 1 can also be pre-bound to a target client such as a mobile phone, computer, or tablet. The controller is also used to: upon receiving an upgrade command from the target user, parse the upgrade command to obtain the data to be upgraded; and upgrade the instrument body according to the data to be upgraded. Users can transmit signals to their mobile phones or computers via a wireless communication module, facilitating function upgrades and expansions.

[0054] As shown above, this embodiment provides multiple ways to extend functionality. The first method uses only a key to activate pre-defined content, simplifying development and reducing the risk of malicious tampering. The second method offers greater scalability, avoiding redundant development of similar functions in similar products and providing a wider audience for developers of new features, thus generating greater economic benefits. Furthermore, updating the meter directly through the user terminal makes operation more convenient and practical. Expanding the meter's functionality increases user interest in the product, and for developers, it allows for sustainable profitability using a single product platform.

[0055] Furthermore, to improve the practicality of the entire vehicle external instrument system, the instrument body 1 may also include a bracket, which allows the instrument body 1 to be mounted on other hardware devices, such as bicycle handlebars or any location on the vehicle. The instrument body 1 may have detachable brackets on its sides or bottom; there may be one or two brackets. The brackets and the instrument body 1 can be connected in any detachable manner, such as by bolts or clips.

[0056] This invention also provides corresponding individual devices for vehicle external instrument systems, further making the vehicle external instrument system more practical.

[0057] As an alternative implementation, this application also provides a vehicle instrument panel, which includes an instrument body as described in any of the above embodiments; the instrument body can be adapted to multiple function extenders.

[0058] As another optional implementation, this application also provides a function extender for a vehicle instrument panel. The function extender is used on the vehicle instrument panel, which is an external vehicle instrument panel. The function extender in this embodiment can be the function extender described in any of the above embodiments.

[0059] The functions of the instrument body and function expander described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented according to the specific implementation of the above system embodiments. The specific implementation process can be referred to the relevant description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0060] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the hardware disclosed in the embodiments, including devices and electronic equipment, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0062] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of an external vehicle instrument system, a vehicle instrument panel, and its function extender provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of the invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior instrument system, characterized by comprising: Includes the instrument body and a functional extender with a matching shape; The instrument body includes a controller, a main communication module, an electrical connection module, and a loop detection module; the function extender includes a secondary communication module and an extended memory; the instrument body communicates with the secondary communication module of the function extender through the main communication module and reads data from the extended memory; the instrument body's memory pre-stores a variety of preset extended applications, and each preset extended application is in an inactive state; The extended memory pre-stores the activation key of the target preset extended application, and the activation key is used to activate the preset extended application; the main communication module includes a main pin and / or an NFC card reader and / or a main wireless communication module and / or an RFID card reader; the secondary communication module includes a secondary pin, an NFC chip, a secondary wireless communication module, and an RFID chip. The controller is used to execute corresponding data update tasks based on the acquired information to be expanded and the data to be upgraded; the information to be expanded includes an activation key; The instrument body and the function extender are connected through the electrical connection module. The electrical connection module is a circuit that forms an electrical connection between the instrument body and the function extender. The required function extender is placed outside the instrument body, and the position of the function extender is adjusted so that the main communication module and the auxiliary communication module are electrically coupled. The loop detection module is used to complete the electrical coupling between the function extender and the instrument body, identify that the function extender is connected to the instrument body, the instrument body reads the activation key of the target preset extension application, activates the corresponding target preset extension application in the instrument body memory according to the activation key, and sets the target preset extension application to an active state. The hidden target preset extension application is made visible or displayed in color by the key for user use.

2. The vehicle exterior instrument system of claim 1, wherein The controller is also used for: When the functional extender is detected to have completed electrical connection with the instrument body, the activation key of the target preset extended application is read through the main communication module and the secondary communication module.

3. The vehicle exterior instrument system of claim 2, wherein The controller is also used for: After the activation key is obtained through parsing, a password input instruction is generated to make the display show a password input box; When the instrument body password is received from the user, the user-inputted instrument body password is verified. If the user enters the correct password for the instrument itself, the target preset extended application is set to be active.

4. The vehicle exterior instrument system of claim 1, wherein The information to be expanded also includes a function installation package for a target preset extended application; the extended memory pre-stores the function installation package for the target preset extended application; the controller is further configured to: When the function extender is detected to be electrically connected to the instrument body, the function installation package of the target preset extension application is read through the main communication module and the secondary communication module, downloaded and installed into the instrument body, and the target preset extension application is displayed at the same time.

5. The vehicle exterior instrument system of claim 1, wherein The instrument body is pre-bound to the target client, and the controller is also used for: When an upgrade command is received from the target user terminal, the data to be upgraded is obtained by parsing the upgrade command; The instrument body is upgraded according to the data to be upgraded.

6. The vehicle exterior instrument system of claim 1, wherein The functional extender includes a flexible protective sleeve, and the secondary communication module and the extended memory are placed inside the flexible protective sleeve. The function extender is fitted onto the outside of the dial of the instrument body through the flexible protective sleeve.

7. The vehicle external instrument system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The function extender is placed on the outside of the dial of the instrument body by means of plugging, magnetic attraction or adhesive.

8. A vehicle instrument panel, characterized in that, Including the instrument body; The instrument body adopts the instrument body of the vehicle external instrument system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and is adapted to multiple function extenders.

9. A function extender for a vehicle instrument panel, characterized in that, Includes feature expanders; The function extender is the function extender in the vehicle external instrument system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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