Vehicle-mounted audio system based on TBOX emergency call function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vehicle-mounted audio system based on a TBOX emergency call function, and the system comprises a vehicle-mounted information entertainment system module which is provided with a central logic control unit, an A2B main controller, a first A2B bus physical switch, and a second A2B bus physical switch; the audio power amplifier module is provided with an AMP MCU and a mute driving module, and the AMP MCU receives a mute instruction from the vehicle-mounted communication terminal module through a CAN bus and / or a hard wire; and the vehicle-mounted communication terminal module is provided with a cellular communication module and a microphone module and can send an emergency trigger signal to the vehicle-mounted information entertainment system module through a hard wire. In an emergency mode, the vehicle-mounted information entertainment system module can disconnect an A2B link, the vehicle-mounted communication terminal module establishes an emergency call and actively commands the audio power amplifier module to be mute through a redundant path, and it is ensured that the call at a driving position is clear. And through multiple isolation and redundancy control, the audio quality of emergency calls and the reliability of the system are effectively guaranteed when the system fails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive audio technology, and in particular to an in-vehicle audio system based on the TBOX emergency call function. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent and connected vehicles, in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI) and vehicle-to-everything (TBOX) terminals have become standard features in modern cars. TBOX typically integrates a cellular communication module, enabling remote vehicle monitoring, data reporting, and emergency call (eCall) functions. In the event of a serious accident, the eCall function can automatically or manually initiate a call to the emergency rescue center and send out critical information such as the vehicle's location, providing timely assistance to the occupants.

[0003] In normal mode, the IVI's audio signal needs to be transmitted in high quality to all speakers in the vehicle, including those near the driver's seat, to provide a good listening experience. In emergency situations (such as a collision or user-triggered events), the vehicle needs to be able to quickly and reliably establish an emergency communication link. In this case, to ensure clear communication, other in-vehicle entertainment audio should be muted, and the emergency communication audio should be primarily played through the driver's seat speaker.

[0004] Clear and reliable audio communication is crucial during eCall operations. Traditional in-vehicle audio systems may heavily rely on the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system for audio playback and acquisition. However, in serious accidents, the IVI system itself may be damaged or lose power, rendering it inoperable and affecting the eCall audio path. Furthermore, speakers outside the driver's seat may play irrelevant audio or noise during emergency calls, interfering with the driver's communication with the rescue center. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, this utility model provides a vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function, including:

[0006] The in-vehicle infotainment system module includes a central logic control unit, an A2B main controller connected to the central logic control unit, and a first A2B bus physical switch and a second A2B bus physical switch respectively connected to the A2B main controller.

[0007] An audio power amplifier module, comprising a first A2B slave node controller connected to a first A2B bus physical switch via an A2B bus, a first DSP connected to the first A2B slave node controller, a first power amplifier chip connected to the first DSP, a mute drive module connected to the first power amplifier chip, a first speaker module connected to the mute drive module, an AMP MCU connected to the mute drive module and the first DSP, and a mute signal input module connected to the AMP MCU;

[0008] The vehicle communication terminal module includes a TBOX MCU, a second A2B slave node controller connected to the second A2B bus via an A2B bus physical switch, an audio switching switch connected to the second A2B slave node controller, a second power amplifier chip connected to the audio switching switch, a second speaker module connected to the second power amplifier chip, a cellular communication module connected to the TBOX MCU, a microphone module connected to the cellular communication module, and a mute signal output module connected to the TBOX MCU.

[0009] Preferably, the mute signal input module includes an AMP CAN controller connected to the AMP MCU and an AMP CAN transceiver connected to the AMP CAN controller and connected to the vehicle communication terminal module via the vehicle CAN bus.

[0010] Preferably, the mute signal input module includes a first optocoupler connected to the AMP MCU, and the first optocoupler is connected to the vehicle communication terminal module via a hardwire.

[0011] Preferably, the mute drive module includes a mute relay connecting the first power amplifier chip and the first speaker module, and the mute relay is connected to the AMP MCU through a relay drive circuit.

[0012] Preferably, the vehicle communication terminal module includes a collision sensor and / or an emergency button, and the TBOX MCU receives the emergency signal output by the collision sensor and / or the emergency button.

[0013] Preferably, the vehicle communication terminal module includes an ADC analog-to-digital converter connected to a microphone module, a second DSP connected to the ADC analog-to-digital converter, the second DSP being connected to a cellular communication module and a TBOX MCU, and the second DSP being connected to a second A2B slave node controller and an audio switching switch.

[0014] Preferably, the vehicle communication terminal module includes a power management module, which includes a backup power supply. The backup power supply is used to power the emergency call function of the vehicle communication terminal module when the vehicle's main power supply is interrupted.

[0015] Preferably, the mute signal output module includes a TBOX CAN controller connected to the TBOX MCU and a TBOX CAN transceiver connected to the TBOX CAN controller and connected to the audio power amplifier module via the vehicle CAN bus.

[0016] Preferably, the in-vehicle infotainment system module includes a second optocoupler connected to the central logic control unit, and the second optocoupler is connected to the TBOX MCU via a hardwire.

[0017] Preferably, the first speaker module includes multiple speakers disposed in the passenger seat and rear seats of the vehicle, and the second speaker module includes a speaker disposed in the driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] This invention significantly improves the reliability and purity of the emergency call audio path by isolating a faulty IVI through an A2B physical switch on the In-Vehicle Infotainment System (IVI) side, and by using the TBOX to control the AMP mute via dual-path redundancy using CAN and hardwired connections. The IVI's physical A2B switch can physically disconnect the A2B connection with downstream critical modules (especially the TBOX) in the event of a serious IVI failure, preventing the fault from spreading. The TBOX can not only independently conduct emergency calls but also actively control the AMP to mute and send a hardwired trigger to the IVI, enhancing the system's intelligence and autonomous response capabilities. It fully utilizes bus characteristics, rationally utilizes the A2B bus for high-quality audio transmission, and uses the CAN bus for control signaling interaction. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. For the sake of simplicity, the parts related to the present invention are shown schematically in each drawing and do not represent their actual structure as a product. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, in some drawings, components with the same structure or function are only schematically depicted, or only one is labeled.

[0023] In this utility model, "connection" can include direct connection, indirect connection, communication connection, and electrical connection, unless otherwise specified.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in the specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” mean the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0025] This embodiment provides a vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes an in-vehicle infotainment system module, an audio power amplifier module, and an in-vehicle communication terminal module.

[0026] The in-vehicle infotainment system module includes a central logic control unit, an A2B main controller, a first A2B bus physical switch, and a second A2B bus physical switch. The central logic control unit connects to and controls the A2B main controller, the first A2B bus physical switch, and the second A2B bus physical switch. The output of the A2B main controller is connected to the first A2B bus physical switch and the second A2B bus physical switch via the A2B bus.

[0027] The in-vehicle infotainment system module also includes an IVI audio processor (IVIDSP), which processes various audio sources of the in-vehicle infotainment system module and transmits digital audio streams to the A2B main controller through interfaces such as I2S / TDM.

[0028] The in-vehicle infotainment system module also includes IVI internal fault detection logic, the detection results of which are input to the central logic control unit. The in-vehicle infotainment system module also includes a second optocoupler for receiving hard-wired trigger signals from the in-vehicle communication terminal module and inputting the isolated signals to the central logic control unit.

[0029] The in-vehicle infotainment system module also includes an IVI CAN controller and an IVI CAN transceiver (which can be integrated into or connected to the central logic control unit) for connecting to the vehicle's CAN bus.

[0030] The audio power amplifier module includes a first A2B slave controller, which is connected to the A2B master controller via a physical switch of the first A2B bus of the in-vehicle infotainment system module through the A2B bus. The first A2B slave controller transmits the A2B audio data it receives and demodulates (e.g., via an I2S / TDM interface) to a first DSP. The audio signal processed by the first DSP is transmitted to a first power amplifier chip. The output of the first power amplifier chip is connected to a mute drive module, which in turn is connected to a first speaker module. The first speaker module includes multiple speakers installed in the passenger seat and rear seats of the vehicle.

[0031] The audio power amplifier module also includes an AMP MCU, which communicates with the first DSP via interfaces such as SPI / I2C (e.g., configuring parameters, reading status) and controls the mute drive module. The mute drive module contains one or more mute relays, whose contacts are connected in series between the first power amplifier chip and the first speaker module. The relay coils are controlled by the AMP MCU through a relay drive circuit (e.g., driven by a transistor or MOSFET).

[0032] The mute signal input module of the audio power amplifier module includes: an AMP CAN controller and an AMP CAN transceiver, used to receive CAN mute commands from the vehicle communication terminal module via the vehicle CAN bus and transmit them to the AMP MCU; and a first optocoupler, used to receive hard-wired mute signals from the vehicle communication terminal module via hard-wired transmission and transmit the isolated signals to the AMP MCU. The AMP MCU controls the mute drive module to operate according to any valid mute command.

[0033] The vehicle communication terminal module includes a TBOX MCU and a second A2B slave node controller. The second A2B slave node controller is connected to the A2B master controller via the A2B bus through the second A2B bus physical switch of the vehicle infotainment system module.

[0034] The vehicle communication terminal module also includes a microphone module, a cellular communication module, an audio switch, a second power amplifier chip, and a second speaker module. The second speaker module includes a speaker located in the driver's seat. The audio signal collected by the microphone module is sent to an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), and the converted digital audio signal (e.g., via an I2S / PCM interface) is sent to a second DSP. The second DSP is connected to the cellular communication module, the TBOX MCU, the second A2B slave node controller, and the audio switch.

[0035] In normal mode, audio from the second A2B slave node controller is processed by the second DSP and then sent to the second power amplifier chip via an audio switch, before being played through the second speaker module. In emergency mode, audio from the microphone module (processed by an ADC and the second DSP) and downlink audio from the cellular communication module (processed by the second DSP) are sent to the second power amplifier chip via an audio switch.

[0036] The vehicle communication terminal module also includes a mute signal output module, which comprises a TBOX CAN controller and a TBOX CAN transceiver. This module transmits the CAN mute command generated by the TBOX MCU to the audio power amplifier module via the vehicle's CAN bus. The mute signal output module also includes a hardwired output circuit controlled by the TBOX MCU's GPIO. This circuit transmits a hardwired mute signal to the first optocoupler of the audio power amplifier module via a hardwired connection (e.g., first driving an LED of an optocoupler, then connecting the output of the optocoupler to a hardwired connection to the audio power amplifier module).

[0037] The vehicle communication terminal module also includes a hard-wired trigger output circuit (e.g., controlled by the GPIO of the TBOX MCU) for sending a hard-wired trigger signal to the second optocoupler of the vehicle infotainment system module. The vehicle communication terminal module also includes a collision sensor and / or emergency button input interface, which connects to the vehicle's collision sensor signals or the eCall manual trigger button in the cockpit, with the signal input to the TBOX MCU.

[0038] The vehicle communication terminal module also includes a power management module, which comprises a DC-DC converter, an LDO, and a 5V / 1F supercapacitor as a backup power source. This module draws mains power from the vehicle's constant power supply to power the various components of the vehicle communication terminal module and manages the charging and discharging of the supercapacitor. In the event of a loss of mains power from the vehicle, the supercapacitor automatically switches to powering critical eCall paths such as the TBOX MCU, cellular communication module, and second DSP for at least 2 minutes.

[0039] In normal mode, the IVI audio processor of the in-vehicle infotainment system module processes audio sources (such as radio or Bluetooth music) and sends digital audio to the A2B master controller via the I2S / TDM interface. The A2B master controller encodes the audio into an A2B data stream. Both the first and second A2B bus physical switches are in the closed (conducting) state. The A2B data stream is transmitted to the audio power amplifier module through the first A2B bus physical switch. The first A2B of the audio power amplifier module receives and demodulates the audio from the node controller, and after processing by the first DSP, the first power amplifier chip drives the first speaker module to play the audio (for example, playing music to all passengers in the vehicle). At this time, the mute drive module does not operate, and the audio path is unobstructed.

[0040] The A2B data stream is transmitted to the vehicle communication terminal module via the second A2B bus physical switch. The second A2B of the vehicle communication terminal module receives and demodulates the audio from the node controller. This audio signal (e.g., navigation voice, call audio initiated by the vehicle infotainment system module) is sent to the second DSP for processing, and then sent to the second power amplifier chip via an audio switching switch (selecting the A2B path) to drive the second speaker module to play (e.g., the navigation voice heard by the driver).

[0041] In emergency mode, if an internal fault occurs within the in-vehicle infotainment system module, the fault detection logic within the module detects the fault and notifies the central logic control unit. If the fault is triggered by the in-vehicle communication terminal module, the collision sensor or emergency button input signal from the module is sent to the TBOX MCU. The TBOX MCU then sends an emergency trigger signal to the central logic control unit of the in-vehicle infotainment system module via a hardwired connection (through a second optocoupler) and / or the CAN bus.

[0042] Upon receiving a valid emergency trigger, the central logic control unit of the in-vehicle infotainment system module disconnects the first A2B bus physical switch, ceasing the transmission of A2B audio data to the audio power amplifier module. According to the strategy, the second A2B bus physical switch is simultaneously disconnected (if the A2B output of the in-vehicle infotainment system module is deemed unreliable).

[0043] The TBOX MCU enters the emergency call process. The TBOX MCU sends a CAN mute command through its mute signal output module, simultaneously (or preferably one of these) through the TBOX CAN controller, and sends a hard-wired mute signal to the audio power amplifier module through its GPIO-driven hard-wired output circuit.

[0044] The TBOX MCU (or via a second DSP) controls the audio switching switch to the local call path. The microphone module captures the driver's voice, converts it into a digital signal via an ADC, and then performs noise reduction and echo cancellation on the second DSP before sending it to the cellular communication module for encoding and wireless transmission.

[0045] The cellular communication module receives downlink voice messages from the emergency rescue center. After processing by the second DSP, the messages are played to the driver via an audio switch and a second power amplifier chip, which then drives the second speaker module.

[0046] The AMP MCU receives a valid mute command from the vehicle communication terminal module via its mute signal input module (AMP CAN controller or first optocoupler). The AMP MCU immediately controls the mute drive module to operate (e.g., to disconnect the mute relay), muting the first speaker module and preventing interference with emergency calls.

[0047] Even if the mute command from the vehicle communication terminal module does not arrive in time, the audio power amplifier module will usually automatically mute or have no audio output due to the lack of a valid A2B signal because the vehicle infotainment system module has disconnected the A2B link to the audio power amplifier module. The mute command from the vehicle communication terminal module provides a more proactive and deterministic mute guarantee. This is primarily to allow the vehicle communication terminal module to actively mute the audio power amplifier module in case of an internal malfunction in the vehicle infotainment system module, which prevents the disconnection of the first and second A2B bus physical switches, in order to avoid interfering with emergency calls.

[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the form in this embodiment is not limited thereto, nor is the adjustment method limited thereto. It is understood that other improvements and variations directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept of the present invention should be considered to be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted audio system based on TBOX emergency call function, characterized in that, include: The in-vehicle infotainment system module includes a central logic control unit, an A2B main controller connected to the central logic control unit, and a first A2B bus physical switch and a second A2B bus physical switch respectively connected to the A2B main controller. An audio power amplifier module, comprising a first A2B slave node controller connected to a first A2B bus physical switch via an A2B bus, a first DSP connected to the first A2B slave node controller, a first power amplifier chip connected to the first DSP, a mute drive module connected to the first power amplifier chip, a first speaker module connected to the mute drive module, an AMP MCU connected to the mute drive module and the first DSP, and a mute signal input module connected to the AMP MCU; The vehicle communication terminal module includes a TBOX MCU, a second A2B slave node controller connected to the second A2B bus via an A2B bus physical switch, an audio switching switch connected to the second A2B slave node controller, a second power amplifier chip connected to the audio switching switch, a second speaker module connected to the second power amplifier chip, a cellular communication module connected to the TBOX MCU, a microphone module connected to the cellular communication module, and a mute signal output module connected to the TBOX MCU.

2. The in-vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mute signal input module includes an AMP CAN controller connected to the AMP MCU and an AMP CAN transceiver connected to the AMP CAN controller and connected to the vehicle communication terminal module via the vehicle CAN bus.

3. The in-vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mute signal input module includes a first optocoupler connected to the AMP MCU, and the first optocoupler is connected to the vehicle communication terminal module via a hardwire.

4. The in-vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mute drive module includes a mute relay that connects the first power amplifier chip and the first speaker module. The mute relay is connected to the AMP MCU through a relay drive circuit.

5. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle communication terminal module includes a collision sensor and / or an emergency button, and the TBOX MCU receives the emergency signal output by the collision sensor and / or the emergency button.

6. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted communication terminal module includes an ADC analog-to-digital converter connected to a microphone module, a second DSP connected to the ADC analog-to-digital converter, the second DSP being connected to a cellular communication module and a TBOX MCU, and the second DSP being connected to a second A2B slave node controller and an audio switching switch.

7. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted communication terminal module includes a power management module, which includes a backup power supply. The backup power supply is used to power the emergency call function of the vehicle-mounted communication terminal module when the vehicle's main power supply is interrupted.

8. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mute signal output module includes a TBOX CAN controller connected to the TBOX MCU and a TBOX CAN transceiver connected to the TBOX CAN controller and connected to the audio power amplifier module via the vehicle CAN bus.

9. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The in-vehicle infotainment system module includes a second optocoupler connected to the central logic control unit, and the second optocoupler is connected to the TBOX MCU via a hardwire.

10. A vehicle audio system based on TBOX emergency call function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first speaker module includes multiple speakers installed in the passenger seat and rear seats of the vehicle, and the second speaker module includes a speaker installed in the driver's seat of the vehicle.

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