A method for obtaining data from an electronic device of a vehicle, a debugging method, means for carrying out a method and a diagnostic system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining data from an electronic device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular a detection device (14) of a vehicle (10), especially a vehicle camera or an electronic control unit of a vehicle (10), a method for debugging at least one electronic device (14), means (38) for carrying out a method for obtaining data from at least one electronic device (14), and a diagnostic system (18) at least for determining a system state of at least one electronic device (14). At least a portion of raw system information data (28) that characterizes a system state of an electronic device (14) is collected.At least some of the collected raw system information data (28) is converted into system information processing data, the system information processing data having a data format suitable for data processing. At least some of the system information processing data is made available for processing.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for obtaining data from an electronic device of a vehicle, in particular a detection device of a vehicle, in particular a vehicle camera or an electronic control unit of a vehicle.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a debugging method for debugging at least one electronic device of a vehicle, in particular at least one detection device of a vehicle, in particular at least one vehicle camera or at least one electronic control unit of a vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a means, in particular a software means, for carrying out a method for obtaining data from at least one electronic device of a vehicle, in particular at least one detection device of a vehicle, in particular at least one vehicle camera or an electronic control unit of a vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a diagnostic system at least for determining a system state of at least one electronic device of a vehicle, in particular at least one detection device of a vehicle, in particular of at least one vehicle camera or an electronic control unit of a vehicle. State of the art

[0005] US 2017 / 0064175 A1 discloses an on-board camera device that captures an image in front of a vehicle. The on-board camera device comprises a camera module that outputs image data and a control board.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a method for obtaining data, a debugging method, means for carrying out a method for obtaining data and a diagnostic system in which the effort for checking the electronic device, in particular the detection device or the electronic control unit, in particular an effort for debugging the electronic device, in particular the detection device or the electronic control unit, can be reduced. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by the method for obtaining data in that at least a portion of system information raw data characterizing a system state of the electronic device is collected, at least a portion of the collected system information raw data is converted into system information processing data, wherein the system information processing data has a data format suitable for data processing, at least a portion of the system information processing data is provided for processing.

[0008] According to the invention, raw data stored in a storage means of the electronic device is transmitted. The transmitted raw data is system information raw data. The system information raw data characterizes a system state of the electronic device. By analyzing the system information raw data, errors in the electronic device can be identified. The system information raw data is stored in a storage means of the electronic device.

[0009] At least a portion of the raw system information data is collected for transmission. Advantageously, the raw system information data can be collected using a readout device. Advantageously, the readout device can be implemented separately from the electronic device.

[0010] At least a portion of the collected system information raw data is converted into system information processing data. The system information processing data has a data format suitable for data processing. Advantageously, the collected system information raw data can be converted into system information processing data using the readout device.

[0011] At least a portion of the system information processing data is provided for processing. Advantageously, the system information processing data can be processed using an evaluation device. Advantageously, the system information processing data can be provided using the readout device.

[0012] Advantageously, the method for obtaining data from an electronic device can be implemented with a routine, in particular a readout routine. In this way, the method can be implemented using software.

[0013] With the invention, the system information raw data can be transmitted more easily from the electronic device, for example to an evaluation device, in particular to the evaluation device of a diagnostic system. The evaluation device can be temporarily connected to the electronic device in order to test the electronic device, in particular to debug it. The testing, in particular the debugging, of the electronic device can be carried out with the electronic device installed. In particular, the electronic device can be installed in a vehicle. It is not necessary to remove the electronic device, for example to send it to a specialist in a service department or the like. This enables testing, in particular debugging, of the electronic device on site, in particular using a mobile diagnostic system according to the invention.Reading the memory and analyzing reported errors can be done on-site, saving time and money.

[0014] The invention is used for electronic devices for vehicles. An important functional feature of a vehicle is its ability to move. Vehicles can be motor vehicles. Vehicles can be land vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, or the like, aircraft and / or watercraft, and / or drones. The invention can also be used for electronic devices of vehicles that can be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously. The invention can also be used with electronic devices of vehicles in robotics and / or in machines, in particular in construction or transport machines, such as cranes, excavators, or the like.

[0015] The electronic device, in particular the detection device, can advantageously be connected to or be part of at least one control device of a vehicle, in particular an assistance system, in particular a driver assistance system. This enables autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0016] Advantageously, the electronic device can be a detection device. The electronic device in the form of a detection device can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, in particular vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, road surface irregularities, in particular potholes or stones, road markings, open spaces, in particular parking spaces, precipitation, or the like.

[0017] Advantageously, the electronic device in the form of a detection device can be a camera, a radar system, a LiDAR system, an ultrasound system, or the like. Advantageously, the detection device can be a vehicle detection device. A vehicle detection device can be used to monitor the surroundings and / or the interior of a vehicle. Advantageously, the detection device can be a front camera, a side camera, a top camera, an underbody camera, an interior camera, or the like of a vehicle. Advantageously, the detection device can be a multifunctional detection device, in particular a multifunctional camera. The method according to the invention can be used for the rapid and cost-effective testing, in particular for debugging, of such detection devices.

[0018] Alternatively, the electronic device can advantageously be an electronic control unit (ECU). Functions can be controlled with an electronic control unit. Advantageously, the electronic device can be an electronic control unit of a vehicle. In this way, functions of the vehicle can be controlled. Advantageously, the electronic device can be a zone control of a vehicle.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one decentralized identifier for system information raw data can be read from a bootloader of the electronic device, wherein the at least one decentralized identifier identifies a memory area of ​​the storage means in which at least a portion of the system information raw data is stored, and the at least a portion of the system information raw data stored in the memory area of ​​the storage means identified with the at least one decentralized identifier for system information raw data can be collected. In this way, the area of ​​the memory dump containing the system information raw data can be specifically read. This improves the readout speed and reduces the amount of data to be read.

[0020] Advantageously, the decentralized identifier for system information raw data can be used in the bootloader of the electronic device during initialization or before initial commissioning, for example after manufacturing or during initial calibration, of the electronic device.

[0021] Advantageously, the raw system information data can be stored in a storage medium of the electronic device. This allows the electronic device to be diagnosed more independently.

[0022] The term “decentralized identifier” can also be used as “DID”.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one readout loop can be performed for collecting the system information raw data via the storage area of ​​the storage means identified by the at least one decentralized identifier, and the collected system information raw data can be returned to a readout device, in particular to a readout device of a diagnostic system. With at least one readout loop, the readout can be performed more efficiently.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least part of the collected system information raw data can be stored, in particular stored sequentially, in at least one memory buffer and / or at least part of the collected system information raw data can be sequentially converted into system information processing data and / or at least part of the collected system information raw data can be converted into standardized system information processing data, in particular into binary system information processing data and / or at least part of the system information processing data may be stored as at least one binary file.

[0025] The storage, in particular sequential storage, of the collected system information raw data in at least one memory buffer enables space-saving intermediate storage of the system information raw data.

[0026] The sequential conversion of the collected system information role data enables continuous conversion on demand.

[0027] The conversion into standardized system information processing data enables further processing with standardized processing systems. Thus, conventional diagnostic systems can be used to test, in particular debug, the electronic device using the invention.

[0028] System information processing data in the form of binary files can be processed using standard processing routines.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least part of the system information processing data can be stored in at least one diagnostic storage means. In this way, the system information processing data can be stored in at least one storage means specifically designed for this purpose. The at least one diagnostic storage means can be implemented separately from the electronic device. In this way, the memory requirements in the electronic device can be reduced. Advantageously, the diagnostic storage means can be part of a diagnostic system. The diagnostic system can be connected to the electronic device for the purpose of testing it, in particular for debugging.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment collecting system information raw data and / or converting system information raw data into system information processing data can be carried out by a means, in particular a readout device, outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular with a diagnostic system and / or at least part of the system information raw data is collected by a means, in particular a readout device, outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular a readout device of a diagnostic system and / or at least a part of collected system information raw data can be converted into system information processing data by a means, in particular a readout device, outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system and / or at least part of the collected system information raw data can be stored in at least one memory buffer outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular in at least one memory buffer of a diagnostic system and / or at least part of the system information processing data can be stored in a diagnostic storage means outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular in a diagnostic storage means of a diagnostic system and / or At least some of the decentralized identifiers can be read out using a means, in particular a readout device, outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular using a readout device of a diagnostic system. In this way, the design of the electronic device can be simplified. Thus, the costs and space requirements, in particular for debugging and analysis purposes of the electronic device, can be reduced. Furthermore, existing electronic devices can be read out using the invention without having to be modified, for example, upgraded, in particular without additional hardware interface changes.

[0031] Advantageously, part of the means, in particular the readout device, the at least one memory buffer, and / or an evaluation device, can be implemented in an external diagnostic system. In this way, a compact tool can be realized that can be connected to the electronic device for testing the electronic device, in particular for debugging it.

[0032] "External" in the sense of the invention means that the respective part is not part of the electronic device or the vehicle control system, in particular the control system of the driver assistance system. However, the corresponding device, in particular a diagnostic system, for carrying out the method according to the invention can be arranged in the vehicle.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment, system status information can be determined from at least part of the system information processing data, in particular with an evaluation device outside the electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system, in particular with an evaluation device of a diagnostic system. In this way, the system information processing data can be used for debugging the electronic device.

[0034] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved with the debugging method in that the debugging method comprises a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device according to the invention. In this way, errors in the at least one electronic device can be found and corrected.

[0035] Advantageously, the debugging procedure can be implemented with a routine. This allows the debugging procedure to be implemented using software tools.

[0036] Advantageously, the debugging method may include a data analysis routine for analyzing the system information processing data. This allows errors to be identified.

[0037] Advantageously, the debugging method may include a means for correcting errors. In this way, errors infected by the debugging method can be repaired.

[0038] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved with the means in that the means is suitable for carrying out a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device according to the invention.

[0039] Advantageously, at least part of the means for performing the method can comprise software. This allows the means to be easily implemented in existing hardware. This means that existing diagnostic systems can be retrofitted.

[0040] Advantageously, at least part of the means for carrying out the method may comprise hardware, in particular storage means or the like.

[0041] Advantageously, at least part of the means for carrying out the method can comprise at least one program script. In this way, the means can be implemented using software. A procedural programming language or an imperative programming language can be used to implement the means for carrying out the method. In this way, the path for implementing the means for carrying out the method can be made more flexible. Advantageously, at least part of the means for carrying out the method, in particular the method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device, can comprise a software script, in particular a communication access programming language (CAPL) software script. In this way, the means for carrying out the method can be implemented efficiently.

[0042] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved with the diagnostic system in that the diagnostic system comprises at least part of the means for carrying out a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device according to the invention.

[0043] Advantageously, the diagnostic system can be designed for testing, in particular for debugging, the at least one electronic device. In this way, errors can be found and corrected.

[0044] Advantageously, the diagnostic system may comprise software means and hardware means. The software means may be used to implement a program script for performing the method for obtaining data. The hardware means may be used to execute the software means and / or to retrieve the data previously stored in the electronic device.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least part of the means for implementing a method for obtaining data from at least one electronic device according to the invention can be implemented outside the at least one electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system. In this way, the complexity of the required means in the at least one electronic device can be reduced.

[0046] Advantageously, at least some of the means of the diagnostic system can be implemented outside the at least one electronic device, in particular outside the vehicle control system. In this way, a mobile tool can be implemented that can be flexibly connected to the electronic device for the purpose of diagnosis, in particular debugging.

[0047] Furthermore, the features and advantages presented in connection with the inventive method for obtaining data, the inventive debugging method, the inventive means for implementing a method according to the invention, and the inventive diagnostic system, and their respective advantageous embodiments, also apply mutatis mutandis to one another and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, resulting in further advantageous effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects. Short description of the drawings

[0048] The present invention with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, which, however, is not limited to the embodiments in which is schematically shown Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation of a vehicle with a driver assistance system comprising an electronic device in the form of a detection device and a control unit, wherein a diagnostic system for debugging is temporarily connected to the detection device; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a debugging routine used in the diagnostic system of Fig. 1, the debugging routine includes a readout routine for reading raw system information data from the detection device.

[0049] In the drawings, like or similar elements are referred to with like reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations and are not intended to illustrate specific parameters of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0050] In Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 10 in the form of a passenger car in a simplified representation.

[0051] The vehicle 10 comprises a driver assistance system 12 with an electronic device in the form of a detection device 14 and a control unit 16. The detection device 14 is configured, for example, as a front camera. The detection device 14 is functionally connected to the control device 16, so that information obtained by the detection device 14 about a monitoring area in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle 10 can be transmitted to the control unit 16 of the driver assistance system 12. The driver assistance system 12 can be used to perform functions of the vehicle 10, for example, driving functions, autonomously or semi-autonomously.

[0052] The detection device 14 can be used to detect objects in the surveillance area. The vehicle 10 can also have multiple detection devices 14 at different locations and / or with different orientations. The vehicle 10 can also have one or more detection devices 14 of a different type, for example, radar systems, LiDAR systems, ultrasound systems, or the like.

[0053] The objects can be stationary or moving objects, for example vehicles, persons, animals, plants, obstacles, road irregularities, for example potholes or stones, road markings, traffic signs, open spaces, for example parking spaces, precipitation or the like.

[0054] The detection device 14 is temporarily connected to an external diagnostic system 18 for the purpose of debugging the detection device 14. "External" means that the diagnostic system 18 is not part of the vehicle 10. However, the diagnostic system 18 can be arranged in the vehicle 10 for the purpose of debugging.

[0055] The detection device 14 comprises an image acquisition unit 20, a processor 22, a storage means 24 and a bootloader 26

[0056] The image capture unit 20 may include a camera chip. The image capture unit 20 may be used to capture optical information from the monitoring area and convert it into electrical information. The electrical information may be processed by the processor 22 to obtain monitoring information about the monitoring area. The monitoring information may, for example, include information about objects in the monitoring area. The monitoring information may be transmitted to the control device 16 of the driver assistance system 12. The functions of the vehicle 10 may be controlled autonomously or semi-autonomously using the monitoring information obtained from the detection device 14.

[0057] The processor 22 can control the functions of the detection device 14.

[0058] Monitoring information can be stored in the storage means 24 of the detection device 14. Furthermore, raw system information data 28 characterizing a system state of the detection device 14 is stored in the storage means 24.

[0059] The bootloader 26 includes the startup information for the processor 22. Furthermore, the bootloader 26 includes decentralized identifiers 30 (DIDs). The decentralized identifiers 30 identify a memory area of ​​the storage device 24 in which the system information raw data 28 is stored.

[0060] The diagnostic system 18 is designed as a debugging system. Errors in the detection device 14 can be identified and repaired using the diagnostic system 18.

[0061] The diagnostic system 18 comprises a readout device 32, an evaluation device 34 and an output device 36. The diagnostic device 18 is temporarily connected to the detection device 14 for debugging purposes, for example via cable or radio.

[0062] A readout routine 38, which in Fig. 2, is implemented in the readout device 32. The readout routine 38 is implemented, for example, as a software program.

[0063] The readout routine 38 implements a method for obtaining data from the detection device 14.

[0064] The reading device 32 can collect the system information raw data 28 from the detection device 14 and convert it into system information processing data 40. The system information processing data 14 can be processed by the evaluation device 34.

[0065] A data analysis routine 42, which in Fig. 2, is implemented in the evaluation device 34. The data analysis routine 42 is implemented, for example, as a software program. System status information 44 can be determined from the system information processing data 40 received from the readout device 32 using the evaluation device 34.

[0066] If the system status information 44 indicates errors of the detection device 14, the identified errors can be repaired with the diagnostic system 18.

[0067] In the following, a debugging routine 46 for debugging the detection device 14 is described using a flow chart from Fig. 2. The debugging routine 46 implements a debugging method for debugging the detection device 14.

[0068] The debugging routine 46 includes the readout routine 48 and the data analysis routine 42. The readout routine 38 implements a method for obtaining system information processing data 40 from the detection device 14.

[0069] The readout routine 38 includes a data assignment routine 48, a data acquisition routine 50 and a data conversion routine 52.

[0070] The debugging routine 46 begins with the data assignment routine 48. The decentralized identifiers 30 for the system information raw data 28 are read from the bootloader 26 of the detection device 14.

[0071] The data acquisition routine 50 collects the raw system information data 28 stored in the memory area of ​​the storage device 24 identified by the decentralized identifiers 30. To collect the raw system information data 28, a readout loop is performed over the memory area of ​​the storage device 24 identified by the decentralized identifiers 30. The memory area may, for example, be approximately 770 KB in size. The collected raw system information data 28 is returned to the readout device 32. The collected raw system information data 28 is stored sequentially in a memory buffer 54 of the diagnostic system 18. The stored raw system information data 28 may, for example, have a size of approximately 1 MB.

[0072] The data conversion routine 52 sequentially converts the collected system information raw data 28 into system information processing data 40.

[0073] The system information processing data 40 has a standardized data format, for example, a binary format. The standardized system information processing data 40 is suitable for data processing using the evaluation device 34.

[0074] The system information processing data is provided by the readout device 32 for processing by the evaluation device 34. For this purpose, the system information processing data 40 is saved as a binary file. The system information processing data 40 is saved in a diagnostic storage medium 56 of the diagnostic system 18.

[0075] The data analysis routine 42 is used to analyze the system information processing data 40 and obtain the system status information 44.

[0076] Optionally, the system status information 44 is output via the output device 36. The output device 36 can be a display, for example.

[0077] If the system status information 44 indicates errors of the detection device 14, the identified errors can be repaired with the diagnostic system 18. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2017 / 0064175 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] A method for obtaining data from an electronic device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular a detection device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular a vehicle camera (14) or an electronic control unit of a vehicle (10), characterized by , that at least a portion of system information raw data (28) characterizing a system state of the electronic device (14) is collected, at least a portion of the collected system information raw data (28) is converted into system information processing data (40), wherein the system information processing data (40) has a data format suitable for data processing, at least part of the system information processing data (40) is provided for processing. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least one decentralized identifier (30) for system information raw data (28) is read from a bootloader (26) of an electronic device (14), wherein the at least one decentralized identifier (30) identifies a memory area of ​​the storage means (24) in which at least a portion of the system information raw data (28) is stored, and the at least a portion of the system information raw data (28) stored in the memory area of ​​the storage means (24) identified with the at least one decentralized identifier (30) for system information raw data (28) is collected. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized byin that, for collecting the system information raw data (28), at least one readout loop is carried out via the memory area of ​​the memory means (24) identified with the at least one decentralized identifier (30), and the collected system information raw data (28) are returned to a readout device (38), in particular to a readout device (38) of a diagnostic system (18). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least a part of the collected system information raw data (28) is stored, in particular stored sequentially, in at least one memory buffer (54) and / or at least a portion of the collected system information raw data (28) is sequentially converted into system information processing data (40) and / or at least part of the collected system information raw data (28) is converted into standardized system information processing data (40), in particular into binary system information processing data and / or at least a portion of the system information processing data (40) is stored as at least one binary file. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least part of the system information processing data (40) is stored in at least one diagnostic storage means (56). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat collecting system information raw data (28) and / or converting system information raw data (28) into system information processing data (40) is carried out by a means, in particular a readout device (38), outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular with a diagnostic system (18) and / or at least part of the system information raw data (28) is collected by a means, in particular a readout device (38), outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular a readout device (38) of a diagnostic system (18) and / or at least a portion of collected system information raw data (28) is converted into system information processing data (40) by means, in particular a readout device (38), outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12) and / or at least a portion of the collected system information raw data (28) is stored in at least one memory buffer (54) outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular in at least one memory buffer (54) of a diagnostic system (18), and / or at least part of the system information processing data (40) is stored in a diagnostic storage means (56) outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular in a diagnostic storage means (56) of a diagnostic system (18) and / or at least some of the decentralized identifiers (30) are read out by a means, in particular a read-out device (38), outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular by a read-out device (38) of a diagnostic system (18). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that system status information (44) is determined from at least part of the system information processing data (40), in particular with an evaluation device (34) outside the electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12), in particular with an evaluation device (34) of a diagnostic system (18). [8] A debugging method for debugging at least one electronic device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular at least one detection device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular at least one vehicle camera or at least one electronic control unit of a vehicle (10), characterized by that the debugging method comprises a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] A means (38), in particular a software means, for carrying out a method for obtaining data from at least one electronic device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular at least one detection device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular from at least one vehicle camera or at least one electronic control unit of a vehicle (10), characterized bythat the means (38) is suitable for carrying out a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [10] A diagnostic system (18) at least for determining a system state of at least one device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular at least one detection device (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular at least one vehicle camera or at least one electronic control unit of a vehicle (10), characterized by that the diagnostic system (18) comprises at least part of means (38) for carrying out a method for obtaining data from the at least one electronic device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [11] Diagnostic system according to claim 10, characterized bythat at least part of the means (38) for carrying out a method for obtaining data from at least one electronic device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented outside the at least one electronic device (14), in particular outside the vehicle control system (12).

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