Method and apparatus for wirelessly transmitting a control command to a transmitting and receiving device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for wirelessly transmitting a control command to a transmitting and receiving device which emits a measurement signal for detecting an object or a state of its environment and receives the reflected measurement signal and processes same in an associated electronic circuit, wherein, by means of a reflector placed in the propagation direction of the emitted measurement signal, the emitted measurement signal is changed and reflected in such a way that, in an electronic circuit associated with the transmitting and receiving device, the changed measurement signal can be recognized as a control command and processed.

Description

[0001] Method and device for wireless transmission of a control command to a transmitting and receiving device

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for wirelessly transmitting a control command to a transmitting and receiving device that transmits a measurement signal to detect an object or a state of its environment and receives the reflected measurement signal and processes it in an associated electronic circuit. The invention also relates to a device for wirelessly transmitting a control command to a transmitting and receiving device.

[0004] Transmitting and receiving devices, often abbreviated to sensors, which transmit a measurement signal to detect an object or the condition of its environment, are found in significant numbers in vehicles, among other places. Today's electronic chassis control systems in motor vehicles, trucks, buses, or trailers rely on the signals from transmitting and receiving devices to be able to implement their control strategies. Without intending to limit the scope of protection, transmitting and receiving devices are also referred to as sensors in the following.

[0005] This includes not only signals that can be used to measure the height of the body or the vehicle's body above the axle or the road surface via sensors configured as transmitters / receivers, but also signals for parking aids or parking assistance systems, usually generated by ultrasonic sensors that scan the vehicle's surroundings for obstacles, as well as signals from sensors for distance control or for detecting vehicles in front of and behind the vehicle, such as lidar or radar sensors. All of these signals are generated by a multitude of sensors configured as transmitters and receivers and not only depict loading and driving conditions but also record the entire environment.

[0006] For example, DE 102 55 438 A1 discloses a device for determining a vehicle's height above a roadway in the area of ​​a vehicle wheel, in which a distance sensor is arranged for contactless measurement of a chassis component, in this case the wheel or an axle of the vehicle. One embodiment disclosed therein includes a radar sensor as the distance sensor.

[0007] The sensors used here to send and receive signals are generally equipped with an electronic circuit, a so-called microcontroller, and often contain programmed sequence programs. Particularly powerful, versatile sensors of this type must be set and calibrated in a predetermined manner after installation in the vehicle, at the beginning of their operation, and if necessary also during subsequent maintenance or replacement, so that clear, reproducible, and stable signals can be generated and processed during operation. A special basic setting or calibration can, for example, be aimed at setting the sensor electronics to specific measuring distances or a specific sequence mode for a measurement, specific identifiers for the sensor installation location to be sent with the signal to the control system, and much more.

[0008] However, initiating such a calibration requires the transmission of a corresponding command / control command to the sensor electronics or the sensor's microcontroller. This requires appropriate external access to the sensor's electronics, which is generally only possible through a bidirectional connection / wiring to a control unit, i.e., a control device, or through complex radio and reading devices if the control command is to be transmitted wirelessly.

[0009] However, given the multitude of sensors used in a vehicle, it is also necessary to keep sensor costs as low as possible. Following this premise has implications for the design of such sensors. For example, sensors with bidirectional connections to a control device / control unit are significantly more complex, require additional contacts / connections, and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than sensors with monodirectional connections. Complex radio and reading devices also represent a cost factor for production and maintenance.

[0010] This creates a conflict of objectives between the use of simple, monodirectional standard sensors and the desire for the most precise adjustment and calibration of the sensors for signal processing tailored to their specific application. This is where the idea underlying the invention comes in.

[0011] The object of the invention was therefore to provide a method that is as simple and safe to use as possible, with which a sensor can be calibrated or preset without bidirectional access or complex radio and reading devices, i.e. a method with which a control command can be transmitted wirelessly to a control device or a microcontroller of a transmitting and receiving device in a simple manner.

[0012] This object is achieved by the features of the main claim. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims. A device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

[0013] In a transmitting and receiving device that transmits a measurement signal and receives the reflected measurement signal, the transmitted measurement signal is modified and reflected by a reflector placed in the propagation direction of the transmitted measurement signal in such a way that the modified, reflected measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command in the electronic circuit associated with the transmitting and receiving device, which may be embodied, for example, as a microcontroller. Such a control command then triggers a predetermined or pre-programmed sequence within the microcontroller's programmed routines, e.g., the basic setting or calibration described above.

[0014] The reflected signal / measurement signal is significantly altered and provided with a pattern that is clearly recognizable by the microcontroller. This change cannot occur randomly, i.e., it does not correspond to a random change in the reflection during normal signal transmission and measurement operations. It is possible that the reflected and / or altered measurement signal is a null signal. It is therefore possible that the measurement signal is completely unreflected, absorbed, or reflected from a radiation direction toward the transmitting and receiving device.

[0015] One embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the modified measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command for calibrating a transmitting and receiving device for high-frequency radiation arranged on a vehicle. Given the aforementioned multitude of sensors in modern vehicles, it is thus possible in many cases to use sensors without a bidirectional connection to the control device and without complex electronics for communication with radio and reading devices. According to the invention, the wireless transmission of a control command to the microcontroller of a sensor is thus carried out by the sensor signal (measurement signal) itself, which is received again by the sensor after a change.

[0016] A further development of the method according to the invention consists in the fact that the modified measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command for calibrating the transmitting and receiving device to a predetermined measuring distance or detection range. For example, for applications in vehicles, it may be useful to set short distances, such as 0.3 m, and mask out the other distances. Such a setting would be suitable for detecting only the distances determined based on the time-of-flight evaluations in the desired observation area, so that reflected signals from other, perhaps more distant, objects are not taken into account.

[0017] A further development involves recognizing and processing the modified measurement signal as a control command for setting the transmitting and receiving device to a predetermined measurement method or mode. For example, an offset or constant offset can be defined for a time-of-flight or temperature measurement and taken into account in the calibration.

[0018] A further development of the method involves recognizing and processing the modified measurement signal as a control command for determining the installation location of a transmitting and receiving device / sensor for high-frequency radiation mounted on a vehicle. This allows the sensor signals in the control device to be directly assigned to the corresponding locations where the sensors are positioned, for example, individual axles or vehicle corners.

[0019] A possible implementation of the method, even with the simplest means, involves placing a reflective, particularly metallic, surface of an object as a reflector in the propagation direction of the emitted measurement signal in a predetermined temporal pattern. Such a temporal pattern, such as a predetermined sequence of repetitions, can then be recognized and processed as a control command in the microcontroller assigned to the transmitting and receiving device and programmed accordingly. Thus, the reflective, particularly metallic, surface can be the surface of a tool, for example, the surface of a wrench or the polished surface of a feeler gauge or a measuring device.

[0020] The same applies to a further development of the method, in which a reflective, particularly metallic, surface of an object is placed as a reflector at a predetermined distance from the transmitting and receiving device in the propagation direction of the transmitted measurement signal. The predetermined distance results in a predetermined intensity and propagation time of the reflected radiation, which can then be recognized and processed by the microcontroller as a control command.

[0021] A further development of the method involves placing the reflective surface of an object at such a short distance from the transmitting and receiving device in the propagation direction of the transmitted measurement signal that the reflected measurement signal cannot be processed by the electronic circuit associated with the transmitting and receiving device. This also reveals a behavior or pattern that can be recognized by an appropriately programmed microcontroller, making it possible to generate a control command.

[0022] When using transmitting and receiving devices for high-frequency radiation, a further development of the method involves the transmitting and receiving device emitting electromagnetic radiation in the form of radar radiation, in particular being designed as a radar sensor. Depending on the application, measurement task, and environment, further developments of the method include the transmitting and receiving device being designed as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. The signals of this type of high-frequency radiation can be significantly modified by relatively simple reflectors placed in the direction of propagation of the emitted measurement signal and can be provided with a pattern that is clearly recognizable by the sensor electronics or its microcontroller.To carry out the method, a device for wirelessly transmitting a control command to a transmitting and receiving device is used according to the invention, which device has at least one reflector device by means of which the measurement signal emitted by the transmitting and receiving device can be changed and reflected to the transmitting and receiving device in the form of a reflected measurement signal that differs from the transmitted measurement signal.

[0023] One embodiment of such a device consists in the reflector device being designed as a reflector or mirror rotating or oscillating around an axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the axis of the emitted radiation, such that the reflected measurement signal differs from the emitted measurement signal by a pattern of altered radiation intensity, in particular by a defined oscillating or pulsating reflection. Such a defined oscillating or pulsating reflection cannot be confused with randomly generated patterns of reflections from other objects.

[0024] The same applies to a further development of the device according to the invention, which consists in the reflector device having at least one reflector or mirror arranged or configured in such a way that the emitted measurement signal is not or only partially reflected. A simple further development in this regard consists in the reflectors or mirrors of the reflector device forming a labyrinth for the emitted measurement signal, whereby the emitted measurement signal can be reflected out of the device at least partially without a reflected measurement signal.

[0025] A further embodiment of the device consists in that at least one first reflector or mirror of the reflector device for the emitted measurement signal is arranged at a first distance from the transmitting and receiving device and is designed to be partially transparent, wherein in the radiation path behind the first reflector or mirror at least one second reflector or mirror is arranged at a second distance from the transmitting and receiving device such that a portion of the measurement signal not reflected by the first reflector or mirror can be reflected as a reflected measurement signal to the transmitting and receiving device.Such a design results in a reflected measurement signal with at least two radiation peaks that hit the receiving part of the sensor again at different times, so that here too a clear change in the reflected measurement signal due to the propagation times can be recognized and processed as a control command in the associated electronic circuit.

[0026] An equally clear and clearly identifiable change in the reflected measurement signal results from a further embodiment of the device, which consists in the reflector device having reflectors or mirrors by means of which the measurement signal emitted by the transmitting and receiving device can be reflected at an intensity and / or from a distance that differs significantly from an expected range for intensity or transit time specified for the reflected measurement signal from objects to be measured.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention as a schematic diagram,

[0029] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention as a schematic diagram,

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention as a schematic diagram, Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention as a schematic diagram.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows, as a schematic diagram and without going into structural dimensions or details, a first embodiment of a device that is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. The same applies to the embodiments of a device shown in Figs. 2 to 4.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, in which a reflector device is designed as a mirror 5 rotating about an axis of rotation 4 aligned perpendicular to an axis 2 of an emitted measurement signal 3. The measurement signal reflected by the rotating mirror 5 and received again by a transmitting and receiving device, referred to here as a sensor 6, pulsates in accordance with the mirror rotation and thus differs from the emitted measurement signal by a defined, unambiguous pattern of pulsating radiation intensity.

[0033] The reflected measurement signal, which pulsates with a unique pattern, is received by sensor 6, processed, and recognized as a control command by a microcontroller 7 provided in sensor 6. This control command then triggers a predetermined or pre-programmed sequence within the microcontroller's programmed routines, e.g., calibration to a specific detection distance. After calibration, device 1 with reflector / mirror 5 can be removed from the sensor or from the sensor's radiation range. Sensor 6 is then calibrated for its specific application. The rotation of mirror 5 is symbolized by rotation arrow 8.

[0034] The reflected, pulsating measurement signal is significantly altered by the rotating mirror 5, whereby the alteration cannot have occurred accidentally, i.e., not during normal signal transmission and measurement operation. Fig. 2 shows another device 20 suitable for implementing the method according to the invention, in which the reflector device has a plurality of mirrors 23 that form a labyrinth for the emitted measurement signal 22, and of which one or more mirrors absorb part of the measurement signal or transmit it without reflection. In this way, the measurement signal 22 emitted in the radiation axis 21 will lose part of its intensity after striking one of the mirrors 23. This results in either a reflected measurement signal of reduced intensity or the reflected measurement signal is a zero signal (no reflection).

[0035] The pattern detectable in the sensor device is that the reflected measurement signal is either a zero signal or exhibits a defined change in intensity. This is also a unique pattern and is recognized as a control command by a microcontroller 25 provided in the sensor 24, which then triggers a preprogrammed sequence within the microcontroller's programmed routines. After processing the program routine, the device 20 with the reflectors / mirrors 23 can be removed again. The sensor 24 is then calibrated.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a further device 30 suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, in which the reflector device has mirrors 33 that completely reflect the emitted measurement signal 32. In the case shown here, the measurement signal 32 emitted by the sensor 34 is reflected at an intensity and from a distance that differs from a predetermined expected range for intensity or propagation time that is usually present for a reflected measurement signal from objects to be measured. This is also a pattern that is unique and is recognized as a control command with the help of a microcontroller 35 provided in the sensor 34. The control command then triggers the sequence already described above within the programmed routines of the microcontroller. Here, too, the device 30 with the reflectors / mirrors 33 can then be removed again. The sensor 34 is then calibrated. Fig.Figure 4 shows another device 40 suitable for implementing the method according to the invention. Device 40 has two mirrors 43a and 43b as reflector devices. The first mirror 43a is a semi-transparent mirror that only partially reflects, namely only a portion of the measurement signal 47. The second mirror 43b is a fully reflective mirror.

[0037] The first semi-transparent mirror 43a is arranged at a first distance xi from the sensor 44, while in the radiation path / in the beam axis 41 behind the semi-transparent first mirror 43a the second mirror 43b is arranged at a second distance X2 from the sensor 44 such that a portion of the measurement signal 46 not reflected by the first mirror 43a can be reflected by the second mirror 43b as a reflected measurement signal to the sensor 44.

[0038] The measurement signal 42 emitted by the sensor along the beam axis 41 is thus detected after reflection / partial reflection by the mirrors 43a and 43b as a reflected measurement signal with different propagation times and two distinct peaks of different intensities. This is also a unique pattern and is recognized as a control command by a microcontroller 45 provided in the sensor 44. The control command triggers the corresponding routines of the microcontroller, as already described above. The sensor 44 is then calibrated, and the device 40 can be removed.

[0039] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0040] 1 device

[0041] 2 Beam axis, axis of the emitted measurement signal

[0042] 3 emitted measurement signal

[0043] 4 Rotation axis of the mirror

[0044] 5 rotating mirrors

[0045] 6 Sensor

[0046] 7 microcontrollers

[0047] 8 Rotation arrow

[0048] 20 Device

[0049] 21 Beam axis, axis of the emitted measurement signal

[0050] 22 emitted measurement signal

[0051] 23 mirrors, semi-transparent, partially reflective,

[0052] 24 sensors

[0053] 25 microcontrollers

[0054] 30 Device

[0055] 32 emitted measurement signal

[0056] 33 mirror, reflector

[0057] 34 Sensor

[0058] 35 microcontrollers

[0059] 40 Device

[0060] 41 Beam axis, radiation path of the measurement signal

[0061] 42 emitted measurement signal

[0062] 43a Mirror, semi-transparent, partially reflecting,

[0063] 43b Mirror, fully reflective

[0064] 44 Sensor 45 Microcontroller

[0065] 46 Portion of the measurement signal reflected by mirror 43b

[0066] 47 Portion of the measurement signal reflected by the mirror 43a xi Distance of the mirror 43a from the sensor 44

[0067] X2 Distance of the mirror 43b from the sensor 44

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for the wireless transmission of a control command to a transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) which transmits a measurement signal (3, 22, 32, 42) for detecting an object or a state of its environment and receives the reflected measurement signal and processes it in an associated electronic circuit (7, 25, 35, 45), characterized in that the transmitted measurement signal (3, 22, 32, 42) is modified and reflected via a reflector (5, 23, 33, 43a, 43b) introduced in the propagation direction of the transmitted measurement signal in such a way that the modified measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command in an electronic circuit (7, 25, 35, 45) associated with the transmitting and receiving device.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the modified measurement signal is recognizable and processable as a control command for calibrating a transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) for high-frequency radiation arranged on a vehicle.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the modified measurement signal is recognizable and processable as a control command for calibrating the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) to a predetermined measuring distance or detection range.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the changed measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command for setting the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) to a predetermined measurement method or mode.

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the modified measurement signal can be recognized and processed as a control command for determining the installation location of a transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) for high-frequency radiation arranged on a vehicle.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which a reflective, in particular metallic, surface of an object is introduced as a reflector in the propagation direction of the emitted measurement signal in a predetermined temporal pattern.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which one or the reflective, in particular metallic, surface of one or the object is introduced as a reflector at a predetermined distance from the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) in the propagation direction of the transmitted measuring signal.

8. Method according to claim 7, in which the reflecting surface of an object is placed at such a short distance from the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) in the propagation direction of the emitted measuring signal that the reflected measuring signal cannot be processed in the electronic circuit (7, 25, 35, 45) associated with the transmitting and receiving device.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) emits electromagnetic radiation in the form of radar radiation, in particular is designed as a radar sensor.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) emits electromagnetic radiation in the form of infrared radiation, in particular is designed as an infrared sensor.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) transmits an ultrasonic signal, in particular is designed as an ultrasonic sensor.

12. Device (1, 20, 30, 40) for carrying out the method for wireless transmission of a control command to a transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device has at least one reflector device (5, 23, 33, 43a, 43b), by which the measurement signal (3, 22, 32, 42) emitted by the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) can be changed and reflected to the transmitting and receiving device (6, 24, 34, 44) in the form of a reflected measurement signal that differs from the emitted measurement signal.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the reflector device (5) is designed as a reflector or mirror (5) rotating or oscillating about an axis of rotation (4) aligned perpendicular to the axis (2) of the emitted radiation (3) such that the reflected measurement signal differs from the emitted measurement signal by a pattern of changed radiation intensity, in particular by an oscillating or pulsating reflected measurement signal.

14. Device (20, 40) according to claim 12, wherein the reflector device (23, 43a, 43b) comprises a reflector or mirror arranged or designed in such a way or a plurality of reflectors or mirrors arranged or designed in such a way that the emitted measurement signal (22, 42) is not or only partially reflectable.

15. Device (20) according to claim 14, in which reflectors or mirrors (23) or the reflectors or mirrors (23) of the reflector device form a labyrinth for the emitted measurement signal (22), wherein the emitted measurement signal (22) can be reflected out of the device (20) at least partially without reflection.

16. Device (40) according to claim 14, in which a first reflector or mirror (43a) of the reflector device for the emitted measurement signal (42) is arranged at a first distance xi from the transmitting and receiving device (44) and is designed to be partially transmissive, wherein in the radiation path behind the first reflector or mirror (43a) a second reflector or mirror (43b) is arranged at a second distance X2 from the transmitting and receiving device (44) such that a signal not reflected by the first reflector or mirror (43a) Portion (46) of the measurement signal can be reflected by the second reflector or mirror (43b) as a reflected measurement signal to the transmitting and receiving device (44).

17. Device (30) according to claim 12, wherein the reflector device has one or more reflectors or mirrors (33) by means of which the measurement signal (32) emitted by the transmitting and receiving device (34) can be reflected at an intensity and / or from a distance which differs from an expected range for intensity or propagation time predetermined for the measurement signal reflected from objects to be measured.

Images