Method and device for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device (110) for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system (10). Indeed, the method comprises the transmission of first data representative of a test order to the multimedia content generation system and the reception of second data representative of a first multimedia content, the second data being generated by the multimedia content generation system as a function of the first data and received via a video acquisition card (111). A fault in the multimedia content generation system is then detected by comparing the second data with third data, the third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with the first data. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system, in particular a multimedia content generation system embedded in a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method and a device for diagnosing the operation of a multimedia content generation system. Technological background

[0002] To validate the proper functioning of a multimedia content generation system and / or to detect possible defects in this multimedia content generation system, numerous tests are carried out, for example at the end of production or assembly of a multimedia content generation system or during an inspection of a multimedia content generation system, in particular when a defect is suspected by a user of the multimedia content generation system, after a maintenance operation or after a software update.

[0003] In order to detect defects in a multimedia content generation system, a laboratory test consists of placing the multimedia content generation system in front of a controller or a control tool, for example in front of a qualified operator, or in front of a microphone or a camera connected to a system for processing data acquired by this type of acquisition device, in order to validate sound content emitted for example by a loudspeaker or graphic content displayed for example by a screen.

[0004] The multimedia content captured by a controller or by a control tool depends not only on the data emitted by the multimedia content generation system, but also on the quality of reproduction of this content via an audio and / or video peripheral and on the quality of perception of the controller or the control tool. To this may be added external influences such as ambient noise and / or lighting, which then disrupt the perception of the reproduced multimedia content.

[0005] Thus, the control of the operation of the multimedia content generation system is not guaranteed because it depends on numerous conditions external to the multimedia content generation system alone. Summary of the present invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the detection of a fault in a multimedia content generation system.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for testing or detecting a fault in a reliable and reproducible multimedia content generation system, thus making it possible to improve the precision and reduce the execution time of the tests necessary for the validation of a multimedia content generation system.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system, the method comprising the following steps: - transmission of first data representative of a test order to the multimedia content generation system; - receiving second data representative of a first multimedia content, the second data being generated by the multimedia content generation system based on the first data, the second data being received via a video acquisition card; - detecting a fault in the multimedia content generation system by comparing the second data to third data, the third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with the first data.

[0010] Such a method thus makes it possible to detect a fault in the multimedia content generation system without using a multimedia content rendering device. Thus, only a fault actually originating from the multimedia content generation system is identified, thereby reducing fault diagnosis errors.

[0011] According to a variant of the method, the test order belongs to a test sequence, the test sequence comprising a plurality of temporally ordered test orders.

[0012] According to another variant of the method, the test order corresponds to a set of signals emitted by a set of peripherals on board a vehicle.

[0013] According to an additional variant of the method, the second data comprises data representative of an image.

[0014] According to another variant of the method, the second data comprises data representative of a sound.

[0015] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system, the device comprising means for implementing steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0016] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising a device according to the second aspect of the present invention and a video acquisition card communicatively connected to the device, the second data being received via the video capture card.

[0017] According to a variant, the system comprises a video acquisition card connected in communication with the device, the second data being received via the video acquisition card.

[0018] According to another variant, the system comprises a computer bus communication interface, the first data being transmitted to the multimedia content generation system via the computer bus communication interface.

[0019] According to a further variant, the system further comprises the multimedia content generation system comprising a signal distributor, the second data being received via the signal distributor.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0021] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0024] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0025] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 3, in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a test environment of a management system generation of multimedia content, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for detecting a fault in the multimedia content generation system of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a device configured to detect a fault in the multimedia content generation system of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0030] A method and a device for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 3. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0031] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0032] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the detection of a fault in a multimedia content generation system, for example by a computer or processor of a test bench, comprises the transmission of first data representative of a test order to the multimedia content generation system and the reception of second data representative of a first multimedia content, the second data being generated by the multimedia content generation system as a function of the first data and received via a video acquisition card.

[0033] A fault in the multimedia content generation system is then detected by comparing the second data to third data, the third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with the first data.

[0034] Such a method has the advantage of allowing the detection of a fault in a multimedia content generation system by direct analysis of the data generated by this multimedia content generation system without having to use a device for rendering the generated multimedia content. Thus, only a fault actually originating from the multimedia content generation system is identified, thus reducing fault diagnosis errors.

[0035] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a test environment 1 of a multimedia content generation system, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The multimedia content generation system 10 corresponds for example to a computer of a digital dashboard of a vehicle, for example of a vehicle with a thermal engine, with electric motor(s) or even a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle thus corresponds for example to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0037] According to other examples, the multimedia content generation system 10 corresponds to a computer of an infotainment system, called IVI system (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement embargo”), embedded in a vehicle.

[0038] Such a computer is, for example, responsible for generating multimedia content, that is to say sound and / or graphic content, according to orders or signals received, for example from other peripherals embedded in the vehicle such as devices of a Human-Machine Interface, called HMI, sensors or computers of embedded systems. For example, if the multimedia content generation system 10 corresponds to a computer of a digital dashboard of a vehicle, the latter is configured to receive signals from different devices embedded in the vehicle, for example the computer receives a signal representative of a speed of movement of the vehicle and then generates graphic content making it possible to communicate this speed of movement to a driver of the vehicle.The calculator is also responsible, for example, for determining multimedia content relating to an alert, for example determined based on signals received from several on-board calculators. Thus, depending on the signals received, the multimedia content generated by the calculator of the multimedia content generation system 10 is different.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment, the various devices and computers of the vehicle are configured to communicate with each other and with the computer of the multimedia content generation system 10. These devices and computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle. The devices and computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer communication buses, for example a communication bus of the CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network) Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Flexible Data Rate Controller Network"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Local Interconnected Network") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard). The multimedia content generation system 10 then comprises a connector configured to be connected to such a computer communication bus.

[0040] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the multimedia content generation system 10 is configured to be connected to a screen 13, for example a touch screen and corresponding for example to a screen of the LCD type (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Display à cristals liquide"), for example of the TFT type (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Thin Film Transistor"), or OLED type (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Organic Electroluminescent Diode"). The screen 13 makes it possible to display graphic content intended for the occupants of a vehicle such as a driver and / or passengers.

[0041] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, the multimedia content generation system 10 is configured to be connected to an audio system 14 comprising, for example, loudspeakers, making it possible to generate audio content such as, for example, music or sounds intended for the occupants of a vehicle.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the multimedia content generation system 10 comprises a signal distributor 12, making it possible to connect the multimedia content generation system 10 to the screen 13 and / or to the audio system 14 via a wired connection, the signal distributor making it possible to connect the device for detecting a fault in the multimedia content generation system 10, hereinafter called the test device 110, to the multimedia content generation system 10 independently of the screen 13 and / or the audio system 14. The signal distributor 12 is for example an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and makes it possible to recover a signal emitted by the computer of the multimedia content generation system 10 to the screen 13 and / or the audio system 14 without disturbing this signal.Thus, the signal distributor 12 makes it possible to electrically connect the test device 110 to the multimedia content generation system 10 without disrupting its operation; in fact, a signal emitted by the computer of this device to the screen 13 or the audio system 14 will be delivered to these peripherals without modification of this signal, including when this signal passes through the signal distributor 12.

[0043] A process for detecting a fault in the multimedia content generation system 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more computers of the test device 110, the test device 110 comprising means for implementing implements the following operations.

[0044] In a first operation, first data representative of a test order are sent to the multimedia content generation system 10. The test order is for example sent by a computer of the test device 110 and transmitted via a communication interface, for example via a communication interface for a computer bus 11 making it possible to transcribe an order as it would be sent by a system on board a vehicle comprising a computer bus as presented previously.

[0045] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the test order corresponds to a set of signals emitted by a set of peripherals embedded in a vehicle, for example by sensors and / or computers associated with onboard systems of the vehicle. The test device thus simulates a set of signals emitted by these different onboard peripherals, for example in a driving situation or a particular situation. The test order is for example obtained from a library comprising a set of test orders corresponding to different situations in which the multimedia content generation system 10 may find itself, that is to say that these test orders represent for example different signal frames traveling the communication bus of a vehicle in different situations.The multimedia content generation system 10 is notably configured to generate multimedia content based on these received signals, thus the generated multimedia content is different depending on the test order received.

[0046] Certain faults appear under certain conditions, that is to say that certain multimedia content generation faults only appear when the multimedia content generation system 10 receives certain specific signals. Thus, according to an alternative embodiment, the test order belongs to a test sequence, the test sequence comprising a plurality of temporally ordered test orders. This test sequence thus makes it possible to scan different types of signals received in different situations, the test or diagnosis of the multimedia content generation system 10 is then more complete and makes it possible to detect more faults. In addition, a detected fault can then be associated with a particular test order, thus making it possible to precisely diagnose an error source.

[0047] In a second operation, second data representative of a first multimedia content are received, these second data being generated by the multimedia content generation system 10 as a function of the first data.

[0048] The second data is received via a video acquisition card 111 connected to the test device 110 via, for example, a wired link and connected to the multimedia content generation system 10.

[0049] According to the particular embodiment in which the generation system multimedia content 10 comprises a signal splitter 12, the video acquisition card 111 is connected to the multimedia content generation system 10 via the signal splitter 12.

[0050] The video acquisition card 111 makes it possible to recover signals representative of graphic content, for example an image, and signals representative of audio content, for example a sound, when the second data comprises data respectively representative of an image and / or a sound.

[0051] In the case where the second data comprises data representative of an image, this image is for example coded using a low voltage control protocol with dimming (in English “Low Voltage Controller with Dimming” or “LVCD”), color control of the red, green, blue type (“RGB” or in English “RGB”) or gray level control of the Hue Saturation Light type (in English “Hue, Saturation, Luminance” or “HSL”).

[0052] In a third operation, a fault in the multimedia content generation system 10 is detected by comparing the second data with third data, the third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with the first data. In other words, the third data is the target data that a multimedia content generation system in good working order must generate. The third data is for example stored in a memory accessible to the test device 110 and associated with the first data, for example using a lookup table.

[0053] Thus, the second data are compared to the third data and a fault is detected when a difference between the second and third data is perceived by the test device 110.

[0054] It should be noted that the second and third data comprise digital and / or numerical signals. Thus, the comparison of these data comprises for example a comparison of duration and amplitude of a digital signal and / or the comparison of bit frames of a digital signal, or more generally any method known to those skilled in the art making it possible to compare two signals.

[0055] Thus, this process makes it possible to detect a fault in a multimedia content generation system such as a sub-assembly of a digital dashboard or an on-board IVI system of a vehicle, for example at the end of production or during a workshop diagnosis. The test device is thus connected to this multimedia content generation system and makes it possible to detect a fault in the latter's operation by sending a test order. This test method is thus quick to implement and non-destructive, its results not depending on peripherals such as a screen or an audio system, this method is efficient and precise. A fault is thus easily diagnosed and a test order generating the appearance of the fault is identified. It is then possible to validate the robustness of the defective multimedia content generation system or even to repair it in the event of a defect being detected. Such a method also makes it possible to carry out robustness tests of the multimedia content generation system and thus improve both the hardware constituting it and / or a program (software) that it hosts.

[0056] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a device 3 configured for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system 10, for example of the vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting example embodiment of the present invention. The device 3 corresponds for example to the test device 110.

[0057] The device 3, 110 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to [Fig. 1] and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig. 2]. Examples of such a device 3, 110 include, but are not limited to, electronic test equipment, for example embedded in a vehicle such as an on-board computer of a vehicle or an electronic calculator such as an ECU (“Electronic Control Unit”), or a device not embedded in a vehicle such as a smartphone, a tablet or a computer. The elements of the device 3, 110, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The device 3, 110 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0058] The device 3, 110 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method 2 or the process and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 3, 110, for example by a microprogram or firmware developed for testing or diagnosing a multimedia content generation system 10. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 3, 110 further comprises at least one memory 31 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0059] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 31.

[0060] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 3, 110 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), by for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0061] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3, 110 comprises a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0062] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3, 110 comprises a communication interface 33 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0063] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3, 110 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 350 and / or other peripherals 360 such as a communication interface for a computer bus 11 or a video acquisition card 111 via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 3, 110.

[0064] [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method 2 of detection of a fault in a multimedia content generation system 10, for example of the vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by the test device 110 or by the device 3 of [Fig. 3].

[0065] In a first step 21, first data representative of a test order are sent to the multimedia content generation system 10.

[0066] In a second step 22, second data representative of a first multimedia content are received, the second data being generated by the multimedia content generation system 10 as a function of the first data. The second data are in particular received via a video acquisition card 111.

[0067] In a third step 23, a fault in the multimedia content generation system 10 is detected by comparing the second data with third data, the third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with the first data.

[0068] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.l] apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.2].

[0069] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for diagnosing a multimedia content generation system which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0070] The present invention also relates to a system comprising the device 3 of [Fig. 3] or the test device 110, and comprising a multimedia content generation system 10 or a digital dashboard for a vehicle, the system being configured to implement the operations described in relation to [Fig. 1] and / or the steps of the method 2 of [Fig. 2].

Claims

Claims

1. Method for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system (10), said method comprising the following steps: - transmitting (21) first data representative of a test order to said multimedia content generation system (10); - receiving (22) second data representative of a first multimedia content, said second data being generated by said multimedia content generation system (10) as a function of said first data, said second data being received via a video acquisition card (111); - detecting (23) a fault in said multimedia content generation system (10) by comparing said second data with third data, said third data being representative of a reference multimedia content associated with said first data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said test order belongs to a test sequence, the test sequence comprising a plurality of temporally ordered test orders.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which said test order corresponds to a set of signals emitted by a set of peripherals on board a vehicle.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said second data comprises data representative of an image.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which said second data comprises data representative of a sound.

6. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

7. Device (3, 110) for detecting a fault in a multimedia content generation system (10), said device (3, 110) comprising means for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A system comprising the device (3, 110) according to claim 7 and a video acquisition card (111) communicatively connected to said device (3, 110), said second data being received via the video acquisition card (111).

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a computer bus communication interface (11), said first data being transmitted to said multimedia content generation system (10) via said computer bus communication interface (11).

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, further comprising the media content generation system (10), said media content generation system (10) comprising a signal splitter (12), said second data being received via said signal splitter (12).

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