Modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for an on-board navigation system in the vehicle

Abstract

Electronic architecture (AE2) of a motor vehicle (VHL) comprising an on-board car navigation (NAV) system; said navigation system (NAV) comprising a determined number of navigation subsystems (SD1-SD7) respectively managing a determined number of functionalities related to car navigation; each subsystem encompassing a determined number of functions allocated to the corresponding subsystem; said architecture (AE2) comprising a first electronic module (MD1) implementing, among the determined number of subsystems (SD1-SD7), a vehicle geolocation (VHL) subsystem (SD1) and at least one second electronic module (MD2) implementing the other determined subsystems (SD2-SD7) among the determined number of subsystems (SD1-SD7);and said architecture (AE2) further comprising a physical link (GTW) connecting the first electronic module (MD1) to the second electronic module (MD2) using an internal communication network (RES) of the vehicle (VHL). (Figure 2);

Description

Title of the invention: Modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for an on-board navigation system in the vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the electronic architectures of motor vehicles and relates more particularly to a modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for a navigation system on board the vehicle.

[0002] The electronic architectures of motor vehicles, also referred to as EE architectures (EE for electronic and electrical), must be able to support and manage a large number of electronic systems embedded in the vehicle and cooperate with other systems external to the vehicle with which the vehicle is connected, in particular by waves.

[0003] Each on-board electronic system includes one or more computers generally designated by the English acronym ECU (Electronic Central Unit). These computers are connected to each other by an internal communication network, generally wired, of the CAN, ETHERNET, etc. type.

[0004] The design of electronic systems is a long and complex process because many factors must be taken into account, including the evolution of such electronic systems and their application context.

[0005] Vehicles are increasingly connected and therefore include a communication system comprising, for example, one or more communication antennas connected to a telematics system comprising a telematics control unit, called a TCU (Telematic Control Unit) (also called a BTA box (Autonomous Telematics Box) or a BSRF box (Radio Frequency Servitudes Box), itself connected to one or more computers of an on-board system of the vehicle, for example an IVI system (In-Vehicle Infotainment), or any other computer of on-board systems of the vehicle. The antenna(s), the TCU unit and the computer(s) 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 calculator(s) and the TCU communicate and exchange data between them via one or more data buses, for example an internal communication bus of the CAN (Controller Area Network) or CAN FD (Controller Area Network) type. Flexible Data-Rate Network or in French “Flexible Data Rate Controller Network”), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0006] Among the numerous electronic systems embedded in a vehicle, the present invention is more particularly concerned with a vehicle navigation system implementing a plurality of functionalities relating to automobile navigation.

[0007] A car navigation system uses various information including mapping, dynamic vehicle positioning information (“positioning” function) and generally cooperates with a driving assistance system, also referred to as “AD AS”, an English acronym for “Advanced Driver Assistance System”.

[0008] The vehicle navigation system, also referred to as the GPS system (an English acronym for "Global Positioning System") and the ADAS system belong to, or are linked to, the vehicle infotainment system IVI.

[0009] The “positioning” function makes it possible to provide precise, reliable, real-time and continuous positioning of a vehicle carrying such a system, from signals or waves emitted by satellite networks which are received and processed by one or more satellite geolocation receivers, carried in the vehicle, also referred to as “GNSS” (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, as well as other signals from sensors carried in, or on, the vehicle, also referred to as “vehicle sensors” mainly measuring dynamic characteristics of the vehicle.

[0010] Today, the functional architecture of a navigation system is made up of functional blocks allocated respectively to two major physical electronic modules, or boxes: the telematics box / IVI system and the “VSM” box, an English acronym for “Vehicle Supervisor Module” or supervision module in French. The supervision module, or supervision computer, can be included (in particular as a simple software module) within an electronic box, such as for example the B SI, for intelligent service box.

[0011] In this functional architecture, the navigation function, called Navigation function, can only be implemented in the electronic modules, or boxes, mentioned above and on a specific EE physical architecture.

[0012] This means that the current functional architecture of the vehicle's Navigation function is not "flexible": it does not allow flexibility in allocating the Navigation function to other computers (ECUs) present in a more complex physical EE architecture, in particular for a so-called "high-end" EE architecture, in which the telematics / IVI and VSM boxes (or IVI platform and VSM) are replaced by a single box called HPC (High-Performance Computer) managing a new type of calculators (ECUs) distributed in the four cardinal corners (four corner zones) of the vehicle which are also called by the English acronym ZCU (Zone Control Units) organized in the manner of an SBC (Server-Based Computing) type architecture, an architecture arranged around a server.

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide a solution to this problem by implementing a new division of the functional blocks of the Navigation function in order to provide flexibility in allocating this function to different modules, or electronic boxes of the vehicle, depending on the physical EE architecture of the latter. This new division also makes it possible to consider an upgrade of the physical EE architectures for the same type of vehicle.

[0014] The present invention also makes it possible to continue to allocate the Navigation function on a single module, or electronic box as in a traditional EE architecture.

[0015] To this end, the invention has as its first subject an electronic architecture of a motor vehicle comprising an on-board car navigation system; said navigation system comprising a determined number of navigation subsystems respectively managing a determined number of functionalities related to car navigation; each subsystem encompassing a determined number of functions allocated to the corresponding subsystem; said architecture comprising a first electronic module implementing, among the determined number of subsystems, a vehicle geolocation subsystem, and at least one second electronic module implementing the other subsystems determined among the determined number of subsystems, and said architecture further comprising a physical link connecting the first electronic module to the second electronic module using an internal communication network of the vehicle.

[0016] According to one characteristic, the navigation system comprises seven navigation subsystems: a first subsystem managing geolocation, a second subsystem managing driving assistance and the electronic horizon, a third subsystem managing guidance, a fourth subsystem managing mapping, a fifth subsystem managing vehicle alerts in connection with an action on the navigation system, a sixth subsystem managing the configuration parameters of the navigation system and a seventh subsystem managing the analysis of user data.

[0017] According to a first architectural configuration, the first electronic module comprises at least a first computer of a telematics box of the vehicle implementing the first navigation subsystem, and the second electronic module comprises at least a second computer, high performance of HPC type, ap leaving the vehicle, implementing the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems.

[0018] According to a second architectural configuration, the first electronic module comprises at least a first computer of a telematics box of the vehicle implementing the first navigation subsystem and the other determined subsystems, among the determined number of subsystems, are distributed between the second electronic module and at least a third electronic module connected by a physical link to the first and second electronic modules using the internal communication network of the vehicle.

[0019] According to another characteristic, the second electronic module implements the third, fourth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems and the third module implements the second and fifth subsystems.

[0020] According to another characteristic, the second electronic module comprises at least one second high-performance computer of the HPC type of the vehicle, and the third electronic module comprises at least one third computer of the ZCU type belonging to the vehicle.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the internal communication network is of the CAN or ETHERNET type.

[0022] The second subject of the present invention is a motor vehicle comprising an electronic architecture as described above.

[0023] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention may emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] illustrates a functional diagram of a first example of an EE architecture according to the invention, in a first configuration of allocation of the Navigation function; and

[0025] [Fig.2] illustrates a functional diagram of a second example of an EE architecture according to the invention, in a second configuration of allocation of the Navigation function.

[0026] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the modular EE architecture according to the invention is based on a division of a NAV navigation system of a VHL motor vehicle into seven navigation subsystems SD1-SD7; these seven subsystems SD1-SD7 being considered to be able to cover all navigation needs from the point of view of customers / users, car manufacturers and products or services linked to navigation.

[0027] The seven subsystems SD1-SD7 of the vehicle navigation system NAV VHL are described and named below:

[0028] A first subsystem SD1 manages the geolocation of the VHL vehicle: SD_POSITIONING;

[0029] A second subsystem SD2 manages the AD AS driving assistance system and the electronic horizon (E Horizon) of the VHL vehicle: SD_EHORIZON;

[0030] A third subsystem SD3 manages the guidance of the VHL vehicle: SD_GUIDANCE;

[0031] A fourth subsystem SD4 manages the mapping: SD_MAP;

[0032] A fifth subsystem SD5 manages “vehicle” alerts linked to an action navigation: SD_NAVIGATION_ALERT;

[0033] A sixth subsystem SD6 manages the configuration parameters of the NAV navigation system or “settings” in English terminology: SD_CONFIGURATION_NAVIGATION; and

[0034] A seventh subsystem SD7 manages “customer” analyses (studies / statistics based on customer / user usage habits), and “customer” data provided by “big data”: SD_NAVIGATION_ANALYTICS.

[0035] Each subsystem SD1-SD7 includes a set of FA functions allocated to the subsystem and which correspond respectively to specific applications, or contexts, linked to the subsystem. These FA functions are then implemented by one or more specific components of the VHL vehicle and managed independently.

[0036] The FA functions allocated to each SD1-SD7 subsystem are named and described below:

[0037] The first subsystem SD1, SD_POSITIONING, encompasses the following FA functions:

[0038] FA ACQUISION POSITIONING: this function handles the acquisition of physical quantities / signals (VHL vehicle sensors) and GNSS signals;

[0039] FA COMPUTE POSITIONING: This function processes the compilation of the acquired signals to give the position of the VHL vehicle in dynamics.

[0040] The second SD2 subsystem, SD_EHorizon, includes the following FA functions:

[0041] FA MANAGE ADASIS: this function manages the ADASIS protocol, an English acronym for “Advanced Driver Assistance System Interface Specification”, for the management of the AD AS functionalities embedded in the VHL vehicle;

[0042] FA MANAGE SLI: this function manages the SLI function, the English acronym for “Speed ​​Limit Information”, displaying the maximum authorized speed, in French, in connection with on-board navigation.

[0043] The third subsystem SD3, SD_GUIDANCE, encompasses the following FA functions:

[0044] FA MANAGE SEARCH: this function manages the search for a POI (Anglo-Saxon acronym for “Point Of Interest”), Point of interest in French, from a database embedded map data or provided from a remote map data provider;

[0045] FA ENGINE NAVIGATION: this function processes all applications provided, for example, by a remote navigation data provider: demonstration mode, parking assistance in urban or off-road areas, management of POI alerts, full screen display, keyboard display, recommendations, low CO2 emission zones, border approach warning, user habits, French regulations, etc.

[0046] FA COMPUTE ROUTE: this function processes route calculations;

[0047] FA ELECTRICAL VEHICULE ROUTING: this function handles route planning for electric vehicles;

[0048] FA DESTINATION ACQUISITION: this function processes stages and destinations by means other than the keyboard displayed on the NAV navigation system screen: shortcut key, voice command, “Send to navigation” application (or “send to nav”), calendar, address book, etc.

[0049] The fourth subsystem SD4, SD_MAP, encompasses the following FA functions:

[0050] FA MAP CLUSTER HUD: This function deals with navigation information sent to the instrument cluster or to a head-up display (HUD) device of the VHL vehicle;

[0051] FA MAP DISPLAY MANAGEMENT: This function manages the display of the Navigation function;

[0052] FA MAP AUGMENTED REALITY: This function manages the display of the Navigation function in augmented reality;

[0053] FA DYNAMIC RANGE MAPPING: this function manages calculations based on the autonomy of the VHL vehicle.

[0054] The fifth subsystem SD5, SD NAVIGATION ALERT, includes the following FA functions:

[0055] FA MANAGE CAR POI ALERT: this function manages all vehicle alerts: reach a garage, minimum fuel level, take a break, etc.

[0056] FA MANAGE NOTIFICATION: this function manages notifications: loss of connection, restricted access, service available by subscription, etc.

[0057] The sixth subsystem SD6, SD_CONFIGURATION_NAVIGATION, encompasses the following FA functions:

[0058] FA ADMIN CONNECTED SERVICE: this function manages connected services accessible by certificate and customer subscription: specification of geographical plates: Japan, USA, ..., access to information services: traffic, weather, available parking spaces, fuel / KW prices per service station / charging station, route calculations, availability of charging stations, road information, radar display, events, advertising, ...

[0059] FA NAVIGATION SETTINGS: this function manages the navigation configuration parameters;

[0060] FA UPDATED: this function manages updates: mapping, navigation engine, POI database, etc.;

[0061] FA USER PROFILE (“privacy” mode): this function manages user profiles in restricted access mode;

[0062] FA VOICE RECO: this function manages voice recognition; and

[0063] The seventh subsystem SD7, SD_NAVIGATION_ANALYTICS (“Big data)”, includes the following FA functions:

[0064] FA PROVIDE NAVIGATION USES: this function provides information on users' browsing habits;

[0065] FA PROVIDE NAVIGATION DATA: this function provides information on navigation data: destinations, home-work journeys, estimated arrival time in relation to a given position, last km guidance, etc.

[0066] With such a functional division of the Navigation function, the present invention allows the complete processing of the Navigation function of the VHL vehicle in a more flexible manner due to the independent management of the different FA functions by the seven navigation subsystems SD1-SD7.

[0067] The present invention makes it possible to allocate the different subsystems SD1-SD7 implementing the Navigation function to different electronic modules, or electronic boxes, of the VHL vehicle according to the EE architecture of the VHL vehicle, while also making it possible to maintain an allocation to a single electronic module.

[0068] A first example of an EE architecture according to the invention is illustrated schematically in [Fig.l], in a first allocation configuration AE1 of the Navigation function.

[0069] In this first configuration AE1, the Navigation function is allocated between a first electronic module MD1: a telematics box BTM of a VHL vehicle, and a second electronic module MD2 of the VHL vehicle comprising an HPC (High Performance Computer) type calculator.

[0070] In this example, and similarly to the old EE architectures, the first subsystem SD1 managing the geolocation of the VHL vehicle: SD_POSITIONING, is allocated to the BTM telematics box (first module MD1) comprising a first EC1 calculator of the VHL vehicle and the other subsystems SD2-SD7 are allocated to the second electronic module MD2 comprising a second EC2 calculator of the HPC type.

[0071] The second electronic module MD2 (EC2 calculator) is connected to the BTM telematics box (EC1 calculator) by a GTW physical link, for example a device of the “Gateway” type gateway which is capable of managing the data flow passing through the physical, internal communication network of the VHL vehicle, for example a CAN or Ethernet network, RES.

[0072] A second example of an EE architecture according to the invention is illustrated schematically in [Fig.2], in a second allocation configuration AE2 of the Navigation function

[0073] In this second example, it is always the first electronic module MD1 (the telematics box BTM) which hosts the first subsystem SD1, SD_POSITIONING.

[0074] The second module MD2 hosts the third, fourth, sixth and seventh subsystems SD3, SD4, SD6 and SD7, and a third electronic module MD3 hosts the second and fifth subsystems SD2, SD5.

[0075] The AE2 architecture comprises a third MD3 module comprising a third EC3 calculator, of the ZCU type, arranged in an area of ​​the VHL vehicle corresponding for example to the right front corner of the VHL vehicle.

[0076] The third electronic module MD3 (EC3 calculator) is connected to the first and second electronic modules MD1 and MD2, by a physical link GTW, for example a gateway device of the “Gateway” type which is capable of managing the flow of data passing over the physical, internal communication network of the VHL vehicle, for example a CAN or Ethernet network, RES.

Claims

Claims

1. Electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) of a motor vehicle (VHL) comprising an on-board automotive navigation system (NAV); said navigation system (NAV) comprising a determined number of navigation subsystems (SD1-SD7) respectively managing a determined number of functionalities related to automotive navigation; each subsystem encompassing a determined number of functions allocated to the corresponding subsystem; said architecture (AE1; AE2) comprising a first electronic module (MD1) implementing, among the determined number of subsystems (SD1-SD7), a subsystem (SD1) for geolocation of the vehicle (VHL), and at least one second electronic module (MD2) implementing the other determined subsystems (SD2-SD7) among the determined number of subsystems (SD1-SD7); and said architecture (AE1;AE2) further comprising a physical link (GTW) connecting the first electronic module (MD1) to the second electronic module (MD2) using an internal communication network (RES) of the vehicle (VHL).;

2. Electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) according to the preceding claim, in which the navigation system (NAV) comprises seven navigation subsystems (SD1-SD7): a first subsystem (SD1) managing geolocation, a second subsystem (SD2) managing driving assistance and the electronic horizon, a third subsystem (SD3) managing guidance, a fourth subsystem (SD4) managing mapping, a fifth subsystem (SD5) managing vehicle alerts (VHL) in connection with an action on the navigation system (NAV), a sixth subsystem (SD6) managing the configuration parameters of the navigation system (NAV) and a seventh subsystem (SD7) managing the analysis of user data.

3. Electronic architecture (AE1) according to claims 1 and 2, in which the first electronic module (MD1) comprises at least a first computer (EC1) of a telematics box (BTM) of the vehicle (VHL) implementing the first navigation subsystem (SD1), and in which the second electronic module (MD2) comprises at least a second computer, high performance of HPC type (EC2), belonging to the vehicle (VHL) implementing the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems (SD2-SD7).

4. Electronic architecture (AE2) according to claim 1, in which the first electronic module (MD1) comprises at least a first computer (EC1) of a telematics box (BTM) of the vehicle (VHL) implementing the first navigation subsystem (SD1), and in which the other determined subsystems (SD2-SD7), among the determined number of subsystems (SD1-SD7), are distributed between the second electronic module (MD2) and at least a third electronic module (MD3) connected by a physical link (GTW) to the first and second electronic modules (MD1, MD2) using the internal communication network (RES) of the vehicle (VHL).

5. Electronic architecture (AE2) according to claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the second electronic module (MD2) implements the third, fourth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems (SD3, SD4, SD6 and SD7) and the third module (MD3) implements the second and fifth subsystems (SD2, SD5).

6. Electronic architecture (AE2) according to the preceding claim, in which the second electronic module (MD2) comprises at least one second high-performance computer of the HPC type (EC2), of the vehicle (VHL), and the third electronic module (MD3) comprises at least one third computer (EC3) of the ZCU type belonging to the vehicle (VHL).

7. Electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the internal communication network (RES) is of the CAN or ETHERNET type.

8. Motor vehicle (VHL) comprising an electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) according to one of the preceding claims.