Modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for an on-board navigation system
A modular navigation system architecture divides the navigation function into seven subsystems, enabling flexible allocation across ECUs and supporting upgrades in vehicle electronic architectures, addressing the inflexibility of current systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Current vehicle navigation systems lack flexibility in allocating the navigation function across different electronic control units (ECUs) in complex physical electronic architectures, particularly in high-end systems where telematics/IVI and VSM units are replaced by a single high-performance computer, limiting upgrade and distribution possibilities.
A modular electronic architecture is introduced, dividing the navigation function into seven subsystems (SD1-SD7) that can be allocated to different electronic modules or boxes, connected via an internal communication network, allowing flexible allocation and maintenance of the navigation function across various ECUs, including high-performance computing units.
Enables flexible and efficient processing of navigation functions by independently managing subsystems, facilitating allocation to different ECUs and supporting upgrades in vehicle electronic architectures.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for an on-board navigation system
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the electronic architectures of motor vehicles and more particularly to a modular electronic architecture of a motor vehicle for an on-board navigation system in the vehicle.
[0002] The electronic architectures of motor vehicles, also designated 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 means of waves.
[0003] Each embedded electronic system comprises one or more computers, generally designated by the acronym ECU (Electronic Central Unit). These computers are interconnected by an internal communication network, generally wired, such as CAN, Ethernet, etc.
[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 including a telematics control unit, known as a TCU (Telematic Control Unit) (also called a BTA (Autonomous Telematics Unit) or BSRF (Radio Frequency Service Unit)), itself connected to one or more computers of an embedded vehicle system, for example an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, or any other computer of the vehicle's embedded systems. The antenna(s), the TCU, 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 in controlling the vehicle.The computer(s) and the TCU unit communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more data buses, for example an internal communication bus of the CAN data bus type (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôlers"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area. Network Flexible Data-Rate or in French "Network of controllers with flexible data rate"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).
[0006] Among the many electronic systems embedded in a vehicle, the present invention is more particularly interested in a vehicle navigation system implementing a plurality of functionalities related to automotive navigation.
[0007] An automotive navigation system uses various information including mapping, dynamic vehicle positioning information (positioning function) and generally cooperates with a driver assistance system, also known as ADAS, an Anglo-Saxon acronym for Advanced Driver Assistance System.
[0008] The vehicle navigation system, also referred to as the GPS system (Anglo-Saxon acronym for "Global Positioning System") and the ADAS system belong to, or are linked with, the vehicle's IVI infotainment system.
[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" receivers (from the English "Global Navigation Satellite System") 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 consists of functional blocks allocated respectively to two major physical electronic modules, or units: the telematics unit / IVI system and the "VSM" unit, an acronym for "Vehicle Supervisor Module." The supervision module, or supervisory computer, can be understood (particularly as a simple software module) within an electronic unit, such as, for example, the BSI, for intelligent servicing unit.
[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 for flexibility in allocating the Navigation function to other control units (ECUs) present in a more complex physical EE architecture, particularly for a so-called "high-end" EE architecture, in which the telematics / IVI and VSM units (or IVI platform and VSMs) are replaced by a single unit called HPC (High-Performance Computer) managing a new type of computer (ECUs) distributed in the four cardinal corners (four corner zones) of the vehicle, also called by the Anglo-Saxon 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 breakdown of the functional blocks of the Navigation function in order to provide flexibility in allocating this function across different modules, or electronic control units of the vehicle, depending on the vehicle's physical EE architecture. This new breakdown also allows for upgrading the physical EE architectures for the same type of vehicle.
[0014] The present invention also makes it possible to continue allocating the Navigation function on a single module, or electronic box as in a traditional EE architecture.
[0015] For this purpose, the invention has as its first object an electronic architecture of a motor vehicle comprising an embedded automotive navigation system; said navigation system comprising a determined number of navigation subsystems managing respectively a determined number of functionalities related to automotive 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 a second electronic module implementing the other determined subsystems 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 feature, 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 related to 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 one first computer from a vehicle telematics unit implementing the first navigation subsystem, and the second electronic module comprises at least one second high-performance computing (HPC) type computer, ap starting with the vehicle, implementing the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems.
[0018] According to a second architectural configuration, the first electronic module includes at least one first computer of a vehicle telematics box 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 one third electronic module connected by a physical link to the first and second electronic modules using the vehicle's internal communication network.
[0019] According to another feature, 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 feature, the second electronic module includes at least one second high-performance computer of the HPC type, of the vehicle, and the third electronic module includes 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 present invention has as its second object, a motor vehicle comprising an electronic architecture as described above.
[0023] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and 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 for allocating 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 SD1-SD7 navigation subsystems; these seven SD1-SD7 subsystems being considered to be able to cover all navigation needs from the point of view of customers / users, car manufacturers and products or services related to navigation.
[0027] The seven SD1-SD7 subsystems of the VHL vehicle's NAV navigation system 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 related to an action navigation: SD_NAVIGATION_ALERT;
[0033] A sixth subsystem, SD6, manages the configuration parameters of the NAV navigation system, or "settings" in Anglo-Saxon 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 SD1-SD7 subsystem encompasses a set of FA functions allocated to the subsystem, each corresponding to specific applications or contexts related 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 acquired signals to give the position of the VHL vehicle in dynamic mode.
[0040] The second SD2 subsystem, SD_EHorizon, encompasses the following FA functions:
[0041] FA MANAGE ADASIS: this function manages the ADASIS protocol, an Anglo-Saxon acronym for "Advanced Driver Assistance System Interface Specification", for the management of AD AS functionalities embedded in the VHL vehicle;
[0042] FA MANAGE SLI: This function manages the SLI function, an Anglo-Saxon acronym for "Speed Limit Information", displaying the maximum authorized speed, in French, in connection with the 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 (Point of Interest) from a database of embedded mapping data or data provided from a remote mapping data provider;
[0045] FA ENGINE NAVIGATION: This function handles all applications provided, for example, by a remote navigation data provider: demonstration mode, parking assistance in urban or off-road environments, POI alert management, full-screen display, keyboard display, recommendations, low CO2 emission zones, border approach warning, user habits, French regulations, ...
[0046] FA COMPUTE ROUTE: this function handles route calculations;
[0047] FA ELECTRICAL VEHICLE ROUTING: this function handles route planning for electric vehicles;
[0048] FA ACQUISION DESTINATION: This function processes steps and destinations using methods other than the keyboard displayed on the NAV navigation system screen: shortcut key, voice command, "Send to navigation" (or "send to nav") application, calendar, address book, ...
[0049] The fourth SD4 subsystem, SD_MAP, encompasses the following FA functions:
[0050] FA MAP CLUSTER HUD: This function processes navigation information sent to the instrument cluster or to a head-up display (HUD: Head Up Display), head-up vision in French, 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 vehicle's range.
[0054] The fifth subsystem SD5, SD NAVIGATION ALERT, encompasses the following FA functions:
[0055] FA MANAGE CAR POI ALERT: This function manages all vehicle alerts: returning to a garage, low fuel level, taking a break, ...
[0056] FA MANAGE NOTIFICATION: This function manages notifications: loss of connection, restricted access, service available by subscription, ...
[0057] The sixth subsystem SD6, SD_CONFIGURATION_NAVIGATION, encompasses the following FA functions:
[0058] FA ADMIN CONNECTED SERVICE: This function manages connected services accessible via certificate and customer subscription: specification of geographic plates: Japan, USA, ..., access to information services: traffic, weather, available parking spaces, fuel prices / kW per service station / charging station, route calculations, charging station availability, road information, Radar displays, events, advertising, ...
[0059] FA NAVIGATION SETTINGS: This function manages the navigation configuration settings;
[0060] FA UPDATED: This function manages updates: mapping, navigation engine, POI database, ...;
[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)”, encompasses 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-to-work routes, estimated time of arrival relative to a given position, last kilometer guidance, ...
[0066] With such a functional breakdown of the Navigation function, the present invention allows the complete processing of the VHL vehicle's Navigation function in a more flexible manner due to the independent management of the different FA functions by the seven SD1-SD7 navigation subsystems.
[0067] The present invention makes it possible to allocate the different SD1-SD7 subsystems 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 allowing to maintain an allocation to a single electronic module.
[0068] A first example of an EE architecture according to the invention is schematically illustrated in [Fig.1], in a first AE1 allocation configuration of the Navigation function.
[0069] In this first AE1 configuration, the Navigation function is allocated between a first electronic module MD1: a BTM telematics box of a VHL vehicle, and a second electronic module MD2 of the VHL vehicle comprising an HPC (High Performance Computer) type computer.
[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 computer of the VHL vehicle and the other subsystems SD2-SD7 are allocated to the second electronic module MD2 comprising a second EC2 computer of type HPC.
[0071] The second electronic module MD2 (EC2 computer) is connected to the BTM telematics unit (EC1 computer) by a physical link GTW, for example a device of a "Gateway" type gateway which is capable of managing the flow of data passing over the physical communication network, internal to the VHL vehicle for example a CAN or Ethernet network, RES.
[0072] A second example of an EE architecture according to the invention is schematically illustrated in [Fig. 2], in a second AE2 allocation configuration of the Navigation function
[0073] In this second example, it is still the first electronic module MD1 (the BTM telematics box) that houses the first subsystem SD1, SD_POSITIONING.
[0074] The second MD2 module houses the third, fourth, sixth and seventh subsystems SD3, SD4, SD6 and SD7, and a third electronic MD3 module houses the second and fifth subsystems SD2, SD5.
[0075] The AE2 architecture includes a third MD3 module comprising a third EC3 computer, of type ZCU, located in an area of the VHL vehicle corresponding for example to the front right corner of the VHL vehicle.
[0076] The third electronic module MD3 (EC3 computer) is connected to the first and second electronic modules MD1 and MD2, by a physical GTW link, for example a gateway device of the "Gateway" type which is capable of managing the flow of data transiting on the physical communication network, internal to the VHL vehicle for example a CAN or Ethernet network, RES.
Claims
Demands
1. Electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) of a motor vehicle (MV) comprising an embedded automotive navigation (NAV) system; said navigation (NAV) system comprising a specified number of navigation subsystems (SD1-SD7) each managing a specified number of functionalities related to automotive navigation; each subsystem encompassing a specified number of functions allocated to the corresponding subsystem; said architecture (AE1; AE2) comprising a first electronic module (MD1) implementing, from among the specified number of subsystems (SD1-SD7), a vehicle (MV) geolocation subsystem (SD1), and at least a second electronic module (MD2) implementing the other specified subsystems (SD2-SD7) from among the specified 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 a vehicle internal communication network (RES) (VHL).;
2. Electronic architecture (AE1; AE2) according to the preceding claim, wherein 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) related to 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 user data analysis.
3. Electronic architecture (AE1) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the first electronic module (MD1) comprises at least one first computer (EC1) of a vehicle telematics box (BTM) (VHL) implementing the first navigation subsystem (SD1), and wherein the second electronic module (MD2) comprises at least one second high-performance computer (EC2) of the vehicle (VHL) implementing the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh navigation subsystems (SD2-SD7).
4. Electronic architecture (AE2) according to claim 1, wherein the first electronic module (MD1) comprises at least one first computer (EC1) of a vehicle telematics box (BTM) (VHL) implementing the first navigation subsystem (SD1), and wherein 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 one 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, wherein 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 any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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.