Device and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic device capable of issuing an alarm desired by a user.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes an alarm function which, when alarm conditions are satisfied while a standby screen including a map around a present position and the like is being displayed, displays alarm indications 36a to 36e which indicate the satisfied information of an alarm target as characters, for example, in a pentagonal elongated area, on a display part 5 overlaid on the standby screen. The alarm function can display a plurality of the alarm indications simultaneously on the display part, to output information related to different alarm objects, to each alarm indication. Display positions of the plurality of alarm indications are predetermined fixed positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a program to which a fault diagnostic machine can be connected. [Background technology]

[0002] Various fault diagnosis systems have been proposed in the past. For example, a vehicle diagnosis system such as OBDII has been proposed. This vehicle diagnosis system includes, for example, an engine ECU, a K-line connected to the engine ECU, a transponder connected to the K-line, and a connector connected to the K-line for detachably mounting an external scan tool that reads diagnostic information from the engine unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The transponder in Patent Document 1 wirelessly receives a request from a receiver system, reads diagnostic information in response to the request, and wirelessly transmits the read information to the receiver system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3780697 (pages 8-15, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, while OBD connectors are normally used for fault diagnosis, there has been a demand to use them for purposes other than fault diagnosis, and to make effective use of fault diagnosis information by using it in devices other than fault diagnosis machines.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an apparatus and a program that enable diagnostic information to be used in a plurality of products, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (A) The device may include a first connection means connectable to an information transmission path to which an electronic control device is connected, a second connection means connectable to a diagnostic device that diagnoses the electronic control device and is configured to be connectable to the transmission path, a first relay means that relays the information between the first connection means and the second connection means, and a second relay means that relays the information to an electronic device.

[0007] In this way, the electronic device can use information about the transmission line to which the electronic control device is connected, and the diagnostic device can also use information about the transmission line to which the electronic control device is connected.

[0008] For example, information from a transmission line to which an electronic control device is connected is relayed to an electronic device by a second relay means, and the relayed information can be used by the electronic device. In addition, information from the electronic control device is relayed from a transmission line connected by a first connection means to a second connection means by the first relay means, and since a diagnostic device can be connected to the second connection means, the relayed information can also be used by the diagnostic device via the second connection means.

[0009] The electronic control device may be a device that performs various controls, and may be, in particular, a device that controls the mechanical position or mechanical rotation of an actuator, etc. In particular, the electronic control device may be an ECU (electronic control unit) of a vehicle.

[0010] The information transmission path can be a one-to-one communication path, but is preferably a network to which multiple electronic control devices are connected. In this way, multiple electronic control devices can be diagnosed by a diagnostic device, and information from the multiple electronic control devices can also be used in the electronic device. In particular, when the electronic control device is an ECU (electronic control unit) of a vehicle, the information transmission path should be an in-vehicle LAN, for example, a CAN.

[0011] Furthermore, the first relay means and the second relay means may be equipped with a control means such as a microcomputer to control the relay of information, but it is preferable for them to be simple transmission paths, and it is particularly preferable for them to be electrically connected lines, for example, as this reduces failures and can be implemented at low cost.

[0012] The second relay means may be, for example, a means for relaying information relayed by the first relay means. For example, a first relay line may be provided as the first relay means, and a branching section that branches off the first relay line and a second relay line (referred to as a second relay line) branched off by the branching section may be provided as the second relay means, and the second relay line may be connected to an electronic device.

[0013] Furthermore, the transmission path can be a wireless transmission path, but in particular it is preferable to use a wired transmission path, and the first connection means and the second connection means have a physical shape, for example a connector.

[0014] For example, in the case of a diagnostic machine that is designed to connect one diagnostic machine from the outside, such as an OBDII connector that is a diagnostic connector for a vehicle's ECU, the configuration does not assume that multiple devices will be connected to the diagnostic connector. For example, if the system is designed to connect multiple diagnostic machines, the program is configured to assume that multiple diagnostic machines will be connected to the system, such as when there is only one connection port. For example, when a diagnostic machine sends an instruction to send diagnostic information to an electronic control device, the response from the electronic control device that received the instruction is processed as being addressed to the diagnostic machine. In this case, if another electronic device (e.g., a device with another diagnostic function) is connected to the diagnostic machine via a branch from the diagnostic connector, the response to the instruction to send diagnostic information sent from that electronic device to the electronic control device may be mistaken for being addressed to the diagnostic machine and processed by the diagnostic machine, resulting in a collision. When the transmission path is, for example, an in-vehicle LAN such as CAN, and the electronic control device is an ECU of the vehicle, the diagnostic device is generally not connected when the vehicle is normally running, but is connected when the vehicle is normally being serviced at a maintenance shop. Therefore, the electronic device may be, for example, a device that acquires and uses information transmitted from the electronic control device to the in-vehicle LAN while the vehicle is running. In this way, if the electronic device is configured to acquire information about the electronic control device during normal use of the system equipped with the electronic control device, while the diagnostic device is configured to acquire information during diagnosis, which is not during normal use of the system equipped with the electronic control device, it is possible to prevent information to the diagnostic device from overlapping with information to the electronic device, which is particularly effective.

[0015] The electronic device may be, for example, a device that reads and utilizes information on the transmission path relayed by the second relay means. For example, the electronic device may be a device that performs processing based on the read information, and in particular, a device that issues a notification based on the read information. In particular, if the electronic device is configured to read information on the transmission path but not to transmit information to the transmission path, it is possible to prevent information from the diagnostic device and information from the electronic device from overlapping on the transmission path.

[0016] (B) The first connecting means may include a connector (hereinafter referred to as the first connector) having the same type of configuration as a connector (hereinafter referred to as the diagnostic machine side connector) provided on the diagnostic machine for connecting the diagnostic machine to a connector (hereinafter referred to as the transmission machine side connector) provided on the transmission line, and the second connecting means may include a connector (hereinafter referred to as the second connector) having the same type of configuration as the transmission machine side connector.

[0017] In this way, the electronic device can utilize information from the transmission path to which the electronic control device is connected, and the diagnostic device side connector can be easily connected to the second connector without using a conversion connector or the like, allowing the diagnostic device to easily diagnose the electronic control device via this device.

[0018] For example, if the transmission line side connector is a female OBD connector attached to a vehicle and the diagnostic device side connector is a male OBD connector that is inserted into the female connector, the first connection means may be a male OBD connector and the second connection means may be a female OBD connector.

[0019] For example, the first relay means may be configured to electrically connect at least a pin of the first connector corresponding to the transmission path and a corresponding pin of the second connector with a signal line. Desirably, the first relay means may be configured to electrically connect corresponding pins (e.g., pins with the same pin number) including a power line. The second relay means may be configured to branch signal lines electrically connecting a pin of the first connector and a corresponding pin of the second connector, and connect the signal lines to electronic devices.

[0020] (C) The second connector is configured to be fixable to a fixed position of the transmission line side connector, and in a state in which the transmission line side connector is removed from its fixed position and the second connector is fixed in place of the transmission line side connector at its fixed position, the diagnostic machine side connector can be connected to the second connector.

[0021] In this way, when performing diagnosis with a diagnostic device, there is no need to search for the installation position of the second connector, and the diagnostic device side connector can be easily connected to the second connector by simply moving it to the same position as in conventional diagnosis. The installation position of the transmission line side connector is often fixed, and when performing diagnosis with a diagnostic device, the diagnostic device side connector is attempted to be connected to the installation position of the transmission line side connector. According to this configuration, since the second connector is present at the installation position of the transmission line side connector, there is no need to search for the second connector again, and it is sufficient to simply connect it to the connector at the same position as in diagnosis. Furthermore, if the transmission line side connector is left in its fixed position, there is a possibility that the first connector is connected to the transmission line side connector. In this case, there is a possibility that the first connector is disconnected and connected to the diagnostic device side connector. In this way, when the connection of the first connector to the transmission line side connector is disconnected, a problem occurs in which the electronic device cannot use information on the transmission line. However, according to this configuration, the second connector is installed instead of the transmission line side connector, so the possibility that the connection between the first connector and the transmission line side connector is disconnected is reduced, and the possibility that the electronic device cannot use information on the transmission line side can be reduced.

[0022] The second connector can be fixed to the fixed position of the transmission line side connector by, for example, configuring the fixing structure of the second connector to be the same as the fixing structure of the transmission line side connector. For example, if the transmission line side connector is claw-fastened, the second connector can be provided with the same claw fastening structure. For example, if the transmission line side connector is screw-fastened, the second connector can be provided with the same screw fastening structure.

[0023] (D) The first connection means, the second connection means, and the first relay means may be configured to be capable of being housed within a housing that houses the transmission line (hereinafter referred to as a transmission line side housing).

[0024] In this way, it is possible to make the first connection means, the second connection means, and the first relay means invisible from the outside of the transmission line side housing. In particular, when the configuration (C) is provided, it is preferable to provide the configuration (D).

[0025] As the transmission path side housing, for example, when the electronic control device is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of a vehicle, it may be a part constituting the vehicle body. By doing so, the first connection means, the second connection means, and the first relay means will be hidden inside the vehicle body. (E) The second relay means may be configured to have a function of relaying the information transmitted from the electronic device to the transmission path side.

[0026] By doing so, for example, inquiry information can be transmitted from the electronic device to the electronic control device, and response information to the inquiry information can be acquired from the electronic control device, or control information can be transmitted from the electronic device to the electronic control device to control the control target of the electronic control device, and at the same time, a diagnostic device can be connected to the first connection means.

[0027] (F) As the information relayed to the transmission path side, it includes control instruction information including a control instruction to the control target of the electronic control device, and the control instruction information is transmitted at a frequency lower than the transmission frequency of the information transmitted by the diagnostic device for diagnosing the electronic control device.

[0028] By doing so, even when control instruction information is transmitted from the electronic device to the electronic control device with the diagnostic device connected to the second connection means, the possibility of preventing collision with information related to the diagnostic device on the transmission path is increased.

[0029] As a configuration for transmitting the control instruction information at a frequency lower than the transmission frequency of the information transmitted by the diagnostic device for diagnosing the electronic control device, for example, the transmission frequency of the information transmitted by the diagnostic device for diagnosing the electronic control device is continuously transmitted at a predetermined time interval, while the control instruction information is not continuously transmitted at a predetermined time interval, but is transmitted singly when an event occurs.

[0030] (G) The information to be relayed to the transmission path side may include control instruction information including control instructions for a control target of the electronic control device, and the control instruction information may be information that is distinguishable from information transmitted by the diagnostic machine to diagnose the electronic control device.

[0031] In this manner, even when control instruction information is transmitted from the electronic device to the electronic control device while the diagnostic device is connected to the second connection means, it is possible to prevent conflict with information regarding the diagnostic device on the transmission path.

[0032] As the distinguishable information, for example, a diagnostic ID for a diagnostic device to make an inquiry to an electronic control device and a control instruction ID for control instruction information transmitted from an electronic device to the electronic control device may be distinguished as different IDs. The electronic control device may be configured to process the diagnostic ID and the control instruction ID as separate items.

[0033] (H) The information to be relayed to the transmission path side may be the same as the diagnostic information of the diagnostic machine, and may be configured to include a transmission suppression means for suppressing transmission from the electronic device to the transmission path side when at least one of the following is true: the power supply of the electronic device is turned off or a user instruction to the electronic device to stop transmission is received. In this way, for example, when a diagnostic device is connected to the second connection means to perform a diagnosis, it is possible to easily prevent information from overlapping on the transmission line.

[0034] The configuration for suppressing transmission may be a configuration for thinning out transmission, but it is particularly preferable to have a configuration for stopping transmission, or a configuration for blocking transmission or relaying. In this way, collision can be completely prevented. The transmission suppression means may be provided in, for example, the electronic device, but it is particularly preferable that the transmission suppression means be provided in (I) the second relay means.

[0035] (J) The second relay means may be provided with a connector (hereinafter referred to as the third connector) and a connector (hereinafter referred to as the fourth connector) that can be connected to the third connector, and at least one of a housing that stores the third connector (hereinafter referred to as the third housing) or a housing that stores the fourth connector (hereinafter referred to as the fourth housing) may be provided with a control means having a function of relaying the information to the electronic device.

[0036] In this way, the electronic device can be made removable. In particular, (K) the third connector may be a connector equivalent to a connector (referred to as a transmission line side connector) provided on the transmission line. The equivalent connector may be, for example, a connector having the same structure or shape as the transmission line side connector.

[0037] (L) The first relay means or the second relay means may be provided with a sending means for sending a signal for controlling the electronic control device to the transmission line side, separate from the electronic device, and the sending means may have a function for suppressing sending to the transmission line side in at least one of the following cases: when at least a part of the electronic control device is off, when a signal indicating that the power supply of the electronic device is off is received, or when a signal of a transmission stop instruction is received. The transmission stop instruction signal may be automatically sent when a predetermined event occurs, or in particular when a transmission stop instruction is received from a user. In this way, it is possible to prevent interference between the signal sent by the sending means included in the second relay means and the signal from the diagnostic device. (M) The first connection means, the second connection means, and the first relay means may be configured in the same housing. This reduces the possibility that the signal lines etc. will be exposed and become a hindrance due to the device.

[0038] (N) as information to be relayed to the transmission line side, the electronic control device (hereinafter referred to as a first electronic control device) includes information (hereinafter referred to as a first information) for controlling a control target of another electronic control device (hereinafter referred to as a second electronic control device) via the transmission line, and information (hereinafter referred to as a second information) to be provided to the second electronic control device in order to control the same control target, The second information may be configured to be transmitted after confirming the transmission of the first information. In this way, the possibility of inconsistency between the control by the first electronic control device of the same control target and the control by this device can be reduced. For example, if the first information is information for turning off a control target and the second information is information for turning on the control target, if the control target is turned on by the second information and then immediately turned off by the first information, the control may not be the on control intended by this device. In this way, when the control instruction contents for the same control target are different between the first information and the second information, this configuration is particularly effective. (O) as information to be relayed to the transmission line side, the electronic control device (hereinafter referred to as a first electronic control device) includes information (hereinafter referred to as a first information) for controlling a control target of another electronic control device (hereinafter referred to as a second electronic control device) via the transmission line, and information (hereinafter referred to as a second information) to be provided to the second electronic control device in order to control the same control target, The first information is information about the stop of operation of the controlled object and is transmitted at a predetermined interval, and as the second information, information about the start of operation of the controlled object and information about the stop of operation are transmitted at an interval shorter than the predetermined interval during the predetermined interval. In this way, it is possible to reliably provide a plurality of operation times for the controlled object within a predetermined interval. (N) It ​​is preferable that the function of at least one of the first relay means and the second relay means in the present device is configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the function.

[0039] For example, the present device having the above-mentioned configurations (A) to (N) may be connected to a transmission line side connector 530 to which a signal line 520 in a vehicle 500 of a CAN to which ECUs 510a to 510n are connected, which is provided in a vehicle 500 shown in Fig. 6(a) is connected. In particular, the present device may be implemented as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6(b). That is, as shown in Fig. 6(a), a transmission line side connector 530 (female type connector of OBD) fixed to a predetermined mounting position around the driver's seat of the vehicle 500, which is a transmission line side housing for connecting a diagnostic device side connector 610 (male type connector of OBD) of a diagnostic device 600, is removed, and a second connector 912 of a branch harness of the present device is attached to the position where the transmission line side connector 530 was attached, as shown in Fig. 6(b). This attachment is performed by pushing out the tabs of the transmission line side connector 530 fitted into a hole opened at the attachment position of the vehicle 500 to release the fixation, removing the transmission line side connector 530 from the attachment position, and fitting the tabs of the second connector 912 into the hole in place of the transmission line side connector 500. Each pin of the second connector 912 is connected to each corresponding pin (pins with the same pin number) of the first connector 911 by a signal line group 914 constituting a first relay means.

[0040] Each line of the signal line group 914 is branched midway and connected to a corresponding pin (pin with the same pin number) of a third connector 913 (female connector of OBD). A fourth connector (male connector of OBD) of the OBD adapter 920 is connected to the third connector 913. The OBD adapter 920 has a microcomputer and a dip switch (DipSW) inside, the CAN line of the fourth connector is connected to this microcomputer, and the power of the microcomputer is obtained from the fourth connector. The OBD adapter 920 has a connector (called a fifth connector) for connecting a connector 931 (called a sixth connector) of a serial cable 933 that connects to a radar detector 1000, which is an electronic device. The other end of the serial cable 933 has a connector 932 (called a seventh connector), and the radar detector 1000 has a connector (called an eighth connector) for connecting the seventh connector. The microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 is connected to the connector 931, and has a relay function of converting the protocol of a signal from the CAN to the radar detector 1000 and relaying it, as well as sending a signal to the CAN line of the fourth connector based on an instruction from the radar detector 1000. This relay function has a function of reading packets flowing on the CAN, calculating the vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel flow rate, throttle opening degree, etc., and transmitting this information to the radar detector 1000. The radar detector 1000 has a function of displaying the information received from the OBD adapter 920, such as the vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel flow rate, and throttle opening degree, on a meter display or the like.

[0041] Furthermore, the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 has a vehicle speed-sensitive door lock function that acquires a vehicle speed signal from the CAN line and transmits a door lock instruction signal to the ECU 510 that controls the door lock via the CAN in-vehicle signal line 520 when the acquired vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, and a stop signal function that transmits a hazard lamp blink instruction signal to the ECU 510 that controls the hazard lamp when the signal acquired from the CAN recognizes abrupt braking. The door lock instruction signal and the blink instruction signal are transmitted not as continuous packets but as single packets with a destination ID different from the packets for fault diagnosis used by the diagnostic device 600. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a control signal is periodically transmitted to the ECU 510 from another ECU 510 of the vehicle 500, the following configuration may be used. Fig. 7(a) is a timing chart showing the timing of transmission of a hazard lamp-off instruction signal from a second ECU 510b provided in the vehicle, Fig. 7(b) is a timing of transmission of a hazard lamp-on instruction signal from a microcomputer in an OBD adapter 920, Fig. 7(c) is a timing of transmission of a hazard lamp-off instruction signal from a microcomputer in an OBD adapter 920, and Fig. 7(d) is a timing chart showing the temporal relationship between the timing of blinking of the hazard lamps. Fig. 7(a) shows an example of a vehicle 500 in which a hazard lamp-off instruction signal, which is the current state of the hazard lamps, is output at one-second intervals to a first ECU 510a that controls the hazard lamps from a second ECU 510b that detects the switch state for the hazard lamps, separate from the first ECU 510a. In the case of such a vehicle 500, when the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 determines that the signal acquired from the CAN line includes a signal indicating sudden braking, it monitors the CAN line and waits until it receives a signal to turn off the hazard lights from the second ECU 510b in FIG. 7(a), and immediately after receiving the signal to turn off the hazard lights from the second ECU 510b, it sends a signal to turn on the hazard lights to the first ECU 510a, as shown in FIG. 7(b).Then, 250 ms after the transmission of the signal to turn on the hazard lights, a signal to turn off the hazard lights is transmitted as shown in Figure 7(c), and 250 ms after that, a signal to turn on the hazard lights is transmitted as shown in Figure 7(b), and 250 ms after that, a signal to turn off the hazard lights is transmitted as shown in Figure 7(c), and 250 ms after that, a signal to turn on the hazard lights is transmitted as shown in Figure 7(b), and 250 ms after that, a signal to turn off the hazard lights is transmitted as shown in Figure 7(c). As a result, as shown in Fig. 7(d), the first ECU 510a controlling the hazard lamps controls the hazard lamps so that immediately after the hazard lamp turn-off signal from the second ECU 510b in Fig. 7(a) appears on the signal line 520, the hazard lamps are turned on for 250 ms, turned off for 250 ms, turned on for 250 ms, turned off for 250 ms, turned on for about 250 ms, and then turned off by the turn-off command signal from the first ECU 510a, resulting in three blinks of the hazard lamps. By controlling in this manner, it is possible to prevent problems such as the hazard lamps being turned off immediately despite being turned on, or the blinking intervals becoming irregular, caused by the turn-off command signal from the first ECU 510a being issued immediately after the hazard lamp turn-on command signal from the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 is issued. When the switch for the hazard lights of vehicle 500 is on, the blinking interval is 350 ms, and the blinking interval due to an instruction signal from the microcomputer of OBD adapter 920 is 250 ms, so that anyone who sees the hazard lights can distinguish whether they are being controlled within vehicle 500 or by OBD adapter 920.

[0042] In addition, this microcontroller is configured to determine whether or not to execute each of the relay function, vehicle speed-sensing door lock function, and stop signal function based on the settings of the dip switches, and if it is determined that each function should be executed, then the corresponding function is executed.

[0043] If the radar detector 1000 and the OBD adapter 920 are not connected, for example if the sixth connector 931 is not connected, the relay function of the OBD adapter 920 stops and the OBD adapter 920 alone realizes the vehicle speed-sensing door lock function and the stop signal function according to the dip switch settings.

[0044] Furthermore, when the radar detector 1000 and the OBD adapter 920 are connected, a relay function, a speed-sensing door lock function, and a stop signal function can be realized according to the settings of the dip switches.

[0045] The radar detector 1000 is equipped with a power switch, and the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 monitors the state of the power switch of the radar detector 1000, and stops the relay function when the power switch is turned off. Similarly, when a relay stop instruction is received from the radar detector 1000 by operating a button on the radar detector 1000, the relay function is stopped. Also, when a function stop instruction is received from the radar detector 1000 by operating a button on the radar detector 1000, the relay function, the vehicle speed-sensing door lock function, and the stop signal function are all stopped. As another example, power may be supplied to the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 from the radar detector 1000 side, and power may be supplied to the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920 in conjunction with the power switch of the radar detector 1000. For example, when the radar detector 1000 is powered on, power is supplied to the OBD adapter 920 from the radar detector 1000 side, and when the radar detector 1000 is powered off, the supply from the radar detector 1000 side to the OBD adapter 920 is cut off. These functions are realized by a computer in the microcomputer executing a program stored in a ROM in the microcomputer of the OBD adapter 920.

[0046] The first connector 911, the second connector 912, and the group of signal lines 914 may be provided in the same housing. Also, for example, at least a plurality of connected parts among the first connector 911, the second connector 912, the group of signal lines 914, the third connector 913, the OBD adapter 920, the connector 931, the cable 933, the connector 932, and the radar detector 1000 may be configured as one body. For example, the function of the OBD adapter 920 may be realized by a microcomputer provided in the radar detector 1000.

[0047] The present invention may be configured as described in the following (1) to (21). In this configuration, for example, the diagnostic device connection means may include the above-mentioned second connection means, and the connection means may include, for example, either the above-mentioned third connector or fourth connector.

[0048] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a connection means having a diagnostic device connection means for connecting a fault diagnosis device that diagnoses electronic control devices using information on a network composed of a plurality of electronic control devices, and an acquisition means for making an information request via the network and acquiring response information from the requested electronic control devices, the connection means being for connecting electronic devices that utilize the information acquired by the acquisition means.

[0049] According to this invention, a diagnostic device is connected by a diagnostic device connection means, and further, electronic devices are connected by a connection means. Then, if the information on the network is, for example, OBD information, this OBD information can be used not only by the diagnostic device but also by the electronic devices connected by the connection means. Note that this network can be realized, for example, by forming a CAN with a configuration in which multiple electronic control devices are connected to a communication cable. (2) The acquiring means may be built into the connecting means, which allows the device to be made smaller.

[0050] (3) If the diagnostic device connection means and the connection means are configured as OBD connectors, the diagnostic device and electronic equipment can utilize OBD information.

[0051] (4) The connection means may further include a transmission means for transmitting the information acquired by the acquisition means to the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the connection means. With this configuration, when the electronic device is connected, the electronic device can perform an operation using the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means.

[0052] (5) When the electronic device is connected by the connection means, the electronic device can be configured to be installed in a position where the user can operate it. This configuration improves the operability of the electronic device. (6) More specifically, when the electronic device is installed in a vehicle, it is preferable to install it on the dashboard to improve operability.

[0053] (7) The connection means may be provided in a position that is not visible to the user. This configuration allows the connection means, which is not normally adjusted, to be provided in a position that is not visible to the user, which is also aesthetically pleasing. (8) More specifically, when the connection means is provided in a vehicle, it is preferable that the connection means be provided in a panel. More specifically, it is preferable that the connection means be provided on the inside of the front undercover.

[0054] (9) Also, the identifier assigned to the electronic control device so that the fault diagnosis device can check for a fault and the identifier assigned to the requested electronic control device so that the acquisition means can acquire information can be configured to be the same for each electronic control device. This allows a device to be configured in which the fault diagnosis device and the acquisition means use the same set of identifiers, making it unnecessary to create a program to distinguish between the two. An example of an identifier is an address.

[0055] (10) The connection means may further include a detection means for detecting that the power of the electronic device has been turned off, and may be configured to perform an operation different from that when the power of the electronic device is turned off, when the power of the electronic device is in the power-off state. In this way, a special operation can be performed when the electronic device is turned off, in response to a power-off operation by the user.

[0056] (11) The power-off operation may be performed by operating a switch or a touch panel provided on the electronic device. This allows a user to easily power off the electronic device using a switch or the like.

[0057] (12) The connection means may further include a stop means for stopping the information request operation of the acquisition means when the electronic device is turned off. This stops the information request operation by the acquisition means, making it possible to avoid data collisions (data battling) with a fault diagnosis device.

[0058] (13) The connection means may further include a control signal transmission means for monitoring information on the network and transmitting a control signal to the corresponding electronic control device via the network when the monitored information is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition. In this way, when an abnormality is determined only by monitoring the information on the network, a control operation can be performed on the electronic control device.

[0059] (14) The control signal may be a control command, and the control command may be transmitted only once. With this configuration, the control command is transmitted only once (a single-shot signal), which further simplifies the program and more reliably avoids data collisions with signals from a fault diagnosis device.

[0060] (15) The information on the network may include vehicle speed, and when the control signal transmitting means determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control signal transmitting means may transmit a door lock control signal via the network to an electronic control device having a door lock control unit. This may, for example, realize a vehicle speed-sensitive door lock that automatically locks the doors when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the information on the network further includes shift position information (position information of a shift lever), the control signal transmitting means may further transmit a door unlock control signal via the network to an electronic control device having a door lock control unit when it determines that the shift position is in the parking position. This may allow the doors to be unlocked when the vehicle is stopped.

[0061] (16) The information on the network may include vehicle speed, and when the control signal transmitting means determines that there is a change in the vehicle speed that should be notified to the following vehicle, it may transmit a lighting control signal via the network to an electronic control device having a hazard lighting control unit to instruct the electronic control device to control lighting. This makes it possible to notify the following vehicle by controlling the lighting of the hazard lights when the vehicle brakes suddenly, for example. Note that "determining that there is a change in the vehicle speed that should be notified to the following vehicle" refers to, for example, a case where it is determined that the vehicle speed has dropped by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period. Note that, when the vehicle subsequently stops (for example, within 5 seconds) or goes to a low speed (5 km / h or less), it is preferable to unlock (to escape).

[0062] (17) The connection means may be provided on the outer surface of the housing of the electronic device. This allows the device to be made even smaller. (18) If a plurality of connection means are provided, it is possible to connect a plurality of electronic devices by the plurality of connection means. (19) An example of the electronic device is a radar device. The radar device is capable of performing various display controls, alarm operations, etc., using the OBD information acquired by the acquisition means. (20) The connection means may be configured to be made up of a pair of connectors, with the acquisition means built into the connector that connects to the electronic device. As a result, the acquisition means is built into the connector that connects to the electronic device, so that it can be easily changed even if the acquisition means is changed. (21) The functions of the above-mentioned device can be configured as a program that can be implemented by a computer. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that OBD diagnostic information can be used for a plurality of products. Effect of the Invention

[0063] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a program that allow diagnostic information to be used in a plurality of products. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0064] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a microcomputer 50. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the device inside a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a vehicle will be taken as an example of application of the present invention, the present invention may also be applied to other industrial equipment and facilities. (composition)

[0066] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of electronic control devices are connected to a communication cable 60 to form a CAN (Controller Area Network), which is a kind of network. In the network example of FIG. 1, an engine ECU 1 (address A1), a transmission ECU 2 (address A2), a body ECU (address A3), ... are connected to the communication cable 60 to form the CAN. The engine ECU 1 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 1a for detecting vehicle speed (connected to the engine ECU in this embodiment, but the engine ECU may obtain the vehicle speed from an ECU of an ABS or the like and provide the information on the CAN), various sensors (air flow sensor, throttle sensor, RPM sensor, O2 sensor, water temperature sensor, etc.) necessary for controlling the engine system (not shown), an injector, an igniter, etc.). The transmission ECU 2 (address A2) is equipped with a shift position detection unit 2a for detecting the position of a shift lever, etc. Furthermore, the body ECU 3 is equipped with a door lock control unit 3a, a hazard lighting control unit 3b, etc. It should be noted that electronic control units (ECUs) other than those shown in the figure may be connected to the communication cable 60. Furthermore, the ECUs 1, 2, and 3 are configured to be able to transmit and receive required information to and from each other via the communication cable 60.

[0067] Also, an OBD connector 40 (simply referred to as "connector" in the drawings, and also simply referred to as "connector" in the following description) is connected to the right end of the communication cable 60 in the drawing. Then, a T-shaped connector group is formed by connecting the connector 41, the connector 42, and the connector 50 incorporating the microcomputer 50 with a T-shaped communication line. At both ends of the horizontal line (left-right direction in the drawing) of the "T" of the T-shaped communication line, a connector 41 for connecting to the connector of the communication cable 40 and a connector 42 for connecting to the connector 43 of the fault diagnosis device 10 are provided. Then, a connector 44 incorporating the microcomputer 50 that can be connected to the connector 45 of the radar device 20 is provided below the vertical line (up-down direction in the drawing). Thus, a "T"-shaped connector group is formed. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the connector 43 of the fault diagnosis device 10 and the connector 42 are connected, the connector 45 of the radar device 20 and the connector 44 are connected, and further the connector 41 and the connector 40 are connected. In the present device 100, it is sufficient that at least the connectors 42, 43 and the connectors 44, 45 are OBD type connectors. Communication lines and power lines are connected between the connectors, and power is supplied to the microcomputer 50 and the like from the vehicle side via these power lines.

[0068] In addition, the portion surrounded by the dotted line A in FIG. 1 indicates a portion installed inside the vehicle that cannot be seen when a person sits in the vehicle seat or from the outside of the vehicle, and the components in the portion surrounded by the dotted line A are provided, for example, in the panel 300 in FIG. 3 (or inside the front undercarriage). Therefore, the connector 50 and the like cannot be seen by the user once they are set. On the other hand, the radar device 20, which is an example of an electronic device, is provided in a position where the user can operate it in order to improve operability. The radar device 20 is extremely easy to operate if it is provided on the dashboard 200 (see FIG. 3), for example. Note that, in FIG. 1 showing the configuration of this embodiment, a group of T-shaped connectors has been described as an example, but the number of OBD-type connectors may be further increased to, for example, a group of "Π"-shaped connectors, and it is also possible to provide three or more OBD-type connectors.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the microcomputer 50 built into the connector 44. Fig. 2 shows the microcomputer 50 extracted from Fig. 1. Here, the microcomputer 50 being built into the connector 44 means that it is built into, for example, a connector housing. The microcomputer 50 is composed of a CPU 52, a ROM 54, and a RAM 56. The CPU 52, ROM 54, RAM 56, etc. are mounted on, for example, the same board to miniaturize the device. Also, since the microcomputer 50 itself is built into the connector 44, the device is further miniaturized.

[0070] The CPU 52 executes the programs stored in the ROM 54 while using the RAM 56 as a work area, thereby enabling the implementation of various operations described in this embodiment. A dip switch 58 consisting of four switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 is connected to some of the pins of the CPU 52. Specifically, each switch is connected between a pin of the CPU 52 and a ground point. When a switch (SW1 to SW4) is turned on, the CPU 52 recognizes that the corresponding pin of the CPU 52 is grounded.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows functions that can be realized by the microcomputer 50 when SW1 to SW3 are turned on. When SW1 is turned on, the radar device 20 is used. When SW2 is turned on, a door lock operation (vehicle speed-sensitive door lock) is performed. When SW3 is turned on, a stop signal operation (emergency stop signal) is performed. The information that the power switch 21 provided in the radar device 20 is operated to turn the power of the radar device 20 on and off is grasped by the CPU 52 via an interface (not shown). A program for detecting this power off and a program for executing the operations described below are also recorded in the ROM 54. This allows the microcomputer 50 to be made even smaller than when the power off is detected mechanically, such as by a relay.

[0072] In addition, the addresses (A1, A2, A3) assigned to the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, ... for the fault diagnosis device 10 to check for faults and the addresses (A1, A2, A3) assigned to the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, ... from which the microcomputer 50 acquires information are the same for each electronic control device. As a result, the fault diagnosis device 10 and the information acquisition function of the microcomputer 50 can use the same address group, and it is not necessary to create a special program to distinguish between them. As an example, the microcomputer 50 requests 10 items of information on the CAN within 200 (msec) as shown in Figure 5 (a), but the fault diagnosis device 10 requests information on the CAN from start to finish within 200 (msec) as shown in Figure 5 (b) because there are usually many fault diagnosis items within the same 200 (msec). (operation) Next, the operation when SW1 to SW3 are on will be described.

[0073] (OBD2 information to radar device 20) The microcomputer 50 requests information via the CAN, for example, once every 200 (msec), and acquires response information (for example, engine information and HV (hybrid) information) from the requested electronic control device (for example, the engine ECU 1). Then, the acquired engine information and HV information are transmitted to the radar device 20. The radar device 20 receives the information transmitted by the microcomputer 50 and performs display control, alarm control, and the like. Then, when the power switch 21 of the radar device 20 is turned off, this off information is transmitted to the microcomputer 50, and the microcomputer 50 detects that the power of the radar device 20 is turned off. Then, the microcomputer 50 stops accessing the CAN. After that, the fault diagnosis device 10 is used. Specifically, the connector 43 of the fault diagnosis device 10 is connected to the connector 42, and a fault diagnosis command is transmitted to each of the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, ..., and a response command is received from each of the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, ..., and a fault diagnosis is performed to determine whether or not each of the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, ... is operating normally.

[0074] (Speed-sensitive door lock: CAN read only) When the power supply of the radar device 20 is turned off, the microcomputer 50 only monitors the information on the CAN (only reads from the CAN) without making an autonomous information request to the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, etc. As a result, data collisions as described in FIG. 5 are almost avoided. The program for executing this monitoring function is also recorded in the ROM 54, so that the microcomputer 50 can be made compact. Now, the microcomputer 50 monitors the information of the vehicle speed sensor 1a (mounted in the engine ECU 1) on the CAN, and when the speed reaches, for example, 20 km / h or more, the microcomputer 50 transmits a control command to lock the doors only once (single command: the control command hereinafter will be referred to as a "single" command) to the door lock control unit 3a of the body ECU 3. In response to this, the door lock control unit 3a performs control to lock the doors (not shown). By making the control command a single command, data collisions with the signal from the fault diagnosis device 10 are more reliably avoided. Also, for example, when a single command is output, it is sufficient if there is a response, but if there is no response, it is preferable to configure the command to be resent.

[0075] Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 monitors information from the shift position detector 2a (mounted in the transmission ECU 2) on the CAN, and when the shift position is changed to the parking position (P position), the microcomputer 50 transmits a control command to instruct unlocking the doors to the door lock controller 3a of the body ECU 3. In response to this, the door lock controller 3a performs control to unlock the doors (not shown).

[0076] Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 monitors information from the vehicle speed sensor 1a (mounted in the engine ECU 1) on the CAN, and when it detects that the doors have been manually unlocked when the vehicle speed reaches, for example, 5 km / h or more while driving, the microcomputer 50 transmits a control command to the door lock control unit 3a of the body ECU 3 to instruct the door to be relocked. In response to this, the door lock control unit 3a performs control to relock the doors (not shown). The microcomputer 50 then monitors information from the shift position detection unit 2a (mounted in the transmission ECU 2) on the CAN, and maintains the locked state in the D range (drive range: when stopped at a traffic light) to provide security (the doors are unlocked only in the P range (parking position)).

[0077] (Emergency Stop Signal: CAN read only) In this case, the microcomputer 50 does not make an autonomous request for information from the electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, etc., but only monitors the information on the CAN (only reads the CAN). As a result, data collisions as described in FIG. 5 are almost completely avoided. As described above, data collisions are more completely avoided by single-shot transmission of a control command. Now, the microcomputer 50 flashes the hazard lights at high speed when sudden braking is detected, to notify the following vehicle. Here, sudden braking is detected when the vehicle speed becomes 10 km / h from 80 km / h in 2 seconds, for example. The microcomputer 50 monitors the vehicle speed output from the vehicle speed sensor 1a onto the CAN, and when it determines that the vehicle speed has dropped by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period (for example, when there is a speed drop of "70 km / h or more" in "2 seconds"), it determines that sudden braking has been applied and transmits a control command to the hazard lighting control unit 3b indicating an instruction to control the flashing. This is notified to the following vehicle.

[0078] After that, the microcomputer 50 measures the time with a built-in timer and sends a control command to a brake control unit (not shown) to forcibly stop the brakes within, for example, 5 seconds, thereby forcibly braking and stopping the vehicle. Alternatively, the microcomputer 50 monitors the vehicle speed (output from the vehicle speed sensor 1a onto the CAN), and when the vehicle speed becomes low (for example, 5 km / h or less), sends a control command to the door lock control unit 3a to instruct the door to be unlocked, thereby unlocking the doors (for escape). By using this at the same time as (vehicle speed-sensitive door lock), the doors are locked when the vehicle starts to move again.

[0079] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the connector 42 is used to connect the fault diagnosis device 10 that diagnoses a plurality of electronic control devices 1, 2, 3, etc., using information on the CAN. The radar device 20 is then connected to the connector 44 that incorporates the microcomputer 50 having an acquisition function that requests information via the CAN and acquires response information from the requested electronic control device. Then, since the information on the CAN is OBD information, the OBD information can be used by other electronic devices, such as the radar device 20, other than the fault diagnosis device 10. Therefore, the OBD diagnostic information can be used by a plurality of OBD products. In the above embodiment, the microcomputer 50 is incorporated in the connector 44, but the microcomputer 50 can be incorporated in the connector 45. According to this configuration, for example, when there is a change in the program recorded in the ROM 54, the change can be made more easily than when the microcomputer 50 is incorporated in the connector 50, since the connector is connected to the radar device 20.

[0080] Moreover, if the connector 44 is provided on the outer surface of the electronic device housing and the connector protrudes from the electronic device, the size of the device can be further reduced. Also, instead of operating the power switch 21 of the radar device 20 to turn off the power, it is also possible to turn off the power by touching a predetermined position on the display screen of the display device provided in the radar device 20. Note that a radar detector may be used instead of the radar device 20. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] As described above, the present invention is an apparatus that is suitable for being mounted on a vehicle, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Engine ECU 1a Vehicle speed sensor 2 Transmission ECU 2a Shift position detector 3 Body ECU 3a Door lock control unit 3b Hazard lighting control unit 10 Diagnostic Tool 20 Radar Equipment 21 Power switch 40 Connectors 41 Connector 42 Connector 43 Connector 44 Connector 45 Connector 50 Microcomputer 100 Automotive equipment 200 Dashboard 300 Panels

Claims

1. An adapter having a relay function that converts and relays signals from a vehicle side and a radar detector side, Equipped with a stop signal function that sends a signal to the vehicle to blink the hazard lights when the signal acquired from the vehicle recognizes sudden braking. An adapter characterized by:

2. The relay function is stopped when the radar detector of the radar detector side is not connected.

2. The adapter of claim 1 .

3. The radar detector is provided with a function for monitoring the state of the power switch of the radar detector on the radar detector side, and for stopping the relay function when the power switch is turned off.

3. An adapter according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The radar detector is provided with a function for stopping the relay function when a relay stop instruction is received from the radar detector through the operation of the radar detector on the radar detector side.

4. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein

5. 5. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the adapter according to claim 1.

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