Locating one or more peripheral devices within a vehicle

Abstract

A method is proposed for localizing one or more peripheral devices in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a central power source having connectors, each of which is located at a different position in the vehicle among a plurality of predetermined positions. The vehicle includes at least two groups, each of which is one or more respective connectors. Each peripheral device is adapted to be connected to the central power source via a respective connector of a respective group and to be connected to at least one respective connector of each other group. The connectors to which each peripheral device is adapted to be connected together form a respective plurality of connectors, each of which defines a polarity of the connection. The method includes, for each peripheral device, electrical measurements exhibiting different signatures according to the polarity of the connection, and determining, according to the values ​​of the measurements, one or more groups of positions among a plurality of predetermined positions. The method improves the localization of one or more peripheral devices in the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to locating one or more peripheral devices within a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Today, there are vehicles that include one or more peripheral devices installed in the vehicle. These peripheral devices enable functions to be performed from the vehicle, such as locating portable devices such as fobs, keys, or smartphones. For example, the vehicle may, with the help of a peripheral device, instruct the vehicle to be unlocked when the vehicle's owner approaches by locating the key held by the owner near the vehicle. For this purpose, the peripheral devices may be installed at various locations within the vehicle and may communicate with the portable devices to locate the portable devices.

[0003] In performing such functions, the vehicle generally uses the locations of one or more peripheral devices within the vehicle. However, the location of each of the one or more peripheral devices is not initially identified by the vehicle. In fact, during installation or repair, the same peripheral device may be installed at various locations within the vehicle. In other words, at least some of the vehicle's peripheral devices are interchangeable.

[0004] Furthermore, manually recording the location of each peripheral device within the vehicle after each peripheral device installation or replacement is not optimal because it takes a long time and is difficult.

[0005] For such reasons, there is a need to improve the location identification of one or more peripheral devices within the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] For this purpose, a method for localizing one or more peripheral devices in a vehicle is proposed. The vehicle includes a central power supply having connectors at different positions within the vehicle, each at a plurality of predetermined positions. The vehicle includes at least two groups, each of which is one of the one or more respective connectors. Each peripheral device is connected to the central power supply via a respective connector of each group. Each peripheral device is adapted to be connected to at least one respective connector of each other group. The connectors to which each peripheral device is adapted to be connected together form a plurality of respective connectors that each define the polarity of the connection between the peripheral device and the central power supply for each group. The method includes, for each peripheral device, an electrical measurement that exhibits a different signature according to the polarity of the connection between the peripheral device and the central power supply, and determining a group of one or more positions from among the plurality of predetermined positions according to the value of the measurement.

[0007] This method improves the localization of one or more peripheral devices within the vehicle. In fact, this method makes it possible to determine the group to which each peripheral device belongs.

[0008] Furthermore, this method improves the preparation and maintenance of one or more peripheral devices within the vehicle. In fact, this method makes it possible to localize each of the peripheral devices without each peripheral device being adapted to be connected to a single unique connector of the central power supply. For example, all of the peripheral devices of the vehicle can each be interchanged with at least one other peripheral device of the vehicle. Thus, this method makes it possible to install the same peripheral device at various positions within the vehicle, thereby making it easier to prepare the vehicle and to replace one or more peripheral devices.

[0009] Furthermore, the localization of one or more peripheral devices is particularly robust. In fact, the electrical measurement makes it possible to quickly and accurately distinguish the groups. In particular, this measurement directly uses the power supply of each of the one or more peripheral devices, thereby making it possible to avoid using dedicated additional connections.

[0010] Each connector may include a connection interface, and each peripheral device may include a connection interface. For each peripheral device and each connector within its respective plurality of connectors, the connection interface of the peripheral device may be connectable to the connection interface of the connector according to a predetermined arrangement.

[0011] The central power supply may include a set of poles, and the connection interface of each connector may include a set of connection points. Each pole of the central power supply may be electrically connected to each respective connection point of the connection interface of each connector. The set of poles of the central power supply may be electrically connected to the set of connection points of the connection interface of each connector within each respective plurality of connectors according to a unique correspondence for each group.

[0012] The set of poles of the central power supply may include a power supply pole and a ground pole. Each peripheral device may include an electrical circuit including several branch circuits each having a separate respective connection terminal, a first common pole, and a second common pole. Each branch circuit is configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole to the connection terminal and to stop current from flowing from the connection terminal to the second pole. As a result, when current flows from the connection terminal to the first pole, the connection terminal and the first pole may be at the same potential, and when current flows from the second pole to the connection terminal, the second pole and the connection terminal may be at the same potential. For each connector within its respective plurality of connectors, each peripheral device may be adapted such that the connection terminal of each branch circuit is connected to a separate respective connection point of the connection interface of the connector, at least in a state where the connection terminal of one branch circuit is connected to a connection point connected to the power supply pole and the connection terminal of another branch circuit is connected to a connection point connected to the ground pole.

[0013] Each branch circuit of each peripheral device may include a first diode configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole to the connection terminal and a second diode configured to stop current from flowing from the connection terminal to the second pole.

[0014] Each branch circuit of each peripheral device may include respective registers. The electrical measurement may include, for each register, respective measurements of the voltage of the terminals of each register.

[0015] Each group may consist of a single connector. Each group may correspond to respective positions within the vehicle.

[0016] Each group may include several connectors. The method may further include, for each group, providing the position of a reference peripheral device, locating each other peripheral device relative to each other, and determining the position of each other peripheral device according to the relative location and the position of the reference peripheral device.

[0017] Each peripheral device of a group may be the reference peripheral device of each group. For example, each peripheral device may be the reference peripheral device of the group to which it belongs. The relative location may include measurement of the distance between each other peripheral device and the reference peripheral device.

[0018] This measurement may be a time-of-flight measurement.

[0019] A computer program including instruction codes for executing a location method by a processor is also proposed.

[0020] A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program is also proposed.

[0021] A peripheral device adapted to be connected to a central power supply of a vehicle via a connector is also proposed. The peripheral device is configured to implement a location method.

[0022] A system for a vehicle is also proposed. The system may include a processor and a memory storing a computer program. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include one or more peripheral devices.

[0023] Non-limiting examples are described with reference to the following figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] A method for locating one or more peripheral devices within a vehicle is proposed. The vehicle includes a central power source having connectors at different locations within the vehicle, each at a respective one of a plurality of predefined positions. The vehicle includes at least two groups, each being a respective one of the one or more connectors. Each peripheral device is connected to the central power source via a respective connector of each group. Each peripheral device is adapted to be connected to at least one respective connector of each other group. The connectors to which each peripheral device is adapted to be connected together form a respective plurality of connectors, each defining a polarity of connection between the peripheral device and the central power source for each group. The method includes, for each peripheral device, an electrical measurement presenting a different signature according to the polarity of connection between the peripheral device and the central power source, and determining, according to the value of the measurement, a group of one or more positions from among the plurality of predefined positions.

[0033] The group of one or more positions determined by the method corresponds to a group of one or more connectors defining a polarity of connection associated with the signature of the electrical measurement performed by the method. In other words, the one or more positions of the determined group are the one or more positions of one or more connectors defining a polarity of connection corresponding to the signature of the electrical measurement. In fact, the polarity of connection defined by the connectors to which the same peripheral device is adapted to be connected is specific to each group. Similarly, the signature of the electrical measurement varies according to the polarity of connection and is thus specific to each group. Thus, the signature presented by the electrical measurement makes it possible to determine to which group each peripheral device belongs, thereby making it possible to distinguish different groups of peripheral devices adapted to be interchangeably connected to various connectors of different groups.

[0034] One or more peripheral devices may include, or consist of, one or more electronic modules, one or more equipment items, and / or one or more anchors. Each peripheral device may include an electrical circuit configured to perform one or more functions, such as communication with a master unit and / or a portable device. For example, the peripheral device may be configured to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from the master unit and / or the portable device.

[0035] Each peripheral device is connected to a central power source via its respective connector, i.e., each peripheral device is powered by the vehicle's central power source via its respective connector. Thus, the vehicle's central power source provides electrical energy to each of the peripheral devices. The vehicle's central power source may include a battery.

[0036] The plurality of predetermined positions includes all of the positions of the connectors of the vehicle. The number of connectors and the position of each connector may vary from vehicle to vehicle. The plurality of positions is determined before the method is executed, for example, when the vehicle is manufactured or during vehicle maintenance. For example, while the vehicle is in an operating state, the plurality of positions may be stored. For example, the vehicle may include an electrical circuit that includes a memory in which the plurality of predetermined positions is stored. The plurality of predetermined positions may be stored in the memory in the form of a table that includes a unique identifier associated with spatial coordinates (e.g., X, Y, and Z spatial coordinates) for each position. Each position may similarly or alternatively be identified according to its relative location within the vehicle (e.g., "front left" or "inner rear").

[0037] A group of one or more connectors each corresponds to a group of one or more positions within a plurality of predefined positions. The groups together form a division of the plurality of positions. The method can use any type of division of the plurality of positions of the connectors. For example, a group of one or more positions can be defined according to one or more directions of the vehicle (e.g., along the length or width of the vehicle). For example, the plurality of positions can include a first group of positions located at the front of the vehicle and a second group of positions located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0038] A group of one or more positions can also be defined according to the location identification of the vehicle. For example, the plurality of positions can include a first group of positions located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a second group outside the perimeter of the vehicle. When each group includes only one position, the plurality of positions can include a first group of connectors on the left side of the front of the vehicle, a second group of connectors on the right side of the front, a third group of connectors on the left side of the rear, and a fourth group of connectors on the right side of the rear.

[0039] In some examples, each group includes a single position. In these examples, the location identification ends when the group is determined and thus when the method determines the location of each peripheral device individually. In other examples, at least one group (e.g., all groups) includes several positions. In this case, the method can include determining a group of peripheral devices and thus not necessarily determining the location of each peripheral device individually, and then individually locating each peripheral device by other means. Examples of such implementations are provided below.

[0040] The polarity of the connection is the correspondence between the poles of the central power supply and the poles of the peripheral device. In other words, since all of the poles of the peripheral device include at least two distinguishable poles and all of the poles of the power supply also include at least two distinguishable poles, the polarity of the connection is defined by the combination theory selected to connect the poles of the power supply to the above poles of the peripheral device.

[0041] This method includes, for each peripheral device, an electrical measurement that exhibits a different signature according to the polarity of the connection between the peripheral device and the central power supply. The electrical measurement is a measurement performed based on the current supplying power to the peripheral device. The electrical measurement may include some kind of measurement on the power supply current. For example, the electrical measurement may include a measurement across the terminals of one or more components powered by the current, such as a voltage measurement or a current measurement. The signature is a discriminative mark that the electrical measurement exhibits according to the connection polarity, that is, one or more discriminative features included in the voltage measurement, for example. The electrical measurement may include, for example, a vector of several measurements of voltage or other electrical characteristics, each across the terminals of different terminals powered by the current, and some of the above measurements are ordered (for example, according to a predetermined order of components). In this case, the signature may depend on the relative values of the vectors obtained by several measurements. For example, the signature may consist of a reference vector of values from a set of predetermined reference vectors (each reference vector corresponds to a theoretical value obtained for a given connection polarity).

[0042] Each peripheral device may be configured to perform the electrical measurement itself, that is, it is automatic. In this case, this method may include communicating (for example, automatically) the measured value to a processor, for example, the processor of the vehicle executing this method. This method may be automatically executed after one or more of the peripheral devices are installed or replaced.

[0043] This method includes determining, according to the measured value, a group of one or more positions from among a plurality of predetermined positions. In other words, this method associates each signature with a given group, and the relationship between the group and the signature is known before this method is executed. For example, the relationship between the group and the signature may be defined in a database or a table.

[0044] The determination may include comparing the measured values to one or more predetermined measured values, each of which may correspond to a group. If the electrical measurements include a vector of measurements, the determination may include comparing each value of the vector of measurements to a vector of predicted values for each given location, for example stored in a database or table. For example, the database or table may include a vector of predicted values for each location within the vehicle. The comparison may include, for each location, extracting the vector of predicted values for the location from the database or table and calculating the difference between the measured value and the predicted value for the location. The method may then estimate that the location of the peripheral device is the one with the smallest difference. The difference may be expressed in boolean form (e.g., "true" when the measured and predicted values are close and "false" otherwise), or as a continuous quantity, for example the norm of the difference between two vectors (the vector of measured values and the vector of predicted values). The comparison may take into account one or more potential measurement variance errors.

[0045] The database or table may be stored, for example, before the method is executed on the memory of the vehicle. In this case, the method may extract the vector of predicted values from the memory of the vehicle. Alternatively, the database or table may be stored on a server. In this case, the method may communicate with the server to obtain the vector of predicted values.

[0046] The method may determine each group of peripheral devices simultaneously, i.e., for each peripheral device, perform the electrical measurements and determine the group simultaneously. Alternatively, the method may successively determine for each connector to which group it belongs. In this case, the method may take into account the group already recognized for the previous connector.

[0047] In a first implementation form of the present method, each group consists of a single connector. At this time, each group corresponds to each position within the vehicle. Each peripheral device is adapted to be connected to each of the connectors (i.e., what it is connected to and all other connectors), thereby making it easier to manufacture, install, and maintain the peripheral devices. In fact, the same peripheral device can be used at each of the positions within the vehicle. In other words, this first example of the implementation form means having no groups and considering the connectors individually. Each connector defines the connection polarity of the peripheral device with a central power supply that is unique, i.e., separate from the connection polarities of each other connector. Thus, the electrical measurements exhibit different signatures for each peripheral device, which enables the present method to determine to which connector each of the peripheral devices is connected. The method can then individually estimate the position of each peripheral device therefrom, based on a table that lists the positions of each connector, which is stored, for example, in a memory connected to a processor of the vehicle on which the method is executed.

[0048] In a second implementation form of the present method, each group can include several respective connectors. At this time, each group corresponds to some of the positions within a plurality of predetermined positions. The same peripheral device is adapted to be connected, and the connectors belonging to different groups each define a separate connection polarity. Between groups, therefore, the connection polarities are different for these connectors. Within each group, when the peripheral device is adapted to be connected to several connectors of this group, the connection polarities defined by each of these connectors are the same. The method determines the group of peripheral devices and thus enables, thereby, identifying each of one or more peripheral devices from among the groups of positions.

[0049] In the second implementation form, the preparation and maintenance of one or more peripheral devices within the vehicle are also improved. In fact, each peripheral device of each group can be interchanged with at least one other peripheral device of another group.

[0050] In a second implementation form, the method may then include individually locating each of the peripheral devices within each group. In this case, the result would be what is obtained in the first implementation form of the method.

[0051] In a second implementation form, each peripheral device may be the reference peripheral device of each group, for example, the reference peripheral device of the group to which it belongs. Relative location determination may include measuring the distance between each other peripheral device and the reference peripheral device. For example, the peripheral device and the reference peripheral device may be configured to communicate with each other. For this purpose, the peripheral device and the reference peripheral device may each include components configured to exchange signals with each other, for example, a transmitter and a receiver. In some examples, the peripheral device and the reference peripheral device may communicate using a short-range wireless communication protocol, for example, a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) communication protocol. In some examples, each peripheral device may be an anchor, and the reference peripheral device of each group may be a reference anchor.

[0052] In a second implementation form, the measurement may be a time-of-flight measurement. For example, the time of flight may be the time it takes for a signal to travel from a peripheral device to a reference peripheral device or vice versa. The measurement may include exchanging one or more signals between the peripheral device and the reference peripheral device and measuring the time of flight based on the one or more signals. The distance measurement may then be estimated from this time of flight.

[0053] Each connector may include a connection interface. Each peripheral device may similarly include a connection interface. For each peripheral device and each connector within its respective plurality of connectors, the connection interface of the peripheral device may be connectable to the connection interface of the connector according to a predetermined arrangement. In other words, the arrangement of the interfaces is unique and fixed for each peripheral device and each connector within its respective plurality of connectors. This arrangement fixes the manner and direction of connection between two connection interfaces, i.e., the correspondence of the poles of the connector and the poles of the peripheral device during connection. The predetermined connection polarity is thus defined by this arrangement.

[0054] The arrangement may be predetermined by a specific shape of the connection interface of the connector and the connection interface of the peripheral device that interact with each other in a unique and predetermined manner. For example, the connection interface of the peripheral device and the connection interface of the connector may have complementary shapes such that they connect to each other in only one direction, i.e., with the same correspondence between the poles of the connector and the poles of the peripheral device.

[0055] For each connector other than each of the respective plurality of connectors, the connection interface of the peripheral device may not be connectable to the connection interface of the connector. For example, the interfaces may be physically incompatible or may actually include different discriminative signs (such as colors or acronyms) to indicate non - compatibility between the interfaces.

[0056] The predetermined arrangement of the connection interface improves the robustness of location identification. In fact, it improves the reliability of discrimination of various groups. Furthermore, the predetermined arrangement of the connection interface makes it possible to avoid errors when one or more peripheral devices are installed and makes their connection easier.

[0057] The central power supply may include a set of poles. The connection interface of each connector may include a set of connection points. For example, the set of connection points of a connector may be a set of pins. Each pole of the central power supply may be electrically connected to each respective connection point of the connection interface of each connector. The set of poles of the central power supply may be electrically connected to the set of connection points of the connection interface of each connector within each of the plurality of connectors according to a unique correspondence for each group.

[0058] An example of a first implementation form is provided with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows an example of a vehicle 10 including a central power supply having connectors at different positions within the vehicle, each at a plurality of predetermined positions. In this example, as shown in the figure, the plurality of predetermined positions within the vehicle include six outer positions ( "front left", "front right", "center left", "center right", "rear left", and "rear right") and two inner positions ( "inner front" and "inner rear") defined by the length and width of the vehicle. At each position, the central power supply includes a connector to which a peripheral device 11 is connected. In this example, each group consists of a single connector, and thus each group corresponds to a respective unique position within the vehicle, i.e., one of the six outer positions or one of the two inner positions. The vehicle includes eight connectors and thus eight groups, each of which is one of the connectors. Each peripheral device 11 is connected to the central power supply via its respective connector thanks to a wired network 12 that connects each of the connectors to the central power supply.

[0060] Each peripheral device is adapted to each connector, i.e., to what it is connected to and to be connected to all others. Each connector includes a connection interface 15, and each peripheral device 11 includes a connection interface that can be connected to each connection interface 15 of the connector according to a predetermined arrangement. The polarity of the connections within each connector is defined by this arrangement. The peripheral devices include the same set of poles. The poles of the peripheral devices are arranged in the same manner within the connection interfaces of the peripheral devices. The connectors to the poles of the power supply are arranged differently at the various interfaces of the connectors, as far as they are concerned.

[0061] The central power supply includes a set of poles, and each connection interface of the connector includes a set of connection points. In this example, the central power supply includes a power supply pole 14 (“BAT”) and a ground pole 13 (“GND”), and each connection interface 15 of the connector includes six connection points (“PIN1”, “PIN2”, “PIN3”, “PIN4”, “PIN5”, and “PIN6”). In other examples, the central power supply may include some poles other than two, and each connection interface of the connector may include a different number of connection points. The number of connection points of each connector may be less than or equal to the number of poles of the central power supply.

[0062] The set of poles of the central power supply is electrically connected to the set of connection points of the connection interface of each connector within each of the plurality of connectors according to a unique correspondence for each group. In this example, each pole of the central power supply 13, 14 is electrically connected to each respective connection point of the connection interface of each connector. For example, in the case of the “central right” position, the ground pole 13 (“GND”) of the central power supply is electrically connected to the first connection point (“PIN1”) of the connection interface of the connector, and the power supply pole 14 (“BAT”) is connected to the third connection point (“PIN3”). In the case of the “front right” position, the ground pole (“GND”) is connected to the second connection point (“PIN2”), and the power supply pole (“BAT”) is connected to the third connection point (“PIN3”). The other connection points, i.e., those not connected to either ground or power supply, are not connected (“NC”).

[0063] For each peripheral device and each connector within its respective plurality of connectors, the connection interface of the peripheral device can be connected to the connection interface of the connector according to a predetermined arrangement. In other words, the connection interfaces of each peripheral device and each connector within its respective plurality of connectors are arranged such that the order in which the connection points of the connector are connected to the connection points of the peripheral device (when this peripheral device is connected to the connector) is the same for all peripheral devices adapted to be connected to this connector. For example, the connection interface of the peripheral device and the connection interface of the connector can have complementary shapes such that they are coupled to each other in only a single direction. Alternatively or additionally, the interface can include a discriminative sign indicating the direction of connection, such as color or etching.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 1, each group consists of a single connector, and each peripheral device can thus be connected to each connector. In other examples, when a group is formed by several connectors, a peripheral device can be connected to the first connector of the group, but need not be adapted to be connected to the second connector of this group. In this case, the connection interface of the peripheral device and the arrangement of the connection interfaces can render the connection of the peripheral device to the second connector non-compatible.

[0065] Figure 2 shows an example of the connector 20 of the central power supply of the vehicle in FIG. 1. The connector 20 represents any one of the connectors discussed with reference to FIG. 1. One of the peripheral devices 11 of the vehicle is connected to this connector 20. The connector includes a connection interface including six connection points 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Four first connection points 21, 22, 23, 24 (“PIN1”, “PIN2”, “PIN3”, and “PIN4”) are used to define the connection polarity based on the power supply of the peripheral device connected to the connector. The peripheral device includes four branch circuits each including a respective connection terminal 31, 31', 31'', 31'''. When the peripheral device is connected to the connector 20, each of these connection terminals 31, 31', 31'', 31''' is connected to the respective connection points 21, 22, 23, 24. The branch circuits of the peripheral device are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0066] From this, the connection polarity is discussed. The connection polarity is a specific correspondence between the poles of the central power supply and the connection terminals of the peripheral device. This specific correspondence for each connector of the same group is defined by the correspondence between the poles of the central power supply and the connection points of the connector's connection interface, and by the predetermined arrangement of the connection interfaces of the connector and the peripheral device.

[0067] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the correspondence between the poles of the central power supply (“BAT” and “GND”) and the connection terminals of the peripheral device is determined by the correspondence between the poles of the central power supply and the connection points (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) of the connector's connection interface, and by the predetermined arrangement of the connection interfaces of the connector and the peripheral device that fixes the order in which the connection points 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 are connected to the connection terminals 31, 31', 31'', 31''' of the peripheral device connected to the connector 20.

[0068] In the case of the connector located at the "right rear" position in FIG. 1, the power electrode "BAT" is connected to the first connection point "PIN1", and the ground electrode "GND" is connected to the fourth connection point "PIN4". Therefore, the connection terminal 31 is electrically connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal 31''' is electrically connected to the ground electrode "GND". In the case of the "center right" connector, the power electrode "BAT" is connected to the third connection point "PIN3", and the ground electrode "GND" is connected to the first connection point "PIN1". Therefore, the connection terminal 31 is connected to the ground "GND", and the connection terminal 31'' is connected to the power electrode "BAT". Therefore, the correspondence between the central power electrode and the connection terminals of the peripheral devices is different at each of the positions within the vehicle.

[0069] The connection interface of the connector 20 depicted in FIG. 2 also includes or the two last connection points 25, 26 ("PIN5" and "PIN6"), which can be connected to two connection points 27, 28 of the peripheral device (in this example, "CAN_H" and "CAN_L"). These two connection points can be used to perform other functions such as data communication or exchange between the peripheral device connected to the connector and the vehicle.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows a first example of the electrical circuit of the peripheral device. In this first example, the electrical circuit includes four branch circuits 30, 30', 30'', 30'''. Each branch circuit includes a separate respective connection terminal 31, 31', 31'', 31''', a first common electrode 32 ("+VSUPPLY_P"), and a second common electrode 33 (ground). Each branch circuit 30, 30', 30'', 30''' is configured to stop the current from flowing from the first electrode 32 to the connection terminal of the branch circuit and to stop the current from flowing from the connection terminal of the branch circuit to the second electrode 33. Therefore, for each branch circuit, the current cannot flow directly from the first electrode 32 to the connection terminal of the branch circuit and from the connection terminal of the branch circuit to the second electrode 32. Each branch circuit 30, 30', 30'', 30''' is also configured such that when the current flows from the connection terminal to the first electrode 32, the connection terminal and the first electrode 32 are at the same potential, and when the current flows from the second electrode 33 to the connection terminal, the second electrode 33 and the connection terminal are at the same potential.

[0071] For each connector, the peripheral device is adapted such that the connection terminals of each of the branch circuits 31, 31', 31'', 31''' are connected to separate respective connection points of the connection interface of the connector (i.e., one of the connection points 21, 22, 23, 24 with reference to FIG. 2). The connection terminal of one branch circuit is thus connected to the connection point connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal of another branch circuit is thus connected to the connection point connected to the ground electrode. For example, when the peripheral device is connected to the connector located "center right" with reference to FIG. 1, the ground electrode "GND" of the central power supply is electrically connected to the first connection point 21 "PIN1", and the power electrode "BAT" is connected to the third connection point 23 "PIN3" of the connection interface of the connector. The connection terminal 31'' of the branch circuit 30'' is thus electrically connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal 31 of the branch circuit 30 is electrically connected to the ground electrode. For example, also, when the peripheral device is connected to the connector located in the "front right" position, the ground electrode "GND" is electrically connected to the second connection point 22 ("PIN2"), and the power electrode ("BAT") is connected to the third connection point 23 ("PIN3"). The connection terminal 31'' of the branch circuit 30'' is thus electrically connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal 31' of the branch circuit 31' is electrically connected to the ground electrode. For each of the other positions, the set of poles of the central power supply is electrically connected to the set of connection points of each other connector according to a unique correspondence.

[0072] The branch circuit 30 will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. The other branch circuits 30’, 30’’, and 30’’’ include the same features as those discussed hereinafter with reference to the branch circuit 30. The branch circuit 30 includes a first diode 35 configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole 32 to the connection terminal 31, and a second diode 36 configured to stop current from flowing from the connection terminal 31 to the second pole 33. The branch circuit 30 includes two resistors 37. The electrical measurement includes measuring the voltage at each terminal of these two resistors 37. The branch circuit 30 includes two measurement points 38 (“UC_1P” and “UC_1N”). These two measurement points 38 enable measuring the voltage at each terminal of the two resistors 37. The electrical measurement includes, for each branch circuit, measuring the voltage at these two measurement points 38. The resistors may be different. The measured values of the voltage at each terminal of the resistors may be different.

[0073] Figure 4 shows an example of the variation of the signature presented by measurement according to the connection polarity for the first example of the electric circuit of FIG. 3. In this example, each of the peripheral devices of FIG. 1 includes the electric circuit depicted in FIG. 3. The variation of the signature according to the connection polarity is illustrated in a table showing, for each peripheral device 41, the position of the peripheral device 42, the connection polarity induced by the connector to which the peripheral device is connected, and the measured value of the voltage 44 at the terminals of each resistor within the column. Each row of the table corresponds to one of the peripheral devices of FIG. 1. The measured values of the voltage 44 at the terminals of each resistor shown are the theoretical measured values, i.e., the measured values predicted by considering the connection polarity and the circuit of each of the peripheral devices. According to the correspondence between the poles of the power supply and the poles of the connection points of the peripheral devices, i.e., according to the connector to which the peripheral device is connected, the values of the voltage at the terminals of the resistors in each branch circuit are different, thereby enabling each peripheral device to obtain a discriminative signature. All of the measured values of the voltage (“U1P” to “U4N”) are unique for each position, thereby enabling, based on this set of measured values of the voltage, determining to which connector each peripheral device is connected and thus enabling estimating the position of the peripheral device within the vehicle therefrom. Determining the position may include, for example, comparing the measured values with the theoretical measured values predicted using the error intervals for each of the theoretical values.

[0074] FIG. 5 shows a second example of an electrical circuit of a peripheral device. The second example of the electrical circuit is a simplified model that includes fewer components than the first example of FIG. 3. This second example enables a gain in miniaturization. In this second example, the electrical circuit includes three branch circuits 50, 50', 50'', each of which includes a respective connection terminal 51, 51', 51'', a first common pole 52 (“+VSUPPLY_P”), and a second common pole 53 (ground). Each branch circuit is configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole 52 to the connection terminals (51, 51', or 51'' respectively) and to stop current from flowing from the connection terminals to the second pole 53. As a result, when current flows from the connection terminals to the first pole 52, the connection terminals and the first pole 52 are at the same potential, and when current flows from the second pole 53 to the connection terminals, the second pole 53 and the connection terminals are at the same potential.

[0075] The figure also shows the connection 54 of the connection interface of the connector to the connection interface of the peripheral device. The connection terminals of the branch circuits 51, 51', 51'', 51''' are connected to one of the three first connection points 21, 22, 23 of the connection interface of the connector. The fourth connection point 24 is connected to ground. For each connector, the connection terminal of one of the three branch circuits is connected to the connection point connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal of another one of the branch circuits is connected to the connection point connected to the ground electrode. For example, when the peripheral device is connected to the connector located at the "center right" position as discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the ground electrode "GND" of the central power supply is electrically connected to the first connection point 21 ("PIN1"), and the power electrode ("BAT") is connected to the third connection point 23 ("PIN3") of the connection interface of the connector. The connection terminal 51'' of the branch circuit 50'' is thus electrically connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal 51 of the branch circuit 50 is electrically connected to the ground electrode. For example, also, when the peripheral device is connected to the connector located at the "front right" position, the ground electrode "GND" is electrically connected to the second connection point 22 ("PIN2"), and the power electrode ("BAT") is connected to the third connection point 23 ("PIN3"). The connection terminal 51'' of the branch circuit 50'' is thus electrically connected to the power electrode, and the connection terminal 51' of the branch circuit 51' is electrically connected to the ground electrode. For each of the other positions, the set of poles of the central power supply is electrically connected to the set of connection points of each other connector according to a unique correspondence.

[0076] Branch circuit 50 will now be discussed in more detail. Branch circuits 50’ and 50’’ include the same features as those discussed with reference to branch circuit 50 hereinafter. Branch circuit 50 includes a first diode 55 configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole 52 to the connection terminal 51, and a second diode 56 configured to stop current from flowing from the connection terminal 51 to the second pole 53. Branch circuit 50 includes a register 57. Electrical measurement includes measuring the voltage at the terminals of this register 57. Branch circuit 50 includes a measurement point 58 (“UC_1P”), thereby enabling measurement of the voltage at the terminals of register 57. Electrical measurement includes, for each branch circuit, measuring the voltage at this measurement point 58.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an example of the variation of the signature according to the connection polarity for a second example of the electrical circuit of Figure 5.

[0078] Examples of the second implementation form will now be provided with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0079] In these examples of the second implementation form, one peripheral device of each group is the reference peripheral device. Each group includes several connectors, and the method includes, for each group, providing the position of the reference peripheral device of the group, relatively positioning each other peripheral device of the group, and determining the positions of each other peripheral device of the group according to the relative positioning and the position of the reference peripheral device. Each peripheral device of a group can be interchanged with a peripheral device of another group. Each reference peripheral device of each group can be interchanged with each reference peripheral device of another group. The other peripheral devices (other than the reference peripheral device) of each group can be interchanged with each other, and thus can be interchanged with the other peripheral devices (not the reference peripheral device) of another group.

[0080] Figure 7 shows an example of determining the position of each anchor. In this example, the vehicle includes two groups (1 and 2). First, the method determines S10 that a reference anchor may belong to each of these two groups 1 or 2. Next, the method determines S20 to which group each reference anchor belongs. For this purpose, the method may use the measured values of the reference anchors with respect to other anchors. The method thus determines the reference anchors belonging to group 1 and the reference anchors belonging to group 2. Determining to which group each reference anchor belongs makes it possible to provide the position of each reference anchor. For example, the positions of the reference anchors for each group may be predetermined. Thus, based on the group to which the reference anchor belongs, the method may determine the position of the reference anchor.

[0081] The method then includes S30 of determining to which group each other anchor (i.e., an anchor that is not a reference anchor) belongs. The method then determines, for each group, the relative position of each other anchor with respect to the reference anchor. The method includes, for group 1, S40 of pairing the anchors, S50 of measuring the distance between each other anchor and the reference anchor, and S60 of determining the relative position of each other anchor with respect to the reference anchor. For example, the method may compare the measured distance with a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be a pre-stored distance for each position of the group. For example, the method may pre-store that a certain position is the closest to the reference anchor, and thus may determine the position of the anchor with the smallest measured distance. The method may determine the positions of other anchors in a similar manner, for example, iteratively each time an anchor with a determined position is removed. The distance between each other anchor and the reference anchor may be measured S50 by UWB communication. This measurement may be a time-of-flight measurement.

[0082] This method determines the positions of the anchors in Group 2 in a similar manner (S70, S80, S90). This method can determine the positions of the anchors in Group 1 and then successively determine the positions of the anchors in Group 2. Otherwise, this method can determine the positions of the anchors in Group 1 and the anchors in Group 2 in parallel and simultaneously for each group. The method may then include S100, where each anchor transmits its determined position to, for example, a master unit.

[0083] Figures 8, 9, and 10 show various examples of groups of connectors.

[0084] In the example of Figure 8, the vehicle includes six anchors divided into two groups. The first group is formed by the anchors located at the front of the vehicle, and the second group is formed by the anchors located at the rear. For each group (1 and 2), one anchor is a reference anchor (81 in Group 1 and 83 in Group 2). Each group includes two anchors that are not reference anchors (80 in Group 1 and 82 in Group 2). The reference anchors are positioned in this example at the "front right" and "rear right" positions. The positions of the reference anchors within each group can be stored in advance.

[0085] This method can first determine to which group the two reference anchors 81 and 83 belong. Thus, after determining to which group each anchor belongs, this method can determine that the reference anchor belonging to the first group is in the "front right" position and that the reference anchor belonging to the second group is in the "rear right" position. For example, this method can associate and store the identifiers of the reference anchors with their positions.

[0086] The method can then determine to which group each of the other anchors belongs. The method can thus identify that anchor 80 belongs to group 1 and that anchor 82 belongs to group 2. The method can then determine the positions of the other anchors of the group with the aid of the reference anchors identified for each group. For example, the method can measure, for group 1, the distance between each of anchors 80 and reference anchor 81, for example by UWB communication with time-of-flight measurement. The method can then estimate that the anchor with the shortest measured distance 84 is in the "front center" position and that the anchor with the longest measured distance 85 is in the "front left" position. The method can determine the position of each of the anchors of group 2 in a similar manner.

[0087] In the example of FIG. 9, the vehicle also includes six anchors that are divided into two groups. In this example, the groups of anchors are formed in the left-right direction of the vehicle rather than the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For each group (1 and 2), the anchor located at the rear of the vehicle is the reference anchor (91 for group 1 and 93 for group 2). The anchors that are not reference anchors (90 for group 1 and 92 for group 2) are divided between the center and the front of the vehicle.

[0088] In the example of FIG. 10, the vehicle includes eight anchors that are divided into two groups, with one reference anchor for each group (101 for group 1 and 102 for group 2). In this example, each group includes three anchors that are not reference anchors (100 for group 1 and 102 for group 2). To distinguish each of these three anchors, the method can first determine, for example, the positions of the anchor furthest from and closest to the reference anchor. The method can then estimate, based on the two identified anchors and their respective positions, that the third anchor (i.e., the last remaining unidentified one of the group) is positioned at the only position of the group of positions not yet assigned, i.e., at a position intermediate to the reference anchor.

Claims

1. A method for locating one or more peripheral devices within a vehicle, the vehicle including a central power source having connectors at different positions within the vehicle, each at a respective one of a plurality of predetermined positions, the vehicle including at least two groups, each being a respective one of the one or more connectors, each peripheral device being connected to the central power source via a respective connector of a respective group, each peripheral device being adapted to be connected to at least one respective connector of each other group, the connectors to which each peripheral device is adapted to be connected together forming a respective plurality of connectors, each defining a polarity of connection of the peripheral device to the central power source for each group, the method comprising, for each peripheral device, an electrical measurement presenting different signatures according to the polarity of the connection of the peripheral device to the central power source, and determining, according to the value of the measurement, a group of one or more positions from among the plurality of predetermined positions, each connector including a connection interface, each peripheral device including a connection interface, and for each connector within each peripheral device and its respective plurality of connectors, the connection interface of the peripheral device being connectable to the connection interface of the connector according to a predetermined arrangement, the set of poles of the central power source including a power pole and a ground pole, each peripheral device including an electrical circuit including a plurality of branch circuits each having a respective connection terminal, a first common pole, and a second common pole, each branch circuit being configured to stop current flowing from the first pole to the connection terminal and to stop current flowing from the connection terminal to the second pole, method.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the central power source includes the set of poles, the connection interface of each connector includes a set of connection points, each pole of the central power source is electrically connected to a respective connection point of the connection interface of each connector, and the set of poles of the central power source is electrically connected to the set of connection points of the connection interface of each connector within each respective plurality of connectors according to a unique correspondence for each group. **Claim 3**: When the current flows from the connection terminal to the first pole, the connection terminal and the first pole are at the same potential. When the current flows from the second pole to the connection terminal, the second pole and the connection terminal are at the same potential. Each peripheral device is adapted such that for each connector within its respective plurality of connectors, the connection terminal of each branch circuit is connected to a separate respective connection point of the connection interface of the connector, and at least the connection terminal of one branch circuit is connected to the connection point connected to the power supply pole, and the connection terminal of another branch circuit is connected to the connection point connected to the ground pole. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is in a state where the connection terminal of the branch circuit is connected to the connection point connected to the ground pole. **Claim 4** Each branch circuit of each peripheral device includes a first diode configured to stop current from flowing from the first pole to the connection terminal, and a second diode configured to stop current from flowing from the connection terminal to the second pole. The method according to claim 3. **Claim 5** Each branch circuit of each peripheral device includes a respective resistor, and the electrical measurement includes, for each resistor, a respective measurement of the voltage of the terminals of the respective resistor. The method according to claim 3. **Claim 6** Each group consists of a single connector, and each group corresponds to a respective position within the vehicle. The method according to claim 1. **Claim 7**: A method for locating one or more peripheral devices within a vehicle, the vehicle including a central power supply having connectors at different positions within the vehicle, each at a respective plurality of predetermined positions, the vehicle including at least two groups, each being a respective one of the one or more connectors, each peripheral device being connected to the central power supply via a respective connector of each group, each peripheral device being adapted to be connected to at least one respective connector of each other group, the connectors to which each peripheral device is adapted to be connected together form a respective plurality of connectors each defining the polarity of the connection between the peripheral device and the central power supply for each group, the method comprising, for each peripheral device, an electrical measurement presenting a different signature according to the polarity of the connection between the peripheral device and the central power supply, and determining, according to the value of the measurement, a group of one or more positions from among the plurality of predetermined positions. Each group includes several connectors, and the method includes, for each group, providing the position of a reference peripheral device, locating each other peripheral device relative to one another, and further includes determining the position of each other peripheral device according to the relative location and the position of the reference peripheral device. **Claim 8** The method according to claim 7, wherein the relative location includes measuring the distance between each other peripheral device and the reference peripheral device. **Claim 9** The method according to claim 8, wherein the measurement is a time-of-flight measurement. **Claim 10** A computer program including instruction codes for executing the location method according to claim 1 using a processor. **Claim 11** A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 10. **Claim 12** A peripheral device adapted to be connected to a central power source of a vehicle via a connector and configured to implement the location method according to claim 1. **Claim 13** A system for a vehicle including a processor and a memory storing the computer program according to claim 10.

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