Electronic control unit

Abstract

To provide an electronic control device which is capable of restraining periodic lag of information outputted from different output devices.SOLUTION: An electronic control device is configured so as to contain control means for controlling a first control device which outputs first information from a first output device at prescribed periodic time and a second control device which outputs second information from a second output device at periodic time different from that of the first control device. The control means periodically outputs a start request for causing the first control device to start outputting the first information and a start request for causing the second control device to start outputting the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to an electronic control device. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, in a vehicle meter ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a function of notifying non - wearing of a seat belt by a buzzer sound and a warning lamp display has been provided. Since the microcomputer of the meter ECU directly controls the buzzer and the warning lamp, it is possible to synchronize the repeated operation of sounding and non - sounding on the buzzer side and the repeated operation of lighting and extinguishing on the warning lamp side. 【0003】 Patent Document 1 discloses a device for notifying non - wearing of a seat belt, which synchronizes the operation of a warning lamp by a warning display drive circuit and the operation of a buzzer by a warning sounding drive circuit. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2005 - 22563 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 However, conventionally, since the same microcomputer directly controls the buzzer and the warning lamp, it has been easy to periodically synchronize the repeated operation of sounding and non - sounding on the buzzer side and the repeated operation of lighting and extinguishing on the warning lamp side. 【0006】 In response to this, in recent years, there has been consideration of using image display devices to display warning lights and other information as images. However, when using image display devices, there is a possibility of a discrepancy in the processing cycles because the processing methods for the buzzer and the image display are different. Synchronizing them would require a large-scale mechanism in the processing means of both the image display device and the buzzer, increasing the number of parts and thus the cost. Furthermore, if the repeated sounding and non-sounding operation and the repeated turning on and off of the warning light operation are started while the processing cycles are out of sync, there is a problem that the discrepancy between the repeated sounding and non-sounding operation and the repeated turning on and off of the warning light operation will increase over time. 【0007】 The objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic control device capable of suppressing periodic discrepancies in information output from different output devices. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 To achieve the above objective, the electronic control device according to the present invention is a first output device This corresponds to the on and off of the flashing indicator. A first control device that outputs information at predetermined intervals, Information corresponding to the sounding and non-sounding of the buzzer to the second output device is provided at a different frequency than the predetermined period. period Out It includes control means for controlling a second control device which exerts power on the first control device, and the control means controls the first control device Turn on or turn off the light A start request to initiate and the second control unit Blowing or the aforementioned non-blowing A start request to initiate and , both the same period at the same time It is characterized by outputting to [a specific location]. [Effects of the Invention] 【0009】 According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress periodic discrepancies in information output from different output devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0010】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic control system including an electronic control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of the sequence of events when a seatbelt is not fastened, including the start request and the processing of the meter buzzer and warning lights. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0011】 In the following, an electronic control device, which is an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. 【0012】 <Embodiment> The following describes an example of applying the electronic control device according to the embodiment to an integrated ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in a vehicle. An example of an integrated ECU is an HCU (HMI Control Unit). The HCU is an electronic control device that communicates with each ECU in the electronic control system installed in the vehicle and is responsible for the control of the entire vehicle. 【0013】 Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an electronic control system including an electronic control device according to an embodiment. The electronic control system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes an HCU 10, a detection means 20, and a meter display 30. 【0014】 HCU10 is an example of an electronic control device according to an embodiment. HCU10 includes a control means 100 and controls the entire electronic control system 1 based on detection information detected by the detection means 20. 【0015】 The detection means 20 includes various sensors installed in the vehicle and a body ECU that notifies the detected vehicle status. The body ECU receives signals from, for example, a seat belt reminder sensor that detects the fastening / unfastening status of the seat belt and a seat sensor that detects the seating status of the occupant for the seat belt reminder function. The body ECU also receives the eco idle status and engine water temperature status from the ECU that controls the engine (for example, called an EFIECU), as well as the status of the turn signals. The body ECU transmits this received information to the HCU 10 as detection information. 【0016】 The meter display 30 displays each image such as a speed meter, an indicator light indicating the lighting state of a turn lamp, an indicator light indicating eco idle, a warning lamp indicating the engine coolant temperature, and a warning lamp indicating that the seat belt of the seated occupant is not fastened, on the image display device 322. Also, the meter display 30 outputs a buzzer sound with the buzzer 312. The meter display 30 is provided on the front panel of the driver's seat or the like. 【0017】 FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the processing means of the meter buzzer 31 and the configuration of the processing means of the warning lamp 32. The meter microcomputer 311 is included as the processing means of the meter buzzer 31, and the decoder 321 is included as the configuration of the processing means of the warning lamp 32. 【0018】 Based on the on and off repeated signals (referred to as the first information) from the HCU 10, the meter microcomputer 311 sequentially outputs signals corresponding to the on or off of the first information to the buzzer 312 at a predetermined cycle. 【0019】 Also, when the meter microcomputer 311 receives a start request from the HCU 10, it outputs signals corresponding to the order of the processes (on or off) required by the start request to the buzzer 312. For example, if the start request is a lighting request, the meter microcomputer 311 outputs signals corresponding in order from on (lighting) even when performing an off output to the buzzer 312. 【0020】 The buzzer 31 makes the buzzer sound sound or not sound based on the on (buzzing request) or off (non-buzzing request) signal output from the meter microcomputer 311. 【0021】 The decoder 321 draws an image on the image display device 322 based on video data (referred to as second information) from the HCU 10. The video data is time-series information of the images to be drawn on the image display device 322. The video data also includes warning light information, which alternates between turning on and off the warning lights at a predetermined cycle. The decoder 321 processes the video data at a predetermined processing cycle and updates the display information on the image display device 322 at each processing cycle. Images of the warning lights on and off are also processed at a predetermined processing cycle, and the warning light display on the image display device 322 alternates between turning on and off at each processing cycle. 【0022】 The image display device 322 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal. The image display device 322 may also be a head-up display or other projection device, as long as it displays an image. 【0023】 The control means 100 of the HCU 10 includes means for controlling the processing in the meter microcontroller 311 and the decoder 321. For example, the control means 100 includes a determination means 110, a counting means 120, and an output means 130. 【0024】 The determination means 110, the counting means 120, and the output means 130 may be implemented as functional units by a computer executing a predetermined program in memory, or some or all of these may be implemented in hardware or in software and hardware. 【0025】 The determination means 110 determines, based on the detection information from the detection means 20, whether the vehicle condition requires the output of a buzzer sound and a warning light. For example, if the determination means 110 receives a seat belt unfastened signal from the seat belt reminder through detection in the body ECU, it determines that the vehicle condition requires the output of a buzzer sound and a warning light, and issues control commands to the counting means 120 and the output means 130. 【0026】 The counting means 120 outputs a timing signal to the output means 130 at a predetermined period. The counting means 120 is, for example, a timer or a counter. For example, the counting means 120 counts the number of clocks and outputs a timing signal at predetermined intervals. 【0027】 The HCU10 transmits signals and information to the meter buzzer 31 via a first transmission means and to the warning light 32 via a second transmission means. The first transmission means is, for example, I 2 This is C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). A second transmission method is, as an example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). 【0028】 The output means 130 transmits first information to the meter buzzer 31 and second information to the warning light 32. Furthermore, when the counting means 120 outputs a timing signal, the output means 130 transmits start request signals (signal D1 and signal D2) to the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32, respectively. For example, the transmission timing of the start request signals (signal D1 and signal D2) is simultaneous. 【0029】 Figure 2 shows an example of the sequence of processing for the start request, meter buzzer 31, and warning light 32 when the seat belt is not fastened. 【0030】 Figure 2 shows an example where the warning light 32 repeatedly turns on and off every 600ms, and the meter buzzer 31 repeatedly sounds and is sounded every 601ms. 【0031】 If the processing cycles of the meter microcontroller 311 and the decoder 321 are perfectly synchronized, there will be no periodic discrepancies between the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32, and they will both operate at the same cycle (e.g., 600ms) without the need to periodically send start requests. 【0032】 However, there may be slight discrepancies in the processing cycles between the meter microcontroller 311 and the decoder 321, or discrepancies in the processing cycles may occur due to malfunctions or other reasons. As an example of this, we show a case where the warning light 32 repeatedly turns on and off every 600ms, and the meter buzzer 31 repeatedly sounds and is sounded at a different cycle than 600ms (for example, 601ms). 【0033】 During the initial period between the buzzer sounding and the beeping, the difference between the on-time and off-time is 2ms, so the difference is not noticeable, and the warning light 32 lights up when the meter buzzer 31 sounds. However, if the buzzer sounding and non-buzzing, and the on-time and off-time continue to repeat, the difference will increase over time, and a reversed state will occur where the warning light 32 turns off when the meter buzzer 31 sounds. In the example above, the reversed state is reached in 6 minutes. 【0034】 Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the HCU10 in this embodiment, after receiving a seat belt unfastened signal from the seat belt reminder corresponding to the request for illumination and sounding, periodically requests for illumination and sounding as a start request, for example, at predetermined time intervals. 【0035】 Specifically, the HCU 10 sends start requests to the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32 at regular time intervals along the downward time axis of the HCU 10. The example shown in Figure 2 is a configuration in which the HCU 10 uses a 1200ms timer in the counting means 120 to simultaneously send start requests to the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32 at 1200ms time intervals. 【0036】 In Figure 2, the start request for the meter buzzer 31 is shown as a buzzing request, and the start request for the warning light 32 is shown as a lighting request. However, if the design is to initiate non-buzzing or light-off, the start requests should be set as non-buzzing requests and light-off requests. 【0037】 As shown in Figure 2, by having the HCU 10 simultaneously send start requests to the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32 at 1200ms time intervals, it becomes possible to synchronize the start of the buzzer sound and the start of the light illumination, even if the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32 are repeatedly sounding and not sounding, and repeatedly turning on and off, respectively. 【0038】 In the example shown in Figure 2, the warning light 32 has a period of 600ms, and the combined period of illumination and extinguishing is 1200ms. The period for transmitting the start request is the same as the 1200ms of the warning light 32. Therefore, on the meter buzzer 31 side, every 1200ms, the 601ms non-buzzing period is shortened by 2ms to end at 599ms, and the 601ms buzzing period starts 2ms earlier, thus eliminating the discrepancy each time. 【0039】 Therefore, as explained in the example of reaching 6 minutes (360,000 ms), the discrepancy is resolved each time a start request is made. As a result, whether 6 minutes have been reached or exceeded, the inverted state in which the warning light 32 turns off when the buzzer sounds will not occur. 【0040】 In Figure 2, an example is shown where the processing cycle for the warning light 32 is 600ms and the processing cycle for the meter buzzer 31 is 601ms, but the processing cycles are not limited to these. Different processing cycles can be used to suppress or eliminate discrepancies. 【0041】 Furthermore, although a 1200ms timer was used in Figure 2, this does not mean that the time interval for the start request is limited to 1200ms. The discrepancy can be suppressed or eliminated regardless of whether the time interval is set to a shorter or longer value. 【0042】 Furthermore, in Figure 2, a 1200ms timer was used to match the 600ms processing cycle of the warning light 32. However, depending on the processing means, a timer with a different time interval than both the processing cycle of the warning light 32 and the processing cycle of the meter buzzer 31 may be used to initiate the start request. In that case, the discrepancy is resolved in the warning light 32 and the meter buzzer 31 based on their respective disclosure requests. 【0043】 In this embodiment, the second information is configured as a repetition of images of the warning light being on and off, but this is just one example, and the second information may be configured as images sequentially changing to other images. Similarly, the first information is configured as a repetition of buzzer sounding and not sounding, but it may be configured as a change in sound rather than a repetition of buzzer sounding and not sounding. 【0044】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration for displaying warning light images and a configuration for outputting buzzer sounds are shown as an example on the meter display. However, at least one of the configurations for displaying warning light images and outputting buzzer sounds may be provided in a location other than the meter display. 【0045】 <Effects of the Embodiment> In this embodiment, an example of a configuration that simplifies the meter display side by integrating the functions (control) of each cockpit-related in-vehicle device, such as decision-making, into an integrated ECU called the HCU. The meter display side is simplified by giving the HCU many functions, such as deciding what to display and generating and transmitting the first and second pieces of information. For this reason, in this embodiment, the meter display side does not have a large-scale mechanism for synchronizing the first and second pieces of information, which would be a factor in increasing the complexity and cost of the configuration, and the start request is sent from the HCU. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress discrepancies even with a simplified meter display side. 【0046】 Furthermore, since control is performed via communication from the HCU, the number of harness connector pins between the HCU and the meter can be reduced. 【0047】 Furthermore, in vehicles equipped with an HCU, the meter display can be simplified, so the cost-effectiveness of applying this embodiment is likely to be significant. 【0048】 Furthermore, because the discrepancy between the warning light and the buzzer can be eliminated, the product maintains its marketability compared to conventional standalone meter ECUs. 【0049】 <Example 1> In this embodiment, an example was shown in which, in response to a command from the determination means 110, the output means 130 transmits first information to the meter buzzer 31 and second information to the warning light 32. In this example, it was stated that the output means 130 transmits a start request to the meter buzzer 31 and the warning light 32 based on a predetermined timing signal output from the counting means 120. 【0050】 In the case of turn signals, the speed of the buzzer sounding and not sounding, and the speed of the warning light flashing and extinguishing may be changed due to a turn signal malfunction such as a broken turn signal wire. In that case, the determination means 110 also determines the speed of the buzzer sound and warning light based on the detection information from the detection means 20. If the determination means 110 determines a high speed, it also outputs the result to the counting means 120 and the output means 130. The counting means 120 counts the period according to the result and outputs a timing signal, and the output means 130 outputs video data including a turn signal image with a flashing period according to the result. 【0051】 While the example shown here is the turn signal lamp, this method can also be applied to speedometers, indicator lights for eco-idle, warning lights for engine coolant temperature, and so on. 【0052】 <Modification 2> Furthermore, while the embodiment shows an example of applying the electronic control unit to an HCU, it is not limited to HCUs. It can also be applied to ECUs and other devices as long as the electronic control unit is configured to periodically drive output devices with different processing cycles. 【0053】 <Variation 3> Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to a buzzer and may use other sound-emitting devices. The sound-emitting device and image display device are examples of output devices (first output device and second output device, respectively). The meter microcontroller and decoder are examples of control devices (first control device and second control device, respectively). The first and second output devices may be output devices with different processing cycles that output first and second information other than sound or images. 【0054】 <Modification 4> Furthermore, the electronic control device according to this embodiment may be modified to eliminate discrepancies between three or more output devices, rather than being limited to two output devices. 【0055】 Furthermore, various design modifications can be made to the aforementioned configuration within the scope of the matters described in the patent claims. [Explanation of symbols] 【0056】 1. Electronic control system 10 HCU 20 Detection means 30 Meter Display 31 Meter buzzer 32 Warning light 100 Control means 110 Judgment means 120 Counting means 130 Output means 311 Meter Microcontroller 312 Buzzer 321 Decoder 322 Image display device D1, D2 are signals indicating a start request.

Claims

[Claim 1] The system includes a control means for controlling a first control device that outputs information corresponding to the turning on and off of a flashing indicator to a first output device at a predetermined interval, and a second control device that outputs information corresponding to the sounding and non-sounding of a buzzer to a second output device at a interval different from the predetermined interval. The control means is A start request to initiate the turning on or turning off of the first control device and a start request to initiate the blowing or not blowing of the sound to the second control device are both output simultaneously at the same frequency. An electronic control device characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] The control means is Includes a counting means for counting the period for outputting timing, The start request is output simultaneously with the timing at which the counting means outputs. The electronic control device according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The control means is A flashing display image that repeatedly lights up and turns off at a flashing speed corresponding to the vehicle detection status is output to the first control device. A start request to initiate the turning on or turning off of the light and a start request to initiate the sounding or not sounding to the second control device are both output simultaneously at a frequency corresponding to the flashing speed. The electronic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images