Method for monitoring the power supply state in a system on board a motor vehicle, an on-board system of this type and a motor vehicle fitted with an on-board system of this type

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the power supply state in a system on board a motor vehicle (V), the on-board system managing functions of the motor vehicle and comprising at least one set of computers comprising a transmitter computer (ECU1) and a receiver computer (ECU2), a communication network (C) and a power supply state memory (M) that stores, at one of its addresses, a datum representative of the power supply state of the transmitter computer (ECU1). The method is characterized in that it consists of the following steps, when the receiver computer (ECU2) does not receive any information from the transmitter computer (ECU1) after a predetermined duration: consulting the power supply state memory (M) to verify the power supply state of the transmitter computer (ECU1), deducing a result, and subsequently, depending on the result, transmitting or not transmitting information representative of a power supply problem. The invention also relates to an on-board system of this type and to a motor vehicle comprising an on-board system of this type.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Method for controlling the state of the electrical power supply in an on-board system equipping a motor vehicle, such an on-board system and a motor vehicle equipped with such an on-board system

[0001] [The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles. It relates to a method for controlling the state of electrical power supply in an on-board system equipping a motor vehicle. It also relates to an on-board system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle equipped with such an on-board system.

[0002] In this application, a motor vehicle (or vehicle) means any motorised mobile machine or motorised land vehicle travelling on the ground and used for the transport of persons and / or goods, other than those travelling on railways. Such a motor vehicle is equipped with a combustion engine, an electric motor or a hybrid engine.

[0003] In the automotive industry, particularly to address issues of safety, performance, comfort and communication, manufacturers have equipped vehicles with embedded systems incorporating more and more electronics and IT.

[0004] Such an embedded system makes it possible to manage functions related to different areas of operation of the motor vehicle such as, for example, engine operation, cruise control, geographical positioning of the motor vehicle, driving assistance, the battery charger (in the case of an electric motor vehicle) or even the braking of the motor vehicle. The embedded system comprises computers (known by the English acronym ECU "Electronic Control Unit") to manage the functions, each computer generally being designed to manage a function, actuators controlled by the computers to physically execute the functions and sensors to control the operation of the actuators. To enable communication between these different components (computers, sensors, actuators) of the embedded system, this also includes a communication network, generally a CAN bus type communication network (English acronym for “Controller Area Network”), or Ethernet, allowing high speed communication between these components with a large quantity of data. Such a computer contains one or more electronic card(s) and the programs / software to be implemented to perform the corresponding functions, in particular based on the data transmitted to it by the sensors.

[0005] Furthermore, to control these functions as closely as possible in order, in particular, to reduce the number of electrical cables in the motor vehicle and to improve the data transmission speed, the on-board systems are generally based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture with a zonal distribution making it possible to manage the functions by zone (or sector) of the motor vehicle. Such an on-board system comprises a central electronic management unit (known by the English acronym PCU: “Power Computing Unit”) and electronic interfaces (known by the English acronym PIU: “Physical Interface Unit”), called in the present application zonal distribution interfaces, each connected to the central electronic management unit. Each zonal distribution interface is dedicated to a zone of the motor vehicle and is connected to one or more computers managing the function(s) of the corresponding zone.

[0006] In these embedded systems, where appropriate based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture, each computer manages its own system of loads / parts activated by the actuators controlled by said computer. In addition, the computers communicate with each other. Thus, a computer, called the first computer, communicates with another computer, called the second computer, managing another system of which the first computer does not know the loads / parts constituting this other system. Generally, the first computer, called the transmitting computer in the present application, periodically transmits information by transmitting it, directly or via a communication gateway, to the second computer, called the receiving computer in the present application. The communication gateway is generally used to allow a transmitting computer connected to a zonal distribution interface to communicate with a receiving computer connected to another zonal distribution interface. Such a communication gateway (or repeater) is generally formed by an electronic control unit of the computer type, for example of the ECU type.

[0007] Each computer, and where applicable each communication gateway, is electrically powered via an electrically controlled switching component, generally a switching component known under the registered trademark “SmartMOS”. The switching components are controlled according to the events / states of the motor vehicle to supply or, in particular for reasons of safety or energy saving, not to supply electrical power to the computers. In the case of a centralized electronic / electrical architecture, each zonal distribution interface is configured to control, using such switching components, the power supply of the computers that are dedicated. Each zonal distribution interface is also configured to exchange information with the central electronic management unit, the dedicated computer(s) and / or other zonal distribution interfaces and / or to process data.

[0008] However, sometimes communication losses occur between communicating computers, resulting in the receiving computer not receiving information from the sending computer. In such a situation, the receiving computer cannot interpret the reason for the loss of communication and in particular whether the loss of communication is normal because the sending computer, and / or where applicable the communication gateway, is not powered electrically or whether there is a problem, for example, with the sending computer and / or the communication network. In this case, intervention on the sending computer and / or the communication network would be necessary for its / their repair or replacement.One solution to this interpretation problem could be to transmit information on the state of the switching components, but the receiving computers that receive the periodic information from the sending computers, and possibly from the communication gateways retransmitting the transmitted information, would then have to know the physical addresses in the motor vehicle of the switching components. However, these physical addresses often vary by one. motor vehicle to another depending on the location of the computers or communication gateways and it would then be necessary to reprogram the system for each motor vehicle concerned, which would entail a high cost to carry out this operation in view of the number of vehicles manufactured by a manufacturer.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the state of the electrical power supply in an on-board system equipping a motor vehicle, the on-board system managing functions of the motor vehicle and comprising:

[0011] - at least one set of computers comprising a first computer, called the transmitting computer, and a second computer, called the receiving computer, the transmitting computer being connected to the receiving computer so as to be able to transmit to it periodically, directly or via a communication gateway, at least one item of information,

[0012] - a communications network,

[0013] - a power supply state memory in which is stored at one of its addresses a data item representative of the power supply state of the transmitting computer, and where appropriate at another address a data item representative of the power supply state of the communication gateway, the power supply state corresponding to a first power supply state indicating that the transmitting computer, or where appropriate the communication gateway, is not electrically powered or to a second power supply state indicating that the transmitting computer, or where appropriate the communication gateway, is electrically powered,

[0014] characterized in that it consists of implementing the following steps, by means of the receiving computer, when the latter does not receive information from the transmitting computer, where appropriate via the communication gateway, after a predetermined duration:

[0015] - consult the power supply status memory to check the power supply status of the transmitting computer, and where applicable the power supply status of the communication gateway,

[0016] - deduce a power supply status result,

[0017] - then, depending on this power supply status result, transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

[0018] It also relates to an on-board system for a motor vehicle, the on-board system making it possible to manage functions of the motor vehicle and comprising at least one set of computers comprising a first computer, called the transmitting computer, and a second computer, called the receiving computer, the transmitting computer being connected to the receiving computer so as to be able to transmit to it periodically, directly or via a communication gateway, at least one piece of information, and a communication network, characterized in that it further comprises a memory of the power supply states in which is stored at one of its addresses a data item representative of the power supply state of the transmitting computer, and where appropriate at another address a data item representative of the power supply state of the communication gateway,the stored power supply state corresponding to a first power supply state indicating that the sending computer, or where applicable the communication gateway, is not electrically powered or to a second power supply state indicating that the sending computer, or where applicable the communication gateway, is electrically powered and in that the receiving computer is configured, when it does not receive information from the sending computer after a predetermined duration, where applicable via the communication gateway, to consult the power supply state memory in order to check the power supply state of the sending computer, and where applicable the power supply state of the communication gateway, to deduce therefrom a power supply state result and, depending on the power supply state result,to transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem.,

[0019] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with an on-board system making it possible to manage functions of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the on-board system consists of an on-board system according to the present invention.

[0020] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given as a non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] is a partial and functional schematic representation of an embedded system according to the present invention,

[0022] [Fig. 2] is a partial and functional schematic representation of a variant of the embedded system shown in Figure 1,

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a partial and functional schematic representation of another variant of the embedded system shown in Figure 1,

[0024] [Fig. 4] is a schematic representation of a table of power supply states in the case where the transmitting computer is connected to the receiving computer so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and directly at least one piece of information,

[0025] [Fig. 5] is a representation in the form of a table of the power supply states in the case where the transmitting computer is connected to the receiving computer so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and via the communication gateway at least one piece of information.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 schematically and partially show an on-board system according to the present invention for a motor vehicle V. The on-board system makes it possible to manage functions of the motor vehicle V and comprises:

[0027] -at least one set of calculators comprising a first calculator, called the transmitter calculator ECU1 and a second calculator, called the receiver calculator ECU2, the transmitter calculator ECU1 being connected to the receiver calculator ECU2 so as to be able to transmit to it (to the receiver calculator ECU2) periodically, directly or via a communication gateway ECU3, at least one item of information,

[0028] - and a communication network C.

[0029] It is understood that the embedded system may comprise one or more sets of computers comprising such a transmitter computer and such a receiver computer. The embedded system may further comprise other computers which do not communicate with each other.

[0030] The sending computer ECU1 can periodically send at least one piece of information every t milliseconds (ms) with the parameter t included, for example, between 10 and 100 so as to send at least one piece of information, for example, every 10 ms to 100 ms.

[0031] Such an on-board system further comprises sensors and actuators (not shown).

[0032] Each calculator ECU1, ECU2 is an electronic control unit, for example of the type known by the English acronym ECU: “Electronic Control Unit”. Such a calculator ECU1, ECU2 may be capable and intended to manage at least one function of the motor vehicle V linked to an operating domain of the motor vehicle V such as, for example but not limited to, the operation of the engine, the speed regulation, the driving assistance, the geographical positioning of the motor vehicle V, the battery charger (in the case of an electric motor vehicle) or even the braking of the motor vehicle V.

[0033] The on-board system further comprises actuators (not shown in the attached figures) controlled by the computers to physically execute the functions managed by the computers and sensors (not shown in the attached figures) to control the operation of the actuators or other elements of the system that can be managed by the computers of such an on-board system. Thus each computer ECU1, ECU2, manages its own system of loads / parts P activated by the actuators controlled by said computer.

[0034] The communication network C allows communication between the different components (calculators, sensors, actuators) of the on-board system, i.e. allowing at least communication between the transmitter calculator ECU1, where appropriate the communication gateway ECU3, and the receiver calculator ECU2. The communication network C can, preferably, be of the bus type CAN (acronym for “Controller Area Network”), or Ethernet, allows for high-speed communication between these components with a large quantity of data.

[0035] The communication gateway ECU3, which allows the information transmitted by the transmitter ECU2 to be retransmitted to the receiver ECU2, can be a control unit (computer), for example of the “ECU” type, which can also manage one or more functions of the motor vehicle V like the transmitter and receiver ECU1, ECU2 computers.

[0036] Each calculator ECU1, ECU2, and where applicable the communication gateway ECU3, may contain one or more electronic card(s) and programs / software to be implemented to carry out the corresponding function(s), in particular based on the data transmitted to it by the sensors.

[0037] Each computer ECU1, ECU2, and where appropriate the communication gateway ECU3, can be electrically powered via an electrically controlled switching component S, for example a switching component of the registered trademark “SmartMOS”. Such a switching component, which may also be included in the on-board system, can be controlled as a function of the events / states of the motor vehicle V to electrically power, i.e. allow / authorize the passage of electric current to the corresponding computer or, in particular for reasons of safety or energy saving, not to electrically power, i.e. block the passage of electric current to, the corresponding computer.Thus, in a first switching state, each switching component S enables the power supply of the corresponding computer ECU1, ECU2, and where appropriate the communication gateway ECU3, and in a second switching state, each switching component S prevents the power supply of the corresponding computer ECU1, ECU2, and where appropriate the communication gateway ECU3.

[0038] Such an on-board system is well known in its basic operation in a motor vehicle V and is therefore not described in further detail in the present application.

[0039] The present invention makes a contribution to such an on-board system. According to the present invention, the on-board system further comprises a power supply state memory M in which is stored at one of its addresses a data item representative of the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1, and where appropriate at another address a data item representative of the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3. The stored power supply state (at each address concerned) corresponds:

[0040] - to a first power supply state indicating that the transmitter computer ECU1, or where applicable the communication gateway ECU3, is not electrically powered (“0” or “OFF”) indicated in the tables of figures 4 and 5),

[0041] - or to a second power supply state indicating that the sending computer ECU1, or where applicable the communication gateway ECU3, is electrically powered (“1” or “ON” in the tables of figures 4 and 5).

[0042] The power supply state memory M can be updated continuously or periodically. Preferably, the power supply state memory M is a read-only memory, for example and preferably an EPROM memory, allowing in particular access to the data in reading and writing.

[0043] Still in accordance with the present invention, the receiving computer ECU2 is configured, when it does not receive information from the sending computer ECU1 after a predetermined duration, where appropriate via the communication gateway ECU3:

[0044] - to consult the power supply status memory M, i.e. its addresses, in order to check the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1, and where applicable the power supply status of the communication gateway ECU3,

[0045] - to deduce a power supply status result,

[0046] - and, depending on the power supply status result, to transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

[0047] The problem may include, but is not limited to:

[0048] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0049] - and / or, where applicable, a failure of the ECU3 communication gateway,

[0050] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0051] The predetermined time can be equal to t (parameter defined previously) or be a multiple of t, i.e. n multiplied by t (nt), for example with n = 3. Thus if at the end of nt, for example 3t, for example 30 ms if t = 10 ms, the receiving computer ECU2 does not receive information from the first computer ECU1, if applicable via the communication gateway ECU3, the receiving computer ECU2, according to the steps above, will transmit or not information representative of a power supply problem.

[0052] In a first embodiment where the transmitter computer ECU1 is connected to the receiver computer ECU2 so as to be able to periodically and directly transmit to it at least one piece of information (figure 1), the receiver computer ECU2 can be configured, when it does not receive information directly from the transmitter computer ECU1 after a predetermined duration, to consult the memory of the electrical power supply states M in order to check the electrical power supply state of the transmitter computer ECU1 and

[0053] - if the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the first power supply status (first line of the table in figure 4): to not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal,

[0054] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the second power supply state: to transmit information representative of a power supply problem (second line of the table in figure 4): transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation detecting a problem. The problem may be, in particular,

[0055] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0056] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0057] In another form of the connection where the sending computer ECU1 is connected to the receiving computer ECU2 so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and via the communication gateway ECU 3 at least one piece of information (figures 2 and 3), the receiving computer ECU2 can be configured, when it does not receive information from the sending computer ECU1 via the communication gateway ECU3 after a predetermined duration, to consult the power supply status memory M in order to check the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 and of the communication gateway ECU3 and

[0058] - if the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 and the power supply status of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply status (first line of the table in Figure 5): to not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal.

[0059] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the first power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 corresponds to the second power supply state (second line of the table in Figure 5): to not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal.

[0060] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the second power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 corresponds to the first power supply state (third line of the table in Figure 5): to not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal.

[0061] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply state (fourth line of the table in figure 5): to transmit information representative of a problem power supply. This is an abnormal situation detecting a problem. The problem may be:

[0062] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0063] - and / or a failure of the communication gateway,

[0064] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the on-board system may be based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture and may comprise a central electronic management unit PCU and at least one electronic interface, called zonal distribution interface PIUM, PIUH, PIUS, connected to the central electronic management unit PCU. The or each zonal distribution interface PIUM, PIUH, PIUS may have the function of managing a specific zone of the motor vehicle V equipped with the on-board system.

[0066] The receiving computer ECU2 can then be further connected to the zonal distribution interface, or to one of the zonal distribution interfaces, called the master PIUM zonal distribution interface and the sending computer ECU1 can be further connected to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface or to the other or one of the other zonal distribution interface(s), called the secondary PIUH or PIUS zonal distribution interface(s). The receiving computer ECU2 can be configured, depending on the result, to transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).

[0067] In a particular embodiment (figure 1), the transmitter computer ECU1 and the receiver computer ECU2 can each be connected to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface. In addition, the receiver computer ECU2 can be configured, if the state of the transmitter computer ECU1 corresponds to the second state, to transmit information representative of a power supply problem to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface.

[0068] In another embodiment (figures 2 and 3), the transmitter calculator and the communication gateway ECU1, ECU3 can be connected to the secondary PIUH, PIUS zonal distribution electronic interface or to one of the secondary PIUH, PIUS electronic distribution interfaces. The receiving ECU2 computer can then be configured, if the state of the sending ECU1 computer and the state of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply state, to transmit information representing a power supply problem to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface.

[0069] More particularly, these figures 1 to 3 show three types of motor vehicles V, according to the present invention, with a location of the engine P which can vary from one motor vehicle V to another. Consequently, the transmitter calculator ECU1, which can be provided to manage the engine P, i.e. the engine or engine block function, can be arranged, as well as the zonal distribution interface PIUM, PIUH, PIUS to which the transmitter calculator ECU1 is connected, in the area of ​​the engine P. More particularly, we can see:

[0070] - in Figure 1: a motor vehicle V of the quadricycle car type with the engine P located at the front. In this case, we can see that the on-board system can include a single PIUM distribution interface to which the ECU1 transmitter computer managing the engine P is connected,

[0071] - in Figure 2, a motor vehicle V of the traction truck type in which the engine P is located at the front. In this case it can be seen that the on-board system comprises three distribution interfaces PIUM, PIUH, PIUS and that the sending computer ECU1 managing the engine P is connected to the secondary distribution interface PIUH managing the front area of ​​the motor vehicle V in which the engine P is located,

[0072] - in Figure 3: a motor vehicle V of the front-wheel drive type in which the engine P is located at the rear. In this case, we can see that the on-board system includes three distribution interfaces PIUM, PIUH, PIUS and that the ECU1 computer managing the engine P is connected to the secondary distribution interface PIUS managing the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle V in which the engine P is located.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the state of electrical power supply in such an on-board system, according to the present invention, equipping such a motor vehicle V. The on-board system according to the present invention allows the implementation of said method.

[0074] According to the present invention, the method consists of implementing the following steps by means of the receiving computer ECU2 when the latter does not receive information from the sending computer ECU1 after a predetermined duration, where appropriate via the communication gateway ECU3:

[0075] - consult the power supply status memory M to check the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1, and if applicable the power supply status of the communication gateway ECU3, and deduce a power supply status result, then,

[0076] - depending on the power supply status result, transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. The problem may be, in particular,

[0077] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0078] - and / or, where applicable, a failure of the communications gateway,

[0079] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0080] In the case (or embodiment) where the transmitter computer ECU1 is directly connected to the receiver computer ECU2 so as to be able to periodically and directly transmit at least one piece of information to it, the method may consist of implementing the following steps by means of the receiver computer ECU2 when the latter does not receive information from the transmitter computer ECU1 after a predetermined duration:

[0081] - consult the power supply status memory M to check the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1, then

[0082] - if the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the first power supply status (first line of the table in figure 4): do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal,

[0083] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the second power supply state (second line of the table in figure 4): transmit information representative of a problem power supply. This is a situation that detects a problem. The problem may be, among other things,

[0084] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0085] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0086] In the case (or embodiment) where the sending computer ECU1 is connected to the receiving computer ECU2 via the communication gateway ECU3 so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and via the communication gateway ECU3 the information(s) (at least one information), the method may consist of implementing the following steps by means of the receiving computer ECU2 when the latter does not receive information from the sending computer ECU1 via the communication gateway ECU3 after a predetermined duration:

[0087] - consult the power supply status memory M to check the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 and the communication gateway ECU3, then,

[0088] - if the power supply status of the sending computer ECU1 and the power supply status of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply status (first line of the table in Figure 5): do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal,

[0089] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the first power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 corresponds to the second power supply state (second line of the table in Figure 5): do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal,

[0090] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 corresponds to the second power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 corresponds to the first power supply state (third line of the table in figure 5): do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is a situation considered normal,

[0091] - if the power supply state of the sending computer ECU1 and the power supply state of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply state (fourth line of the table in Figure 5): transmit information representative of a power supply problem. This is an abnormal situation detecting a problem. The problem may be, in particular,

[0092] - a failure of the transmitter calculator ECU1,

[0093] - and / or a failure of the communication gateway,

[0094] - and / or a failure of the communications network C.

[0095] In the preferred embodiment in which the embedded system is based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture comprising a central electronic management unit and at least one zonal distribution interface PIUM, PIUH, PIUS connected to the central electronic management unit PCU and the receiving computer ECU2 is further connected to the zonal distribution interface, or to one of the zonal distribution interfaces, called the master PIUM zonal distribution interface and the transmitting computer ECU1 is further connected to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface or to the other or one of the other zonal distribution interface(s), called the secondary PIUH, PIUS zonal distribution interface(s), the method may consist, depending on the electrical power supply status result, in transmitting or not transmitting information representative of an electrical power supply problem to the master PIUM zonal distribution electronic interface.

[0096] In the embodiment where the transmitter computer ECU1 and the receiver computer ECU2 are each connected to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface, the method may consist, in the case where the electrical supply state of the transmitter computer ECU1 corresponds to the second electrical supply state, in transmitting the information representative of an electrical supply problem to the master PIUM zonal distribution interface.

[0097] In the embodiment where the transmitter computer ECU1 and the communication gateway ECU3 are connected to the zonal distribution interface PIUH, PIUS, the method may consist, in the case where the power supply state of the transmitter computer ECU1 and the state of the communication gateway ECU3 each correspond to the first power supply state, in transmitting the information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface PIUM.

[0098] The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the steps of the method according to claim 1. Preferably, the computer is constituted by the receiver calculator ECU2.

[0099] Thus, thanks to the present invention, when there is a loss of communication between the transmitter and receiver computers ECU1, ECU2, where appropriate via the communication gateway ECU3, resulting in the fact that the receiver computer ECU2 does not receive information from the receiver computer ECU1, where appropriate via the communication gateway, the receiver computer ECU2 can, unlike the systems of the prior art, interpret the reason for the loss of communication and in particular know whether the loss of communication is normal because the transmitter computer, and / or where appropriate the communication gateway, is not electrically powered or if there is a problem, for example, at the level of the transmitter computer, and / or where appropriate the communication gateway and / or the communication network.Thanks to the present invention, in particular thanks to the memory of the electrical power supply states which contains in real time the electrical power supply state of the computers ECU1, ECU3 capable of transmitting or retransmitting the information, the receiving computer ECU2, the manufacturer does not need to reprogram the on-board system for each motor vehicle V concerned since he does not need to take into account the physical address in the motor vehicle V, that is to say the location in the motor vehicle V, of the computer ECU1, ECU2 (or of the corresponding switching component).

[0100] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. [Method for controlling the state of electrical power supply in an on-board system equipping a motor vehicle (V), the on-board system managing functions of the motor vehicle (V) and comprising: - at least one set of calculators comprising a first calculator, called the transmitter calculator (ECU1) and a second calculator, called the receiver calculator (ECU2), the transmitter calculator (ECU1) being connected to the receiver calculator (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically, directly or via a communication gateway (ECU3), at least one item of information, - a communication network (C), - a power supply state memory (M) in which is stored at one of its addresses a data item representative of the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1), and where appropriate at another address a data item representative of the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3), the power supply state corresponding to a first power supply state indicating that the transmitting computer (ECU1), or where appropriate the communication gateway (ECU3), is not electrically powered or to a second power supply state indicating that the transmitting computer (ECU1), or where appropriate the communication gateway (ECU3), is electrically powered, characterized in that it consists of implementing the following steps by means of the receiving computer (ECU2) when the latter does not receive information from the transmitting computer (ECU1),if necessary via the communication gateway (ECU3), after a predetermined duration:, - consult the power supply status memory (M) to check the power supply status of the sending computer (ECU1), and if applicable the power supply status of the communication gateway (ECU3), - deduce a power supply status result, - then, depending on the power supply status result, transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists, in the case where the transmitting computer (ECU1) is connected to the receiving computer (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and directly at least one piece of information, in implementing the following steps by means of the receiving computer (ECU2) when the latter does not receive information from the transmitting computer (ECU1) after a predetermined duration: - consult the power supply status memory (M) to check the power supply status of the sending computer (ECU1), then - if the power supply status of the sending computer (ECU1) corresponds to the first power supply status: do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second power supply state: transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

3. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists, in the case where the transmitting computer (ECU1) is connected to the receiving computer (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and via the communication gateway (ECU3) the information(s), in implementing the following steps by means of the receiving computer (ECU2) when the latter does not receive information from the transmitting computer (ECU1) via the communication gateway (ECU3) after a predetermined duration: - consult the power supply status memory (M) to check the power supply status of the sending computer (ECU1) and the communication gateway (ECU3), then - if the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1) and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first power supply state: do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) corresponds to the first power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) corresponds to the second power supply state: do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) corresponds to the first power supply state: do not transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first power supply state: transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

4. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the on-board system is based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture comprising a central electronic management unit and at least one electronic interface, called zonal distribution interface (PIUM, PIUH, PIUS), connected to the central electronic management unit (PCU) and in that the receiving computer (ECU2) is further connected to the zonal distribution interface, or to one of the zonal distribution interfaces, called master zonal distribution interface (PIUM) and the transmitting computer (ECU1) is further connected to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM) or to the other or one of the other zonal distribution interface(s), called secondary zonal distribution interface(s) (PIUH, PIUS) and in that it consists, depending on the result of the power supply status,to transmit or not to transmit information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).,

5. Control method according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the calculator transmitter (ECU1) and the receiver computer (ECU2) are each connected to the master electronic distribution interface (PIUM) and in that it consists, in the case where the power supply state of the transmitter computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second power supply state, in transmitting the information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).

6. Control method according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the transmitting computer (ECU1) and the communication gateway (ECU3) are connected to the secondary zonal distribution interface (PIUH, PIUS) and in that it consists, in the case where the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) and the state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first power supply state, in transmitting the information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).

7. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and in that the computer is constituted by the receiving computer (ECU2).

8. On-board system for a motor vehicle (V), the on-board system making it possible to manage functions of the motor vehicle (V) and comprising at least one set of computers comprising a first computer, called the sending computer (ECU1) and a second computer, called the receiving computer (ECU2), the sending computer (ECU1) being connected to the receiving computer (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically, directly or via a communication gateway (ECU3), at least one piece of information, and a communication network (C), characterized in that it further comprises a memory of the power supply states (M) in which is stored at one of its addresses a data item representative of the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1), and where appropriate at another address a data item representative of the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3). communication (ECU3), the stored power supply state corresponding to a first power supply state indicating that the sending computer (ECU1), or where appropriate the communication gateway (ECU3), is not electrically powered or to a second power supply state indicating that the sending computer (ECU1), or where appropriate the communication gateway (ECU3), is electrically powered and in that the receiving computer (ECU2) is configured, when it does not receive information from the sending computer (ECU1) after a predetermined duration, where appropriate via the communication gateway (ECU3), to consult the power supply state memory (M) in order to check the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1), and where appropriate the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3), to deduce therefrom a power supply state result and,depending on the power supply status result, to transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem.,

9. On-board system according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the case where the transmitting computer (ECU1) is connected to the receiving computer (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and directly at least one piece of information, the receiving computer (ECU2) is configured, when it does not receive information from the transmitting computer (ECU1) after a predetermined duration, to consult the memory of the electrical power supply states (M) in order to check the electrical power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) and: - if the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1) corresponds to the first power supply state: to avoid transmitting information representative of a power supply problem, and - if the power supply state of the sending computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second power supply state: to transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

10. On-board system according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the case where the transmitter computer (ECU1) is connected to the receiving computer (ECU2) so as to be able to transmit to it periodically and via the communication gateway (ECU3) at least one piece of information, the receiving computer (ECU2) is configured, when it does not receive information from the sending computer (ECU1) via the communication gateway (ECU3) after a predetermined duration, to consult the power supply status memory (M) in order to check the power supply status of the sending computer (ECU1) and of the communication gateway (ECU3) and - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first power supply state: in order not to transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) corresponds to the first power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) corresponds to the second power supply state: in order not to transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second power supply state and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) corresponds to the first power supply state: in order not to transmit information representative of a power supply problem, - if the power supply state of the transmitting computer (ECU1) and the power supply state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first power supply state: to transmit information representative of a power supply problem.

11. Embedded system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the embedded system is based on a centralized electronic / electrical architecture comprising an electronic central management unit (PCU) and at least one interface electronic, called zonal distribution interface (PIUM, PIUH, PIUS), connected to the electronic central management unit (PCU) and in that the receiving computer (ECU2) is further connected to the zonal distribution interface or to one of the zonal distribution interfaces, called master zonal distribution interface (PIUM) and the transmitting computer (ECU1) is further connected to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM) or to the other or one of the other zonal distribution interface(s), called secondary zonal distribution interface(s) PIUH, PIUS) and in that the receiving computer (ECU2) is configured, depending on the result, to transmit or not transmit information representative of a power supply problem to the master distribution interface PIUH, PIUS) (PIUM).

12. On-board system according to claim 11 taken in combination with claim 9, characterized in that the transmitter computer (ECU1) and the receiver computer (ECU2) are each connected to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM) and in that the receiver computer (ECU2) is configured, if the state of the transmitter computer (ECU1) corresponds to the second state, to transmit the information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).

13. Embedded system according to claim 11 taken in combination with claim 10, characterized in that the transmitter computer (ECU1) and the communication gateway (ECU3) are connected to the secondary zonal distribution electronic interface (PIUH, PIUS) and in that the receiver computer (ECU2) is configured, if the state of the transmitter computer (ECU1) and the state of the communication gateway (ECU3) each correspond to the first state, to transmit the information representative of a power supply problem to the master zonal distribution interface (PIUM).

14. Motor vehicle (V) equipped with an on-board system for managing functions of the motor vehicle (V), characterized in that the on-board system consists of an on-board system according to any one of claims 8 to 13.]

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