Vehicle Malfunction Display Bypassing GPU via TCON Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional function safety systems for vehicle malfunction displays fail to display malfunction images or warning lights when the graphics processing unit (GPU) is damaged or the transmission path between the GPU and the display system is compromised, posing a safety risk as drivers may continue operating under unknown conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a sensor coupled to the automotive system for detecting malfunctions, a control unit directly connected to the display system to indicate malfunctions, and a graphics processing unit (GPU) for information transmission, with a micro control unit (MCU) that can bypass the GPU to ensure malfunction images are displayed via a serial interface if the transmission path is abnormal, using a timing controller (TCON) with a failure detector to store and display images directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the GPU is used for information transmission to the display system, then the display quality and information processing capability are improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the transmission path between GPU and display system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing controller (TCON) as an intermediary component between the GPU and display system. The TCON includes a failure detector that monitors the transmission path and can detect when the GPU transmission path fails. When failure is detected, the system switches to using stored malfunction images from the TCON's memory unit, ensuring continuous reliable display of malfunction information even when the GPU transmission path is compromised.
2Reliability
If a direct connection between control unit and display system is established, then the reliability of malfunction indication is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the malfunction indication function into the existing display system by utilizing the TCON's memory unit and display interface. Instead of adding a completely separate indication system, the malfunction images are stored and displayed through the same display hardware infrastructure, combining multiple functions (normal display, malfunction indication, and failure detection) into a unified system architecture.
3Reliability
If the system stores malfunction images in the TCON memory unit, then the display reliability is improved when GPU transmission fails, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TCON's memory unit serve multiple functions: it stores both normal display information and malfunction images, and acts as a backup storage system for reliability. By utilizing the existing TCON memory infrastructure for dual purposes rather than adding separate dedicated backup memory, the system achieves improved reliability while minimizing additional manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a function safety system for a vehicle malfunction display is disclosed. The function safety system comprises: an automotive system, a sensor, a display system, a control unit, and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The sensor is coupled to the automotive system, and utilized for detecting whether the automotive system has at least a malfunction. The control unit is coupled to the sensor and directly connected to the display system, and utilized for indicating the display system when the sensor detecting the automotive system has the at least a malfunction. The GPU is coupled to the display system, and utilized for performing information transmission for the display system.