FR2673475A1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC SIGNALING DEVICE FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a dot matrix display unit (17), normally capable of displaying the data of the usual clock (13) and an electronic module (10), capable of receiving, via an interface (11), a series of fault information and to control the display unit (17), so as to display a corresponding fault message, in place of the clock data. The messages are made up of graphic symbols, ordered according to the degrees of priority and can be viewed one by one. When the module (10) receives an anomaly message, only the corresponding symbol is displayed alone. If, on the contrary, the module (10) receives several anomaly messages, the module (10) ensures the display of the symbol of the most serious anomaly, together with an additional symbol. A push button (31) makes it possible to display to the driver, successively, the symbols of all the abnormality messages received.

Description

Multifunctional diagnostic signaling device for

  dashboard of an automobile. The present invention relates to a multifunctional diagnostic signaling device for the

dashboard of an automobile.

  Modern automobiles are generally provided with diagnostic signaling devices, comprising a large number of sensors for activating indicator signals on the dashboard These indicators, generally consisting of bulbs or LEDs, must be housed between other items, including the speedometer, kilometer counter and clock, which require

  lots of room on the dashboard.

  These diagnostic signaling devices have several drawbacks First of all, they are difficult to spot with the gaze and they tend to distract the driver's attention, since they are dispersed over a large space In addition, they require a large number of electrical circuits between the various sensors and the corresponding warning lights, which results in complicated and costly manufacture and maintenance Finally, they are unreliable, since if the warning light is "burned", the driver no longer receives any

failure information.

  The object of the invention is to provide a diagnostic signaling device which is simple

  maximum and which eliminates the disadvantages mentioned above

above known devices -

  This object is achieved by the device according to the invention, which comprises a display unit controlled by an electronic module, capable of receiving a series of information for a corresponding series of error messages and is characterized in that said display unit is controlled so as to display each time only one of said messages, means being provided for conditioning said module, so as to ensure the display, successively, of at least two of said messages. For a better understanding of the invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a module FIG. 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 electronics of a diagnostic signaling device according to the invention; is a diagram of a display unit for the signaling device; is a diagram representing some graphic symbols of the signaling device; is a diagram of one of the symbols of Figure 3, with the pixels inverted; is a flowchart of the functioning of the

signaling device.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the signaling device comprises an electronic module generally designated by 10, which can consist of a logic unit, for example a microcomputer. The module 10 is connected to an interface 11, adapted to its turn to receive, Via a series of input signals 12, a corresponding series of diagnostic or anomaly information sent, for example in binary form, by conventional anomaly sensors These sensors can be designed to measure the battery charge, the lubricating oil pressure, the actuation of the parking brake, the wear of the parking brake pads, the closing of the doors, etc. The module 10 is further connected to an electronic clock unit 13, adapted to periodically transmit the conventional clock information, relating to the time.

  and minutes and possibly also seconds.

  The module 10 is also connected to a memory 14, for example a ROM memory or an EPROM memory, comprising a table 15, which defines the priority level of each of the pieces of information received by the interface 11 Table 15 also includes a priority minimal, which

  is associated with the clock information 13.

  The memory 14 also comprises a series of registers 16, in each of which is recorded, in digital form, an anomaly message corresponding to the information of each of the input signals 12 of the interface 11 The memory 14 can also include an area in which a program routine, otherwise known as a subroutine, is stored for the

  control of actuation of the electronic module 10.

  The signaling device further comprises a single display unit, generally designated by 17, which is connected to the module 10 via a single channel 18. The module 10 is adapted to the addressing, each time, of '' a single register 16, to send the corresponding message on channel 18 Consequently, the display unit 17 is adapted to display each time

the message of a single anomaly.

  In particular, the display unit 17 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), of the known type with pixel dot matrix 19 (FIG. 2), with a 32 x 32 frame, for example with multiplexed TN (Twisted Nematic) technology. 1:16 Each pixel is suitable for representing a point in the image with a given color, for example green or red on

black background.

  Advantageously, the messages recorded by the registers 16 of the memory 14 are symbols of the graphic type. In FIG. 3, some symbols relating to the main anomalies, signaled by the sensors on the interface 11, are shown. In particular, these symbols include a symbol 22 to indicate insufficient battery charge, a symbol 23 to indicate insufficient lubrication oil pressure, a symbol 24 to indicate the parking brake application and a symbol 26 to indicate a failure of the parking brake maneuver, for example wear

excessive platelets.

  The module 10 (FIG. 1) is further adapted to be controlled by means of a conductive wire 20 connected to the conventional control 21 for lighting the vehicle warning lights, to reverse the control of the pixel torques of the matrix 19 In this case, the module 10 controls the display unit 17, so as to display the point of the image in black and the point of the background in green or red. In FIG. 4, it is shown, By way of example, the symbol 22 ′ corresponding to the symbol 22, but obtained with the inversion of the colors, in response to the actuation of the command 21. The memory 14 (FIG. 1) further comprises an additional register 27, in which is recorded an additional symbol, for example an arrow 28 (FIG. 3), capable of being viewed in an area of the matrix 19, for example in the upper right corner of the matrix 19, as shown in the figure The module 10 is able to capture each time, on the interface 11, the presence of multiple anomaly information, to control the display of symbol 28, in addition to one of symbols 22 to 26. The module 10 (FIG. 1) is connected, by

  through a conducting wire 29, at a button

  push-button 31 for sequential recall of fault messages On each actuation of push-button 31, module 10 is conditioned so as to address register 16 of immediately lower priority, between registers 16 corresponding to the faults currently present on the interface 11 In this way, the module controls the substitution, on the display unit, of the

  current message by that of register 16 thus transmitted.

  Finally, the module 10 comprises a time device, comprising for example a timer pulse counter, of capacity equal to a time of 10 seconds. This counter is actuated on each actuation of the push button 31 and when the latter is actuated from repetitively with an interval of less than 10 seconds, the counter is first reset to zero, following

  what it starts to be incremented.

  When this counter is saturated, it is able to condition the module 10 so as to address the register 16 of the maximum priority anomaly again. In this way, it automatically returns the display to the display unit 17. the priority symbol

corresponding maximum.

  The diagnostic signaling device

works as follows.

  Normally, the module 10 is prepared to display the clock data 13 When one of the sensors signals an anomaly, the module 10 replaces the display of the clock data 13 by displaying the symbol 22 to 26 of the anomaly received If several anomalies are reported at the same time, the module 10 displays the symbol 22 to 26 corresponding to the anomaly of highest priority, associated with the

  symbol 28, indicating the existence of other anomalies.

  The driver pressing the push button 31 can then control the display of the symbol 22 to 26 of lower priority By pushing the push button repeatedly at intervals of less than 10 seconds, the driver can control the sequential display of the symbols 22 to 26 of all the anomalies present, up to the minimum priority anomaly, which can be signaled without the symbol 28 After pressing the push button 31 for 10 seconds, the capacity of the counter of the module 10 is exceeded The module then controls the display unit 17 so as to again display the symbol 22 to 26 of maximum priority between those existing on the interface 11, thus reminding the driver's attention to the anomaly

of maximum priority.

  Of course, the display unit 17 maintains the display of the maximum priority anomaly as long as the corresponding cause is not eliminated. During this period, the driver is deprived of viewing the clock data 13 Since the minimum priority is associated with the clock, if the driver then actuates the push button 31 during the display of the minimum priority fault, the module 10 substitutes the display of the symbol of the fault 22 to 26 by that clock 13 data,

  for a period of 10 seconds.

  When the driver actuates the command 21 to turn on the lights, the module 10 reverses the colors of the image with those of the background In this way, the legibility of the symbols becomes suitable for reduction

of ambient light.

  Referring to FIG. 5, we now describe the operating cycle of the routine of the instructions recorded by the memory 14 (see also FIG. 1), when the device is controlled.

signaling.

  When the small key of the electrical equipment of the automobile is actuated, the module 10 begins to execute in a cyclic manner the routine of the instructions, both with the engine not running, and with the normal operation of the engine During this operation normal, the routine starts, by making the module 10 perform an operation 32 of acquiring the state of the sensors,

  via interface 11.

  Then, the module 10 performs an operation 33, by which a scan of the interface 11 is carried out, to check for the presence of fault information. If the result of the check 33 is negative, the module performs an operation 34 , by controlling the display 17 so as to display the data supplied by the clock 13, after which we repeat

operation 32.

  If the result of the check 33 is positive, the module 10 performs a logical check 35, to check whether it is a multiple anomaly If the result of the check 35 is negative, the module 10 performs a

  other logical decision 30, to check if the button-

  push-button 31 has been pushed for less than 10 seconds.

  If the result of the check 30 is negative, that is to say if the push button 31 has not been pressed or if it has been pressed for more than 10 seconds, the module 10 performs an operation 36 which addresses the memory register 14, corresponding to the anomaly reported The module 10 then displays on the display unit 17, the corresponding symbol 22 to 26, after which it repeats operation 32 If on the contrary the result of the verification 30 is positive, the module 10 executes the operation 34, by displaying the data of

  the clock 13, for a period of 10 seconds.

  In the case where the result of the check 35 is positive, the module 10 executes a third logical decision 37, to check whether the push button 31 has been pressed for less than 10 seconds If the result of the

  check 37 is negative, i.e. if the button-

  pushbutton 31 has not been pushed or if it has been pushed for more than 10 seconds, the module 10 executes an operation 38 which addresses the register 16 of the highest priority anomaly, among those indicated on

interface 11.

  However, in the case where the result of the check 37 is positive, the module 10 executes an operation 39 in which, under the control of table 15, it addresses the register 16 of immediately lower priority among those currently reported on the interface 11 This is why, on the display unit 17, the symbol 22 to 26 displayed first is now replaced by the symbol 22 to 26 corresponding to the following anomaly, in order of priority, following

what operation 32 repeats.

  It is now assumed that during a check 37, the module 10 checks on the time counter a value lower than that checked during the previous check 37 This means that among the two checks 37, the push button 31 was again activated, reason for which the counter resumes counting In this case, the module 10 controls the display unit 17 so as to replace the symbol 22 to 26 currently displayed with the symbol for the following lower priority anomaly, reason for which the driver can successively view all

  anomalies reported on the interface 11.

  As is known, after actuation of the small key of the electrical equipment, analog sensors give the anomaly information. The signaling device can then be used as a self-diagnostic device for the sensors, by actuating repetitively the push button 31 and checking on the display unit 17, the appearance of the

  display of the various symbols 22 to 26 of anomalies.

  From what has been described above, the advantages of the signaling device according to the invention are obvious compared to known devices. In fact, the display unit 17 makes it possible to significantly reduce the table area of edge necessary for the different signals This surface is each time independent of the number of sensors and uses, thanks to which one can visualize the information In addition, it makes it possible to visualize the signals with larger symbols and therefore more visible and more

easily understandable.

  In addition, since the symbol always appears in the same display unit 17, the driver finds it in a predetermined area of the dashboard and does not have to distract himself from looking at the different instruments. symbol is in turn automatically appropriate for ambient light Finally, the device can be easily adapted to different national and international standards, by simply modifying the records of memory 14, or substituting it, to

  which it is extremely flexible.

  It is obvious that many modifications can be made to the signaling device described.

  improvements, without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, to adapt the brightness of the display unit 16 to ambient light, a brightness sensor may be provided, adapted to condition the module so as to vary the contrast and / or the brightness of the pixels. In addition , anomalies messages can include alphabetical messages in the language of each country or be substituted by these messages

alphabetical.

  The display unit can in turn be of the color type, for example with three elements of the three fundamental colors for each pixel, so as to associate with each symbol 22 to 26, a corresponding color for the image and a color for the background. Finally, the clock 13 can also provide the date, while the module 10 can simply consist of

  logic circuits printed or integrated on a board.

  The display unit can be provided with multicolored lights, so as to display fault messages 22 to 26 of different colors (for example

  example a yellow symbol, then a red, then a green).

he

Claims (12)

  1 Multifunctional diagnostic signaling device for the dashboard of an automobile, comprising a display unit (17) controlled by an electronic module (10), capable of receiving a series of information for a corresponding series of messages of anomalies (22 to 26), characterized in that said display unit (17) is controlled so as to display each time only one of said messages (22 to 26), means (31) being provided for conditioning said module (10), so as to ensure the visualization, successively, of at least two of said messages (22 to 26).   2 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic module (10) comprises storage means (14) for a plurality of messages (22 to 26), corresponding to a plurality of said fault information, each message being associated to   a corresponding degree of priority.   3 Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said module (10) is arranged so as to ensure the display, on said display unit (17), of the message (22 to 26) corresponding to the highest degree of priority high, said conditioning means   (31) being capable of being actuated manually.   4 Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said information is received by an interface (11), disposed between a plurality of sensors and said electronic module (10) and that the latter is adapted to pick up on said interface (11) , the existence of multiple fault information and to control, in response thereto, display means (27) additional.   Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said display unit (17) is of the dot matrix type (19), the said messages being   represented by symbols (22 to 26) of the graphic type.   6 Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said additional display means comprise a part (27) of said dot matrix (19) and are adapted to display a   additional graphic element (28).   7 Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said display unit (17) is of the type adapted to reverse the excitation of the points of the symbols to replace them with those of the bottom, control means (21) being provided to order the inversion of said excitation.   8 Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said control means comprise a control (21) for lighting the lights of the automobile and that said display unit (27) is of the type comprising at least one pair of pixel display element,   with a matching couple of colors.   9 Device according to any one of   Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the said   display unit (17) comprises means for regulating the brightness and / or the contrast and an element sensitive to ambient light is adapted to control the said means of regulation as a function of the intensity of ambient light.   Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the said   module (10) is adapted to receive multiple and street fault information, said conditioning means comprise a push button 31, adapted to control, at each actuation, the substitution of the displayed fault message (22 to 26) by that of   the immediately lower priority anomaly.   11 Device according to claim 10, characterized in that timing means for conditioning said electronic module (10) are provided so as to replace the displayed message (22 to   26) the message of the maximum priority anomaly.   12 Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 11, comprising a clock unit   digital electronics (13), characterized in that the module (10), in the absence of information on anomalies, is capable of ensuring the display on said display unit (17) of information from said unit clock (13).   13 Device according to claim 12, characterized in that a minimum priority is associated with said clock unit (13), said conditioning means (31) being capable of being actuated in the presence of display of the anomaly symbol (22 to 26) of maximum priority, to temporarily display the data of said display unit (13).   14 Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 14, characterized by the fact that   include means for backlighting in several colors, suitable for displaying successive symbols of different colors.