RU2783351C2 - Vehicle control device and wireless communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, in particular to vehicle control devices. The vehicle control device includes a microcontroller, a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth device, a voltage stabilizer circuit, and a voltage protection circuit, an accumulator battery, and a battery charge regulation circuit, an analogue-to-digital adapter of CAN bus of a transceiving type, an optic-to-digital signal adapter, a radio-frequency module (RF-module), an external antenna coordination system, and a non-volatile storage device (ROM), which provides a possibility of simultaneous formation of external and internal wireless network and connection to other devices to control, management, issue warnings, and save data about a driver and his/her driving style, about his/her cargo, and related vehicles in a real time mode, as well as to interact with other vehicles equipped with similar devices to maintain communication with them.

EFFECT: provision of information exchange between devices and provision of controllability of tracking variables in a vehicle environment.

8 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the present invention relates

The presented invention patent relates to a vehicle control device and a wireless communication network.

It is well known that with the development of technologies that have developed at a given time, air, land, water and/or rail transport units are equipped with a variety of controls that read the parameters of various internal and external components of these vehicles.

Indeed, in land vehicles, more specifically, in automobiles, there are many internal devices that are controlled and/or controlled by a central computer, which is commonly referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU). The purpose of this central computer is to read all the data from the sensors installed on the vehicle and at the same time control the actuators in order to change their state. The communication medium through which these elements interact with all controlled devices is usually the CAN bus (Controller Area Network - a network of controllers). Each vehicle differs from another vehicle in the number of sensors or actuators it has; in addition, it is also equipped with a variety of devices that provide additional convenience. An example is a high-end car equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation system with a touch screen that allows you to see your route, set destinations and fix your favorite places.

However, low-end vehicles are not equipped with most of these devices, and therefore the ECU performs only some of the data reading and control functions. Even if the user can privately install a monitor, a satellite tracker, an engine management system, a camera system, and the like, these devices will not have features that allow them to communicate with each other and exchange information about certain events with each other, which must be recorded or be sent to a specific location.

To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a control device that can receive multiple connections from different external devices, as well as transmit information to each of them or beyond its location, and it has the ability to function as a beacon, i. signal that can be "seen" by other devices in the vicinity. This device includes a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection capable of performing all of the above functions, and at the same time is equipped with a CAN bus input connector so that it can communicate with the vehicle ECU and act as an additional sensor or actuator of the entire on-board system. What's more, it is equipped with a memory that randomly captures events, with the addition of a backup battery to prevent loss of events in the event of any malfunction in the vehicle's electronics.

Background of the Invention

Thus, at present, there is no vehicle control device and a wireless communication network that would allow the integration of several devices and the interconnection between them to form a network that would allow these devices to exchange information with each other and provide control and tracking of variables in environment of the specified vehicle.

In particular, the prior art has developed the following: US Pat. No. 78I3843 B2 describes a self-organizing IP (interworking protocol network) mobile communication network for an intelligent transportation system. It proposes a method for intelligent management of a transport network. This method may involve the use of a roadside device 18 that communicates with nodes 14A-14D that correspond to vehicles 12A-12D in the transportation network, said vehicle nodes being located within the range of the roadside device. The roadside device may dynamically detect the presence of node 14A associated with the first vehicle 12A and form an IP network between the roadside device and the first vehicle node. The roadside device 18 receives, from the node 14A of the first vehicle, event data related to the first vehicle 12A over the mobile IP network in real time. Roadside device 18 or nodes 14A-14D may further receive or transmit command data in real time to control vehicle subsystems. Instead, the present invention provides an on-board control device (as a function of the method) that simultaneously forms an internal and external wireless communication network.

In said prior patent (column 2, line 46), vehicles included therein may be automated vehicles such as cars and SUVs, motorcycles, buses, trucks, and vans. Instead, the present invention proposes an integrated solution that includes the use of various types of transport vehicles designed for the transport of goods, such as trailers with a rated load, standard containers, trailers or specialized ship containers, while providing communication with any vehicle carrying such transport vehicles. funds. In other words, the control device can be installed and operated on vehicles of any kind, be they land, water and/or air vehicles.

In one embodiment of the prior patent (column 3, line 27), the wireless IP network 16 formed by each of the wireless mobile nodes and the combination of wireless mobile nodes 14A-14B can further communicate with an optional roadside device 18, such as a server or router. wireless access. For comparison, the present invention provides that since the control device can simultaneously perform the functions of a router and a node, then if it is necessary to establish a connection with a server or some other device that is outside the coverage area of the control device, it can be connected (using an internal network formed by between the internal devices of the vehicle) with a module that provides a connection to the cloud, which allows you to deliver information to any desired location.

In one exemplary embodiment of the prior patent (column 5, line 57), mobility module 46 may be additionally used in conjunction with data processing module 42 to calculate vehicle speed and/or acceleration at predetermined time intervals. Instead, to calculate the speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle, the control device according to the present invention can extract or analyze this information directly from the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) via a CAN connection, or it can be connected to a cellular phone where this data can be retrieved. its own hardware; or a GPS module and/or an acceleration module can be wirelessly connected to it, and the control device can perform these calculations on its own; or this data can be transmitted to it by other devices, also wirelessly, and the control device will redirect them to a specific address.

In the prior patent (column 5, line 55), communication node or device 14A may also include a tracking module 48 and a collection of sensors that monitor and read environmental data, or other means of a similar kind, which include, for example, devices such as a radar organ 68, a laser range finder 70, a video device 72 and a weighing unit 74. For comparison, in the control device according to the present invention, any of these sensors and all those sensors with which it is advisable to provide interaction for reporting or calculating any variable, or even for monitoring, in addition to the ability to extract and analyze this information, those the same sensors that are already installed in the unit, in which case the control unit will retrieve information directly from the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle via a CAN connection, but it can also be connected wirelessly and therefore form an internal network in the vehicle, allowing the distribution of information between devices that interact with the RV (control device). By comparison, the predecessor device cannot form an internal network of interconnected devices.

On the other hand, we have found the patent document CN 106652437 A, which applies for a comprehensive intelligent real-time traffic monitoring and control system. This invention discloses a complex real-time intelligent traffic control and monitoring system and relates to the field of intelligent traffic control and monitoring. According to this invention, the traffic control system and the vehicle control system communicate with each other in real time via a communication network via the Internet. The traffic monitoring and control system includes a computer network, a data storage system, a continuous monitoring system, an intelligent guiding system, a checking system, a communication network system, an authentication system, an identification system, an evaluation system, and a power supply system. The proposed control method involves the following stages: obtaining information about the relevant parameters of vehicles in real time, performing correlation calculations, analyzing and optimizing the vehicle passage pattern and distributing the routes of the corresponding vehicles, taking into account their operational characteristics and / or driving skills of their drivers . According to the system disclosed by this invention, the passage of vehicles is subject to complex, dynamic and intelligent control in real time, and the behavior of drivers is strictly controlled and regulated in all respects, and the frequency of traffic accidents is reduced to a minimum, thereby effectively preventing prohibited and illegal actions, and adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road conditions do not affect road safety.

Said prior invention discloses methods and operations for traffic control, but unlike the present invention, it does not cover the use of hardware or any particular device. In the control device according to the present invention, the execution of the corresponding operations is provided by the ability to track specific loads, in addition to reading the internal parameters of the vehicle through the connection of the desired wireless sensors with the exchange of information or through its CAN bus to access the parameters of the vehicle ECU, using the required application . This device can be installed and can function on any type of vehicle, be it land, water and/or air transport. These devices can also be located on transportable vehicles of various types with the possibility of interfacing with them by various vehicles. Such a device can store all data about the state of the sensors and the events that they can generate, without the need to establish a direct relationship with driving or traffic. Because the control device is modular and scalable, it is possible to connect multiple wireless devices to meet the requirements of a particular task, rather than relying solely on one system, as in the previous invention, where the ability of the device to track non-driving variables or the state of traffic, is not provided at all.

Similarly, we have found prior US 6892131132 relating to vehicle tracking, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and vehicle fleet management. The automated fleet management system is designed to identify the location and direction of movement of each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles in real time and automatically communicate directly with the authorities to report its location and direction of movement, as well as the status of specified events in which the vehicle may be involved.

Said document proposes a method that is server dependent and requires a connection to that server using certain means (either via telephone line access or via the Internet). In contrast to this solution, the control device according to the present invention does not depend on any dedicated server and can function without the need to establish an external connection or independently of it. Control devices that are within the radio coverage of their signals can establish communication and exchange data with each other, regardless of the point that acts as a data router.

Finally, US 7327280 B2 applies for an emergency override system for traffic signals. The emergency system of priority interruption of traffic control signals is designed to prioritize the interruption of traffic lights at the intersection in order to ensure the safe passage of emergency vehicles. This system includes a real-time intersection monitor that relays data to the control module for transmission to emergency vehicles, as well as to the central control room. This system also provides audible warning signals to ensure the safety of pedestrians at an intersection who are in a position where they may not see the visual signaling or who otherwise cannot hear the approach of rescue vehicles. The transponder installed on the rescue vehicle provides autonomous control, so that the driver of the vehicle can ensure that they do not get into an emergency and do not control the system. Activating the situation by priority code provides communication with each intersection that the rescue vehicle is approaching and indicates whether the intersection is out of service or if there is a risk of collision with other rescue vehicles that are approaching the intersection. The on-board diagnostics process various data, including driving direction, speed and acceleration, transmitted to the control module, which transmits them to the intersection, and which simultaneously receives information related to the situation at the intersection. Real-time communication software and operating software provide centralized and remote monitoring, recording of measurement results and issuing commands to intersections and vehicles.

In contrast to the present invention, the described hardware may be located outside the vehicle (at intersections). For comparison, the proposed control device can be used in various vehicles, as well as transport vehicles, and not be installed at fixed points such as intersections or traffic lights. In the previous invention, to control the presented system, two devices are provided, one of which is installed on the vehicle and relies on the monitor readings, and the other device is installed at the intersection. In contrast to this solution, the present invention does not require any external devices to perform its functions. It can be connected to other devices installed on other vehicles and located in the signal coverage area; and thus it can synchronize with them in order to meet the requirements of a certain operation. It does not depend on the LED display, but just in case, monitors and/or additional sensors or devices that meet the requirements of a particular task, which can be connected wirelessly, are required.

Thus, in contrast to the prior art inventions, which disclose methods involving the performance of specific operations that are restrictive, the present invention proposes a control device that is to be installed on board a vehicle, both automated and non-automated, and which can also be placed in transportable vehicles of various types, while providing communication with a vehicle of any type, whether land, water or air transport, with the possibility of forming a wireless network, internal or external to it, which makes it possible to connect it with other devices for the purpose of monitoring, managing, issuing warnings and storing data about the driver and his driving style, about the load and the vehicles associated with it in real time, as well as for the purpose of interacting with other vehicles tailors equipped with a similar device to notify drivers of the need to concentrate, to replace parts or to distribute the load.

Brief summary of the present invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that includes a microcontroller, a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth device, a voltage stabilizer circuit and a voltage protection circuit, a storage battery and a battery charge regulation circuit, a transceiver-type analog-to-digital CAN bus adapter, optical a digital signal adapter, a radio frequency (RF) module, an external antenna matching circuit, and a non-volatile memory (ROM), and which allows for the simultaneous formation of an external and internal wireless network and connection to other devices for control, alerting, and data storage about the driver and his driving style, about his cargo and the vehicles associated with him in real time, as well as for the purpose of interacting with other vehicles equipped with a similar device to maintain communication with them.

Brief description of the figures

For ease of presentation and a better understanding of the purpose of the present invention, it is illustrated by various figures, in which the claimed invention is presented in the form of one of the preferred embodiments of its implementation, which is purely illustrative, where:

In FIG. 1 is a view of a control device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 2 is a plan view of the control device, where you can see the various operating units that form a common control board, which are indicated by the following reference numerals: A) a voltage protection circuit and a voltage regulator circuit; C) signal adapter and CAN bus adapter; C) microcontroller; D) storage battery; E) voltage charge control circuit; f) RF circuit; G) circuit with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules; and H) antenna matching scheme.

In FIG. 3 shows a side view of a control device with various parts identified by the following reference numerals: A) power inlet; C) connector for external antenna for RF circuit; c) connector for external antenna for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module; D) connector for CAN bus; and E) control device housing.

In FIG. 4 shows the controller in full connection mode.

In FIG. 5 shows the control unit in independent connection mode, which allows it to operate without the use of an ECU.

In FIG. 6 shows the control device in the co-existence mode.

In FIG. 7 shows the zoom mode according to the present invention.

In FIG. 8 shows various control devices interconnected with other external devices.

Detailed description of the purpose of the present invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and a wireless communication network.

To facilitate understanding of the present invention so that it can be easily implemented, the following paragraphs contain a precise description of one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative, all of which are by way of example only and do not limit the claimed invention, the components of which may be selected from various equivalents without departing from the principles set forth herein.

The device according to the present invention consists of a circuit board called a common control board (hereinafter referred to as GCB), which includes various electronic circuits that ensure the operation of this device (see Fig. 1), namely: 1) a microcontroller, which, in addition to other than that, it is responsible for the operation of the control device as a whole, establishes connections, manages the data of other connected devices, and distributes information; 2) a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module (hereinafter referred to as BT), which may include a Wi-Fi communication capability module and another Bluetooth communication capability module, or a single module that includes both of these technologies; at the same time, he is responsible for establishing all the necessary connections according to the selected mode of operation and is connected together with the microcontroller so that they can exchange information all the time and be fully controlled to perform all the necessary operations; 3) voltage regulator circuit. Since the control device is equipped with a power input, it must be adapted and adjusted in such a way as to ensure the correct operation of the GCB components; accordingly, this stabilizer circuit corrects and regulates the necessary voltage for the microcontroller, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module, RF module (hereinafter referred to as RF module) and the battery control circuit; 4) a voltage protection circuit that protects the GCB from voltage surges and even polarity reversal, and which recognizes that one way to destroy the electronic devices that make up the vehicle is to apply voltage to them, the value of which exceeds the level they support ; 5) a battery that supplies power to the GCB in the event of a power outage; 6) a battery charge control circuit whose function is to keep the battery in a constantly charged state so that whenever there is a power outage from the mains, the GCB constantly receives power to ensure its uninterrupted operation as long as the power supply is in the battery will not be completely used up; at the same time, in parallel, it is responsible for maintaining the voltage level; 7) an analog-to-digital adapter (transceiver) of the CAN bus, which includes a device of a transceiver type (transceiver), correcting signals for its correct operation, and which is controlled by a microcontroller; 8) an optical-to-digital signal converter for protecting the circuits of the device, which converts an electronic signal into an optical signal, providing electrical isolation of the circuit, which includes a CAN connection with the microcontroller responsible for its operation; at the same time, thanks to this type of protection, the supply of high voltage or other voltage of an undesirable level, which can disable the microcontroller, is prevented; 9) radio frequency module (RF module) formed by a radio frequency transmitter/receiver that operates at a frequency other than that of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is controlled by a microcontroller and is responsible for transmitting all messages to be received by another device within the coverage area. This module is not part of the network that forms the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chain, but only works when needed. When it becomes necessary to expand the radio coverage area, both the Wi-Fi / BT module and the RF module are triggered; 10) external antenna matching circuit, which is responsible for correcting radio signals for impedance values so that their range can be increased; and finally 11) a data storage device responsible for storing all the data that should be available in the equipment data archive. It is controlled by a microcontroller and is responsible for writing data to memory when the need arises.

The device according to the present invention is characterized by a modular and scalable design. The modularity of this device lies in the fact that it connects with other devices located inside and outside the unit that perform specific functions, and in parallel allows them to exchange information. The scalability of this device lies in the fact that a number of other necessary devices can be added to it, as well as in the ability to establish communication with two or more control devices, which allows for increased scalability.

Since the main purpose of the present invention is to integrate and interconnect several devices, thereby forming certain networks, this allows the exchange of information between these devices, and also achieves controllability and the ability to continuously monitor the variables that can be detected in the environment. vehicle. These connections can be established within the vehicle, as well as with other devices locally included in it (internal network), or even with devices that may be located outside the vehicle (external network). In the event of a vehicle theft, this type of external connection to other devices allows the control device - through the use of a GPS signal and/or mobile data cancellation - to perform the function of a radio beacon, i.e. give a signal at a given frequency, which can be intercepted by another vehicle in the vicinity. In this case, the vehicle that intercepted the specified signal will know that its sender is in an emergency, will be able to identify the sender and report the location of the stolen or emergency vehicle with completely or partially canceled signals.

To this end, the control device according to the present invention provides at least three different modes of operation or operation, namely: a) full connection mode; b) independent connection mode; and c) integrated connection mode.

Full connection mode. In this mode, the control unit communicates with the vehicle's ECU via the CAN bus, which makes it possible to collect data and thus perform the operations required by the user. This mode of operation ensures that the vehicle ECU communicates with all devices that are connected to the control device with the appropriate authorization (see Fig. 4).

Independent connection mode. This mode is provided for cases where the control unit does not have the ability to communicate with the vehicle ECU, and therefore the CAN bus is not connected. In this mode of operation, all devices communicate with each other and exchange information wirelessly, and the control device is responsible, among other things, for storing data, providing the required and previously stored information, establishing schemes or modes of operation to perform the required operations (see Fig. . 5).

Integrated connection mode. This mode involves embedding the control unit in the original vehicle ECU, where it becomes part of the internal device of the specified unit, and its mode of operation corresponds to the full connection mode, since it can communicate with the CAN bus inside the unit, or even the independent connection mode, since it there is no need to establish any type of interconnection with said bus, since it is part of the same physical device.

Collaboration mode. In this mode, the control unit is identified by the vehicle and interfaces with the ECU and with one or more other control units integrated into various possible modules within the vehicle unit. Thus, the user can ensure the interaction of all modules without necessarily connecting to one of them. For example, the GPS module can only communicate with the SIM module. In this way, a GPS-SIM route can be set. Alternatively, for example, the route GPS - SIM - control unit with the ECU can be set.

Interaction with other devices. The control device communicates with other devices through the Wi-Fi/BT module, which forms an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) for all units that are characterized by this type of wireless connection. Once connected, the control device can provide a complete exchange of information between all these devices with the additional ability to save or create registration records in the internal memory. In addition to establishing an access point, the control device can also operate in station mode (hereinafter referred to as STA), while connecting to other access points, all of which are in the radio coverage area. Since the control device can operate in AP and STA modes, this makes it possible to form an internal or external network of a grid structure, with which the distribution of information will be improved due to the lack of dependence on only one access point. Any devices capable of establishing wireless communication via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology can be connected, such as, but not limited to, smartphones, GPS modules, vehicle internal monitors, card readers, fingerprint scanners, SIM modules with GPRS data/ 3G/4G/5G, satellite communication modules, video cameras, additional alarm systems, tire pressure displays, axle load displays, automatic tire pressure gauges with or without pressure according to load (see Fig. 6) .

The control device operating in the main modes or in the joint mode can communicate with other neighboring control devices, thereby forming an internal network with other devices associated with the specified device. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the grid structure of the network allows a plurality of control devices to exchange any information with each other. This device is also configured to establish connections with other devices that are not part of the vehicle's internal network, i.e. it can receive connections from devices external to it, such as those encountered on a public road. In particular, the controller may form an internal network with other controllers, as shown in FIG. 7; but it is also configured to establish an external connection with other devices in the coverage area, as shown in FIG. eight.

The control device can be installed on vehicles, both automated and non-automated, and can be placed in various types of transport vehicles, such as trailers with a design load, standard containers, trailers or specialized ship containers, while providing communication with any vehicle transporting such means of transport for the transport of goods. In other words, it can be installed and operated on vehicles of any kind, be they land, sea and/or air vehicles.

Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to propose a vehicle control device and a wireless communication network that can form a wireless network, internal or external to said device, which allows said control device to be connected to other devices for the purpose of controlling, control, issue warnings and store data about the driver and his driving style, about his cargo and vehicles associated with him in real time, as well as for the purpose of interacting with other vehicles equipped with similar devices to maintain communication with them.

Claims (8)

1. A vehicle control device with an optical-to-digital signal adapter, characterized in that it includes devices integrated with a vehicle control device, including a microcontroller, a Wi-Fi / Bluetooth device, a voltage stabilizer circuit and a voltage protection circuit, a battery battery and battery control circuit, a transceiver-type A/D CAN bus adapter, a radio frequency (RF) module, an external antenna matching circuit, and a non-volatile memory (ROM) that can simultaneously form an external and internal wireless network and connect to others devices for the purpose of monitoring, managing, issuing warnings and storing data about the driver and his driving style, about his cargo and vehicles associated with it in real time, as well as for the purpose of interacting with other vehicles equipped with a device you control the vehicle, to communicate with them, and each of the mentioned devices is made with the ability to directly link information to each other. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to be installed on board a vehicle, automated or non-automated, and in various types of cargo carried by vehicles and associated with vehicles of any kind, whether ground, water or air transport. 3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to integrate and communicate with each other several devices with the formation of internal networks that provide the ability to exchange information between these devices, as well as manageability and the ability to continuously monitor variables in the environment said vehicle, wherein each of the devices integrated with the vehicle control device and forming internal networks is configured to directly communicate information with each other. 4. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal wireless network provides the ability to establish connections within the vehicle and with other locally included devices. 5. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external wireless network provides the ability to establish connections with devices that can be detected outside the vehicle. 6. The vehicle control device according to claim. 1, characterized in that it is configured to generate modes, including at least a full connection mode, an independent connection mode, an integrated connection mode, and a joint operation mode. 7. Vehicle control device according to claim. 1, characterized in that it has a modular and scalable design. 8. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is connected to other vehicle control devices via the Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module and the radio frequency module, with the installation of an access point and operation in station mode.

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