SE515699C2 - Signal indication device and method for indicating the condition of systems in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle is fitted with a number of sensors to monitor set parameters on the vehicle and power train. A logic system processes the signals and activates displays. The logic system decides a priority for the displays and delays some non essential indicators if the vehicle is in a situation which demands attention by the driver. This is determined by programmed control fields and by grouping the sensors in priority sets. The indication of some parameters eg. low washer fluid, is delayed eg. if the vehicle is being reversed, if the driver changes torque above a set rate, during braking etc. Non essential indicators are activated eg. when the vehicle is being driven at a steady speed along a straight road.

Description

The driver environment becomes relatively complex with respect to the number of potential fault indications that can be activated.

In order to stabilize these indicating devices, different signal processing units are often used, where the indicating devices are affected depending on the nature of the signal indicating the condition. With different types of Schrnitt trigger circuits or functions, for example, the display device can be activated if, for example, the critical condition / temperature / level falls below a threshold value, since deactivation of the display device only takes place if the condition / temperature / level etc. exceeds the threshold value + x% of the threshold value. the threshold value has been exceeded. Other indicating devices can be activated only after the signal has been stable for a predetermined time. Even if the above-mentioned stabilizing devices are used, the indicating device may be activated in operating cases where the driver is concentrated on other demanding tasks, which may result in very stressful situations for the driver.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to relieve the driver from presenting new information in circumstances where the driver's concentration is focused on transient and demanding tasks. In this way, annoying and disturbing elements can be temporarily avoided, which promotes safe handling of the vehicle even in very demanding situations.

Another purpose is that the delay in the presentation of new information can only take place during a predetermined time, during which time a demanding but transient driving situation has time to pass. This ensures that the presentation of new information is obtained, and not delayed indefinitely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The inventive signal indicating device is characterized by the characterizing part of claim 1, and the inventive method for indicating state in a vehicle system is characterized by the characterizing part of claim 2.

Through the inventive signal indicating device and the method for indicating conditions in systems in a vehicle, the driver can be relieved partly from presentation of new information during driving situations when the driver is concentrated on demanding driving tasks and partly from presentation of new information when the driver concentrates is focused on setting or maneuvering the controls in the vehicle. The other features and advantages of the invention appear from the characterizing parts of the other claims and the following description of an exemplary embodiment.

The description is made with reference to figures given in the following fi gur list.

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a signal indicating device which is activated depending on the condition of a system in the vehicle, and Figure 2 schematically shows a system where a number of different systems can activate different indicators, and where the activation of the indicators in an inventive manner delayed in a signal processing unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a general overview of a vehicle 1, containing a presentation unit 2 arranged in the driver's immediate environment. The presentation unit is preferably integrated in the instrument panel with different types of indicating devices, with which the driver can be alerted to conditions in systems.

A system may, for example, contain some type of liquid container 3, which may be a coolant container, a washer fluid container or the oil pan in the engine. A level sensor 4 detects the level in the container 3 and forwards a signal corresponding to the level to a signal processing unit 7, which in turn activates a suitable indicating device when the level reaches a predetermined level.

In accordance with the invention, however, some form of detection of a demanding driving task shall be performed, alternatively that the driver is detected affect systems directly or indirectly related to the driving task, which detection affects the signal processing unit activation of the indicating device. To this end, the figure also shows an accelerator pedal 5 and an accelerator pedal sensor 6, which sensor transmits a signal corresponding to the accelerator pedal position to a signal processing unit 7. How this effect takes place is described in more detail in connection with the description of figure 2.

The mentioned signal indicating devices can be realized in a number of ways. Conventionally, a plurality of indicator lamps are used, each indicator lamp being used to indicate a certain predetermined state in a system. This means that a number of indicator lights are required to be able to notify the driver of these conditions.

An alternative to this variety of indicator lights can be obtained with a display window, often referred to as displays, where an alphanumeric text or a symbol can be activated in the display window.

The signal indicating devices can also be combined with different types of sound signals in particularly critical conditions. The display unit 2 can thus contain individual indicator lamps for each type of fault, display window saint sound generator, which types of indicator devices can be combined in two or two ways so that the driver can safely perceive different types of conditions in the vehicle system.

Figure 2 schematically shows a system in which a number of different functions 11a-1d can activate different indicators 10a-10d, and in which the activation of the indicators is delayed in a signal processing unit in an inventive manner. The signal processing unit in Figure 2 is divided into first and a second part, 7a and 7b, respectively. The first part 7a of the signal processing unit contains the logical functions which determine whether a demanding driving task exists, alternatively if the driver is busy with a setting or control of some system which is directly or indirectly related to the driving task. This determination is performed depending on a first category of sensors 30-45. The second part 7b of the signal processing unit contains the means which initiate a delay of the activation of the indicating device depending on the determination in the first part 7a.

The signal processing unit 7/7 a, 7b forwards signals from different systems or functions in systems containing a second category of sensors 11a-11d in the vehicle, which activate the indicating means 10a-10d, in this case in the form of indicator lamps. The sensors may comprise, for example, a level sensor 11a, a temperature sensor 11b, a filament guard 11c or a sensor function which detects the functionality of any subsystem in the vehicle 11d.

The level sensor 11a can correspond to that shown in Figure 1, the level sensor 4, where the indicator lamp 10a is activated by the level sensor 11a when the current level is below a critical and / or service-calling level.

According to the invention, the activation of the indicator lamp 10a can be delayed due to a signal on the line 26 from the first part 7a of the signal processing unit. Each activation of the respective indicator lamp is influenced by an independent delay unit 29a-29d, of which only one delay unit 29a is described in detail in an exemplary embodiment. All delay units 29a-29d are controlled by the signal on line 26.

In the embodiment shown, the delay unit is realized with relays 20,21.

When a signal is present on the line 26 at the same time as the indicator lamp 10 is not lit, the relay 20 is activated, whereby the relay contact is switched from the B-position shown in the clock to the bar-marked A-position. A signal from the function 11a can then not activate the indicator lamp 10a.

If, instead, the indicator lamp 10a is already lit when the signal on line 26 occurs, the relay 20 cannot break the indicator lamp circuit, as the activation of the indicator lamp 10a simultaneously activates the relay 21 and switches the relay contact from the position shown in the figure to the dashed position.

This relay connection does not affect an already lit indicator lamp, since a primary activation of the indicator lamp is prevented by the signal on line 26. How long this primary activation can be prevented is determined by a time circuit / timer 22. If the function 11a gives a signal for activating the indicator lamp 10a and at the same time as the relay contact is switched to the bar-marked A-position, the time circuit 22. is initiated.

The time circuit is suitably designed so that primary activation of the indicator lamp can not be delayed more than a maximum permitted predetermined time. This predetermined time can be adapted to the respective indicating means, whereby different times may apply to the respective delay unit 29a-29d depending on how critical the function is. can be selected for a longer period of time.

The predetermined delay time should preferably be in the range of 10-50 seconds, which is a normal time for a transient and demanding driving task such as overtaking, or a normal time for the driver to change any control.

The embodiment shown with relays can of course also be implemented in another form, for example through an IC circuit developed for the purpose, or with some form of software control.

The first part 7a of the signal processing unit performs a determination if a demanding driving task is present, or alternatively if the driver is busy with a setting or regulation of some system which is directly or indirectly related to the driving task depending on a first category of sensors 30-45. This first category of sensors includes at least one of a first and / or second group of sensors. The first group of sensors, containing the sensors 30-37, was used to determine if the driver was busy with a demanding but transient driving task. The second group of sensors, containing sensors 39-45, is used to determine if the driver is engaged in a setting or control of any system directly or indirectly related to the driving task.

The first group of sensors may include; a sensor 30 which detects an ongoing shift, which can be detected via a sensor on the clutch or a number of gear position contacts, a sensor 31 which detects the acceleration, either on a power transmission included in the driveline or the acceleration on the vehicle, , in the form of throttle position, accelerator pedal position, charge air pressure or equivalent, -sensor 33 which detects activated turn signals, -sensor 34 which detects activated brakes, in the form of switched on brake light, the pressure in the brake system or equivalent, -sensor 35 which detects other gear than the highest gear is engaged, -sensor 36 which detects the current engine speed, and -sensor 37 which detects engaged reverse gear.

The second group of sensors may include; a sensor 39 which detects the instantaneous influence on the adjusting controls for the rear-view mirrors, - a sensor 40 which detects the instantaneous influence on the adjusting controls for the driver's seat, control computer for trip computer, -sensor 43 which detects instantaneous influence on control controls for navigation aids, -sensor 44 which detects instantaneous influence on setting controls for the climate system, and -sensor 45 which detects instantaneous influence on control controls for mobile phone or the mobile phone is used for calls.

In addition to these above-mentioned sensors of the first and second groups, a complementary sensor in the form of a speed sensor 38 is used. The speed sensor 38 suitably detects the speed of the vehicle and can be used as a supplementary condition in determining a demanding driving task. , based on the first group's sensors 30-37, or alternatively used as a supplementary condition in determining whether the driver is busy with a setting or regulation of any system directly or indirectly related to the driving task, based on the second group's sensors 39- 45. The comparator 15e may suitably have a reference value corresponding to a speed of the order of 5-15 km / h.

This reference value forms a threshold value in the railway, and when the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold value, the comparator 15e leaves a high signal level at the output.

The first part 7a of the signal processing unit includes a number of logic circuits or functions 13-15. The logic circuits 13a-13d consist of “and” gates which require all input signals to be actively high in order to in turn generate a high output signal. The logic circuits 14a-14d are constituted by "or" gates which require that either of the input signals be actively high in order to in turn generate a high output signal. The logic circuits 15a-15e consist of iron drivers / comparators, which compare the input signal with a reference value, and when the reference value is exceeded / alternatively undershot, in turn generates a high output signal from the iron driver 15.

In practice, the logic circuits are part of a circuit solution where all circuits operate at a certain signal level, and where inputs to and outputs from the first part 7a of the signal processing unit are adapted in suitable interfaces or drive steps to the current logic level and drive requirements for relays in the second part 7b of the signal processing unit. These conventional interfaces and drive stages are not shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows only one comparator in more detailed form, namely the comparator 15e which receives the signal from the speed sensor 38. Other railway drivers 15a-15d are constructed in a corresponding manner.

Determining whether the driver is busy with a demanding but transient driving task is done as follows.

If the acceleration or motor load given by signals from the sensors 31 and 32, respectively, is above a level given by the respective comparator 15a, 15b, a high output signal is generated from the respective comparator 15a, 15b to the logic circuit 14a. The logic circuit 14a also receives a high input signal from the sensor 30 if a switch is in progress. If any of the three input signals are high to the logic circuit 14a, it is indicated that the driver is driving the vehicle in the event of an operating case where a change or a significant change in the driving of the vehicle is desired or is about to be realized.

A shift is a demanding task that can be caused by the driver preparing for a overtaking or wishing to increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle. A high vehicle acceleration indicates a demanding task where the driver is concentrated on imparting the right load to the vehicle in the surrounding traffic environment. Similarly, a high engine load indicates that the driver wants the vehicle to increase rapidly in speed. Threshold values for high engine load or acceleration of the motor vehicle's drive unit are suitably set in relation to whether a significant change occurs relative to a driving fall during a substantially constant road load corresponding to a driving of the vehicle on a flat road. The logic circuit 14a outputs a high output signal to the logic circuit 14d if either of the three inputs to the logic circuit 14a is high. The output signal from the logic circuit 14d, corresponding to the signal 26, then goes high and pulls the relay 20, which prevents activation of the indicator lamp 10a, unless the indicator lamp is already lit.

If the direction indicator or the braking system is activated, given by the sensors 33 and 34 respectively, it is indicated that the driver is busy with a demanding but transient driving task. If the direction indicator is activated, the driver's concentration is directed to the maneuvers required to change lanes or turn onto a new road, while the driver must observe the surrounding traffic. If the braking system is activated, there is a need to brake the vehicle, which may be caused by traffic obstructions or the need to adapt the vehicle's speed to the surrounding traffic. If either of the signals from the sensors 33 or 34 is high, the logic circuit 14b is a high output signal. The output signal of the logic circuit 14b then goes to the logic circuit 13a which also receives a high input signal from the driver 15e if the speed of the vehicle is above the threshold value. If both inputs to the logic circuit 13a are high, the logic circuit 13a leaves a high output to the logic circuit 14d. The output signal from the logic circuit 14d, corresponding to the signal 26, then goes high and pulls the relay 20, which prevents activation of the indicator lamp 10a, unless the indicator lamp is already lit.

In the logic circuit 13b it is detected if two input signals are high at the same time, which in this case corresponds to the highest gear not being engaged or if the speed is above a predetermined level. This driving case indicates a nerve change situation that may have been initiated to prepare for an overtaking. If both inputs to the logic circuit 13b are high, the logic circuit 13b leaves a high output to the logic circuit 14d. The output signal from the logic circuit 14d, corresponding to the signal 26, then goes high as previously indicated and pulls the relay 20, which prevents activation of the indicator lamp 10a, unless the indicator lamp is already lit.

In the logic circuit 13c it is detected if two input signals are high at the same time, which in this case corresponds to the reverse gear being engaged and if the speed is above the predetermined threshold level. This driving case indicates an ongoing reversal of the vehicle, as the driver usually has his attention directed in another direction than towards the instrument panel. If both inputs to the logic circuit 13b are high, the logic circuit 13b leaves a high output to the logic circuit 14d. The output signal from the logic circuit 14d, corresponding to the signal 26, then goes high as previously indicated and pulls the relay 20, which prevents activation of the indicator lamp 10a, unless the indicator lamp is already lit.

The detected driving cases described above are an indication that the driver is busy with a demanding but transient driving task. If a determination of whether the driver is busy with a setting or regulation of any system that is directly or indirectly related to the driving task is also to affect the initiation of indicator warning lights 10a-10b, this is done in the following way. If either of the signals from the sensors 39-45 is high, the logic circuit 14c teaches a high output to the subsequent logic circuit 13d. The logic circuit 13d also receives an input signal from the comparator 15e, which comparator leaves a high output signal if the speed of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined threshold value. The logic circuit 13d, which is an "and" circuit, in turn leaves a high output signal only if both input signals are high at the same time, i.e. if the driver is setting some control while the vehicle has a speed above the threshold value. In the embodiment shown, the threshold value is the same as before, preferably between 5-15 krn / h, which is a threshold value used to distinguish stationary or in almost stationary vehicles from a driving case where the vehicle is considered to be in motion. If both the input signals to the logic circuit 13d are high, the logic circuit 13d teaches a high output to the logic circuit 14d. The output signal from the logic circuit 14d, corresponding to the signal 26, then goes high as previously indicated and pulls the relay 20, which prevents activation of the indicator lamp 10a, unless the indicator lamp is already lit.

An advantageous implementation is that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the driver momentarily activates other controls belonging to other peripheral equipment in the vehicle not belonging to the system whose condition is to activate the indicating device. This means, for example, that the indicator light for the washer fluid level should not be activated if the air conditioning system is activated, since an indicator device for overtemperatures in the drive unit can be allowed to be activated if the air conditioning system is activated in such a way that a refrigeration compressor is activated.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is only an illustrative example of the invention and how this can be realized in terms of hardware with simple logic circuits. In some vehicles, for example, a serial data bus can be used for the vehicle's instrumentation. Current parameter / data values corresponding to the sensor signals from the sensors 30-45 then occur as data values which are sent in serial form on the data bus. In these systems, a software-like control of various driving cases is preferably used, as well as whether control of controls is present.

In these systems with software control of demanding driving situations, more complicated conditions for activating the delay can be more easily implemented. Delay can, for example, be initiated in steps where successively stricter conditions are required to maintain the delay of the activation of the indicating means. In the case of the indicator light for the washer fluid level, a first delay can be initiated for 50 seconds if, for example, the motor load is at a level exceeding 70% of the full load. After the first delay, a second delay sequence can then be initiated, with the same time or shorter, if then the motor load exceeds 80% of the full load. A third delay sequence can then be initiated, with the same time or shorter, if then the motor load exceeds 90% of the full load and so on. In a logic circuit system, this could be equivalent to the comparator 15b successively changing, or raising the reference level, after each completed delay sequence.

For each type of indicating means, a predetermined maximum delay time can be determined, tMAX, which maximum delay time can be in the interval 1-10 minutes, mainly depending on the type of error to be indicated with the indicating means. Indication of the washer fluid level may, for example, be allowed to be delayed for up to 10 minutes, since an indication of, for example, engine temperature or too low oil level may not be allowed to be delayed for more than a few minutes.

Other types of conditions for determining demanding driving situations can of course be implemented. For example, a detection can be made of whether the ignition is switched on and at the same time the speed drops rapidly below the idle speed of the engine, which may indicate an engine stop. In such situations, a plurality of indicator lights such as oil pressure and charge lamp can be activated, which can be stressful for the driver. In principle, it may be sufficient for a single indicator light to be activated to indicate engine stop.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 with separate delay units 29a-29d gives the advantage that an already affected indicator lamp, for example the lamp 10b for indicating overtemperature, is not affected if a demanding driving situation should arise, i.e. that the signal 26 goes high. On the other hand, all new activations of indicator lights are delayed during the demanding driving situation, so that the driver cannot be stressed by new indications during these situations. 515 699 11. «~. . The invention can be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the claims. The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure, which is only selected to illustrate the signal indicating device in a simple manner.

Claims (11)

10 20 25 30 515 699 / Z PATENTKRAV A signal indicating device for vehicles containing a number of sister sensors (11a-11d), arranged to detect states in vehicle systems and to emit a corresponding signal, depending on the state, a signal processing unit (7) to which the system sensors are directly or indirectly connected, and a presentation unit (2) with activatable indicating devices (10a-10d) arranged in the driver's immediate environment, the presentation unit being connected to the signal processing unit, which is arranged via the presentation unit to present conditions in different vehicle systems to the driver when certain predetermined conditions are noted in these vehicle systems. to the signal processing unit (7a, 7b) are directly or indirectly connected a number of control sensors (30-45) comprising at least one of a first or a second group of sensors, where a first group of sensors (30-3 7,38) gives signals when the driver is busy with a demanding but transient driving task fi, and where a second group of sensors (3 8, 39-45) provides signals when the driver is busy setting or regulating a system directly or indirectly related to the driving task, and that the signal processing unit contains means (20-22) for delaying the activation of the indicating devices (10a-10d) presentation of that the predetermined states detected by the system sensors (11a-11d) are taken, which means for delay are activated by a logic circuit (7a) included in the signal processing unit when at least one of the control sensors indicates that the driver is busy with a demanding but transient driving task, or indicates that the driver is busy with setting or regulation of any system that is directly or indirectly related to the driving task. 2. A method for indicating the condition of a system in a vehicle, wherein in the case of predetermined conditions in the systems an indicating device is activated which draws the attention of the driver of the vehicle to the condition of the systems, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed but demanding work task that is directly or indirectly related to the driving task. 10 20 25 30 515 699/3 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the driving situation with respect to either of the momentary acceleration acting on the vehicle, load on the drive unit or gear ratio in the drive unit deviates significantly from corresponding values when driving with a constant load on a flat road. 4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the reverse gear of the motor vehicle is engaged. 5. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the motor vehicle's braking system is momentarily activated. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the driver has activated external direction indicators (turn signals) arranged externally on the vehicle. Method according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time only if the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed, which threshold speed is preferably in the range 5-15 km / h. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a predetermined time if the driver momentarily activates controls belonging to peripheral equipment in the vehicle not belonging to the system whose condition is to activate the indicating device. 9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that peripheral equipment in the vehicle includes at least one climate equipment, radio, mobile telephone, navigation system, trip computer, and a system for adjusting the driver's seat or rear-view mirrors. . . . . .- 10 515 699 ¿w fi§ v ;; 1 lg I I I '.' in 10. A method according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that the acquisition of the display device is delayed a predetermined time within the interval 10-50 seconds, and if the state is this time still requires an activation of the display device, the display device is activated after the predetermined time has elapsed. Method according to one of Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the activation of the indicating device is delayed for a first predetermined time within the interval 10-50 seconds, that if the driver or the delay is still occupied with a transient but demanding task as direct or indirectly related to the driving task, at least a second delay sequence is initiated for a second predetermined time, as long as the total delay does not exceed a maximum allowable predetermined delay tMAX, which maximum allowable delay is in the range 1-10 minutes, and that if the condition after the end delay still requires an activation of the indicating device, the indicating device is activated. __. n.,