Abstract:
A system includes a module mounted to an exterior of a motor vehicle, the module having a camera mounted within the module, an indicator mounted within the module for optically communicating information external to the motor vehicle, and a module control. The module control unit includes a first microcontroller connected to the indicator for commanding the indicator to communicate information, a first data transmission device connected to the first microcontroller, and a power supply connected to the camera and the indicator for supplying power to the camera and the indicator. An external electronic control unit is disposed in the motor vehicle external to the module. A connection link is connected to the module and the external electronic control unit interleaves both data communication and power.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to a control system for a multifunctional electronic module for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a control system for a multifunctional electronic module that communicates power and data between the module and the motor vehicle controller. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    Motor vehicles have been designed with increasingly advanced technologies aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and performance of the motor vehicle. Examples of such technologies include advanced driver assistance systems and human machine interface systems. Generally, advanced driver assistance systems automate, adapt, or enhance vehicle systems in order to increase vehicle safety and/or operator driving performance. Advanced driver assistance systems are designed to avoid accidents by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems or to avoid collisions by implementing safeguards, such as autonomously controlling the vehicle. Operator driving performance may be improved by using features that enhance certain systems, such as automated lighting, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, automated braking, or improved blind spot elimination using camera technology. Human machine interface systems generally include systems that provide graphics-based visualization of a control system, either to the user of the motor vehicle or to an individual external to the motor vehicle. An example of such a device is a projector system that projects images onto or around the motor vehicle to communicate information regarding the status of the motor vehicle. 
         [0004]    The addition of these advanced technologies to the motor vehicle in turn requires a range of additional hardware to implement these systems. Examples of this hardware include rear-view side cameras, surround-view cameras, sensors, projectors, etc. Thus, while advanced driver assistance systems and human machine interface systems are useful for their intended purpose, there is a constant challenge in packaging and controlling these systems efficiently while not degrading the drivability, fuel efficiency, and appearance of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, a need exists for a system that effectively powers and controls these advanced technologies. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A system for controlling a multifunctional electronic module in for motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a module mounted to an exterior of the motor vehicle, the module having a camera mounted within the module, an indicator mounted within the module for optically communicating information external to the motor vehicle, and a module control. The module control unit includes a first microcontroller connected to the indicator for commanding the indicator to communicate information, a first data transmission device connected to the first microcontroller, and a power supply connected to the camera and the indicator for supplying power to the camera and the indicator. An external electronic control unit is disposed in the motor vehicle external to the module, the external electronic control unit having a second microcontroller, a second data transmission device connected to the second microcontroller, and a power source. A connection link is connected to the module and the external electronic control unit that interleaves both data communication between the first data transmission device and the second data transmission device and power from the power source to the power supply. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, the indicator is a projector or a turn signal. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, the camera is a rear-facing camera or a side surround camera. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, only one connection link is connected between the module and the external electronic control unit. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, the module control unit includes memory connected to the first microcontroller for storing information related to the camera and to the indicator. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the information includes camera calibration data, camera configuration data, manufacturing data, and indicator images. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the module is pivotally mounted to the motor vehicle and includes a motor for pivoting the module, wherein the module control unit further includes a motor driver connected to the first microcontroller, the power supply, and the motor, and wherein the first microcontroller selectively communicates a command to the motor driver to pivot the module and the motor driver powers and drives the motor upon receipt of the command. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the second microcontroller processes and transforms data from the camera to generate an image view. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, a display device is disposed in the motor vehicle and connected to the external electronic control unit, wherein the display device displays the image view generated from the second microcontroller. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the first transmission device serializes data from the camera and the first microcontroller and communicates the serialized data to the second transmission device, and the second transmission device deserializes the serialized data. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the second transmission device serializes second data from the second microcontroller including camera and indicator command data and communicates the serialized second data to the first transmission device, and the first data transmission device deserializes the second serialized data. 
         [0016]    A system for controlling an armature in a motor vehicle is also provided. The system includes an armature pivotally mounted to an exterior of the motor vehicle, the armature having a camera mounted within the armature, a motor for pivoting the armature between an extended position and a closed position, an armature control unit having a first microcontroller connected to the motor for commanding the motor to pivot the armature, a first data transmission device connected to the first microcontroller, and a power supply connected to the camera and the motor for supplying power to the camera and the motor. An external electronic control unit is disposed in the motor vehicle external to the armature, the external electronic control unit having a second microcontroller, a second data transmission device connected to the second microcontroller, and a power source. A connection link is disposed between the armature and the external electronic control unit that carries both data communication between the first data transmission device and the second data transmission device and power from the power source to the power supply. 
         [0017]    In one aspect, the connection link is connected to the first transmission device and the power supply at one end and connected to the second transmission device and power source at another end. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the camera is a rear-view camera and the armature control unit further includes a rear-view camera circuit connected between the rear-view camera and the first transmission device. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, a surround-view camera is mounted within the armature, and the armature control unit further includes a surround-view camera circuit connected between the surround-view camera and the first transmission device. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, a projector is mounted within the armature, and the projector is connected to the first microcontroller for receiving commands and to the power supply for receiving power. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, a turn signal is mounted in the armature, and the armature control unit further includes a turn signal driver connected to the first microcontroller for receiving commands and to the power supply for receiving power. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the armature control unit includes memory connected to the first microcontroller for storing camera calibration data, camera configuration data, manufacturing data, and projector images. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the first transmission device serializes and communicates rear-view camera image data and surround-view camera image data to the second transmission device via the connection link for deserialization by the second transmission device, and the second transmission device serializes and communicates rear-view camera control data, surround-view camera control data, turn signal control data, motor control data, and projector control data to the first transmission device via the connection link for deserialization by the first transmission device. 
         [0024]    A system for a motor vehicle is also provided that includes an armature pivotally mounted to the motor vehicle, the armature having a camera mounted within the armature that generates image data, a turn signal mounted within the armature, a motor for pivoting the armature between an extended position and a closed position, and an armature control unit having a first microcontroller connected to the motor, the turn signal, and the camera, wherein the first microcontroller commands the motor to pivot the armature, commands the turn signal to activate or deactivate, and configures the camera based on received control data, a first data transmission device connected to the first microcontroller, and a power supply connected to the camera, the turn signal, and the motor for supplying power to the camera, the turn signal, and the motor. An external electronic control unit is disposed in the motor vehicle external to the armature, the external electronic control unit having a second microcontroller for generating the control data including a camera control data, a turn signal control data, and a motor control data, a second data transmission device connected to the second microcontroller, and a power source. A connection link is disposed between the armature and the external electronic control unit that carries both the image data and the control data between the first data transmission device and the second data transmission device and power from the power source to the power supply. The second transmission device serializes and communicates the control data to the first transmission device via the connection link, the first transmission device deserializes the control data, and the first microcontroller commands the camera, turn signal, and motor based on the control data. The first transmission device serializes and communicates the image data to the second transmission device via the connection link for deserialization by the second transmission device, and the second microcontroller processes the image data. 
         [0025]    Further aspects, examples, and advantages will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary motor vehicle having a control system for a plurality of multifunctional electronic modules according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a top, back perspective view of an exemplary multifunctional electronic module for use with the control system in a first position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a top, back perspective view of the exemplary multifunctional electronic module in a second position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2C  is a bottom, back perspective view of the exemplary multifunctional electronic module in the second position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the control system for controlling the multifunctional electronic module; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the control system for controlling the multifunctional electronic module. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a control system according to the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated and generally indicated by reference number  10 . The control system  10  is used with an exemplary motor vehicle  12  and is configured to power and control one or more of a plurality of multifunctional electronic modules  14  mounted to the motor vehicle  12 . In the example provided, the motor vehicle  12  is illustrated as a passenger vehicle. However, the motor vehicle  12  may be a truck, sport utility vehicle, van, motor home, or any other type of vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The multifunctional electronic modules  14  are modular components connected to the motor vehicle  12  that house multiple electronic devices as part of an advanced driver assistance system or human machine interface system. The multifunctional electronic modules  14  may be mounted on various locations of the motor vehicle  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The multifunctional electronic modules  14  may be fixedly connected to the motor vehicle  12  or pivotally mounted to the motor vehicle  12 . 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIGS. 2A-C , an example of a multifunctional electronic module  14  is shown in greater detail. The multifunctional electronic module  14  is an armature pivotally mounted to the motor vehicle  12  at a pivot point  22 . The multifunctional electronic module  14  is pivoted at the pivot point  22  about an axis A-A between a first position or concealed position, shown in  FIG. 2A , and a second position or extended position, shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C . The multifunctional electronic module  14  includes a housing  24  having an inner or back surface  26  and an outer or forward surface  28 . A portion of the back surface  26  or an end surface  30  connects the back surface  26  and the forward surface  28 . The end surface  30  is angled with respect to the back surface  26  and the forward surface  28 . The housing  24  further includes a top surface  32  and a bottom surface  34 , shown in  FIG. 2C . The top and bottom surfaces  32 ,  34  are substantially planar and perpendicular to the axis A-A. 
         [0036]    In the first or concealed position illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the multifunctional electronic module  14  is substantially hidden within the motor vehicle  12  so that the back surface  26  is concealed while only the forward surface  28  is visible relative to an exterior of the motor vehicle  12 . Preferably, the forward surface  28  is substantially flush with an outer trim of the motor vehicle  12 . In the second or extended position illustrated in  FIGS. 2B-2C , the multifunctional electronic module  14  is extended out from the motor vehicle  12  so that the back surface  26  faces rearward relative to the motor vehicle  12 , the forward surface  28  faces forward relative to the motor vehicle  12 , and the end surface  30  extends out away from the outer body trim of the motor vehicle  12 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , and with continued reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C , the multifunctional electronic module  14  includes a plurality of electronic devices  40  housed within the housing  24 . The electronic devices  40  may generally be categorized into sensors for capturing information and emitters, indicators, or human machine interface (HMI) systems that provide information regarding a status of the motor vehicle  12 . The sensors operate to sense multiple sets of data for use by an operator or control unit of the motor vehicle while the emitters, indicators, and HMI systems emits or projects multiple sets of information to an observer external to the motor vehicle. Various combinations of electronic devices  40  may be housed within the multifunctional electronic module  14  depending on the functionality desired. However, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of electronic devices  40  includes a rear-view side camera  42 , a surround-view camera  44 , a turn signal  46 , and a projector  48 . Alternatively, the rear-view side camera  42  may be replaced with a wide-angle rear-view camera or a front-view camera, depending on the location of the multifunctional electronic module  14  on the motor vehicle  12 . 
         [0038]    The rear-view side camera  42  is disposed within an aperture  50  in the housing  24  of the multifunctional electronic module  14  disposed on the back surface  26 . The rear-view side camera  42  is configured to capture rear-view images relative to the motor vehicle  12  when the multifunctional electronic module  14  is extended. The surround-view camera  44  is disposed within an aperture  52  in the housing  24  on the end surface  30 . The surround-view camera  44  is configured to capture a wide field of view around the side of the motor vehicle  12  when the multifunctional electronic module  14  is extended. The field of view captured by the surround-view camera  44  is combined with other fields of view from other cameras to generate a surround-view of the motor vehicle  12 . The turn signal  46  is disposed on the back surface  26  and may be activated to indicate a desired turn. The projector  48  is disposed in an aperture  54  formed in the bottom surface  34  of the multifunctional electronic module  14 . The projector  48  is configured to project an image or a dynamic image on a surface external to the motor vehicle  12 . Examples of images include turn signal arrows, messages, etc. 
         [0039]    The multifunctional electronic module  14  further includes an actuator  58  housed within the housing  24  to move the multifunctional electronic module  14  between the concealed and extended positions. The actuator  58  is preferably an electric motor and, upon command, actuates a pivot connection  60  that articulates the multifunctional electronic module  14  about the pivot point  22 . 
         [0040]    Each of the electronic devices  40  and the actuator  58  is in electronic communication with a module control unit (MCU)  62 . The MCU  62  is housed within the multifunctional electronic module  14 . The MCU  62  is in electronic communication with a vehicle control unit (VCU)  64  disposed in the motor vehicle  12 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the control system  10 , including the MCU  62  and the VCU  64 , is illustrated in further detail. The MCU  62  a non-generalized, electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or MCU microprocessor  70 . The MCU microprocessor  70  is in bi-directional electronic communication with a memory or non-transitory computer readable medium  72 . The memory  72  is used to store data such as control logic or instructions, images for the projector  48 , calibration data for the rear-view side camera  42  and the surround-view camera  44 , configuration data for the electronic devices  40 , and manufacturing data for the electronic devices  40 . 
         [0042]    The MCU microprocessor  70  is also in bi-directional electronic communication with a MCU data transmission device  74 , a rear-view side camera imager board  76 , and a surround-view camera imager board  78 . The MCU microprocessor  70  is in one-way electronic communication with a light emitting diode (LED) driver  80 , a motor driver  82 , and the projector  48 . 
         [0043]    The MCU data transmission device  74  is a serializer and deserializer that communicates electronically with the VCU  64 . In the serializer process, the MCU data transmission device  74  translates data into a format that is transmittable over a network connection link which can then be translated or extracted back into a clone of the original data structure. In the deserializer process, the MCU data transmission device  74  extracts formatted data that was received over the network connection link. 
         [0044]    The rear-view side camera imager board  76  is in electronic communication with the rear-view side camera  42 . The rear-view side camera imager board  76  is an electronic circuit configured to command and control the rear-view side camera  42  based on control commands received from the MCU microprocessor  70 . The surround-view camera imager board  78  is in electronic communication with the surround-view camera  44 . The surround-view camera imager board  78  is an electronic circuit configured to command and control the surround-view camera  44  based on control commands received from the MCU microprocessor  70 . Both the rear-view side camera imager board  76  and the surround-view camera imager board  78  are in one-way electronic communication with the MCU data transmission device  74  and to communicate image data directly to the MCU data transmission device  74  for serialization. 
         [0045]    The LED driver  80  is connected to the turn signal  46  and, upon receipt of a command from the MCU microprocessor  70 , activates or deactivates the turn signal  46 . Thus, the LED driver  80  may be a switch or other type of controller. The motor driver  82  is connected to the actuator  58  and, upon receipt of a command from the MCU microprocessor  70 , controls the actuator  58  in order to extend or conceal the multifunctional electronic module  14 . The motor driver  82  may be of various types and is configured to start and stop the actuator  58 , select a forward or reverse rotation, select and regulate a speed of actuation, regulate or limit the torque, protect against faults, etc. 
         [0046]    The MCU  62  further includes a power supply circuit  84  that provides power to each of the MCU microprocessor  70 , the rear-view side camera imager board  76 , the surround-view camera imager board  78 , the LED driver  80 , the motor driver  82 , and the projector  48 . 
         [0047]    The VCU  64  a non-generalized, electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or VCU microprocessor  88 . The VCU  64  may be an engine control module, transmission control module, body control module, or a dedicated control module, etc. The VCU microprocessor  88  is in bi-directional electronic communication with a memory or non-transitory computer readable medium  90 , a VCU data transmission device  92 , and a display device  94 . The VCU data transmission device  92  is a serializer and deserializer that communicates electronically with the MCU  62 . In the serializer process, the VCU data transmission device  92  translates data into a format that is transmittable over a network connection link which can then be translated or extracted back into a clone of the original data structure. In the deserializer process, the VCU data transmission device  92  extracts formatted data that was received over the network connection link. The display device  94  is located in the motor vehicle  12  and is viewable by operator of the motor vehicle  12 . The display device  94  may be located in an instrument panel, heads-up-display, or dashboard of the motor vehicle  12  or may be a separate, standalone display screen. The VCU  64  also includes a power source  96 . The power source  96  draws power from the motor vehicle  12 . 
         [0048]    The MCU  62  and the VCU  64  communicate via only one, single wired connection or network connection link  98 . It should be appreciated that the wired connection  98  may include multiple serial connections but that no parallel connections are needed. The wired connection  98  may be a coaxial cable or other connection link that is able to communicate power interleaved with serialized data. The wired connection  98  is connected to the MCU data transmission device  74  and the power supply circuit  84  in the MCU  62  and connected to the VCU data transmission device  92  and the power source  96  in the VCU  64 . 
         [0049]    During operation of the control system  10 , operational request commands are generated by the VCU microprocessor  88  and communicated to the VCU data transmission device  92 . The VCU data transmission device  92  serializes the request commands. The serialized request commands are interleaved with power provided by the power source  96  and communicated over the wired connection  98  to the MCU  62 . The power communicates to the power supply circuit  84  and powers the electronic devices  40  and the motor driver  82 . The serialized request commands are received by the MCU data transmission device  74  and deserialized. These request commands are received by the MCU microprocessor  70  which then issues commands to the various electronic devices of the multifunctional electronic module  14 . These commands may include operating the cameras  42 ,  44 , extending or concealing the multifunctional electronic module  14 , projecting information using the projector  48 , and/or activating the turn signal  46 . Image data from the camera imager boards  76 ,  78  is communicated directly to the MCU data transmission device  74  which serializes this image data. The serialized image data is then interleaved with the power and serialized request commands from the VCU  64  and communicated via the wired connection  98  to the VCU data transmission device  92 . The VCU data transmission device  92  deserializes the image data which is communicated to the VCU microprocessor  88 . The VCU microprocessor  88  then performs image processing, image transformation, and view generation to ultimately display camera images on the display device  94 . 
         [0050]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.