Patent Abstract:
A system of automated creation of a software interface between an operator and electronic device functional cores arranged in a target platform. The system includes a designing module comprising a designing window, wherein there are arranged interface visual elements corresponding to control members of the platform and a state machine wherein elements are functionally connected; a validation module for testing whether data issued from the designing module match the properties of the functional cores; and a simulation module of the target platform comprising a translation unit converting data issued from the validation module and transmitting them to a managing member of the target platform in order to simulate said functional cores by means of the control members.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to French Patent Application Number 0702615 filed Apr. 10, 2007, the entirely of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of communications, and more particularly, to communications between an individual and electronic devices in a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventionally, for communicating with an electronic device, such as a CD player, a user handles the player control members, such as buttons, or a knurled wheel or a cursor, in order to start playing a CD or to change a track. 
         [0004]    However, the multiplication of electronic devices in conveying vehicles, and more particularly in automobiles, requires limiting the number of control members on the dashboard. Indeed, the surface of the dashboard being restricted, it is not possible to arrange thereon control members of each of such devices. 
         [0005]    For communicating with a large number of electronic devices despite a restricted number of control members, it is necessary to achieve a software interface between the members and functional cores of the devices which are arranged in a platform. For making things clear and explaining what a core means, the functional core of a CD player could comprise, for example, a playing lens, a laser head and a mechanism for rotating the CD. Through the software interface, control members could be used for controlling several functional cores. 
         [0006]    Achieving a software interface is a long and demanding process comprising a large number of steps. 
         [0007]    Conventionally, such a process comprises a theoretical “prototyping” step involving schematizing on a tracing paper, using various and colored forms (discs, rectangles, etc.), the control members required for controlling the functional cores of the devices. By way of an example, for an auto-radio comprising a radio receiver, a rectangle, representing a display area, and a colored disc, representing a button, are defined on tracing paper. 
         [0008]    The prototyping step is accompanied by a step involving drafting specifications allowing for the relationships to be defined between the control members and the device functional cores. Thus, referring back to the previous example, it is provided, in the specifications, that when the button is activated, the radio receiver is activated and transmits the name of the captured station as well as the title of the song to the display area. Such specifications make it possible to define the requirements of the software Interface. 
         [0009]    In a coding step, specifications are translated into a language to be interpreted by the various device functional cores. 
         [0010]    Generally speaking, electronic devices are able to interpret a so-called “low-level” language enhancing the performing rate and the error checking, such a coding type being conventionally used in any on-board systems. Such a language is contrasted with the so-called “high-level” language used for achieving prototypes enhancing the graphics. 
         [0011]    The coding step is based on the specification document and is specifically implemented for each of the functional cores. This is why, still referring to the previous example, it is required to carry out an individualized coding for an auto-radio having a Hertz radio receiver and an auto-radio having a satellite radio receiver. The generated code is transmitted to a management module located in the vehicle, the management module autonomously administrating the communication between the control members and the functional cores. 
         [0012]    Creating the software interface is completed with a practical simulation step where communication between the control members and the functional cores is tested by a user handling said members. 
         [0013]    Such a conventional process for creating an interface Involves a large number of disadvantages. 
         [0014]    During the coding step, it may happen that the specification document is not strictly respected for technical reasons, so that functions or representation modes are then unable to be coded. 
         [0015]    In addition, it is common that the graphics of tracing papers being previously approved when specifications were drafted is not longer suitable. It is then necessary to redefine a prototype, to modify the specifications and to code again the software interface. Repeating previous designing steps results in an extension of the designing cycle. 
         [0016]    Additionally, material modifications of functional cores could occur while the interface is being designed. Thus, some functions are removed or added although specifications have been approved, creating the software interface having then to be reinitiated. 
         [0017]    Creating a software interface, so-called Human Machine interface (HMI), is a fastidious and long process. Its lack of flexibility requires repeating designing steps without, however, any guarantee for a successful communication between the control members and the functional cores. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The invention of the present application aims at overcoming such disadvantages. To this end, it relates to a system for an automated creation of a software interface between an operator and electronic device functional cores being arranged in a target platform. Such a system can comprise: 
         [0019]    a designing module comprising a designing window, wherein interface visual elements corresponding to control members of the platform, and a state machine wherein the interface visual, elements are functionally connected;
       a validation module for testing whether data issued from the designing module match the properties of the functional cores; and   a simulation module of the target platform comprising a translation unit converting data coming from the validation module and transmitting them to a management member of the platform in order to simulate said functional cores by means of the control members.       
 
         [0022]    The system advantageously allows for the creation cycle of an interface to be shortened while providing for some designing flexibility. The creation system is of the multi-purpose type and could be adapted to any type of devices. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the system comprises a simulation module for a software device platform arranged for simulating data from the validation module without being connected to functional cores of the electronic devices. 
         [0024]    Thus, the interface is able to be tested without depending on physical devices, thereby avoiding slowing down of the interface, creation when such devices are unavailable. 
         [0025]    Still preferably, the interface is simulated by means of a computer connected to the simulation module of a software device platform. 
         [0026]    Still preferably, data from electronic device functional cores are displayed on a computer monitor. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the interface visual elements have attributes corresponding to the properties of electronic device functional, cores. 
         [0028]    This advantageously allows for the application to be Implemented on the target platform without fearing any incompatibilities between the visual elements and the functional cores. 
         [0029]    Still preferably, the state machine comprises blocks representing the different interface possible states, the blocks being connected by links representing transition means between the various states. 
         [0030]    Yet still preferably, the translation unit of the target simulation module can be parameterized depending on the electronic device functional cores. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    This invention will be better understood with the following description and the appended drawing on which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  represents a diagram of the interface creation system according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  represents a diagram of the designing window according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  represents a state diagram according to the present invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  represents another embodiment of the system of this invention with a simulation module of a software device platform. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    An automobile can comprise several leisure electronic devices (CD/DVD player, radio receiver) and/or electronic devices used for a purpose directly related to driving (GPS receiver, radar detector). In the case of an automobile only comprising a radio receiver, control members of the radio receiver could be used for controlling the receiver, the control members, comprising push or rotary buttons as well as movable cursors. 
         [0037]    When a vehicle comprises several of such devices, it is then not possible to arrange on the dashboard of the automobile the control members for all devices. 
         [0038]    The various devices with the respective control members thereof are then replaced by a leisure platform gathering the functional cores of the various devices, the functional core of a CD player for example comprising a playing lens, a laser head and a mechanism for driving the CD into rotation. For communicating with a large number of electronic devices despite the limited number of control members, it is necessary to implement a software interface between the members and the device functional cores. 
         [0039]    Before explaining the automated creating system of such a software interface, the various constituent modules will be detailed referring, by way of an example, to a multimedia leisure platform  300  for an automobile, comprising the functional cores of a radio receiver  331 , a CD player  332  and a GPS unit  333 . 
         [0040]    The target platform  300  further comprises control members  310  such as push buttons, rotary buttons as well as a liquid crystal display screen (LCD) (not shown). The platform  300  also comprises a management member  320  that could he an on-board calculator, in order to process the various controls received by a user  401  via the control members  310 , the control members being transferred to the cores  331 ,  332 ,  333  by the member  320 . 
         [0041]    The interlace creation system comprises a designing module  200 , explained herein, allowing for the control members  310  to be theoretically put in communication with the functional cores  331 ,  332 ,  333 . The designing module  200  is connected with a validation module  210  arranged for checking whether the data supplied to the designing module  200  are consistent with the properties of the functional cores  331 ,  332 ,  333 . For example, the validation module  210  makes it possible to check whether the screen size shows dimensions compatible with a video output of the GPS unit  333 . 
         [0042]    The data as issued from the validation module  210  are then transferred to a simulation module for the target platform  230  comprising a translation unit  231  converting data into a language able to be interpreted by the management member  320 . The software interface of the platform  300  could then be autonomously simulated via the control members  310 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the modules  200 ,  210 ,  230  are gathered in a computer(not shown) or the like. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the designing module  200  comprises a designing window  1 . In such a window  1  are represented graphical forms such as colored discs—representing push buttons  21 ,  22 ,  23  and a rotary button  24 —and a rectangle representing a liquid crystal screen (LCD)  10  for displaying various graphical characters, such as text, pictures or videos. Such graphical forms are referred to as interface visual elements  10 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 . 
         [0044]    Such interface visual elements  10 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  possess functional attributes corresponding to the functional properties of the cores of the units to be interfaced. By way of an example, the rectangle  10  here has, as an attribute, the screen resolution, the number of colors able to be displayed and the updating frequency. Similarly, the attributes for a rotary button are the number of pitches in rotation and the degree of the no-return force. Thus, for two leisure platforms of the same range, the first one having a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type display screen and the second a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type display screen, the same designing window  1  could be used with the same interface visual elements, only the attributes thereof being different. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the designing module  200  further comprises a diagram or state machine  100 , making it possible to define logical, sequential and functional behaviors of interface visual elements  10 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  arranged in the designing window  1 . The machine  100  represents the state of the various interface visual elements  10 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  upon their actuation. 
         [0046]    The interface visual elements  21 ,  22 ,  23  respectively activate the core of the radio receiver  331 , the core of the audio CD player  332  and the core of the GPS unit  333 , the rotary button  24  allowing for switching between the various functional cores. 
         [0047]    The state machine  100  has the form of a set of blocks  51 ,  52 ,  53  representing the various interface states, the blocks  51 ,  52 ,  53  being connected with each other by links corresponding to transitions between states. 
         [0048]    The initial state, upon the interface activation, is indicated on the state machine  100  and is marked by the INI abbreviation in the state block  51 . 
         [0049]    The state blocks  51 ,  52  and  53  here respectively correspond to the active state of the cores of the radio receiver  331 , the audio CD player  332  and the GPS unit  333 . 
         [0050]    In the initial state, radio is activated. If some action is exerted on the element  22 , corresponding to the CD player, the radio is inactivated while the audio CD player is activated. the system being then in the state as represented by the block  52 . Similarly, the procedure proceeds to the state as represented by the block  53  while activating the button  23 , the GPS unit being then activated. Thus, the buttons  21 ,  22  and  23  advantageously allow for switching between the various functions of the platform  300 . 
         [0051]    Similarly, when the state of the system is represented by the block  51  (radio state), activating the button  21  (radio button) does not result in any state modification. 
         [0052]    The rotary button  24  is used for switching between the different functions of the platform  300 . When the state of the system is represented by the block  5 . 1 , it is sufficient to drive the button  24  into rotation to the left for switching to the GPS function (state  53 ) and to the right for switching to the CD function (state  52 ). The dashed arrows on  FIG. 3  represent the transitions between the various states upon a rotation of the rotary button  24 . 
         [0053]    All those actions result In modifications of the display screen  10 , such as the display of the name of the radio station, of the artist and of the song, as well as for the receiving frequency. 
         [0054]    When an interface visual element  10 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  is arranged in the designing window  1 , such an element could be arranged simultaneously in the state diagram  100 , thereby allowing for all attributes of the elements to be accessed rapidly, 
         [0055]    Data being added in the designing module  200 , both in the designing window  1  and in the state diagram  100 , are transmitted to the validation module  210  for checking, 
         [0056]    The validation module  210  makes it possible to ensure that the logical sequence of events as defined in the state machine  100 , as well as the visual elements  22 ,  23 , 24  as defined in the designing window  1 , are entered with a suitable format and are consistent with the properties of the functional cores of the units  331 ,  332 ,  333 . 
         [0057]    Such an automated validation step could occur at any time during the interface designing. For example, it is possible to validate the interface after the insertion of each button  21 ,  22  and  23  into the designing window  1 . Such a partial validation allows for any error risk to be prevented and thereby for the interface quality to be enhanced. It thus results from this a time saving on the whole creation process of the interface. 
         [0058]    Once the data from the designing module  200  are validated by the module  210 , the data are transmitted to a simulation module of the target platform  230 , so-called target simulation module, for simulating the interface by means of the control members  310 . 
         [0059]    The software language used in the designing module  200  is different from that used in the managing member  320  of the platform  300 . Thus, for performing a real simulation, a translation unit  231  for the target simulation module  230  allows for designing data to be converted into a so-called “target” low-level language able to be interpreted by the management member  320  of the platform  300 . Such a translation is automatically performed, resulting in some time saving. 
         [0060]    Moreover, the translation unit  231  could be parameterized as a function of the functional cores  331 ,  332 ,  333  it comprises. Thus, for a leisure platform range for an automobile, it is sufficient to modify parameterizing the translation unit  231  in order to adapt the code being generated to the various platforms of the range. 
         [0061]    During the real test, a user  401  could actuate control members  310 , observe the behavior of functional cores and detect defects typical of the implementation on the target platform  300 . 
         [0062]    In another embodiment of this invention, it could happen that the platform  300  or the functional cores  331 ,  332 ,  333  are unavailable or that it is desired to perform tests with any dependence neither on the physical platform  300  nor on the control members  310 . In such an hypothesis, referring to  FIG. 4 , data from the designing module  200  are transmitted to a simulation module for a software device platform  220 , the so-called software simulation module  220   220 , simulating the interface created by means of a computer  250  or the like connected with the module  220 . 
         [0063]    An operator  402 , in principle the same operator  401 , tests the interface using the software simulation module  220  by clicking with a computer mouse on the button  22  for activating the audio CD player, thereby triggering the display of the “CD” text in the rectangle  10  of the designing window  100  displayed on the computer  250  monitor. 
         [0064]    Thus, the operator, who could be a designer or a customer, can appreciate the quality of the interface without, however, depending on the platform  300 . This is why, even if the cores of the platform  300  are missing, it is always possible to develop the interface. Moreover, such a “theoretical” interface has been validated by the validation module  220  ensuring the future compatibility of the interface with the platform  300  and the unavailable cores. 
         [0065]    As used herein, the terms buttons, knurled wheels, cursors or other handles, also encompass all means for actuating device functions such as sound (for example, vocal) commands, visual commands (detection of the user&#39;s movements), touch commands (touch screens), as wed as all the so-called “wireless” commands (infrared, bluetooth, WiFi, radio wave, etc).

Technology Classification (CPC): 6