Interface module in a vehicle

• US 20040102216A1
• Filed: 01/12/2004
• Published: 05/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Rosebrock, Ralf
• Granted Patent: US 7,133,692 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40032 Details regarding a bus interface enhancer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4135 using bit-wise arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40215 Controller Area Network CAN
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40273 the transportation system being a vehicle

Abstract

An interface module in a vehicle is described, which provides for a vehicle a connection to a communication network, for example the Internet, and executes the function of a watchdog for the components in the vehicle connected to it. For this purpose, a processor of the interface module performs a function test of the connected components at specified time intervals and sends a function signal as a function of this function test. If at least one component is not functioning properly, the processor restarts the component concerned. This is achieved for example by switching a circuit breaker.

Claims

1. An interface module in a vehicle (12), the interface module having a processor (3) and a memory (4) and being connected to components (8, 9) in the vehicle, the interface module having a radio interface (1, 2) for coupling to an external communication network (15), the processor (3) having means for monitoring the components,

wherein the processor (3) repeatedly produces a function signal at specified time intervals and sends it via the radio interface (1, 2) provided the components (8, 9) are functioning properly.

2. The interface module as recited in claim 1,

wherein the processor (3) triggers a restart of the particular component that does not function properly.

3. The interface module as recited in claim 2,

wherein the processor (3) triggers a restart by switching a circuit breaker (11).

4. The interface module as recited in claim 1, 2, or 3,

wherein the components belong to an infotainment system.

5. The interface module as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the vehicle (12) is designed for public short-distance passenger transportation.

6. The interface module as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the memory (4) is designed as a semiconductor memory.

7. The interface module as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the components (8, 9) are connected to the interface module (3, 4) via a bus (6).