FUNCTION ACTIVATION

• US 20120179330A1
• Filed: 06/17/2009
• Published: 07/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB (AB Volvo)
• Original Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB (AB Volvo)
• Inventors: Normand, Lars Eriksson, Magnusson, Jenny
• Application Number:
  US13/378,965
• Publication Number:
  US 20120179330A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/16 Type of output information
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P

Abstract

A method is provided for enabling at least one function to be stored in a vehicle communication system in a heavy vehicle or working machine. The system includes information about each function and information about a respective output signal relating to each function. The system further includes information about a respective function identity code unique for each function. In the method, a master Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in the system receives an actuator identity code which relates to an actuator connected to the system, the master ECU compares the received actuator identity code with the function identity codes, and the master ECU assigns a function with a function identity code that corresponds with the actuator identity code so that the actuator is enabled to control the output signal relating to the assigned function.

Claims

1. A method for enabling at least one function to be stored in a vehicle communication system in a heavy vehicle or working machine, the system comprising information about each function and information about a respective output signal relating to each function, the system further comprising information about a respective function identity code unique for each function, the method comprising:

receiving, via a master Electronic Control Unit (ECU), in the system an actuator identity code which relates to an actuator connected to the system,

comparing, via the master ECU, the received actuator identity code with the function identity codes,

assigning, via the master ECU, a function with a function identity code that corresponds with the actuator identity code so that the actuator is enabled to control the output signal relating to the assigned function.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is assigned to the function by mapping the actuator identity code to the function.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the master ECU receives the actuator identity code together with the unique position of the actuator during an initialization process.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the master ECU receives the actuator identity code together with the status of the actuator.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein master ECU executes the function on the basis of the status of the actuator.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the master ECU sends information about the function together with the status of the actuator to at least one second ECU, the second ECU executes of the function on the basis of the information.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the output signal is fed to an output plug arranged for controlling an electrical load being connected to the plug.

8. A method according to claim 1, comprising:

sending, via the master ECU, information about at least one programmable actuator being connected to the system,

receiving, via the master ECU, a request to program or reprogram at least one of the actuators,

programming or reprogramming, via the master ECU, the actuator.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the master ECU sends the information as a response when receiving a request to send the information.

10. A method according to claim 8 wherein the master ECU sends the information when receiving an indication that an actuator is being connected to the system.

11. A method according to claim 8, wherein the master ECU programs or reprograms the actuator with the actuator identity code relating to a certain function.

12. A method according to claim 8, wherein the master ECU programs or reprograms the actuator with graphical information used by the actuator far visual indication.

13. A vehicle communication system adapted for performing the method according to claim 1.

14. A vehicle communication system according to claim 13 wherein the system comprises at least one actuator with a reprogrammable memory.

15. A vehicle communication system according to claim 14 wherein the actuator is adapted for visual indication of the function assigned to the actuator and/or the status of the actuator.

16. A heavy vehicle or working machine comprising the vehicle communication system according to claim 13.