Method and apparatus for operating a control unit for controlling operational sequences in a vehicle

• US 6,363,302 B1
• Filed: 05/08/2000
• Issued: 03/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Meier, Thomas, Haas, Wolfgang, Bleile, Michael, Frank, Andreas
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/566,439
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/29, 701/31, 701/33
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/227 Limping Home, i.e. taking specific engine control measures at abnormal conditions
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/263 the program execution being modifiable by physical parameters
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/266 the computer being backed-up or assisted by another circuit, e.g. analogue
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0426 Programming the control sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23429 Selection as function of connected machine
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23431 Change program on detection of deviations
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23438 Select application program as well as connected control device

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for operating a control unit for controlling operational sequences in a vehicle. When operational sequences are error-free, the control functions of the built-in control unit are partially or completely suppressed. This allows additional functions to be switched in and out, and also allows modification and/or adaptation of data and/or programs that are accessed by the control functions. In the specific operating instance of the application, a further control unit is insertable into the vehicle wiring harness between the first control unit and a sensor arrangement, collection, group or system and an actuator arrangement, collection, group or system. The control functions suppressed in the control unit are then performable by the second control unit. The control unit then performs only the measurement functions and actuation functions The sequence is initiated and controlled by integrated remote-control functions, which are in addition to the normal or other functions. Since the second control unit is accessible and is designed in accordance with its application task, the application of the control unit may be performed using control functions exported therefrom.

Claims

1. A method for operating a control unit for controlling operational sequences in a vehicle, the control unit performing at least control functions, the method comprising the steps of:

determining if the operational sequences are error-free;

providing at least one definable condition; and

at least partially suppressing performance of the control functions in the control unit in reaction to the at least one definable condition so as to provide at least partially suppressed control functions if the operational sequences are error-free.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

using a second control unit for performing at least the at least partially suppressed control functions of the control unit as a function of the at least one definable condition, wherein the second control unit is coupled to the control unit and another control functions of the second control unit correspond to the control functions of the control unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the control functions access at least one of data and programs, and the control functions at least one of modify and adapt the at least one of data and programs.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit performs at least one measurement function and at least one actuation function.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of at least partially suppressing performance, the performance of the control functions of the control unit is completely suppressed.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one definable condition corresponds to a signal from the second control unit.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one definable condition corresponds to a time condition.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one definable condition corresponds to an existence of an identifier.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the control unit continues to perform the at least one measurement function and the at least one actuation function after performance of the control functions has been at least partially suppressed.

10. An apparatus for operating a control unit for controlling operational sequences in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

means for performing control functions; and

means for at least partially suppressing performance of the control functions by the means for performing when operational sequences are error-free and in reaction to at least one definable condition for providing at least partially suppressed control functions.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for performing the at least partially suppressed control functions.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a second control unit for coupling to the control unit, wherein another control functions of the second control unit correspond to the control functions of the control unit, and the second control unit performs at least the at least partially suppressed control functions of the control unit as a function of the at least one definable condition.