Interface module in a vehicle

• US 7,133,692 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2002
• Issued: 11/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Rosebrock, Ralf
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, CONGVAN
• Application Number:
  US10/467,023
• Publication Number:
  US 20040102216A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,517 Days
• Field of Search: 455/556.1, 455/569.2, 455/575, 455/575.9, 340/539, 340/425.5, 340/527, 340/456.1, 340/521, 340/78
• 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 that provides for the 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 for use in a vehicle and for connection to a component in the vehicle, comprising:

a processor;

a memory; and

a radio interface for coupling to an external communication network, wherein;

the processor includes an arrangement for monitoring the component for performance reliability,

the processor generates a function signal at specified time intervals, and

the function signal is transmitted via the radio interface provided the component is operating without fault.

2. The interface module as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the processor triggers a restart of the component if the component does not function properly.

3. The interface module as recited in claim 2, wherein:

the processor triggers the restart by switching a circuit breaker.

4. The interface module as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the component belongs to an infotainment system.

5. The interface module as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the vehicle is designed for public short distance passenger transportation.

6. The interface module as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the memory includes a semiconductor memory.

7. The interface module as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a bus via which the component is connected to the interface module.