WO2010115943A1

WO2010115943A1 - Device for remotely monitoring the state of an electrical device

Info

Publication number: WO2010115943A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/054617
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric Giraud; Frédéric Gehin; Gilles Rivet; Ciprian Musat; Jean-Marc Tissot; Jean-Patrick Favier
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2009-04-08
Filing date: 2010-04-08
Publication date: 2010-10-14
Also published as: FR2944371B1; FR2944371A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for determining at least one state of at least one electrical device of a motor vehicle, including: an onboard unit to be installed as an aftermarket part on said motor vehicle and including a non-invasive means for detecting information corresponding to an operating state of said at least one electrical device; and an associated portable unit suitable for remotely communicating with the onboard unit in order to receive a state or a state change of said at least one electrical device.

Description

DEVICE FOR REMOTELY MONITORING THE STATUS OF AN EQUIPMENT

ELECTRIC

The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and more particularly retrofitting equipment on said motor vehicles.

The increasing share of electronics in the vehicles makes it possible to constantly improve the comfort of the vehicles. This comfort is reflected not only in driving assistance equipment but also in equipment that allows the user to save time or reassure the state of his vehicle when it is parked. Nevertheless, this equipment is often only available on high-end vehicles of the latest generation.

Moreover, these electronic equipment are generally integrated and designed only for original equipment, which is generally an obstacle for mounting equivalent equipment on vehicles for which they are not designed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome these aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art and to provide a device for remote control of at least one electrical equipment that can be installed as a retrofit on a motor vehicle.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for determining at least one state of at least one electrical equipment of a motor vehicle comprising:

an onboard unit intended to be installed as a retrofit on said motor vehicle and comprising non-invasive means for detecting information corresponding to an operating state of said at least one electrical equipment and,

an associated portable unit able to communicate remotely with the on-board unit to receive a state or a change of state of said at least one electrical equipment. According to another embodiment, the non-invasive means comprise:

means for acquiring at least one signal representative of a state or change of state of an electrical equipment,

- Signal processing means representative of a state or change of state of an electrical equipment.

According to an additional embodiment, the processing means comprise means for comparing the signal with a pre-recorded template.

According to a further embodiment, the template is recorded during a learning step.

According to another embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for measuring a voltage across a fuse by which said electrical equipment is powered.

According to an additional embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for measuring an intensity of the current flowing through a fuse by which said electrical equipment is powered.

According to a further embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for measuring a voltage at the level of the electrical wires connecting said equipment to a central service housing.

According to another embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for measuring a supply voltage of a state display of the electrical equipment.

According to an additional embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for detecting radio frequency signals of a remote control associated with the motor vehicle. According to a further embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for detecting and identifying at least one control signal relating to electrical equipment and circulating at the level of the Controller Area Network (CAN) type serial system bus. .

According to another embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for measuring a supply voltage of the turn signals and identification means of at least one characteristic change in this supply voltage corresponding to the condemnation state of the openings.

According to an additional embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for measuring a light signal such as a photodiode, at the turn signals and means for identifying a characteristic change in the light emitted by the turn signals corresponding to the locking state and / or unlocking of the opening of the motor vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for measuring the voltage across the fuse by which the indicators are powered.

According to another embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle and the acquisition means comprise means for determining the lowered or raised position of a fillet pull corresponding respectively to the condemnation and unlocking state of the opening of the motor vehicle. According to an additional embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to the lighting system of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for measuring the voltage at the fuse by which the illumination of the license plates is fed. .

According to another embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to at least one electric window of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for determining the clamping current of the electric window lifter.

According to a further embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to at least one power window of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for determining the position of the window associated with said at least one power window.

According to an additional embodiment, the electrical equipment corresponds to a system for measuring and / or regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and said acquisition means comprise means for measuring the voltage of a sensor. temperature of said measuring and / or regulating system.

According to another embodiment, said acquisition means comprise means for measuring the voltage of an accelerometer equipping said acquisition means or said vehicle, in particular the accelerometer of an airbag system of the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the portable unit comprises means for signaling the user of the state of at least one electrical equipment.

According to an additional embodiment, the signaling means of the portable unit comprise light means and / or sound means and / or electromechanical means of vibration. According to another embodiment, the portable unit comprises means for triggering an alarm in response to at least one operating state of an electrical equipment.

According to a further embodiment, the means for triggering an alarm are configured to trigger an alarm in response to a predetermined combination of states of several electrical equipment.

The invention also relates to an embedded unit comprising non-invasive means for detecting information corresponding to an operating state of said at least one electrical equipment.

The invention also relates to a portable unit comprising means for signaling the user of the state of at least one operating state of an electrical equipment.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which will now be made, with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent, by way of indication but not limitation, a possible embodiment.

On these drawings:

- Figure 1 shows a diagram of a motor vehicle comprising an onboard unit according to the present invention and a user handling a portable unit that can communicate with said onboard unit.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the present invention;

FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of the different devices of the invention;

FIG. 4 represents a flowchart for detecting the locking / unlocking of the doors according to the present invention; FIG. 5 represents an example of a diagram of an electrical circuit for the detection of current flowing through a fuse;

FIG. 6 represents a diagram showing, as a function of time, the current flowing through a fuse during the unlocking of the doors;

FIG. 7 represents a diagram showing, as a function of time, the current flowing through a fuse during the unlocking of the doors and an averaging of the signal;

FIG. 8 represents a diagram showing, as a function of time, the current flowing through a fuse during the condemnation of the doors and an averaging of the signal;

FIG. 9 represents a first flow diagram of strategy for detecting the state of the condemnation / unlocking of the doors; - Figure 10 shows a second flowchart strategy for detecting the state of the condemnation / unlocking doors;

FIG. 11 represents a first flow diagram of a strategy for detecting the state of the exterior lighting system of the vehicle;

FIG. 12 represents a second flow diagram of a strategy for detecting the state of the exterior lighting system of the vehicle;

FIG. 13 represents a first flow chart of the state of the ceiling lighting detection strategy;

- Figure 14 shows a second flowchart of the state of the ceiling lamp detection strategy; FIG. 15 represents a third structure diagram of the state of the ceiling lamp detection strategy;

FIG. 16 represents a fourth structure diagram of the state of the ceiling light detection strategy;

FIG. 17 represents a first flow chart of the vehicle window condition detection strategy;

FIG. 18 represents a second flow chart of the strategy of detecting the state of the windows of the vehicle;

FIG. 19 represents a third flow chart of the vehicle window condition detection strategy; FIG. 20 represents a first flow diagram of a door state detection strategy. of the vehicle;

FIG. 21 represents a second flow diagram of the vehicle door condition detection strategy;

- Figure 22 represents a flow chart of ice risk detection strategy; FIG. 23 represents a flow diagram of strategy for detecting shocks to the vehicle;

FIG. 24 represents a first flow chart of strategy for detecting the state of the parking brake of the vehicle;

FIG. 25 represents a second flow chart of strategy for detecting the state of the parking brake of the vehicle;

FIG. 26 represents a second state of the vehicle contact state detection strategy flow diagram;

FIG. 27 represents a vehicle equipped with a determination device according to the present invention; FIG. 28 represents an exemplary embodiment of the portable unit intended to communicate remotely with the on-board unit of the present invention located at the level of the motor vehicle;

In the description which follows, generally denotes:

The term "RF" corresponds to the acronym radio frequency;

The term "V" corresponds to the unit Volt;

The term "° C" corresponds to the unit degree Celsius;

The term "LED" or "LED" is the acronym for light-emitting diode;

The term "AOP" corresponds to the acronym Operational Amplifier; The term "CAN bus type" corresponds to a serial communication bus and comes from the English acronym Controller Area Network (local controller network);

The term "ABS" refers to a brake assist system to avoid blocking wheels and comes from the English acronym Anti-Blocking System;

The term "airbag system" corresponds to a system comprising at least one airbag;

The term "non-invasive means of detecting the state of a device" corresponds to detection means that make it possible to determine the state of a device without disturbing its operation; These are detection means placed in parallel with the equipment, for example connected to the input or output connector of the equipment.

The term "electrical equipment" is electrical equipment that can be independent or include a central control unit common to other equipment, such as a temperature control system or a system of opening / closing windows;

The present invention relates to a device that can be installed as a retrofit on a motor vehicle and for remotely knowing the state of at least one electrical equipment of said motor vehicle.

FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 and a user 3 of said motor vehicle 1 at a distance from the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is equipped with an onboard unit 5 making it possible to determine the state of at least one electrical equipment of said vehicle 1 such as the electric opening / closing system of the windows or the lighting system, and to transmit the state of this equipment to a portable unit 7 carried by the user 3. FIG. 2 represents a structural diagram of a part of the on-board unit 5 comprising acquisition means 8 and acquired signal processing means 9 interconnected by a link 18 as well as a module transmitter or transceiver 10 and secondly the portable unit 7 comprising a receiver module or transmitter / receiver 12 associated with the module 10, a trigger module of a display or an alarm 14 and a human interface. machine 16. The link 20 between the two communication systems can be realized by an RF link. Moreover, the RF link 20 can also be coded in order to limit the external disturbances. This RF transmission can, for example, operate on the 433 or 868 MHz channels and in accordance with the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) directive. Thus, the user 3 can remotely know the state of the at least one electrical equipment through his portable unit 7.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the signal processing means 9 can be located at the level of the acquisition means 8 as well as at the level of the portable unit 7.

Since the onboard unit 5 is intended for retrofitting, the installation of the on-board unit 5 must be able to be carried out without modifying the equipment and manufacturer's settings, nor the operation of the electrical equipment to be monitored.

After installation of the device, it is possible to carry out a learning phase by the on-board unit 5 in order to allow effective detection of the changes in states of the equipment. During this learning phase, for example, the evolution of a signal acquired by the acquisition means 8 is associated with a specific operating state of the electrical equipment to be monitored. Then, once operational, the on-board unit 5 will acquire signals at the level of the electrical equipment to be monitored in order to identify a specific state of operation of the electrical equipment.

The different equipment to which the onboard unit 5 can be applied as well as the various acquisition means 8 used will be developed in the following description. It should also be noted that this detection of the operating state of an electrical equipment can be done directly on the equipment or indirectly on another element of the vehicle 1 whose operation reflects the change of state of said equipment. In addition, the acquisition means 8 may be remote, at the level of the vehicle 1, the processing means 9 and / or the transmitter module 10. In this case, the link 18 for transmitting the signals, the acquisition means 8 to the processing means 9, can be either a transmission transmission, or a short-range airborne transmission such as a radio frequency connection. Such an assembly is described in FIG. 3, the emitter Tx of the acquisition unit 8 being connectable with two insulation-displacement branch lugs to the "+" and "-" wires, which will enable the automatic activation of the Tx transmitter. Thus the link 18 is a short-range link and the transmitter / receiver module 10 serves as a relay (and may also include the processing means 9) to enable long-range transmission to the portable unit 7.

Subsequently, the information corresponding to a state or a change of state of a device detected by the on-board unit 5 is transmitted to the portable unit 7. This transmission is effected by a radio signal in order to allow a Significant range of the signal.

The information is then signaled to the user 3 by means of the man-machine interface 16 of the portable unit 7. This signaling can be a visual indication such as the switching on / off of a warning light or the display on a screen of the state of the equipment, a mechanical indication such as a vibration, an audible indication or a combination of the preceding indications. Thus, the user 3 of the motor vehicle 1 can be informed permanently or on request of the state of the electrical equipment of his vehicle 1.

Subsequently, the detection of a change of state of an electrical equipment and the different detection possibilities envisaged and the associated strategies for different equipment are presented.

Since the device according to the invention is intended for retrofitting, ie on already existing installations, these detections must be made in a non-invasive manner with respect to the existing equipment of the vehicle 1, that is, that is to say that the installation and use of the acquisition means 8 described later must not disturb the operation of said equipment already present in the vehicle 1. 1) System for locking / unlocking the doors of the vehicle 1

A first embodiment consists in using a light signal at the dashboard of the vehicle 1. In fact, some vehicles are equipped with a light signal that lights up or flashes when the vehicle 1 is sentenced. Thus, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage at the terminals of the element producing this light signal which may be, for example, a light emitting diode. Acquisition of the evolution of the voltage makes it possible to deduce, in a non-invasive manner, the state of the locking / unlocking system of the vehicle 1. An example of a strategy that can be achieved at the level of the processing means 9 and allowing The use of this type of detection is shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4. The first step 41 relates to the detection of a change in the voltage level crossing the wire of the LED of the dashboard. Step 42 corresponds to the interrogation "Are there any taps in the power supply wire of the LED? ". If the answer is "no" then there are no actions (step 421). If the answer is "yes" then one goes into "LOCK" or "closed" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the portable unit 7 then indicates "locked doors" in the event of interrogation of the user 3 (step 43).

According to a second embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage of the supply wires of the condemnation / unlocking control system. Measuring the signal at the locking / unlocking system of the opening makes it possible to detect the control signal of the locking or unlocking of the door. For example, the acquisition means 8 may be connected to the wires of the control circuit of the lock corresponding to the driver's door.

According to a third embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signal emitted by the turn signals of the vehicle 1. In fact, on recent vehicles, the locking and unlocking of the doors of the vehicle 1 are accompanied by a characteristic signal emitted by the turn signals. These types of signals issued during the conviction and the unlocking are specific by their frequency and / or their number of repetition and are therefore different from the signal transmitted to indicate a change of direction or during the implementation of the warning lights ("warnings"). Thus the detection of the state of the locking / unlocking system of the opening can be done by analyzing the blinking rate (frequency and number of blinks) of the signal emitted by the turn signals of the vehicle. For this purpose, the acquisition means 8 comprise either means for measuring the electrical control signal of the turn signals (at the level of the control wires), or optical measuring means such as a photodiode which will make it possible to detect the evolution of the signal from the turn signals. This signal being characteristic during the locking and unlocking of the doors, for example three short signals during the conviction and a long signal during the unlocking, the processing means 9 can then deduce the state (condemned or not) of the opening. This characteristic signal can be recorded at the level of the processing means 9 during a learning phase.

According to a fourth embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signals traveling through a fuse 11 by which the electrical equipment for locking / unlocking the openings is fed. FIG. 5 represents a possible assembly of the acquisition means 8 making it possible to detect the evolution of the current flowing through the fuse 11. A low-value resistor 13 (5mΩ for example) is connected in series with the fuse 11. The two inputs an operational amplifier 15 are connected across the resistor 13. FIG. 6 represents the evolution as a function of the time (t) of the voltage (V) across the resistor 13 during the unlocking of a door. Thus, by averaging the signal, characteristic current or voltage profiles corresponding to a template are obtained. Figures 7 and 8 show examples of profiles (16 and 18) voltage respectively corresponding to an opening (16) and a closure (18) of the locking / unlocking system of the opening of the vehicle. Thus, by means of signal processing and the acquisition of a profile or template by learning on commissioning, the state of the locking / unlocking system can be determined by identifying a characteristic change in the control signal. This identification can be achieved, for example, at the level of the processing means 9. A strategy corresponding to this type of detection is proposed in the block diagram of FIG. 9. The first step 91 relates to the detection of the current profile passing through the fuse by which the central locking is fed. Step 92 corresponds to the recognition of the lock unlocking current profile shown in FIG. 8 in comparison with a pre-recorded template. If the profile is not recognized, proceed to step 93 which corresponds to the recognition of the locking profile locks shown in Figure 7 in comparison with a pre-registered template. If the profile is not recognized either, then there are no actions (step 931). If the conviction profile is recognized, step 94 concerns the interrogation "already locked vehicle and portable unit informed? ". If the answer is "yes" then there are no actions 941. Otherwise, one goes into "LOCK" or "closed" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the portable unit 7 then indicates " locked doors "in case of user interrogation (step 95). If the unlock profile is recognized in step 92, proceed to step 96 corresponding to the query "vehicle already unlocked and portable unit informed? ". If the answer is yes then no actions (step 961). Otherwise, one enters the "UNLOCK" or "open" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the portable unit 7 then indicates "doors unlocked" in the event of interrogation of the user 3 (step 97).

According to a fifth embodiment referring to a combination of the two embodiments described above and corresponding to an analysis of the signals at the terminals of the fuse 13 by which the turn signals are fed in order to determine the state of the locking system. Thus, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signal traveling through the fuse 13 by which the turn signals are fed, for example means as described in FIG. 5.

An example of a detection strategy is described in FIG. 10. Step 101 relates to the detection of the activation of the indicators. The next step 102 relates to the detection of the blinking rate (frequency and number of blinks) by acquisition of the voltage at the terminals of the blinker supply fuse 13 or at the terminals of a flashing wire if the fuse 13 does not provide a directly usable voltage (12V if a flashing light is on and OV if all the indicators are off). Step 103 corresponds to the recognition of the flashing rhythm linked to unlocking locks and acquired by learning during commissioning. If the rhythm is not recognized, we go to step 104 corresponding to the recognition of the timing of the turn signals related to the conviction locks. If the rhythm is not recognized then there are no actions 1041. If the pace is recognized, we go to step 105 which corresponds to the query "vehicle already locked and portable unit informed? ". If the answer is yes then there are no actions (step 1051). Otherwise, one goes into "LOCK" or "closed" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the portable unit 7 then indicates "locked doors" in case of interrogation of the user (step 106). If the flashing rate related to the unlocking is recognized in step 103 then we go to step 107 which corresponds to the question "vehicle already unlocked and portable unit informed? ".

If the answer is yes then there are no actions (step 1071). Otherwise, one enters the "UNLOCK" or "open" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the portable unit 7 then indicates "doors unlocked" in the event of interrogation of the user 3 (step 108).

According to a sixth embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise a sensor for determining the position of the frieze zipper. This sensor may be of electromechanical type, for example, a microswitch, a roller sensor, photoelectric sensors, capacitive or magnetic.

According to a seventh embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise a radio frequency receiver making it possible to recover radio frequency information transmitted by a component of the vehicle 1. For example, the radio signal transmitted by the key of the vehicle 1 during the conviction doors can be detected and decoded by the processing means 9 and thus be used to know the state or the change of state of the electrical system for locking / unlocking the doors.

According to an eighth embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring multiplex signals transmitted at the level of the serial bus, generally of the CAN type. Thus, the information concerning the locking of the doors, the activation of the turn signals or The dashboard light signal can be detected and the state of the locking / unlocking system can be deduced.

2) Exterior lighting system of the vehicle 1

According to a first embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage or current or traversing the fuse 13 by which the position lamps are fed or the one by which the number plates are fed. For this purpose, it will be possible to use the acquisition means 8 previously described on the circuit of FIG. 5.

According to a second embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage at the supply wires of the bulbs of the position lamps or the lighting.

A first example of a detection method of the exterior lighting system of the vehicle is shown in FIG. 11. Step 111 corresponds to the detection of the breaking of the general contact of the vehicle. This detection can be done by measuring the voltage of the fuse 13 by which are fed, for example, the radio or the ABS system and will be described in more detail later in the present description. Step 112 corresponds to the detection of the locking of the door as described above in FIG. 9. Step 113 corresponds to the interrogation "lights on? ". This detection is done at the fuses 13 or power supply son of position lights or license plates. If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 1,131). If the answer is yes, a "lights on" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and it switches to "lights on" mode in the memory of the onboard unit 5.

A second example of a detection method of the exterior lighting system of the vehicle is shown in FIG. 12. The steps 121, 122, 1231, and 124 are identical to steps 111, 112, 1131 and 114. respectively. to the question "lights on? But in this case, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the current supplied by the battery and means for detecting a minimum threshold current corresponding to the lights on. 3) Interior lighting system of the vehicle 1 or ceiling lamp

In the same way as above, the acquisition means 8 may comprise means for measuring the current or the voltage at the fuse 13 by which the ceiling lamp is supplied or directly at the level of the ceiling lamp supply wires.

A first example of strategy is described in FIG. 13. Step 131 corresponds to the measurement of the voltage across the fuse 13 by which the ceiling lamp is fed. Step 132 corresponds to the interrogation "is the voltage equal to 12 V +/- 2V", voltage corresponding to the lighting of the ceiling lamp. If the answer is no, proceed to step 133 which is the transition to "ceiling-off" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and the sending of a "ceiling-light off" notification to the portable unit 7 If the answer to the interrogation of step 132 is yes then we switch to "on-board light" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 and send a "lighted on" notification to the portable unit 7 (step 134).

A second exemplary strategy is described in FIG. 14. In this case, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage or the current in the power supply wires of the ceiling lamp. Step 141 concerns the detection of a change in the current or voltage profile passing through the ceiling lamp supply wire. Step 142 corresponds to the interrogation "Is there a voltage or current in the power wire of the ceiling light? ". If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 1421). If the answer is yes then we switch to "ceiling light on" in the memory of the onboard unit 5 and the "ceiling light on" display is turned on (step 143).

An alternative strategy taking into account the progressive extinction of the ceiling when the doors are locked is described in Figure 15. Step 151 relates to the detection of the conviction of the doors.

Examples of such a detection are described in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10. Step 152 corresponds to a timer (timer) of 15 seconds to take into account the function of dimming (dimming) corresponding to the progressive extinction of the ceiling lamp after locking the doors. The duration of this timer can be modified according to the characteristics of the function of progressive extinction of the vehicle or the absence of a function of progressive extinction. Step 153 corresponds to the query "ceiling light on? ". If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 1531). If the answer is yes then we send a notification "lighted on" to the portable unit 7 and we switch to "ceiling lighted" in the memory of the onboard unit 5.

An example of an additional strategy is described in FIG. 16. Step 161 corresponds to the detection of a change of state of the contact. For this, the acquisition means 8 may comprise means for measuring the current through, for example, the fuse by which are fed the radio or the ABS system. Step 162 relates to the detection of the locking of the doors as described in FIGS. 5, 9 or 10. Step 163 corresponds to the interrogation "ignition engaged? ". If the answer is yes then there are no actions (step 1631). Otherwise, a timer of 15 seconds is engaged (step 164). Step 165 corresponds to the query "ceiling light on? ". If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 1651). If the answer is yes then we send a notification "lighted on" to the portable unit 7 and we switch to "ceiling lighted" in the memory of the onboard unit 5.

4) Position control system for windows and sunroof

When closing windows, the arrival of the electric window lifter due to contact with the window seals causes a change in the profile of the current (pinch current). Thus by detecting the shape of the corresponding current, it will be possible to detect the closing of the windows.

According to a first embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the current at the fuse 13 by which the power windows and / or the opening and closing system of the sunroof are powered. Figure 17 describes an example of a corresponding strategy. Step 171 corresponds to the detection of a current peak in the fuse 13 by which are powered the power windows. Step 172 relates to the measurement of the current profile passing through the fuse 13 by which the power windows are powered. Step 173 corresponds to the interrogation "the current profile corresponds to the closing of the window? ". This profile is acquired during a learning phase of the corresponding microcontroller. If the answer is no, go to step 174 which corresponds to the interrogation "the current profile corresponds to the opening of the window? ". If the poll response of step 174 is no then there are no actions (step 1741). If the answer is yes then we send an "open window" notification to the portable unit 7 and we go into "open window" mode in the memory of the onboard unit 5 (step 175). If the answer to the interrogation of the step 173 is yes then a "closed window" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and one goes into "closed window" mode in the memory of the onboard unit 5 (step 176 ).

According to a second embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the current corresponding to the electric window lifter at the intelligent service box (BSI).

According to a third embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise a position sensor for determining the position of the windows and in particular if the windows are in high abutment. An example of a corresponding strategy is shown in FIG. 18. Step 181 concerns the detection of the closing of the switch (either already present in the vehicle or to be added) in the window seal (detection of the closing of the microswitch by grounding a contact). Step 182 corresponds to the interrogation "trigger of the high stop sensor? ". If the answer is no, then an "open window" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "open window" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 183). If the answer is yes, then a "closed window" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and a closed pane status "is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 184).

According to a fourth embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise anti-pinch joints and means for detecting the loading of said seals in the upper part of the window frame. A corresponding strategy is depicted in Figure 19. Step 191 relates to the detection of a current peak in the fuse 13 by which are powered the power windows. For this step, acquisition means 8 comprising means for measuring the current at the fuse 13 as described above may be used. Step 192 relates to the measurement of the position sensors of the windows which are either already present on the vehicle 1 or to be added. Step 193 corresponds to the interrogation "is the high stop sensor triggered? ". If the answer is no, then an "open window" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "open window" mode is entered in the memory of the onboard unit 5 (step 194). If the answer is yes, a "closed window" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and "closed window" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 195).

5) Control system of the opening of the opening of the vehicle 1 (here the opening of the opening refers to the mechanical opening and not the unlocking as previously)

According to a first embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for detecting the signals on the ground return wires of the sash switches. A corresponding strategy is described in FIG. 20. Step 201 corresponds to the detection of the state of at least one switch or switch in the "open door" position. This detection can be done by measurement on the ground return wires of switches or door switches (the measurement is also done on the switch corresponding to the trunk). If no switch is in the "open door" position, then a "closed door" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "on-board door" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 202). If at least one switch is in the open door position then an "open door" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "open door" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 203).

According to a second embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signals corresponding to the overhead light so as to deduce from these signals whether one of the doors of the vehicle 1 is open as described in FIG. Step 211 concerns the determination of the state of the contact, for example by measurement on the fuse 13 by which the radio system or the ABS system is fed. This type of determination will be described in more detail in the following description. Step 212 corresponds to the interrogation "contact switched on? ". If the answer is yes then there are no actions (step 2121). Otherwise, waiting 15 seconds and determine the state of the ceiling lamp by measurement on the corresponding fuse or the supply wires of said ceiling lamp (step 213). If the ceiling light is off then no actions (step 2131) otherwise it sends an "open door" notification to the portable unit 7 and goes into "open door" mode in the memory of the onboard unit 5 (step 214 ).

However, if the dome light is in "ON" or "on" permanent mode, this strategy is temporarily inoperative since there is a risk of sending erroneous information to the portable unit 7. A state alert Unusual ceiling light can also be sent.

6) Vehicle temperature control system 1

The system for measuring and / or regulating the temperature generally comprises an electronic temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple placed inside the vehicle 1. Thus, the information concerning the temperature inside the vehicle can be determined by acquisition means comprising means for measuring the signal at said temperature sensor. In addition, an alert concerning the risk of ice storms can be envisaged, for example, if the temperature inside the vehicle is lower than 2 ° C, a signal of risk of ice can be transmitted to the user. A corresponding strategy is described in FIG. 22. Step 221 concerns the detection of a temperature change

(increase or decrease of 1 ° C for example). Step 222 corresponds to the interrogation

"Temperature <2 ° C? ". Indeed, the outside temperature is potentially a few degrees lower than the indoor temperature. If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 2221). If the answer is yes then we send a notification "risk of ice" to the portable unit 7 and we go into mode "risk of ice" in the memory of the onboard unit 5.

7) Shock detection system The acquisition means according to the invention may comprise an accelerometer. Thus, the idea is to measure the signal at the terminals of this accelerometer to determine a possible shock to the vehicle. Following a shock, the signal transmitted to the user can indicate the severity of the shock. Thus, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signal delivered by the accelerometer. An example of a corresponding strategy is described in FIG. 23. Step 231 concerns the detection of a change of state of the contact. Such detection will be described in more detail in the following description. Step 232 relates to the detection of the locking of the doors as described in FIGS. 5, 9 or 10. Step 233 corresponds to the interrogation "is the contact switched on? ". If yes then there are no actions (step 2331). Otherwise, we go to step 234 which corresponds to the interrogation "shocks or movements were they detected by the accelerometer? ". If the answer is no then there are no actions (step 2341). If the answer is yes then a "shock detected" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 (step 235).

In the case of vehicles equipped with air bag airbag safety systems, the invention takes advantage of the accelerometer already present on the vehicle. Thus, the detection does not occur with an accelerometer present in the acquisition means but it operates by detecting the signal on the accelerometer of the air bag safety system.

The detection can be completed by an inclinometer equipping either the vehicle or the acquisition means so as to detect suspicious movements of the vehicle.

8) Parking brake condition detection system

According to a first embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the signal delivered by the switch present in the floor. An example of a corresponding strategy is described in FIG. 24. The step 241 corresponds to the determination of the state of the contact, for example by acquisition on the fuse 13 by which the radio system or the fuse 13 is fed by which is fed the ABS system. Step 242 corresponds to the determination of the state of the locking of the doors as described in FIGS. 5, 9 or 10. Step 243 corresponds to the interrogation "is the contact switched on? ". If the answer is yes then there is no of actions (step 2431). Otherwise, we go to step 244 which corresponds to the interrogation "is the parking brake switch engaged? Which corresponds to a grounding of the switch. If the answer is yes then a "handbrake" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "hand brake" mode is entered in the device memory (step 245). Otherwise, a "non-handbrake" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and "unrestricted handbrake" mode is entered into the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 246).

According to a second embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the electrical signal at the supply wires of the indicator light of the dashboard corresponding to the parking brake.

According to a third embodiment, the electric parking brake comprises a switch (switch) at the dashboard and the acquisition means 8 comprise means for measuring the voltage at said switch which determines the position parking brake. An example of a corresponding strategy is described in FIG. 25. Step 251 corresponds to the detection of a change of state of the contact, for example by acquisition on the fuse 13 by which the radio or the ABS system is fed. Step 252 corresponds to the detection of the locking of the doors as described in FIGS. 5, 9 or 10. Step 253 corresponds to the interrogation "is the contact switched on? ". If the answer is yes then no actions (step 2531). Otherwise, it is detected whether the parking brake is engaged by measuring the voltage in the corresponding switch or by detecting the electronic information corresponding to the tightening of the parking brake at the output of the central service housing. If the detection is positive then a "handbrake" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and the "hand brake" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 255). Otherwise, a "hand brake not tightened" notification is sent to the portable unit 7 and "unbraked hand brake" mode is entered in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 256).

9) Battery Consumption Monitoring System

In order to determine the consumption of the battery, the acquisition means 8 can include an ammeter of high capacity positioned between the "+" terminal of the battery and the general circuit "+ 12V" of the vehicle 1. The ammeter may be a Hall effect ammeter for non-contact measurement.

In addition, the monitoring can be triggered only when the contact is not engaged.

10) Contact state detection system

Some components are powered during the contact of the vehicle 1 such as the radio, ABS or airbag. Thus, the acquisition means 8 may comprise means for measuring the voltage across the fuse 13 by which is fed one of these components to obtain the state of the contact of the vehicle 1. An example of a corresponding strategy is shown in Figure 26. Step 261 is the acquisition by measuring the voltage across the fuse 13 by which are fed the radio or the ABS system or the Airbag system. Step 262 corresponds to the interrogation "is the contact switched on? ". If the answer is no then one goes into "contact not engaged" mode in the memory of the on-board unit 5 (step 263). If the answer is yes then we switch to "contact engaged in the memory of the onboard unit 5 (step 264).

Furthermore, the on-board unit 5 may include the detection of several different electrical equipments. In this case, an exemplary mounting is described in FIG. 27 and comprises acquisition means 8 represented by detectors 17 and a central unit 19. The detectors 17 are positioned on the elements of the vehicle 1 and make it possible to detect the information as described above and are connected to the central unit 19 by wire 21 or by RF communication. The central unit 19 transmitting the signals measured by the detectors 17 to the portable unit 7.

In addition, the signals received at the central unit 19 or the portable unit 7 can be analyzed by the processing means 9. According to another embodiment, said means for In addition, the means for triggering an alarm 14 can create alarm signals when the state of a device or a combination of abnormal equipment states. is detected, as described in the various strategies presented previously.

The detection systems may for example be coupled with a determination of the state of the contact of the vehicle 1. Thus, the user 3 can be alerted when the lighting system of his vehicle 1 is on while the engine is off.

In order to better understand the present invention, an example of installation and use of the present invention will now be described.

A user 3 owns a motor vehicle 1 but this vehicle 1 is not equipped with a function to automatically lock the doors when no one is present in the vehicle or to check remotely if the doors are locked. He therefore decides to install a door lock / unlock detection device as described in the present invention. The detection is carried out by monitoring the current flowing through the fuse 13 by which is supplied the central locking system as described in FIG. 5. The installation also comprises a learning phase so that the device recognizes the current profiles (FIG. or voltage) corresponding to the opening and closing of the doors (see Figs.7 and 8). This learning step is performed by the installer. Thus, the user 3 is provided with a portable unit 7 comprising a battery 25, as shown in FIG. 28, which can for example be fixed on the key-holder comprising the key of the vehicle 1. At each change of state of the door locking / unlocking system, the on-board unit 5 sends a message to the portable unit 7 to inform it of the change of state. When the user wants to know the status of the locking / unlocking system of its doors, it presses the status button 23 of its portable unit 7. The latter then displays whether the doors are locked or not.

On the other hand, in an alternative embodiment, the transmission of a message concerning the state of the locking / unlocking system of the doors is only realized in response to the sending by the portable unit 7 to the onboard unit of a request concerning the state of the system of conviction / unlocking of the doors . This request being transmitted when a button is pressed on the status button 23.

Thus, the present invention enables the user 3 of a vehicle 1 to be able to retrofit his vehicle to a device enabling him to know remotely the state of certain electrical equipment of his vehicle 1 and to reassure him on the road. state of the vehicle 1.

Claims

Device for determining at least one state of at least one electrical equipment of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises:

an onboard unit (5) intended to be installed as a retrofit on said motor vehicle (1) and comprising non-invasive means for detecting information corresponding to an operating state of said at least one electrical equipment and,

- An associated portable unit (7) capable of communicating remotely with the onboard unit (5) to receive a state or a change of state of said at least one electrical equipment.

2. Determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-invasive means comprise:

means for acquiring (8) at least one signal representative of a state or change of state of an electrical equipment,

- Processing means (9) of the signal representative of a state or change of state of an electrical equipment.

3. Determination device according to claim 2, characterized in that the processing means (9) comprise means for comparing the signal with a pre-recorded template.

4. Determination device according to claim 3, characterized in that the template is recorded during a learning step.

5. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise measuring means a voltage across a fuse (13) by which is supplied said electrical equipment.

6. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprises means for measuring an intensity of the current flowing through a fuse (13) by which is supplied said electrical equipment.

7. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprises means for measuring a voltage at the electrical son connecting said equipment to a central housing easement.

8. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring a supply voltage of a state display of the electrical equipment.

9. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for detecting radio frequency signals of a remote control associated with the motor vehicle (1).

10. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for detecting and identifying at least one control signal relating to an electrical equipment and circulating at the level of the Controller Area Network type serial bus

(CAN).

11. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to the condemnation / unlocking means. opening of the motor vehicle (1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring a supply voltage of the turn signals and means for identifying at least one characteristic change of this supply voltage corresponding to the locking state of the doors.

12. Determination device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle (1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring a light signal such as a photodiode, at the turn signals and means for identifying a characteristic change in the light emitted by the turn signals corresponding to the condemnation state and / or unlocking of the openings of the motor vehicle (1).

13. Determination device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle (1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring the voltage at the terminals of the fuse (13) by which the turn signals are fed.

14. Determination device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to the locking / unlocking means of the opening of the motor vehicle and characterized in that the acquisition means (8) comprise means for determination of the lowered or raised position of a furrow zipper respectively corresponding to the condemnation and unlocking state of the opening of the motor vehicle (1).

15. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to the lighting system of the motor vehicle

(1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring the voltage at the fuse (13) by which the lighting of the license plates.

16. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to at least one electric window of the motor vehicle (1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means determining the pinch current of this electric window lifter.

17. Determination device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to at least one electric window of the motor vehicle (1) and characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for determining the position of the window associated with said at least one electric window lift.

18. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical equipment corresponds to a system for measuring and / or regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (1) and said acquisition means ( 8) comprise means for measuring the voltage of a temperature sensor of said measurement and / or regulation system.

19. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means for measuring the voltage of an accelerometer equipping said acquisition means or said vehicle, in particular the accelerometer of an airbag system.

20. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable unit (7) comprises signaling means (16) to the user (3) of the state of at least one electrical equipment. .

21. Determination device according to claim 20, characterized in that the signaling means (16) of the portable unit (7) comprise light means. and / or sound means and / or electromechanical means of vibration.

22. Determination device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable unit (7) comprises means for triggering an alarm (14) in response to at least one operating state of an electrical equipment. .

23. Determination device according to claim 21, characterized in that the means for triggering an alarm (14) are configured to trigger an alarm in response to a predetermined combination of states of several electrical equipment.

24. Embedded unit (5) intended for the implementation of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that it comprises non-invasive means for detecting information corresponding to a state. operating said at least one electrical equipment.

25. Portable unit (7) intended for the implementation of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that it comprises signaling means (16) to the user (3) of the state of at least one operating state of an electrical equipment.