WO2005043483A1

WO2005043483A1 - Remote control system

Info

Publication number: WO2005043483A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/001554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Friberg; Paula Härelind; Sven-Anders Melin
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab (Publ)
Priority date: 2003-10-27
Filing date: 2004-10-26
Publication date: 2005-05-12
Also published as: SE0302831D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement (100) to be mounted in a vehicle (200), wherein a common remote control unit (120) controls a heater system (130) and an audio system (140) in the vehicle (200). Control commands in respect of said systems (130, 140) are entered in the remote control unit (120) via a user interface, and are then forwarded over a data bus (110).

Description

Remote Control System

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to vehicle mounted remote control systems. More particularly the invention relates to an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 , a vehicle according to claim 7 and a remote control unit according to the preamble of claim 8.

Modern transportation technology has provided us with increasingly comfortable and safe vehicles. For instance, the cabin temperature may now be controlled very accurately, irrespective of the outdoor conditions. I.e. an agreeable driving environment can be achieved both during the coldest winter days and throughout the hottest periods of the summer time. Moreover, a wide variety of audio systems exist, which allow the driver to enjoy CD:s and tape recordings as well as broadcast radio transmissions while driving his/her vehicle.

There are also integrated solutions through which a heater system and an audio system may be controlled by means of a combined control unit. Some of these control systems have a timer function, which enables a delayed activation or deacti- vation of the heater and/or an audio source.

International patent application No. W097/24566 describes an apparatus for remotely controlling vehicle heating and cooling systems. These systems may be actuated via radio, by means of a telephonic signal or on the basis of a timer signal. The document DE 100 04 219, A1 discloses a remote control system, which may be used to control various electrical equipment in a vehicle.

Hence, the prior art includes examples of common control systems for heater functions and audio units. Dedicated remote control solutions for heating/cooling systems and other systems in a vehicle are also known.

Today, however, a vehicle manufacturer who wishes to accomplish a comfortable and user-friendly cabin environment must make a choice. Either a non-remote controllable integrated heater/audio system can be selected, or if a remote control capability is desired, a separate control system can be selected for each function, i.e. heat/cooling and audio respectively. Although the latter alternative generally may appear more desirable, it requires at least two different remote control units, which are likely to become separated from one another. Therefore this alternative may actually cause more inconvenience than the comfort and flexibility it provides. Moreover, the user must become familiar with at least two different interfaces in order to interact with the remote controlled systems. This per se may be a frustrating effort for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an efficient and flexible solution, which alleviates the problems above, and thus offers a user-friendly remote control interface towards the heating system and the audio system of a vehicle.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by the arrangement as initially described, wherein the arrangement further comprises an audio system, which is adapted to be controlled in response to a second set of control commands. The remote control unit is adapted to generate the control commands of the second set, and the data bus is adapted to transfer these commands from the remote control unit to the audio system. Consequently, one and the same remote control unit may be used to control both the heater system and the audio system in the vehicle.

An important advantage attained by this arrangement is that it achieves a high level of user comfort. This, in turn, improves the driver's efficiency and general state of wellness, which ultimately vouches for a good driving safety.

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the arrangement includes a clock unit, which is adapted to deliver time data to the data bus. The time data constitutes a basis for control commands in respect of the heater system and/or control commands in respect of the audio system. Thereby, at least one of these systems may be timer controlled, which of course, further increases the flexibility and the user comfort.

According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first set of control commands includes a heater timer command, which pertains to a heater start time. The remote control unit is adapted to receive user input data specifying the heater start time. The remote control unit is also adapted to receive the time data over the data bus. When the time data matches the heater start time, the remote control unit is adapted to transmit a heater activation control command to the data bus. The heater system, in turn, is adapted to receive the heater activation control command, and in response thereto, activate a heating function. Thus, the heater system may be timer controlled by means of the proposed arrangement.

According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the second set of control commands includes a first audio timer command, which pertains to a start time of an acoustic signal. The remote control unit is adapted to receive user input data specifying the start time of the acoustic signal. The remote control unit is also adapted to receive the time data over the data bus. When the time data matches the start time of the acoustic signal, the remote control unit is adapted to transmit an audio activation control command on the data bus. The audio system, in turn, is adapted receive the audio activation control command, and in response thereto, generate an acoustic signal of a specific type. For example, the audio system may thus produce the acoustic signal based on an audio signal stored on a storage medium, based on a received radio signal, and/or in the form of an alarm signal. Hence, a wake-up signal may be selected from a variety of alternative signal sources.

According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the second set of control commands includes a second audio timer command, which pertains to a relative stop time of an acoustic signal produced by the audio system. Here, the remote control unit is adapted to receive user input data specifying the relative stop time (say 30 minutes into the future), trigger a timer reflecting the relative stop time, detect a status of the timer, and upon expiry of the timer transmit an audio deactivation control command on the data bus. The audio system is adapted to receive the audio deactivation control command, and upon receipt thereof discontinue a delivery of any acoustic signal. Thereby, a so-called sleep-in function is achieved, which allows the user to set a future deactivation time for a currently active audio source.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a vehicle, which includes the proposed arrangement.

According to another aspect of the invention the object is achieved by the remote control unit as initially described, wherein the unit includes a bi-directional interface towards the data bus, such that data may be transmitted both from the remote control unit to the data bus, and from the data bus to the remote control unit. Preferably, the remote control unit also includes a display via which various data may be presented. For example, a first type of data may be shown, which pertains to user entered commands transmitted from the unit over to the data bus. A second type of data may also be shown, which pertains to feedback information received from other units attached to the data bus. The second type of data may thus express current settings of the systems in the arrangement. This type of interface and display are advantageous, since thereby the user can obtain a confirmation of any commands entered, as well as become informed of a current system status.

Hence, the invention offers a highly flexible and convenient solution for controlling the over-all vehicle indoor environment, especially in a relatively large vehicle. The proposed solution is therefore particularly well suited for heavy vehicles, such as trucks, having cabs with a sleeping compartment for the driver.

Further advantages, advantageous features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram over a general arrangement according to the invention, and

Figure 2 shows remote control unit according to an embodiment of the invention,

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a block diagram over a general arrangement 100 according to the invention. It is here presumed that the arrangement 100 is installed in a vehicle 200, such as a truck or a car. The arrangement includes a data bus 1 10, a remote control unit 120, a heater system 130 and an audio system 140. Preferably, the arrangement also includes a clock unit 1 13.

The remote control unit 120 is adapted to control both the heater system 130 and the audio system 140 via the data bus 1 10, which may of so-called Controller Area Network (CAN) type. However, according to the invention, any alternative bus format is equally well conceivable. The remote control unit 120 operates on the basis of user input data and external data received via the data bus 1 10, for example time data T originating from the clock unit 1 13. The remote control unit 120 generates con- trol commands, which control the behavior of the heater system 130 and the audio system 140.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the time data T may be used to control the heater system 130 and/or the audio system 140. Specifically, a first set of control commands controls the heater system 130 and a second set of control commands controls the audio system 140. Hence, the time data T may constitute a basis for the first set of control commands as well as for the second set of control commands.

For instance, a user may enter input data specifying a heater start time, i.e. a point in time when he/she wishes the heater system 130 to be activated. The user performs this by entering such time data in the remote control unit 120. The remote control unit 120 also receives time data T over the data bus 1 10, and when the time data T matches the heater start time, the remote control unit 120 transmits a heater activation control command on the data bus 1 10. Then, the heater system 130 receives this command over the data bus 1 10, and in response thereto, activates a heating function (for example powering on a heater at a particular energy level, or controlling an automatic climate control system in which a heater is included towards a desired temperature value).

It is further preferable if the user may specify a start time of an acoustic signal in a similar manner. Therefore, the remote control unit 120 may be adapted to receive user input data specifying the start time of the acoustic signal. Again, the. remote control unit 120 also receives the time data T over the data bus 1 10. When the time data T matches the start time of the acoustic signal, the remote control unit 120 transmits an audio activation control command on the data bus 1 10. The audio system 140 receives this activation control command over the data bus 1 10, and in response thereto, generates an acoustic signal of a specific type. Hence, the audio system 140 may produce acoustic signals either based on an audio signal stored in a storage medium (such as a CD or a cassette tape) or based on a received radio signal. Preferably, the audio system 140 may generate an acoustic signal in the form of an alarm signal as well, for example to provide a more conventional wake-up func- tion.

Moreover, the opposite function may be desired, i.e. a so-called sleep-in function. To this aim, the remote control unit 120 may receive user input data specifying a relative stop time for an acoustic signal produced by the audio system 140. Subse- quently, the remote control unit 120 triggers a timer, which reflects the relative stop time (i.e. an interval until a point in time when the acoustic signal should be stopped). Then, the remote control unit 120 detects a status of this timer, and upon expiry thereof the unit 120 transmits an audio deactivation control command on the data bus 1 10. After that, the audio system 140 receives the audio deactivation control command via the data bus 1 10, and discontinues a delivery of any acoustic signal.

Thus, by means of the second audio timer command a user may set a future deactivation time, say 30 minutes ahead, for a currently active audio source. Such a function is normally desirable if the driver wishes to fall asleep in a sleeping compartment in the vehicle while listening to an audio source.

Figure 2 shows remote control unit 120 according to an embodiment of the invention. The remote control unit 120 is adapted to receive a user-generated input, for example via a key set 220 - 229, and in response thereto transmit corresponding control commands on the data bus 1 10. The remote control unit 120 communicates with the data bus 1 10 via an interface 1 15, which preferably is bi-directional such that data may be transmitted there over both from the remote control unit 120 to the data bus 110, and from the data bus 1 10 to the remote control unit 120. The interface 1 15 may either be accomplished by means of a cable or wire, or wirelessly by means of e.g. a radio channel.

Moreover, the remote control unit 120 may have a display 230 via which various data can be presented. For instance, a first type of data may be shown, which pertains to control commands transmitted from the unit 120 over the interface 1 15 (i.e. typically commands based on a user input). However, provided that the interface 1 15 is bi-directional, the display 230 may also show a second type of data, which pertains to feedback information from the clock unit 1 13, the heater system 130 and/or the audio system 140.

Hence, the second type of data expresses current settings of the heater system 130 and the audio system 140 respectively. This is generally a desirable feature when interacting with these systems via the remote control unit 120, particularly since both the systems 130 and 140 normally may be manipulated by means of at least one additional interface each, such as provided via controls on the dashboard.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the key set 220 - 229 includes the following keys. A first key 221 is adapted to program a timer start of the heater system 130; a second key 222 is adapted to program a timer start of an alarm; a third key 223 is adapted to program the above-mentioned sleep-in function; a fourth key 224 is adapted to activate a CD-player in the audio system 140; a fifth key 225 is adapted to activate a radio receiver in the audio system 140; a sixth key 226 is adapted to activate the audio system's 140 volume control; a seventh key 227 is adapted to activate a general decrease function in the currently active system, for instance selecting a previous CD- track, selecting a radio station having a lower station number or frequency than the currently active station, lowering the volume of the audio system, lowering the heater temperature/power level, or decreasing a time-/timer value; an eighth key 228 is adapted to confirm a command entered via a one or more of the other keys 220 - 227 or 229, for example a timer- or an alarm setting; a ninth key 229 is adapted to activate a general in- crease function in the currently active system, for instance selecting a subsequent CD-track, selecting a radio station having a higher station number or frequency than the currently active station, increasing the volume of the audio system, increasing the heater temperature/power level, or increasing a time-/timer value; and a tenth key 220 is adapted to accomplish a direct start of the heater system 130.

Preferably, after having pressed the tenth key 220, a desired temperature value is entered via the seventh key 227 and the ninth key 229. Furthermore, if the heater system 130 is already running, a depression of the tenth key 220 preferably causes deactivation of the heater system 130.

As mentioned above, the seventh key 227 and the ninth key 229 may preferably be used together with any other function of the unit 120 when ever a sequential stepping function is desired, such as setting of a time or a timer.

The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . An arrangement (100) adapted to be installed in a vehicle (200) comprising: a heater system (130) adapted to be controlled in response to a first set of control commands; a remote control unit (120) adapted to receive a user generated input, and in response thereto, generate the first set of control commands; and a data bus (1 10) adapted to transfer the first set of control commands from the remote control unit (120) to the heater system (130), characterized in that the arrangement further comprises an audio system (140) which is adapted to be controlled in response to a second set of control commands, the remote control unit (120) is adapted to generate the second set of control commands, and the data bus (1 10) is adapted to transfer the second set of control commands from the remote control unit (120) to the audio system (140).

2. An arrangement (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a clock unit (1 13) adapted to deliver time data (T) on the data bus (1 10), the time data (T) constituting a basis for at least one of: the first set of control commands; and the second set of control commands.

3. An arrangement (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first set of control commands includes a heater timer command pertaining to a heater start time; the remote control unit (120) is adapted to receive user input data specifying the heater start time, receive the time data (T) over the data bus (1 10), and when the time data (T) matches the heater start time, transmit a heater activation control command on the data bus (1 10); and the heater system (130) is adapted to receive the heater activation control command over the data bus (1 10), and in response thereto, activate a heating function.

4. An arrangement (100) according to any one of the claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the second set of control commands includes a first audio timer command pertaining to a start time of an acoustic signal; the remote control unit (120) is adapted to receive user input data specifying the start time of the acoustic signal, receive the time data (T) over the data bus (1 10), and when the time data (T) matches the start time of the acoustic signal, transmit an audio activation control command on the data bus (1 10); and the audio system (140) is adapted receive the audio activation control command over the data bus (1 10), and in res- ponse thereto, generate an acoustic signal of a specific type.

5. An arrangement (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the audio system (140) is adapted to produce the acoustic signal of the specific type: based on an audio signal stored in a storage medium, based on a received radio signal, and/or in the form of an alarm signal.

6. An arrangement (100) according to any one of the claims 2 - 5, characterized in that the second set of control commands includes a second audio timer command pertaining to a relative stop time of an acoustic signal produced by the audio system (140), the remote control unit (120) is adapted to receive user input data specifying the relative stop time, trigger a timer reflecting the relative stop time, detect a status of said timer, and upon expiry of said timer transmit an audio deactivation control command on the data bus (1 10); and the audio system (140) is adapted to receive the audio de- activation control command over the data bus (1 10), and upon receipt thereof discontinue a delivery of any acoustic signal.

7. A vehicle (200), characterized in that it comprises the arrangement (100) according to any one of the claims 1 - 6.

8. A remote control unit (120) adapted to be included in the arrangement according to any one of the claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the unit (120) comprises a bi-directional interface (1 15) towards the data bus (1 10), such that data may be transmitted both from the remote control unit (120) to the data bus (1 10), and from the data bus (1 10) to the remote control unit (120).

9. A remote control unit (120) according to claim 8, characterized in that the unit (120) comprises a display (230) via which the unit (120) is adapted to present: a first type of data pertaining to control commands transmitted from the unit (120) to the data bus (1 10), and a second type of data pertaining to feedback information received from the data bus (1 10), the second type of data expressing current settings of the heater system (130) and the audio system (140).