Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to a pin connection autodetection device for use in conjunction with an electronic sensor (or any other suitable electronic component), and to a sensor incorporating said pin connection autodetection device. In particular, the disclosure relates to a pin connection autodetection device that is configured to automatically identify the sensor in an array of said identical sensors based on the connection configuration of the pins. Background to the Invention

Cars and other vehicles are becoming increasingly provided with sensor systems which may play an increasing role in enabling the autonomous or highly assisted driving of vehicles. These sensor systems may comprise plural identical sensors arranged in an array and connected to a communication bus like CAN (Controlled Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) to communicate with one or more other components, systems or subsystems of the vehicle, typically via the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) which may be configured to control and communicate between the vehicle's various electronic systems, subsystems and sensor systems.

As the array of sensors is mounted on the vehicle, the location and identification of the individual sensors to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) is crucial to the operation of the vehicle sensor system. Due to the fact that devices are identical, each device connect on the communication bus must be identified by its position. For example, vehicles are commonly provided with a parking sensor system comprising an array of ultrasound sensors arranged along a front and rear bumper thereof. To enable the ECU to know which signal is coming from which sensor, so that useful feedback can be provided to the driver or another control system of the vehicle, the ECU needs to have each sensor identified to it.

In view of the number of sensors that may need to be connected to an ECU in, for example, a parking sensor system, it is desirable to arrange the system to be easily connected and configured with as few, as simple components as possible, while also allowing each sensor to be uniquely identified to the ECU.

The present invention has been devised in the above context. Summary of the Invention

A number of possible arrangements for providing this recognised by the inventors will now be described, although their inclusion here in no way constitutes an admission that these are in any way prior art.

One possible arrangement for achieving this, which can be described as the "Multi

Bus" method, is shown in Figure 1. Here, each identical device ("Part Number: A") has three pins, and each device has a first pin configured only to receive a positive powered connection from a battery and second pin configured only to act as a negative power connection to ground. A third pin is configured only to be connected to a communication bus to signal the measured signal to the ECU. In the multi bus method, each device is connected to the ECU (Electronic Central Unit) by a dedicated line (e.g. Bus). However, by this method, a large amount and number of wires is needed to communicate with the sensor array, and a large number of bus connector pins are needed on the ECU connector.

Another possible arrangement for achieving the unique identification of the sensors to the ECU described as the "Single Bus - Different Device" method is shown in Figure 2. Here, each sensor device has a different, unique pre-programmed identifier. However, in accordance with this arrangement, different sensor devices need to be provided and each device must be place in right position and cannot be swapped.

Another possible arrangement is shown in Figure 3, which can be described as the "Single Bus - Daisy Chain" method. Here, each device is identical and is linked to the adjacent device in a chain. However, in this arrangement, if a device is out of order or disconnected the following devices cannot be reached by ECU.

Other arrangements are possible in which the electronic sensors are provided with more than three pins in order to identify them to the ECU.

In accordance with the present disclosure, however, the inventors have devised an arrangement for connecting electronic sensors to an ECU and uniquely identifying them in which:

Each electronic sensor in a vehicle array is identical such that no different ID/part number components are needed.

· A reduced number of pins of each device is needed such that pin ID coding is avoided.

The loss of more than on device is avoided if a device becomes disconnected or damaged.

Programming procedures are avoided. This arrangement is shown in Figure 4 and can be described as the "Single Bus - Multi Pin Function" method. As will be apparent from the following disclosure, this is achieved by the provision of identical electronic sensors each having a pin connection autodetection device. In this way, each pin has no specific assigned function as positive, ground or bus line. Each device pin assumes its function depending on physical connection. The device identification (position) depends on physical connections of device pins. In this way, for example, with a 3 pins device it is possible addressing up to 6 identical electronic sensors.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a pin connection autodetection device for use in conjunction with an electronic sensor, the device comprising: first, second and third connector pins each being suitable for connecting in use with any of a positive, a ground and a communications bus wired connection with an ECU to receive power therefrom and communicate therewith; positive, ground and communications bus outputs arranged for providing connections with the positive, ground and communications bus circuit terminals of an electronic sensor; and autodetection means provided in the coupling between the connector pins and the outputs and configured to, in use, for each pin: detect the type of wired connection applied to the pin; couple the pin to the output corresponding to the detected type of wired connection applied to the pin; and provide a feedback of the detected type of wired connection applied to that pin; wherein the device is configured such that, in use, the combination of feedback of the connection types for the three connector pins is used to identify the sensor used in conjunction with the device in an array of sensors.

In embodiments, the detected type of wired connection applied to each pin in use is one of a positive power connection, ground connection and a communications bus connection.

In embodiments, the device further comprises fourth and optionally further connector pins each being suitable for connecting in use with any of a positive, a ground and a communications bus wired connection with an ECU to receive power therefrom and communicate therewith; and wherein the detected type of wired connection applied to each pin in use is one of a positive power connection, ground connection, a communications bus connection and no connection.

In embodiments, the device optionally further comprises an identifier feedback means configured to, in use: receive from the autodetection means, for each of the connector pins, the feedback of the detected type of wired connection applied to that pin, and provide an identifier indicative of ordering of which of the connector pins there is connected the positive, ground and communications bus wired connections to the ECU.

In embodiments, the autodetection means comprises a switching means arranged to, for each pin, switch the electrical connection of the pin to the appropriate one of the positive, ground and communications bus outputs based on the detected type of wired connection applied to that pin in use.

Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic sensor having a pin connection autodetection device in accordance with the above described aspects and embodiments coupled thereto.

In embodiments, the positive, ground and communications bus circuit terminals of the electronic sensor circuit are connected to the positive, ground and communications bus outputs of the pin connection autodetection device.

In embodiments, the electronic sensor is a parking sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a light sensor, an imaging sensor, a radar sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, a water sensor, a lidar sensor, or a speed or velocity sensor.

Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic sensor system comprising up to six electronic sensors in accordance with the above described aspects and embodiments each connected with a positive, a ground and a communications bus wired connection with an ECU, wherein each electronic sensor is connected to the positive, ground and communications bus wired connections in a different pin ordering, and wherein the pin connection autodetection device for each electronic sensor in use uniquely identifies each electronic sensor to the ECU.

Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic sensor system comprising more than six electronic sensors in accordance with the above described embodiments where more than three connector pins are provided each connected with a positive, a ground and a communications bus wired connection with an ECU, wherein each electronic sensor is connected to the positive, ground and communications bus wired connections in a different pin ordering, and wherein the pin connection autodetection device for each electronic sensor in use uniquely identifies each electronic sensor to the ECU.

In embodiments, the electronic sensor system is provided as a parking sensor system.

In embodiments, the electronic sensor system is provided in a vehicle and connected to an ECU. Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of connecting a plurality of electronic sensors in a sensor array of an electronic sensor system, comprising: providing plural electronic sensors each having respective a pin connection autodetection device in accordance with the above described aspects and embodiments; and connecting each of the connector pins of the pin connection autodetection device of each sensor to the positive, ground and communications bus wired connections with an ECU in a different ordering such that each pin connection autodetection device provides a unique identifier to the ECU.

Various respective aspects and features of the present disclosure are defined in the appended claims.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present disclosure to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Certain embodiments aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below. Brief Description of the Drawings

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wiring connection of parking sensors in accordance with the multi bus method;

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wiring connection of parking sensors in accordance with the single bus - different device method;

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a wiring connection of parking sensors in accordance with the single bus - daisy chain method;

Figure 4 illustrates an example of a wiring connection of parking sensors in accordance with the single bus - multi pin function method; and

Figure 5 illustrates a pin connection autodetection device for use in conjunction with a parking sensor in accordance with the arrangement shown in Figure 4.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 4, which illustrates an example arrangement of a wiring connection of parking sensors in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure implementing the single bus - multi pin function method, the parking sensor system includes an array of plural identical parking sensors (Device #1 , Device #2, Device #3, Device #4), which may for example be ultrasound sensors arranged around a rear bumper of a vehicle.

Each parking sensor has first, second and third connector pins (1 , 2, 3) each being suitable for connecting in use with any of a positive (+BAT), a ground (GND) and a communications bus (BUS) wired connection with an ECU (not shown) to receive power therefrom (through +BAT and GND) and communicate therewith (through BUS) using an appropriate protocol over a CAN network.

On connection with the ECU, the parking system may provide proximity and positional feedback to a driver of the vehicle or any other control system such as an assisted or automated parking system, or other assisted or automated driving aid or autonomous driving system.

In order for the parking sensor system to operate correctly, each identical parking sensor provides (to the ECU over the CAN BUS) an identifier that is unique to the extent that it distinguishes the sensor from the other parking sensors. The identifier may be transmitted together with the sensor signals from each sensor, so that the ECU can identify from which parking sensor the signals are derived.

This is achieved by each parking sensor being provided with a pin connection autodetection device.

An example pin connection autodetection device of an example parking sensor (Device #1 , Device #2, Device #3, Device #4) in accordance with the disclosure is shown in more detail in Figure 5.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the pin connection autodetection device includes the aforementioned pins 1 , 2 3 each being suitable for connecting in use with any of a positive (+BAT), a ground (GND) and a communications bus (BUS) wired connection with an ECU (not shown) to receive power therefrom (through +BAT and GND) and communicate therewith (through BUS) using an appropriate protocol over a CAN network.

Autodetection means 510 is also provided in the form of an autodetection circuit including three switches 51 1 (which may be provided as electromechanical relays or semiconductor or other electronic switches) configured to detect the type of wired connection applied to the pin and couple the pin to an output corresponding to the detected type of wired connection applied to the pin. As can be seen, there is a connection, for each "switch", to positive, ground and communications bus outputs arranged for providing connections with the positive, ground and communications bus circuit terminals of an electronic sensor. The autodetection means or circuit may be implemented by an appropriately configured microcontroller and one or more electronic components appropriately configured to detect the type of wired connection and switch the pin to the appropriate output.

Thus, by the pin connection autodetection device each pin is indifferent to which wired connection it is connected to as the connection type (+BAT, GND or BUS) is detected and switched to the appropriate output to connect with the appropriate terminal of the parking sensor. Thus the parking sensor operates as normal regardless of how the three wired connections to the ECU are connected to the pins 1 , 2, 3. Thus the pin connection autodetection device allows the function of each pin to be changed to match the function required to make the sensor operate correctly.

Then, to identify each sensor by its wiring configuration, the autodetection means 510 is configured to, for each pin, provide a feedback of the detected type of wired connection applied to that pin. In the embodiment, the feedback is provided to an internal electronic circuit 520 of the pin connection autodetection device. The device is configured such that, in use, the combination of feedback of the connection types for the three connector pins is used to identify the sensor used in conjunction with the device in an array of sensors. That is, the ordering by which the different wired connection types are connected to the pins is used to identify the sensor used in conjunction with the device in an array of sensors. This identifier is fed back to the ECU by the electronic circuit and used to identify and distinguish the parking sensor from the other parking sensors

When all the sensors connected to the wires are connected in different pin configurations, all the sensors are uniquely identified to the ECU. This is achieved using a minimum of wiring, and only identical components. The wiring configuration and connection configuration is relatively straightforward, requiring only the different sensors to be connected in different wiring pin connection combinations.

Thus, in a method of connecting a plurality of electronic sensors having pin connection autodetection devices in accordance with the present disclosure, to uniquely identify the sensors, the method comprises connecting each of the connector pins of the pin connection autodetection device of each sensor to the positive, ground and communications bus wired connections with an ECU in a different ordering such that each pin connection autodetection device provides a unique identifier to the ECU.

Referring again to Figure 4, the wiring plan for the different devices and the connection configuration of the different wired connections to the different pin numbers of the sensors is set out in Table 1. Wired connection type Device #1 Device #2 Device #3 Device #4

+BAT Pin no. 2 2 1 1

GND 1 3 3 2

BUS 3 1 2 3

Table 1.

Thus the unique identifiers for the devices shown in Figure 4 as based on the following IDs fed back to the electronic circuit 520 of each device by the respective autodetection means 510: Device #1 - 213; Device #2 - 231 ; Device #3 - 132; Device #4 - 123.

While where three wires are needed, only six electronic sensors can be connected and uniquely identified in an array, this number can be increased by adding additional pins to the pin connection autodetection device. For example, where three wired connections are to be connected to electronic devices having pin connection autodetection devices having four pins, more than six sensors can be connected and uniquely identified.

Similarly, where there is a greater number of wiring connection types, the pin connection autodetection device can have a matching number of outputs and at least a matching number of pins. For example, where four wiring connections need to be made to each sensor and where each sensor and pin connection autodetection device has four interchangeable pin connections, at least 16 sensors will be able to uniquely identified.

In the arrangement described above, the electronic sensor is a parking sensor. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure can be applied to communicate with and uniquely identify an array of notionally identical electronic components or sensors of any suitable type, including a proximity sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a light sensor, an imaging sensor, a radar sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, a water sensor, a lidar sensor, or a speed or velocity sensor.

It will be well understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that whilst the described embodiments implement certain functionality by means of hardware (for example by means of one or more microcontrollers and switches, that functionality could equally be implemented solely in software or indeed by a mix of hardware and software. As such, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to being implemented in software. Lastly, it should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specifically enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.