FR3086827A1 - MODULAR SYSTEM ON ADDRESSING CAN BUS, TRANSCUTANEOUS IRRADIATION DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular system comprising: - at least one distributor (HUB1, HUB2); - at least two communication channels (v11, v12, v13, v14) connected in parallel to the distributor via at least one switch (Cx1, Cx2, Cx3, Cx4), - at least one module connected on a channel Communication ; each channel comprising a CAN bus; each module comprising a microcontroller having its own universal identifier and is configured to receive from a control unit (COM) via the dispatcher (HUB1, HUB2) messages in CAN format comprising a unique number depending on the architecture of the modular system, said unique number being a function of said identifier, the unique number making it possible to identify; - a distributor (HUB1, HUB2); - a module (m111, m112, m113, m114) connected to a communication channel connected to a distributor.

Description

GENERAL TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the field of modular systems comprising several modules that can operate together or independently. The invention relates more particularly to the control and transmission of information between the components of such a modular system by means of a CAN bus.

The invention finds particular application in the medical field and more particularly in the field of the treatment of neurological diseases by transcutaneous irradiation. The invention can also find application in the automotive, aeronautical or even entertainment fields.

STATE OF THE ART

A communication architecture implemented by means of a CAN bus (in English, "Controller Area Network") has the advantage of connecting the same two-wire bus to several modules which can communicate with each other simultaneously without a dedicated master. Communication on a CAN bus module network is standardized by the CAN protocol according to ISO 11898. Such an arrangement offers the advantage of not having to wire dedicated lines for each module as is the case for a link. point to point. Indeed, since there are a large number of modules, the point-to-point connection is unthinkable because it would require a very large amount of wiring.

The bus is two-wire for data, and usually two power wires are added to it, bringing the number of wires required for communication and powering the modules to four. It is easy to understand that the more modules are added to such a bus, the more the electrical consumption increases and therefore, the more the diameter of the supply wires must also increase. Although advantageous, the CAN bus also has a limit because the organization on the bus is necessarily linear, preventing any tree organization.

Finally, CAN protocol messages are not addressed to a single recipient but to all of the elements connected to the bus.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to have an architecture based on the CAN protocol with CAN bus for implementing modular systems having a tree organization.

Another object of the invention is to have a tree structure allowing a distribution of the power on the CAN bus, this in order to avoid having wires of too large diameters.

To this end, the invention proposes a modular system comprising:

- at least one distributor;

- at least two communication channels connected in parallel to the distributor via at least one switch,

- at least one module connected on a communication channel;

each channel comprising a CAN bus;

each module comprising a microcontroller having its own universal identifier and is configured to receive from a control unit via the CAN format message distributor comprising a unique number depending on the architecture of the modular system, said unique number being a function said identifier, the unique number making it possible to identify;

a dispatcher;

a module connected to a communication channel connected to a distributor. The invention is advantageously supplemented by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

the control unit, each dispatcher and each module includes a microcontroller configured to generate and process messages conforming to the CAN standard, each message comprising a header and a series of data bits.

- Each module and each dispatcher is configured to send messages of the CMD_REG_NODE type so that a module or a dispatcher is on standby with the control unit with a unique number, the control unit is configured to send configuration messages of the NODE_xx type intended for at least one module and at least one dispatcher so that said recipient of said messages of NODE_xx type processes by means of its microcontroller said message to be configured, the configuration being able to be the assignment of the unique number.

- The control unit is configured to send messages of the HUB_xx type to at least one dispatcher so that said dispatcher processes said message by means of its microcontroller in order to perform an action dependent on the message.

the control unit is configured to send control messages from at least one module of the MOD_xx type to at least one module so that said module processes said message by means of its processor in order to perform a action according to the order received.

the unique identifier is constructed in such a way that it includes the line number, the channel number, the module number.

The invention also relates to a communication method within a modular system according to one of the preceding claims, said method being implemented by the control unit of said modular system and comprising:

a modular system initialization mode so that all the elements of the modular system have a unique number, and once all the elements have a unique number;

- a normal mode according to which at least one module of the modular system is waiting for a message from the control unit, the initialization mode comprising the following steps:

a) opening of a first line connected to the control unit so that the control unit can communicate with a first distributor among all the distributors of said modular system

b) allocation of a unique number to said first dispatcher;

c) assigning a unique number to each module connected to said dispatcher; once all the modules corresponding to the distributor have a unique number;

repetition of steps a) to c) changing lines and dispatcher; and once all the modules and distributor (s) have a unique number;

d) sending a message to all dispatchers so that they open all their channels; all the elements of the modular system are waiting for message (s) from the communication unit.

The process is advantageously supplemented by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

during normal mode, if a module is added to the system, the control unit receives a message from the added module indicating to the control unit that it is waiting for a unique number, the control unit generating a message error;

during normal mode, the control unit transmits at regular intervals a message verifying the presence of all the modules for which a unique number has been assigned in order to verify that all the modules are operational, each module having to respond to this message, the control unit generating an error message if at least one module does not respond to said verification message;

during normal mode, the communication unit transmits a synchronization message to all modules of the modular system at regular intervals.

The invention also relates to a transcutaneous irradiation device, comprising a first transcutaneous irradiation set, said irradiation set consisting of a distributor and at least one module of a modular system according to the invention, said irradiation set being intended to be placed on different parts of the body of a user.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a transcutaneous irradiation device comprising two modular systems according to the invention;

- Figure 2 schematically illustrates a modular system according to the invention;

- Figure 3 illustrates steps of a communication method within a modular system according to the invention;

- Figures 4 and 5 illustrate steps of using one or more modular system (s) according to the invention.

In all of the figures, similar elements bear identical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In connection with FIG. 1, a transcutaneous irradiation device comprises a first irradiation set 1 placed on the head of a user and possibly a second irradiation set 2 placed on the abdomen of the user. Of course, an irradiation device can include a higher number of irradiation assemblies that can be placed on other parts of the user's body depending on the desired application.

The first E1 irradiation set includes at least one transcutaneous irradiation module 10 and the second E2 irradiation set also includes at least one transcutaneous irradiation module. The transcutaneous irradiation modules are intended to be placed on the body of the user.

The radiation modules are preferably intended to be affixed to the skin of the user.

To ensure the positioning of the transcutaneous irradiation modules, the latter are arranged on a support 20 of modules comprising rings making it possible to ensure the fixed retention of a module. The support is preferably made of a flexible and / or elastic material enabling the modules to be held by elastic grip.

Each transcutaneous irradiation module 10 comprises one or a plurality of irradiation means which may take the form of laser sources of the pulsed type (preferably a laser diode or any other source emitting laser radiation known to a person skilled in the art) generating a beam emitting in the infrared spectrum, light emitting diodes (LED) or laser sources generating a beam emitting in the visible spectrum and / or light emitting diodes (LED) generating a beam emitting in the infrared spectrum; as well as possibly means for generating a static magnetic field, preferably circular, such as for example a magnet positioned within each transcutaneous irradiation module

10.

Preferably, the number of transcutaneous irradiation modules 10 is even and are advantageously distributed over the user symmetrically.

The transcutaneous irradiation device also includes a COM control unit including a user interface. Such an interface is for example a touch screen or a screen associated with a keyboard. The control unit makes it possible to configure the irradiation parameters of each of the modules and to issue instructions to the device.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the COM control unit comprises two communication lines L1, L2 which go respectively to the first irradiation set E1 and the second irradiation set E2. Each communication line L1, L2 is respectively connected to a distributor HUB1, HUB2 which are respectively connected to the modules of the first irradiation set E1 and to the second irradiation set E2.

The irradiation device can include up to 40 irradiation sets with as many communication lines and corresponding distributors.

The communication lines L1, L2 are communication lines making it possible to communicate with the distributors with or without wire (in particular, of Bluetooth ™ type low consumption).

Each irradiation set is a modular system having a tree-like logical architecture which will be described below in relation to FIG. 2 which schematically illustrates the architecture of a modular system of the first transcutaneous irradiation set. Advantageously, any modular system of a transcutaneous irradiation set has the same architecture.

The modular system includes the COM communication unit, a HUB1, HUB2 distributor and at least two communication channels v11, v12, v13, v14 connected in parallel to the distributor via at least one switch Cx1, Cx2, Cx3 , Cx4.

From each communication channel extend at least one m111, m112, m113, m114 module connected to a communication channel. When there is more than one module, these are connected in series on the communication channel.

The distribution channel and each communication channel consist of a CAN bus.

The modular system, seen from the COM control unit, has the following architecture:

the communication line L1 is connected to the distributor HUB1, four communication channels v11, v12, v13, v14 are connected to the distributor by means of four switches Cx1, Cx2, Cx3, Cx4; four modules m111, m112, m113, m114.

The modules are therefore addressed as a function of the communication channel itself, a function of the distributor, itself a function of the communication line.

To be able to communicate with a distributor, a particular module or all the modules of a channel or all the modules of a distributor or even all the modules combined, the modular system is such that the COM control unit allows to assign to each module and distributor a unique number allowing it to be identified within the complete system. Thus, the COM control unit can, when necessary, address a particular module of the system.

As mentioned, the distribution channel and each communication channel are constituted by a CAN bus on which CAN format messages circulate consisting of a header and 64 bits of data.

The modular system includes several operating modes, including an INIT initialization mode and a normal NORM operating mode. It also includes a RESET reset mode.

The INIT initialization mode is a mode during which unique numbers are assigned to each module and to each dispatcher. Such a mode is consecutive to the powering up of the device or is the result of a RESET reset of the system which can be initiated by the control unit following a request from a user.

NORM normal mode is a mode in which all modules of the modular system connected to the system have a unique number and are waiting for a message from the control unit. Such a normal operating mode is encountered during irradiation treatment for example.

INIT initialization mode

In relation to FIG. 3, an INIT initialization mode of the modular system is described below in which a unique number is assigned to each module and to each dispatcher, in other words to each element. When a distributor is not distinguished from a module, the term element is used below.

An element includes a microcontroller (not shown) which has its own unique universal identifier

This identifier is denoted CPUID. It is an identifier that depends on the hardware and not on the position of the element in the architecture of the modular system.

This CPUID can be engraved in the silicone chip by the manufacturer or assigned by external programming in such a way that uniqueness is respected.

The control unit will make the link between the CPUID number and the logical position of the element in the tree structure of the modular system and will communicate to the element its unique number which will then be saved in the volatile memory of the microcontroller of the element . This number will therefore be lost each time the element is disconnected or the system stops.

Consequently, at the end of the initialization mode, the COM control unit will be aware of all the elements connected to it.

A unique number is made up, for example of 16 bits distributed as follows:

- 4 bits to indicate the number of the line here line 1 L1 or line 2 L2 and therefore a distributor; The number of lines is between 1 and 15.

- 4 bits to indicate the number of the communication channel from the dispatcher; The number of channels is between 1 and 15;

- 8 bits to indicate the module which allows to have from 1 to 255 modules

The value 0 means all elements.

A number has for example the following format (Ox means hexadecimal):

0x1201: module 01 of communication channel 2 of line 1 (HUB1) 0x1000: all the elements of line 1 (connected to HUB1)

Of course, the number of bits of the unique number can be increased or decreased as required.

At the start of the modular system or after a RESET reset of the system, no distributor and no module has a unique number, all channels of the distributors are then closed.

The modular system is in the INIT initialization mode and the elements are awaiting assignment of a unique number.

Nothing can communicate with the COM control unit.

At the start of INIT mode:

o The channels of each distributor HUB1, HUB2 are closed;

o all the elements send a message to the control unit indicating that they are waiting for a unique number (for example the message CMD_REG_NODE) and await a response assigning them a unique number. The elements send such a request as long as they do not receive a response from the COM control unit.

In order to avoid conflicts when sending this message (all elements go at the same speed and it is likely that they all send their message at the same time), each element waits for a random time between two transmissions of a message of the type CMD_REG_NODE.

Advantageously, in order to know which element to respond to, the message CMD_REG_NODE includes the universal identifier CPUID of each element.

At this stage, the communication lines are closed as well as the communication channels of each dispatcher.

The control unit opens its first line (step a)) and waits for a request for an element. The request received can only be that of the distributor HUB1 connected to the first line L1.

Upon receipt of the request, the COM control unit assigns (step b)) a unique number to the element which sent the request, here HUB1.

To assign the unique number, the control unit generates (step b1)) then a unique number (0x1000 for line 1, channel 0 identifying the dispatcher and module 0) and sends a message (step b2)) including the CPUID of the dispatcher HUB1 as well as the unique number generated (for example a NODE_SET_DEVID message).

Such a message sending the unique number has no precise recipient. This is the element whose CPUID is contained in the message which will recognize its CPUID and retrieve the unique number contained in the message and store it in its memory. The first dispatcher is therefore now initialized and has a unique number.

Then the control unit will assign a unique number to each module connected to said distributor (step c)).

To assign the unique numbers of the modules associated with a dispatcher, the control unit opens (step c1)) in turn each communication channel of the dispatcher and upon receipt of the waiting message for a unique number, will generate (step c2)) a unique number and send a message (step c3)) comprising the module's CPUID and its unique generated number. To open each communication channel in turn, the control unit sends a message of the type HUB_LINE_SEL.

The unique numbers assigned are therefore:

0x1101 for the first communication line 1 module, communication channel 1;

0x1102 for the second module of communication line 1, communication channel 1;

And so on until all the elements have a unique number.

Once all the modules associated with a dispatcher have a unique number, the control unit will repeat steps a) to c) for each communication line and therefore each dispatcher.

Then, the control unit sends a message to the distributors HUB1, HUB2 so that they open all their communication channels (step d)). The modules are therefore all connected to the COM control unit. To control the opening of the communication channels by each of the distributors HUB1, HUB2, the COM control unit sends a message of the type HUB_LINE_SEL_ALL.

Once all the modules of each distributor have a unique number, the modular system then switches to normal NORM operating mode during which each module is waiting for message (s) from the COM communication unit. In addition, the COM communication unit checks the number of modules connected. Indeed, each line can support a maximum number of modules (for example five) for a question of maximum power admissible by the supply wires.

The control unit during the INIT initialization mode typically sends the following messages:

Message Description Data (for example) NODE_RESET Item reset Any NODE_SET_DEV_ID Assigns a unique number to an element CPUID unique number CMD_REG_NODE Single number request Any HUB_LINE_SEL Lane opening bits unique number channel number HUB_LINE_SEL_ALL All lanes open Any

Messages intended for an element (dispatcher or module) have the name NODE xx.

Messages for the control unit have the name CMD_xx

Messages intended for a dispatcher have the name HUB_xx.

NORM operating mode

Such a mode allows you to exchange messages. As light modules, it can be a light configuration (frequency, power, color, etc.), switching lights on or off.

The control unit during normal mode when it comes to controlling the modules so that they perform specific actions, typically sends the following messages:

Message Description Data MOD_LIGHT_SETUP Light preparation single number frequency power (red, IR, Laser MOD_LIGHT_START Switch on the module light source unique number MODLIGHTSTOP Switching off the light source of the module unique number

SYNC synchronization process

The COM control unit allows frequency synchronization of the different modules. This synchronization is advantageously carried out during the normal NORM mode.

Frequency synchronization of the modules is particularly essential when the modules have to work together.

In the case of modules using 12 MHz quartz as the external clock, we can observe a variation between the different clocks (in the order of quartz precision). This difference may be due to the precision limits of the quartz and more frequently to a temperature difference.

Thus, in order to limit the frequency drift, the control unit regularly sends a global message to all the modules in communication with it, which enables the clocks to be resynchronized.

The control unit during the synchronization process typically sends the following message:

Message Description Data NODE_TIME_SYNC Synchronization No

VERIF verification process

The modular system allows during normal NORM mode that an element has not been connected or disconnected. Indeed, such a connection or removal can distort the system settings.

In the case of a module connection, as it is immediately in the INIT mode, it is waiting for a unique number (transmission of a CMD_REG_NODE message). During normal NORM operation, the control unit receives a request for a unique number and goes into error mode.

To detect a disconnection, the control unit sends a request to each element in turn. If there is no response, the system detects an error and returns to error mode.

Connected elements must therefore receive a verification request regularly. In case of non-reception, the control unit is faulty. The system goes into error mode and all modules stop.

The control unit can also reprogram a system element, for example, to perform an update at the microcontroller level.

The control unit when it comes to performing checks typically sends the following messages:

Message Description Data NOD_DFU Reprogramming CPUID NOD_PING_xx Presence test No

It can be seen that the messages sent during normal mode all include a unique number.

RESET process

A RESET reset process is initiated by the control unit following a user request and is described in relation to Figure 4.

To do this, the control unit opens (step aa)) all the communication lines so that it can communicate with all the distributors HUB1, HUB2.

Once all the communication lines are open, the COM control unit sends (step bb)) a reset message to all the elements connected to it. Resetting the item loses the unique number. The message sent is of the NODE_RESET type.

Then, all the elements wait for a unique number (step dd)), the control unit closes (step cc)) then all of its communication lines L1, L2 (step d)). When the elements are waiting for a unique number, they send a message of the type CMD_REG_NODE.

Use of the modular system

The modular system described above is advantageously used in the context of the prevention and / or treatment of neurological disorders and / or neurodegenerative diseases in a user in need thereof. Of course, the system described above can also be used when transcutaneous irradiation modules are necessary.

As already mentioned, in these cases the modular system is a component of a transcutaneous irradiation device which can be used simultaneously on the head or on the abdomen, or even consecutively. Thus one or two modular system (s) can be used during a treatment session.

During a session, parameters are configured using the COM control unit, which includes a user interface for this purpose. These parameters are for example, power, frequency and duration.

An example of use of the modular system described above is described below in relation to FIG. 5.

When a user wants to perform a session, they turn on the transcutaneous irradiation device (POWER).

As soon as the device is powered on it goes into initialization mode (INIT) in order to initialize the modular system in particular.

A user can then configure the session (PARAM) on the COM control unit.

Advantageously, once the session parameters have been validated, the control unit returns to initialization mode (I N IT).

Then, the device switches to normal mode (NORM) during which, in particular, the various modules receive commands from the COM control unit in accordance with the parameters of the session configured by the user.

During normal mode, a reset (RESET) can be initiated, the system then returns to initialization mode (INIT).

Claims (12)

1. Modular system comprising: - at least one distributor (HUB1, HUB2); - at least two communication channels (v11, v12, v13, v14) connected in parallel to the distributor by means of at least one switch (Cx1, Cx2, Cx3, Cx4), - at least one module (m115, m116, m117, m117, m118) connected on a communication channel; each channel comprising a CAN bus; each module comprising a microcontroller having its own universal identifier (CPUID) and is configured to receive from a control unit (COM) via the dispatcher (HUB1, HUB2) messages in CAN format comprising a unique number depending on the architecture of the modular system, said unique number being a function of said identifier, the unique number making it possible to identify; - a distributor (HUB1, HUB2); a module (m111, m112, m113, m114, m115) connected to a communication channel connected to a distributor. 2. Modular system according to claim 1, in which the control unit, each distributor and each module comprises a microcontroller configured to generate and process messages conforming to the CAN standard, each message comprising a header and a series of data bits. . 3. Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which each module and each dispatcher is configured to send messages of the CMD_REG_NODE type so that a module or a dispatcher is on standby with the unit of order a unique number. 4. Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the control unit is configured to transmit configuration messages of the NODE_xx type intended for at least one module and at least one distributor so as to what said recipient of said NODE_xx type messages processes by means of his microcontroller said message to be configured, the configuration possibly being the allocation of the unique number. 5. Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the control unit is configured to send messages of the HUB_xx type to at least one dispatcher so that said dispatcher processes by means of its microcontroller said message in order to perform an action dependent on the message. 6. Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the control unit is configured to send control messages from at least one module of the MOD_xx type to at least one module so that said module processes said message by means of its processor in order to perform an action according to the command received. 7. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the unique identifier is constituted in such a way that it includes the line number, the channel number, the module number. 8. Communication method within a modular system according to one of the preceding claims, said method being implemented by the control unit of said modular system and comprising: an initialization mode (INIT) of the modular system so that all the elements of the modular system have a unique number, and once all the elements have a unique number; - a normal mode (NORM) according to which at least one module of the modular system is waiting for a message from the control unit, the initialization mode (INIT) comprising the following steps: a) opening of a first line connected to the control unit so that the control unit can communicate with a first distributor among all the distributors of said modular system b) allocation of a unique number to said first dispatcher; c) assigning a unique number to each module connected to said dispatcher; once all the modules corresponding to the distributor have a unique number; repetition of steps a) to c) changing lines and dispatcher; and once all the modules and distributor (s) have a unique number; d) sending a message to all dispatchers so that they open all their channels; all the elements of the modular system are waiting for message (s) from the communication unit. 9. Method according to the preceding claim, in which during normal mode, if a module is added to the system, the control unit receives a message from the added module indicating to the control unit that it is waiting for a number. single, the control unit generating an error message. 10. Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, in which during the normal mode, the control unit transmits at regular intervals a message for checking the presence of all the modules for which a unique number has been allocated in order verify that all the modules are operational, each module having to respond to this message, the control unit generating an error message if at least one module does not respond to said verification message. 11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which during the normal mode, the communication unit transmits at regular intervals a synchronization message to all the modules of the modular system. 12. Transcutaneous irradiation device, comprising a first transcutaneous irradiation set, said irradiation set consisting of a distributor and at least one module of a modular system according to one of claims 1 to 7, said irradiation assembly being intended to be placed on different parts of the body of a user.