JP2009156644A - Function inspection apparatus and function inspection method of in-vehicle computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a function inspection apparatus of an in-vehicle computer which efficiently inspects whether a control transition of the in-vehicle computer having an automatic cruise function is correctly implemented. <P>SOLUTION: A signal factor for contributing to an automatic cruise control is assigned to an orthogonal table of a mixed system having two-level column number section for assigning two types of levels, and three-level column number section for assigning three types of levels. In the two-level column number section of the orthogonal table, the signal factor of a switch is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number. In the three-level column number section, a combined factor group having a combination of multiple types of the signal factors in a predetermined order is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number. The signal factor is input to a simulation computer per row number of the orthogonal table. The in-vehicle computer 25 controls a to-be-simulated device 71 based on the signal factor. A result is displayed on a display section in a monitor tool. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a function inspection device and a function inspection method for an in-vehicle computer in which a control mode is changed according to a combination of signals of a plurality of switches operated by a driver or the like, for example, an in-vehicle computer having an auto-cruise function. .

  Conventionally, various failure management apparatuses have been proposed for determining a failure of an in-vehicle computer. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a failure management device has been proposed for the purpose of displaying a failure of a controller for controlling sensors and actuators mounted on a vehicle and storing a failure history. ing.

  However, since the conventional failure management device is assumed to be normal when the in-vehicle computer is mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted computer is actually operated after the vehicle in which the in-vehicle computer is mounted is actually driven. Bugs may be discovered. For this reason, when it is discovered that the software (control logic) of the in-vehicle computer installed in the vehicle is defective, the control logic of the in-vehicle computer is corrected, the vehicle is recovered, and the in-vehicle computer is replaced. Countermeasures are required. For this reason, the in-vehicle computer needs to perform a function test before being mounted on an actual vehicle.

The in-vehicle computer has various functions. For example, in order to reduce a driver | operator's labor, the vehicle-mounted computer which has an auto-cruise function is known. Alternatively, an in-vehicle computer having an auto-leveling function for controlling the posture of the vehicle body and an in-vehicle computer having a light control function for controlling a headlamp have been developed.
JP-A-4-304589

  In order to perform a functional test of an in-vehicle computer, various test conditions such as driving conditions or road surface conditions are combined, a simulation target device is controlled by a simulation computer, and the function is evaluated based on the obtained output. Has been done. However, in the auto cruise function test, for example, there are many switches related to the auto cruise function, such as a cruise main power switch, a set switch, a resume switch, and a cancel switch. In addition to these switches, signals from door switches, accelerator switches, parking switches, brake pedal switches, and the like are also involved in auto cruise control. Furthermore, signals from sensors that detect road surface conditions are also involved in auto cruise control.

  In the auto cruise function, control logic for control transition according to the order of each signal is incorporated in the in-vehicle computer so that a desired auto cruise function is performed based on signals output from a plurality of switches or sensors. ing. For this reason, it is not possible to evaluate whether or not the control transition that changes depending on the operation sequence of the switch is normally performed even if the malfunction of the switch itself can be evaluated by simply examining the on / off operation of the switch. .

  Therefore, in order to inspect the auto cruise function of the in-vehicle computer, a computer program for simulation is used so that various traveling patterns according to the order of signals of various switches or sensors are reproduced. . However, there are at least two types of on / off operation of each switch. Depending on the switch, there are three or more modes such as long press, momentary press, and no press, and the vehicle speed and road gradient conditions are also involved in the auto cruise function. To do. For this reason, the number of combinations of test conditions may be enormous (hundreds of thousands), and even if a computer for simulation is used, an enormous amount of time is spent. Also, a lot of time is spent analyzing the test results.

  A function testing apparatus for an in-vehicle computer according to the present invention includes a signal output means for outputting an electrical signal to an in-vehicle computer to be inspected, a simulation target device controlled based on a signal output from the signal output means, For each row number part of an orthogonal table of a mixed system having a two-level column number part for assigning types of level factors and a three-level column number part capable of assigning three kinds of level factors Test condition recording means for assigning signal factors involved in the control of the in-vehicle computer, and the signal factors recorded in the test condition recording means are input for each row number part of the orthogonal table, and the input signals Computation control means for controlling the simulation target device based on a factor, and display means for outputting a control result for the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer, the test condition recording means, A signal factor indicating ON or OFF of the switch is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table in the column number part of the two levels of the orthogonal table, and the column number part of the three levels of the orthogonal table includes A combination factor group formed by combining a plurality of types of signal factors in a predetermined order is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table, and the calculation control means is input for each row number portion. Control of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer is executed based on the signal factor and the combination factor group, and the processing result is output to the display means.

  In other words, in the present invention, in order to efficiently obtain the degree of influence of the control transition that changes depending on the combination of the outputs of the switches, sensors, etc. involved in the control of the in-vehicle computer with a small number of tests, it is a mixed having two levels and three levels The system orthogonal table is used. An orthogonal table (also referred to as an orthogonal arrangement table) is used, for example, in design of experiments. As shown in FIG. 4, factors (factors) are indicated in the horizontal column number portion, and test numbers are indicated in the vertical row number portion. Numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the orthogonal table indicate level numbers. These level numbers are combined so that any two columns in the orthogonal table have an orthogonal relationship.

  In the present invention, a signal factor indicating ON or OFF of a switch is assigned to the two-level column number portion of the orthogonal table, and a plurality of types of signal factors are assigned to the three-level column number portion of the orthogonal table in a predetermined order. A combination factor group that is a combination is assigned.

  In one form of the present invention, the in-vehicle computer has an auto-cruise function, and the signal output means is a switch or a sensor that outputs a signal related to auto-cruise control, and the two-level column numbers of the orthogonal table The signal factor of the cruise main power switch for turning on / off the cruise main power source and the signal factor of the set switch operated during auto-cruise traveling are allocated to the section, and the three-level column of the orthogonal table In the number part, a factor group for control transition is formed by combining signal factors of two or more types of switches in a predetermined order.

  An example of the combination factor group is a combination of a plurality of types of signal factors in a predetermined order by a switch and a sensor for temporarily canceling auto-cruise control by the in-vehicle computer.

  The function testing method for an in-vehicle computer according to the present invention includes a factor allocating step for allocating a signal factor related to the control of the in-vehicle computer for each row number part of the orthogonal table of the mixed system, and the signal factor is input to the arithmetic control means. An arithmetic control step for executing control of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer based on the signal factor; and an output step for outputting a control result of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer, wherein the factor allocation step is Assigning a signal factor indicating ON or OFF of the switch to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table in the column number part of the two levels of the orthogonal table, and the column number of the three levels of the orthogonal table. Assign a combination factor group consisting of multiple types of signal factors in a predetermined order to the position corresponding to the level number in the orthogonal table. And the calculation control step causes the vehicle-mounted computer to execute control of the simulation target device based on the signal factor input for each row number part and the combination factor group. The result is output to the display means.

  According to the present invention, whether or not the control logic is correct in an in-vehicle computer (for example, an in-vehicle computer having an auto-cruise function) in which control is transitioned by a combination of signals output from signal output means such as various switches or sensors. The determination can be made with a small number of tests, and the function test can be efficiently performed before the in-vehicle computer is installed in the actual vehicle.

A function testing apparatus and a testing method for an in-vehicle computer having an auto cruise function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows a front part 10 of a cab of a vehicle. A steering wheel 11, an instrument panel 12, a steering column cover 13, a cruise driving operation switch unit 14, and the like are arranged in the front part 10 of the cab.

  The instrument panel 12 is provided with an instrument 20 for indicating a vehicle speed (vehicle speed), an engine speed, and the like, a cruise main power switch 21 for turning on / off a main power source for auto cruise operation, and the like. Yes. The cruise driving switch unit 14 is a multifunctional combination switch.

  The switch unit 14 and the cruise main power switch 21 are each electrically connected to an in-vehicle computer (ECU) 25 having an auto-cruise function. The in-vehicle computer 25 having an auto-cruise function controls the fuel injection amount and the brake of the engine so that the vehicle can travel at a constant speed. That is, the in-vehicle computer 25 incorporates software (computer program) that keeps the vehicle speed constant based on signals output from signal output means such as various switches and various sensors described below.

  The switch unit 14 used for auto-cruise driving is a set switch 30 that is turned on by the driver when performing auto-cruise driving, a cancel switch 31 that is operated when canceling auto-cruising, and revives cruise driving after cancellation. And a resume switch 32 that is operated when the operation is performed.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle speed sensor 40, an accelerator switch 41, a foot brake switch 42, a parking brake switch 43, and a vehicle speed sensor 40 are provided in the in-vehicle computer 25 as means for outputting an electrical signal related to auto cruise control. A door switch 44, a gradient sensor 45, an auxiliary brake switch 46, a neutral switch 47, a clutch switch 48, and the like are connected.

First, the outline of the auto cruise function will be described.
For example, when the set switch 30 is turned on while the vehicle is running, the in-vehicle computer 25 sets the target vehicle speed so that the vehicle speed at that time is maintained. The in-vehicle computer 25 controls the fuel injection amount and the brake of the engine toward the target vehicle speed.

  When the cancel switch 31 is turned on during auto-cruise traveling, the in-vehicle computer 25 temporarily cancels the auto-cruise traveling. When the foot brake is stepped on and the foot brake switch 42 is turned on, the in-vehicle computer 25 temporarily cancels the auto-cruise traveling. After the auto-cruise traveling is canceled, when the resume switch 32 is turned on (momentarily pressed), the in-vehicle computer 25 performs control to return to the cruise traveling mode.

  When the accelerator switch 41 is turned on by depressing the accelerator pedal during auto-cruise traveling, the fuel speed of the engine increases and the vehicle speed increases. This is the override (accelerator operation) mode. When the accelerator pedal is returned, the vehicle returns to cruise driving and returns to the vehicle speed at the previous cruise driving.

  If the resume switch 32 is pressed and held during auto-cruise traveling, the fuel speed of the engine increases as the fuel injection amount of the engine increases, and the vehicle speed at the time when the operation of the resume switch 32 is stopped is maintained. When the resume switch 32 is pressed and held in the reverse direction, the fuel injection amount is decreased to decrease the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed at the time when the operation of the resume switch 32 is stopped is maintained. That is, the speed operation corresponding to the accelerator pedal can be performed by the resume switch 32.

  In addition, by operating the auxiliary brake (exhaust valve brake and retarder), the auto-cruise traveling is temporarily canceled even when the auxiliary brake switch 46 is activated. When the resume switch 32 is operated after the auxiliary brake is returned to the original state, the vehicle returns to the auto cruise traveling again.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the auto-cruise driving process in more detail. In step S1, the vehicle is traveling. When the traveling speed is in the predetermined speed range, it is determined in step S2 whether or not the cruise main power switch 21 is on. If the cruise main power switch 21 is off, the auto-cruise control is not performed and the process is terminated through step S3.

  If the cruise main power switch 21 is on, the cruise standby state is set at step S4, and it is further determined at step S5 whether the set switch 30 is on. If the set switch 30 is normally operated (pressed momentarily), the vehicle speed at that time is set as the target vehicle speed in step S6, and normal cruise traveling (constant speed traveling) is performed in step S7. When the set switch 30 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to step S8, where control for lowering the target vehicle speed is performed.

  Further, when the cancel switch 31 is turned on in step S9, the cruise is temporarily canceled in step S10. In this state, when the resume switch 32 is normally operated (instantaneously pressed) in step S11, it returns to the target vehicle speed held last time in step S12, and constant speed running is started. If the accelerator pedal is depressed during cruise traveling, the vehicle can be accelerated in step S13. Thereafter, the target vehicle speed is set in step S14, and the routine proceeds to normal cruise traveling in step S15. If the resume switch 32 is pressed for a long time in step S11, the target speed increases while the resume switch 32 is operated in step S16, and then the target vehicle speed is set in step S14 and held last time. By returning to the target vehicle speed, normal cruise driving is resumed.

  The in-vehicle computer 25 having the auto-cruise function described above is subjected to a function test as to whether or not a predetermined auto-cruise function is performed before being installed in an actual vehicle, for example, when software of the in-vehicle computer 25 is delivered. Done. This function test is performed by the function test apparatus 50 shown in FIG.

  The function inspection device 50 includes a simulation computer 51. The simulation computer 51 includes a computer main body 52 that functions as a calculation control unit, a display panel 53, and an input device 54 that includes a keyboard and a pointing device that can input data relating to inspection conditions.

  The display panel 53 displays a status display unit 60 such as a speedometer and a tachometer that simulates actual vehicle instruments, and a simulated switch unit 61 that corresponds to various devices that are operated when the vehicle is driven. ing. The simulation switch unit 61 can be operated by the input device 54. In the simulation switch unit 61, switches such as a cruise main power switch 21, a set switch 30, a cancel switch 31, and a resume switch 32 that are provided in an actual vehicle (for example, shown in FIG. 1) are also arranged.

  The computer main body 52 stores a computer program (control logic) of an algorithm for performing auto-cruise control in accordance with specifications based on a signal input from the input device 54 and electronic data relating to test conditions. Includes memory.

  Further, the function inspection device 50 can confirm the display of the input / output waveform of the control signal and the control signal state. The processing result is confirmed by connecting a measurement personal computer as a monitor tool. Furthermore, the function inspection device 50 includes a cabinet 72 that houses the in-vehicle computer 25 to be inspected. The cabinet 72 houses a display device 70, a simulation target device 71 that simulates a fuel injection valve of an engine that is a control target, and the like.

Below, the process which test | inspects the vehicle-mounted computer 25 using the function test | inspection apparatus 50 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
Test conditions applied when testing the auto-cruise function are recorded in the test condition recording means. An example of the test condition recording means is a test condition sheet 81 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) prepared by assigning signal factors related to auto-cruise control based on the orthogonal table 80 of the mixed system shown in FIG. ).

  The orthogonal table 80 of the mixed system (for example, the L36 orthogonal table shown in FIG. 4) is a two-level column number part that assigns two types of levels and a three-level column number that can be assigned three types of levels. Part. Numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the orthogonal table 80 are level numbers. For each of these level numbers, a test condition sheet 81 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is assigned by assigning a signal factor described below or a combination factor group obtained by combining a plurality of signal factors in a predetermined order. Is made.

  As another example of the test condition recording means, electronic data corresponding to the test condition sheet 81 is stored in advance in the memory of the simulation computer 51, downloaded as necessary, and the contents thereof are displayed on the display panel 53. You may make it do. By doing so, it becomes possible to reproduce the test conditions and to change the test conditions.

  The horizontal direction of the orthogonal table 80 (L36 orthogonal table) of the mixed system shown in FIG. 4 is the column number portion, and the vertical direction is the row number portion. The line number part is arranged in the order of the test number. Based on this orthogonal table 80, a test condition sheet 81 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is produced. In this test condition sheet 81, signal factors representing the state of various switches or sensors are assigned to the row number portions arranged in the horizontal direction according to the level numbers as signal factors involved in the auto cruise control. .

  Prior to assigning signal factors to the orthogonal table 80, signal factors involved in the auto-cruise function are extracted. These signal factors are then assigned to the orthogonal table 80 in the factor assignment step described below.

  For example, in the step of assigning signal factors representing two types of states such as on / off of the switch, two levels of column number parts A to K for assigning factors of two types are assigned. For example, in the column number part A, a signal factor indicating whether or not the battery power source is connected is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number. In the column number part B, a signal factor indicating whether the accelerator switch is on or off is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number.

  On the other hand, a signal factor for changing the cruise mode in accordance with the operation sequence of a plurality of switches or sensors is given to a part of the three-level column number portions L to W to which three types of factors can be assigned. A combination factor group that is combined in order is assigned. In the step of assigning a signal factor for control transition in which the auto-cruise mode changes according to the operation sequence of the switch, the combination factor group is assigned to one of the column number parts L to W as one of the test conditions. .

  As an example, in the three-level column number part Q, the combination factor group assigned to level number 1 is a set of signal factors when the auxiliary brake is operated and the set switch is operated and then the clutch is neutral. The alignment is shown. In the column number part Q, the combination factor group assigned to the level number 2 indicates a combination of signal factors when the foot brake is operated and the resume switch is operated, and then switched to neutral. In the column number part Q, the combination factor group assigned to the level number 3 indicates a combination of signal factors when the resume switch is operated after the cancel switch is operated and the auxiliary brake is operated. Thus, the combination factor group for the control transition of the three types of patterns is assigned to the column number part Q. The above is the factor assignment step.

  In addition, in the three-level column number parts L to W, when assigning only two types of signal factors such as on / off of the switch, the signal factor that produces the effect among the on / off signal factors is dummy. Assign as. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the dummy is shown in parentheses.

  As described above, the test condition configured by the combination of the signal factors assigned to the orthogonal table 80 of the mixed system is input to the arithmetic control unit functioning as the arithmetic control unit of the simulation computer 51 in the arithmetic control step. The auto cruise control of the simulation target device 71 is executed by the in-vehicle computer 25.

  For each row number part (examination number) of the test condition sheet 81 described above, each signal factor and combination factor group of the column number part are input to the in-vehicle computer 25 in the order of the column numbers in the calculation control unit of the simulation computer 51. Is done. The arithmetic control unit of the simulation computer 51 controls the in-vehicle computer 25 based on a combination of signal factors input for each row number unit, thereby performing auto-cruise control of the simulation target device 71 (for example, a fuel injection valve). Made. The above is the calculation control step.

  For each test condition input from the input device 54 in the calculation control step, auto-cruise control is executed by the simulation computer 51 and the in-vehicle computer 25, and the processing result is measured by connecting to the display device 70 or a monitor tool, for example. Displayed by display means such as a display unit of the personal computer. When the processing result is expressed by a numerical value (digital data) or an analog waveform signal, the inspector can determine whether or not the auto-cruise control has been correctly performed for each test condition by looking at the processing result. Alternatively, evaluation can be performed after the test by printing the processing result on paper or the like. The above is the output step.

  The electronic data corresponding to the test condition sheet 81 described above is stored in advance in the memory of the simulation computer 51 so that each test condition is taken out sequentially and the simulation target device 71 is controlled for each test condition. Also good.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of signal factors for control transition are arranged in a predetermined order in a three-level column number part that can be assigned three types of levels in the orthogonal table of the mixed system. By assigning a combination factor group to be combined and performing auto-cruise control sequentially for each row number (test number) based on the combination of these signal factors, the control transition mode of the in-vehicle computer 25 is efficiently checked. It became possible to do. Further, by sequentially checking the control results at the time when each signal factor is inputted, it is possible to find out which signal factor has caused a malfunction in the control logic.

  In the function inspection test of the in-vehicle computer with the conventional auto-cruise function, all combinations of signals from many switches and sensors involved in auto-cruise and various signals such as vehicle speed and road gradient conditions are covered. Functional tests were performed under a huge amount of test conditions. On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, under 36 test conditions, an inspection result comparable to that of the conventional function inspection test can be obtained efficiently.

  The present invention can be applied to a function test of an in-vehicle computer having an auto leveling function, a headlight optical axis angle control, or an inter-vehicle distance measuring function, in addition to the in-vehicle computer having an auto cruise function. In short, it can be used for a function test of an in-vehicle computer that performs transition control in which the control is changed by an on / off operation of a switch by an occupant. The L36 orthogonal table is suitable for the orthogonal table used in the present invention, but an orthogonal table other than L36 may be used. In short, if an orthogonal table of a mixed system capable of assigning two-level and three-level factors is used. Good.

The perspective view of a part of vehicle by which the vehicle-mounted computer which has an auto-cruise function is mounted. The flowchart which shows an example of the auto-cruise function of the vehicle shown by FIG. The perspective view of the function test | inspection apparatus equivalent to the real vehicle for performing the function test | inspection of the vehicle-mounted computer shown by FIG. The figure which shows an example of the orthogonal table of the mixed system containing 2 levels and 3 levels. The figure which shows an example of the signal factor allocated to the column number part AP of the orthogonal table shown by FIG. The figure which shows an example of the signal factor allocated to the column number part QW of the orthogonal table shown by FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Cruise main power switch 25 ... In-vehicle computer 30 ... Set switch 31 ... Cancel switch 32 ... Resume switch 50 ... Function inspection apparatus 51 ... Computer for simulation 54 ... Input device 81 ... Test condition sheet (test condition recording means)

Claims (4)

A signal output means for outputting an electrical signal to the in-vehicle computer to be inspected;
A simulation target device controlled based on a signal output from the signal output means;
For each row number part of an orthogonal table of a mixed system having a two-level column number part for assigning two kinds of factors and a three-level column number part capable of assigning three kinds of factors Test condition recording means for assigning signal factors involved in the control of the in-vehicle computer to
An arithmetic control means for inputting the signal factor recorded in the test condition recording means for each row number part of the orthogonal table, and controlling the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer based on the input signal factor;
Display means for outputting a control result of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer,
The test condition recording means includes
In the column number part of the two levels of the orthogonal table, a signal factor indicating ON or OFF of the switch is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table,
In the three-level column number part of the orthogonal table, a combination factor group formed by combining a plurality of types of signal factors in a predetermined order is assigned to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table,
The arithmetic control unit causes the vehicle-mounted computer to control the simulation target device based on the signal factor input for each row number part and the combination factor group, and outputs the processing result to the display unit. An in-vehicle computer function inspection device.   The in-vehicle computer has an auto-cruise function, and the signal output means is a switch or a sensor that outputs a signal related to auto-cruise control, and the cruise main power is turned on at the two-level column number portion of the orthogonal table. -The signal factor of the cruise main power switch for turning off and the signal factor of the set switch operated during auto-cruise traveling are assigned, and there are two or more types in the three-level column number part of the orthogonal table The in-vehicle computer function testing device according to claim 1, wherein a combination factor group for control transition is formed by combining the signal factors of the switches in a predetermined order.   The vehicle combination according to claim 2, wherein the combination factor group is formed by combining a plurality of types of signal factors by a switch and a sensor for temporarily canceling auto-cruise control by the vehicle-mounted computer in a predetermined order. Computer function testing device. For each row number part of an orthogonal table of a mixed system having a two-level column number part for assigning two kinds of factors and a three-level column number part capable of assigning three kinds of factors A factor assignment step for assigning signal factors involved in the control of the in-vehicle computer to
An arithmetic control step for inputting the signal factor to the arithmetic control means and executing control of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer based on the signal factor;
An output step of outputting a control result of the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer,
The factor assignment step includes:
Assigning a signal factor indicating ON or OFF of a switch to a position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table in the column number part of the two levels of the orthogonal table;
Allocating a combination factor group formed by combining a plurality of types of signal factors in a predetermined order to the position corresponding to the level number of the orthogonal table in the column number part of the three levels of the orthogonal table. ,
The calculation control step controls the simulation target device by the in-vehicle computer based on the signal factor input for each row number part and the combination factor group, and outputs the processing result to the display means. A function inspection method for an in-vehicle computer.

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