KR20060111759A - Telematics device being capable of updating audio firmware and update method of audio firmware on telematics device - Google Patents

Abstract

A telematics device for facilitating update of an audio firmware and an audio firmware updating method thereof are provided to enable a user to adjust audio tuning values and update various kinds of audio software modules by easily inputting update information through an external device such as a mobile communication module, an optical disc or memory card accessing device, and a communication port. A storing part(225) stores the audio firmware including tuning information for each frequency band and an interface program. A storage medium accessing part(235) transfers the data read by accessing a storage medium storing the audio firmware or an audio signal. An audio signal processor(245) analyzes the audio signal if the audio signal is received, and tunes an audio quality and plays the audio signal by executing the audio firmware. A controller(240) updates data of the storing part if audio firmware data is accessed/received, and operates the audio signal processor by executing the audio firmware if an audio playback command is inputted through the interface program.

Description

Telematics device being capable of updating audio firmware and update method of audio firmware on telematics device}

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a form in which an audio device is implemented on a conventional telematics terminal.

Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the components of a telematics terminal that is easy to update audio firmware according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating audio firmware on a telematics terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a user panel provided by a telematics terminal for easy audio firmware update according to an embodiment of the present invention for selecting a type of a vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a user panel provided by a telematics terminal for easy audio firmware update according to an embodiment of the present invention to receive an input means.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

200: Telematics terminal for easy audio firmware update

205: GPS unit 210: mobile communication unit

220: navigation processing unit 225: storage unit

230: LCD unit 235: storage medium access unit

240: control unit 245: audio signal processing unit

250: tuner 255: amplifier

The present invention relates to a telematics terminal, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling audio data on a telematics terminal.

Currently, car navigation systems are widely used, and car audio, which is recognized as an essential function, is also differentiated according to a vehicle and provides various functions.

As a device providing convenience to a user by implementing a complex function including a navigation function and an audio function, for example, a telematics terminal is a GPS (Global Positioning System) to provide a location tracking system and a remote diagnosis function. Vehicle system combined with satellite navigation system and mobile communication technology.

Telematics is a compound word of telecommunication and telecommunications. Informatics is a combination of computer and wireless communication technology.

With telematics, the driver can remotely diagnose the vehicle through the wireless network, and use the computer equipped with the wireless modem to send various kinds of living information (traffic conditions, news reception, stock investment, e-commerce, financial transactions, hotel reservation, fax transmission and reception). , Games, etc.), and can provide various services such as car audio function, navigation function, rescue request function in case of emergency rescue (traffic accident, vehicle theft, etc.), transmission / playback function of multimedia data, communication function, etc. .

One such telematics handset is GM's Onstar Gen 6.3 from General Motors.

Since the telematics terminal can receive various firmwares through wired / wireless networks, it is possible to improve the software function that is gradually evolving without changing hardware resources. For example, the map information of the navigation system is an example. .

In addition, the map information of the navigation system may be updated by using the update information recorded on the CD through the CD (Compact Disk) deck provided in the telematics terminal, and the service function may be improved.

However, in the case of car audio, different versions of products with differentiated playback quality are mounted for each model and upgrade functions are not provided, so the user should continue to use the car audio function at the time of release.

That is, since the telematics terminal utilizes a conventional car audio product as a part of the terminal device, the control structure of the car audio product is maintained as in the previous method, and thus an audio function can be upgraded only when a specific interface device is provided.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a form in which an audio device is implemented on a conventional telematics terminal 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional telematics terminal 100 includes a GPS (General Positioning System) unit 105, a mobile communication unit 110, a navigation processor 115, a CD deck 125, a controller 130, and an audio controller ( 135), a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 140, a tuner 145, an equalizer 150, an amplifier 155, and a speaker 160.

The mobile communication unit 110 transmits and receives data to and from the call center through a wireless network, and transmits the transmitted and received data to the control unit.

The GPS unit 105 communicates with the GPS satellites to provide location and geographic information of the mounted vehicle, and the navigation processor 115 maps and displays the location and geographic information of the vehicle to map information.

The CD deck 125 reads the CD in which the updated geographic information is recorded, and the updated geographic information is transmitted to the controller 130. In this case, not only the geographic information but also the software module forming the navigation processor 115 may be updated.

The audio controller 135 controls each component corresponding to the car audio. The audio controller 135 controls the components corresponding to the car audio independently of the controller 130 and shares only state information with the controller 130. Has That is, the existing car audio structure has a structure that is mounted on the telematics terminal as it is.

The PLL 140 extracts signal elements by synchronizing the phase of the audio signal received through the tuner, which is transmitted to the audio controller 135. In addition, the equalizer 150 tunes and reproduces the audio input signal for each frequency. The reproduced analog audio signal is amplified by the amplifier 155 and output through the speaker 160.

According to the conventional telematics terminal structure as described above, in order to update the memory data embedded in the audio control unit 135, a specific interface device such as a flash writer must be provided. There is a hassle to find a vehicle.

In addition, even if the same navigation system is applied to each vehicle, there is a problem in that a different car audio device must be provided in order to apply different sound quality tuning values.

Accordingly, the present invention integrates a conventional main controller and an audio controller independently and shares only state information into a single controller and a memory structure to implement a mobile communication module, an optical disk access device, a memory card access device, and a communication port. It is an object of the present invention to provide a telematics terminal capable of easily inputting update information through an external device through an external device to adjust audio tuning values and update various audio software modules.

In addition, the present invention is to select the car model from the user and apply the differentiated audio tuning values for each model, the control of the audio function and the input / execution of the firmware is in charge of the control unit and the audio processor is responsible for audio tuning and playback functions by car audio Another object is to provide a method for updating audio firmware on a telematics terminal that can improve the signal processing capability of an audio processor by inputting update information without replacing the device.

In order to achieve the above object, the telematics terminal easy to update the audio firmware according to the present invention includes a storage unit for storing the audio firmware and interface program including tuning information for each frequency; A storage medium access unit for accessing the storage medium in which the audio firmware is recorded or the storage medium in which the audio signal is recorded, and transferring the read data; An audio signal processor that analyzes the audio signal when the audio signal is transmitted and tunes and reproduces sound quality as the audio firmware is executed; And a controller configured to update the data of the storage unit when the accessed audio firmware data is transferred, and to execute the audio firmware to operate the audio signal processing unit when an audio reproduction command is input through the interface program. .

In addition, the storage medium access unit of the telematics terminal, which is easy to update the audio firmware according to the present invention, the first type memory including CF (Compact Flash) and MD (MicroDrive), MS (Memory Stick), SD (Secure Digital) card And at least one or more storage media of a second type memory or an optical disk including a SM (Smart Media) card, a MM (MultiMedia) card, and the like.

In addition, the telematics terminal for easily updating the audio firmware according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a mobile communication unit connected to the control unit and the audio signal processing unit, and receives the audio firmware or audio signal through a wireless network.

In addition, the telematics terminal easy to update the audio firmware according to the present invention further comprises a synchronization unit for detecting and synchronizing the synchronization signal of the audio signal received through the antenna and delivers the audio signal separated for each channel to the audio signal processor, The audio signal processor may decode an audio signal for each channel transmitted from the synchronizer, and adjust and reproduce a clock.

In addition, the interface program of the telematics terminal, which is easy to update the audio firmware according to the present invention, provides a user panel to receive a command of reproducing the audio signal or an update selection command of the audio firmware, and when the update of the audio firmware is selected, The controller may be configured to update the data of the storage unit by searching for the corresponding audio firmware according to the type of the selected vehicle when audio firmware data is transmitted from the storage medium access unit.

The audio firmware of the telematics terminal, which can be easily updated with the audio firmware according to the present invention, may include at least one of interworking information with the interface program, decoding information of an audio signal according to a file format, recording structure information of data, and reproduction service information. Characterized in that it further comprises information.

In addition, the telematics terminal for easily updating the audio firmware according to the present invention further comprises a communication port connected with the control unit for transferring data, and the control unit stores the audio firmware data when the audio firmware data is transmitted from an external device connected with the communication port. It is characterized by updating the negative data.

In order to achieve the above object, the method for updating the audio firmware on the telematics terminal according to the present invention comprises the steps of receiving an update command of the audio firmware through the interface program; Receiving a type of vehicle through the interface program; Receiving an input means of audio firmware; When the storage medium access unit is selected, the storage medium is mounted and accesses the storage medium to receive audio firmware, when the mobile communication unit is selected, receives audio firmware through the mobile communication unit, or when a communication port is selected, an external device connected to the communication port. Downloading audio firmware from; And selecting the corresponding audio firmware according to the type of the selected vehicle and storing the selected audio firmware in a storage unit.

In addition, the method for updating the audio firmware on the telematics terminal according to the present invention comprises the steps of receiving an instruction to play the audio signal through the interface program; Executing the audio firmware; And if the corresponding audio signal is transmitted, analyzing the audio signal according to the audio firmware, and tuning and reproducing the sound quality.

Hereinafter, a telematics terminal for easily updating audio firmware and a method for updating audio firmware according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the components of a telematics terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a "telematics terminal according to the present invention") 200 that can easily update audio firmware according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

2, the telematics terminal 200 according to the present invention includes a GPS unit 205, a mobile communication unit 210, a navigation processing unit 220, a storage unit 225, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit 230, The controller 240, the storage medium access unit 235, the audio signal processor 245, the tuner 250, the amplifier 255, and the speaker 260 are included.

First, the GPS unit 205 communicates with a GPS satellite and provides location and geographic information of a vehicle equipped with the telematics terminal 200 according to the present invention. A single pole double throw (SPDT) switch, an RF filter, RF control unit, GPS mobile sensor and the like.

The navigation processor 220 maps the location and geographic information of the vehicle provided by the GPS unit 205 with map information and provides the display.

The mobile communication unit 210 includes a code division multiple access (CDMA) scheme, a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme, and a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) scheme. A communication service through the CDMA method and the TDMA method (which is applied to a digital cellular switch (DCS)) is a digital service method, and the FDMA method (AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System)). Communication service) is an analog service method.

The mobile communication unit 210 includes a duplexer, a time / frequency subsystem, an RF transceiver, a gain control system, and the like.

The storage unit 225 stores an interface program, audio firmware, map information, audio data, and the like. The interface program is executed by the controller 240 and is selected by the user when updating audio firmware or playing audio data. Perform a function that receives a command.

That is, the interface program provides a user panel to receive an audio signal or an update selection command of audio firmware, and to select a type of vehicle when an update of the audio firmware is selected.

In this case, the user panel is displayed to the user through the LCD unit 230.

The audio firmware is a data module including a software module for implementing some functions of the audio signal processing unit (hardware) 245, control value information, and the like, and tuning information for each frequency, reproducing service information, interworking information with an interface program, and a file. Decoding information of an audio signal according to a format, recording structure information of data, and the like.

Referring to these information is as follows.

First, the tuning information for each frequency has different tuning values for each vehicle type, and has tuning values grouped for each frequency. That is, the audio signal processing unit 245 may reproduce more sophisticated high-quality music for each vehicle type according to the tuning information for each frequency. “Metal lactones” and the like may be implemented.

Secondly, the reproduction service information refers to various reproduction functions for user convenience, such as section repetition reproduction and data location storage when reproduction is interrupted, in addition to reproduction of simple audio data. The reproduction service information, which is a kind of software module, is executed by the controller 240 to operate the audio signal processor 245 according to the type of service.

Third, the decoding information of the audio signal according to the file format is information for upgrading the compression format of the audio file which is being developed gradually and the decoding information accordingly. Compressed formats are "wav (wave file)", "wma (windows media audio)", "mp3 (mpeg audio layer-3)", "ogg (compressed music file with VBR support)", "mid (SMF file) ), And the audio signal processor 245 can process audio signals of various formats.

Fourth, the recording structure information of the data is information for preventing the degradation of the access speed of the storage unit 225 and the inefficiency of the storage space due to the continuous update of the data. As such information is updated, the stability of the storage unit 225 is improved. maintain.

Fifth, the interworking information with the interface program refers to information that provides flexibility to the operation of the user panel as various firmware information is updated and functions are added as described above, and associates functions corresponding to each operation.

The storage medium access unit 235 accesses the storage medium in which the audio firmware is recorded (for update) or the storage medium in which the audio signal is recorded (for example, a general music CD) to read data read from the control unit 240 or the audio signal. Transfer to processing unit 245.

The storage medium may include an optical disc such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), a CD, a first type memory such as a compact flash (CF), a microdrive (MD), a memory stick (MS), a secure digital (SD) card, and an SM (smart). A second type memory such as a Media) card or a MM (MultiMedia) card may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the DVD deck is used as the storage medium access unit 235, and the DVD or CD is used as the storage medium.

In addition, the control unit 240 may include a communication port to download the update audio firmware from an external device such as a notebook.

The mobile communication unit 210 may be connected to the control unit 240 and the audio signal processing unit 245 like the storage medium access unit 235 and receive audio firmware or an audio signal through a wireless network. For this reason, the update of the audio firmware is limited to the case where the update is made through the DVD deck 235.

The control unit 240 is connected to the keypad connection, audio codec connection, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) connection, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) connection, vehicle network (transceiver) connection Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) connection stage may be provided, and such components may include a GPS unit 205, a mobile communication unit 210, a navigation processor 220, a storage unit 225, and the like. Connected.

The controller 240 updates the data of the storage unit 225 when the audio firmware data accessed through the DVD deck 235 is transferred, and executes the audio firmware when an audio playback command is input through the interface program. The audio signal processor 245 is operated.

At this time, the control unit 240 receives the state information from the audio signal processing unit 245, checks the operation, controls the operation start and end of the audio signal processing unit 245, the audio firmware of the storage unit 225 By loading and executing, the playback function of the audio signal processor 245 is controlled.

When the audio firmware data is transmitted from the storage medium access unit 235, the controller 240 searches for the corresponding audio firmware according to the type of the vehicle selected through the interface program, and updates the data of the storage unit 225.

When the audio signal is delivered, the audio signal processor 245 analyzes the audio signal according to decoding information of the audio signal according to a file format, and tunes and reproduces the audio signal as the audio firmware is executed.

In analyzing and tuning the audio signal, the audio signal processor 245 uses sampling size, mixing information, gain level information, stereo information, direction information, input signal flattening information, etc. in addition to the compression information and the tuning value. do.

The audio signal processor 245 decodes an audio signal for each channel transmitted from the synchronizer and adjusts and reproduces a clock. The audio signal processor 245 controls the tuner 250 directly as in the conventional audio controller 240.

The synchronization unit detects and synchronizes a synchronization signal of an audio signal received through an antenna, and transfers the audio signal separated for each channel to the audio signal processor 245.

The amplifier 255 amplifies the reproduced analog audio signal and the speaker 260 outputs it.

Hereinafter, a method of updating audio firmware on the telematics terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating audio firmware on a telematics terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the interface program is executed (S100), the interface program is selected whether to update the audio firmware or reproduce the audio signal (S105).

When the reproduction of the audio signal is selected, the controller 240 operates the audio signal processor 245 and executes the audio firmware (S145). When the audio signal is input through the tuner 250, the storage unit 225, the DVD deck 235, and the like (S150), the audio signal processor 245 analyzes, tunes and reproduces the audio signal (S155).

On the other hand, if the update of the audio firmware is selected, the interface program is selected (S110), the input means of the audio firmware is selected (S115).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user panel provided by a telematics terminal 200 for easily updating an audio firmware according to an embodiment of the present invention for selecting a vehicle type, and FIG. 5 is an audio diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Is a diagram illustrating a user panel provided by the telematics terminal 200 for easy firmware update to select an input means (medium).

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the DVD deck 235 is used as the input means of the audio firmware.

The interface program guides the mounting of a storage medium such as a CD (S120). When the storage medium is mounted, the interface program reads data and receives audio firmware (S125).

For reference, when the mobile communication unit 210 is selected as an input means of the audio firmware (S115), the audio firmware is received from the call center via the wireless network (S130), and when the communication port is selected, the audio firmware is received from the laptop connected to the communication port. Download (S135).

The control unit 240 selects the corresponding audio firmware from the entire audio firmware input according to the selected vehicle type and stores the selected audio firmware in the storage unit 225 (S140).

When the audio firmware is updated and the user selects the reproduction of the audio signal by operating the interface program (S105), the controller 240 operates the audio signal processor 245 and executes the audio firmware (S145).

The control unit 240 transmits an operation signal to the tuner 250, the storage medium access unit 235, the storage unit 225, or the mobile communication unit 210 as the user selects a sound source, and receives the operation signal. When the audio signal is transmitted from the audio signal (S150), the audio signal processor 245 analyzes the audio signal according to audio firmware and tunes and reproduces the sound quality (S155).

The present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, which are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains do not depart from the essential characteristics of the present invention. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications not illustrated above are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment of the present invention can be modified. And differences relating to such modifications and applications will have to be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

The present invention has the following effects.

First, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily update audio firmware such as audio tuning values or audio software modules through media such as an optical disc, a memory card, or a wireless network, so that there is no need to replace hardware or directly work with a device designer. Even people with general knowledge are able to implement differentiated sound quality by vehicle type.

Second, due to the characteristics of the telematics terminal that needs to be updated periodically, such as map information, audio firmware including audio tuning values can be easily updated along with other information and the audio function can be improved, thereby reducing the user's economic burden and convenience. It can be planned.

Third, by integrating two conventional control structures into one, it is possible to reduce the production cost and to effectively control the car audio function.

Claims (9)

A storage unit for storing the audio firmware and the interface program including the tuning information for each frequency; A storage medium access unit for accessing the storage medium in which the audio firmware is recorded or the storage medium in which the audio signal is recorded, and transferring the read data; An audio signal processor that analyzes the audio signal when the audio signal is transmitted and tunes and reproduces sound quality as the audio firmware is executed; And And a controller for updating the data of the storage unit when the accessed audio firmware data is transmitted, and operating the audio signal processor by executing the audio firmware when an audio reproduction command is input through the interface program. Telematics terminal for easy firmware update. The method of claim 1, wherein the storage medium access unit comprises a first type memory including a Compact Flash (CF) and a MicroDrive (MD), a Memory Stick (MS), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Smart Media (SM) card, and an MM. (MultiMedia) A telematics terminal for easy audio firmware update, characterized in that for accessing at least one or more storage media of a second type memory or an optical disk including a card. The method of claim 1, And a mobile communication unit connected to the control unit and the audio signal processing unit and receiving an audio firmware or an audio signal through a wireless network. The method of claim 1, And a synchronization unit for detecting and synchronizing a synchronization signal of an audio signal received through an antenna and transferring the audio signal separated for each channel to the audio signal processor. The audio signal processor is easy to update the audio firmware, characterized in that for decoding the audio signal for each channel transmitted from the synchronizer, adjust the clock to reproduce. The method of claim 1, The interface program may provide a user panel to receive a command for reproducing the audio signal or an update selection command of the audio firmware, and selecting a type of a vehicle when an update of the audio firmware is selected. The controller may search for the corresponding audio firmware according to the selected vehicle type and update the data of the storage unit when audio firmware data is transmitted from the storage medium access unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the audio firmware And at least one or more of interworking information with the interface program, decoding information of an audio signal according to a file format, recording structure information of data, and reproduction service information. The method of claim 1, It is further provided with a communication port connected to the control unit for transmitting data, And the controller updates the data of the storage unit when audio firmware data is transmitted from an external device connected to the communication port. In a telematics terminal, Receiving an update command of audio firmware through an interface program; Receiving a type of vehicle through the interface program; Receiving an input means of audio firmware; When the storage medium access unit is selected, the storage medium is mounted and accesses the storage medium to receive audio firmware, when the mobile communication unit is selected, receives audio firmware through the mobile communication unit, or when the communication port is selected, an external device connected to the communication port. Downloading audio firmware from the device; And Selecting the corresponding audio firmware according to the type of the selected vehicle and storing the selected audio firmware in a storage unit. The method of claim 8, Receiving an instruction to play an audio signal through the interface program; Executing the audio firmware; And The audio signal processing unit further comprises the step of analyzing the audio signal in accordance with the audio firmware, and tunes and reproduces the sound quality when the audio signal is delivered to the audio firmware on the telematics terminal.

Images