DESC:FORM – 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13)

A DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR HETEROGENEOUS DATA CONVERSION

BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
OUTER RING ROAD, NAGAVARA,
BANGALORE,
KARNATAKA-560045

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to data conversion with respect to data conversion between multiple formats and more specifically to a heterogeneous data conversion device and a method of heterogenous data conversion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Communication system in the multi-sensor/ multi-actuator environment is complex and communication with the several critical units / sub-systems is very important for uninterrupted operation of the mission and different types of sub- systems, which follows different interface standards. It is essential to establish a robust communication channel without any data loss or delay.
[0003] Unmanned systems for ground, aerial, underwater, water surface applications to operate in autonomous, remotely operated unmanned systems and other suitable systems utilise multiple sensors and multi-actuators to perform their operations. However, to effectively function, the data collected from various sensors and actuators has to be processed, collated, and then perform the actions in response to the collected data.
[0004] United States Patent publication US 2003/0101272 A1 discloses multicast distribution using a satellite communication and talks about the receiving/collecting the data content and transmits through data distributor unit. In the subject publication, fixed channels are used to divide the available bandwidth for data distribution.
[0005] United States Patent publication US 2013/0080793 A1 discloses power distribution for a data processing system. The disclosed system includes uninterrupted power supply which are configured to respective loads via respective load buses.
[0006] There is still a need of an invention which provides for an effective technique/method for configuring, converting, fusing the different interface types and/or standards of data, which will be used for precise manoeuvring of autonomous, remotely operated unamnned systems and other suitable systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provided a device and a method for heterogeneous data conversion. In one aspect, the present invention provided a heterogeneous data conversion device which ensures the seamless data communication between subsystems and processing module, required for the autonomous, remotely operated unmanned systems and other suitable systems. It provides a configurable, bidirectional and convenient way of communication for different types of interfaces/subsystems like CAN (controller area network), ethernet, USB (universal serial bus), SPI (serial peripheral interface), NMEA (national marine electronics association), UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) & I2C (inter integrated circuit).
[0008] The heterogeneous data conversion device performs complex data conversion and processes the data without any loss, delay or misinterpretation of data format. At present there are no such data conversion systems whose data communications between subsystems are heterogeneous in nature.
[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for heterogeneous data conversion comprising a heterogenous data conversion unit, wherein the heterogenous data conversion unit comprises of a plurality of input ports (I1-I7) to support a data in CAN 2.0, NMEA, RS422/RS485, CANOpen, Ethernet and UART formats and a plurality of output ports (O1 and O2) to support the data in USB and Ethernet formats. The device further comprising of a plurality of sensors in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit via the ports I1-I7, a processing unit in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit via ethernet/USB, and a communication radio in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit via ethernet, wherein the data received from the ports I1-I7 are converted in the heterogenous data conversion unit to either of USB or Ethernet forma based on the configuration of the heterogenous data conversion unit.
[0010] Additionally, the heterogenous data conversion unit comprising a Data Conversion Interface Module, an UART and I2C data conversion unit, a Data Conversion Unit, a J1939 Data Conversion Unit, a NMEA Data Conversion Unit, a Data Debug Unit and an Ethernet Data Conversion Unit.
[0011] Further, the CAN 2.0 data is converted into USB/Ethernet data via the CAN 2.0 Data Conversion Unit, the J1939 data is converted into USB / Ethernet data via the J1939 Data Conversion Unit, the NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data are converted into USB / Ethernet via the NMEA Data Conversion Unit, the UART and I2C data is converted into USB / Ethernet via the UART and I2C data conversion unit, and the debugging operations is performed in the Data Debug Unit.
[0012] Preferably, the heterogenous data conversion unit is a bidirectional communication with the plurality of sensors to send and receive the data between the sensors available on-board for real time data presentation and processing.
[0013] Also, the Data Conversion Interface Module is interfaced with the processing unit for fusing the data.
[0014] Furthermore, the device applies a hybrid mode involving both open loop and closed loop mode, in the open loop mode the device is accesses one or more of the sensor’s data and conversion to be sent as a selectable output format and the closed loop mode incorporates converting the data into required output format and data is transmitted as feedback for monitoring and controlling.
[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for heterogeneous data conversion, the method implemented by a device for heterogeneous data conversion, wherein the method comprising checking for the availability of a data, reading the available data from a physical port into a buffer, checking the type of data, selecting a unit to perform data conversion, sending command to the selected unit to convert the data, converting the data into required output and fusing the data via a processing unit.
[0016] Further, a J1939 Parser Unit is selected if the data type is J1939 data, a NMEA Parser Unit is selected if the data type is NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data, a CAN2.0 B Parser Unit is selected if the data type is CAN2.0 data, a Data Debug Parser Unit is selected if the data type is RS422/RS485 data, an Ethernet Parser Unit is selected if the data type is Ethernet data and an UART/ I2C Parser Unit is selected if the data type is UART or I2C data.
[0017] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0018] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and modules.
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion device, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a system interface block diagram for an application of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of a Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit showing the processing units, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a Heterogeneous Data Conversion method, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a J1939 Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a NMEA Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a CAN2.0B Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a UART/ I2C Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an Ethernet data Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a Data debug Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0029] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The various embodiments of the present disclosure describe a device and a method for heterogeneous data conversion.
[0031] In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
[0032] However, the systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Further, structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosure and are meant to avoid obscuring of the presently disclosure.
[0033] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0034] In one aspect, the present invention provided a heterogeneous data conversion device which ensures the seamless data communication between subsystems and processing module, required for the autonomous, remotely operated unmanned systems and other suitable systems. It provides a configurable, bidirectional and convenient way of communication for different types of interfaces/subsystems like CAN (controller area network), ethernet, USB (universal serial bus), SPI (serial peripheral interface), NMEA (national marine electronics association), UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) & I2C (inter integrated circuit).
[0035] The heterogeneous data conversion device performs complex data conversion and processes the data without any loss, delay or misinterpretation of data format.
[0036] Now referring to figures 1 and 2 of the present invention, wherein a block diagram of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion device (10) is illustrated in Figure 1 and a system interface block diagram for an application of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device is illustrated in figure 2. The device (10) comprises of a heterogenous data conversion unit (100), a plurality of sensors in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) which are the interfaced with the Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device (100) using the ports I1-I7, a processing unit (A), and a communication radio (B).
[0037] The device (10) applies a hybrid mode involving both open loop and closed loop mode, in the open loop mode the device (10) is accesses one or more of the sensor’s data and conversion to be sent as a selectable output format and the closed loop mode incorporates converting the data into required output format and also data is transmitted as feedback for monitoring and controlling.
[0038] The heterogenous data conversion unit (100) has input ports I1-I7 and two output ports O1 and O2. The input ports I1-I7 support CAN 2.0, NMEA, RS422/RS485, CANOpen, Ethernet and UART. As shown in Fig. 1, port I1 supports CAN 2.0 data, port I2 supports NMEA 2000 data, port I3 supports NMEA 0183 data, port I4 supports RS422/RS485 data, port I5 supports CANOpen data, port I6 supports Ethernet data and port I7 supports UART data. The output ports O1 and O2 support the data in USD format and Ethernet format respectively.
[0039] The data received from the ports I1-I7 are converted in the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) to either of USB or Ethernet format, based on the configuration of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100). In a preferred embodiment, the configuration of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) is performed using a configuration file stored in the device. The manner in which the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) is interfaced with multiple type of sensors is interfaced is explained with respect to Figure 2.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of sensors is interfaced with the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) using the ports I1-I7 and these ports support CAN 2.0, NMEA, RS422/RS485, CANOpen, Ethernet and UART. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion Unit converts various communication interfaces such as Ethernet, J1939, CAN Open, and NMEA. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit is interfaced with the processing unit (A) using ethernet/USB interfacing. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit is also interfaced with a communication radio (B) using an Ethernet. This processed data on a selectable port of Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit will be the critical input for decision making and real-time control of autonomous, remotely operated unmanned systems and other suitable systems. Following are the different types of data which are converted from one form to other:
• CAN 2.0 (J1939) to USB / Ethernet
• CAN open (J1939) to USB / Ethernet
• Conversion of NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 to USB / Ethernet
• Conversion of RS422 to USB / Ethernet
• Conversion of UART to USB / Ethernet.
• Conversion of Ethernet to USB / Ethernet.
The converted format shall be configured either USB or Ethernet based on the requirement of the main processing unit. The manner in which each of the data conversions is performed is explained with respect to Figure 3.
[0041] Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) showing the processing units for conversion. In a preferred embodiment, the Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit (100) comprise of a Data Conversion Interface Module (100A) which is interfaced with a processing unit (A). The unit (100) further comprises of an UART and I2C data conversion unit 1(00B), a Data Conversion Unit (100C), a J1939 Data Conversion Unit (100E), a NMEA Data Conversion Unit (100F), a Data Debug Unit (100G) and an Ethernet Data Conversion Unit (100H). To convert the CAN 2.0 to USB/Ethernet data, a CAN 2.0 Data Conversion Unit (100C) is present. The conversion of J1939 to USB / Ethernet data is performing using a J1939 Data Conversion Unit (100E). The conversion of NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 to USB / Ethernet is performed at NMEA Data Conversion Unit (100F). The conversion of UART and I2C data to USB / Ethernet is performed at UART and I2C data conversion unit (100B). The Data Debug Unit (100G) is also interfaced with Data Conversion Interface Module (100A) for performing the debugging operations. The Data Conversion Interface Module (100A) is interfaced with the Ethernet Data Conversion Unit (100H) for performing the conversion operation.
[0042] In another aspect, the present invention provided a heterogeneous data conversion method, herein the method is performed by the heterogeneous data conversion device (10). Referring to figure 4, a flow diagram of a Heterogeneous Data Conversion method, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated. The step includes checking for the availability of the data. Once the data is received, the method reads the available data from a Physical Port into the Buffer and checks for the type of data received. Based upon the type of data received, selecting a unit to perform data conversion based on the type of data checked and sending command to the selected unit to convert the data. Below are the possible conditions:
? If Read Data of Type is J1939, go to => J1939 Parser Unit (100E)
? If Read Data of Type is NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, go to => NMEA Parser Unit (100F)
? If Read Data of Type is CAN2.0, go to =>CAN2.0 B Parser Unit (100C)
? If Read Data of Type is RS422/RS485, go to => Data Debug Parser Unit (100G)
? If Read Data of Type is Ethernet, go to => Ethernet Parser Unit (100H)
? If Read Data of Type is UART, go to => UART Parser Unit (100B).

[0043] Further, based upon the data type and the selected unit the conversion is performed and the data is Fused in a fusion unit or the Processing unit (A).
[0044] The individual flow diagram of method performed within the respective units is illustrated in Figures 5- Figure 10 of the present invention and are elaborated as below.
[0045] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a J1939 Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is J1939 data. After the method switched to the J1939 Parser Unit (100E), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. After reading the header, the data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0046] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a NMEA Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is NMEA data. After the method switched to the NMEA Parser Unit (100F), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. Next, the checking of received data is performed to see if the data is of NMERA2000 type of NMEA0183 type. Based on the same, the data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0047] Figure 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a CAN2.0B Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is CAN2.0B data. After the method switched to the CAN2.0B Parser Unit (100C), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. After reading the header, the CAN data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0048] Figure 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a UART/ I2C Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is NMEA data. After the method switched to the UART/ I2C Parser Unit (100B), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. Next, the checking of received data is performed to see if the data is of UART type or I2C type. Based on the same, the data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0049] Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an Ethernet data Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is Ethernet data. After the method switched to the Ethernet Parser Unit (100H), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. After reading the header, the Ethernet data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0050] Figure 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a Data debug Parser Unit, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The unit works if the data type received in the device (10) is Data debug data. After the method switched to the Data debug Parser Unit (100G), the unit reads the complete frame received and specifically reads the header. After reading the header, the debug data is extracted and fused with other data. The fused data is then transmitted to the processing unit.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, Heterogeneous Data Conversion unit is used as a communication medium to send and receive the data between the subsystems / sensors available on-board for real time data presentation and processing.
[0052] With the improvement of computer performance and sensing technologies, unmanned vehicles, have attracted significant attention for their potential applications to performing time-consuming and/or dangerous missions such as patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and inspection of land / marine structures.
[0053] The strategy developed for this specific application involves a hybrid approach involving both open loop and closed loop methods. Open loop is accessing the some of the sensor’s data and conversion / packetizing to be sent as a selectable output format. Closed loop pointing incorporates converting / packetizing the data into required output format and also data is transmitted as feedback for monitoring and control. The main design consideration is how to acquire the data from the different subsystems and query the data for monitoring then keep tracking the real time data for processing.
[0054] Advantages:

1. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device is data conversion, configurable system comprising of the following input and output formats, but not limited to:
I. CAN data capture module and transformation of the same as USB or Ethernet data format and vice versa;
II. J1939 data processing unit which transforms J1939 data to USB or Ethernet data format and vice versa;
III. UART processing unit, which fuses of multiple UART data and transforms to USB or Ethernet data format and vice versa;
IV. NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data to USB or Ethernet data format and vice versa;
V. RS 422/485 data to USB or Ethernet data format and vice versa;
VI. Conversion of multiple data formats (CAN2.0B, J1939, UART, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, RS422/485) and communicating with interfaced systems over USB and Ethernet communication protocols.
2. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device is also used for hot swapping mechanism wherein any other subsystem can be hot plugged without disturbing other communication channels.
3. The Heterogeneous Data Conversion Device the data conversion is achieved without any data loss, delay, and misinterpretation of data format.

[0055] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A device (10) for heterogeneous data conversion comprising:
a. a heterogenous data conversion unit (100), wherein the heterogenous data conversion unit comprises:
• a plurality of input ports (I1-I7) to support data in CAN 2.0, NMEA, RS422/RS485, CANOpen, Ethernet and UART formats,
• a plurality of output ports (O1 and O2) to support the data in USB and Ethernet formats,
b. a plurality of sensors in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) via the ports I1-I7,
c. a processing unit (A) in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) via ethernet/USB, and
d. a communication radio (B) in communication with the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) via ethernet,
wherein the data received from the ports I1-I7 are converted in the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) to either of USB or Ethernet format based on the configuration of the heterogenous data conversion unit (100).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) comprises a Data Conversion Interface Module (100A), an UART and I2C data conversion unit (100B), a Data Conversion Unit (100C), a J1939 Data Conversion Unit (100E), a NMEA Data Conversion Unit (100F), a Data Debug Unit (100G) and an Ethernet Data Conversion Unit (100H).

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the CAN 2.0 data is converted into USB/Ethernet data via the CAN 2.0 Data Conversion Unit (100C), the J1939 data is converted into USB / Ethernet data via the J1939 Data Conversion Unit (100E), the NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data are converted into USB / Ethernet via the NMEA Data Conversion Unit (100F), the UART and I2C data is converted into USB / Ethernet via the UART and I2C data conversion unit (100B), and the debugging operations are performed in the Data Debug Unit (100G).

4. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heterogenous data conversion unit (100) is in bidirectional communication with the plurality of sensors to send and receive the data between the sensors available on-board for real time data presentation and processing.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the Data Conversion Interface Module (100A) is interfaced with the processing unit (A) for fusing the data.

6. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) applies a hybrid mode involving both open loop and closed loop mode.

7. The device (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein
in the open loop mode the device (10) accesses one or more of the sensor’s data and conversion to be sent as a selectable output format, and
in the closed loop mode the device (10) converts the data into required output format and data is transmitted as feedback for monitoring and controlling.

8. A method for heterogeneous data conversion, the method implemented by a device for heterogeneous data conversion, wherein the method comprises:
a. checking for the availability of a data,
b. reading the available data from a physical port into a buffer,
c. checking the type of data,
d. selecting a unit to perform data conversion,
e. sending a command to the selected unit to convert the data,
f. converting the data into required output and fusing the data via a processing unit (A).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) a J1939 Parser Unit (100E) is selected if the data type is J1939 data.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) a NMEA Parser Unit (100F) is selected if the data type is NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) a CAN2.0 B Parser Unit (100C) is selected if the data type is CAN2.0 data.

12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) a Data Debug Parser Unit (100G) is selected if the data type is RS422/RS485 data.

13. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) an Ethernet Parser Unit (100H) is selected if the data type is Ethernet data.

14. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step (d) an UART/ I2C Parser Unit (100B) is selected if the data type is UART or I2C data.

Dated this 24th day of March, 2023.

For BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
(By their Agent)

D. MANOJ KUMAR) (IN/PA 2110)
KRISHNA & SAURASTRI ASSOCIATES LLP