Vehicle calibration based on performance product detection

Abstract

A method and apparatus for vehicle calibration based on performance product detection is disclosed. An example vehicle includes a receiver to receive a wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product from a sensor of the performance product. The example vehicle also includes a product controller for authenticating the performance product based on the wireless signal and, once authenticated, sending a calibration instruction including the characteristic. The example vehicle also includes an electronic control unit to receive the calibration instruction and adjust the calibration to a target setting based on the characteristic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle calibration, and more particularly to vehicle calibration based on performance product detection. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles typically include multiple electronic control units. Typically, each electronic control unit monitors and controls various subsystems throughout the vehicle. For example, some vehicles include electronic control units for monitoring and controlling the engine, battery, door features, human-machine interface, suspension, cruise control, telematics, brakes, seats, etc. The electronic control unit may include hardware, firmware, circuits, input devices, and / or output devices that monitor and control the corresponding subsystems. Summary of the invention

[0003] The appended claims define the present application. This disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other embodiments are contemplated based on the techniques described herein, which will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after studying the following drawings and detailed description, and these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present application.

[0004] An example embodiment for vehicle calibration based on performance product detection is shown. The example disclosed vehicle includes a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from a sensor of the performance product, the wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product. The example disclosed vehicle also includes a product controller for authenticating the performance product based on the wireless signal and sending a calibration instruction including the characteristic once authenticated. The example disclosed vehicle also includes an electronic control unit for receiving the calibration instruction and adjusting the calibration to a target setting based on the characteristic.

[0005] An exemplary disclosed method for calibrating a vehicle includes receiving, via a receiver of the vehicle, a wireless signal from a sensor of a performance product, the wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product, and authenticating, by a processor, the performance product based on the wireless signal. The disclosed example method also includes sending calibration instructions including the characteristic to an electronic control unit upon authentication, and adjusting calibration of the electronic control unit to a target setting based on the characteristic.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising:

[0007] a receiver for receiving a wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product from a sensor of the performance product;

[0008] Product controller, the product controller is used to:

[0009] Certify performance products based on wireless signals; and

[0010] Once authenticated, sending calibration instructions including characteristics; and

[0011] Electronic control unit, electronic control unit for:

[0012] receiving a calibration instruction; and

[0013] Adjust the calibration to the target setting according to the characteristics.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiver is a short-range wireless module or an RFID reader.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the performance product is an aftermarket product.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further includes a display in communication with the product controller, the display presenting information corresponding to characteristics of the performance product and calibration of the electronic control unit.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product controller is used to:

[0018] Determining whether the performance product affects the performance of the ECU based on the characteristics of the performance product and the identification of the ECU; and

[0019] Once it is determined that the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit, calibration instructions are sent to the electronic control unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before sending a calibration instruction to the electronic control unit, the product controller checks the update software of the electronic control unit according to the characteristics of the performance product.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit further adjusts the settings to the target settings according to the calibrated current settings.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product controller determines that the performance product is a tire based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit includes a powertrain control module, the characteristic includes a tire size, the tire size includes an outer diameter of the tire, and the calibration includes a ratio applied to the rotational rate of the drive shaft to determine the vehicle speed, the powertrain control module adjusting the ratio based on the outer diameter.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product controller determines that the performance product is at least one of a spoiler and a wing based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises a powertrain control module, the characteristic comprises a drag caused by at least one of a spoiler and a fender, and the calibration comprises a speed level for a maximum velocity, the powertrain control module adjusting the speed level according to the drag.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product controller determines that the performance product is a hood based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises a powertrain control module, the characteristic comprises airflow to the engine caused by the engine hood, and the calibration comprises a cooling factor for the engine, the powertrain control module adjusting the cooling factor based on the airflow.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product controller determines that the performance product is at least one of an anti-sway bar and a damper based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises a suspension control module, the characteristics comprise roll stiffness corresponding to the anti-roll bar and the damper, and the calibration comprises a stability control setting, the suspension control module adjusting the stability control setting as a function of the roll stiffness.

[0030] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for calibrating a vehicle, comprising:

[0031] receiving, via a receiver in the vehicle, a wireless signal from a sensor of the performance product, the wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product;

[0032] Authentication of performance products based on wireless signals through processors;

[0033] Once authenticated, sending calibration instructions including the characteristics to the electronic control unit; and

[0034] Adjust the calibration of the electronic control unit to the target setting according to the characteristics.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises determining whether the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit based on the characteristics of the performance product and the identification of the electronic control unit.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, once it is determined that the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit, the processor sends a calibration instruction to the electronic control unit.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises checking, by the processor, the update software for the electronic control unit according to characteristics of the performance product before sending the calibration instruction to the electronic control unit.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises adjusting the calibration of the electronic control unit to the target setting according to the current setting of the setting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to better understand the present invention, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases the scale may have been exaggerated to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, the system components may be arranged differently as known in the art. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent common parts in several views.

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle according to the teachings herein is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 Shows from Figure 1 A receiver for receiving wireless signals from a vehicle performance product;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the electronic components of a vehicle;

[0043] Figure 4 is used in accordance with the teachings herein for detecting performance products and calibration Figure 1 Flowchart of the vehicle's electronic control module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered as an example of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0045] Vehicles typically include multiple electronic control units. Typically, each electronic control unit monitors and controls various subsystems throughout the vehicle. For example, some vehicles include electronic control units for monitoring and controlling the engine, battery, door features, human-machine interface, suspension, cruise control components, telematics components, brakes, seats, etc. The electronic control unit may include hardware, firmware, circuits, input devices, and / or output devices for monitoring and controlling the corresponding subsystems. In some cases, a user of a vehicle may install performance products on the vehicle to affect various aesthetic and / or performance characteristics of the vehicle. Performance products installed on a vehicle by a user may intentionally or unintentionally affect the performance of one or more electronic control units that control various subsystems of the vehicle.

[0046] As used herein, "performance product" refers to a vehicle component (e.g., a part, a piece of equipment, an accessory, a chemical) installed on a vehicle to affect (e.g., improve, customize, etc.) the performance of the vehicle. Example performance products may be sold with the vehicle, produced by the original equipment manufacturer, approved by the original equipment manufacturer of the vehicle, and / or manufactured and / or sold by a secondary source without the approval of the original equipment manufacturer. In addition, example performance products include aftermarket products. As used herein, "aftermarket product" refers to a vehicle component (e.g., a part, a piece of equipment, an accessory, a chemical) installed on the vehicle after the consumer purchases the vehicle from the original equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket products may be manufactured and / or sold by the original equipment manufacturer and / or by a secondary source. Example aftermarket products include spark plugs, tires, rims, hoods, kits, spoilers, fenders, dampers, anti-roll bars, mufflers, windows, entertainment systems, speakers, seats, etc. As used herein, "original equipment manufacturer" and "OEM" refer to manufacturers that manufacture and / or assemble vehicles that are initially sold to consumers.

[0047] Exemplary apparatus and methods disclosed herein include a performance controller that detects a performance product installed on a vehicle via a receiver (e.g., a wireless receiver) that receives a signal transmitted by a sensor (e.g., a wireless sensor) incorporated into the performance product. The product controller determines whether the detected performance product affects the performance of an electronic control unit that operates various components of the vehicle, and the electronic control unit adjusts calibration based on the detected performance product to improve the performance of the electronic control unit during vehicle operation.

[0048] For example, the vehicle system disclosed herein detects performance products installed on the vehicle and adjusts the vehicle calibration according to those performance products to improve the performance of the vehicle. The vehicle system uses the vehicle's wireless system (such as RFID communication, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication, TPMS communication and / or other short-range wireless communication, etc.) to detect performance products. The product controller receives the collected data and provides the collected data to other control modules. The electronic control module (ECU) determines whether calibration changes can be made according to the performance product. If calibration is possible, the electronic control module will calibrate the settings according to the performance product. For example, the vehicle dynamics module calibrates the settings according to data related to performance tires, fenders, etc. to improve the performance of the vehicle. The powertrain control module calibrates the settings according to data related to changes in cooling calibration, power output, etc. to improve the performance of the vehicle. In addition, the infotainment unit can present information related to performance products and calibrations performed by the electronic control module.

[0049] Go to the attached picture, Figure 1An exemplary vehicle according to the teachings herein is shown. Vehicle 100 can be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and / or any other type of vehicle for mobility. Vehicle 100 includes components related to mobility, such as a powertrain having an engine, a transmission, a suspension, a drive shaft, and / or wheels, etc. Vehicle 100 can be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some conventional power functions are controlled by vehicle 100), or autonomous (e.g., power functions are controlled by vehicle 100 without direct driver input). In the example shown, vehicle 100 includes a display 102, one or more receivers 104, one or more electronic control units (ECUs) 106, and a product controller 108.

[0050] Display 102 presents information to occupants (e.g., driver, passengers) of vehicle 100. For example, display 102 includes a head-up display and / or a center console display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flat panel display, a solid-state display, etc. In some examples, display 102 is a touch screen.

[0051] The receiver 104 of the illustrated example includes a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals. For example, the vehicle 100 includes multiple receivers 104 to increase the wireless coverage of the receivers 104 throughout the vehicle 100. The receiver 104 receives wireless signals from the performance product's wireless sensors (e.g. Figure 2 The sensor 204 of the tire 202, Figure 2 The spoiler 206 has a sensor 208, Figure 2 The sensor 212 of the fender 210, Figure 2 The sensor 216 of the anti-roll bar 214, Figure 2 Spark plug 218 sensor 220, Figure 2 The wireless signal is received by sensor 224 of damper 222 of the performance product. The transmitted wireless signal includes information corresponding to the characteristics of the performance product, such as to enable vehicle 100 to identify the performance product. The manufacturer of the performance product incorporates the wireless sensor into (e.g., connects the wireless sensor to) the performance product to enable vehicle 100 to identify the performance product that has been installed on vehicle 100. In addition, in some examples, receiver 104 includes a wired receiver that receives signals from the wired sensor of the performance product. For example, if the performance product includes and / or is installed with a shielding component that prevents wireless communication with the wireless receiver, the performance product may include a wired sensor.

[0052] Each ECU 106 (e.g. Figure 3 The brake control module 324, Figure 3 The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) control unit 326, Figure 3Powertrain control module 328, Figure 3 The ECU 106 monitors and controls the subsystems of the vehicle 100 (e.g., suspension control module 330, etc.). For example, the ECU 106 is a discrete group of electronic components that includes its own circuits (e.g., integrated circuits, microprocessors, memory, storage devices, etc.) and firmware, sensors, actuators, and / or mounting hardware. The ECU 106 communicates with the vehicle 100 via a vehicle data bus (e.g., Figure 3 The ECUs 106 may communicate and exchange information via the vehicle data bus 308 of the vehicle 100. In addition, the ECUs 106 may transmit properties (e.g., ECU 106 status, sensor readings, control states, errors and diagnostic codes, etc.) to each other and / or receive requests from each other. For example, the vehicle 100 may have seventy or more ECUs 106 located at various locations around the vehicle 100 and communicatively connected via the vehicle data bus.

[0053] Product controller 108 is communicatively connected to receiver 104 to receive signal(s) of performance product(s) from one or more receivers 104. Product controller 108 detects performance products that have been installed on vehicle 100 based on the signal(s). Product controller 108 determines which, if any, of ECUs 106 are affected by the characteristics of the performance product(s). Further, if product controller 108 determines that the performance of one or more ECUs 106 is affected by the detected performance product(s), product controller 108 sends calibration instruction(s) to those ECUs 106 affected by the performance product(s).

[0054] In operation, one or more receivers 104 receive signal(s) (e.g., wireless signals) from sensor(s) of performance product(s) installed on vehicle 100. Product controller 108 receives the signal(s) from receiver 104 and identifies the performance product(s) (if any) that has been installed on vehicle 100 based on those signal(s). In some examples, product controller 108 identifies the product type, manufacturer, model, and / or any other characteristics of the performance product based on the received signals. For example, product controller 108 identifies the performance tire (e.g., aftermarket tire, Figure 2 one of the tires 202), a performance spoiler (e.g., an aftermarket spoiler, Figure 2 spoiler 206), performance fenders (such as aftermarket fenders, Figure 2 fenders 210), performance anti-roll bars (such as aftermarket anti-roll bars, Figure 2sway bar 214), performance spark plugs (such as aftermarket spark plugs, Figure 2 Spark plugs 218), performance dampers (such as aftermarket dampers, Figure 2 dampers 222), performance hoods (e.g., aftermarket hoods, Figure 2 hood 226) and / or product type, manufacturer and / or model of any other performance and / or aftermarket product.

[0055] Upon identifying a performance product, product controller 108 determines, based on the received signal, whether the performance product to be installed on vehicle 100 is certified. For example, if the performance product installed on vehicle 100 is not certified by the OEM of vehicle 100, the OEM may void the warranty of the vehicle and / or components of vehicle 100 and / or may prevent adjustment of vehicle calibration based on an uncertified performance product. Upon certifying a performance product, product controller 108 determines, based on characteristics of the performance product, whether the performance product affects the performance of any ECU 106. For example, the characteristics of the performance product are included in the signal received by one or more receivers 104, and / or product controller 108 (e.g., from a signal) determines, based on the received signal, whether the performance product affects the performance of any ECU 106. Figure 3 The display 102 retrieves the characteristics of the performance product from the server 322 of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the display 102 presents information corresponding to the characteristics of the detected performance product to the occupants of the vehicle 100.

[0056] Once the product controller 108 determines that the performance product affects the performance of one or more ECUs 106, it sends calibration instructions to those ECUs 106 affected by the performance product. The calibration instructions include the characteristics of the performance product so that the ECUs 106 can adjust the calibration according to the performance product. In addition, in some examples, the product controller 108 checks for updated software for those ECUs 106 affected by the performance product based on the characteristics of the performance product. If the product controller 108 identifies updated software for one or more ECUs 106, the product controller 108 sends the updated software to the corresponding (one or more) ECUs 106.

[0057] In addition, those ECUs 106 affected by the performance product receive calibration instructions (one or more) from the product controller 108. The one or more ECUs 106 receiving the calibration instructions (one or more) adjust the one or more calibrations according to the characteristics of the performance product. For example, one of the ECUs 106 determines a target setting for the calibration according to the current settings and / or characteristics of the performance product, and adjusts the calibration to the target setting. In some examples, the display 102 presents information corresponding to the adjusted calibration (one or more) of the one or more ECUs 106 to the occupants (one or more) of the vehicle 100.

[0058] Figure 2 A receiver 104 of vehicle 100 is shown that receives wireless signals from performance products connected to and / or incorporated into vehicle 100 to enable detection of those performance products.

[0059] The vehicle 100 of the illustrated example includes tires 202. In the illustrated example, the tires 202 at the front of the vehicle 100 are performance products that include sensors 204 (e.g., wireless sensors). Additionally or alternatively, one or more tires 202 at the rear of the vehicle 100 are performance products and / or one or more tires 202 at the front of the vehicle 100 are not performance products. The sensors 204 of the tires 202 that are performance products transmit wireless signals that are received by one or more receivers 104 to enable the product controller 108 to detect and identify those tires 202 that are performance products.

[0060] The vehicle 100 of the illustrated example also includes a spoiler 206 as a performance product. The spoiler 206 includes a sensor 208 (e.g., a wireless sensor) that transmits a wireless signal to be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable the product controller 108 to detect and identify the spoiler 206 as a performance product. The vehicle 100 also includes a fender 210 as a performance product. The fender 210 includes a sensor 212 (e.g., a wireless sensor) that transmits a wireless signal to be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable the product controller 108 to detect and identify the fender 210 as a performance product. The vehicle 100 also includes an anti-roll bar 214 as a performance product. The anti-roll bar 214 includes a sensor 216 (e.g., a wireless sensor) that transmits a wireless signal to be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable the product controller 108 to detect and identify the anti-roll bar 214 as a performance product. The vehicle 100 also includes a spark plug 218 as a performance product. Spark plug 218 includes a sensor 220 (eg, a wireless sensor) that transmits a wireless signal to be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable product controller 108 to detect and identify spark plug 218 as a performance product.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, vehicle 100 also includes a damper 222 (e.g., a suspension damper) as a performance product at the rear of vehicle 100. Damper 222 includes a sensor 224 (e.g., a wireless sensor) that transmits wireless signals. These wireless signals will be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable product controller 108 to detect and identify damper 222 as a performance product. Additionally or alternatively, other suspension dampers of vehicle 100 may be performance products that include sensors for identifying performance products. In addition, vehicle 100 of the illustrated example includes a hood 226 as a performance product. Hood 226 includes a sensor 228 (e.g., a wireless sensor) that transmits wireless signals, which will be received by one or more receivers 104 to enable product controller 108 to detect and identify hood 226 as a performance product.

[0062] In some examples, one or more of receivers 104 is an RFID reader (e.g., Figure 3 In some such examples, the RFID tag of the performance product is an active RFID tag. In other such examples, the RFID tag of the performance product is a passive RFID tag such that the performance product does not include a battery and / or other energy source for the RFID tag.

[0063] Additionally, in some examples, one or more receivers 104 are wireless transceivers capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals. For example, one or more receivers 104 and / or one or more sensors of a performance product are short-range wireless modules, each of which includes hardware and firmware for establishing communication with each other. In some such examples, the short-range wireless module is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module (e.g., a BLE module implementing the BLE protocol). Figure 3 The short-range wireless module is a BLE module 316 located near the wheel arch of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) module). Figure 3 TPMS module 318).

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of an electronic component 300 of a vehicle. Figure 3 As shown, electronic components 300 include an onboard computing platform 302 , an infotainment head unit 304 , receiver 104 , a communication module 306 , ECU 106 , and a vehicle data bus 308 .

[0065] The onboard computing platform 302 includes a microcontroller unit, controller or processor 310 and memory 312. In some examples, the processor 310 of the onboard computing platform 302 is configured to include the product controller 108. Alternatively, in some examples, the product controller 108 is incorporated into another electronic control unit (ECU) having its own processor 310 and memory 312. The processor 310 can be any suitable processing device or group of processing devices, such as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 312 may be a volatile memory (such as a RAM that may include nonvolatile RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), a nonvolatile memory (such as disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a nonvolatile solid-state memory based on a memristor, etc.), an immutable memory (such as EPROM), a read-only memory, and / or a mass storage device (such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, the memory 312 includes multiple memories, particularly volatile memories and nonvolatile memories.

[0066] The memory 312 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions may be embedded, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure. The instructions may embody one or more methods or logic described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially in any one or more of the memory 312, the computer-readable medium, and / or the processor 310 during execution of the instructions.

[0067] The terms "non-volatile computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. In addition, the terms "non-volatile computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by a processor or cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and excludes propagating signals.

[0068] The infotainment head unit 304 provides an interface between the vehicle 100 and a user. The infotainment head unit 304 includes digital and / or analog interfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) to receive input from (one or more) users and display information. Input devices include, for example, control knobs, instrument panels, digital cameras for image capture and / or visual command recognition, touch screens, audio input devices (e.g., cabin microphones), buttons, or touch pads. Output devices may include instrument cluster outputs (e.g., dials, light emitting devices), actuators, displays 102 (e.g., heads-up displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, flat panel displays, solid state displays, etc.) and / or speakers. In the example shown, the infotainment head unit 304 includes a display for an infotainment system (e.g., Ford Motor Company SYNC and MyFord The infotainment host unit 304 may include hardware (eg, a processor or controller, memory, storage device, etc.) and software (eg, an operating system, etc.). In addition, the infotainment host unit 304 may display the infotainment system on, for example, the display 102.

[0069] Receiver 104 includes an RFID reader 314, a BLE module 316, and a TPMS module 318. RFID reader 314 of vehicle 100 can receive a signal for identifying a performance product when the sensor of the performance product is an RFID tag. BLE module 316 can receive a signal for identifying a performance product when the sensor of the performance product is another BLE module. In addition, TPMS module 318 can receive a signal for identifying a performance product when the sensor of the performance product is a TPMS sensor.

[0070] The communication module 306 includes a wired or wireless network interface for implementing communication with an external network. The communication module 306 also includes hardware (e.g., a processor, a memory, a storage device, an antenna, etc.) and software for controlling the wired or wireless network interface. In the example shown, the communication module 306 includes one or more communication controllers for standard-based networks (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) (IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.16m), Wireless Gigabit (IEEE 802.11ad), etc.). Figure 3 As shown, the communication module 306 communicates wirelessly with the network 320 .

[0071] The network 320 of the illustrated example may be a public network, such as the Internet; a private network, such as an intranet; or a combination thereof, and may utilize various network protocols that are now available or later developed, including but not limited to network protocols based on TCP / IP (Transmission Control / Internet Protocol). Figure 3 As shown, network 320 includes server 322. In some examples, server 322 stores information of known performance products. When product controller 108 identifies a performance product based on a signal received by one or more receivers 104, product controller 108 may collect additional information and / or characteristics of the identified performance product from server 322 via communication module 306. Additionally or alternatively, server 322 may collect, store, analyze and / or transmit purchase history information of a user of vehicle 100. In some such examples, the product controller retrieves the purchase history information from server 322 via the communication module and determines the time when the user has purchased the performance product for installation on vehicle 100 based on the purchase history information. In other such examples, server 322 identifies the time when the user has purchased the performance product for vehicle 100 based on the purchase history information and transmits the characteristics of the performance product to product controller 108.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the ECU 106 of the vehicle 100 includes a brake control module 324 , a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) control unit 326 , a powertrain control module 328 , and a suspension control module 330 .

[0073] The brake control module 324 (e.g., an anti-lock brake system (ABS) module) controls the braking of the vehicle 100, for example, to prevent the wheels of the vehicle 100 from locking (i.e., stopping rotation) and / or preventing uncontrolled skidding during braking. In some examples, the brake control module 324 adjusts the calibration corresponding to the front brake line locking function, stability control adjustment, and / or slip threshold for the anti-lock brakes according to the characteristics of the tire 202 as a performance product. For example, if the tire 202 as a performance product is a winter tire or a snow tire, the brake control module 324 will disable the front brake line locking function.

[0074] The TPMS control unit 326 monitors the air pressure in the tire and triggers an alarm if the air pressure in the tire is below a predetermined threshold. In some examples, the TPMS control unit 326 adjusts the calibration corresponding to the air pressure threshold according to the characteristics of the tire 202 as a performance product. For example, the TPMS control unit 326 increases or decreases the air pressure threshold according to the recommended air pressure of the tire 202 as a performance product.

[0075] The powertrain control module 328 controls the operation of the engine and transmission of the vehicle 100. For example, the powertrain control module 328 includes an engine control unit, a transmission control unit, and / or a throttle control unit. The powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the calibration(s) based on the spark plugs 218, tires 202, hood 226, spoiler 206, fender 210, and / or any other performance products installed on the vehicle 100.

[0076] For example, the powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the tuning calibration of the engine based on the spark plugs 218. The powertrain control module 328 is also used to adjust the launch control calibration, the speed rating of the maximum rate, and / or the throttle calibration based on the characteristics of the tire 202 (including the compound and / or architecture of the tire 202). Additionally or alternatively, the powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the calibration of the ratio corresponding to the rotation rate of the drive shaft to determine the vehicle speed based on the characteristics of the tire 202 (including the outer diameter of the tire 202). The powertrain control module 328 is also used to adjust the cooling factor calibration of the engine (e.g., delay the engine thermal protection mode) based on the characteristics of the airflow flowing to the engine caused by the engine hood 226.

[0077] In addition, in some examples, the powertrain control module 328 adjusts the calibration based on the spoiler 206 and / or the fender 210. For example, the powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the ratio corresponding to the pedal angle to determine the calibration of the throttle of the engine based on the characteristics of the spoiler 206 and / or the fender 210 corresponding to the drag caused by the spoiler 206 and / or the fender 210 (e.g., the spoiler 206 reduces the drag, the fender 210 increases the drag). Additionally or alternatively, the powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the calibration of the sensitivity to the pedal angle based on characteristics related to tire rolling resistance, final drive ratio, trailer load, etc. In addition, in some examples, the powertrain control module 328 is used to adjust the speed ratio for the maximum speed, torque vectoring factor, and / or all-wheel drive torque distribution based on the characteristics of the spoiler 206 and / or the fender 210.

[0078] The suspension control module 330 controls the operation of the suspension of the vehicle 100. For example, the suspension control module 330 controls the operation of the anti-roll bar 214 and / or the damper 222 and adjusts the calibration based on the characteristics of the anti-roll bar 214 and / or the damper 222. In some examples, the suspension control module 330 is used to adjust the stability control settings and / or the advanced track settings based on the roll stiffness that affects the vehicle's reaction and / or the allowable yaw angle when turning the vehicle 100 around a corner (i.e., cornering).

[0079] The vehicle data bus 308 communicatively connects the receiver 104, the ECU 106, the onboard computing platform 302, the infotainment head unit 304, and the communication module 306. In some examples, the vehicle data bus 308 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 308 can be implemented according to the controller area network (CAN) bus protocol defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) 11898-1, the media-oriented system transport (MOST) bus protocol, the CAN flexible data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO11898-7) and / or the K-line bus protocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1) and / or the Ethernet bus protocol IEEE 802.3 (since 2002), etc.

[0080] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example method 400 for detecting performance products and calibrating an electronic control module of a vehicle according to the teachings herein. Figure 4 Indicates that the Figure 3 312) and includes machine-readable instructions for one or more programs that are executed by a processor (e.g. Figure 3 The processor 310) executes the vehicle 100 to achieve Figure 1 and 3 An example AM ​​controller for __. Although reference Figure 4 The flowchart shown describes an example program, but many other methods of implementing the example AM ​​controller __ may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 400. In addition, because the combination Figure 1-3 The method 400 is disclosed by the components, so some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0081] Initially, at block 402, product controller 108 determines whether it is time to check a performance product installed on vehicle 100. For example, product controller 108 will check the performance product each time vehicle 100 is activated for operation. Additionally or alternatively, product controller 108 is scheduled to check the performance product at regular intervals (e.g., once an hour, once a day, once a week, etc.). In response to product controller 108 determining that it is not time to check the performance product, method 400 remains at block 402. Otherwise, in response to product controller 108 determining that it is time to check the performance product, method 400 proceeds to block 404.

[0082] At block 404, product controller 108 determines whether one or more receivers 104 have received the signal(s) transmitted by the sensor(s) of the performance product(s). In response to product controller 108 determining that no receiver 104 has received a signal from a sensor of the performance product, the method returns to block 402. Otherwise, in response to product controller 108 determining that one or more receivers 104 have received the signal(s) from the sensor(s) of the performance product(s), method 400 proceeds to block 406.

[0083] At block 406, product controller 108 attempts to authenticate the performance product(s) identified by product controller 108. For example, prior to attempting to authenticate the performance product(s), product controller 108 receives the signal(s) from receiver 104 and identifies the performance product(s) based on the received signal(s). At block 408, product controller 108 determines whether product controller 108 is able to authenticate one or more of the performance product(s) corresponding to the received signal(s). In response to product controller 108 determining that no performance product(s) are authenticated, the method returns to block 402. Otherwise, in response to product controller 108 determining that at least one of the identified performance product(s) is authenticated, method 400 proceeds to block 410 when product controller 108 identifies an authenticated performance product.

[0084] At block 410, product controller 108 determines whether the performance of any ECU 106 is affected by the certified performance product(s). In response to product controller 108 determining that no ECU 106 is affected by the performance product(s), method 400 returns to block 402. Otherwise, in response to product controller 108 determining that one or more ECUs 106 are affected by the performance product(s), method 400 proceeds to block 412.

[0085] At box 412, product controller 108 identifies or selects one of ECUs 106 that is affected by one or more of the performance product(s) installed on vehicle 100. At box 414, product controller 108 checks for updated software for the selected one of ECUs 106 and, if updated software is present, sends the updated software to the selected one of ECUs 106 for installation. At box 416, product controller 108 sends a calibration instruction and the selected one of ECUs 106 receives the calibration instruction.

[0086] At box 418, the selected one ECU 106 determines whether there is a calibration to be adjusted based on the installation of the performance product(s). For example, the selected one ECU 106 identifies the calibration it controls, identifies the current setting of the calibration, determines a target setting for the calibration based on the characteristics of the performance product(s), compares the current setting with the target setting, and determines whether to adjust the calibration based on the comparison result. In response to the selected one ECU 106 determining that the calibration is to be adjusted, the method 400 proceeds to box 420, where the selected one ECU 106 adjusts the calibration to the target setting. At box 422, the selected one ECU 106 determines whether there is another calibration to be adjusted based on the performance product(s). In response to the selected one ECU 106 determining that there is another calibration to be adjusted, the method returns to box 420, where the selected one ECU 106 adjusts the other calibration.

[0087] Otherwise, in response to the selected one of the ECUs 106 determining that there is no calibration to adjust at either block 418 or block 422, the product controller 108 determines whether there is another ECU 106 that is affected by the performance product(s) installed on the vehicle 100. In response to the product controller 108 determining that the other ECU 106 is affected, the method returns to block 412. Otherwise, in response to the product controller 108 determining that the other ECU 106 is not affected, the method 400 proceeds to block 426 where the display 102 and / or another output device of the vehicle 100 presents information related to the detected performance product(s) and / or the adjusted calibration(s) of the ECU 106.

[0088] In the present application, the use of transitional conjunctions is intended to include conjunctions. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. Specifically, reference to "the" object or "an" object and "an" object is also intended to indicate one of a possible plurality of such objects. In addition, the conjunction "or" can be used to convey simultaneous features rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction "or" should be understood to include "and / or". The terms "include", "includes" and "includes" are inclusive and have the same scope as "includes", "includes" and "includes", respectively. In addition, as used herein, the terms "module" and "unit" refer to hardware having circuits that are typically combined with sensors to provide communication, control and / or monitoring capabilities. "Module" and "unit" may also include firmware executed on the circuit.

[0089] The above-described embodiments, particularly any "preferred" embodiments, are possible examples of specific implementations and are presented only for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a receiver for receiving a wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product from a sensor of the performance product; A product controller, wherein the product controller is used to: authenticating the performance product based on the wireless signal; and Determining, based on the characteristics of the performance product, that the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit; upon authentication and determination that said performance product affects the performance of said electronic control unit, sending a calibration instruction including said characteristics; and An electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being used for: receiving the calibration instruction; and Calibration of the electronic control unit is adjusted to a target setting based on the characteristic.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the receiver is a short-range wireless module or an RFID reader.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the performance product is an aftermarket product. 4 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the product controller determines that the performance product is a tire based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

5. The vehicle of claim 4 wherein the electronic control unit comprises a powertrain control module, the characteristic comprises a tire size, the tire size comprises an outer diameter of the tire, and the calibration comprises a ratio applied to the rotational rate of the drive shaft to determine vehicle speed, the powertrain control module adjusting the ratio based on the outer diameter. 6 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the product controller determines that the performance product is at least one of a spoiler and a fender based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

7. The vehicle of claim 6 wherein the electronic control unit comprises a powertrain control module, the characteristic comprises a drag caused by at least one of the spoiler and the fender, and the calibration comprises a speed rating for maximum velocity, the powertrain control module adjusting the speed rating based on the drag. 8 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the product controller determines that the performance product is a hood based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

9. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein the electronic control unit comprises a powertrain control module, the characteristic comprises airflow to the engine caused by the engine hood, and the calibration comprises a cooling factor for the engine, the powertrain control module adjusting the cooling factor based on the airflow.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the product controller determines that the performance product is at least one of an anti-roll bar and a damper based on the wireless signal received by the receiver.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, the electronic control unit comprising a suspension control module, the characteristic comprising a roll stiffness corresponding to the anti-roll bar and the damper, and the calibration comprising a stability control setting, the suspension control module adjusting the stability control setting based on the roll stiffness.

12. A method for calibrating a vehicle, comprising: receiving, via a receiver of the vehicle, a wireless signal from a sensor of the performance product, the wireless signal including a characteristic of the performance product; authenticating the performance product according to the wireless signal by a processor; Determining, based on the characteristics of the performance product, that the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit; upon authentication and determination that the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit, sending a calibration instruction including the characteristic to the electronic control unit; and Calibration of the electronic control unit is adjusted to a target setting based on the characteristic.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining whether the performance product affects the performance of the electronic control unit based on the characteristic of the performance product and the identification of the electronic control unit.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising checking, by the processor, updated software for the electronic control unit based on the characteristics of the performance product before sending the calibration instructions to the electronic control unit.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the calibration of the electronic control unit to the target setting based on a current setting of the setting.

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