System for detecting a condition of a vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for detecting a condition of a vehicle component (210) comprising a server computer (100) and a vehicle (200) having the vehicle component (210). The vehicle (200) has a control computer (220) for controlling the vehicle component (210) and for detecting vehicle data (FD) describing the condition of the vehicle component (210). Furthermore, the vehicle (200) comprises data transmission means (230) for transmitting the vehicle data (FD) to the server computer (100). The server computer (100) is arranged for receiving the vehicle data (FD) and for analyzing the vehicle data (FD). The server computer (100) is arranged for determining the condition of the vehicle component (210) by analyzing the vehicle data (FD).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for detecting the condition of vehicle components, the system being used to monitor and assess the integrity of a vehicle. And traffic safety. Background Technology

[0002] Today, drivers are primarily responsible for the vehicle's completeness, safety, and airworthiness, especially whether the vehicle complies with regulations or standards. Therefore, drivers must assess the vehicle and its systems before and during driving to ensure they are functioning properly and meet prescribed traffic safety requirements.

[0003] Traffic safety requirements for vehicles and their systems are typically stipulated by legislators through regulations and standards. In Germany, these are usually mandated by organizations such as the German Technical Inspection Association. Compliance with these regulations is monitored periodically by authorized personnel from official testing organizations such as the German Association for Vehicle Inspection and Testing (DEKRA) within the testing framework. Inspections of vehicles and their systems are typically conducted on-site at authorized testing centers. Therefore, vehicles must be handed over to inspectors regularly.

[0004] Modern vehicles and their internal components are structurally complex, making it difficult for drivers to detect and predict malfunctioning systems and their consequences. As mechanically coupled human-machine interfaces such as steering wheels, brake pedals, accelerator pedals, or other wired connections are increasingly eliminated, drivers are finding it harder to identify system wear and tear, or even system failures. The future development towards autonomous / highly automated driving and / or vehicles shared by multiple drivers will exacerbate this problem.

[0005] In today's existing vehicle systems, and especially in future systems, drivers or owners will find it difficult to identify or at least be able to assess changes in vehicle condition caused by wear, malfunctions, or other events such as handling, accidents, or hacking.

[0006] Assessing the condition of vehicle components and their interoperability requires additional specialized knowledge, specialized tools, and higher testing costs from official inspectors in vehicle maintenance and airworthiness assessments. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system for detecting the condition of vehicle components, which can safely detect and reliably assess the condition of vehicle components, thereby reliably assessing the integrity of vehicle components and the traffic safety of the entire vehicle.

[0008] This invention provides a system for detecting the condition of vehicle components.

[0009] The system includes a server computer and a vehicle with vehicle components. The vehicle includes a control computer for controlling the vehicle components and detecting vehicle data describing the condition of the vehicle components. Furthermore, the vehicle has a data transmission device for transmitting vehicle data to the server computer. The server computer is configured to receive and analyze / evaluate the vehicle data. Additionally, the server computer is configured to determine the condition of the vehicle components by analyzing the vehicle data.

[0010] The vehicle data detected by the control computer preferably describes the condition of other vehicle components. For analysis, vehicle data of other vehicle components can also be transmitted from the control computer to the server computer. By analyzing the collected vehicle data, the server computer can not only determine and evaluate the condition of individual vehicle components, but also determine and evaluate the condition of assemblies composed of different vehicle components, and ultimately determine and evaluate the condition of the entire vehicle.

[0011] Vehicle components can be, on the one hand, active components that can detect their own condition and transmit it to the control computer as vehicle data. The control computer can query the vehicle data detected by the active components and transmit it to the server computer. On the other hand, vehicle components can also be configured as passive components that cannot detect their own condition. These passive components include, for example, axles, lateral links, and other parts. According to a preferred embodiment, the condition of passive components can also be inferred in the server computer by analyzing the vehicle data from the active components.

[0012] Furthermore, vehicle authentication can also be achieved through the analysis of vehicle data on a server computer, as each vehicle's individual data reflects its unique behavior. Manipulating or forging vehicle data is extremely difficult; to deceive the system, manipulation of both the data on the server computer and the vehicle's own data is necessary. Therefore, the system achieves definitive and reliable vehicle authentication, making it virtually impossible to forge vehicle data and vehicle components.

[0013] According to one possible system implementation, the server computer may be configured to, after analyzing vehicle data, generate command signals based on the determined conditions of vehicle components and / or the conditions of assemblies composed of different vehicle components and / or the vehicle condition, and transmit these signals to the vehicle. The control computer is configured to control the vehicle components and / or assemblies according to the command signals. This allows for the targeted modification or disabling of specific functions in the vehicle. If necessary, countermeasures can be initiated, in particular, through the server computer based on the determined conditions of vehicle components and / or the conditions of assemblies composed of multiple vehicle components and / or the vehicle condition.

[0014] According to another system implementation, the server computer can generate a condition description signal based on the measured condition of vehicle components and / or the condition of an assembly composed of multiple vehicle components and / or the overall vehicle condition, and transmit it to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle component condition and / or assembly condition and / or vehicle condition determined by the server computer can be displayed to the driver in the vehicle on a display device such as a multimedia system.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the system includes a data processing device located outside the server computer and outside the vehicle. The server computer can transmit condition description signals not only to the vehicle itself but also to the data processing device. The data processing device provides information characterizing the condition of vehicle components and / or assemblies and / or the overall vehicle condition based on the condition description signals. Furthermore, it can provide necessary maintenance recommendations or indications of possible causes of malfunctions. This information can be provided to the driver or vehicle owner, as well as service personnel from vehicle maintenance companies or inspection agencies. This information can be displayed, for example, on a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

[0016] With the system described in this invention, the computational power required to determine the condition of vehicle components and / or the condition of vehicle component assemblies and / or the condition of the entire vehicle is transferred to a server computer at the back end of the system. The server computer used at the back end provides higher, and generally more cost-effective, computational performance than each vehicle performing its own assessment of its component condition.

[0017] Only vehicle data detection is performed by the vehicle's own control computer on the system's client side. The detected vehicle data is aggregated either on the vehicle client side or by the system's backend server computer. Through analysis, a distinguishable vehicle system condition can be determined by the server computer's assessment.

[0018] The system intelligently monitors vehicles and their internal systems—whether individual vehicle components / assemblies or more complex assemblies—in terms of traffic safety and compliance with regulations. Furthermore, the system can perform online assessments of the condition of individual vehicle components and assemblies. Therefore, the system assists in assessing vehicle condition and improves traffic safety by initiating troubleshooting measures or by shutting down / disabling vehicle systems.

[0019] Messages, information, prompts, or suggestions relating to the condition of a single vehicle component and / or an assembly composed of multiple vehicle components and / or the entire vehicle can be output from the system front end to a device used by the system user outside the vehicle. Such devices include, for example, smartphones, tablets, or desktop PCs. The user front end may also be integrated into the vehicle's multimedia system, for example. In this case, information or other prompts and suggestions characterizing the condition of vehicle components and / or assemblies and / or the entire vehicle are displayed on the screen of the in-vehicle multimedia system.

[0020] The status information transmitted by the server computer can also be used at the system front end as the basis for official inspection personnel to remotely inspect and accept vehicles. Throughout the vehicle system lifecycle, based on data analysis performed by the server computer at the system back end, digitally based expert knowledge, and continuous improvement through remote monitoring and evaluation, reliable predictions of wear and tear and anticipated failures can be made.

[0021] The evaluation results, measured on the backend by a server computer, can be used for a variety of services. These services include, for example, an insurance bonus system for "good vehicle maintenance." Furthermore, the system can be used by fleet management and rental systems to assess vehicle value by predicting necessary maintenance and to evaluate and improve vehicle system condition through continuous on-site monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to system embodiments. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a system implementation for detecting the condition of vehicle components.

[0024] Figure 2 This diagram categorizes the condition assessment of assemblies or individual vehicle components based on their functionality and potential failures.

[0025] Figure 3 This diagram is an example of classifying vehicle systems into assemblies and individual vehicle components, and

[0026] Figure 4 This diagram categorizes the condition of vehicle components according to the different application purposes of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 The architecture of a system 1 for detecting the condition of vehicle components is shown. The system includes a server computer 100 at the system backend and a vehicle 200 with vehicle components 210 as system clients. The vehicle 200 may be, for example, a road vehicle or a rail vehicle, such as a car, train, or other vehicle. The vehicle 200 includes a control computer 220 for controlling the vehicle components 210 and detecting vehicle data FD describing the condition of the vehicle components 210. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a data transmission device 230 for transmitting the vehicle data FD to the server computer 100 at the system backend.

[0028] Server computer 100 is configured to receive and analyze vehicle data FD. Specifically, server computer 100 is configured to determine the condition of vehicle components 210 by analyzing vehicle data FD.

[0029] According to another embodiment of System 1, server computer 100 is configured to perform vehicle authentication by analyzing vehicle data FD. This makes it possible that the vehicle data for each vehicle is personalized and unique, thereby revealing the vehicle's "fingerprint." Through the possible authentication of the vehicle, forgery or manipulation of vehicle data and vehicle systems can be detected in a beneficial manner, such as unauthorized use of functions licensed by another vehicle.

[0030] The control computer 220 of the system 1 client is configured to detect vehicle data FD in such a way that the vehicle data also describes the condition of other vehicle components 210' that are different from vehicle component 210. The server computer 100 of the system backend is configured to determine not only the condition of vehicle component 210, but also the corresponding condition of multiple other vehicle components 210' by analyzing the vehicle data FD.

[0031] Furthermore, the server computer 100 is configured to determine the condition of the assembly 240 composed of vehicle component 210 and other vehicle components 210', or the condition of the entire vehicle 200. Vehicle data for a single vehicle component is not considered by the server computer 100 in isolation. Instead, vehicle data from multiple vehicle components 210, 210' are analyzed collaboratively to determine the emergency behavior of the vehicle component or the assembly composed of multiple vehicle components.

[0032] Vehicle component 210 can be designed as an active component, providing vehicle data for detection by a control computer. Such an active component can detect its own condition and transmit vehicle data characterizing the condition to the control computer 220. At least one other vehicle component 210' can be designed as a passive component, not providing vehicle data through other vehicle components. Therefore, the passive component does not provide vehicle data characterizing its condition to the control computer 220. According to one possible implementation of the system, the server computer 100 is configured to determine the condition of one of the other (passive) vehicle components 210' by analyzing the vehicle data FD transmitted to it. Therefore, condition data detected by the active vehicle components in the vehicle is used by the server computer 100 to indirectly detect and evaluate the condition of the passive components.

[0033] According to one possible implementation of System 1, the server computer 100 is specifically configured to determine or evaluate the condition of vehicle components 210 and / or the condition of the assembly 240 composed of different vehicle components and / or the condition of the entire vehicle 200 by analyzing vehicle data FD from aspects such as airworthiness and / or compliance (e.g., meeting legal traffic safety requirements) and / or maintenance condition and / or completeness and / or meeting safety requirements. This can be achieved by configuring the server computer 100 as a high-performance computer in the backend of the system.

[0034] The system client's control computer 220 may include one or more computer processors disposed in the vehicle 200. The control computer 220 is configured to detect all vehicle data necessary for the system's backend server computer to assess the vehicle's airworthiness, compliance with required standards, maintenance status, completeness, and overall vehicle safety for various vehicle components.

[0035] Vehicle data is acquired by the system client from time synchronization signals of measurement or sensor systems inside the vehicle, such as acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, wheel speed sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and torque sensors. Providing vehicle data to the server computer 100 in a time-synchronized manner is achieved by assigning timestamps to the detected vehicle data, thereby enabling the backend server computer 100 to correctly sort the transmitted vehicle data by time.

[0036] Vehicle data can be transmitted to server computer 100 in its raw, unfiltered form, or after preprocessing such as filtering or other modifications, or in compressed form to reduce bandwidth. Vehicle data can also be transmitted wirelessly from control computer 220 to server computer 100 at the system backend via data transmission device 230, for example, through a defined standard (LTE, G5, etc.). Here, vehicle data can be continuously transmitted from control computer 220 to the system backend, or after prior querying by server computer 100.

[0037] According to a possible implementation of System 1, the server computer 100 may be configured to generate a command signal KS based on the measured condition of the vehicle component 210 and / or the condition of the assembly 240 composed of different vehicle components and / or the measured condition of the vehicle 200, and transmit the command signal KS to the vehicle 200. The client's data transmission device 230 is configured to receive the command signal KS. The control computer 220 is configured to change the condition of the vehicle component 210 and / or the condition of the assembly 240 according to the command signal KS.

[0038] Therefore, based on an assessment of the condition of vehicle components and / or the condition of assemblies composed of multiple vehicle components and / or the overall vehicle condition, the server computer 100 can initiate measures on the system client to ensure the traffic safety of vehicle 200. The initiated measures may include, for example, measures to eliminate vehicle component malfunctions, controlled disabling of specific vehicle functions such as autonomous driving functions, software updates, engine activation / disabling, etc.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the system, the server computer 100 may be configured to generate a condition description signal ZS containing a description of the measured condition of the vehicle component 210 and / or the assembly 240 and / or the vehicle 200, based on the measured condition of the vehicle component 210 and / or the assembly 240 and / or the vehicle 200.

[0040] The server computer 100 may be configured to transmit the condition description signal ZS to the vehicle 200. Furthermore, the data transmission device 230 in the vehicle may be configured to receive the condition description signal ZS.

[0041] At the front end of system 1, a display device 250 can be installed in vehicle 200. Control computer 200 is configured to display messages on display device 250 based on situation description signals ZS. Thus, for example, messages related to the analysis and evaluation of vehicle data via server computer 100 can be displayed on the vehicle's onboard system.

[0042] According to one possible implementation, server computer 100 may be configured to store transmitted vehicle data over a (longer) time period. Specifically, server computer 100 may be configured to establish vehicle profile data characterizing the vehicle by analyzing the vehicle data FD stored over the time period. The data characterizing the vehicle profile may include vehicle configuration-specific data and / or user-specific data and / or wear-specific data and / or data describing the dynamic behavior of vehicle components and / or assembly dynamic behavior.

[0043] Therefore, by continuously collecting vehicle data reflecting the vehicle's history transmitted by the vehicles 200 through the server computer 100, vehicle files can be determined. The recorded vehicle data and the data representing the vehicle files of multiple vehicles 200 can be stored and updated by the server computer 100 in the system backend.

[0044] Server computer 100 is configured to compare transmitted vehicle data FD with vehicle data stored over a (longer) time period and / or with data characterizing vehicle profiles, and determine the condition of vehicle components 210 and / or assemblies 240 and / or vehicle 200 based on the comparison. Therefore, by analyzing currently received vehicle data and comparing this current data with historical and vehicle-specific data stored in the backend, server computer 100 can assess the completeness of individual vehicle components or assemblies. Furthermore, the possibility of component failure, severe wear of vehicle components, and even unauthorized manipulation of vehicle components can be determined by server computer 100.

[0045] If a serious event is detected, such as wear, mishandling, or malfunction of a vehicle component or assembly, the corresponding command signal KS or condition description signal ZS can be sent to the control computer 220 of the system client.

[0046] According to one possible implementation, system 1 has a data processing device 300 located at the system front end, outside of server computer 100 and vehicle 200. The data processing device 300 is configured to receive a status description signal ZS and provide information based on the status description signal. The information can be structured and processed by server computer 100 based on the status description signal ZS so that it can be transmitted to the front end of system 1 according to the application purpose.

[0047] The data processing device 300 at the system front end can be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or the user's personal computer. Based on the condition description signal ZS, information regarding the condition of vehicle components and / or assemblies and / or the vehicle's condition can be displayed on one of these devices. Furthermore, additional information regarding necessary vehicle maintenance, possible troubleshooting measures, or recommended vehicle services can also be displayed.

[0048] This information can be displayed or provided to the driver or vehicle owner, manufacturer service personnel, or official inspection personnel of authorized testing agencies via the data processing device 300 at the system front end. Therefore, the data processing device 300 can be used at the system front end for vehicle inspection, especially for remote vehicle inspection based on collected vehicle data and analysis by official testing agencies. For this type of remote vehicle inspection, the server computer 100 monitors changes in the condition of all safety-related vehicle components.

[0049] According to one possible implementation of System 1, Server Computer 100 is configured to calculate data characterizing the expected behavior of Vehicle Components 210 and / or Assemblies 240. Server Computer 100 is configured to determine the condition of Vehicle Components 210 and / or Assemblies 240 and / or Vehicle 200 by comparing the data characterizing the expected behavior with transmitted Vehicle Data FD.

[0050] The actual measured behavior of different vehicle components can be determined by server computer 100 from vehicle data FD transmitted by vehicle 200. The expected behavior is also determined by server computer 100 from the transmitted vehicle data FD using a mathematical model. The mathematical model specifically describes the transmission behavior of each individual vehicle component and the coupling between them.

[0051] Such mathematical models can be constructed from the physical characteristics of vehicle components and their interactions. Another possibility for extracting mathematical models is to analyze vehicle data measured from a reference vehicle system using machine learning techniques. Furthermore, models based on the known physical effects of faults in the transmission behavior of vehicle components can be used to detect and classify faults in individual vehicle components or the entire assembly.

[0052] Figure 2It clearly demonstrates how the functionality of the entire assembly can be assessed in terms of traffic safety, or the functionality of individual components of the assembly can be assessed in terms of potentially necessary vehicle maintenance, through corresponding analysis by the server computer 100 on the system server side. Furthermore, by further analyzing the transmitted vehicle data on the server side, specific faults in particular vehicle components can be determined.

[0053] Figure 3 It clearly shows that the vehicle is divided into individual vehicle assemblies and its components.

[0054] Based on the identified component failure, the server computer can transmit instruction signals or maintenance prompts to the control computer 220 on the system client to initiate countermeasures to eliminate the identified failure. Especially when using a chain-like mathematical model, the server computer can determine and evaluate the condition of the assembly and its components, as well as possible causes of failure.

[0055] Analyzing the expected behavior of a particular vehicle component or assembly in comparison with the measured behavior of the corresponding vehicle component or assembly, and specifically identifying the failure mode, can advantageously provide information to determine whether scheduled vehicle inspections can be postponed or which maintenance measures are necessary, or whether the identified condition requires immediate restriction or even cessation of vehicle operation.

[0056] To account for tolerances in vehicle components or measurement systems when analyzing vehicle data in the system backend, the system can be trained at the beginning of the vehicle's service life or after configuration changes. This allows for personalized analysis and evaluation of vehicle data provided by individual vehicles, taking into account the tolerances of vehicle component behavior. Furthermore, the system can be used at the end of the vehicle manufacturing process to verify the proper functioning of vehicle components.

[0057] Information provided by the system regarding the condition, condition changes, or fault conditions of vehicle components and / or assemblies consisting of multiple vehicle components can be used for various application purposes. Figure 4 Provide examples of how the information provided by the system can be used by manufacturers, legislators, or drivers.

[0058] Based on measured changes in the condition of vehicle components and / or assemblies, vehicle manufacturers can, for example, determine recommended operating procedures for the vehicle. Legislators can issue or refuse to issue certificates for road use based on the fault categories provided by the system (e.g., KM = no fault, GM = minor fault, EM = major fault, VM = dangerous fault, VU = unsafe traffic condition). Drivers can determine permissible driving operations for the vehicle based on the fault conditions of vehicle components and / or assemblies measured by the system.

Claims

1. A system for detecting the condition of vehicle components, comprising: - A server computer (100) and a vehicle (200) with vehicle components (210), - The vehicle (200) includes a control computer (220) for controlling vehicle components (210) and detecting vehicle data (FD) describing the condition of the vehicle components (210). The vehicle also includes a data transmission device (230) for transmitting the vehicle data (FD) to a server computer (100). - The server computer (100) is configured to receive and analyze vehicle data (FD). - The server computer (100) is configured to determine the condition of vehicle components (210) by analyzing vehicle data (FD). - The control computer (220) is configured to detect vehicle data (FD) in such a way that the vehicle data describes the condition of other vehicle components (210') that are different from the vehicle component (210). - Wherein, the server computer (100) is configured to determine the condition of the vehicle (200) and / or the assembly (240) composed of vehicle parts (210) and other vehicle parts (210') by analyzing vehicle data (FD). - In this configuration, the vehicle component (210) is set up as an active component such that it provides vehicle data (FD), which is then detected by the control computer (220). - Wherein, at least one other vehicle component (210') is configured as a passive component in such a way that it does not provide vehicle data through other vehicle components. - The server computer (100) is configured to determine the condition of other vehicle components (210') by analyzing vehicle data (FD). - Wherein, the server computer (100) is configured to determine the condition of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240) and / or the vehicle (200) in terms of airworthiness and / or compliance requirements by analyzing vehicle data (FD). -The server computer (100) is configured to store the transmitted vehicle data within a time period, generate vehicle profile data representing the vehicle (200) by analyzing the vehicle data (FD) stored within a time period, and compare the transmitted vehicle data (FD) with the data representing the vehicle profile to determine the condition of other vehicle components (210').

2. The system according to claim 1, - in, The server computer (100) is configured to perform vehicle (200) authentication by analyzing vehicle data (FD).

3. The system according to claim 1, - in, The server computer (100) is configured to generate a command signal (KS) based on the measured conditions of the vehicle component (210) and / or assembly (240) and / or vehicle (200), and transmit the command signal (KS) to the vehicle (200).

4. The system according to claim 3, - The data transmission device (230) is configured to receive command signals (KS). - in, The control computer (220) is configured to change the status of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240) according to the instruction signal (KS).

5. The system according to claim 1, in, The server computer (100) is configured to generate a condition description signal (ZS) containing a description of the measured condition of the vehicle component (210) and / or assembly (240) and / or vehicle (200) based on the measured condition of the vehicle component (210) and / or assembly (240) and / or vehicle (200).

6. The system according to claim 5, - The server computer (100) is configured to transmit a status description signal (ZS) to the vehicle (200). - in, The data transmission device (230) is configured to receive a status description signal (ZS). - The vehicle (200) has a display device (250), - The control computer (200) is configured to display a message on the display device (250) based on the status description signal (ZS).

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6 comprises: - A data processing device (300) is located outside the server computer (100) and outside the vehicle (200). - The data processing device (300) is configured to receive a status description signal (ZS) and provide information based on the status description signal.

8. The system according to claim 1, in, The server computer (100) is configured to determine the condition of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240) and / or vehicles (200) in terms of airworthiness and / or compliance requirements and / or maintenance condition and / or completeness and / or safety requirements by analyzing vehicle data (FD).

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The server computer (100) is configured to store the transmitted vehicle data for a period of time.

10. The system according to claim 9, in, The server computer (100) is configured to generate vehicle profile data characterizing a vehicle (200) by analyzing vehicle data (FD) stored over a period of time, wherein the data characterizing the vehicle profile includes vehicle configuration-specific data and / or user-specific data and / or wear-specific data and / or data describing the dynamic behavior of vehicle components and / or assemblies (240).

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, in, The server computer (100) is configured to compare the transmitted vehicle data (FD) with vehicle data and / or vehicle profile data stored within a time period, and to determine the condition of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240) and / or vehicles (200) based on the comparison.

12. The system according to claim 1, - in, The server computer (100) is configured to calculate data characterizing the expected behavior of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240). - The server computer (100) is configured to compare data characterizing the expected behavior with transmitted vehicle data (FD) to determine the condition of vehicle components (210) and / or assemblies (240) and / or vehicle (200).

13. The system according to claim 12, in, The server computer (100) is configured to measure data that characterizes the expected behavior using mathematical models.

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