Wheel monitoring in a vehicle

Abstract

In accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a system (100) for wheel monitoring in a vehicle (200) is provided. The system (100) comprises: at least one sensor (130) arranged in the vehicle (200) for generating at least one wheel-related measurement; at least one vehicle processing device (110) included in the vehicle (200); and a remote monitoring device (120) separate from the vehicle (200). The at least one vehicle processing device (110) is arranged to receive at least one wheel-related measurement from the at least one sensor (130) and to perform a basic wheel monitoring function based thereon to determine whether there is a problem in the one or more wheels. The remote processing device (120) is arranged to receive at least one wheel-related parameter determined based on the at least one wheel-related measurement; and performing an enhanced wheel monitoring function by performing a calculation based on the at least one wheel-related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problem of presence of the one or more wheels.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 201880041246.X filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on June 14, 2018, entitled "Wheel Monitoring in a Vehicle", having a filing date of June 14, 2018. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for wheel monitoring in a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] In vehicle design, wheel monitoring is an important safety aspect, as wheel problems, such as a tire blowout or a loose wheel, can easily cause an accident. Wheel monitoring also has a driving economy aspect, both due to the fact that a tire with a lower than optimal air pressure wears faster than a correctly inflated tire, and due to the fact that fuel consumption is reduced in a vehicle with optimal tire pressure. Thus, a wheel monitoring system can be both a safety system and a device for protecting the environment and avoiding unnecessary costs.

[0004] Several different types of wheel monitoring are known. WO2016 / 120019 describes the use of a wheel speed signal to determine wheel abnormalities, such as a loose wheel or a wheel with zero tire pressure. US7111607 describes tire pressure monitoring using sensors arranged inside the tire. US7240542, US7263458, US20080024286 and US9079462 describe more indirect tire pressure monitoring. In indirect pressure monitoring, a value representative of the tire pressure can be calculated or estimated based on information related to the tire pressure provided by control and / or detection devices of the vehicle, such as, for example, an anti-lock braking system, a dynamic stability system, an anti-spin system and / or a traction control system. This information may, for example, include the rotational speed or angular velocity of the tire or wheel.

[0005] Indirect tire pressure monitoring can require complex calculations to determine tire underinflation from tire pressure related information. Furthermore, the link between tire pressure related information and tire pressure is susceptible to external influences, such as current driving conditions and road conditions. Also, vehicle specific conditions can influence the tire pressure and the information related thereto.

[0006] Tire pressure monitoring systems are typically arranged locally inside the vehicle, such as in an electronic control unit (ECU) responsible for electronic stability control (ESC).

[0007] Problems of the prior art

[0008] When one or more tires are underinflated, a wheel monitoring system arranged locally inside the vehicle can enable a safe tire pressure warning. However, if it is desired to determine which tire or tires are underinflated, the required software becomes more complex. Since Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a safety-critical system, extensive testing and verification of the system is required. Therefore, the system must be "frozen" just before the vehicle goes into production, and no further changes in the software are allowed without extensive testing and verification again. This means that any updates to the software after the vehicle is produced will be very costly.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved wheel monitoring system. SUMMARY

[0010] The above problems are solved by the claimed system for wheel monitoring in a vehicle. The system can comprise at least one sensor arranged in the vehicle for producing at least one wheel related measurement; at least one vehicle processing device comprised in the vehicle; and a remote monitoring device separate from the vehicle. The at least one vehicle processing device can be arranged to receive at least one wheel related measurement from the at least one sensor, and based thereon perform a basic wheel monitoring function determining if one or more wheels have a problem. The remote processing device can be arranged to receive at least one wheel related parameter determined based on the at least one wheel related measurement; and perform an enhanced wheel monitoring function by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problem existing in one or more wheels.

[0011] The above problems are further solved by the claimed vehicle comprising at least one vehicle processing device and at least one sensor arranged to produce at least one wheel related measurement. The at least one vehicle processing device can be arranged to receive at least one wheel related measurement from the at least one sensor; perform a basic wheel monitoring function based on the at least one wheel related measurement determining if one or more wheels have a problem; determine at least one wheel related parameter based on the at least one wheel related measurement; and communicate the at least one wheel related parameter to a remote processing device separate from the vehicle, in which remote processing device an enhanced wheel monitoring function is performed by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problem existing in one or more wheels.

[0012] The above problems are further solved by the claimed method for wheel monitoring in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one vehicle processing device and at least one sensor. The method can comprise: generating at least one wheel related measurement using the at least one sensor; receiving the at least one wheel related measurement in the at least one vehicle processing device; performing a basic wheel monitoring function in the at least one vehicle processing device based on the at least one wheel related measurement, determining whether one or more wheels are experiencing a problem; determining at least one wheel related parameter based on the at least one wheel related measurement; receiving the at least one wheel related parameter in a remote processing device arranged separately from the vehicle; and performing an enhanced wheel monitoring function in the remote processing device by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problem experienced by one or more wheels.

[0013] The basic wheel monitoring function preferably uses a predetermined algorithm stored in the vehicle processing device to determine whether one or more wheels are experiencing a problem, while the enhanced wheel monitoring function preferably uses an algorithm that is continuously trained based on actual vehicle data from many vehicles, e.g. using machine learning.

[0014] The wheel monitoring function can for example monitor tire pressure, or detect abnormal situations such as loose wheels.

[0015] The at least one vehicle processing device can for example be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. Since the enhanced wheel monitoring function is not performed in a vehicle processing device such as an ECU, it does not rely on the limited computational resources of such a processing device. Thus, the function can be more advanced, e.g. based on machine learning techniques. At the same time, since the basic wheel monitoring function is arranged in the vehicle, it can be relied on to provide timely wheel related warnings without having to rely on external networks or devices.

[0016] In embodiments, the at least one vehicle processing device is arranged to issue a wheel related warning if the basic wheel monitoring function determines that one or more wheels are experiencing a problem. The warning can not necessarily specify which wheel is experiencing a problem, but it is sufficient to warn the driver of a potential wheel problem. The problem can for example be underinflated tires or loose wheels.

[0017] In embodiments, the enhanced wheel monitoring function determines the problem and provides a warning about the individual wheels, e.g. using an isolation function. A warning is provided for example for underinflated tires or loose wheels. If this function is web-based or arranged in the cloud, the isolation function can be continuously trained based on actual vehicle data. The determination can be communicated back from the remote processing device to the at least one vehicle processing device.

[0018] In embodiments, the at least one wheel related parameter is determined in at least one vehicle processing device. The wheel related parameter can be the same as the wheel related measurement, or can be a processed form of the wheel related measurement, such as a conversion from discrete pulses to a continuous signal. In embodiments, an algorithm is used to calculate the wheel related parameter based on the at least one wheel related measurement.

[0019] In embodiments, the enhanced wheel monitoring function is only performed if the basic wheel monitoring function has determined that one or more wheels are having problems. If none of the wheels are having problems, there can be no need to perform the enhanced wheel monitoring function. It can even be unnecessary to determine the wheel related parameter and communicate it to a remote processing device.

[0020] In embodiments, the at least one sensor comprises a rotational speed sensor for each wheel.

[0021] In embodiments, the remote processing device is arranged in a mobile device, such as a smartphone. If the at least one wheel related parameter is communicated wirelessly from the vehicle to the mobile device, for example using Bluetooth, the enhanced wheel monitoring function can be used even in the absence of a mobile communication network connection.

[0022] In embodiments, the at least one wheel related parameter is received in the remote processing device from the vehicle via a wireless link. The wireless link can be, for example, a mobile communication network or a Bluetooth connection.

[0023] In embodiments, the enhanced wheel monitoring function determines a tyre wear level, and communicates this information to the at least one vehicle processing device. The tyre wear level can specify, for example, how much the wheel radius has decreased from its originally determined value.

[0024] In embodiments, the enhanced wheel monitoring function determines a pressure trend of the tyre and / or the proximity of the tyre pressure to an under-inflation alert level, which can have been preset in the system, for example. The enhanced wheel monitoring function can also detect a slow diffusion of air from the tyre.

[0025] The at least one vehicle processing device can be, for example, many different vehicle processing devices between which the signal is communicated. The at least one wheel related parameter can be determined in one vehicle processing device, and the basic wheel monitoring function can be performed in another vehicle processing device.

[0026] The scope of the application is defined by the claims, which are incorporated in this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the application will be afforded to those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings will first be described briefly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A system for wheel monitoring in a vehicle is schematically illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0028] Figure 2 A vehicle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is schematically illustrated.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic overview of one way of operating a system for wheel monitoring in a vehicle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0030] Figure 4 A method for wheel monitoring in a vehicle is schematically illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0031] Embodiments of the disclosure, together with its advantages, will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the same reference numerals are used to identify identical elements in the one or more drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A wheel monitoring system arranged in an electronic control unit (ECU) responsible for electronic stability control (ESC) in a vehicle, after it has been "frozen" for testing and verification, is very costly to replace or update, the "freezing" of the system occurring just before the vehicle starts production. This is because the ESC is a safety-critical system.

[0033] To avoid this problem, the wheel monitoring device can be arranged away from the vehicle, and the parameters required to perform the wheel monitoring function can be transferred to the wheel monitoring device via a wireless link. However, in the event that the wireless link does not work, for example due to lack of network coverage, there will be no wheel monitoring function in the vehicle in such a case. Furthermore, in some countries there are regulations requiring that all vehicles include an internal tire underinflation warning function, for example in the form of a usual tire underinflation warning indicator.

[0034] Thus, according to the present disclosure it is proposed to split the wheel monitoring functionality into two parts, a basic wheel monitoring functionality which can be arranged in the vehicle ECU and an enhanced wheel monitoring functionality which can be arranged remote from the vehicle. The basic wheel monitoring functionality preferably uses a predetermined algorithm stored in the vehicle processing means to preferably determine whether one or more wheels are experiencing a problem. The enhanced wheel monitoring functionality preferably provides further information about the determined problem of one or more wheels by performing further calculations, preferably using an algorithm which is continuously trained based on real vehicle data from many vehicles, e.g. using machine learning. This makes it possible to have a fail-safe basic wheel monitoring functionality in the vehicle which can be tested and verified as required and then left unchanged, while at the same time allowing an easy to improve and update advanced enhanced wheel monitoring functionality. Since this enhanced wheel monitoring functionality is located outside the ECU, it can be done at a later stage and, perhaps more importantly, can be updated in an easy way when the vehicle is already in production.

[0035] As described in US7263458, the wheel monitoring functionality can for example involve wheel radius analysis and wheel vibration analysis. US7263458 describes a wheel radius analysis in which the wheel radius of each wheel is estimated by comparing the wheel speed of each wheel (which can be measured by a wheel speed sensor) with the actual drive speed of the vehicle. A constant drive speed is provided and the wheel speed increases when the wheel radius decreases due to loss of tyre pressure.

[0036] However, it can not be necessary to actually estimate the wheel radius of each wheel, it can be sufficient to determine whether the wheel radius has changed by comparing the relationship between the wheel radii of different wheels over time. As long as this relationship remains unchanged, it is not possible for the wheel radius to change, as this would imply that the changes in both comparison wheels are exactly the same. If the wheel radius analysis is performed for different wheel combinations, such as for the front wheels and for the rear wheels, and for the right wheels and for the left wheels, it can be possible to determine which particular wheel is most likely experiencing an under-inflation problem. For example, if the wheel radius relationship of the right wheels and of the front wheels both change, while the wheel radius relationship of the left wheels and of the rear wheels do not change, then the right front wheel is most likely experiencing an under-inflation problem.

[0037] US7263458 describes a wheel vibration analysis in which wheel vibration phenomena are detected in the time-dependent behaviour of the rotational speed of the individual wheels (which can be measured by a wheel speed sensor). The spectral properties of the wheel angular velocity signal, e.g. the energy distribution in different frequency bands, depend on the tyre pressure of the individual wheels. If the spectral properties of a wheel change over time, this can be an indication of an under-inflated tyre.

[0038] Combining wheel radius analysis and wheel vibration analysis improves the certainty of identifying which wheel is underinflated. If the results of both analyses correspond, the correct wheel has likely been identified. The fusion of wheel radius and wheel vibration analysis thus enhances the determinism of wheel monitoring capabilities.

[0039] When more than one tire is underinflated, identification is often more difficult. Therefore, there may be many different predefined underinflation scenarios, from which the wheel monitoring function only needs to determine which scenario is most likely to occur.

[0040] WO2016 / 120019 describes the use of wheel speed signals to determine wheel anomalies, such as a loose wheel or a wheel with zero pressure. The wheel speed signal serves as the basis for determining first and second detection signals, and an anomaly, such as a loose wheel, is detected if at least one detection signal exceeds a threshold.

[0041] Many different factors can be considered in wheel monitoring functionality. Besides wheel radius analysis and wheel vibration analysis, vehicle-specific parameters such as absolute speed, load variations, and friction can be used to improve wheel monitoring. These different factors can be combined using algorithms, which can be determined, for example, using historical data. Wheel monitoring functionality can, for example, involve machine learning, such as using neural networks that can be trained on training data for different scenarios where wheel characteristics such as tire pressure are known.

[0042] Vehicle-specific parameters, such as information about whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, can be provided to algorithms, and even used to select the appropriate algorithm. Using different algorithms for different types of vehicles may be advantageous.

[0043] Information regarding tire type and / or whether snow chains are installed on any wheels can also be used to improve wheel monitoring functionality. Because different types of tires have different performance characteristics, they may react differently to changes in tire pressure. Therefore, wheel vibration analysis may yield different results depending on the tire's performance. Tire classification methods are described in WO2015 / 188929. Furthermore, wheel vibration analysis is, of course, affected by whether snow chains are installed on the wheels.

[0044] Information about load variations in a vehicle can be used to compensate for differences in wheel radius and / or wheel vibration unrelated to any wheel-related issues. If the vehicle load is uneven, or if it is traveling uphill or downhill, wheel radius and wheel vibration analyses will detect anomalies even without wheel-related problems. Therefore, compensating for load variations is beneficial to avoid false alarms.

[0045] Load changes can be determined, for example, using information about axle height, longitudinal acceleration, vertical acceleration, torque, engine RPM, altitude, yaw rate, pitch, roll, and / or suspension. US8630767 describes how to estimate a vehicle's load based on vehicle data indicating current driving conditions, while US8825267 describes the use of suspension information in detecting tire pressure deviations in vehicle tires. Various markers set in at least one vehicle processor based on whether the vehicle is braking, shifting gears, in reverse, or has a trailer attached can aid in determining load changes. GPS information, along with map data including terrain information, can also aid in determining load changes.

[0046] Furthermore, information about the friction between the tire and the road surface can be used to compensate for differences in wheel radius and / or wheel vibration, regardless of any problems with the wheel itself. Wheel slippage can affect the determination of wheel radius and / or wheel vibration. Therefore, any information that can be used to determine wheel slippage, regardless of any problems with the wheel, can be used to improve wheel monitoring functionality. EP1701871 and WO2011 / 054363 describe various types of road condition monitoring. For example, if it can be determined that road conditions differ for different wheels—for instance, because the vehicle is traveling near the edge of the road, the right wheel is traveling on gravel while the left wheel is traveling on asphalt—this information can be used to improve wheel monitoring functionality. Information from temperature sensors can also aid in determining friction, especially at low temperatures.

[0047] Enhanced wheel monitoring can identify problems and provide warnings about individual wheels, such as using isolation features. Issuing timely underinflation warnings is a crucial safety feature, while information about which tires are underinflated may be provided later (if any). Therefore, it's advantageous to keep basic wheel-related warnings within the vehicle, while isolation features can be used elsewhere. The identified results can be transmitted back to the vehicle's ECU.

[0048] Underinflation of tires can occur under various circumstances. It can happen suddenly with a puncture, requiring rapid detection. However, sometimes air diffuses slowly within the tire, leading to underinflation over time. This slow diffusion doesn't necessarily need to be detected by basic wheel monitoring systems; detection by enhanced wheel monitoring systems may suffice.

[0049] The enhanced wheel monitoring function can also provide other wheel-related information. For example, it can detect underinflation even if it hasn't reached the level that would trigger an alarm. This information can be displayed to the user, for example, as a "proximity alarm." It also focuses on monitoring tire pressure trends to detect the rate of pressure drop and thus determine how long it will take for the tire to be re-inflated and / or how often the tire should be re-inflated.

[0050] Tire wear can affect wheel monitoring because wheel monitoring functions typically involve determining the wheel radius, which is naturally affected by tire wear. If enhanced wheel monitoring also involves determining tire wear, tire wear information can be communicated to the vehicle, allowing for compensation within the basic wheel monitoring function. One method for determining tire wear is described in EP2982521.

[0051] Basic wheel monitoring functions can also identify problems with individual wheels, such as pinpointing which tires are underinflated, and if the reliability of this identification is high enough, enhanced wheel monitoring functions may not be necessary.

[0052] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for wheel monitoring in vehicles. Embodiments of the disclosed solutions are presented in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A system 100 for wheel monitoring in a vehicle 200 according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically illustrated. System 100 includes at least one vehicle processing unit 110 included in the vehicle 200 and a remote processing unit 120 separate from the vehicle 200. The remote processing unit 120 may be, for example, network-based or deployed in the cloud. The remote processing unit 120 may also, or alternatively, be deployed in a mobile device such as a smartphone. Enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities can be achieved even without a network connection if at least one wheel-related parameter is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the mobile device, for example, using Bluetooth. System 100 also includes at least one sensor 130 deployed in the vehicle 200.

[0054] Sensor 130 generates at least one wheel-related measurement and transmits it to at least one vehicle processing device 110, which performs basic wheel monitoring functions. These basic wheel monitoring functions, based on the measurement, preferably use a predefined algorithm stored in the vehicle processing device 110 to determine if one or more wheels have a problem. Wheel-related parameters are then determined based on the at least one wheel-related measurement (preferably in the at least one vehicle processing device 110), and these parameters are transmitted to a remote processing device 120, which performs enhanced wheel monitoring functions based on these parameters. These parameters can be transmitted, for example, via a wireless link in the vehicle 200, such as a mobile communication network or Bluetooth connection. If the wheel-related parameters are the same as the wheel-related measurement, they can be transmitted from the at least one vehicle processing device 110 or directly from the sensor 130.

[0055] If a basic wheel monitoring function is configured to issue routine wheel-related warnings based on its own capabilities, that may be sufficient. The warning may not need to specify which wheel(s) have a problem (e.g., underinflation or looseness); it may be enough to alert the driver to potential wheel-related issues. However, if the basic wheel monitoring function can reliably determine the problem with each individual wheel (e.g., which exact tires are underinflated), then it can certainly be sufficient to alert the driver to potential wheel-related problems.

[0056] Enhanced wheel monitoring provides further information about problems identified in one or more wheels by performing calculations based on at least one wheel-related parameter. These calculations preferably use algorithms continuously trained on real-vehicle data from numerous vehicles, such as those employing machine learning. The enhanced wheel monitoring function should preferably identify problems with individual wheels, such as which wheels are underinflated or loose. This is accomplished, for example, using an isolation function. If the enhanced wheel monitoring function is network-based or deployed in the cloud, the isolation function can be continuously trained on real-vehicle data (e.g., using machine learning, such as involving neural networks). If the enhanced wheel monitoring function is deployed in a mobile device such as a smartphone, it can be updated on a trained network or cloud based on real-vehicle data.

[0057] Enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities may involve determining tire pressure trends and / or the proximity of tire pressure to underinflation warning levels, and / or tire wear. If the enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities also involve determining tire wear, tire wear information can be communicated to the vehicle, allowing it to be compensated for within the basic wheel monitoring functions.

[0058] The results of the wheel monitoring enhancement can be transmitted from the remote processing device 120 back to at least one vehicle processing device 110. However, if the remote processing device 120 is located in a mobile device, such as a smartphone, the results can also or alternatively be displayed on the interface of the mobile device, such as in an application.

[0059] The enhanced wheel monitoring function can be configured to execute only if the basic wheel monitoring function has already identified a problem with one or more wheels. If none of the wheels are problematic, the enhanced wheel monitoring function may not need to be executed. This means that if the basic wheel monitoring function has not yet identified a problem with one or more wheels, it may not be necessary to determine the wheel-related parameters and transmit them to the remote processing device.

[0060] Figure 2 A vehicle 200 according to one or more embodiments described herein is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 200 includes at least one vehicle processing device 110, which may be, for example, an ECU of the vehicle 200. The at least one vehicle processing device 110 may be arranged anywhere within the vehicle 200.

[0061] Figure 2 The vehicle 200 shown includes four speed sensors 130, one for each wheel. Signals from the sensors 130 are transmitted to at least one vehicle processing unit 110, where they are used as the basis for a basic wheel monitoring function to determine if one or more wheels have a problem. The basic wheel monitoring function can, for example, determine underinflation or wheel looseness by performing calculations based on the signals from the sensors 130 in a manner known in the art. The basic wheel monitoring function preferably uses a predetermined algorithm stored in the vehicle processing unit 110 to determine if one or more wheels have a problem.

[0062] Signals from sensor 130 can also be communicated to a remote processing unit 120 separate from the vehicle, where they are used as the basis for enhanced wheel monitoring functionality, providing further information about a identified problem with one or more wheels. Alternatively, for example, signals from sensor 130 are first processed, for example in at least one vehicle processing unit 110, to determine wheel-related parameters, which can then be communicated to remote processing unit 120. The enhanced wheel monitoring functionality provides further information about underinflated tires or loose wheels, which are detected by the basic wheel monitoring functionality by performing calculations on signals from sensor 130 in either raw or processed form. The enhanced wheel monitoring functionality preferably uses algorithms continuously trained based on real vehicle data from many vehicles, such as those using machine learning.

[0063] Sensor 130 can also be other types of sensors. To determine load changes in a vehicle, information about torque and engine RPM may be needed, for example, and this can be determined based on measurements from various engine sensors. Pressure sensors, such as barometers, can be used to determine altitude and, based on this, whether the vehicle is traveling uphill or downhill. Various types of accelerometers and / or gyroscopes, for example, in the form of inertial measurement units (IMUs), can be used to determine, for example, yaw rate, pitch, roll, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, and vertical acceleration, to determine load changes in the vehicle. Axle height information can be provided, for example, by sensors arranged in the vehicle to align with the direction of the vehicle lights. Absolute speed can be determined, for example, using a GPS sensor or other speed identification sensors, such as cameras, radar, IR sensors, or laser sensors. Information from temperature sensors can help determine both friction and tire pressure.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one manner in which a system 100 for wheel monitoring in a vehicle 200 operates according to one or more embodiments described herein. If the basic wheel monitoring function in the vehicle 200 detects insufficient tire inflation, a typical tire pressure warning is issued in the vehicle. At least one wheel-related parameter is then transmitted to a remote processing device 120 (in... Figure 3 The enhanced wheel monitoring function is executed in the remote processing device 120 (included in a smartphone). As a result of this enhanced wheel monitoring function, the exact underinflated tire can be displayed on the smartphone screen. The enhanced wheel monitoring function in the smartphone may be continuously updated.

[0065] Figure 4 A method 400 for wheel monitoring in a vehicle 200 including at least one vehicle handling device 110 and at least one sensor 130, according to one or more embodiments described herein, is illustrated schematically. The method includes:

[0066] Step 410: Use at least one sensor 130 to generate at least one wheel-related measurement value.

[0067] Step 420: Receive the at least one wheel-related measurement value in at least one vehicle processing device 110.

[0068] Step 430: A basic wheel monitoring function is performed in at least one vehicle processing device 110 based on the at least one wheel-related measurement value, the basic wheel monitoring function determining whether one or more wheels have a problem.

[0069] Step 440: Determine at least one wheel-related parameter based on the at least one wheel-related measurement.

[0070] Step 450: Receive the at least one wheel-related parameter in a remote processing device 120 located separately from the vehicle 200.

[0071] Step 460: An enhanced wheel monitoring function is performed in the remote processing device 120 by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel-related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the problems identified in one or more wheels.

[0072] For example, if basic wheel monitoring determines that one or more wheels have a problem, it will issue a wheel-related warning. This warning may not need to specify which wheels are having problems; alerting the driver to potential wheel-related issues may be sufficient.

[0073] Enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities can, for example, identify problems and provide warnings about individual wheels, such as using isolation features. If this capability is network-based or deployed in the cloud, the isolation feature can be continuously trained based on real-world vehicle data. This determination can be transmitted from remote processing unit 120 back to at least one vehicle processing unit 110.

[0074] At least one wheel-related parameter may be determined, for example, in at least one vehicle processing device 110. The wheel-related parameter may be the same as a wheel-related measurement, or a processed form of the wheel-related measurement, such as a discrete pulse to continuous signal conversion. In an embodiment, an algorithm is used to calculate the wheel-related parameter based on at least one wheel-related measurement.

[0075] Enhanced wheel monitoring functionality can be configured to execute only if the basic wheel monitoring functionality has identified a problem with one or more wheels. This is because if none of the wheels are problematic, the enhanced wheel monitoring functionality may not be necessary. Conversely, if the basic wheel monitoring functionality has not yet identified a problem with one or more wheels, it may not be necessary to determine the wheel-related parameters and transmit them to a remote processing device.

[0076] At least one wheel-related parameter can be received from vehicle 200 via a wireless link in a remote processing device 120, which can be located in a mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0077] Enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities, for example, can determine tire wear levels and communicate this information to at least one vehicle processing unit 110.

[0078] Enhanced wheel monitoring features can, for example, determine tire pressure trends and / or how close the tire pressure is to the underinflation warning level. Enhanced wheel monitoring can also detect the slow diffusion of air from the tire.

[0079] The remote processing device can be located, for example, in a mobile device (such as a smartphone). If at least one wheel-related parameter is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the mobile device, for example, via Bluetooth, enhanced wheel monitoring capabilities can be achieved even without a mobile communication network connection.

[0080] At least one wheel-related parameter can be received from vehicle 200 in remote processing device 120, for example, via a wireless link. The wireless link can be, for example, a mobile communication network or a Bluetooth connection.

[0081] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed or to any particular field of use. It is anticipated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications of the invention are possible based on this disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. System (100) for wheel monitoring in a vehicle (200), the system (100) comprising: at least one sensor (130) arranged in the vehicle (200) for producing at least one wheel related measurement, wherein the at least one sensor (130) comprises a rotational speed sensor (130) for each wheel; at least one vehicle processing device (110) comprised in the vehicle (200); and a remote processing device (120) separate from the vehicle (200); wherein the at least one vehicle processing device (110) is arranged to receive the at least one wheel related measurement from the at least one sensor (130) and based thereon to perform a basic wheel monitoring function determining whether one or more wheels are experiencing problems, and the remote processing device (120) is arranged to receive at least one wheel related parameter determined based on the at least one wheel related measurement and to perform an enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problems of one or more wheels by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel related parameter.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one vehicle processing device (110) is arranged to issue a wheel related warning if the basic wheel monitoring function determines that one or more wheels are experiencing problems.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The enhanced wheel monitoring function is arranged to determine problems and to provide a warning about each wheel.

4. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one vehicle processing device (110) is arranged to determine the at least one wheel related parameter.

5. Vehicle (200) comprising at least one vehicle processing device (110) and at least one sensor (130) arranged to produce at least one wheel related measurement, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a rotational speed sensor (130) for each wheel, and wherein the at least one vehicle processing device (110) is arranged to: receive the at least one wheel related measurement from the at least one sensor (130); perform a basic wheel monitoring function based on the at least one wheel related measurement to determine whether one or more wheels are experiencing problems; determine at least one wheel related parameter based on the at least one wheel related measurement; and communicate the at least one wheel related parameter to a remote processing device (120) separate from the vehicle in which an enhanced wheel monitoring function is performed by performing calculations based on the at least one wheel related parameter, the enhanced wheel monitoring function providing further information about the determined problems of one or more wheels.

6. Method (400) for wheel monitoring in a vehicle (200), the vehicle (200) comprising at least one vehicle processing device (110) and at least one sensor (130), wherein the at least one sensor comprises a rotational speed sensor (130) for each wheel, the method (400) comprising: producing (410) at least one wheel related measurement using the at least one sensor (130); ​ receiving (420) in at least one vehicle processing device (110) said at least one wheel related measurement; performing (430) in the at least one vehicle processing device (110) a basic wheel monitoring function based on said at least one wheel related measurement, determining if one or more wheels are experiencing a problem; determining (440) at least one wheel related parameter based on the at least one wheel related measurement; receiving (450) in a remote processing device (120) arranged separately from the vehicle (200) said at least one wheel related parameter; and performing (460) in the remote processing device (120) an enhanced wheel monitoring function by performing calculations based on said at least one wheel related parameter, providing further information about the determined problem of one or more wheels.

7. The method (400) of claim 6, characterized by The basic wheel monitoring function issues a warning related to the wheels if it determines that one or more wheels are experiencing a problem.

8. The method (400) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by The enhanced wheel monitoring function determines problems and provides warnings about individual wheels.

9. The method (400) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by The at least one wheel related parameter is determined in the at least one vehicle processing device (110).

10. The method (400) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by The enhanced wheel monitoring function is only performed if the basic wheel monitoring function has determined that one or more wheels are experiencing a problem.

11. The method (400) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by The enhanced wheel monitoring function determines a level of tire wear and communicates this information to the at least one vehicle processing device (110).

12. The method (400) according to any of claims 6-11, characterized by The enhanced wheel monitoring function determines a pressure trend of the tire and / or proximity of the tire pressure to an under inflation alert level.

13. The method (400) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by The enhanced wheel monitoring function detects a slow diffusion of air from the tire.

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