Method for generating information messages for a user of a motor vehicle by means of an information system, computer program product and information system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating an information message (18, 20, 22) for a user of a motor vehicle (10), comprising the following steps: providing measurement data (32) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of a first electronic computing device (26); transmitting the measurement data (32) to a second electronic computing device (36) outside the motor vehicle; receiving the measurement data (32) by means of the second electronic computing device (36); evaluating the measurement data (32) and generating the information message (18, 20, 22) if the measurement data (32) exceeds a predetermined limit value; transmitting the information message (18, 20, 22) to the first electronic computing device (26); receiving the information message (18, 20, 22) by means of the first electronic computing device (26); and displaying the information message (18, 20, 22) for the user of the motor vehicle (10) on a display device (24) of the motor vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a computer program product and to an information system (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for generating information messages for motor vehicle users using an information system, as described in claim 1. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a computer program product and an information system. Background Technology

[0002] As is known in the prior art, information regarding, for example, measured data can be generated in a motor vehicle, and if this information exceeds, for example, a limit value, a corresponding warning message can be output on the information panel of the motor vehicle. For example, when the motor temperature exceeds the limit, a corresponding motor warning light will illuminate, thereby informing the motor vehicle user that the temperature is excessively high and, for example, that a trip to a repair shop is necessary.

[0003] Especially in the era of driver assistance systems and increasingly complex motor vehicles, the following situations may arise: the corresponding evaluation of measurement data is highly complex and requires corresponding computational resources, which can no longer be met in motor vehicles, or the computing power in motor vehicles may be provided for other functions, such as driver assistance functions.

[0004] DE102017219473A1 relates to a method for predicting and identifying vehicle component failures, the method comprising: receiving data of a plurality of measurement parameters of a vehicle, wherein the measurement parameters relate to failures of vehicle components; determining a group of vehicles based on the received vehicle measurement parameter data and stored other vehicle data; learning a function based on the data of the determined vehicles using a predetermined learning method, the function including one or more of the received measurement parameters characterizing vehicle failures; receiving further data of component measurement parameters of another vehicle; determining a failure probability for a component of the other vehicle using the learned function; and if the failure probability exceeds a predetermined threshold, generating a maintenance signal for the component of the other vehicle, the maintenance signal indicating a predicted failure of the component of the other vehicle.

[0005] DE10235525A1 discloses a method and system for improving vehicle monitoring systems. This method and system generate models using machine learning and data mining techniques on data collected from multiple vehicles, providing a cost-effective and scalable system design for industrial applications. Frequent acquisition of vehicle sensor and diagnostic data enables comparison with the generated models, providing continuous vehicle analysis regarding repair, maintenance, and diagnostics. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a method, a computer program product, and an information system that can better provide information messages to users of motor vehicles.

[0007] The task is accomplished by the method, computer program product, and information system according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for generating information messages for a user of a motor vehicle using an information system. Measurement data is provided in the motor vehicle using a first electronic computing device of the information system. The measurement data is transmitted to a second electronic computing device outside the motor vehicle using a first transmitting device of the electronic computing device. The measurement data is received using a second receiving device of the second electronic computing device. The measurement data is evaluated using the second electronic computing device, and if the measurement data exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an information message is generated using the second electronic computing device. The information message is then transmitted to the first electronic computing device using the second transmitting device of the second electronic computing device. The information message is received using a first receiving device of the first electronic computing device and displayed to the user of the motor vehicle on a display device of the motor vehicle.

[0009] In particular, this allows the computational costs of analyzing measurement data to be transferred to an electronic computing device outside the vehicle. This enables complex analyses to be performed outside the vehicle, thus requiring less computational effort within the vehicle itself, or allowing the computational resources to be used for other tasks, such as driver assistance functions. Furthermore, it allows the vehicle to operate more energy-efficiently, for example, since energy-intensive computational tasks are performed by a second electronic computing device outside the vehicle. Moreover, for example, when the vehicle is parked, the corresponding computational functions can be transferred out, thus eliminating energy requirements within the vehicle, especially in vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered. Therefore, for example, the driving range of the vehicle can be correspondingly increased.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, fault memory entries can be set that are only visible to the vendor. This avoids unnecessary awareness of minor faults by vehicle users and thus prevents unnecessary anxiety.

[0011] In particular, since predictive vehicle diagnostics will play an important role in motor vehicle analysis in the future, it is possible to perform processing of these on-board diagnostics based on predictive diagnostics, which are particularly performed outside the motor vehicle.

[0012] In particular, predictive vehicle diagnostics can generate information about the condition / maintenance needs of a motor vehicle. However, the amount of data to be processed and the processing involved are partly too large for direct analysis within the motor vehicle. The limitations here are memory requirements or computing power. Furthermore, more know-how from the development department can be provided outside the motor vehicle for analysis, thus enabling improved analysis. It can also be stipulated that the continuous expansion of external computing methods should be recorded, which allows for improvements in future analysis of measurement data.

[0013] Specifically, it is stipulated here that measurement or diagnostic data is temporarily stored in the vehicle. Depending on the required assessment costs, it can be processed within the vehicle or the data packet can be sent to a second electronic computing device outside the vehicle. Large-scale analysis can be performed there. If critical threshold values ​​are then reached or exceeded again, various actions can be taken. For example, maintenance needs identified in the next scheduled maintenance cycle (Turnus) can be stored, which is invisible to the user. Furthermore, predefined information messages within the vehicle can be activated, particularly via over-the-air technology. Moreover, information messages can be freely edited and transmitted, especially via over-the-air technology.

[0014] Informational messages, specifically so-called CCM messages (Check Control Messages). This should be understood as purely exemplary. Informational messages can also take other forms, such as warning lights or information on the application.

[0015] Furthermore, in cases where relevant safety-critical issues have been identified based on measurement data, a safe parking can be initiated, especially a remotely controlled safe parking.

[0016] According to an advantageous implementation, predefined messages can be generated as information messages. These predefined messages can, in particular, be so-called CCM messages. In other words, predefined warning messages can be generated, for example, when a temperature threshold for the motor is exceeded or when the motor's corresponding performance deteriorates. This can be predefined, for example, in the sense that a general fault with a corresponding fault code is indicated. Therefore, the corresponding information message can be generated in a simple manner.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be specified that free messages are generated as information messages. Free messages are, in particular, non-predefined messages, and thus can, for example, describe what specific fault is involved, such as: there is a 15% performance degradation. This is an example and should never be considered exhaustive. In particular, other free messages are also possible. Specifically, information messages here can relate to any part of the motor vehicle.

[0018] It is self-evident to those skilled in the art that both free messages and predefined messages can be transmitted. In particular, multiple different information messages can be transmitted for multiple components in a motor vehicle; these messages can be either free or predefined.

[0019] It is also advantageous to collect measurement data within a predetermined time period. In particular, it allows for the storage of measurement data within a defined time period, especially time-resolved storage. Here, data deserving protection is anonymized. In other words, analysis can be performed within the predetermined time period. This enables the reliable generation of information messages.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous to additionally provide navigation data for the vehicle and transmit it along with it to a second electronic computing device for analysis. This navigation data can be, in particular, so-called GPS (Global Positioning System) data. For example, the location and corresponding altitude can be transmitted together to enable reliable assessment and analysis.

[0021] It is also advantageous to additionally store measurement data inside the vehicle for analysis. Therefore, for example, the analysis can be performed inside the vehicle. If, for example, a lower computational cost is required, the analysis can be performed inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the analysis can be additionally performed inside the vehicle, thereby, for example, verifying the analysis of the second electronic computing device or conversely, verifying the analysis of the first electronic computing device.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the decision to transmit measurement data to a second electronic computing device is made based on the potential computational cost of analyzing the measurement data. Specifically, a threshold can be set such that analysis is performed inside the vehicle when the data is below the threshold, and outside the vehicle when the data is above the threshold. This allows for the determination of which analyses are performed inside or outside the vehicle. This is particularly advantageous if less bandwidth is required if only small computational tasks need to be performed inside the vehicle.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide measurement data related to the electrical energy storage device in the motor vehicle. For example, the humidity value of the electrical energy storage device can be collected as measurement data and transmitted to a second electronic computing device.

[0024] The proposed method essentially relates to a computer-implemented method. Therefore, another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product having program code modules that, when processed by an electronic computing device, cause the electronic computing device to execute the method according to the foregoing aspect.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium having at least a computer program product according to the foregoing aspects.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an information system for generating information messages for users of motor vehicles, the information system having at least one first electronic computing device in the motor vehicle and a second electronic computing device outside the motor vehicle, wherein the information system is configured to perform the method according to the foregoing aspects. The method is performed particularly by means of the information system.

[0027] Advantageous implementations of the method should be considered advantageous implementations of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, and the information system. Therefore, the information system has physical characteristics to enable the execution of the corresponding method steps.

[0028] A computing unit / electronic computing device can be understood in particular as a data processing device containing processing circuitry. Therefore, a computing unit is particularly capable of processing data to perform computational operations. Thus, the computing unit is specifically capable of processing data used to perform computational operations. Where necessary, it may also include operations for indexing and accessing data structures, such as transformation tables or look-up tables (LUTs).

[0029] The computing unit may in particular include one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoCs). The computing unit may also include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, particularly one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also include a physical or virtual combination of a computer or other of the above-mentioned units.

[0030] In different embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more storage units.

[0031] The storage cell can be configured as a volatile data storage device, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), or as a non-volatile data storage device, such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or flash-type EEPROM, ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM).

[0032] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, and the features and combinations thereof mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, may be used not only in the combinations given respectively, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic side view showing one implementation of an information system;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, elements that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals.

[0037] Figure 1A schematic side view of one embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is shown. The motor vehicle 10 is, in this example only, at least partially electrically operated or fully electrically operated. In this embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 has an energy storage device 12 to provide electrical power, for example, to the drive mechanism of the motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, corresponding sensors 14 are provided, which can collect corresponding measurement data from the energy storage device 12.

[0038] Figure 1 Information system 16 for generating information messages 18, 20, and 22 is also shown. Information messages 18, 20, and 22 are generated specifically for a user (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. Information messages 18, 20, and 22 can be displayed, for example, on a display device 24 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0039] Specifically, it is stipulated that the information system 16 has at least one first electronic computing device 26, which is constructed inside the vehicle. The first electronic computing device 26 may also have a first transmitting device 28 and a first receiving device 30. The correspondingly collected measurement data 32 is then transmitted to a second receiving device 34 of a second electronic computing device 36, which is provided, particularly outside the vehicle. The analyzed measurement data or information messages 18, 20, 22 can also be transmitted to the first receiving device 30 via the second transmitting device 38.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the method is shown. Specifically, it is shown that measurement data 32 can be stored inside the vehicle by a first electronic computing device 26. Here, the storage of measurement data 32 is particularly performed over a defined time period, specifically with time resolution. This may specifically involve the measurement data 32 stored in the energy storage device 12, and navigation data, such as data regarding altitude and position, may also be provided if necessary. This is particularly performed in the first step S1. In the second step S2, the measurement data 32 is transmitted to a second electronic computing device 36 outside the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, analysis of the measurement data 32 inside the vehicle may also be performed in the third step S3.

[0041] If the measurement data 32, and especially after analysis, involves non-critical values ​​for the measurement data 32, particularly those below a predetermined threshold, then step four S4 is executed, which returns to step one S1. If the measurement data 32 involves critical values, i.e., values ​​above the threshold, then step five S5 is executed, in which information messages 18, 20, and 22 are generated. For example, a first information message 18 may be generated, which is a reminder of maintenance needs, displayed or stored invisibly to the user. Specifically, measures will be taken at the next maintenance appointment. In the case of the second information message 20, a predefined message can be activated in the vehicle 10, particularly via over-the-air technology, for example, indicating that maintenance is required and providing a corresponding predefined code. The third information message 22 can be a freely editable message, also sent via over-the-air technology. Then, in step six S6, information messages 18, 20, and 22 are returned, and particularly displayed on the display device 24 or step one S1 is executed again.

[0042] therefore, Figure 2 Specifically, a method for generating information messages 18, 20, and 22 for a user of a motor vehicle 10 using an information system 16 is described. Here, the motor vehicle 10 provides measurement data 32 via a first electronic computing device 26. The measurement data 32 is transmitted to a second electronic computing device 36 via a first transmitting device 28, and received by a second receiving device 34 of the second electronic computing device 36. The measurement data 32 is evaluated by the second electronic computing device 36, and if the measurement data 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, information messages 18, 20, and 22 are generated by the second electronic computing device 36. Then, the information messages 18, 20, and 22 are transmitted to the first electronic computing device 26 via the second transmitting device 38, and received by a first receiving device 30. Finally, the information messages 18, 20, and 22 are displayed to the user on a display device 24.

[0043] It may also be stipulated that the measurement data 32 be additionally stored inside the vehicle for analysis. Furthermore, it may be decided whether to transmit the measurement data 32 to the second electronic computing device 36 or, for example, whether to perform an evaluation inside the vehicle, based on the potential computational cost of analyzing the measurement data 32.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 10 motor vehicles

[0046] 12 energy storage devices

[0047] 14 sensors

[0048] 16 Information Systems

[0049] 18 First Information Message

[0050] 20 Second Message

[0051] 22 Third Information Message

[0052] 24 display devices

[0053] 26 First Electronic Computing Device

[0054] 28 First transmitting device

[0055] 30 First Receiving Device

[0056] 32 Measurement Data

[0057] 34 Second Receiving Device

[0058] 36 Second Electronic Computing Device

[0059] 38 Second transmitting device

[0060] Steps of S1-S6 method

Claims

1. A method for generating information messages (18, 20, 22) for a user of a motor vehicle (10) using an information system (16), the method comprising the steps of: - Measurement data (32) is provided in the motor vehicle (10) by means of the first electronic computing device (26) of the information system (16); - A second electronic computing device (36) outside the motor vehicle transmits measurement data (32) to the information system (16) via a first transmitting device (30) of the first electronic computing device (26). - Receive measurement data (32) with the aid of the second receiving device (34) of the second electronic computing device (36); - The measurement data (32) is evaluated by means of the second electronic computing device (36) and if the measurement data (32) exceeds the predetermined limit value, information messages (18, 20, 22) are generated by means of the second electronic computing device (36). - The information messages (18, 20, 22) are transmitted to the first electronic computing device (26) by means of the second transmitting device (38) of the second electronic computing device (36); - Information messages (18, 20, 22) are received by means of the first receiving device (30) of the first electronic computing device (26); and - Display information messages (18, 20, 22) for the user of the motor vehicle (10) on the display device (24) of the motor vehicle (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Predefined messages are generated as information messages (18, 20, 22).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Free messages are generated as information messages (18, 20, 22).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Measurement data were collected during the predetermined time period (32).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Additionally, navigation data of the motor vehicle (10) is provided and transmitted together to the second electronic computing device (36) for analysis.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The measurement data (32) is additionally stored inside the vehicle for analysis.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Whether to transmit the measurement data (32) to the second electronic computing device (36) is determined based on the potential computational cost of analyzing the measurement data (32).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Provide measurement data (32) related to the electrical energy storage (12) of the motor vehicle (10).

9. A computer program product having a program code module, wherein when the program code module is processed by an electronic computing device (26, 36), the program code module causes the electronic computing device (26, 36) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An information system (16) for generating information messages (18, 20, 22) for users of a motor vehicle (10), the information system having at least one first electronic computing device (26) in the motor vehicle (10) and a second electronic computing device (36) outside the motor vehicle, wherein, The information system (16) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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