Procedures for verifying motor vehicle test results

Abstract

A method for verifying motor vehicle test results, wherein a time course of measured values ​​of a first vehicle parameter (P1) is documented in a first data source (Q1) for a time interval (Z), wherein a first diagnostic event (14) occurs within the time interval (Z), wherein a first target value range (SW1) for the first vehicle parameter (P1) is documented in a second data source (Q2) for a first time point (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14), characterized in that the first data source (Q1) and the second data source (Q2) are read in by means of a computer device (40), wherein the computer device (40) - in the first data source (Q1) the first time point (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14) is determined, - in the first data source (Q1) a first actual value (22) of the first vehicle parameter (P1) is determined at the first time point (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14), - for the first vehicle parameter (P1) it is checked whether the first actual value (22) is within the first target value range (SW1), - depending on a deviation of the first actual value (22) from the first target value range (SW1), a first verification result is calculated, - the first verification result is presented as the first part of a third data source (Q3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for checking motor vehicle test results according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Methods for the automated execution of motor vehicle tests, in particular tests for diagnostic functions of electronic control units of motor vehicles, are known, for example, from DE 10 2021 117 505 B3 and CN 110 647 139 A. These publications address the automated execution and evaluation of so-called Production Vehicle Evaluation tests. Production Vehicle Evaluation tests are officially prescribed tests for certification-relevant diagnostics in electronic control units of motor vehicles. DE 10 2019 210 053 A1 discloses a method implemented in a vehicle for diagnosing vehicle components, whereby measured status data is compared with target status data stored in the vehicle.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of improving the reliability and accuracy of test results and test documentation. This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1. Further embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention is based on a method for verifying motor vehicle test results, wherein a first data source documents a temporal progression of measured values ​​of a first vehicle parameter for a time interval, i.e., for the duration of the time interval, within which a first diagnostic event occurs. A second data source documents a first target value range for the first vehicle parameter for a first time point of the first diagnostic event.

[0005] According to the invention, the first data source and the second data source are read in by means of a computer device, wherein the first time of the first diagnostic event is determined in the first data source by means of the computer device, wherein a first actual value of the first vehicle parameter is also determined in the first data source at the first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event, wherein a check is also carried out for the first vehicle parameter as to whether the first actual value lies within the first target value range, wherein a first check result is also calculated as a function of a deviation of the first actual value from the first target value range, and wherein finally the first check result is represented as a first part of a third data source.

[0006] The first data source is understood to be a computer-readable data file. In particular, the first data source is understood to be a data file from a measuring device that can be connected to an electronic control unit of a motor vehicle and that can measure and record electronic variables of the control unit. The first data source is advantageously a recording file of a measurement that extends over a period of time. The first data source advantageously contains measured values ​​of various vehicle parameters that are recorded as a function of time.

[0007] A vehicle parameter, for example, the first vehicle parameter, is an electronic vehicle parameter of a motor vehicle. An electronic vehicle parameter is, in particular, an electronic vehicle parameter of the motor vehicle's electronic control unit. The electronic vehicle parameter is, for example, a sensor signal or a converted sensor signal. Examples of such electronic vehicle parameters are: a coolant temperature, a throttle valve position, an accelerator pedal position, a (specified) heating current of a heating element, a status flag, etc.

[0008] A time interval is the duration of a vehicle test or measurement. The time interval is the duration that extends from a time interval start time to a time interval end time.

[0009] A diagnostic event can be understood, for example, as the detection of a fault in the electronic control unit of a motor vehicle. The detection of the fault can occur at the same time as the first physical occurrence of the fault, but it can also occur later than the first physical occurrence of the fault, namely when further physical conditions must be met for the reliable detection of the fault. The first physical occurrence of the fault is also referred to below as a fault event. A diagnostic event can also be understood as the detection of the fulfillment of a diagnostic precondition for the detection of a fault. A diagnostic event can also be understood, for example, as a significant change in the value of another derived vehicle parameter of a diagnostic function of the electronic control unit.The diagnostic event is closely related to the so-called diagnostic function. The diagnostic function is an algorithm of an electronic control unit diagnostic.

[0010] The time of the diagnostic event is the time at which the diagnostic event occurs.

[0011] The second data source is understood to be a second computer-readable data file. In particular, the second data source is understood to be a data file of a document which may be part of documentation generated for certification purposes for an authority. The second data source is, for example, a data file of a tabular representation of descriptions of diagnostic functions. In particular, the second data source can contain information on error setting conditions or diagnostic preconditions, so-called secondary parameters. Diagnostic preconditions can be conditions for vehicle parameters which must assume certain value ranges in order to fulfill the diagnostic preconditions. Diagnostic preconditions are understood to be conditions which must be met before an error setting condition of the diagnosis can even be validly and reliably checked.

[0012] A particular fault setting condition, for example, is part of the diagnostic function. A particular diagnostic precondition, for example, is also part of the diagnostic function.

[0013] The target value range of a respective vehicle parameter for a respective point in time of a respective diagnostic event is to be understood as a value range of the respective vehicle parameter within which the value of the respective vehicle parameter must lie in order for the respective diagnostic event to occur. The target value range can be an open interval, for example such that the target value is specified in the form "less than a discrete value". The target value range can be a closed interval, for example such that the target value is specified in the form "less than a value A and greater than a value B". The target value range can also be just a discrete number, such that the target value is specified in the form "equal to a value C".

[0014] The setpoint range should be understood as a value interval or a discrete value.

[0015] A computer device, for example, is understood to mean a personal computer. Reading a data source is understood to mean the familiar reading of a data file using a computer program.

[0016] The determination of the respective time of a respective diagnostic event in the first data source means that the first time is determined using a specific criterion related to the temporal progression of values ​​of vehicle parameters contained in the first data source.

[0017] Determining the respective actual value of a respective vehicle parameter at the respective time of the respective diagnostic event in the first data source means that the value of the respective vehicle parameter that exists at the respective time is set equal to the respective actual value of the respective vehicle parameter. The respective actual value is therefore the value of the respective vehicle parameter that was measured and recorded at the respective time of the respective diagnostic event.

[0018] Comparing the first actual value with the first setpoint range means that it is checked in particular whether the first actual value lies within the first setpoint range.

[0019] The verification result is understood to be a statement about the degree of agreement between the contents of the first data source and the contents of the second data source. In particular, it is understood to be the degree of overlap between the respective actual value at the time of the first diagnostic event and the respective target value ranges. This statement can be made in the form of a blanket assessment of the verification result as "OK." It can also be made in such a way that individual mismatched actual value / target value range pairs are identified as faulty.

[0020] The third data source is to be understood as a third data file in which the verification result is stored, wherein the third data source is readable or displayable by means of the computer device.

[0021] A first development of the invention provides that a temporal progression of measured values ​​of a first status parameter is documented in the first data source for the duration of the time interval, wherein the first time of the first diagnostic event is set equal to a time at which the first status parameter changes its value.

[0022] The first status parameter is understood to be, for example, a known status flag that can be measured and which indicates the completion or partial completion of a diagnostic function by the status flag changing its value, for example, from 0 to 1. The first time of the diagnostic event can therefore advantageously be set as the time at which the status flag experiences the aforementioned value change. The first status parameter is therefore advantageously a binary quantity. Alternatively, the first status parameter can also be understood to be a non-binary measured control unit parameter from which the first time of the diagnostic event can be derived. Another such control unit parameter that can be used as the first status parameter is, for example, an error code parameter.The point in time at which an error code parameter changes its value from 0 to a specific error code can also be identified as the first point in time of the diagnostic event. In principle, the first point in time can also be determined by more complex conditions, such as the fulfillment of complex error setting conditions. In practice, however, fulfilled error setting conditions in electronic control units are usually indicated by corresponding binary flags and also by error codes entered in an error log.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that a temporal progression of values ​​of a second vehicle parameter is documented in the first data source for the duration of the time interval, wherein a second diagnostic event occurs within the time interval, wherein a second target value range of the second vehicle parameter is documented in the second data source for a second time of the second diagnostic event or for a first time of the first diagnostic event, wherein a second actual value of the second vehicle parameter is determined in the first data source by means of the computer device at the first time or at the second time, wherein it is checked for the second vehicle parameter whether the second actual value lies within the second target value range, wherein furthermore a second check result is calculated depending on a deviation of the second actual value from the second target value range,and finally, the second verification result is presented as a second part of the third data source.

[0024] The second vehicle parameter can advantageously be a parameter that indicates the fulfillment of a diagnostic precondition and thus the second diagnostic event. In the simplest case, the second vehicle parameter can be a respective precondition flag for the respective diagnostic function. If, for example, the diagnostic condition consists in the fact that several precondition parameters must each lie within a certain value range, then the corresponding precondition flag is only changed from 0 to 1, for example, when the last precondition parameter is also within the required range. However, the second vehicle parameter can also be, for example, a single specific sensor value, if the diagnostic precondition is fulfilled when the specific sensor value, for example, exceeds or falls below a certain value threshold. In this case, exceeding or falling below the certain value threshold then indicates the second diagnostic event.

[0025] In this further training, the second point in time can be the same as the first point in time.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings described below and from Table 1. Show Fig. 1 a visualized representation of contents of a first data source, Table 1 a visualized representation of contents of the second data source, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the method according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a first visualized representation 10 of contents of a first data source Q1. Fig. 1 therefore does not show the first data source Q1 itself, but a visualized representation of certain contents of the first data source Q1.

[0028] Table 1 shows a second visual representation of the contents of the second data source Q2 in the form of a table. Table 1 therefore does not show the second data source Q2 itself, but rather a visual representation of specific contents of the second data source Q2.

[0029] The first data source Q1 represents a measurement protocol of a measurement of values ​​from an electronic control unit of a motor vehicle. The measurement protocol is created in a conventional manner using a computer device connected to the electronic control unit and a suitable computer program installed on the computer device. The first data source Q1 is in the form of a computer-readable first data file that can be stored on a data storage medium.

[0030] The first visualized representation 10 has three diagrams: a first diagram A, a second diagram B, and a third diagram C. All three diagrams A, B, and C each contain a time axis as the abscissa. In the first visualized representation 10, these three abscissas are to be considered synchronized.

[0031] The first data source contains values ​​of a first vehicle parameter P1 and values ​​of a second vehicle parameter P2. The first data source contains the history of these values ​​of the first vehicle parameter P1 and the second vehicle parameter P2 as a function of time t and for a specific time interval Z.

[0032] The first diagram A shows the values ​​of the first vehicle parameter P1 and the values ​​of the second vehicle parameter P2, whereby for the sake of clarity only one ordinate of the first diagram A is shown, although in the exemplary embodiment the first parameter P1 has a different dimension than the second parameter P2.

[0033] The first vehicle parameter P1 is the one shown in Fig. 1 is a measured electrical current of a temperature sensor. The measurement protocol visualized with the first visual representation 10 was created during a test on a motor vehicle in which a first diagnostic function DF1 for the temperature sensor was to be checked. Within the time interval Z, at a defect time t Ma voltage supply to the temperature sensor is interrupted, whereupon the electrical current measured by the sensor and thus the first vehicle parameter P1 from the time of the defect t M dropped to 0 amps.

[0034] The electronic control unit of the motor vehicle has the first diagnostic function DF1 for the temperature sensor. The first diagnostic function DF1 has a diagnostic algorithm programmed into the electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. The first diagnostic function DF1, which is intended to detect an open line on the temperature sensor, has as a first fault setting condition FC1 the condition that the first vehicle parameter, in this exemplary embodiment the measured electrical current, is less than 100 milliamperes (P1 < 100 mA). The first fault setting condition FC1 of the exemplary first diagnostic function DF1 is a very simple fault setting condition FC, requiring only a single first vehicle parameter.Other diagnostic functions with more complex error setting conditions FC may depend on a multitude of different other vehicle parameters, which may be interlinked in complex conditions. However, this very simple example suffices to fully describe the essential features of the invention.

[0035] The steep drop in the value of the first vehicle parameter P1 at the time of failure t, which can be seen in the first diagram A of the first visualized representation 10, M marks a fault event 11. From the defect time t M In the exemplary embodiment, the first error setting condition FC1 of the first diagnostic function DF1 is fulfilled.

[0036] It is possible in principle that the fulfillment of the first error setting condition FC1 could also be a sufficient condition for error detection and thus for a first diagnostic event 14. However, in the exemplary embodiment, the Fig. 1 at defect time t M no error detection yet, so that at the defect time t M the first diagnostic event 14 has not yet occurred. Error detection here depends not only on the first error setting condition FC1, but also on a first diagnostic precondition PC1. The first diagnostic precondition PC1 is a technical condition that must be met so that the first error setting condition FC1 can be reliably applied for error detection.

[0037] The first diagnostic precondition PC1 requires in the embodiment of the Fig. 1, a second vehicle parameter P2 must be greater than or equal to a precondition threshold value 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the second vehicle parameter P2 is a coolant temperature of an engine, for example, an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, of the motor vehicle. The precondition threshold value 12 is 80°C in the exemplary embodiment.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the first diagnostic precondition PC1 is fulfilled from the second time t2, because from the second time t2 the second vehicle parameter P2 is greater than the precondition threshold value 12 or equal to the precondition threshold value 12.

[0039] At the second time t2, a value of a second status parameter 20 changes from 0 to 1, as shown in the second diagram B. The second status parameter 20 is a binary parameter that can assume the values ​​0 or 1. The second status parameter 20 is a precondition flag of the electronic control unit, which assumes the value 1 when the precondition is met.

[0040] Fulfillment of the first diagnostic precondition PC1 represents a second diagnostic event 16.

[0041] Even at the second time t2, no error detection takes place, since the first diagnostic function DF1 of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 stipulates that after the first diagnostic precondition PC1 has been met, a waiting period of 100 milliseconds must elapse until, if the first error setting condition FC1 and the diagnostic precondition PC1 are simultaneously met, the error is detected.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, a first time t1 is 100 milliseconds after the second time t2.

[0043] At the first time t1, a value of a first status parameter 18 changes from 0 to 1, as shown in the third diagram C. The first status parameter 18 is a binary parameter that can assume the values ​​0 or 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the first status parameter 18 is an error flag that is set to the value 1 in the electronic control unit upon completion of the first diagnostic function DF1 when an error is detected. This change in the value of the first status parameter 18 at time t1 marks the first diagnostic event 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic event 14 indicated by a change in the value of the first status parameter 18 has only occurred after, firstly, the first error setting condition FC1 of the first diagnostic function DF1 has been met, secondly, the first diagnostic precondition PC1 has been met, and thirdly, the waiting time has elapsed.

[0044] At the first time t1, the second status parameter 20 still has the value 1, indicating that the first diagnostic precondition PC1 is still met. The fact that the second status parameter 20 correctly has the value 1 at time t1 can be seen from the fact that a second actual value 24 of the second parameter P2 at time t1 is greater than the precondition threshold 12, indicating that the first diagnostic precondition PC1 is still met.

[0045] The visual representation of the second data source Q2 shown in Table 1 contains the names of diagnostic functions DF in a first column. A second column lists the fault setting conditions FC. A third column lists the diagnostic preconditions PC. Table 1: DF FC PC DF1 FC1: P1 < 100 mA SW1: < 100 mA PC1: P2 >= 80°C SW2: >= 80°C ... ... ...

[0046] The second row of Table 1 provides exemplary information on the first diagnostic function DF1. For the first diagnostic function DF1, the first fault setting condition FC1 is that the first vehicle parameter P1 is less than 100 mA. The expression "less than 100 mA" represents a first setpoint range SW1 for the first vehicle parameter P1.

[0047] For the first diagnostic function DF1, the first diagnostic precondition PC1 is that the second vehicle parameter is greater than or equal to 80°C. The expression "greater than or equal to 80°C" represents a second setpoint range SW2.

[0048] The first diagnostic function DF1 is the diagnostic function for which Fig. 1 Measurement data for checking the functionality of this first diagnostic function DF1 are shown.

[0049] For simplicity, the second line of the Fig. 2 no further details of the first diagnostic function DF1 such as the waiting time mentioned above.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the method according to the invention. A computer device 40 contains a computer program 42, by means of which the first data source Q1 and the second data source Q2 are read in and interpreted.

[0051] The method according to the invention is carried out by means of the computer device 40 and the computer program 42.

[0052] The first data source Q1 contains data on a temporal progression of values ​​of the first vehicle parameter P1 for the time interval Z. The second data source Q2 contains data which, for the first diagnostic function DF1 for the first time t1 of the first diagnostic event 14, document the first setpoint range SW1 for the first vehicle parameter P1 and the second setpoint range SW2 for the second vehicle parameter P2.

[0053] Using the computer device 40 and the computer program 42, the first time t1 of the first diagnostic event 14 is now determined in the first data source Q1. The first time t1 is the time at which the first status parameter 18 assumes a value that indicates the first diagnostic event 14. In the exemplary embodiment, this is the value 1 for the first status parameter 18.

[0054] After determining the first time t1 of the first diagnostic event 14, the first actual value 22 of the first vehicle parameter P1 is determined in the first data source Q1. The first actual value 22 is the value that the first vehicle parameter P1 has at time t1.

[0055] Next, it checks whether the first actual value 22 lies within the first setpoint range SW1. In the specific example described here, it checks whether the first parameter P1 is less than 100 mA at the first time t1.

[0056] At the same time, before, or after this, a check is made to determine whether the second actual value 24 lies within the second setpoint range SW2. In the specific example described here, a check is made to determine whether the second parameter is greater than or equal to 80 °C at the first time t1.

[0057] Finally, a third data source Q3 is output, which stores an initial check result. For example, the check result indicates separately for parameters P1 and P2 whether the respective parameter has an actual value 22, 24 at the respective time that lies within the corresponding setpoint range SW1, SW2. List of reference symbols 10 First visualized representation 11 Error event 12 Precondition threshold 14 First diagnostic event 16 Second diagnostic event 18 First status parameter 20 Second status parameter 22 First actual value 24 Second actual value 40 Computer device 42 computer program A First diagram B Second diagram C Third diagram FC error setting condition FC1 First error setting condition DF diagnostic function DF1 First diagnostic function P1 First vehicle parameter P2 Second vehicle parameter PC diagnostic prerequisite PC1 First diagnostic precondition SW1 First setpoint range Q1 First data source Q2 Second data source Q3 Third data source t time t1 First time point t2 Second time point t M Time of defect Z time interval

Claims

[1] Method for checking motor vehicle test results, wherein a time course of measured values ​​of a first vehicle parameter (P1) is documented for a time interval (Z) in a first data source (Q1), wherein a first diagnostic event (14) occurs within the time interval (Z), wherein a first setpoint range (SW1) for the first vehicle parameter (P1) is documented in a second data source (Q2) for a first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14), characterized by that the first data source (Q1) and the second data source (Q2) are read in by means of a computer device (40), wherein by means of the computer device (40) - the first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14) is determined in the first data source (Q1), - in the first data source (Q1) a first actual value (22) of the first vehicle parameter (P1) is determined at the first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14), - for the first vehicle parameter (P1) it is checked whether the first actual value (22) lies within the first setpoint range (SW1), - a first check result is calculated depending on a deviation of the first actual value (22) from the first setpoint range (SW1), - the first verification result is presented as a first part of a third data source (Q3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that in the first data source (Q1) a temporal progression of measured values ​​of a first status parameter (18) for the time interval (Z) is documented, wherein by means of the computer device (40) the first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14) is set equal to a time at which the first status parameter (18) changes its value. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in the first data source (Q1) a temporal progression of values ​​of a second vehicle parameter (P2) is documented for the time interval (Z), wherein a second diagnostic event (16) occurs within the time interval (Z), wherein a second setpoint range (SW2) of the second vehicle parameter (P2) is documented in the second data source (Q2) for a second time (t2) of the second diagnostic event (16) or for the first time (t1) of the first diagnostic event (14), whereby by means of the computer device - a second actual value (24) of the second vehicle parameter (P2) is determined in the first data source (Q1) at the first time (t1) or at the second time (t2), - for the second vehicle parameter (P2) it is checked whether the second actual value (24) lies within the second setpoint range (SW2), - a second check result is calculated depending on a deviation of the second actual value (24) from the second setpoint range (SW2), - the second verification result is presented as a second part of the third data source (Q3). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the second time (t2) of the second diagnostic event (16) is set equal to a time at which a second status parameter (20) changes its value.

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