Diagnostic system for a vehicle

Abstract

Diagnostic system (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a vehicle communication unit (5) of the vehicle (2), a manufacturer communication unit (6) of the vehicle manufacturer (4), and a data connection between the vehicle communication unit (5) and the manufacturer communication unit (6) for bidirectional data transmission between the vehicle communication unit (5) and the manufacturer communication unit (6). characterized by that the first occurrence of an event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case for a vehicle user (3) of the vehicle (2) can be transmitted by the vehicle user (3) to the manufacturer's communication unit (6) using an operating unit (9), that the vehicle (2) has a data recorder (7) for recording specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2), which can be activated by means of an activation signal from the manufacturer's communication unit (6) after the classification of the event concerning the vehicle (2) as an unknown problem case and the subsequent consent of the vehicle user (3) to the recording of the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2), and that, using the control unit (9), after at least one further occurrence of the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case, the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2) recorded in the data recorder (7) can be transmitted to the manufacturer's communication unit (6) via the vehicle communication unit (5) for the diagnosis of the unknown problem case.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a diagnostic system for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In aircraft, Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) are used as part of a black box to record and store flight control information and other data. This allows for the identification of technical problems during flight or in the event of a crash. However, in vehicles, due to legal regulations and varying legal requirements in different countries, particularly data protection regulations under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it is prohibited to collect and analyze all available vehicle data at any time.

[0003] In connection with such data acquisition in vehicles, EP 2 482 162 B1 discloses a method for providing vehicle-related information between a vehicle's communication interface and an external entity when predetermined events occur in the vehicle. In the event of such a predetermined and thus defined event or problem, such as the vehicle's oil level falling below a certain level, the acquired vehicle data is sent to the external entity for analysis or diagnostic purposes. This transmission of vehicle data is contingent upon authorization by the vehicle user within the framework of a predefined user profile.

[0004] Furthermore, German patent DE 601 21 888 T2 describes a breakdown reporting system for vehicles for reporting malfunctions or breakdowns. Control data for various vehicle operating systems is collected from the vehicle's control system, and these values ​​are compared with permissible values. If a deviation occurs, this anomaly data is recorded, stored, and transmitted to an external entity within a reporting process to initiate specific actions, such as issuing warnings to the driver or transmitting diagnostic information to a repair shop.

[0005] From DE 10 2006 031 726 A1, a method is known for providing information about a vehicle in an external vehicle information display device, which is coupled to an external vehicle computer system, by acquiring vehicle data through a diagnostic device arranged on the vehicle, sending a wireless data signal corresponding to the acquired vehicle data to the computer system, receiving the data signal and determining the information corresponding to the data signal through the computer system and providing the information to the information display device.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2012 025 033 A1 discloses a method for performing remote diagnostics of a fault condition in a motor vehicle using an external server arrangement. The invention of DE 10 2012 025 033 A1 is based on the objective of providing effective fault diagnostics. A monitoring device is provided in the motor vehicle, which, depending on the fault condition, generates a fault description as well as fault-condition-independent metadata concerning a current system configuration and transmits this information to the server arrangement.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a generic diagnostic system for a vehicle in which a diagnosis of problems occurring in the vehicle, in particular for unknown events concerning the vehicle, is realized in a simple manner with advantageous properties.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a diagnostic system for a vehicle with the features listed in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous further developments of the diagnostic system according to the invention for a vehicle are part of the further patent claims.

[0010] In the diagnostic system according to the invention for a vehicle with a vehicle communication unit of the vehicle and a manufacturer communication unit of the vehicle manufacturer for bidirectional data transmission via a data connection between the vehicle communication unit and the manufacturer communication unit, when an event concerning the vehicle occurs that is classified as a problem case by a vehicle user of the vehicle, an event-based and time-limited data acquisition of certain vehicle data of the vehicle is provided, initiated by the vehicle user.

[0011] The transmission of the vehicle-related event, classified as a problem, to the manufacturer's communication unit is carried out using a control unit. This control unit, or user interaction unit, can be the vehicle's control unit, which interacts with the vehicle's communication unit to transmit the vehicle-related event, classified as a problem, to the manufacturer's communication unit. Alternatively, a mobile device belonging to the vehicle user can also be used as the control unit, through which the vehicle-related event, classified as a problem, is transmitted directly to the manufacturer's communication unit.

[0012] In order to analyze events concerning the vehicle that are identified by the vehicle user and classified as problem cases, such as the occurrence of events classified as problem cases during the vehicle's operation, the occurrence of events classified as problem cases during the operation of the vehicle, or the occurrence of events classified as problem cases in the form of deviations from the vehicle's normal behavior perceived subjectively by a vehicle user, the event-based and time-limited data collection of certain vehicle data is carried out after prior express consent of the vehicle user, at least until the next occurrence of this event classified as a problem case concerning the vehicle.The time of the recurrence of this event, classified as a problem case affecting the vehicle, is recorded and transmitted from the vehicle communication unit to the manufacturer's communication unit, along with the recorded vehicle data. This transmission occurs wirelessly via radio using the vehicle communication unit, which serves as the vehicle's communication interface, and the vehicle's control unit.

[0013] The vehicle user is defined as the person currently in possession of the vehicle, who, when using the vehicle, can report a problem-related event if one occurs. This report, submitted by the vehicle user, is transmitted via the vehicle's communication unit to the manufacturer's communication unit.

[0014] The vehicle in which the occurrence of a problem-related event is analyzed may be a motor vehicle or motor car, in particular a passenger car, or a truck or passenger bus.

[0015] The temporary collection and recording of certain relevant vehicle data is carried out by a suitably equipped vehicle data recorder after the vehicle user has given their prior consent. This specific vehicle data can then be uploaded to the vehicle on a case-by-case basis, at least in the event of a subsequent occurrence of the incident classified as a problem.

[0016] This means that in order to collect and record relevant vehicle data in the vehicle's data recorder, the vehicle user must have given their consent to the collection and recording of the relevant, specific vehicle data. This means that only if a vehicle user reports an unknown event affecting the vehicle as a problem and explicitly consents to the data collection can such vehicle data be collected and stored in the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle user may also be informed which vehicle data the vehicle manufacturer intends to collect based on a specific problem category into which the respective problem is classified.

[0017] This means that the recording of specific vehicle data depends on the specific problem and its classification into a particular problem category. Thus, for example, the measurement period and the type of specific vehicle data recorded can be individually selected and specified depending on the reported problem. For instance, in the case of a problem reported by the vehicle user regarding the vehicle's autopilot, such as a faulty object detection by the vehicle, the vehicle data recorded in the data recorder will primarily consist of the optical signals captured by the vehicle's cameras.In this case, the location and time of the captured optical vehicle data can be recorded in the data recorder, whereby the measurement period can be kept relatively short for this example case.

[0018] The problem categories can correspond to, or be assigned to, the most important components of the vehicle, such as the engine, battery, transmission, air conditioning, or infotainment system. Only vehicle-specific data relevant to the analysis of the described problem and its category is collected and recorded. The corresponding problem categories are selected individually for each reported problem based on the vehicle user's description.Problem cases can include, for example, the following problems, which can be grouped into corresponding problem categories: problems with the vehicle's automatic parking system, problems with the vehicle's autonomous driving, problems with mechanical noises from the vehicle, problems with the vehicle's engine, problems with the vehicle's transmission, problems with the vehicle's air conditioning, problems with charging the vehicle's battery, problems with the vehicle's battery consumption, problems with the vehicle's tires, problems with the vehicle's brakes, problems with the vehicle's wheel suspensions, problems with mobile devices in the vehicle, etc.

[0019] The vehicle-specific data recorded in the vehicle's data recorder is uploaded on an event-driven basis. This means that, starting from the moment the vehicle's data recorder is activated by the manufacturer's communication unit, the vehicle's specific data is collected and recorded. Subsequent uploading of the recorded vehicle-specific data is triggered by the vehicle user, particularly if the problem reported during its initial occurrence recurs. This activation of the vehicle data upload and the associated data transfer from the vehicle to the vehicle manufacturer can be performed via a user interface or control element in the vehicle, or via a corresponding user-operated program.The uploading of the recorded vehicle-specific data is carried out via a secure data connection to the manufacturer's communication unit. The vehicle user can then decide whether to continue with the data collection and recording of the vehicle's specific data and report any recurrence of the problem, or whether to discontinue the data collection and recording of the vehicle's specific data in connection with this problem. In particular, the data collection and recording of the vehicle's specific data will be repeated or continued until the respective problem has been resolved through diagnosis and analysis.

[0020] For the diagnosis and analysis of each problem, the vehicle manufacturer's communication unit is connected to the vehicle manufacturer's analysis unit. This analysis unit first categorizes the vehicle-related event reported by the vehicle user as a problem and classified as an unknown problem into the appropriate problem category. After the vehicle-specific data recorded in the data recorder is transmitted to the manufacturer's communication unit upon at least one further occurrence of the event classified as a problem, this vehicle-specific data is then analyzed by the manufacturer's analysis unit.

[0021] Preferably, bidirectional data transmission between the vehicle communication unit and the manufacturer's communication unit takes place wirelessly via a secure radio connection. This means that, preferably, a problem report is sent from the vehicle user to the manufacturer's communication unit via the vehicle communication unit, and the vehicle manufacturer requests permission from the vehicle user to record the vehicle's specific data in the vehicle's data recorder via the manufacturer's communication unit.The data transmission of the vehicle-specific data recorded in the vehicle's data recorder from the vehicle communication unit to the manufacturer's communication unit, and, if applicable, feedback from the vehicle manufacturer to the vehicle user regarding any possible solution to the problem reported by the vehicle user and analyzed by the vehicle manufacturer. In particular, this requires an internet connection between the vehicle communication unit and the manufacturer's communication unit, which can be established, for example, via a SIM card provided in the vehicle.

[0022] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0023] The presented diagnostic system advantageously enables the treatment and, if necessary, diagnosis of problems occurring in the vehicle, even for unknown events and problems affecting the vehicle, in a simple manner with advantageous properties.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The following is shown: Fig. 1 a block diagram showing the system components of the diagnostic system according to the invention.

[0025] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and which further develop the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiment other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0026] According to the Fig. 1. The process of an event concerning the vehicle, treated by means of the diagnostic system 1 and classified as a problem case, is as follows: In step S1, vehicle user 3 of vehicle 2 reports an event classified as a problem to vehicle manufacturer 4. This means that vehicle user 3 observes unexpected behavior in their vehicle 2 and classifies this event as a problem. To resolve the problem and potentially resolve the issue, vehicle user 3 uses the vehicle 2's user interaction unit (UI) or control unit 9 to contact the vehicle manufacturer's communication unit 6 (VMU) via the vehicle communication unit 5 and describes the problem. The user interaction unit (UI) or control unit 9 then forwards the problem report to the vehicle communication unit 5.The vehicle communication unit 5 sends the message, for example, via a radio connection to the manufacturer communication unit 6 of vehicle manufacturer 4 (solid line in step S1). Alternatively, a mobile device belonging to the vehicle user 3 can be used as an operating unit 9, through which the problem report is transmitted directly to the manufacturer communication unit 6 of vehicle manufacturer 4 via a radio connection (dashed line in step S1). The manufacturer communication unit 6 of vehicle manufacturer 4 can, for example, be located in a service center of vehicle manufacturer 4. As part of the reporting and transmission of the problem by the vehicle user 3, vehicle manufacturer 4 can, for example, use a ticketing system with the assignment of a ticket ID or a specific transaction number for this reported problem.Using this ticket ID, for example, vehicle user 3 can also inquire about the status of the problem processing of his reported problem case with vehicle manufacturer 4.

[0027] In the next step, S2, a corresponding unit at vehicle manufacturer 4, for example, an analysis unit 8 of vehicle manufacturer 4, checks whether the problem reported and transmitted by vehicle user 3 is already known. If this is not the case, the problem is classified by vehicle manufacturer 4 as an unknown problem, for which a "simple" solution, for example by a workshop or by an update to vehicle 2, is not possible. At the same time, the unknown problem is assigned to a specific problem category.

[0028] In the subsequent step S3, vehicle manufacturer 4 offers vehicle user 3 the opportunity to collect and record specific vehicle data from vehicle 2 for this unknown problem case, in order to identify and address the unknown problem case. For this purpose, vehicle manufacturer 4 obtains explicit consent from vehicle user 3, confirming that vehicle user 3 agrees to the data collection and recording of vehicle data specific to the respective problem case and its problem category.

[0029] In step S4, after the vehicle user 3 has given their consent to data collection in vehicle 2, the vehicle manufacturer 4 activates the data recorder 7 in vehicle 2 via a radio connection through the vehicle communication unit 5, whereupon the specific vehicle data of vehicle 2 that is appropriate for the respective problem case is recorded and stored in the data recorder 7.

[0030] In step S5, vehicle user 3 triggers a data report when the problem affecting vehicle 2 has recurred and vehicle user 3 has observed this problem again. To do this, vehicle user 3 can activate the data recorder 7 in vehicle 2 to upload the vehicle data stored in the data recorder 7 via the user interaction unit or control unit 9 in vehicle 2, or alternatively via a mobile device acting as control unit 9, for example, by means of a control action or a voice command.

[0031] In step S6, based on the trigger generated via the user interaction unit or control unit 9 in vehicle 2, the vehicle data of vehicle 2 stored in the data recorder 7 is uploaded to the vehicle manufacturer 4. This includes, in particular, a specific timestamp of the report creation and a time interval containing the recorded vehicle data of vehicle 2 relevant for identifying the problem. For this purpose, the vehicle communication unit 5 of vehicle 2 can establish a corresponding data connection to the manufacturer communication unit 6 of vehicle manufacturer 4.The vehicle user 3 can then decide whether to stop the data collection of the vehicle data of vehicle 2 or whether to allow the data collection of the vehicle data of vehicle 2 to continue in order to record several times of the occurrence of the unknown problem case in case the problem case should occur again under different conditions.

[0032] In step S7, the vehicle manufacturer 4 transmits the collected and stored vehicle data of vehicle 2 to the analysis unit 8 of vehicle manufacturer 4. The collected and stored vehicle data of vehicle 2, together with the time and date of the renewed report of the unknown problem initiated by vehicle user 3, are analyzed in the analysis unit 8 of vehicle manufacturer 4 using suitable methods.

[0033] In step S8, if the problem has been identified and a solution is available, vehicle user 3 receives feedback from vehicle manufacturer 4 regarding the analysis of the problem and a solution recommendation. Vehicle manufacturer 4 can contact vehicle user 3 directly (dashed line) or provide information to vehicle user 3 via the vehicle communication unit 5 of vehicle 2, using the user interaction unit or control unit 9.

[0034] As an exemplary problem case for the application of the presented diagnostic system 1, a problem case classified in the problem category "Problems with a driver assistance system for controlling vehicle movement processes" will be explained.

[0035] Vehicle user 3 reports to vehicle manufacturer 4 that vehicle 1, in the selected self-driving mode, occasionally detects non-existent vehicles and consequently begins to brake. Vehicle manufacturer 4 then queries a database in its analysis unit 8, which recommends activating the data recorder 7 of vehicle 2, provided vehicle user 3 has given their consent. After vehicle user 3 has given their consent and vehicle manufacturer 4 has activated the data recorder 7 of vehicle 2, the data recorder 7 of vehicle 2 begins acquiring and recording vehicle data based on signals predefined by the responsible department of vehicle manufacturer 4. This involves, in particular, recording objects in the vicinity of vehicle 2 using the vehicle's cameras.Vehicle manufacturer 4 also informs vehicle user 3 about the procedure to follow should the problem reported by vehicle user 3, and thus the unknown event affecting vehicle 2, occur again. This information from vehicle manufacturer 4 specifically concerns the re-reporting of the problem and the transmission of the vehicle data recorded in data recorder 7 to vehicle manufacturer 4 by uploading the vehicle data of vehicle 2. This recorded and uploaded vehicle data of vehicle 2 contains a collection of data within a predefined time interval prior to the (re-)reporting of the problem by vehicle user 3. The vehicle data of vehicle 2 is forwarded to the responsible analysis department 8 of vehicle manufacturer 4 and analyzed by this department. After analysis department 8 has completed its analysis, the evaluation of the results begins.Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, the vehicle user 3 will be informed about the next steps. These may include, for example, an appointment at a workshop or a software update for certain components of the vehicle 2.

[0036] Overall, the above embodiment demonstrates how a diagnostic system 1 can be provided and applied to problems occurring in the vehicle 2. Of course, other configurations for bidirectional communication between the vehicle 2 or the vehicle user 3 and the vehicle manufacturer 4 can also be used. Reference symbol list 1 Diagnostic system 2 vehicles 3 vehicle users 4 vehicle manufacturers 5 Vehicle communication unit 6 Manufacturer communication unit 7 data recorders 8 analysis units 9 Control unit S1 Step 1 S2 Step 2 S3 Step 3 S4 Step 4 S5 Step 5 S6 Step 6 S7 Step 7 S8 Step 8

Claims

[1] Diagnostic system (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a vehicle communication unit (5) of the vehicle (2), a manufacturer communication unit (6) of the vehicle manufacturer (4) and a data link between the vehicle communication unit (5) and the manufacturer communication unit (6) for bidirectional data transmission between the vehicle communication unit (5) and the manufacturer communication unit (6), characterized by , that the first occurrence of an event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case for a vehicle user (3) of the vehicle (2) can be transmitted by the vehicle user (3) to the manufacturer's communication unit (6) using an operating unit (9), that the vehicle (2) has a data recorder (7) for recording specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2), which can be activated by means of an activation signal from the manufacturer's communication unit (6) after the classification of the event concerning the vehicle (2) as an unknown problem case and the subsequent consent of the vehicle user (3) to the recording of the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2), and that, using the control unit (9), after at least one further occurrence of the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case, the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2) recorded in the data recorder (7) can be transmitted to the manufacturer's communication unit (6) via the vehicle communication unit (5) for the diagnosis of the unknown problem case. [2] Diagnostic system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the manufacturer communication unit (6) is connected to an analysis unit (8) of the vehicle manufacturer (4) for categorizing the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is classified as an unknown problem case into different problem categories. [3] Diagnostic system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the vehicle manufacturer's analysis unit (8) (4) is intended for analyzing the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2) recorded in the data recorder (7) and transmitted by the vehicle communication unit (5) to the manufacturer's communication unit (6). [4] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the vehicle (2) has an operating unit (9) by which the transmission of the specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2) recorded in the data recorder (7) from the vehicle communication unit (5) to the manufacturer communication unit (6) can be activated. [5] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the bidirectional data transmission between the vehicle communication unit (5) and the manufacturer communication unit (6) takes place wirelessly via a radio connection. [6] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that after the manufacturer's communication unit (6) has transmitted the first occurrence of the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case, a specific transaction number can be transmitted to the control unit (9). [7] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the vehicle communication unit (5) is provided for the transmission of the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case to the manufacturer communication unit (6) with the aid of an operating unit (9) of the vehicle (2). [8] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a mobile terminal of the vehicle user (3) is provided for the transmission of the event concerning the vehicle (2) which is assessed as a problem case to the manufacturer's communication unit (6) as the operating unit (9). [9] Diagnostic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the data recorder (7) in the vehicle (2) is designed to record certain specific vehicle data of the vehicle (2) which depend on the categorization of the unknown problem case into a problem category.

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