Method for monitoring states, in particular for detecting unwanted states, in a vehicle, control device, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring states, in particular for detecting unwanted states, in a vehicle (100), comprising: - providing a state detector (11) at a semiconductor switch (10) for at least one functionally essential vehicle component (101) of the vehicle (100), - monitoring at least one operating parameter (BP) of the at least one functionally essential component (101) with the aid of the semiconductor switch (10), - evaluating the state of the vehicle (100) depending on the monitoring.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle, control device and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product for implementing a corresponding method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding control device for implementing a corresponding method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding control device.

[0004] Monitoring procedures for vehicles are generally well known. Control units are usually used for monitoring. For this purpose, the control units must be activated either continuously or regularly. The control units consume energy in the process.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an improved method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle. Preferably, the object of the invention is to provide an improved method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle, which can be carried out with little effort and little energy, which uses existing resources in the vehicle in an improved manner, which enables reliable detection of undesirable conditions, which enables understandable and intuitive interaction with a user of the vehicle, and which increases customer comfort and confidence in the vehicle.Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to enable a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding control device.

[0006] The above object is achieved by a method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle having the features of the independent method claim. Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a corresponding computer program product for carrying out a corresponding method having the features of the independent product claim. Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a corresponding control device for carrying out a corresponding method having the features of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a corresponding vehicle having a corresponding control device having the features of the independent device claim. Features disclosed for different aspects of the invention can be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] The invention provides a method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle, comprising:

[0008] Providing a state detector in a semiconductor switch for at least one functionally essential vehicle component of the vehicle,

[0009] Monitoring at least one operating parameter of the at least one functionally essential component using the semiconductor switch,

[0010] Assessing the condition of the vehicle depending on the monitoring.

[0011] The invention recognizes that semiconductor switches (often referred to as electronic fuses) are increasingly being used in vehicles to protect electrical consumers. Furthermore, the invention recognizes that semiconductor switches provide functional advantages with regard to sensor technology and communication.

[0012] In addition to the actual safety function, the semiconductor switches offer a variety of additional functionalities. These include extended diagnostic options, such as the measurement of currents, voltages, and temperatures. Also worth mentioning is the ability of the semiconductor switches to communicate, for example, via bus or even wirelessly. Another advantage of semiconductor switches is that they can be programmed for different applications, for example, via software, which can be accessed via over-the-air interfaces. The invention thus recognizes that the semiconductor switches are, in principle, always "responsive," even when they are partially in sleep mode.

[0013] The method proposes detecting undesirable states of a motor vehicle using intelligent semiconductor switches. A state detector can advantageously detect the current state of the motor vehicle. The state detector can advantageously be implemented using intelligent semiconductor switches. The state detector can, for example, be implemented as a software and / or hardware module in the semiconductor switch. The state is then detected using the extended diagnostic options of the intelligent semiconductor switches by measuring the current, voltage and / or temperature. For example, measuring the current can be used to detect the state of individual consumers, such as in the infotainment system. Furthermore, measuring the current of consumers, such as, for example,in the case of the radiator fan, conclusions can be drawn about the vehicle's state of movement. By comparing the now determined actual value with a target value specified, for example, by a vehicle owner, it can also be detected whether the vehicle is in the state desired by the vehicle owner. The target value can be defined, for example, at the beginning of vehicle use, as a default value. It is conceivable that when the vehicle is locked, all consumers should be deactivated and / or the vehicle should not move. If there is a discrepancy between the actual and target value, the vehicle owner can be informed, e.g. via a text message or similar, since in certain cases it can be assumed that the vehicle has been stolen.

[0014] With the aid of the invention, an improved method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle can be provided, which method can be carried out with little effort and little energy, which uses existing resources in the vehicle, in particular the semiconductor switches, in an improved manner, which enables reliable detection of undesirable conditions, which enables understandable and intuitive interaction with a user of the vehicle, and which significantly increases customer comfort and confidence in the vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one operating parameter (BP) comprises at least one of the following parameters:

[0016] Current, voltage, temperature.

[0017] This makes it easy and reliable to determine whether the corresponding key vehicle component is operating or not. This also enables further diagnostics of the key vehicle component's operation. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the vehicle itself.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that the condition of at least one functionally essential component is taken into account when assessing the condition of the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to determine, using simple measures and without significant computational effort, whether the at least one functionally essential component is active and / or how it is being operated. Based on this, the condition of the vehicle can be assessed in an improved manner.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that a state detector is provided in each case with a corresponding semiconductor switch for at least one of the following functionally essential vehicle components of the vehicle: a battery, in particular an on-board network battery, for example a 12V battery or a 48V battery, a high-voltage battery, in particular a traction battery, a display device, for example a display, an instrument cluster and / or a head-up display, an infotainment system, a braking system, in particular a break-by-wire system, a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, a cooling fan, an electric motor, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an electrical consumer.

[0020] In this way, the vehicle's resources can be utilized more effectively for advanced condition detection. The vehicle's condition can thus be assessed precisely and reliably.

[0021] In addition, it can be provided that the states of several functionally essential components are taken into account when assessing the vehicle's condition. In this way, advanced condition detection in a vehicle can be utilized in an improved manner.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that when assessing the vehicle's condition, at least one operating parameter is compared with at least one target value and / or target value range. In this way, vehicle condition detection can be carried out simply and without significant computational effort.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the target value and / or the target value range are determined accordingly for different operating situations of the vehicle. The operating situations can be, for example, the following: the vehicle is parked (idle mode), in which case as many of the vehicle's electrical consumers as possible should be switched off; the vehicle is charging (charging mode), in which as many of the vehicle's electrical consumers as possible should be switched off and only the charger should be operated; the vehicle is moving (normal mode), etc. In this way, suitable parameter sets for different operating parameters can be provided specifically for different operating situations of the vehicle.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that presets for the target value and / or the target value range are determined automatically, e.g., by a control device of the vehicle (or a control device of a workstation). In this way, suitable parameter sets for different operating parameters can be automatically preset. These can be referred to as default settings or factory settings.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that settings for the target value and / or the target value range are determined and / or adjusted dynamically (e.g., periodically and / or event-specifically and / or as needed), e.g., by a vehicle user. This can create beneficial interactions with the user, increasing customer comfort and trust in the vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that if, when assessing the condition of the vehicle, it is detected that an actual value of at least one operating parameter deviates from a target value and / or target value range, at least one of the following steps is carried out:

[0027] Evaluating the condition of the vehicle and preferably providing a classification, e.g. idle mode - OK or idle mode - Attention consumer active and risk of theft, etc.

[0028] Providing a message, in particular comprising the actual value of the at least one operating parameter and / or a classification of an undesirable condition of the vehicle, to a user of the vehicle and / or to a, for example, central, monitoring device, preferably via wireless communication, preferably with the aid of the semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch can report unusual actual values ​​to a control unit of the vehicle, which can then activate the communication unit of the vehicle for the purpose of reporting,

[0029] Issuing a warning signal, e.g. in the form of an alarm,

[0030] Initiating a protective measure, e.g. automatically shutting down the vehicle.

[0031] In this way, safety during vehicle operation can be increased. The invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method that can proceed as described above. The same advantages described above can be achieved.

[0032] The invention provides a corresponding control device for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle, comprising a memory device and a computing device. A code is stored in the memory device, and when the code is executed by the computing device, a method is performed that can proceed as described above. The same advantages as described above can be achieved.

[0033] The invention provides a vehicle having a corresponding control device. This allows the same advantages to be achieved as described above in connection with the method.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawing. The figure shows:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for detecting undesirable conditions in a vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 1 serves to explain a method according to the invention, which was developed for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle 100, comprising:

[0037] Providing a state detector 11 in a semiconductor switch 10 for at least one functionally essential vehicle component 101 of the vehicle 100, monitoring at least one operating parameter BP of the at least one functionally essential component 101 using the semiconductor switch 10,

[0038] Assessing a condition of the vehicle 100 depending on the monitoring.

[0039] With the aid of the invention, semiconductor switches 10 (often also referred to as electronic fuses), which are increasingly used in vehicles to protect electrical consumers, can be used in an advantageous manner to monitor conditions, in particular to detect undesirable conditions, in a vehicle 100. The invention advantageously utilizes functional advantages of semiconductor switches 10 with regard to sensor technology and communication.

[0040] The invention recognizes that, in addition to the actual safety function, the semiconductor switches 10 offer a multitude of additional functionalities, such as diagnostic options, which include, for example, the measurement of currents, voltages, and temperatures; communication options, e.g., via bus or even wirelessly; and a wide range of application possibilities, e.g., via software, e.g., via over-the-air interfaces. The invention thus recognizes that the semiconductor switches 10 are, in principle, always "responsive," even when they are partially in sleep mode.

[0041] It is now proposed to implement a state detector 11 using such intelligent semiconductor switches 10 in order to determine the current state of the vehicle 100. The state detector 11 can, for example, be implemented as a software and / or hardware module in the semiconductor switch 10. The state is then detected using the extended diagnostic options of the intelligent semiconductor switches 10, in particular by measuring operating parameters BP of the current, the voltage and / or the temperature. For example, by measuring the current, the state of individual consumers can be identified, such as in the infotainment system. Furthermore, by measuring the current of consumers, such as in the radiator fan, conclusions can be drawn about the movement state of the vehicle 100. By comparing the now determined actual value with a, for example,By means of a target value specified by a user of the vehicle 100, it can also be detected whether the vehicle 100 is in the state desired by the user. The target value Ws can be defined, for example, at the beginning of vehicle use, e.g., as a default value. It is conceivable that when the vehicle 100 is locked, all electrical consumers should be deactivated and / or the vehicle 100 should not move. If a deviation between the actual value Wi and the target value Ws is detected, the user can be informed, e.g., via a text message or similar, since in certain cases, for example, theft of the vehicle 100 can be assumed.

[0042] Advantageously, when assessing the condition of the vehicle 100, a condition of at least one functionally essential component 101 can be taken into account.

[0043] The following functionally essential vehicle components 101 of the vehicle 100 are conceivable, which can have a semiconductor switch 10: a battery, in particular an on-board network battery, for example a 12V battery or a 48V battery, a high-voltage battery, in particular a traction battery, a display device, for example a display, an instrument cluster and / or a head-up display, an infotainment system, a braking system, in particular a break-by-wire system, a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, a cooling fan, an electric motor, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an electrical consumer.

[0044] When assessing the condition of the vehicle 100, the conditions of several functionally essential components 101 can also be taken into account.

[0045] As Fig. 1 indicates, when assessing the condition of the vehicle 100, the at least one operating parameter BP can be compared with at least one target value Ws and / or target value range.

[0046] The target value Ws and / or the target value range can be determined individually for different operating situations of the vehicle 100.

[0047] Presets for the target value Ws and / or the target value range can be determined automatically, for example, by a control device 110 of the vehicle 100.

[0048] Settings for the target value Ws and / or the target value range can in turn be determined and / or adjusted dynamically, e.g. by a user of the vehicle 100.

[0049] The procedure may include further steps, such as:

[0050] Evaluating a state of the vehicle 100 and, if necessary, providing a classification of a state of the vehicle 100,

[0051] Providing a message, in particular comprising the actual value Wi of the at least one operating parameter BP and / or a classification of an undesirable condition of the vehicle 100, to a user of the vehicle 100 and / or to a, for example, central, monitoring device, preferably via wireless communication, preferably with the aid of the semiconductor switch 10, issuing a warning signal,

[0052] Initiating a protective measure, e.g. automatically shutting down the vehicle 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention provides a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding control device 110 for carrying out the method.

[0054] Furthermore, the invention provides a vehicle 100 with a corresponding control device 110.

[0055] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 10 semiconductor switches

[0058] 11 Detector

[0059] 100 vehicles

[0060] 101 Vehicle Components

[0061] 110 Control device

[0062] BP operating parameters

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle (100), comprising: Providing a state detector (11) in a semiconductor switch (10) for at least one functionally essential vehicle component (101) of the vehicle (100), Monitoring at least one operating parameter (BP) of the at least one functionally essential component (101) using the semiconductor switch (10), Assessing a condition of the vehicle (100) depending on the monitoring.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter (BP) comprises at least one of the following parameters: Electricity, Voltage, temperature.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when assessing the state of the vehicle (100) a state of the at least one functionally essential component (101) is taken into account.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case a state detector (11) is provided for a corresponding semiconductor switch (10) for at least one of the following functionally essential Vehicle components (101) of the vehicle (100) are provided: a battery, in particular an on-board network battery, for example a 12V battery or a 48V battery, a high-voltage battery, in particular a traction battery, a display device, for example a display, an instrument cluster and / or a head-up display, an infotainment system, a braking system, in particular a break-by-wire system, a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, a cooling fan, an electric motor, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an electrical consumer.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when assessing the state of the vehicle (100), states of several functionally essential components (101) are taken into account.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when assessing the state of the vehicle (100) the at least one operating parameter (BP) is compared with at least one target value (Ws) and / or target value range.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target value (Ws) and / or the target value range are determined accordingly for different operating situations of the vehicle (100), wherein presettings for the target value (Ws) and / or the target value range are determined automatically, for example by a control device (110) of the vehicle (100), wherein settings for the target value (Ws) and / or the target value range are determined and / or adapted dynamically, for example by a user of the vehicle (100).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when assessing the condition of the vehicle (100), it is detected that an actual value (Wi) of the at least one operating parameter (BP) deviates from a target value (Ws) and / or target value range, at least one of the following steps is carried out: Evaluating a condition of the vehicle (100), Providing a message, in particular comprising the actual value (Wi) of the at least one operating parameter (BP) and / or a classification of an undesirable state of the vehicle (100), to a user of the vehicle (100) and / or to a, for example, central, monitoring device, preferably via wireless communication, preferably with the aid of the semiconductor switch (10), issuing a warning signal, Initiation of a protective measure, e.g. automatic shutdown of the vehicle (100).

9. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Control device (110) for monitoring conditions, in particular for detecting undesirable conditions, in a vehicle (100), comprising a memory device and a computing device, wherein a code is stored in the memory device, and wherein a method according to one of the preceding claims is carried out when the code is executed by the computing device.

11. Vehicle (100) comprising a control device (110) according to the preceding claim.

Images