Vehicle component modeling method and device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for modeling a vehicle component. To this end, a group (111) of first vehicles and a group (112) of second vehicles are selected. Representative first data of first speed profiles are obtained from the first vehicles of group (111), and representative second data of second speed profiles are obtained from the second vehicles of group (112). One or more processing steps are applied to the first and second data to obtain speed profiles, the data from which are used for component modeling. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for modeling a vehicle component technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for modeling one or more vehicle components, particularly but not exclusively motor vehicles. The invention also relates to a method and device for processing vehicle data, particularly data representing vehicle speed and / or acceleration. The invention further relates to a method and device for calculating a mission profile from data obtained from vehicles. Technological background

[0002] Modern vehicles are made up of a large number of components or parts that are susceptible to failure. To reduce the number of failures and to properly size these components and parts, it is important for vehicle manufacturers and their subcontractors to know precisely the stresses and strains experienced by these components and parts during vehicle use.

[0003] To do this, it is known to obtain data relating to the use of vehicles, for example vehicles under design, according to mission profiles determined by carrying out driving tests in conditions determined according to the mission profiles, in particular on circuits, for example with prototypes of the vehicles.

[0004] However, the volume of data thus obtained is not always sufficient to reflect all the operating conditions that the vehicles will encounter once they are on the market. Under these conditions, the modeling and development of components for such vehicles often prove imperfect, with risks of failure or premature aging of the components if the component dimensions are insufficient.

[0005] To supplement the data usable for modeling vehicle components, it is also known to obtain data relating to the use of vehicles according to mission profiles determined from the manufacturer's customers, for example by sending these customers one or more questionnaires relating to the use of vehicles by the customers.

[0006] However, vehicles in circulation do not always correspond to vehicles under development, which limits the relevance of usage data obtained from such vehicles for the modeling and development of components of new vehicles of a different type than the type of vehicles already on the market, for example.

[0007] Gaining a better understanding of vehicle use in real-world conditions is an important issue for car manufacturers, for example to improve mission profile calculations to better size components according to their actual use by customers or to learn failure prediction models on the training database reflecting the actual use of vehicles. Summary of the present invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the relevance of vehicle usage data, in particular for the design and modeling of vehicle components or organs.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle component modeling method, the method comprising the following steps: - selection, in a set of first vehicles, of a group of first vehicles according to a set of first selection criteria; - selection, from a set of second vehicles of a different type from a type of first vehicles, of a group of second vehicles according to a set of second selection criteria including at least one second criterion representing acceleration above a determined threshold; - obtaining, for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles, initial data representative of a first speed profile as a function of time, the first speed profile being representative of the use of each first vehicle in a road environment; - obtaining, for each second vehicle in the group of second vehicles, second data representing a second speed profile as a function of time, the second speed profile being representative of a drive of each second vehicle in a determined test environment; - processing of the first data according to at least one first parameter to obtain third data representative of a third speed profile for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles and processing of the second data according to at least one second parameter to obtain fourth data representative of at least one fourth speed profile associated with the group of second vehicles; - generation of fifth data points representative of at least one fifth speed profile associated with each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles as a function of the third and fourth data points; - modeling at least one component of a third vehicle based on the fifth data point.

[0011] Obtaining initial data representing speed profiles of first vehicles operating in a road environment provides data on vehicles operating under real-world conditions. These vehicles were selected based on specific needs defined by the initial selection criteria. Obtaining second data representing speed profiles of second vehicles operating in a test environment provides data on vehicles of a particular type corresponding to specific needs, for example, for the development or improvement of components of these (second) vehicles. Combining these first and second data sets, after specific processing, generates vehicle speed profiles that combine the real-world operating conditions of the first vehicles with the specific characteristics of the second vehicles.This makes it possible, in particular, to increase the volume of data available for the development or modeling of second vehicle components, especially when no second vehicle type is operating in real-world conditions.

[0012] The data thus obtained are used for example to establish various mission profile calculations necessary for the dimensioning of components or organs on board vehicles of a different type than vehicles operating in real conditions.

[0013] According to one variant, the at least one first parameter corresponds to a speed parameter that is a function of the set of second selection criteria.

[0014] According to another variant, the at least one first parameter corresponds to a determined maximum speed value, the third data being obtained by selecting the first data representative of a speed lower than the determined maximum value.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the at least one second parameter corresponds to a determined time duration value, the fourth data being obtained by selecting the second data representative of a part of the second velocity profile associated with a time interval of duration equal to the determined time duration value and starting at a time instant associated with a zero velocity of the second velocity profile.

[0016] According to a further variant, the fifth data points are obtained by replacing a part of the third velocity profile associated with a time interval of duration equal to the determined temporal duration value and beginning at a temporal instant associated with a zero velocity of the third velocity profile by the fourth velocity profile.

[0017] According to yet another variant, the method further includes a step of recording the fifth data in a data storage device.

[0018] According to another variant, the first vehicles correspond to vehicles with internal combustion engines and the second vehicles correspond to vehicles with electric motors.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle component modeling device, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for the execution of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0021] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0024] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0025] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 7, in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a processing and storage environment data obtained from vehicles, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a data processing procedure for data obtained of at least some of the vehicles of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a speed profile obtained from a first vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a velocity profile obtained by processing the representative data of the speed profile of [Fig.3], according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a velocity profile obtained by processing the speed profile data from [Fig.4] as a function of speed profile data obtained from at least a second vehicle from [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.6] illustrates a device configured for processing data obtained from less a part of the vehicles of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Fig.7] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a modelling process of a component of a vehicle of [Fig.1] as a function of the speed profile data of [Fig.5], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0034] A method and device for modeling a vehicle component will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 7. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0035] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0036] According to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention, the modeling of a vehicle component, for example to dimension a component during the design process, is for example implemented by a data processing device of the type server or computer connected in communication to one or more databases.

[0037] To this end, a group of first vehicles is selected from a set of first vehicles according to a set of first selection criteria. The group of first vehicles thus corresponds to a subset of the set of first vehicles that meets the set of first selection criteria.

[0038] A group of second vehicles is selected from a set of second vehicles based on a set of second selection criteria. The set of second selection criteria includes one or more criteria representing acceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold (the threshold being, for example, 2.5 or 3 m / s²), thus allowing the selection of second vehicles from the set of second vehicles with accelerations exceeding the predetermined threshold. The group of second vehicles therefore corresponds to a subset of the set of second vehicles meeting the set of second selection criteria. The type of the first vehicle differs from the type of the second vehicles; the first vehicles might correspond, for example, to vehicles with internal combustion engines, and the second vehicles to vehicles with electric motor(s).

[0039] Initial data are obtained for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles, for example from a first database. This initial data represents a first speed profile as a function of time associated with each first vehicle in the group, the speed profile being representative of the use of each first vehicle in a road environment, that is to say, of its use under real-world conditions of use of the first vehicle.

[0040] Second data sets are obtained for each second vehicle in the group of second vehicles, for example from a second database. These second data sets represent a second speed profile as a function of time associated with each second vehicle in the group, the speed profile being representative of driving each second vehicle in a test environment (for example a circuit), that is to say, use under controlled conditions for the purpose of testing or verifying vehicle behavior.

[0041] One or more processing steps are applied to the first data based on one or more first parameters (for example, thresholding) to obtain third data representing a third speed profile for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles. The third speed profile This corresponds to the first speed profile after processing. Similarly, one or more processing steps are applied to the second data based on one or more second parameters (for example, filtering or selecting a part of the second speed profile) to obtain fourth data points representative of a fourth speed profile for each second vehicle in the group of second vehicles or for the entire group of second vehicles.

[0042] Fifth data representing at least one fifth speed profile associated with each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles are generated as a function of the third and fourth data.

[0043] Finally, the fifth data is used for modeling one or more components intended to be embedded in a third vehicle, for example during a design or validation phase of the third vehicle.

[0044] Such a process makes it possible to increase the volume of data available for establishing mission profiles and / or for designing vehicle component(s) from vehicles of a different type than the vehicle carrying the component(s).

[0045] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an environment and a vehicle data processing and storage system, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a first set 11 of first vehicles and a second set 12 of second vehicles. A first database 101 is associated with the first set 11 of first vehicles, and a second database 102 is associated with the second set 12 of first vehicles. According to one embodiment, the first database and the second database correspond to a single data storage device.

[0047] The first vehicles of set 11 correspond to vehicles that are marketed and circulate in different road environments, depending on how their owners use them. The first vehicles are of one or more first types, for example internal combustion engine vehicles of different categories (e.g., sedan, SUV, city car, etc.) with different levels of equipment.

[0048] The second vehicles in set 12 correspond, for example, to test vehicles. The second vehicles are, for example, of a second type different from the first type(s) of the first vehicle. The second vehicles correspond, for example, to vehicles used for testing purposes, for example, during the design phases of these vehicles or to verify the behavior of commercially available vehicles in a test environment with specific conditions. According to a particular example, the second vehicles correspond to electric motor vehicles (for example, 100% electric vehicles, i.e. i.e. vehicles equipped with only an electric motor or hybrid vehicles equipped with a combustion engine and one or more electric motors) of different categories (e.g. sedan, SUV, city car, etc.) with different levels of equipment.

[0049] Databases 101, 102 are configured to record and store data relating to first vehicles and second vehicles, respectively.

[0050] Data from the first vehicles are collected for example by asking the owners of the first vehicles to answer questionnaires, the answers to the questionnaires being entered into the first database 101.

[0051] According to one embodiment, data are obtained (for example, in addition to or instead of questionnaire responses) from the first vehicles when these are connected vehicles. A connected vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a wireless communication system or interface (for example, a telematic control unit, or TCU, associated with one or more antennas). According to this embodiment, each first connected vehicle transmits usage data, for example, measured by on-board sensors, to the first database 101 via a wireless network infrastructure (not shown in [Fig. 1]) linking the first connected vehicles to the first database 101, for example, via the cloud.The data thus collected is transmitted by each first connected vehicle upon receipt of requests from a "cloud" server and / or is transmitted at regular intervals, based on a list of usage parameters from a predetermined list (for example, stored in the memory of each first connected vehicle).

[0052] The communication system of a connected vehicle includes, for example, one or more communication antennas connected to a telematic control unit (TCU), which is itself connected to one or more computers of the connected vehicle's embedded system. The antenna(s), the TCU, and the computer(s) form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the connected vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the connected vehicle in controlling the vehicle and / or for diagnosing the operation of one or more components of the connected vehicle.The computer(s) and the TCU unit communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN data bus (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôlers"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate"). or in French "Flexible Data Rate Controller Network"), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0053] Data from the second vehicles are collected, for example, from measuring instruments installed in the second vehicles during road tests carried out with one or more second vehicles (for example, a prototype of a second vehicle during a design phase of the second vehicle). The road data is collected, for example, via a wireless link from the measuring instruments, or by connecting the measuring instruments to a server or computer via a wired link once the tests are completed, the data being stored, for example, in the memory of the measuring instruments.

[0054] A vehicle data communication and / or processing process, of which particular embodiments are described with regard to [Fig.2], is advantageously implemented by a data processing device 100 such as a computer or a server.

[0055] The data processing device 100 is connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to one or more data storage devices such as the first 101 and second 102 databases. According to one embodiment, the data processing device 100 incorporates the database(s) storing the data to be processed in the form of one or more memories.

[0056] In an operation 211 of the process, a group 111 of first vehicles is selected from the set 11 of first vehicles (which set 11 includes more first vehicles than the group 111) according to a set of first selection criteria 201 determined according to needs expressed for example in the context of a mission profile project for the design or modeling of components or organs of a new vehicle to be developed (called third vehicle).

[0057] Set 11 of first vehicles groups together first vehicles identified in database 101, for example a database identifying the customers of a car manufacturer.

[0058] Each vehicle in the set is identified by a unique identifier, for example the VIN (Vehicle Identifier Number) or any other identifier. The database includes, for example, a set of characteristics associated with each vehicle and linked to each vehicle via its identifier, the characteristics being stored, for example, in one or more lookup tables, known as LUTs (Look-Up Tables).

[0059] The characteristics associated with each vehicle in the assembly include, for example, the vehicle model, the vehicle engine, and the engine power. of the vehicle, the mass of the vehicle, the weight / power ratio, the first date of registration, the level of equipment, the type of vehicle (utility, van, car, station wagon, sedan, SUV, city car, etc.), the dimensions of the vehicle, the functions and / or AD AS systems (from the English "Advanced Driver-Assistance System" or in French "Système d'aide à la conduite avancé") equipping the vehicle, etc.

[0060] The set of initial selection criteria is determined, for example, according to the population of vehicles on which a study or analysis is to be carried out, for example a study relating to the actual use of vehicles in the field.

[0061] The set of first criteria advantageously includes at least one vehicle characteristic listed previously, for example the size of the vehicle (for example a city car or an SUV) or the engine of the vehicle, depending on the needs of a study or analysis to be carried out in the context of the development of a new vehicle for example.

[0062] Initial data 212 representing one or more initial speed profiles as a function of time are obtained for each initial vehicle in group 11, this initial data being obtained or received by device 100 from the first database following a request issued by device 100 including the identifiers of the initial vehicles in group 11.

[0063] Each first speed profile is representative of the use of each first vehicle in a road environment, under real-world conditions of use of the first vehicle by a driver.

[0064] Fig. 3 illustrates a particular example of a first speed profile 3, which is represented by a curve 31 showing the variations of the speed 'V' (on the ordinate, expressed in m / s or km / h) of a first vehicle as a function of time 't' (on the abscissa, expressed in seconds for example) over a determined time interval.

[0065] A set of first speed profiles 212 is thus obtained by the device 100, the first representative data of the first speed profiles of the set being for example temporarily stored in the memory of the device 100.

[0066] In an operation 221 of the process (which is for example carried out in parallel with the operation 211 described above), a group 112 of second vehicles is selected from the set 12 of second vehicles (which set 12 includes more second vehicles than the group 112) according to a set of second selection criteria 202 determined according to needs expressed for example in the context of a mission profile project for the design or modeling of components or organs of a new vehicle to be developed (called third vehicle).

[0067] The set 12 of second vehicles groups together second vehicles identified in the database 102, for example a database identifying vehicles that have been subjected to driving tests on a circuit or track for example.

[0068] The characteristics associated with each second vehicle in the assembly include, for example, the vehicle model, the vehicle engine, the vehicle engine power, the vehicle mass, the power-to-weight ratio, the equipment level, the vehicle type (utility, van, car, station wagon, sedan, SUV, city car, etc.), the vehicle dimensions, etc.

[0069] The set of second selection criteria is determined, for example, according to the population of vehicles on which a study or analysis is to be carried out, for example a study relating to electric vehicles of a particular type.

[0070] The set of second criteria advantageously includes at least one criterion representing an acceleration exceeding a threshold for selecting second vehicles with speed profiles exhibiting accelerations above that threshold. The set of second criteria further includes, for example, one or more additional criteria such as the vehicle size (e.g., a city car or an SUV) being identical to the vehicle size used in the selection of the first vehicles in Group 111.

[0071] Following the selection of the first and second vehicles, a group 111 is obtained of first vehicles of a different type than the second vehicles of group 112, but with comparable characteristics such as size. For example, the first vehicles of group 111 correspond to cars the size of a city car ("small vehicle") with an internal combustion engine, while the second vehicles of group 112 also correspond to cars the size of a city car ("small vehicle") but with an electric motor. The vehicles of group 111 and group 112 thus remain comparable in terms of use, for example, while having a different type (the type of motor in this example).

[0072] Second data 222 representing one or more second speed profiles as a function of time are obtained for each second vehicle in group 12, these second data being for example obtained or received by device 100 from the second database 102 following a request issued by device 100 including the identifiers of the second vehicles in group 12.

[0073] Each second speed profile is representative of the use of each second vehicle in a determined test environment such as a track or circuit, the driving conditions being controlled unlike the conditions of use in a public road environment.

[0074] A set of second speed profiles 222 is thus obtained for example by the device 100, the second data representing the second speed profiles of the set being for example temporarily stored in the memory of the device 100.

[0075] In an operation 213 of the process, one or more treatments are applied to the first data 212 obtained in the operation 211, this or these treatments being a function of one or more first parameters.

[0076] According to a particular example, a first parameter corresponds to a speed parameter obtained from the specification of requirements from which the second selection criteria are derived.

[0077] For example, the first parameter corresponds to a determined maximum speed value, denoted Vmax, and the processing applied to the first data corresponds to a thresholding or filtering of the speeds of each first speed profile which are greater than Vmax in order to retain only the speeds less than this maximum speed Vmax.

[0078] The processing applied to the first data representative of a first speed profile makes it possible to obtain third data representative of a third speed profile.

[0079] Fig. 4 illustrates a particular example of a third speed profile 4, which is represented by a curve 41 showing the variations of the speed 'V' (on the ordinate, expressed in m / s or km / h) of a first vehicle as a function of time 't' (on the abscissa, expressed in seconds for example) over a determined time interval.

[0080] This third speed profile 4 corresponds to the result of the processing applied to the first speed profile 3 of [Fig.3] corresponding to a filtering of the speeds of the first speed profile 3 greater than Vmax (for example equal to 45, 50 or 80 km / h).

[0081] The third speed profile 4 corresponds to the first speed profile 3 clipped or thresholded as a function of Vmax.

[0082] In an operation 223 of the process (which is for example implemented in parallel with the operation 213 described above), one or more treatments are applied to the second data 222 obtained in the operation 221, this or these treatments being a function of one or more second parameters.

[0083] For example, the second parameter corresponds to a determined time duration value used to select one or more parts of each second velocity profile when processing the second data.

[0084] According to this example, processing performed on the second data corresponds to filtering a portion of the second data to select only the second data representative of a velocity profile over a time period or window The filtering is implemented, for example, to select each part of each second speed profile starting at a time point associated with zero speed in the second speed profile (for example, when the second vehicle starts) over a period equal to the determined time period.

[0085] Such filtering makes it possible to select a speed profile at the start of a second vehicle. This makes it possible, for example, when the second vehicle is an electric vehicle, to collect data relating to the acceleration of the second vehicle at start-up, which is generally greater than the acceleration of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine starting from zero speed (start-up or restart after a stop).

[0086] The determined time period corresponds, for example, to an adjustable parameter of the system implementing the invention. The determined time period is, for example, equal to 2 seconds. In other examples, the determined time period is equal to 1, 3, 4, 5, or 10 seconds.

[0087] The processing of the second data makes it possible to obtain for each second speed profile fourth data representative of a fourth speed profile associated with the second vehicle.

[0088] According to one embodiment, additional processing is implemented, corresponding, for example, to an average of the fourth data points obtained previously for each second speed profile. According to this embodiment, a single fourth speed profile is obtained by averaging all the fourth speed profiles, thus providing a single acceleration profile for the group of second vehicles.

[0089] In an operation 214 of the process, fifth data representing at least one fifth speed profile associated with each first vehicle in the group 111 of first vehicles are generated as a function of the third and fourth data obtained in operations 213 and 223 respectively.

[0090] The fifth data are obtained by replacing a part of the third velocity profile associated with a time interval of duration equal to the determined time duration value and starting at a time instant associated with zero velocity of the third velocity profile with the part of the second velocity profile corresponding to the fourth velocity profile.

[0091] Fig. 5 illustrates a particular example of a fifth speed profile 5, which is represented by a curve 51 showing the variations of the speed 'V' (on the ordinate, expressed in m / s or km / h) of a vehicle as a function of time 't' (on the abscissa, expressed in seconds for example) over a determined time interval.

[0092] The fifth speed profile 5 is obtained from the third speed profile 3 by replacing in this third speed profile the part(s) beginning with a zero or near 0 speed with a fourth speed profile obtained in operation 223.

[0093] These parts 501, 502 are identified on [Fig.5] by lines of greater thickness than the line representing the curve 51 from the curve 41 representing the third velocity profile.

[0094] This processing allows, for example, obtaining for each third speed profile 4 (obtained from a first speed profile 3), one or more fifth speed profiles 5 by replacing the starting phases (starting from zero speed or close to 0) with a part obtained from a second vehicle and representative of an acceleration greater than the acceleration associated with the replaced part of the third speed profile 4 (before replacement).

[0095] When a third speed profile includes a phase with speed values ​​close to 0 km / h (or remaining below a threshold, for example below 3 or 5 km / h for a specified duration (for example for at least 1, 2 or 3 seconds) before going above the threshold) before increasing, then this part of the third speed profile is replaced by a part of the curve with a speed of 0 km / h followed by the fourth part representing the acceleration at the start of the second vehicles, as illustrated in part 502.

[0096] This makes it possible to obtain one or more speed profiles obtained for example from first vehicles with internal combustion engines (with less acceleration at start-up) under real operating conditions with start-up phases representative of other vehicles, for example second vehicles with electric engines (with stronger acceleration at start-up) obtained during driving tests on a circuit for example.

[0097] For example, it is possible to obtain for each first speed profile obtained from each first vehicle one or more fifth speed profiles: - a single fifth speed profile is obtained, for example, for each first speed profile by replacing in the third speed profile (obtained by processing the first speed profile) the fourth speed profile corresponding to the average of all the fourth speed profiles obtained in operation 223; or - a plurality of fifth speed profiles are obtained for each first speed profile by using several fourth speed profiles to generate as many fifth speed profiles by replacing in the third speed profile (obtained by processing the first speed profile) the start-up phase with a start-up phase from each fourth speed profile.

[0098] Since database 101 contains more data than database 102, such a process makes it possible to generate a greater number of speed profiles than is possible during track tests, for example. Furthermore, because the data in database 101 are representative of real-world operating conditions, using the data from database 101 combined with that of database 102 makes it possible to obtain speed profiles representative of the second vehicles, even if the first vehicles are of a different type.

[0099] The fifth data thus obtained are for example recorded or stored in a data storage device, for example a database or a memory of the data processing device 100.

[0100] In an operation 215 of the process, the fifth data are used for the modeling or design of one or more components of a third vehicle.

[0101] The third vehicle corresponds, for example, to a vehicle under development of a type similar to that of the second vehicles (for example, with an electric motor) with intrinsic characteristics used to select group 111 of first vehicles and group 112 of second vehicles. In other words, at least some of the intrinsic characteristics (for example, the dimensions) of the third vehicle are used to define some of the first and second selection criteria.

[0102] The fifth data are for example used in models simulating the use of the component(s) to test by simulation a life cycle of each component and to verify that the component behaves or ages in accordance with the specifications associated with each component.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the fifth data are used for the dimensioning and development of vehicle components, systems or parts, more particularly to perform mission profile calculations necessary for the dimensioning of components.

[0104] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device 6 configured for data processing and / or for modeling or designing vehicle component(s), according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Device 6 corresponds, for example, to a computing device or a data processing device such as device 100, for example a computer or a server.

[0105] Device 6 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 5 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 7]. Examples of such a device 6 include, but are not limited to, a computer, a laptop, a server, a smartphone, and a tablet. The elements of device 6, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 6 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0106] The device 6 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 60 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 6. The processor 60 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 6 further comprises at least one memory 61, corresponding, for example, to volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0107] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 61.

[0108] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 comprises a block 62 of interface elements for communicating with external devices such as connected vehicles and / or measuring devices. The interface elements of the block 62 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - radio frequency RF interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or of the Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or of the Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); - HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French); - LIN interface (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0109] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 includes a communication interface 63 which enables communication with other devices (such as other servers, databases) via a communication channel 630. The communication interface 63 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via communication channel 630. Communication interface 63 corresponds for example to a wired network of type Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0110] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 640, touch or not, one or more speakers 650 and / or other peripherals 660 (projection system) via output interfaces 64, 65 and 66 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 6.

[0111] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a process of vehicle component modeling, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a computing device or a data processing device such as device 100, for example a computer or a server, or by device 6 of [Fig. 6].

[0112] In a first step 71, a group of first vehicles is selected from a set of first vehicles according to a set of first selection criteria.

[0113] In a second step 72, a group of second vehicles is selected from a set of second vehicles of a different type from a type of first vehicles according to a set of second selection criteria including at least one second criterion representing acceleration above a determined threshold.

[0114] In a third step 73, first representative data of a first speed profile as a function of time are obtained for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles, the first speed profile being representative of a use of each first vehicle in a road environment.

[0115] In a fourth step 74, second data representing a second speed profile as a function of time are obtained for each second vehicle in the group of second vehicles, the second speed profile being representative of a drive of each second vehicle in a determined test environment.

[0116] In a fifth step 75, the first data are processed according to at least one first parameter to obtain third data representative of a third speed profile for each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles and the second data are processed according to at least one second parameter to obtain fourth data representative of at least one fourth speed profile associated with the group of second vehicles.

[0117] In a sixth step 76, fifth data representing at least one fifth speed profile associated with each first vehicle in the group of first vehicles are generated as a function of the third and fourth data.

[0118] In a seventh step 77, at least one component of a third vehicle is modeled according to the fifth data.

[0119] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.7].

[0120] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for learning a life cycle or failure prediction model for a vehicle component based on fifths of data, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0121] The present invention also relates to a system comprising the device 6 of [Fig.6] connected in wireless communication to a group 111 of connected vehicles.

Claims

1. Demands Vehicle component modeling method, said method comprising the following steps: - selection (71), in a set (11) of first vehicles, of a group (111) of first vehicles according to a set of first selection criteria; - selection (72), in a set (12) of second vehicles of a different type from a type of first vehicles, of a group (112) of second vehicles according to a set of second selection criteria including at least one second criterion representing acceleration above a determined threshold; - obtaining (73), for each first vehicle of said group (111) of first vehicles, first data representative of a first speed profile (3) as a function of time, said first speed profile (3) being representative of a use of said each first vehicle in a road environment; - obtaining (74), for each second vehicle of said group (112) of second vehicles, second data representative of a second speed profile as a function of time, said second speed profile being representative of a drive of said each second vehicle in a determined test environment; - processing (75) of said first data as a function of at least one first parameter to obtain third data representative of a third speed profile (4) for each first vehicle of said group (111) of first vehicles and processing (75) of said second data as a function of at least one second parameter to obtain fourth data representative of at least one fourth speed profile associated with said group (112) of second vehicles; - generation (76) of fifth data representing at least one fifth speed profile (5) associated with each first vehicle of said group (111) of first vehicles as a function of the third and fourth data; - modelling (77) of at least one component of a third vehicle as a function of said fifth data, said fifth data being used for the dimensioning and development of vehicle components, systems or parts.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first parameter corresponds to a speed parameter as a function of said set of second selection criteria.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said at least one first parameter corresponds to a determined maximum speed value, the third data being obtained by selecting the first data representative of a speed lower than said determined maximum value.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one second parameter corresponds to a determined time value, the fourth data being obtained by selecting the second data representative of a part of said second velocity profile associated with a time interval of duration equal to said determined time value and starting at a time instant associated with zero velocity of said second velocity profile.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said fifth data are obtained by replacing a part of said third velocity profile (4) associated with a time interval of duration equal to said determined time value and beginning at a time instant associated with zero velocity of said third velocity profile (4) by said fourth velocity profile.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a step of recording said fifth data in a data storage device.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first vehicles correspond to internal combustion engine vehicles and said second vehicles correspond to electric motor vehicles.

8. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when such instructions are executed by a processor.

9. Computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 21

10. Vehicle component modeling device (6), said device (6) comprising a memory (61) associated with at least one processor (60) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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