MONITORING THE ABILITY TO PERFORM A HEALTH DIAGNOSIS OF A SERVICE BATTERY BY VEHICLES

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented for monitoring vehicles communicating by radio and each comprising a rechargeable service battery, a diagnostic device capable of performing a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery, and an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to perform the diagnosis. This method comprises a step (10-50) in which determinations of the capacity to perform the diagnosis are made in similar vehicles and the latter transmit the result of each determination with a mileage traveled to a server, then this server analyzes the determination results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles and having a premature degradation of the capacity to perform the diagnosis. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING THE CAPACITY TO CARRY OUT A HEALTH DIAGNOSIS OF A SERVICE BATTERY BY VEHICLES Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a rechargeable service battery and capable of being the subject of a diagnosis of its state of health, and more precisely the monitoring of the capacity to carry out this diagnosis in such vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include:

[0003] - an on-board network to which equipment (or components) are connected electrical (or electronic) which can be “safe” (and therefore priority) or “unsafe”,

[0004] - a rechargeable service battery,

[0005] - a diagnostic device suitable for carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery, and

[0006] - an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to carry out the diagnosis.

[0007] In the following and the preceding, the term "safety electrical equipment (or component)" means equipment (or component) providing at least one so-called "safety" function because it concerns the safety of the passengers of a vehicle, and therefore must be supplied with electrical energy as a priority. This is the case, for example, of electric power steering or a trajectory control device or even an electric braking device (service brake, emergency brake, braking assistance system or anti-skid, for example).

[0008] Furthermore, in the following and the preceding, the term “service battery” means a battery rechargeable by at least one converter and of the very low voltage type (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V).

[0009] Furthermore, in the following and the preceding, the term "converter" means equipment responsible for converting the voltage and / or the type of current (direct or alternating) that it receives in the form of electrical energy from a so-called main battery, of low, medium or high voltage type, and equipping the vehicle, or from an external power source (during a recharging phase of this main battery). For example, when the vehicle comprises a powertrain (or GMP) comprising at least one electric motor, the converter can be coupled to the main battery (to receive electrical energy to be converted), and this The main battery can also directly supply electrical energy to the electric prime mover.

[0010] The service battery is usually responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network at least each time the vehicle is woken up (after a standby phase), and each time the vehicle's powertrain (or GMP) is started.

[0011] When the GMP is hybrid or all-electric, the converter is primarily responsible for supplying the level of electrical power to the safety components concerned at the time in question, but also, in parallel, the level of electrical power necessary for the operation of the other non-safety components used at this time in question. In the event of the converter being unable to supply the electrical power necessary to all the electrical components concerned at the time in question, the service battery is responsible for ensuring a supplementary electrical supply to prevent a collapse in the voltage at the terminals of the on-board network and therefore to prevent a safety electrical component from being able to operate correctly (i.e. with a sufficient level of performance), which could endanger the passengers of the vehicle and / or the latter and / or persons located in the environment of this vehicle.

[0012] In order to verify the capacity of the service battery to meet safety requirements, tests are carried out in certain vehicles, during the driving phases, using a test device forming part of a diagnostic device. These tests generally consist of carrying out one or more successive current draws at the service battery, and are intended to enable the determination of the state of health of the latter (generally from parameters such as at least its internal resistance and its minimum voltage).

[0013] For a test to be carried out, the test device must have been previously coupled (generally indirectly) to the service battery, by a dedicated coupling device. However, it may happen that this coupling device is no longer capable of carrying out this coupling. It has therefore been proposed to equip vehicles with an analysis device responsible for determining whether the coupling device is capable of ensuring the coupling, and therefore whether the diagnostic device was capable of carrying out its diagnosis. For example, this analysis device can inform the driver of the vehicle in the event of detecting an inability to carry out the diagnosis. But this information remains purely local. However, it happens that a sometimes significant percentage of diagnostic devices are subject to premature degradation of their capacity to carry out their diagnosis.This may result, in particular, from a series of components having a lower durability than initially expected or from an assembly problem or even from more frequent use than initially expected.

[0014] Before a vehicle manufacturer can even determine the cause of premature degradation of a capacity to carry out the aforementioned diagnosis in some of its vehicles, and then remedy this cause, it would first have to be informed that a significant percentage of diagnostic devices fitted to similar vehicles that it produces have suffered premature degradation of their capacity to carry out their diagnosis. However, there is currently no method (or process) for obtaining such information in an automated and very rapid manner.

[0015] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0016] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to be implemented to monitor vehicles capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising:

[0017] - a rechargeable service battery,

[0018] - a diagnostic device suitable for carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery, and

[0019] - an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to carry out the diagnosis.

[0020] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which determinations of the ability to perform the diagnosis are made in similar vehicles and the latter transmit the result of each determination with a mileage traveled to a server, then this server analyzes the determination results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information which is representative of a percentage of similar vehicles and having a premature degradation of the ability to perform the diagnosis.

[0021] Thus, it is now possible to automatically detect each diagnostic device which has suffered premature degradation in its ability to perform the diagnosis, and therefore to deduce the percentage of diagnostic devices which have suffered premature degradation in their ability to perform the diagnosis.

[0022] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0023] - in its step, the server can determine whether the determined information is conform to corresponding predefined information, and, in the event of non-conformity, the server can generate an alert message signaling a potential problem of sustainability of the ability to carry out the diagnosis to at least one predefined person, for example so that they can determine at least one cause of this non-conformity;

[0024] - in the presence of the first option, in its step, the server can generate a alert message when the percentage of similar vehicles with premature deterioration in the ability to perform the diagnosis is higher than a first chosen threshold;

[0025] - in the presence of the last sub-option, in its step, the first threshold chosen can be between 20% and 40%;

[0026] - in its step, the server can determine a premature degradation of the ability to perform the diagnosis when an average mileage traveled by similar vehicles with determination results (of capacity) indicating an inability to perform the diagnosis is lower than a second chosen threshold;

[0027] - in the presence of the last option, in its step, the second threshold chosen can be between 5000 km and 15000 km.

[0028] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a monitoring method of the type presented above, for vehicles capable of communicating by radio and each comprising a rechargeable service battery, a diagnostic device capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery, and an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to carry out the diagnosis, in order to monitor in an overall manner the capacity to carry out the diagnosis.

[0029] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to monitor vehicles capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising:

[0030] - a rechargeable service battery,

[0031] - a diagnostic device capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery, and

[0032] - an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to carry out the diagnosis.

[0033] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

[0034] - first parts suitable for being installed respectively in the vehicles and each comprising at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting of triggering a determination of the ability to carry out the diagnosis by the analysis device of its vehicle and a transmission by the latter to a server of a result of this determination with a mileage traveled, and

[0035] - a second part suitable for being installed in this server and each comprising at at least one other processor and at least one other memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting of analyzing the results of the determinations and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles and having premature degradation of capacity to carry out the diagnosis.

[0036] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising:

[0037] - a rechargeable service battery,

[0038] - a diagnostic device capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery,

[0039] - an analysis device capable of determining a capacity of the diagnostic device to carry out the diagnosis, and

[0040] - a first part of a monitoring device of the type presented above- Before.

[0041] The invention also proposes a server capable of communicating and comprising a second part of a monitoring device of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a vehicle comprising a first part of a monitoring device according to the invention, an on-board network, a service battery, a distribution box, a coupling device, a diagnostic device, an analysis device, a second supervision computer, and a purely electric GMP transmission chain, and an exemplary embodiment of a server comprising a monitoring computer and a second part of a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0044] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a second supervision calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a first part of a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0045] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a monitoring calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a second part of a monitoring device according to the invention, and

[0046] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0047] The invention aims in particular to propose a monitoring method, and an associated monitoring device DS, intended to enable the monitoring of the capacity of diagnostic devices DD to carry out health status diagnoses of service batteries BS of similar vehicles V.

[0048] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicles V are of the automobile type. These are, for example, cars, as illustrated in [Fig.l] . But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns any type of vehicle comprising a rechargeable service battery and capable of being the subject of a diagnosis of its state of health. Thus, it concerns land vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), tracked vehicles, trains and trams, for example), aircraft and boats.

[0049] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicles V comprise a transmission chain with a purely electric powertrain (or GMP) (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor MME). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (and in this case it comprises at least one thermal motor and at least one electric motor MME).

[0050] [Fig.l] schematically shows, on the one hand, a vehicle V comprising an all-electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore an electric motor MME) and associated with a first supervision computer CS1, an on-board network RB, a converter CV, a service battery BS, a coupling device DC, a diagnostic device DD, an analysis device DA, a second supervision computer CS2, a radio communication module MC, and a first part PI of a monitoring device DS according to the invention, and, on the other hand, a server SC comprising a monitoring computer CS3 and a second part P2 of a monitoring device DS according to the invention.

[0051] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which are coupled (or even connected) electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) EES and EENS which consume electrical energy and which for some of them (EENS) are “non-priority” and for some others (EES) are “safety” (and therefore priority). For example, safety equipment (or component) may be electric power steering or a trajectory control device or even an electric braking device (service brake, emergency brake, braking assistance system or anti-skid, for example). Also for example, non-priority equipment (or component) may be a heating / air conditioning system or a seat heating device or a seat massage device.

[0052] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB either alone when the GMP is not in operation, or in addition (here) to that supplied by the CV converter (powered by a main battery BP described later) when the GMP is in operation (and if necessary).

[0053] For example, the service battery BS may be of the very low voltage type (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V), and is rechargeable at least by the CV converter. It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the service battery BS servitude is 12V Lithium-ion type.

[0054] The radio communication module MC is responsible for communications between the vehicle V and remote communication equipment (or possibly temporarily present in the vehicle V). It is notably arranged to communicate via radio, via at least one wireless communication network, with at least one chosen server SC, belonging for example to the manufacturer of the vehicle V.

[0055] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric prime mover MME, a motor shaft AM, a main battery BP and a transmission shaft AT. Here, the term "electric prime mover" means an electric machine arranged so as to provide torque to move the vehicle V, as well as possibly to recover torque, for example during a regenerative braking phase.

[0056] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by the first CSL supervision computer

[0057] The prime mover MME (here an electric motor) is coupled to the main battery BP, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this main battery BP with electrical energy, for example during a regenerative braking phase. It is coupled to the motor shaft AM, to provide it with torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft AM is here coupled to a reducer RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft AT, itself coupled to a first train T1 (here of wheels), preferably via a differential DV.

[0058] This first train T1 is here located in the front part PVV of the vehicle V. But in a variant this first train T1 could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle V.

[0059] The driving machine MME is also coupled to the converter CV which is also indirectly coupled to the service battery BS, in particular to recharge it with electrical energy from the main battery BP and converted.

[0060] For example, the CV converter may, for example, be of the direct current / direct current (or DC / DC) type. As indicated above, it is also responsible for supplying the on-board network RB with electrical energy from the main battery BP and converted when the GMP is in operation, in addition to ensuring the recharging of the service battery BS.

[0061] The service battery BS, the converter CV and the on-board network RB can, for example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], be coupled to a distribution box BD responsible for distributing in the on-board network RB the electrical energy supplied by the service battery BS and / or the converter CV, for the supply of the electrical components (or equipment) EES and EENS according to demands power supplies received.

[0062] The diagnostic device DD is arranged so as to carry out a diagnosis of the state of health of the service battery BS, in order to verify its ability to meet safety needs. For this purpose, it may comprise, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], a test device DT responsible for carrying out on command a test consisting of carrying out one or more successive current calls at the level of the service battery BS. The result of this test may be parameter values ​​such as at least the internal resistance and the minimum voltage of the service battery BS. This test result is used by the diagnostic device DD to determine the state of health of the service battery BS, and therefore its ability (or inability) to meet safety needs.

[0063] For example, the test device DT may comprise at least one test resistor making it possible to generate current variations at the level of the service battery BS.

[0064] The DC coupling device is responsible, on command, for coupling the test device DT (generally indirectly) to the service battery BS. For this purpose, it may comprise at least one switch (or commutator) based on MOSFET(s). It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the DC coupling device is connected to the distribution box BD. But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) it could be connected to the service battery BS.

[0065] The analysis device DA is responsible for determining whether the DC coupling device is capable of ensuring its coupling, and therefore whether the diagnostic device DD is capable of carrying out its diagnosis. To this end, it can, for example, carry out leakage current measurements at the switches of the DC coupling device, so as to detect an inability of its MOSFET(s)-based components to switch.

[0066] The main (or traction) battery BP may, for example, comprise electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type). Also for example, the main battery BP may be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0067] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to enable monitoring of the capacity of diagnostic devices DD of similar vehicles V to carry out health status diagnostics of their service batteries BS.

[0068] This (monitoring) method can be implemented at least partially by the monitoring device DS (illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3) and comprising first PI and second P2 parts. It will be noted that the first PI parts are suitable for installation in V vehicles respectively.

[0069] In order to enable the partial implementation of the method, each first part PI of the monitoring device DS comprises at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DCP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. Each first part PI can therefore be produced in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). For example, it can be a microcontroller.

[0070] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of a part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0071] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the first part PI of the monitoring device DS is part of the second supervision computer CS2. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, at least the first part PI of the monitoring device DS could comprise its own dedicated computer, or could be part of another computer on board the vehicle V and providing at least one other function, for example.

[0072] Also in order to allow the partial implementation of the method, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS comprises at least one processor PR1', for example a digital signal processor (or DCP), and at least one memory MD'. This second part P2 can therefore be produced in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or hardware) and software modules (or software). For example, it can be a microcontroller.

[0073] The memory MD' is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1' of a part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1' may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections.

[0074] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS is part of a monitoring computer CS3 equipping the remote chosen server SC. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the monitoring computer CS3, for example.

[0075] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], the (monitoring) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-50 which is implemented when the DA analysis devices of similar vehicles V must determine the capacities of their dis positive DD diagnostics to carry out their diagnostics. These determinations can be made by programming or at the request of the SC server (and possibly the second part P2 of the DS monitoring device).

[0076] It will be noted that the programming may possibly involve a periodicity. For example, the possible period may be between 24 hours and one month. As an illustrative example, this period may be equal to one week. But other period values ​​may be used. For example, this period may be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0077] Step 10-50 of the method comprises a sub-step 10 in which the analysis devices DA carry out determinations of the ability to perform the diagnosis in similar vehicles V, and the latter (V), and more precisely their communication modules MC, transmit to the server SC the result of each determination with a mileage traveled. Here, "mileage traveled" is understood to mean the number of kilometers that a vehicle V has traveled since its very first use.

[0078] It will be noted that in order to be able to determine that the results of the (capacity) determinations come from similar vehicles V, it is preferable that the latter (V), and more precisely their communication modules MC, also transmit an identifier which characterizes them, such as for example their VIN number (or “Vehicle Ide-nitification Number”). But this transmission of identifier is not an obligation when only vehicles V of the same series of the same model of a manufacturer transmit their (capacity) determination results.

[0079] Step 10-50 of the method also comprises a sub-step 20 in which the server SC (and more precisely the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS) analyses the results of the determinations and the associated mileages travelled which have been transmitted to it by similar vehicles V, in order to determine information which is representative of the percentage of similar vehicles V and having a premature degradation of their capacity to carry out the diagnosis (mentioned above).

[0080] Here, the term "premature degradation" means degradation which occurs more quickly than was initially anticipated by the manufacturer of the vehicles V in terms of kilometers traveled and / or time elapsed, or in other words which occurs for a number of kilometers traveled less than that which was initially anticipated and / or after the elapse of a shorter period than that which was initially anticipated.

[0081] Thanks to the invention, the results of the capacity determinations are sent back to at least one SC server, which makes it possible to automatically detect each diagnostic device DD which has been subject to premature degradation of its capacity to carry out its diagnosis due to an inability of its DC coupling device to carry out its coupling to the BS service battery, and therefore to deduce the percentage of DD diagnostic devices having a premature degradation of their capacity to carry out their diagnosis.

[0082] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], step 10-50 may comprise a sub-step 30 in which the server SC (and for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS) may determine whether the information determined in sub-step 20 conforms to corresponding predefined information.

[0083] In this case, in the event of conformity, the method ends in a sub-step 40 of step 10-50, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4].

[0084] On the other hand, in the event of non-compliance, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], in a sub-step 50 of step 10-50, the server SC can generate (for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS can trigger the generation of) an alert message signaling a potential problem of durability of the capacity to carry out the diagnosis intended for at least one predefined person. This (each) person can then determine at least one cause of this non-compliance. Then, this same person and / or at least one other person can consider the means(s) making it possible to increase the duration of correct operation of the capacity to carry out the diagnosis so that the next diagnostic devices DD (or DC coupling devices), or the modified diagnostic devices DD (or modified DC coupling devices), achieve the initial objectives.

[0085] It will be noted that the alert message may, for example, be transmitted to a communication device of the (each) person concerned. This alert message may be, for example, an email (or “e-mail”) or a short message (or SMS). It preferably contains the information determined in sub-step 20.

[0086] For example, in sub-step 50 of step 10-50, the server SC can generate (for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS can trigger the generation of) an alert message when the percentage of similar vehicles V having a premature degradation of the ability to perform the diagnosis is greater than a first threshold if chosen. In this case, a comparison is made in sub-step 30 of the percentage contained in the alert message with the first threshold if.

[0087] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-50 the first threshold si can be between 20% and 40%. As an illustrative example, the first threshold si can be equal to 30%. But other values ​​of first threshold si can be used. For example, this first threshold si can be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0088] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-50 the SC server can determine a premature degradation of the ability to perform the diagnosis when an average mileage traveled by similar vehicles V and having determination results (of capacity) signaling an inability to perform the diagnosis is lower than a second chosen threshold s2.

[0089] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-50 the second threshold s2 chosen can be between 5000 km and 15000 km. As an illustrative example, the second threshold s2 can be equal to 10000 km. But other values ​​of second threshold s2 can be used. For example, this second threshold s2 can be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0090] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], that each second supervision computer CS2 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing each determination result (of capacity) associated with each mileage traveled as well as the possible vehicle identifier, as well as possible intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing.Furthermore, each second supervision computer CS2 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least each determination result (of capacity), each mileage traveled at the time of a determination (of capacity), as well as the possible vehicle identifier, to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2. In addition, each second supervision computer CS2 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an output interface IS, in particular for delivering a message (or order) for transmitting a determination result (of capacity) associated with the mileage traveled and the possible vehicle identifier.

[0091] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], that the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise a mass memory MM1', in particular for storing each determination result (of capacity) transmitted with an associated mileage traveled and a possible associated vehicle identifier, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing operations. Furthermore, the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an input interface IE' for receiving at least each determination result (of capacity) with the associated mileage traveled and the possible associated vehicle identifier, for use in calculations or processing operations, possibly after having formatted them and / or demodulated and / or amplified, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2'. In addition, the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS) may also include an output interface IS', in particular for delivering an alert message.

[0092] It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the processors PR1 and PR1', is capable of implementing the monitoring method described above to monitor in a global manner the capacity to carry out the diagnosis by the diagnostic devices DD of similar vehicles V.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for monitoring vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising i) a rechargeable service battery (BS), ii) a diagnostic device (DD) capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of said service battery (BS), and iii) an analysis device (DA) capable of determining a capacity of said diagnostic device (DD) to carry out said diagnosis, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-50) in which determinations of the capacity to carry out said diagnosis are carried out in similar vehicles (V) and the latter (V) transmit the result of each determination with a mileage traveled to a server (SC),then said server (SC) analyzes the determination results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles (V) and having a premature degradation of said capacity to carry out said diagnosis.,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) determines whether said determined information is in conformity with corresponding predefined information, and, in the event of non-conformity, said server (SC) generates an alert message signaling a potential problem of sustainability of said capacity to carry out said diagnosis intended for at least one predefined person.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) generates an alert message when said percentage of similar vehicles (V) having a premature degradation of said capacity to carry out said diagnosis is greater than a first chosen threshold.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said first chosen threshold is between 20% and 40%.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) determines a premature degradation of said capacity to carry out said diagnosis when an average mileage traveled of similar vehicles (V) and having capacity determination results signaling an inability to carry out said capacity to carry out said diagnosis is lower than a second chosen threshold.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said second chosen threshold is between 5000 km and 15000 km.

7. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the monitoring method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio and each comprising i) a rechargeable service battery (BS), ii) a diagnostic device (DD) capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of said service battery (BS), and iii) an analysis device (DA) capable of determining a capacity of said diagnostic device (DD) to carry out said diagnosis, to globally monitor said capacity to carry out said diagnosis.

8. Monitoring device (DS) for monitoring vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising i) a rechargeable service battery (BS), ii) a diagnostic device (DD) capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of said service battery (BS), and iii) an analysis device (DA) capable of determining a capacity of said diagnostic device (DD) to carry out said diagnosis, characterized in that it comprises a) first parts (PI) capable of being installed respectively in said vehicles (V) and each comprising at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting of triggering a determination of the capacity to carry out said diagnosis by said analysis device (DA) of its vehicle (V) and a transmission by the latter (V) to a server (SC) of a result of said determination with a mileage traveled,and b) a second part (P2) suitable for being installed in said server (SC) and comprising at least one other processor (PR1') and at least one other memory (MD') arranged to carry out the operations consisting of analyzing the results of the determinations and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles (V) and having a premature degradation of said capacity to carry out said diagnosis.,

9. Vehicle (V) capable of communicating by radio waves and comprising i) a rechargeable service battery (BS), ii) a diagnostic device (DD) capable of carrying out a diagnosis of the state of health of said service battery (BS), and iii) an analysis device (DA) suitable for determining a capacity of said diagnostic device (DD) to carry out said diagnosis, characterized in that it further comprises a first part (PI) of a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 8.

10. Server (SC) capable of communicating, characterized in that it comprises a second part (P2) of a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 8.

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