Method and device for detecting a vehicle defect by electromagnetic noise analysis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting a fault in a vehicle. Specifically, the method comprises receiving (31) first data representative of a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment before the vehicle's engine starts, and receiving (32) second data representative of a second electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment after the vehicle's engine has started. The first and second data are received, for example, from a vehicle antenna. The method also comprises detecting (33) a fault by processing the first and second data, for example, by comparing the result of subtracting the second data from the first data to reference data. Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for detecting a vehicle defect by electromagnetic noise analysis. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting a fault in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method and device for diagnosing the operation of a vehicle engine. Technological background

[0002] To validate the proper functioning of a vehicle engine and / or detect any defects in a vehicle, numerous tests are carried out, for example at the end of production or assembly of a vehicle or during a vehicle check, particularly when a defect is suspected by a vehicle user or after a maintenance operation.

[0003] To detect defects in a vehicle, a laboratory test involves placing the vehicle in an anechoic chamber and installing a multitude of sensors, including antennas, to capture the electromagnetic emissions from the vehicle in different modes, such as with the engine off or running. These electromagnetic emissions are then analyzed and compared, for example, to recordings or a reference database that associates certain noises with recorded defects. Summary of the present invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the detection of a defect in a vehicle without having to bring the vehicle into a test laboratory.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to improve vehicle maintenance by reliably and quickly identifying a vehicle defect.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for detecting a defect in a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - reception of initial data representative of a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment before the start of a vehicle engine; - reception of second data representative of a second electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment following the start of the vehicle engine; - detection of a defect by processing the first and second data points.

[0008] Such a method thus makes it possible to detect a vehicle defect, for example an engine defect, without having to take the vehicle to a specialized center or laboratory. Such a method thus allows for self-diagnosis of the vehicle.

[0009] According to one variant of the method, the processing of the first and second data includes a subtraction of the first data from the second data.

[0010] According to another variant of the method, the detection of a defect includes a comparison of a result of said subtraction to a set of reference data representative of a set of defects.

[0011] According to yet another variant of the method, the first and second data are received from an antenna of the vehicle.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the method, the detection of a defect further comprises the following steps: - transmission of the first and second data points to a remote device via a wireless link, - reception of third data representative of said fault via the wireless link.

[0013] According to yet another variant, the method includes generating a message to a user based on the result of detecting a fault.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for detecting a defect in a vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising a vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention and a remote device connected wirelessly to the vehicle, the system being configured to implement the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded including instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a vehicle communication environment, according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a passenger compartment of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method for detecting a defect in the vehicle of [Fig. 1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a device configured to detect a defect in the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0028] A method and device for detecting a defect in a vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0029] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) put into work in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0030] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the control of a vehicle's journey, for example by a vehicle computer, includes the reception of first data representing a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment before the start of a vehicle engine and the reception of second data representing a second electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle and its environment following the start of the vehicle engine, the first and second data being, for example, received from a vehicle antenna.

[0031] The method also includes the detection of a defect by processing the first and second data, for example by comparing a result of a subtraction of the first data from the second data to reference data.

[0032] Such a method has the advantage of allowing the detection of a vehicle fault, for example, an engine fault, without having to take the vehicle to a specialized center or laboratory. This method thus allows for self-diagnosis of the vehicle using, for example, one or more devices installed in the vehicle. Maintenance of such a vehicle is then facilitated by the availability of an easy-to-use diagnostic tool.

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a communication environment 1 in which a vehicle evolves, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Vehicle 10 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with electric motor(s), or even a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0035] The vehicle 10 is equipped with at least one antenna. Generally, such an antenna is used to receive radio waves in order, for example, to power an infotainment system, known as an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, in the vehicle. This antenna is, for example, placed on or in the roof of the vehicle 10, so as to have maximum free space and improve the reception of electromagnetic signals. This antenna is, for example, configured to receive radio waves associated with different communication protocols such as FM (Frequency Modulation), AM (Amplitude Modulation), DAB or DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), or SDAR (Digital Audio Broadcasting). (in English "Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service" or in French "Service de radio numérique par satellite").

[0036] Such an antenna is then capable of perceiving various electromagnetic noises emitted by components of the vehicle 10, such as those emitted by an electric or internal combustion engine. It is then possible to associate an electromagnetic noise possessing a characteristic signal with a transmitter of that electromagnetic noise. A characteristic signal comprises electromagnetic waves of determined frequency and amplitude. The antenna is, for example, capable of perceiving electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 150 kHz and 108 MHz. It should be noted that the antenna is, for example, associated with an amplifier or a filter, for example a high-pass filter or a low-pass filter, depending on the frequencies to be received.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the vehicle 10 carries, for example, in its passenger compartment a display system comprising a screen 20 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphic Human-Machine Interface, known as HMI, on the screen 20. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the vehicle's IVI system.

[0038] The screen 20 is, for example, touch-sensitive and corresponds, for example, to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor), or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). The screen is, for example, arranged in the center of the dashboard 21, for example above a central panel. Of course, the position of the screen 20 is not limited to this example; the screen 20 can be arranged in any position, for example on the central panel.

[0039] The screen 20 allows content to be displayed for the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10. The screen is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle to interact with one or more on-board systems in the vehicle via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the screen. For example, the screen allows control of the vehicle's infotainment system, also known as the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, as well as, for example, the system responsible for controlling a vehicle's journey, as described below.

[0040] According to another example, not illustrated here, the screen is not integrated into the passenger compartment but corresponds to a screen of a second mobile communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, connected in communication, for example wirelessly, with the vehicle's on-board system.

[0041] According to another particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 is also configured to communicate, i.e., to receive and / or transmit, data with other vehicles and / or a communication network infrastructure using a wireless communication mode, known as V2X.

[0042] To this end, the vehicle 10 carries a communication device corresponding, for example, to a telematic control unit, known as a TCU (from the English "Telematic Control Unit"), associated with one or more antennas. These antennas are, for example, separate from the antenna described above and receive radio waves.

[0043] The communication environment 1 of the vehicle 10 includes, for example, a mobile communication infrastructure, for example, a V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) network infrastructure, with which the vehicle 10 is configured to communicate data. The communication infrastructure implements, for example, communications using LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Avanced (Long-Term Evolution-Advanced), or C-V2X (Cellular-Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, which is based on 4G and / or 5G, based on LTE. Vehicle 10 communicates advantageously using a so-called V2X communication system, for example based on the 3GPP LTE-V or IEEE 802.1 lp standards of ITS G5.In such a V2X communication system, each vehicle carries a node to enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and / or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication.

[0044] The network infrastructure includes, for example, communication devices 110 corresponding to relay antennas and / or roadside units (RSUs), each corresponding to a node of the network.

[0045] The antenna or UBR 110 is advantageously connected to one or more remote servers 111, 112, for example via the "cloud" 100, using a wired and / or wireless connection. The antenna or UBR 110 is thus configured to act as a relay between the "cloud" 100 (and the remote server 111) and the vehicle 10.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the various devices and computers of the vehicle 10 communicate with each other. These devices and computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10. The devices and computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) or in French "Flexible Data Rate Controller Network"), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (from English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Local Interconnect Network") or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0047] A process for controlling a journey of the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle 10, for example by the computer of the IVI system.

[0048] In a first operation, first representative data of a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle 10 and its environment before starting an engine of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0049] The initial data is, for example, received from an antenna of vehicle 10, such as the vehicle's radio antenna. With the engine off, the antenna then picks up electromagnetic waves emitted by the environment surrounding vehicle 10, as well as waves emitted by vehicle 10's onboard systems other than those connected to the vehicle's engine. Thus, electromagnetic waves transmitted through the air are captured, as well as electromagnetic waves traveling through the vehicle's electrical and electronic system. All the captured electromagnetic waves together form noise called electromagnetic background noise. This noise originates, for example, from surrounding telecommunication systems, other vehicles, or even from vehicle 10's onboard systems that generate interference. The initial data represents, for example, a first set of electromagnetic signals.

[0050] In a second operation, second data representative of a second electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle 10 and its environment following the start of the engine of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0051] Second set of data is also received from the radio antenna. This includes, when external conditions are unchanged, waves similar to the electromagnetic waves previously received and included in the first set of data, but also electromagnetic waves emitted by the engine and systems associated with the now-started engine. The second set of data represents, for example, a second set of electromagnetic signals.

[0052] To the first and second data are added, for example, information relating to the type of environment in which the vehicle 10 is located, for example whether it is in a rural or urban environment, whether it is inside a building or outside, or even meteorological information.

[0053] The second data are associated, for example, with additional information relating to operating parameters of the vehicle's engine 10, for example its rotation speed or its speed, an operating temperature, peripherals switched on or not.

[0054] In a third operation, a defect is detected by processing the first and second data.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the first and second data respectively comprise the first and second sets of electromagnetic signals received, for example, by the vehicle's radio antenna. The third operation then comprises a temporal alignment of the first and second sets of signals, for example by phase alignment of the signals so that a first signal from the first set of signals is aligned with a second signal from the second set of signals, the second signal corresponding to the first signal.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the processing of the first and second data includes subtracting the first data from the second data. This operation notably eliminates electromagnetic background noise, since the electromagnetic signals received during the acquisition of the first data are also received during the acquisition of the second data. Thus, the signals in the third set of electromagnetic signals included in the subtraction result correspond to electromagnetic signals emitted by the engine of vehicle 10, the only difference between the acquisition of the first and second sets of electromagnetic signals being that the engine of vehicle 10 was running. Subtracting the first set of signals from the second set of signals therefore amounts to filtering the second set of signals to retain, in the third set of signals, only the signals emitted by the engine of vehicle 10.Fault detection then includes, according to a particular embodiment, a comparison of the third set of signals to a set of reference data representative of a set of faults, that is to say, a comparison of the electromagnetic signals emitted by the engine to a set of typical signals, each typical signal of which corresponds to a fault of the vehicle or the engine. For example, a signal from the set of typical signals corresponds to a fault, that is to say, a failure or malfunction of one of the following vehicle components: - an alternator, - an electric actuator, - a computer, or . - an electronic component, this list is not exhaustive.

[0057] According to another particular embodiment, the set of typical signals comprises a fourth set of electronic signals representing an electromagnetic signature of a motor, for example associated with a model, and / or a list of accessories or peripherals, the motor and its accessories or peripherals being sound, i.e., without defects, and a fifth set of electronic signals representing a motor and its accessories or peripherals, one of which is defective. An electronic signal from the fifth set of electronic signals is, for example, associated with a maintenance operation or a component to be replaced. The detection of an electronic signal in the third set of electronic signals corresponding to an electronic signal from the fifth set of signals then makes it possible to identify a defective element to be replaced and to plan, for example, a maintenance operation in a garage.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment, fault identification is not performed by a computer embedded in the vehicle 10 but is performed by a remote device. The operation for detecting a fault then includes the transmission of the first and second data sets to a remote device, for example, the remote server 111, or, in another example, the third set of data resulting from the operation of subtracting the first data sets from the second data sets, for example, via a 5G or LTE wireless link. The operation for detecting a fault then includes the reception of third data sets representative of the fault via the wireless link.In this case, fault detection is performed by comparing a set of signals determined from the first and second data points, for example, by comparison to a set of typical signals. A database containing all the typical signals is then accessible to the remote server 111. Such a database is populated, for example, by faults detected on other vehicles, for example, from the same manufacturer or a group of manufacturers. The database is then easily updated based on the faults identified on a set of vehicles.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment, in a fourth operation, a message is generated for a user based on the result of a fault detection. The control unit responsible for the fault detection process, for example, sends data to the IVI control unit so as to generate the display of a message or graphic object on the screen 20 of the vehicle 10. Such a message thus alerts the user of the vehicle 10 that a fault has been detected. The user can, for example, schedule a maintenance operation for their vehicle 10 in order to eliminate the detected fault.

[0060] Thus, this process makes it possible to detect a fault in a vehicle and / or its engine without having to go to a workshop or laboratory. It is therefore possible to self-diagnose the vehicle without having to add expensive sensors, as the radio antenna is very often already present. Fault detection thus makes it possible to prevent potential breakdowns and to inform a user of the health status of the vehicle, its engine, and / or certain vehicle components.

[0061] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a device 4 configured for detecting a fault in a vehicle, for example vehicle 10, according to an exemplary embodiment particular and non-limiting of the present invention. Device 4 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0062] Device 4 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 3]. Examples of such a device 4 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. The elements of device 4, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 4 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0063] The device 4 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 40 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 4. The processor 40 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 4 further comprises at least one memory 41, 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.

[0064] 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 4L

[0065] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 2 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0066] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 includes a block 42 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 42 include one or more of the following interfaces: - Radio frequency (RF) interface, for example, Wi-Fi® (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology narrow), or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (from the English "Long-Term Evolution" or in French "Evolution à long terme"), LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-avancé); - 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").

[0067] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 includes a communication interface 43 which allows communication to be established with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 430. The communication interface 43 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 430. The communication interface 43 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) type, FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0068] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 440, touch or not, one or more loudspeakers 450 and / or other peripherals 460 (projection system) via output interfaces 44, 45 and 46 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 4.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps in a method for detecting a defect in a vehicle, for example vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in vehicle 10 or by device 4 in Figure 4.

[0070] In a first step 31, first representative data of a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle 10 and its environment before starting an engine of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0071] In a second step 32, second data representative of a second electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle 10 and its environment following the start of the engine of the vehicle 10 are received.

[0072] In a third step 33, a fault is detected by processing the first and second data.

[0073] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to Figures 1 and 2 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.3].

[0074] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for diagnosing the operation of a vehicle engine that would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0075] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the device 4 of [Fig.4], and a system comprising a vehicle and a remote device connected wirelessly to the vehicle, the system being configured to implement the operations described in relation to Figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the method 3 of [Fig.3].

Claims

Demands

1. A method for detecting a defect in a vehicle (10), said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (31) first data representative of a first electromagnetic noise emitted by the vehicle (10) and its environment before starting an engine of the vehicle (10); - receiving (32) second data representative of a second electromagnetic noise emitted by said vehicle (10) and its environment following the starting of the engine of the vehicle (10), said first and second data being received from an antenna of the vehicle placed on or in the roof of the vehicle (10), the antenna being capable of perceiving electromagnetic waves having a frequency between 150 kHz and 108 MHz, the antenna being capable of perceiving different electromagnetic noises emitted by components of the vehicle (10);- detection (33) of a fault by processing said first and second data, said processing of the first and second data comprising a subtraction of the first data from the second data.;

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said detection (33) of a defect comprises a comparison of a result of said subtraction to a set of reference data representative of a set of defects.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the detection (33) of a fault further comprises the following steps: - transmission of the first and second data to a remote device via a wireless link, - reception of third data representative of said fault via said wireless link.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes generating a message to a user based on a result of the detection (33) of a fault.

5. 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.

6. Device (4) for detecting a defect in a vehicle, said device (4) comprising a memory (41) associated with at least one processor (40) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7.

8. Vehicle (10) comprising device (4) according to claim 6. System comprising a vehicle according to claim 7 and a remote device connected wirelessly to said vehicle, said system being configured to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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