Electronic control unit

By acquiring ambient temperature data externally and comparing it with sensor values, the electronic control device addresses the challenge of detecting abnormalities in outside air temperature sensors, enhancing accuracy and reducing sensor count, thus improving data quality and vehicle performance.

JP7910490B2Active Publication Date: 2026-08-25DENSO CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023038949
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-13
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing electronic control devices face challenges in accurately detecting abnormalities in outside air temperature sensors due to the limited conditions for using outlet temperature sensors as comparison values, which are affected by engine and compressor operations, leading to an increase in sensor numbers.

Method used

The electronic control device acquires ambient temperature data from an external center via communication, compares it with the sensor values, and transmits only normal data to the center for storage, thereby reducing the need for additional sensors and enhancing accuracy.

Benefits of technology

This approach allows for accurate detection of abnormalities in outside air temperature sensors without increasing sensor count, improving data accuracy in the external center, and reducing processing load while extending the life of the compressor and maintaining vehicle comfort.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an electronic control device that can regularly perform abnormality detection, while suppressing the number of sensors from increasing.SOLUTION: An electronic control device is mounted on a vehicle, obtains a sensed outdoor air temperature value from an outdoor air temperature sensor provided in the vehicle and performs control using the sensed value. The electronic control device obtains data on outdoor air temperatures at present time at a present position of the vehicle through a DCM, from a cloud provided with a storing device storing outdoor air temperature data concerning outdoor air temperatures and arranged outside the vehicle (S11). The electronic control device compares the sensed outdoor air temperature value with the outdoor air temperature data, and when an abnormality of the outdoor air temperature senor is not detected and therefore the outdoor air temperature sensor is normal, transmits the sensed outdoor air temperature value and the present position to the cloud through the DCM (S12 and S19).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the method of an electronic control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a diagnostic device for diagnosing an abnormal sign of equipment mounted on a vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an electronic control device mounted on a vehicle is configured to acquire an outside air temperature sensor value from an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the external environment of the vehicle. Further, the electronic control device is configured to detect an abnormality of the outside air temperature sensor in order to acquire an accurate outside air temperature sensor value.

[0005] The electronic control device can detect an abnormality of the outside air temperature sensor by comparing the outside air temperature sensor value with a comparison value correlated with the outside air temperature sensor value. The sensor that outputs the comparison value can adopt a comparison sensor having the same configuration as the outside air temperature sensor, an outlet temperature sensor that detects the outlet temperature which is the temperature at the piping outlet of the compressor, and the like. The outlet temperature sensor is mounted at the position most similar to the outside air temperature sensor.

[0006] However, when providing a comparison sensor, there is a problem that the number of sensors increases. On the other hand, the outlet temperature sensor is a sensor that is affected by the engine drive or compressor drive of the vehicle. Therefore, the conditions for using the sensor value of the outlet temperature sensor as a comparison value are limited. That is, there is a problem that the conditions for the electronic control device to detect an abnormality of the outside air temperature sensor are limited.

[0007] One of the objectives of the disclosure is to provide an electronic control device that can always detect anomalies while suppressing an increase in the number of sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electronic control device disclosed herein is An electronic control device mounted on a vehicle, which acquires sensor values ​​from an outside temperature sensor installed on the vehicle and performs control using the sensor values, An acquisition unit (S11) that acquires current outside temperature data at the vehicle's current location from an external center located outside the vehicle, which is equipped with a storage device that stores outside temperature data, via a communication device, An abnormality detection unit (S12) detects an abnormality in the ambient temperature sensor by comparing the sensor value with ambient temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit, If no abnormalities are detected and the ambient temperature sensor is functioning correctly, the current location along with the sensor value will be transmitted to an external center via the communication device as part of the ambient temperature data. And store it in an external center. A transmitting unit, 、 The transmitting unit transmits only sensor values ​​that the outside temperature sensor has determined to be normal, for use as data to be stored at the external center. .

[0009] According to the electronic control unit disclosed herein, the electronic control unit acquires ambient temperature data for the current time at the vehicle's current location from an external center. Therefore, the electronic control unit can detect abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor by comparing the sensor value of the ambient temperature sensor with the acquired ambient temperature data. Furthermore, if the ambient temperature sensor is functioning normally, the electronic control unit transmits the current location along with the sensor value to the external center as part of the ambient temperature data. Therefore, the electronic control unit can store accurate ambient temperature data at the external center.

[0010] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses in this section are illustrative in their correspondence with the embodiments described later and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the schematic configuration of the first ECU. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the first ECU. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the processing actions when data acquisition from the first ECU is not possible. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example is adopted in which the electronic control unit is applied to the first ECU10.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the first ECU 10 is mounted on the first vehicle 101 and the nth vehicle 10n. The first vehicle 101 and the nth vehicle 10n are configured to communicate with the cloud 200. In other words, the first vehicle 101 and the nth vehicle 10n and the cloud 200 can be said to constitute a vehicle communication system. The multiple vehicles 101 to 10n included in the vehicle communication system are configured to communicate wirelessly with the cloud 200.

[0014] Note that n is a natural number greater than or equal to two. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle communication system including two vehicles 101 and 10n. However, the vehicle communication system may include three or more vehicles 101 to 10n.

[0015] The plurality of vehicles 101 to 10n include a first ECU 10 capable of executing a processing operation (detection processing operation) to be described later. In this embodiment, as an example, vehicles 101 and 10n having the same configuration are adopted. However, the plurality of vehicles 101 to 10n may have different configurations other than the detection processing operation of the first ECU 10. In this embodiment, as an example, the first vehicle 101 and the first ECU 10 mounted on the first vehicle 101 are used for explanation. In FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations.

[0016] <Cloud> The cloud 200 is a system that distributes outside air temperature data for each location to the plurality of vehicles 101 to 10n. The cloud 200 is configured to be communicable with the plurality of vehicles 101 to 10n. The cloud 200 includes a processing device such as a CPU, a storage device in which outside air temperature data regarding the outside air temperature is stored, a communication device communicable with the plurality of vehicles 101 to 10n, and the like. The cloud 200 corresponds to an external center.

[0017] The processing device receives, via the communication device, the current position of the first vehicle 101 and the sensor value of the outside air temperature sensor 40 transmitted from the first ECU 10. The processing device stores the received sensor value in the storage device as outside air temperature data. At this time, the processing device stores the received sensor value in the storage device in association with the received current position and the received time.

[0018] In addition, the processing device transmits, in response to a request from the first ECU 10, the outside air temperature data stored in the storage device via the communication device. At this time, the processing device transmits the outside air temperature data associated with the current position of the first vehicle 101 and the requested time.

[0019] It can be said that the memory device stores an outside air temperature database in which location, time, and outside air temperature data are associated. Note that the location may be position information indicating a single location or position information of a predetermined area including a single location. The time may be time information indicating a single time or time information of a predetermined time period including a single time. The plurality of outside air temperature data associated with the location and time may be, for example, the average value or the latest value of the plurality of outside air temperature data.

[0020] Furthermore, the processing device may be configured to be able to acquire weather data for each time period of a location (area) distributed from a weather center. In this case, in addition to the sensor values, the outside air temperature database may have weather data associated with the location and time.

[0021] <Configuration of the vehicle> The first vehicle 101 includes a first ECU 10, an m-th ECU 20, a DCM 30, an outside air temperature sensor 40, an outlet temperature sensor 50, a communication line 60, and the like. In FIG. 1, two ECUs, the first vehicle 101 and the m-th ECU 20, are illustrated. However, the first vehicle 101 may include three or more ECUs. Note that m is a natural number of 2 or more. m does not have to be the same number as n. The DCM 30 corresponds to a communication device. DCM is an abbreviation for Data Communication Module.

[0022] The first ECU 10 and the m-th ECU 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication line 60. Also, the first ECU 10 and the m-th ECU 20 are configured to be able to communicate with the DCM 30 via the communication line 60. At least the first ECU 10 can wirelessly communicate with the cloud 200 via the DCM 30.

[0023] The first ECU 10 includes a processing device such as a CPU, a memory device including a ROM and a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like. The first ECU 10 can adopt, for example, an air conditioner ECU or the like.

[0024] The first ECU 10 is connected to an ambient temperature sensor 40 that detects the ambient temperature, which is the temperature of the vehicle's external environment. The ambient temperature sensor 40 outputs a sensor signal indicating the ambient temperature to the first ECU 10. The ambient temperature sensor 40 is installed in a location where the influence of wind and sunlight is minimized. The sensor signal indicating the ambient temperature corresponds to the sensor value. The sensor signal indicating the ambient temperature can also be called the ambient temperature sensor value. Note that the ambient temperature sensor 40 does not have to be directly connected to the first ECU 10. The first ECU 10 only needs to be able to acquire the ambient temperature sensor value.

[0025] Furthermore, the first ECU 10 is connected to an outlet temperature sensor 50 that detects the outlet temperature, which is the temperature at the outlet of the compressor's piping. The outlet temperature sensor 50 outputs a sensor signal indicating the outlet temperature. The outlet temperature sensor 50 is located in a similar position to the ambient temperature sensor 40. The sensor signal indicating the outlet temperature can also be called the outlet temperature sensor value. Note that the outlet temperature sensor 50 does not have to be directly connected to the first ECU 10. The first ECU 10 only needs to be able to acquire the outlet temperature sensor value.

[0026] The processing unit executes a program stored in ROM. When executing the program, the processing unit performs various calculations using sensor signals received via the interface and data stored in RAM. The first ECU 10 outputs the results of the calculations as control signals via the interface. Thus, the first ECU 10 can be said to acquire sensor values ​​and perform control using those sensor values. The processing unit also has a timer function that can measure elapsed time, which will be explained later.

[0027] The mECU20 includes a processing unit such as a CPU, a memory device equipped with ROM and RAM, and an input / output interface. The mECU20 can, for example, be a navigation ECU. Therefore, the mECU20 is configured to acquire current location information indicating the vehicle's current position. Note that this current location information can also simply be referred to as the current location.

[0028] <Processing operation of the first ECU> The processing operation of the first ECU 10 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. For example, when the power is turned on, the first ECU 10 executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 2 at predetermined intervals. Figure 2 can be described as a flowchart showing the overall process of detecting abnormalities and diagnosing the outside temperature sensor 40. The processing operation of the first ECU 10 is mainly performed by the processing unit of the first ECU 10.

[0029] In step S10, the current location information is sent to the cloud 200 (request unit). The first ECU 10 sends the current location to the cloud 200 via the DCM 30. This causes the first ECU 10 to request the cloud 200 to send ambient temperature data for the current location. Upon receiving the request, the cloud 200 searches and extracts the current time and ambient temperature data associated with the current location information from the ambient temperature database. The cloud 200 then delivers the extracted ambient temperature data to the first ECU 10. The cloud 200 may also deliver ambient temperature data acquired at the time of receiving the request, or around that time, to the first ECU 10. This also allows the transmission of ambient temperature data corresponding to the current time.

[0030] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first ECU 10 may, for example, periodically transmit its current location to the cloud 200 via the DCM 30 (request unit). This also allows the first ECU 10 to request the transmission of ambient temperature data.

[0031] In step S11, it is determined whether or not outside temperature data has been acquired from the cloud. The first ECU 10 acquires outside temperature data for the current time at the current location from the cloud 200 via the DCM 30 (acquisition unit). In other words, the first ECU 10 acquires outside temperature data after requesting the cloud 200 to transmit the outside temperature data. However, the first ECU 10 may not be able to acquire outside temperature data depending on the radio wave conditions of the wireless communication.

[0032] If the first ECU 10 receives outside temperature data via the DCM 30, it determines that it has acquired the outside temperature data and proceeds to step S12. If the first ECU 10 does not receive outside temperature data via the DCM 30, it does not determine that it has acquired the outside temperature data and proceeds to step S20.

[0033] In step S12, the system determines whether the difference between the outside temperature data and the outside temperature sensor value is below a reference value (anomaly detection unit). The reference value is a threshold for determining whether the outside temperature sensor value is abnormal. In other words, the reference value is a threshold for determining whether the outside temperature sensor 40 is abnormal, that is, whether the outside temperature sensor 40 is malfunctioning.

[0034] The first ECU 10 detects an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 by comparing the outside temperature data with the outside temperature sensor value. The first ECU 10 determines that the outside temperature sensor 40 is abnormal if the difference between the outside temperature data and the outside temperature sensor value exceeds a reference value. On the other hand, the first ECU 10 determines that the outside temperature sensor 40 is not abnormal, i.e., is normal, if the difference between the outside temperature data and the outside temperature sensor value is less than or equal to the reference value. Alternatively, it may be determined that an abnormality exists if the difference is greater than or equal to the reference value, and normal if the difference does not exceed the reference value. This reference value is stored, for example, in the memory device of the first ECU 10.

[0035] In this way, the first ECU 10 detects an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 by comparing the outside temperature sensor value with the outside temperature data. In other words, the first ECU 10 can detect an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 without comparing the outside temperature sensor value with the outlet temperature sensor value.

[0036] The outlet temperature sensor 50 is located near the compressor. Therefore, the outlet temperature sensor value is affected by the operation of the engine and compressor. For this reason, in order to accurately detect abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor 40 using the outlet temperature sensor value, it is desirable to compare the ambient temperature sensor value and the outlet temperature sensor value under the conditions that the engine of the first vehicle 101 is stopped (soaked) and that the power is turned on after a standard time has elapsed since the engine was stopped. For example, comparison is only possible within a specified time from when the power is turned on after the engine has been stopped for 1 hour. Therefore, if the power is turned on 30 minutes after the power was turned off, comparison is not possible. This is because in this case, the vehicle has not fully cooled down, and it is thought that this has a significant impact on the compressor outlet temperature. Furthermore, the restriction of being within a specified time from when the power is turned on means that abnormality detection is not limited to when the power is turned on, but allows for sensor abnormality detection as long as the vehicle state after power is considered to have little impact on the sensor. Here, "sensor" refers to at least one of the ambient temperature sensor 40 and the outlet temperature sensor 50. The outlet temperature sensor value can also be called the comparison sensor value.

[0037] However, since the first ECU 10 detects abnormalities in the outside temperature sensor 40 by comparing the outside temperature sensor value with the outside temperature data, it can accurately detect abnormalities in the outside temperature sensor 40 even if the soak time (soak state elapsed time) is less than the reference time.

[0038] In step S13, the determination unit determines whether the soak state is longer than the reference time and within the specified time since the power was turned on. The soak state is the state in which the engine of the first vehicle 101 is stopped. Therefore, the first ECU 10 compares the elapsed time since the power was turned off (off elapsed time) with the reference time to determine whether the soak state is longer than the reference time. The first ECU 10 also compares the elapsed time since the power was turned on (on elapsed time) with the specified time to determine whether it is within the specified time since the power was turned on.

[0039] Then, if the first ECU 10 determines that the soak state is longer than the reference time and within a specified time since power-on, it proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the first ECU 10 does not determine that the soak state is longer than the reference time and within a specified time since power-on, it proceeds to step S14. In addition, this disclosure may also determine whether the power-off elapsed time exceeds the reference time, and whether the power-on elapsed time is shorter than a specified time.

[0040] The reference time is set to the period during which the ambient temperature sensor value can be considered unaffected by the engine or compressor operation (disturbances). Therefore, if the off-time is equal to or greater than the reference time, the ambient temperature sensor value can be considered unaffected by the engine or compressor operation (disturbances). On the other hand, if the off-time is not equal to or greater than the reference time, the ambient temperature sensor value can be considered to be affected by the engine or compressor operation.

[0041] Furthermore, the specified time is set as the time from when the power is turned on until the air conditioner starts operating. The specified time can also be described as the time from when the power is turned on until a normal outdoor temperature sensor value can be obtained without being affected by the operation of the air conditioner. Therefore, if the time elapsed since the power was turned on is within the specified time, the outdoor temperature sensor value can be considered to be a normal value. On the other hand, if the time elapsed since the power was turned on is not within the specified time, the outdoor temperature sensor value can be considered to be affected by the operation of the air conditioner.

[0042] The standard time and specified time are predetermined. These standard time and specified time are stored in the memory device of the first ECU 10.

[0043] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first ECU 10 may proceed to step S19 if it determines that the soaking state is longer than or equal to the reference time, and to step S14 if it does not determine that the soaking state is longer than or equal to the reference time (determination unit).

[0044] In step S19, the current location information and the outside temperature sensor value are sent to the cloud (transmission unit). If the first ECU 10 determines YES in step S12 and also determines YES in step S13, it sends the current location information and the outside temperature sensor value as part of the outside temperature data to the cloud 200 via the DCM 30. Alternatively, it can be said that the first ECU 10 sends the current location information and the outside temperature sensor value as data to be used to make up the outside temperature data to the cloud 200.

[0045] As a result, the first ECU 10 can send to the cloud 200 the outside temperature sensor value that has been determined to be normal and unaffected by the operation of the engine, compressor, and air conditioner. Therefore, the first ECU 10 can improve the accuracy of the outside temperature data in the cloud 200.

[0046] Furthermore, the first ECU 10 may send to the cloud 200 an outside temperature sensor value that has been determined to be normal and unaffected by the operation of the air conditioner. Thus, the first ECU 10 can simplify the determination process in step S13 while improving the accuracy of the outside temperature data in the cloud 200.

[0047] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first ECU 10 may execute step S19 if the determination in step S12 is YES without performing the determination in step S13. In other words, if no abnormality is detected in step S12 and the outside temperature sensor is normal, the first ECU 10 transmits the current location information along with the outside temperature sensor value to the cloud 200 via the DCM 30. This also allows the first ECU 10 to transmit the normal outside temperature sensor value as part of the outside temperature data to the cloud 200.

[0048] Therefore, the first ECU 10 can obtain accurate ambient temperature data stored in the cloud 200. Thus, the first ECU 10 can acquire accurate ambient temperature data from the cloud 200. Furthermore, the first ECU 10 can accurately detect abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor 40.

[0049] In step S15, an abnormal output is generated for the ambient temperature sensor. The first ECU 10 outputs abnormal information indicating that the ambient temperature sensor 40 is malfunctioning. The first ECU 10 outputs the abnormal information via the communication line 60. The first ECU 10 outputs the abnormal information to, for example, an ECU that uses the ambient temperature sensor value (for example, a battery ECU). In this way, the first ECU 10 can inform the ECU that uses the ambient temperature sensor value that the ambient temperature sensor 40 is malfunctioning.

[0050] The first ECU 10 is an air conditioning ECU. Therefore, the first ECU 10 stores abnormal information in its memory device. This allows the first ECU 10 to recognize that the outside temperature sensor 40 is malfunctioning.

[0051] In step S16, it is determined whether the abnormal condition has continued for a predetermined time or longer (abnormal condition determination). If the elapsed time since the NO determination in step S12 reaches the predetermined time, the first ECU 10 determines that the abnormal condition has continued for a predetermined time or longer and proceeds to step S17. If the elapsed time since the NO determination in step S12 has not reached the predetermined time, the first ECU 10 does not determine that the abnormal condition has continued for a predetermined time or longer and proceeds to step S14. The predetermined time is set to the time at which an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 can be considered confirmed. The predetermined time is predetermined and stored in the memory device of the first ECU 10.

[0052] In step S17, the system outputs a diagnostic signal for the ambient temperature sensor. In other words, the first ECU 10 determines that the ambient temperature sensor 40 is malfunctioning. The first ECU 10 then outputs diagnostic information indicating that the malfunction has been confirmed. The first ECU 10 outputs the diagnostic information to the same destination as in step S15. The first ECU 10 also stores the diagnostic information, similar to step S15. In this way, the first ECU 10 confirms the malfunction only after the malfunction has persisted for a predetermined period of time or longer, thus preventing the output of the diagnostic information from hunting.

[0053] In step S18, outside temperature data is used instead of the outside temperature sensor value. The first ECU 10 detects an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 and determines that the abnormal condition continues for a predetermined time, then uses the outside temperature data instead of the outside temperature sensor value to perform control. As a result, even if the outside temperature sensor 40 is abnormal, the first ECU 10 can operate the air conditioner at an appropriate outside temperature. Therefore, the first ECU 10 can extend the life of the compressor and suppress a decrease in the comfort level inside the vehicle. In addition, the first ECU 10 can suppress the use of outside temperature data if it falsely detects an abnormality.

[0054] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first ECU 10 may, when it detects an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40, use outside temperature data instead of the outside temperature sensor value to perform control. This allows the first ECU 10 to omit steps S16 and S17 and reduce the processing load. In other words, the first ECU 10 can extend the life of the compressor while reducing the processing load and suppressing a decrease in the comfort level inside the vehicle.

[0055] By the way, if outside temperature data could not be obtained in step S11, the process for when data acquisition is impossible is performed in step S20. Here, the process for when data acquisition is impossible will be explained using Figure 3.

[0056] In step S21, the same determination as in step S13 is made. Here, the first ECU 10 makes a determination to check whether the outlet temperature sensor value is affected by disturbances. In other words, the first ECU 10 compares the outside temperature sensor value and the outlet temperature sensor value to determine whether it can accurately detect an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40.

[0057] If the first ECU 10 determines that the soak state is longer than the reference time and within the specified time since power-on, it assumes that the outlet temperature sensor value is not affected by disturbances and proceeds to step S22. In other words, the first ECU 10 considers that it can accurately detect an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 by comparing the outside temperature sensor value and the outlet temperature sensor value.

[0058] On the other hand, if the first ECU 10 does not determine that the soak state is longer than the reference time and within a specified time from power-on, it assumes that the outlet temperature sensor value is affected by a disturbance and terminates the flowchart in Figure 3. In other words, the first ECU 10 considers that it cannot accurately detect an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor 40 by comparing the outside temperature sensor value and the outlet temperature sensor value. Note that in step S21, similar to step S13, if it is determined that the soak state is longer than the reference time, it proceeds to step S22, and if it is not determined that the soak state is longer than the reference time, it may terminate the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0059] In step S22, it is determined whether the difference between the outlet temperature sensor value and the ambient temperature sensor value is below a reference value. The first ECU 10 compares the outlet temperature sensor value and the ambient temperature sensor value to detect an abnormality in the ambient temperature sensor 40. In other words, step S22 differs from step S12 in that the value compared to the ambient temperature sensor value is the outlet temperature sensor value, not the ambient temperature data.

[0060] The first ECU 10 determines that the outside temperature sensor 40 is abnormal if the difference between the outlet temperature sensor value and the outside temperature sensor value exceeds a standard value. On the other hand, the first ECU 10 determines that the outside temperature sensor 40 is not abnormal, i.e., is normal, if the difference between the outlet temperature sensor value and the outside temperature sensor value is less than or equal to the standard value.

[0061] Thus, the first ECU 10 performs abnormality detection of the outside temperature sensor 40 using the outlet temperature sensor value only when it is unable to acquire outside temperature data. However, when the first ECU 10 uses the outlet temperature sensor value, it performs abnormality detection of the outside temperature sensor 40 only on the condition that the determination in step S21 is YES. This allows the first ECU 10 to perform abnormality detection of the outside temperature sensor 40 using the outlet temperature sensor value, which is unaffected by external disturbances.

[0062] Steps S24 to S26 are the same as steps S15 to S17.

[0063] Now, let's return to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 2. In step S14, it is determined whether or not the power is off. If the first ECU 10 determines that the power is off, it ends the flowchart in Figure 2; otherwise, it returns to step S10.

[0064] <Effects> As described above, the first ECU 10 acquires ambient temperature data for the current time at the current location of the first vehicle 101 from the cloud 200. Therefore, the first ECU 10 can detect an abnormality in the ambient temperature sensor 40 by comparing the ambient temperature sensor value with the acquired ambient temperature data. Furthermore, if the ambient temperature sensor 40 is functioning normally, the first ECU 10 transmits the current location information along with the ambient temperature sensor value to the cloud 200 as part of the ambient temperature data. Therefore, the first ECU 10 can store accurate ambient temperature data in the cloud 200.

[0065] In a configuration that detects abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor 40 using the value from the outlet temperature sensor, the value from the outlet temperature sensor is affected by external disturbances. Therefore, it is desirable to detect abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor 40 only after a sufficient amount of time has elapsed in the soak state and within a specified time from power-on.

[0066] In contrast, the first ECU 10 detects abnormalities in the ambient temperature sensor 40 using ambient temperature data rather than the outlet temperature sensor value. Therefore, the first ECU 10 can periodically detect abnormalities even while the power is on.

[0067] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0068] This disclosure is described in accordance with embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10...1st ECU, 20...mECU, 30...DCM, 40...Outside temperature sensor, 50...Outlet temperature sensor, 60...Communication line, 101,10n...Vehicle, 200...Cloud

Claims

1. An electronic control device mounted on a vehicle, which acquires sensor values ​​from an outside temperature sensor provided on the vehicle and performs control using the sensor values, An acquisition unit (S11) that acquires the current time outside the vehicle's current location from an external center located outside the vehicle, via a communication device, which is equipped with a storage device that stores outside temperature data relating to the outside temperature, An abnormality detection unit (S12) detects an abnormality in the outside temperature sensor by comparing the sensor value with the outside temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit, The system includes a transmission unit that, if no abnormality is detected and the ambient temperature sensor is functioning normally, transmits the current location along with the sensor value to the external center as part of the ambient temperature data via the communication device and stores it in the external center, The transmitting unit is an electronic control device that transmits only the sensor values ​​for which the ambient temperature sensor has been determined to be normal, as data to be stored in the external center.

2. The vehicle further includes a determination unit (S13) that determines whether or not a standard time has elapsed since the vehicle's power was turned off, The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the current position along with the sensor value, provided that it is determined that the reference time has elapsed or longer.

3. The determination unit determines, in addition to whether or not the reference time has elapsed, whether or not the specified time has passed since the power was turned on. The electronic control device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the current position along with the sensor value, provided that it is determined that the current position is within the specified time, in addition to determining that the reference time has elapsed.

4. The system further includes a request unit (S10) that transmits the current location to the external center via the communication device, thereby requesting the external center to transmit the outside temperature data. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the outside temperature data after a request.

5. The electronic control device according to claim 4, wherein the request unit periodically transmits the current position to the external center via the communication device.

6. The electronic control device according to claim 1, which, when an abnormality is detected, uses the ambient temperature data instead of the sensor value for control.

7. The system further includes an abnormal state determination (S16) that determines whether or not the abnormal state has continued for a predetermined period of time. The electronic control device according to claim 6, which, when an abnormality is detected and determined to have continued for a predetermined time, performs control using the ambient temperature data instead of the sensor value.

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