A method for performing functional diagnostics on at least one vehicle component, and a diagnostic system.

Abstract

To provide an improved method for performing functional diagnostics of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle during manufacture, which ensures efficient and reliable performance of the functional diagnostics. The invention relates to a method for performing a functional diagnosis of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle (1) during production, characterized in that a diagnostic execution protocol (2) is generated by a first vehicle-external computing unit (RE_1) with machine-readable instructions for performing an at least semi-automated functional diagnosis of the vehicle component by an internal-vehicle computing unit (RI), the diagnostic execution protocol (2) is transmitted to the internal-vehicle computing unit (RI) of the vehicle (1) during production, the diagnostic execution protocol is executed by the internal-vehicle computing unit (RI), the internal-vehicle computing unit (RI) activates at least one vehicle component for checking a correct functional configuration of the at least one vehicle component, a response behavior of the at least one vehicle component is detected automatically by the internal-vehicle computing unit (RI) or with manual assistance by a person responsible for the production of the vehicle (1), and the detected response behavior is output to the first external-vehicle computing unit (RE_1) and / or to the second external-vehicle computing unit (RE_2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for performing functional diagnostics of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle during manufacturing, and to a diagnostic system for implementing the method of the type defined in detail in the preamble of claim 7. Background Art

[0002] Complex machinery such as vehicles requires a large number of individual work steps to complete assembly. In this process, individual assembly steps may be performed improperly, and / or incorrect components may have been installed. For this reason, it is necessary to inspect relevant vehicle functions for proper functional configuration before the vehicle is shipped. If an error occurs, countermeasures can be taken to eliminate the error before the vehicle is shipped.

[0003] For example, before delivery of a vehicle, it is checked whether the correct software, particularly the latest version, is installed on each computing unit or control device mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, sensors installed on the vehicle are calibrated. Vehicle inspection can be intended such that individual functional inspection steps are performed manually, partially supported by a computer system, or fully automatically by a computer system. For this purpose, a corresponding computer system is typically connected via a cable to the vehicle's computing unit by means of a so-called on-board diagnostic plug. A computer system external to the vehicle then activates the corresponding vehicle component to be checked or calibrated.

[0004] Planning, preparing, and executing such functional checks is associated with significant costs. First, it is necessary to define and document the process steps to be performed in vehicle diagnostics. Subsequently, the corresponding process steps must be translated into program code, which must then be imported into the computer system. After that, the program code must be executed. During this process of translating planned steps into program code used to control vehicle components, so-called media discontinuities can occur, potentially leading to errors. For example, a programmer may misunderstand the process steps, and consequently, incorrect instructions may be incorporated into the program code. Furthermore, the vehicle's computing system differs from the development system, which can lead to bugs occurring more frequently. For instance, a diagnostic program may function perfectly in a test environment but malfunction when executed in a vehicle.

[0005] Patent Document 1 below discloses a method for manufacturing and inspecting the functionality of a vehicle or vehicle component during manufacturing. This method describes centralized management of the execution of functional inspections of a vehicle or vehicle component during manufacturing by a central computing unit. For example, it is necessary to perform different functional tests at different manufacturing stations and / or inspection stations for different model variations. In this case, the relevant progress and corresponding program code are reserved in the central computing unit for each different model variation and for each manufacturing station and / or inspection station. Inspection data generated during inspection is also centrally collected and evaluated, which makes it possible to quickly and directly assign the appropriate source of error to potentially occurring errors. Furthermore, this simplifies the implementation of countermeasures to eliminate the appropriate errors.

[0006] Maintenance of an automobile control system using mobile radio is known from Patent Document 2 below. This method is intended to establish a mobile radio-based communication connection between a computing device outside the vehicle and a control system inside the vehicle, and device data is exchanged between the computing device and the control system via the communication connection. This device data includes configuration data for the control system, error messages for the control system, and / or status messages for the control system. The computing device outside the vehicle functions as a central management mechanism for performing vehicle diagnostics. For example, the computing device transmits commands to each control system, instructing the control system to perform self-tests defined based on routines that are fixedly configured and implemented in each control system.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 below discloses a measuring instrument for performing measurement and inspection tasks in a configurable process. This measuring instrument is set up to read a file containing a process description. This measuring instrument converts the process description into a program execution routine and executes it. This file may be created using a business process modeling notation editor.

[0008] Furthermore, a method and equipment for manufacturing automobiles are known from Patent Document 4 below. This method is intended to involve the detection of voice input by a control device inside the vehicle and the assignment of a corresponding meaning to the voice input. Subsequently, a dataset corresponding to this meaning is transmitted to an inspection device for evaluation via an interface between the control device and an inspection device outside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2009 033 806(A1) Specification [Patent Document 2] German Patent No. 10 2013 014 878(B3) Specification [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2012 110 623(A1) Specification [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2018 203 067(A1) Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for performing a functional diagnosis of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle under construction, which ensures the efficient and reliable execution of the functional diagnosis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a method for performing a functional diagnosis having the features of claim 1, and a corresponding diagnostic system used therefor having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and variations are evident from the dependent claims.

[0012] The present invention's method for performing a functional diagnosis of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle under construction is distinguished from methods belonging to the art by the following method steps: - A diagnostic execution protocol is generated by a first external computing unit, which includes machine-readable instructions for performing at least a semi-automated functional diagnostic of vehicle components by an internal computing unit; - The diagnostic execution protocol is transmitted to the in-vehicle computing unit of the vehicle under construction; -The diagnostic execution protocol is executed by a computing unit inside the vehicle, the computing unit inside the vehicle operates (controls) at least one vehicle component to check the proper functional configuration of at least one vehicle component, and the response behavior of at least one vehicle component is detected automatically by the computing unit inside the vehicle or manually assisted by the person responsible for manufacturing the vehicle; and, - The detected response behavior is output to a first external vehicle computing unit and / or a second external vehicle computing unit.

[0013] The method according to the present invention is intended to move the computing unit that performs functional diagnostics into the vehicle itself. In other words, the vehicle performs functional diagnostics autonomously, which enables particularly efficient functional diagnostic execution. For example, the communication path from the controlling computing unit to the operating components is shortened, which enables particularly rapid computation time and consequently reduced waiting time. This enables efficient execution of time-critical calls. Furthermore, the computationally intensive resources (CPU load resources) required to perform functional diagnostics are reduced. This is because a single central computing system does not need to operate numerous control devices simultaneously to perform functional diagnostics on a large number of vehicles.

[0014] In this context, the first external computing unit can be understood as a development system. Machine-readable instructions are program code that can be executed by the internal computing unit. This allows the internal computing unit to operate the vehicle components to be checked according to the diagnostic process to be performed. The corresponding diagnostic process can be performed and recorded either entirely automatically by the internal computing unit or with manual assistance by the person responsible for manufacturing the vehicle. For example, it may be necessary for a person to manually operate the vehicle in order to fully perform functional tests and / or to detect and record the responses caused by the operation of vehicle components. In such cases, the person can input the corresponding test results either on the vehicle itself or through the first or second external computing unit. The second external computing unit may be a computing system used in manufacturing. This may be, for example, a central production computer or an independent system, or a computer system installed in, for example, a manufacturing station and / or an inspection station.

[0015] When an error is detected during a functional test, the diagnostic execution protocol may include corresponding instructions to address the error, such as re-executing individual calibration or test steps, and / or post-processing steps that are appropriately embodied by the vehicle's internal computing unit. These corresponding instructions may be part of a common diagnostic method, or, as a supplement, executed as a "standard response" for typical errors. For example, a specific diagnostic execution protocol for such a standard response may be generated and transmitted to the vehicle's internal computing unit for reservation and executed as needed.

[0016] The instructions included in the diagnostic execution protocol can be executed sequentially and / or in parallel by the vehicle's internal computing units. For example, the diagnostic to be performed is subdivided into "preparation," "main part," and "post-processing." Examples of preparation may include: establishing a communication connection between the vehicle's internal and / or external computing units, performing authentication and / or authorization, and establishing a so-called "session." Examples of the main part may include: operating actuators, reading sensor data, reading the control unit's error memory, and adjusting calibration parameters. Examples of post-processing may include: terminating the communication connection, writing result data, publishing result data to an external system, and resetting the control unit state.

[0017] A preferred development of this method is that the diagnostic execution protocol is intended to be generated by applying a graphical specification language to a first external computing unit, and the diagnostic execution protocol includes a flowchart of the diagnostic steps to be executed by an internal computing unit, and the external computing unit reads machine-readable instructions corresponding to the diagnostic steps from an external data bank and incorporates them into the diagnostic execution protocol. This efficiently configures the procedure for generating program code applicable to the internal computing unit, starting from pure concepts, through precise setting of how the process steps should be executed, through program code generation, and finally to implementation and application by the internal computing unit. In particular, this avoids media discontinuities, which significantly reduces the risk of errors. For example, the process steps to be executed in a functional diagnosis are provided graphically in a user-friendly and easily understandable manner using a graphical specification language, and are directly translated into machine-readable instructions, which are automatically read from an external data bank by the first external computing unit, with instructions corresponding to each diagnostic step. In this case, the external data bank can be understood as a so-called code repository. The code repository implements machine-readable instructions necessary for every conceivable process that can be performed by the machine. Therefore, the manual programming cost of incorporating machine-readable instructions required to perform specific functional diagnostics into the vehicle's internal computing unit is eliminated.

[0018] When a vehicle manufacturer develops a new vehicle, vehicle component, and / or vehicle function, the programmer can write new machine-readable instructions to an external data bank, i.e., a code repository, which also enables reliable execution of functional diagnostics using the new component. If a bug occurs, the corresponding existing machine-readable instructions in the external data bank can be updated and revised.

[0019] As described above, the diagnostic execution protocol describes not only the superordinate concept of a purely conceptual procedure for an inspection process to be executed in functional diagnostics, but also the superordinate concept of program code used thereby by a computing unit inside a vehicle to actuate vehicle components.

[0020] The use of a graphic specification language particularly leads to a reduction in manual errors on the part of personnel responsible for production. For example, the personnel can view the inspection process to be executed, which is graphically displayed on any display device such as a tablet and / or augmented reality glasses used during production, whereby they can easily understand and grasp the resulting work process. In this way, the diagnostic execution protocol can be interpreted in an easily understandable manner by both humans and machines.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is applied as the graphic specification language. This is an established graphic specification language in business informatics and process management. The clear association between process steps to be executed and the corresponding program code reduces the time required for testing different software variants, which further improves the efficiency of executing functional diagnostics.

[0022] Further, in another preferred embodiment of the method, an on-vehicle computing unit is connected in a wired and / or wireless manner to a common communication network including an off-vehicle computing unit, and it is provided that the on-vehicle computing unit indirectly exchanges information with the off-vehicle computing unit via a communication server. The off-vehicle computing unit may be a first off-vehicle computing unit or a second off-vehicle computing unit. For example, the on-vehicle computing unit may be connected to a corresponding off-vehicle computing unit via an Ethernet cable or an on-board diagnostic cable in a wired connection. For wireless communication, it is preferable that WLAN and / or mobile radio applying 5G in particular or future mobile radio standards is applied. In particular, application of WLAN and / or mobile radio having at least the 5G mobile radio standard enables data transmission at a relatively high data transmission rate. In particular, when the on-vehicle computing unit is simultaneously connected in both wired and wireless manners to a common communication network including off-vehicle computing units, high data transmission rates can be achieved for various applications.

[0023] In general, it is also possible for the off-vehicle computing unit to communicate directly with the on-vehicle computing unit. For example, the off-vehicle computing unit may be a tablet or desktop computer used by a person in charge of manufacturing, which is connected to the on-vehicle computing unit in a communicable manner in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the person in charge's tablet can establish an ad-hoc WLAN, which the on-vehicle computing unit joins. For example, if an unexpected result that requires manual intervention by the person in charge occurs, the person in charge can, for example, use a graphics specification language on the tablet to generate a new diagnostic execution protocol, and transmit it directly to the on-vehicle computing unit for application. This enables particularly rapid response and adaptation of process steps to be performed for executing function diagnostics. Such a method can also be applied when developing machine-readable instructions to be stored in an off-vehicle data bank from corresponding process steps incorporated in a flowchart.

[0024] Using a communication server, centralized access from numerous in-vehicle computing units to a central external data bank becomes possible across various manufacturing sites. For example, the external data bank may be embedded in a tablet installed in a manufacturing station and / or inspection station. For instance, the tablet can, after generating a corresponding flowchart by the person in charge, incorporate corresponding machine-readable commands into its diagnostic execution protocol. In this process, there is a risk that outdated machine-readable commands may be read from the external data bank inside the tablet. By accessing the central external data bank via a communication server, the appropriately distributed external data banks can be updated with updated program code.

[0025] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention provides that a computing unit inside the vehicle operates an external operating machine to perform at least one diagnostic step and / or implement countermeasures if at least one vehicle component is being hindered in terms of proper functional configuration. The corresponding machine-readable instructions for operating the external operating machine are also incorporated into the diagnostic execution protocol or another diagnostic execution protocol. This incorporation is preferably done (in an automated manner) depending on the process steps of a flowchart defined in a graphical specification language. For example, the external operating machine may be a robot installed at a manufacturing station and / or inspection station. The operation of the vehicle or vehicle component can be performed in a wide variety of ways; for example, the external operating machine can move the vehicle or vehicle component, check using external sensors, add new components, or replace or remove already incorporated components. In this way, post-processing of the vehicle or vehicle component is possible, for example, after the original functional diagnosis has been performed. That is, the method according to the present invention enables a computing unit inside the vehicle to operate external machinery used in production or inspection itself. In that case, a central computing unit for operating external control devices becomes unnecessary. This also contributes to improved efficiency when performing functional diagnostics. The computing unit inside the vehicle can directly operate external control devices, for example, via direct communication via WLAN, or it can indirectly operate external control devices via an external computing unit, such as a central factory server.

[0026] According to the present invention, in a diagnostic system having a first external computing unit and a vehicle under construction including an internal computing unit, the first external computing unit and the vehicle are set up (configured) to perform the method described above. For this purpose, the internal computing unit can electrically or electronically operate and monitor all relevant vehicle components. This makes it possible to perform time-critical diagnostic process steps with relatively little waiting time and in a particularly resource-efficient manner. This ensures an efficient functional diagnostic process.

[0027] One preferred development of the diagnostic system provides at least one second external computing unit, which is set up to receive information from and / or be operated (controlled) by an internal computing unit. The internal computing unit transmits, for example, the results of a functional diagnostic test to the second external computing unit, where the results are stored for evaluation. Depending on the evaluated results, the second external computing unit can implement measures to eliminate errors. The internal computing unit can also operate the second external computing unit, for example, the second external computing unit is a control unit for external operating machinery.

[0028] The diagnostic system preferably includes a communication server, which has the function of exchanging information between an in-vehicle computing unit and a first external computing unit. This enables centralized management of an external data bank. For example, engineers involved in planning functional diagnostics do not need to be physically present in the factory to develop or implement new functional diagnostic processes. The corresponding diagnostic execution protocols that arise can be transmitted via the communication server to each manufacturing station and / or inspection station during manufacturing, where they can be incorporated into each in-vehicle computing unit. In general, the diagnostic execution protocols described above may already be pre-installed on the corresponding in-vehicle computing units before they are installed in the vehicle. This makes it possible to perform specific functional diagnostic checks even if communication has not been established between the external computing unit and the in-vehicle computing unit. The corresponding diagnostic results can be temporarily stored in the in-vehicle computing unit and transmitted to the first and / or second external computing units as soon as a communication connection is established.

[0029] Other preferred embodiments of the method and diagnostic system according to the present invention for performing a functional diagnosis of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle under construction will also be apparent from embodiments described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the procedure of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle manufacturer's infrastructure used for vehicle manufacturing and development based on the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the vehicle manufacturer's infrastructure, used for vehicle manufacturing and development based on the second embodiment, is shown. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing line. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram illustrating a decentralized manufacturing model. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The central idea of ​​the method according to the present invention for performing vehicle diagnostics on at least one vehicle component of a vehicle 1 under construction is the automated execution of functional diagnostics by a computing unit RI inside the vehicle. Preferably, the complete procedure for developing the process steps to be performed in the functional diagnostics, from generating program code, implementing the program code in the computing unit RI inside the vehicle, to its execution, is configured by applying a graphical specification language, preferably by applying Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN).

[0032] Engineer 5 creates a flowchart of the diagnostic process to be executed by the internal computing unit RI in the first external computing unit RE_1 using a graphical specification language. From this, a diagnostic execution protocol 2 is created. The diagnostic execution protocol 2 may be created in a graphical specification language and can then be converted to a meta-language such as XML. At this time, the first external computing unit RE_1 reads machine-readable instructions corresponding to each diagnostic process from the external data bank 3, also called a code repository, and incorporates them into the diagnostic execution protocol 2. This is done in method step 101. At this time, the external data bank 3 can be reserved (stored) in the first external computing unit RE_1 and / or in network data memory, for example, on a central server.

[0033] The diagnostic protocol 2 is transmitted via the communication server RKOM, for example, via a proxy server, to the vehicle manufacturer's factory 6 where the vehicle is being manufactured. At factory 6, the diagnostic execution protocol 2 is distributed to the corresponding in-vehicle computing unit RI of the vehicle 1 to be checked. In method step 102, the diagnostic execution protocol 2 or the machine-readable instructions contained therein are executed by the in-vehicle computing unit RI, thereby causing the in-vehicle computing unit RI to activate at least one vehicle component to be checked and detect and record the corresponding response behavior automatically or with manual assistance from the person responsible for manufacturing the vehicle 1. If there are no abnormalities in the functional diagnosis, as indicated by the check mark in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 can be released for the next manufacturing process or for delivery to the seller. On the other hand, if the functional diagnosis is unsatisfactory, as indicated by the lightning bolt mark in Figure 1, further countermeasures are introduced. These further countermeasures are also described by instructions incorporated into the diagnostic execution protocol 2 and can be executed or initiated by the in-vehicle computing unit RI.

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate again the vehicle manufacturer's infrastructure used for vehicle manufacturing and development. Figure 2 shows multiple first external vehicle computing units RE_1, each containing its own external data bank 3. In this case, the first external vehicle computing units RE_1 may be, for example, a development PC for engineer 5. A diagnostic execution protocol 2 can be generated through such a PC and transmitted to each factory 6 via the communication server RKOM. Each factory 6 may be equipped with a communication relay 7, such as a WLAN router or a 5G modem, through which the communication server RKOM is connected to a common communication network including the internal vehicle computing units RI. The corresponding transmission of the diagnostic execution protocol 2 to the internal vehicle computing units RI is illustrated by a dotted line in Figure 2.

[0035] The vehicle's internal computing unit RI can also operate external operating machines 4, such as an operating robot. For example, the operating robot can move or otherwise operate various parts of the vehicle. The external operating machines 4 may also include one or more sensors for checking the state of the vehicle 1 or vehicle components. Such sensors may be, for example, cameras, conductivity sensors, temperature sensors, force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.

[0036] In this case, the control unit for the external operating machine 4 can be called the second external computing unit RE_2. The factory 6 may also be equipped with another external computing unit RE_2, which may be, for example, a central factory server RE_2_Zentral. The central factory server RE_2_Zentral can store and evaluate the results of each functional diagnosis generated by the internal computing unit RI of the vehicle 1 to be manufactured and / or checked. For example, on the one hand, the internal computing unit RI or the central factory server RE_2_Zentral can activate the corresponding external operating machine 4 and automatically implement countermeasures to eliminate errors if errors are found. It can also notify the person in charge, who can then implement manual error elimination.

[0037] Furthermore, the first external computing unit RE_1 can also communicate indirectly with the internal computing unit RI. A tablet computer RE_2_Tab is illustrated as an example, which can be used by the manufacturer of vehicle 1 for interaction with the internal computing unit RI. This enables a particularly short communication path between the first external computing unit RE_1 and the internal computing unit RI.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a diagram similar to Figure 2. Here, the computer network of the first external vehicle computing unit RE_1 incorporates the central external vehicle data bank 3.1, and optionally the central server RE_1_Zentral, indicated by a dashed line. Developers can access machine-readable instructions, i.e., code blocks, stored in the central external vehicle data bank 3.1. Corresponding first external vehicle computing units RE_1, i.e., developer PCs, can update their respective external vehicle data banks 3 by reading from the central external vehicle data bank 3.1. Some of the developer PCs do not need to have the incorporated external vehicle data bank 3, but only require a direct connection to the central external vehicle data bank 3.1.

[0039] The entire process can also be managed by a central server, RE_1_Zentral. For example, the results of functional diagnostics transmitted from the in-vehicle computing unit RI of each individual vehicle can be stored and evaluated. This enables centralized analysis of manufacturing-based data. For instance, it allows for the combination of the advantages of distributed control of functional diagnostic execution with the corresponding centralized evaluation of results.

[0040] In this way, for example, it is possible to estimate defective lots of individual components and perform a specially simplified and systematic determination of the cause of errors. This also makes it possible to identify process steps where the error rate is high, for example, because sensor calibration takes too long.

[0041] Figure 4 shows manufacturing stations and / or inspection stations 9 arranged in series to form a manufacturing line 8. Here, individual manufacturing processes for a vehicle 1 or vehicle components can be performed at the manufacturing stations and / or inspection stations 9, and / or functional diagnostics can be performed on the vehicle 1 or vehicle components. Here, each manufacturing station and / or inspection station 9 may have its own second external vehicle computing unit RE_2, for example, a central computer that controls the machines used at each manufacturing station and / or inspection station 9. Each of such machines, for example, an external vehicle operating machine 4, may also include its own control device in the form of a second external vehicle computing unit RE_2.

[0042] Appropriate control commands can be output from the central factory server RE_2_Zentral and transmitted to individual second vehicle-external computing units RE_2, particularly via factory 6's WLAN, 5G, or future mobile wireless standards. Furthermore, data generated by the vehicle-internal computing unit RI, depending on the performed functional diagnostics, can be appropriately sent back to the central factory server RE_2_Zentral for evaluation.

[0043] Figure 5 shows alternative or additional embodiments of the factory 6. For example, individual or all of the manufacturing stations and / or inspection stations 9 may be dispersed. This enables flexible and efficient manufacturing and / or inspection of vehicles 1, in line with the concept of Industry 4.0. For example, instead of requiring the vehicles 1 to be manufactured to pass through individual manufacturing stations and / or inspection stations 9 sequentially, they can remain assigned to multiple manufacturing or inspection processes of a single manufacturing station and / or inspection station 9, and / or be flexibly swapped between them, thereby making the best use of available capacity in terms of efficiency.

Claims

1. A method for performing a functional diagnosis of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle (1) under manufacture, A first external computing unit (RE_1) generates a diagnostic execution protocol (2) which includes machine-readable instructions for an internal computing unit (RI) to perform at least semi-automated functional diagnostics of vehicle components. The diagnostic execution protocol (2) is transmitted to the computing unit (RI) inside the vehicle (1) that is under construction. The diagnostic execution protocol (2) is executed by the internal computing unit (RI) of the vehicle, the internal computing unit (RI) activates at least one vehicle component to check the proper functional configuration of at least one of the vehicle components, and the response behavior of at least one of the vehicle components is detected automatically by the internal computing unit (RI) of the vehicle, or manually assisted by the person responsible for manufacturing the vehicle (1), The detected response behavior is output to the first external vehicle calculation unit (RE_1) and / or the second external vehicle calculation unit (RE_2). The computing unit (RI) inside the vehicle operates an operating machine (4) including a robot outside the vehicle to perform at least one diagnostic step. A method characterized by the following:

2. The diagnostic execution protocol (2) includes a flowchart of the diagnostic process to be generated by the first external computing unit (RE_1) by applying a graphic specification language and executed by the internal computing unit (RI) of the vehicle, The external computing unit (RE_1) reads machine-readable instructions corresponding to the diagnostic process from the external data bank (3) and incorporates them into the diagnostic execution protocol (2). The method according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

3. Business Process Modeling Notation is applied as the aforementioned graphic specification language. The method according to claim 2, characterized by the features described above.

4. The internal computing unit (RI) of the vehicle is connected via wired and / or wireless means to a common communication network that includes external computing units (RE_1, RE_2), and exchanges information indirectly with the external computing units (RE_1, RE_2) via a communication server (RKOM). The method according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

5. Wireless communication is conducted via mobile radio using WLAN and / or 5G. The method according to feature 4.

6. A diagnostic system comprising the first external vehicle calculation unit (RE_1) and a vehicle under construction (1) including the internal vehicle calculation unit (RI), The first external vehicle computing unit (RE_1) and the vehicle (1) are set up to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A diagnostic system characterized by the following features.

7. It has at least one second external vehicle computing unit (RE_2), The second external vehicle computing unit (RE_2) is set up to receive information from and / or be operated by the internal vehicle computing unit (RI). The diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is as described above.

8. It has a communication server (RKOM), The communication server (RKOM) is set up to exchange information between the in-vehicle computing unit (RI) and the first external computing unit (RE_1). The diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is as described above.

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