Means of transportation, device, and method for ascertaining information relating to the operating state of a means of transportation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, to a means of transportation (10), and to a method for communicating information relating to the operating state of a first means of transportation (10). The method has the steps of: ascertaining a need to ascertain the information by means of an analysis unit (2, 3), filtering (400) a plurality of second messages (5) which have been received from second means of transportation (11, 12, 13), wherein sensor signals (6) and characteristic vehicle data (7) recorded by the second means of transportation (11, 12, 13) are defined in the second messages (5), and ascertaining the operating state of the first means of transportation (10) using the sensor signals (6) and characteristic vehicle data (7) contained in the second messages (5).

Description

[0001] Means of transport, device and method for determining information about an operating state of a means of transport

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a means of transportation, a device, and a method for determining information about an operating state of a means of transportation. In particular, the present invention relates to an onboard diagnostic functionality based on the best possible database.

[0004] The current state of the art uses various methods for fault diagnosis of vehicle components. For example, without monitoring the components, components are replaced "on suspicion" or based on experience only when signs of a fault arise, such as abnormal noises or vibrations. This can lead to the replacement of components that are functionally sound. Previous approaches to fault detection and prediction are primarily based on sensor-based methods such as vibration analysis. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of components such as shock absorbers or axle bearings.

[0005] DE 10 2009 053404 A1 discloses a device for diagnosing at least one fault in a vehicle's chassis, for which a vehicle speed is evaluated and used as a basis for investigating the fault. In the event of a fault, an error memory entry is made in the vehicle. Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to improve the information available for evaluating irregularities in the operation of a vehicle.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a method for determining information about an operating state of a means of transport having the features according to claim 1, a corresponding device having the features according to claim 13, and a means of transport having the features according to claim 14. The subclaims show preferred developments.

[0007] The method is used to determine information about the operating state of a first means of transport, which could also be referred to as an ego-means of transport. The means of transport can be a road-legal car, a van, a motorcycle, an aircraft and / or a watercraft. The operating state of the means of transport can be understood as a "vehicle in operation / in use" or as a "driving state". In particular, it is a state in which a defect in the means of transport can occur or become apparent. In a first step, the need to determine information is determined using an evaluation unit. For example, this can be done through user input or automatic evaluation of a sensor signal (e.g., microphone, accelerometer, current sensor, speed sensor, or similar).For example, the evaluation unit can be located in a stationary server or in the ego vehicle. The need arises, in particular, due to an anomaly in the evaluated time signals / sensor signals and / or due to a corresponding user input by which the user reports a defect. In a second step, a plurality of second messages received from second (i.e., further) vehicles are filtered. In other words, the second messages received from the second vehicles are examined for specific properties, which will be discussed in more detail below. The second messages contain sensor signals and vehicle characteristics recorded by the second vehicles.

[0008] The sensor signals can, for example, represent time signals from the sensors of the second means of transport. The vehicle characteristics can provide information describing the vehicle configuration. For example, a vehicle model, a manufacturer, an engine, a transmission variant, a body variant, a list of special equipment, or similar can be defined in the vehicle characteristics. Furthermore, vehicle-specific usage data (e.g., age, date of first registration, mileage, location of use, average elevation profile, maximum speed, etc.) can also be defined in the vehicle characteristics. The vehicle characteristics can therefore be structured according to "defined by the initial vehicle configuration" and "use-specific customization brought about by use or the vehicle's lifetime."In a final step, the operating state of the first means of transport is determined based on the sensor signals and vehicle characteristics contained in the second messages. In particular, at least the initial vehicle characteristics are taken into account in the vehicle characteristics. Alternatively or additionally, particularly if the initial vehicle characteristics comprise too large a volume of data, the individual usage characteristics can be used to filter the second messages. In particular, depending on the need to determine the information, a decision can be made as to whether certain usage scenarios promise particularly informative data. Alternatively, the second messages can be weighted based on the use of the first means of transport such that the sensor signals and vehicle characteristics are used to determine the operating state depending on a similarity / correlation.In this way, a vehicle fleet (e.g., from a manufacturer, a pool operator, or similar) can be used to obtain the best possible information about the operating status, information regarding the operating condition, and any defects that may be present. This facilitates troubleshooting and troubleshooting.

[0009] Optionally, a first request can be formulated to the second means of transport, requesting them to each send a second message in which the sensor signals and vehicle characteristics, in particular also age and mileage, etc., are defined. The request can be issued, for example, by the first means of transport or by a stationary server. The first request can be issued cyclically or event-based. In particular, the first request can be sent wirelessly. Accordingly, the first request is received wirelessly by the second means of transport. The first request can also include a general request for the recurring and / or continuous provision of the second messages. In other words, a procedural instruction is sent to the second means of transport as to how they are to deliver recorded sensor signals and / or vehicle characteristics.In this way, the first request can also be understood as a configuration message or as initiating a configuration process.

[0010] Preferably, the need to determine information about the operating state can be determined by the first means of transport, for which purpose the first means of transport evaluates its own sensor signals, compares them with locally available references and / or receives a first message. For example, the first means of transport may have sent sensor signals and vehicle identification data to a stationary server at an earlier point in time, which evaluated them and identified a defect. In response to receiving the above-mentioned first request (configuration or information request), the second means of transport can begin to record and / or send the sensor signals and / or vehicle identification data. For example, for the purpose of data reduction, the second means of transport can wait until the first means of transport orPredefined usage scenarios are identified for the defect, and the sensor signals are recorded during the corresponding usage scenarios. Once the usage scenario is completed or sufficient data has been recorded, the data can be automatically sent to the first means of transport and / or a stationary server. This increases the amount of data that can be used to determine information about the operating status of the first means of transport.

[0011] The need to determine information regarding the operating state may arise due to an unexpected spectral component and / or an unexpected amplitude and / or an unexpected temporal behavior of a sensor signal, particularly as a function of an operating state. An operating state can be defined, for example, as a rotational speed, a gear ratio, a wheel speed, a steering angle, an acceleration state, an incline / gradient, a specific pavement, and / or a road surface structure. In other words, an anomaly present in a sensor signal is determined using a predefined reference, and in response, the filtering of second messages and the determination of the operating state are performed, or the second messages are even generated and requested first.In this way, the best possible investigation, determination and remedy of a defect can be carried out in view of the needs-based information available.

[0012] The sensor signals can, for example, comprise acoustic and / or vibration-related time signals, in particular those standardized to a vehicle operating parameter (e.g., wheel speed, engine speed, fan speed, etc.). These are the sensor signals that are determined both in the first means of transport and in the second means of transport. In principle, all sensor signals existing in the vehicle fleet can be collected and used for the evaluation according to the invention. The second messages can, in particular within the context of the vehicle operating parameters, represent an engine speed and / or a wheel speed and / or a travel speed, which are preferably associated with the sensor signals, in particular preferably synchronized. Thus, a dependency of the sensor signals on the aforementioned vehicle operating parameters can be taken into account in the analysis.

[0013] The data communication effort can be further reduced by selecting the plurality of second means of transport that are contacted for the purpose of requesting a second message, or whose second messages are evaluated, based on a specification of the first means of transport. For example, this could be an engine type, body variant, transmission variant, or country variant (left-hand drive / right-hand drive), provided it can be assumed that the information regarding the operating state can be analyzed advantageously, particularly if the recorded sensor signals of the second means of transport used for analysis originate from identically equipped means of transport. In this case, the data communication effort in connection with other vehicles can be dispensed with.

[0014] Preferably, the sensor signals contained in the second messages can also be weighted based on the vehicle characteristics. This serves to determine the operating state of the first means of transport in such a way that those sensor signals whose associated vehicle characteristics correspond (as best as possible) to those of the first means of transport are used preferentially or predominantly. Here, too, vehicle operating parameters must be considered alternatively or additionally. In other words, the specification of the vehicle in its delivery state and, alternatively or additionally, the previous usage scenario of the means of transport can be read out and taken into account in order to best match the characteristics of the means of transport with the potential malfunction.

[0015] Depending on the (suspected) defect, various information about the means of transport (first or second means of transport) may be relevant or irrelevant. For example, a noise generated by a wheel bearing may depend on the speed and / or the steering state of the first means of transport. For a ball joint, the transmitted forces and the current joint angle are relevant. A leaking tension strut hydromount can negatively impact comfort and handling. Defects can therefore be detected, for example, using an accelerometer / structure-borne sound sensor. A bent handlebar or misaligned track can cause one-sided tire wear or a misaligned steering wheel when driving straight ahead. To determine misaligned track, a yaw rate and steering angle can be compared.A worn suspension damper can lead to a loss of damping force and unsuitable handling / ride comfort. Damper wear can therefore be detected, in particular, using an accelerometer and / or wheel speed sensors, which can detect wheel lift during braking / acceleration. A brake disc can exhibit thickness variations, resulting in vibrations and a loss of comfort. Similarly, a bearing failure in an axle drive can cause vibrations and noise. Corresponding comfort losses are also possible due to, for example, a leaky or worn engine mount. The last three fault patterns mentioned can therefore be detected, in particular, using acceleration sensors or structure-borne sound sensors.Depending on the time signal, driving situation and sensor position, one of the aforementioned defects can be inferred if a large number of (healthy) second vehicles report consistent sensor time signals that are different from the potentially defective first vehicle.

[0016] For this purpose, the vehicle characteristics of the first means of transport can be compared with the vehicle characteristics of the second means of transport represented in the second messages. If there is sufficient similarity, the associated sensor signals are taken into account when determining the information about the operating status of the first means of transport. If there is insufficient similarity or no similarity at all, the sensor signals are given less weight or are not taken into account at all.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device is proposed which is arranged, for example, in a means of transport or is designed as a stationary evaluation unit. The device can have a data input, a data output, and an evaluation unit, which can comprise, for example, a programmable processor, a controller, a CPU, or the like. The device is thus configured to carry out the steps of a method described in detail above in a corresponding manner, so that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation is proposed which is configured to be used in a method according to the above embodiments or comprises a device as described above as the second aspect of the invention. The features, combinations of features, and the resulting advantages of the above aspects of the present invention also apply to the means of transportation in a corresponding manner, so that reference is made to the above embodiments to avoid repetition.

[0019] Individual aspects and features of the invention are explained below using an example, whereby a restriction of the above statements as well as a restriction of the scope of protection defined by the appended claims is not excluded.

[0020] In a first step, a signal curve can be recorded using the vehicle's sensors (e.g., wheel speed sensor). An authentication check can then be carried out to determine whether the relevant data protection guidelines are being adhered to. In other words, it can be ensured that the driver has agreed to their data being sent from the vehicle to a driver at a later stage. If the driver's consent is obtained, the driving situation is filtered to determine whether the current driving situation is suitable for diagnosing a specific component based on various conditions (e.g., acceleration, speed, road conditions, weather, etc.). In a subsequent step, the sensor signal curve is Fourier transformed (FFT) into a frequency spectrum and possibly standardized to, for example, the wheel speed, engine speed, transmission speed, gear ratio, or something similar.This data is sent, for example, from the vehicle to a server where the data is stored. Such a data storage system can be referred to as a Cloud Data Hub (CDH). The CDH data forms the basis for performing an evaluation using a cloud platform. The evaluation of a component is based on a physical model of the component (e.g., a planetary gear for a wheel bearing). From this model, it can be determined at which frequency a change in amplitude is noticed in the FFT data in the event of a fault, compared to the fault-free component. The amplitude curve of an intact damper can be compared with the amplitude curve of a defective damper. If the changes in amplitude are now detected at the previously determined frequency in the actual FFT data curve of the vehicle, there is a high probability that the vehicle component actually has a fault.This information can then be used in a final step to either inform the dealer and, for example, automatically provide a recommendation as to which part should be replaced and which should not, or the information can be used to (automatically) proactively inform the customer about the vehicle's condition and advise them on possible measures. The method can be used for many different components in the vehicle, particularly in the powertrain. The various components should each be represented by their own models, to which respective vehicle operating parameters are assigned as part of the vehicle's key data. The current condition of the first vehicle can be assessed in different ways.For example, a fixed threshold can be defined based on the specification of the first means of transport, with a predefined deviation from which leads to an error case result. The fixed threshold can be defined, for example, based on the information contained in the second messages. Alternatively or additionally, the analysis can be defined based on a history of a sensor signal recorded in the first means of transport. If a current value deviates from a sensor signal recorded at an earlier point in time in a predefined manner, this constitutes an error case. Here, too, the evaluation of the information contained in the second messages can be used to consider the history not only of one and the same vehicle, but of a plurality of essentially identical second means of transport.In a corresponding manner, the sensor signals of a selected set of vehicles (e.g. same body and same engine) of the second means of transport can be taken into account in order to distinguish between an OK and a NO OK case.

[0021] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. They show:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a plurality of second means of transport which provide data for a first means of transport in an embodiment of a method according to the invention for determining information about an operating state of a means of transport; and

[0023] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for determining information about an operating state of a means of transport.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows an ego vehicle in the form of a first means of transport 10, which has detected an anomaly 9 in a time signal 6 by means of a sensor (not shown). An evaluation unit 2 is configured via an antenna 14 to send a first request 8 as a first message to the second means of transport 11, 12, 13. The first request 8 contains at least the vehicle characteristics 7 of the first means of transport 10. Optionally, the sensor signals 6 containing the anomaly 9 can also be represented or at least designated. With the first request 8, the first means of transport 10 thus requests the second means of transport 11, 12, 13 to send their respective time signals 6 back via second messages 5 via a transmission tower 4 to a server 3 or to the first means of transport 10.The second means of transport 11, 12, 13 addressed by the first means of transport 10 can, for example, have been selected based on the respective vehicle characteristics 7, which essentially correspond to the vehicle characteristics 7 of the first means of transport 10. Alternatively or additionally, other circumstances (sunshine due to a sun 15, rainy journeys due to a cloud 16, uphill journeys through a mountain range 17) can also be used to select the second means of transport 11, 12, 13 from a plurality of second means of transport. In this way, it can be ensured that the received second messages 5 contain sensor signals 6 that are as relevant as possible for the first means of transport 10, so that the determination of information about the operating state of the first means of transport 10 is as accurate as possible for the configuration of the first means of transport 10. Fig.2 shows steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for determining information about an operating state of a means of transport. In step 100, a need to determine the information is determined using an evaluation unit in a stationary server or in the means of transport itself. This can be done, for example, by using sensor technology to determine a time signal anomaly in a sensor signal. In step 200, a first request is formulated to second means of transport, which requests the second means of transport to each send a second message in which the sensor signals and vehicle characteristics (e.g., age and mileage, etc.) are defined. The first request can be sent once upon registration of a respective second means of transport by a stationary server or by the first means of transport.In step 300, a plurality of second messages are subsequently received by a stationary server and / or the first means of transport. The second messages can also be created, sent, and subsequently received repeatedly, in response to the occurrence of a predefined condition, such as the starting of a second means of transport or under other circumstances. In step 400, the plurality of second messages are filtered. In other words, after receiving the second messages, which contain sensor signals and vehicle characteristics (e.g., age and mileage, etc.) recorded by the second means of transport, the data is processed.In particular, corresponding vehicle characteristics are logically assigned to each recorded sensor signal so that, depending on certain vehicle characteristics, the respective sensor signals can be evaluated, compared with one another, weighted, and optionally transmitted. Transmission can occur, for example, to a stationary server and / or the first means of transport to enable the operating state of the first means of transport to be determined in step 500 based on the sensor signals and vehicle characteristics contained in the second messages. In particular, vehicle characteristics of the first means of transport are used to structure the information (sensor signals and vehicle characteristics) contained in the plurality of second messages, optionally to weight them, or at least to filter them, and to use them to assess an operating state of the first means of transport.In particular, it can be assessed whether the operating state of the first means of transport can be understood as healthy or not healthy. In step 600, the vehicle characteristics in the stationary server and / or in the first means of transport are then evaluated to determine whether the vehicle characteristics of the first means of transport sufficiently correspond to the vehicle characteristics stored in the second messages. Depending on a similarity, a decision is made in step 700 as to the extent to which the sensor signals should be taken into account in determining the information about the operating state of the first means of transport. In this way, it can be ensured that when assessing the operating state of the first means of transport, only those sensor signals and other information that are sufficiently significant for this investigation are taken into account.As a result, an assessment of the operating condition of a means of transport is based on a particularly broad and highly correlated data basis.

[0025] List of reference symbols:

[0026] 1 Information

[0027] 2 Evaluation unit

[0028] 3 stationary servers

[0029] 4 transmission tower

[0030] 5 second message

[0031] 6 sensor signals

[0032] 7 Vehicle characteristics

[0033] 8 first inquiry

[0034] 9 Anomaly

[0035] 10 first means of transport

[0036] 11, 12, 13 second means of transport

[0037] 14 Antenna

[0038] 15 Sun

[0039] 16 Cloud

[0040] 17 mountains

[0041] 100 to 700 process steps

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A method for determining information about an operating state of a first means of transport (10) comprising the steps • Determining (100) a need to determine the information by means of an evaluation unit (2, 3) • Filtering (400) a plurality of second messages (5) which have been received from second means of transport (11, 12, 13), wherein sensor signals (6) and vehicle characteristics (7) recorded by the second means of transport (11, 12, 13) are defined in the second messages (5), and • Determining (500) the operating state of the first means of transport (10) based on the sensor signals (6) and vehicle characteristics (7) contained in the second messages (5).

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising - Formulating (200) a first request (8) to the second means of transport (11, 12, 13) to request them to send a second message (5) in which the sensor signals (6) and vehicle characteristics (7) are defined, and in particular - Receiving (300) the second messages (5), preferably by a stationary server and / or the first means of transport (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein - the necessity is determined by means of the first means of transport (10) and / or - in response to the receipt of the first request (8), the sensor signals (6) and / or vehicle identification data (7) are recorded and / or transmitted by the second means of transport (10).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the necessity is determined due to a signal anomaly (9) in a sensor signal recorded by the first means of transport (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor anomaly (9) is determined by - an unexpected spectral component and / or - an unexpected amplitude and / or - is identified by an unexpected temporal behavior of the sensor signal, in particular depending on an operating state.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the sensor signals (6) comprise acoustic and / or vibration signals, in particular time signals standardised to a vehicle operating parameter and - the second messages (5) further represent an engine speed and / or a wheel speed and / or a travel speed, which are in particular associated with the sensor signals, preferably synchronized.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of second means of transport (11, 12, 13) are selected based on a specification of the first means of transport (10).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor signals (6) contained in the second messages (15) are weighted on the basis of the vehicle characteristics for the purpose of determining the operating state of the first means of transport (10).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of second means of transport (11, 12, 13) are selected based on a current state of the first means of transport (10).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of information about the operating state of the first means of transport (10) is based on - a wheel bearing and / or - a ball joint and / or - a tension strut hydro mount and / or - a damper and / or - a brake disc and / or - an axle drive and / or - a transfer case and / or - an engine mount.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - evaluating (600) the vehicle characteristics to determine whether the vehicle characteristics (7) of the first means of transport (10) are sufficiently similar, and depending on a similarity - taking into account (700) the sensor signals (6) in determining the information about the operating state of the first means of transport (10), or not.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle characteristics - a drive type and / or - an engine design and / or - an engine type and / or - a series and / or - a gearbox and / or - a body variant and / or - a chassis variant is defined.

12. Device which is arranged to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

13. A means of transport which is arranged to be used as the first means of transport (10) in a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

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