Method for generating an information message for a user of a motor vehicle by means of an information system, computer program product, and information system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating an information message (18, 20, 22) for a user of a motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: providing measurement data (32) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of a first electronic computing device (26); transmitting the measurement data (32) to a second electronic computing device (36) external to the motor vehicle; receiving the measurement data (32) by means of the second electronic computing device (36); evaluating the measurement data (32) and, if the measurement data (32) exceed a predefined limit value, then generating an information message (18, 20, 22); transmitting the information message (18, 20, 22) to the first electronic computing device (26); receiving the information message (18, 20, 22) by means of the first electronic computing device (26); and displaying the information message (18, 20, 22) for the user of the motor vehicle (10) on a display device (24) of the motor vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a computer program product and to an information system (16).

Description

[0001] Method for generating an information message for a user of a motor vehicle by means of an information system, computer program product and information system

[0002] The invention relates to a method for generating an information message for a user of a motor vehicle by means of an information system according to the applicable patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and an information system.

[0003] It is already known from the prior art that corresponding information can be generated, for example, from measurement data in the vehicle. If these values ​​exceed a certain limit, a corresponding warning message can be displayed on an information panel in the vehicle. For example, if an engine temperature is exceeded, an engine warning light can be illuminated, alerting the vehicle user that the temperature is too high and, for example, a trip to a workshop is necessary.

[0004] Particularly in times of driver assistance systems and increasingly complex motor vehicles, it can happen that corresponding evaluations of measurement data are highly complex and require corresponding computing effort, which can no longer be achieved in the motor vehicle, or that the computing power in the motor vehicle can be made available for other functions, for example driver assistance functions.

[0005] DE 102017219473 A1 relates to a method for anticipating and detecting a failure of a component of a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving data of a plurality of measured variables of the vehicle, wherein the measured variables relate to the failure of the component of the vehicle; determining a set of vehicles depending on the received data of the measured variables of the vehicle and stored data from other vehicles; learning a function by means of a predetermined learning method based on the data of the determined vehicles, wherein the function comprises one or more measured variables from the received measured variables that are characteristic of the failure of the vehicle; receiving further data of the measured variable of the component of another vehicle; determining a failure probability for the component of the other vehicle using the learned function;If the failure probability exceeds a predetermined threshold: generating a service signal for the component of the further vehicle, the service signal indicating a predictive failure of the component of the further vehicle;

[0006] DE 10235 525 A1 discloses a method and system for an improved vehicle monitoring system for providing a cost-effective and scalable system design for industrial applications by utilizing machine learning and data mining technologies on data collected from multiple vehicles to generate models. Frequent collection of vehicle sensor and diagnostic data enables comparison with the generated models to provide ongoing analysis of the vehicle for repair, maintenance, and diagnostics.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and an information system by means of which an information message can be provided in an improved manner for a user of a motor vehicle.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and an information system according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating an information message for a user of a motor vehicle by means of an information system. Measurement data is provided in the motor vehicle by means of a first electronic computing device of the information system. The measurement data is transmitted to a second electronic computing device of the information system, external to the motor vehicle, by means of a first transmitting device of the electronic computing device. The measurement data is received by means of a second receiving device of the second electronic computing device. The measurement data is evaluated by means of the second electronic computing device, and if the measurement data exceeds a predetermined limit value, an information message is generated by means of the second electronic computing device.The information message is then transmitted to the first electronic computing device by a second transmitting device of the second electronic computing device. The information message is received by a first receiving device of the first electronic computing device, and the information message is displayed for the user of the motor vehicle on a display device of the motor vehicle.

[0010] In particular, the computing effort required to analyze the measurement data can thus be outsourced to the electronic computing device external to the vehicle. In particular, complex analyses can thus be carried out external to the vehicle, which means that less computing effort is required in the vehicle, or the computing effort can be made available for other tasks, such as driver assistance functions. Furthermore, it is also possible for the vehicle to be operated with reduced energy consumption, for example, since the highly energy-intensive computing work is carried out by the second electronic computing device external to the vehicle. Furthermore, the corresponding computing functions can also be outsourced, for example, when the vehicle is stationary, so that no energy is required within the vehicle, particularly in the case of at least partially electrically powered vehicles.This means, for example, that the range of the vehicle can be increased accordingly.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, an error log entry can be created that is visible only to the dealer. This prevents the vehicle user from being unnecessarily informed about minor errors and thus avoids unnecessary confusion.

[0012] In particular, since predictive vehicle diagnostics will play a major role in the analysis of motor vehicles in the future, it is thus possible to process these on-board diagnostics accordingly using a predictive diagnosis, which is carried out externally to the vehicle.

[0013] Predictive vehicle diagnostics, in particular, can generate information about the condition and service needs of motor vehicles. In some cases, the data to be processed and the processing itself are too extensive for direct analysis in the vehicle. Limitations include memory requirements and computing power. Additional expertise from the development department can also be provided for analysis external to the vehicle, thus enabling improved analysis. Furthermore, it can be planned for a permanent expansion of the external calculation methodology, which enables improved future analysis of the measured data.

[0014] In particular, it is intended that the measurement data or diagnostic data be temporarily stored in the vehicle. Depending on the necessary evaluation effort, processing can then take place in the vehicle or the data packets can be sent to the second, external electronic computing device. There, comprehensive analyses can be carried out. If critical limit values ​​are then reached or exceeded, several actions are possible. For example, a service requirement that will be detected in the next control tone (cycle) can be saved, which in turn is not visible to the user. Furthermore, the activation of a predefined information message in the vehicle, in particular over the air. Furthermore, the information message can be freely formulated and sent, in particular over the air.

[0015] The information message is, in particular, a so-called CCM (Check Control Message). This is purely an example. The information message can also take other forms, such as a warning light or information on an application.

[0016] Furthermore, in the case of safety-critical problems identified on the basis of the measurement data, a safety stop can also be initiated, particularly remotely.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, a predefined message can be generated as an information message. The predefined message is, in particular, a so-called CCM message. In other words, predefined warning messages can be generated, for example, when a temperature threshold for a motor is exceeded or when the motor's performance drops accordingly. This can be predefined, for example, in the sense that a general error with a corresponding error code is indicated. This allows the corresponding information message to be generated in a simple manner.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that a free message is generated as an information message. This free message is, in particular, not a predefined message, so that, for example, the exact error can be described, such as a 15% loss of performance. This is an example and should by no means be considered exhaustive. In particular, other free messages are possible. In particular, the information message can relate to any component of the motor vehicle.

[0019] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that both free messages and predefined messages can be transmitted. In particular, for a large number of components in the motor vehicle, a large number of different information messages can be transmitted, which can be both free and predefined.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the measurement data is recorded for a predetermined period of time. In particular, the measurement data can be stored over a defined period of time, especially with time resolution. In this case, sensitive data is anonymized. In other words, the analysis can be performed for the specified period of time. This allows the information message to be reliably generated.

[0021] It is also advantageous if additional navigation data from the vehicle is provided and transmitted to the second electronic computing device for analysis. The navigation data can, in particular, be so-called GPS (Global Positioning System) data. For example, the position and the corresponding altitude above sea level can be transmitted, allowing for reliable evaluation and analysis.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the measurement data is also stored internally for analysis. This allows, for example, a corresponding analysis to be performed internally. If, for example, a correspondingly low computational effort is required, the analysis can be performed internally. Furthermore, the analysis can also be performed internally, allowing, for example, verification of the analysis by the second electronic computing device or, conversely, verification of the analysis by the first electronic computing device.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the potential computational effort required for analyzing the measured data, a decision is made as to whether the measured data should be transmitted to the second electronic computing device. For this purpose, a corresponding threshold value can be provided, in particular, so that below the threshold value, the analysis is performed internally and above the threshold value, the analysis is performed externally. This allows a decision to be made as to which analyses are performed internally or externally. This leads, in particular, to less bandwidth being required if only small computing tasks need to be performed within the motor vehicle.

[0024] It is further advantageous if the measurement data relating to an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle are provided. For example, humidity values ​​of the electrical energy storage device can be recorded as the measurement data of the electrical energy storage device and transmitted to the second electronic computing device.

[0025] The presented method is essentially a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means that, when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device, cause electronic computing devices to perform a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with at least the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0027] The invention also relates to an information system for generating an information message for a user of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first electronic computing device in the motor vehicle and a second electronic computing device external to the motor vehicle. The information system is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the information system.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, and the information system. The information system has material features for this purpose in order to be able to carry out the corresponding method step. A computing unit / electronic computing device can be understood, in particular, as a data processing device that contains a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore, in particular, process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations for performing indexed access to a data structure, for example, a look-up table (LUT).

[0029] The computing unit may, in particular, contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more single-chip systems (SoCs). The computing unit may also contain one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also include a physical or virtual network of computers or other of the aforementioned units.

[0030] In various embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0031] A memory unit can be a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), or a non-volatile data memory, for example a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory,MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM).

[0032] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a

[0035] information system;

[0036] Fig. 2 is a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the

[0037] procedure.

[0038] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 is, purely by way of example, at least partially electrically operated or fully electrically operated. In the present exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 has an electrical energy storage device 12, for example, to provide electrical energy for a drive device of the motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, corresponding sensors 14 are provided, which can record corresponding measurement data from the electrical energy storage device 12.

[0040] Figure 1 further shows an information system 16 for generating an information message 18, 20, 22. In particular, the information message 18, 20, 22 is generated for a user (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. The information message 18, 20, 22 can then be displayed, for example, on a display device 24 of the motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the information system 16 has at least a first electronic computing device 26, which is designed internally within the motor vehicle. The first electronic computing device 26 can furthermore have a first transmitting device 28 and a first receiving device 30. The correspondingly acquired measurement data 32 are in turn sent to a second receiving device 34 of a second electronic computing device 36, wherein the second electronic computing device 36 is provided externally of the motor vehicle.The analyzed measurement data or the information message 18, 20, 22 can in turn be transmitted to the first receiving device 30 via a second transmitting device 38.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a schematic flow diagram according to one embodiment of the method. In the present case, it is shown in particular that the measurement data 32 can be stored internally by the first electronic computing device 26. The storage of the measurement data 32 takes place in particular over a defined period of time, in particular with time resolution. In particular, this can be measurement data 32 from the electrical energy storage device 12; if necessary, navigation data, for example regarding altitude and position, can also be provided. This takes place in particular in a first step S1. In a second step S2, the measurement data 32 is transmitted to the second electronic computing device 36 external to the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, an analysis of the measurement data 32 can also be carried out internally in the vehicle in a third step S3.

[0042] If the measurement data 32, and in particular after the analysis, is a non-critical value for the measurement data 32, which in particular is below a predetermined threshold, a fourth step S4 is carried out, which in turn is returned to the first step S1. If the measurement data 32 is critical, i.e., measurement data 32 is above the threshold, a fifth step S5 is carried out, after which the information message 18, 20, 22 is generated. For example, a first information message 18 can be generated, which is an indication of a service requirement, although this is not visibly displayed to the user or stored. In particular, measures are then taken during the next service.With a second information message 20, activation of a predefined message in the motor vehicle 10 can be implemented, in particular over the air, for example, that a service is required and a corresponding predefined code is provided. The third information message 22 can, in particular, be a freely formulated message, with transmission also taking place over the air. Then, in a sixth step S6, the information message 18, 20, 22 is returned and, in particular, displayed on the display device 24, or the first step S1 is performed again.

[0043] In particular, Figure 2 describes a method for generating the information message 18, 20, 22 for the user of the motor vehicle 10 by means of the information system 16. The measurement data 32 is provided by the motor vehicle 10 by means of the first electronic computing device 26. The measurement data 32 is transmitted to the second electronic computing device 36 by means of the first transmitting device 28, and the measurement data 32 is received by means of the second receiving device 34 of the second electronic computing device 36. The measurement data 32 is evaluated by means of the second electronic computing device 36, and if the measurement data 32 exceeds a predetermined limit / threshold value, the information message 18, 20, 22 is generated by means of the second electronic computing device 36.The information message 18, 20, 22 is then transmitted to the first electronic computing device 26 by means of the second transmitting device 38, and the information message 18, 20, 22 is received by means of the first receiving device 30. The information message 18, 20, 22 is then displayed on the display device 24 for the user.

[0044] It may further be provided that the measurement data 32 are additionally stored internally within the vehicle for analysis. Furthermore, depending on the potential computational effort required to analyze the measurement data 32, a decision can be made as to whether the measurement data 32 are transmitted to the second electronic computing device 36 or whether, for example, an internal evaluation is performed within the vehicle.

[0045] 10 motor vehicle

[0046] 12 electrical energy storage devices

[0047] 14 sensors

[0048] 16 Information system

[0049] 18 first information message

[0050] 20 second information message

[0051] 22 third information message

[0052] 24 Display device

[0053] 26 first electronic computing device

[0054] 28 first transmitting device

[0055] 30 first reception facility

[0056] 32 measurement data

[0057] 34 second receiving device

[0058] 36 second electronic computing device

[0059] 38 second transmitting device

[0060] S1-S6 steps of the procedure

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for generating an information message (18, 20, 22) for a user of a motor vehicle (10) by means of an information system (16), comprising the steps: Providing measurement data (32) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of a first electronic computing device (26) of the information system (16); Transmitting the measurement data (32) to a second electronic computing device (36) of the information system (16) external to the motor vehicle by means of a first transmitting device (30) of the first electronic computing device (26); Receiving the measurement data (32) by means of a second receiving device (34) of the second electronic computing device (36); - evaluating the measurement data (32) by means of the second electronic computing device (36) and, if the measurement data (32) exceed a predetermined limit value, then generating an information message (18, 20, 22) by means of the second electronic computing device (36); Transmitting the information message (18, 20, 22) to the first electronic computing device (26) by means of a second transmitting device (38) of the second electronic computing device (36); Receiving the information message (18, 20, 22) by means of a first receiving device (30) of the first electronic computing device (26); and - Displaying the information message (18, 20, 22) for the user of the motor vehicle (10) on a display device (24) of the motor vehicle (10).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a predefined message is generated as the information message (18, 20, 22).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a free message is generated as the information message (18, 20, 22).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement data (32) are recorded for a predetermined period of time.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additional navigation data of the motor vehicle (10) are provided and transmitted to the second electronic computing device (36) for analysis.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement data (32) are additionally stored internally in the motor vehicle for analysis.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a decision is made as a function of a potential computing effort for an analysis of the measurement data (32) as to whether the measurement data (32) are transmitted to the second electronic computing device (36).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Measurement data (32) relating to an electrical energy storage device (12) of the motor vehicle (10) are provided.

9. Computer program product with program code means which cause the electronic computing devices (26, 36) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing devices (26, 36).

10. Information system (16) for generating an information message (18, 20, 22) for a user of a motor vehicle (10), with at least one first electronic computing device (26) in the motor vehicle (10) and with a second electronic computing device (36) external to the motor vehicle, wherein the information system (16) designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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