DE102006056220A1 - Vehicle diagnostic software and/or pending motor vehicle inspection work notification updating method for use in e.g. passenger car, involves updating software and/or notification based on situation dependant parameters e.g. vehicle speed - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves updating a vehicle diagnostic software and/or notification of a user of a motor vehicle (2) e.g. passenger car, in inspection work to be applied in a vehicle based on situation dependant parameters such as information based on vehicle speed, potential of danger and momentary location of the vehicle. The update is performed by a central computer (1.1) of a vehicle telematics system (1), only in a vehicle stand still condition. The notification is signaled to the user by acoustic warning signaling unit (1.4) and/or haptic warning signaling unit (1.5).

Description

The The invention relates to a method for updating vehicle diagnostic software, and / or to notify motor vehicle users of (unscheduled) inspection work on the vehicle according to the generic term of claim 1, and a vehicle telematics system for carrying out the Procedure, as well as the use of the vehicle telematics system in a motor vehicle for carrying out the method.

Around the safety as well as the comfort for road users to improve are reinforced Electronic systems with ever higher performance in vehicles built in, due to the competition or the competition / market presence, the Development times of the individual electronic systems as well as the mechanical components / constructions a very tight development schedule subject.

by virtue of Often very high complexity the individual systems / components as well as the associated very extensive and sometimes very complex verification tests, as well as the sometimes difficult predictable material behavior over the Lifespan (especially in the case of environmental pollution), are therefore conditioned quality fluctuations not completely excluded in advance.

These variations in quality are of particular importance when mass production already has started, or the vehicles are already in higher quantities are at the end customer and it turns out that a quality defect a safety-critical factor in itself, so that if necessary a vehicle recall unavoidable is or becomes necessary (unscheduled inspection work) and / or the later recognized shortage in an electronic component by means of a software update must be corrected, it being noted that that process not just for unscheduled inspection work to apply, but also with it a general control of inspection work can be realized.

One vehicle recall is apart from the technical expenses, usually also with large logistic Expenses connected, there depending upon danger potential each one End customer must be contacted to inform the vehicle owner, that a final exam / rework is required on the vehicle.

If the subsequently detected quality defect in an electronic component can be remedied by means of a software update, it is clear from the document DE 10 2005 057 776 A1 a method for updating vehicle diagnostic software is known, wherein the updating is carried out via a telematics unit, so that in this case a (unscheduled) visit to a customer service station is not required.

A disadvantage of this method can be considered that in the method according to the document DE 10 2005 057 776 A1 the updating of the vehicle diagnostic software is independent of the situation-dependent parameters (the customer may be prevented from continuing at any point in time), or can only remedy problems that are to be remedied by means of a software update. In the other case, as stated above, all end customers must be contacted in order to inform the vehicle owner accordingly.

The The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for updating of vehicle diagnostic software, and / or for notifying vehicle users at (unscheduled) on Vehicle pending inspection work, with the help of or via a Telematics unit, so that the end customer at (unscheduled) on Vehicle upcoming inspection work to be informed can, or their vehicles at expected very favorable times with updates can be "supplied" by vehicle diagnostic software.

These Task is accomplished by a method for updating vehicle diagnostic software, and / or to notify motor vehicle users of (unscheduled) inspection work on the vehicle, by means of assistance or via a Telematics unit, with the features of claim 1 solved. advantageous Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

One The essential idea of the invention is that the updating the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the car user for inspection work on the vehicle, depending on one or more situation-dependent parameters.

• a) Art des Gefährdungspotentials/Priorität der Dringlichkeit (Sicherheitsrisiko hoch oder gering)
• b) Momentaner Standort des Fahrzeugs (Entfernung zur Fachwerkstatt, von dieser das Fahrzeug üblicherweise gewartet wird)
• c) Momentaner Standort des Fahrzeugs (Entfernung zur nächsten autorisierten Fachwerkstatt)
• d) Momentaner Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs
• e) Ob es sich beim Fahrzeugführer um den Fahrzeugeigentümer oder einen Fahrzeugbenutzer handelt (z.B. bei Leihfahrzeugen)
• f) Der zeitliche verbleibende Abstand, bis zu diesem ein routinemäßiger Kundendienst ansteht/durchzuführen ist
• g) Gegebenenfalls uhrzeit-, wochentag- & feiertagabhängig
• h) Gegebenenfalls abhängig vom momentanen Auslastungsgrad der Werkstatt, bei dieser das Fahrzeug üblicherweise gewartet wird.

In order to simplify this, it is proposed according to the invention that updates of vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the end customer are preferably carried out (if possible) by means of telematics support, wherein in the notification (in the simplest case by activating a Dashboard / dashboard warning display) the time of notification of at least one or more of the following parameters (or Combinations thereof) depends:

• a) Type of risk potential / priority of urgency (security risk high or low)
• b) Current location of the vehicle (distance to the workshop from which the vehicle is usually maintained)
• c) Current location of the vehicle (distance to the nearest authorized workshop)
• d) Current speed of the vehicle
• e) Whether the driver is the vehicle owner or a vehicle user (eg for rental vehicles)
• f) The time remaining until such time as routine customer service is required
• g) If necessary, time, weekday & holiday dependent
• h) If necessary, depending on the current load factor of the workshop, in which the vehicle is usually maintained.

The Benefits deriving from the "parameterized" telematics-supported, customer notification at a required callback or general service control, or updating the vehicle diagnostic software are in addition to the simplifications in the logistical area, that also the vehicle owner / customer can be notified individually, with a quick notification option, in the notification also the current situation of the driver / customer taken into account can be.

Examples:

• a) In a required verification process, but is less critical in terms of time (only a low / medium risk potential exists), it is not appropriate, for example, when the vehicle driver is notified abroad / on the trip with respect to a to be performed / held recall ,
• b) For a required verification process, which, however, is not critical in terms of time (only a low / medium Risk potential exists), it is not appropriate, for example, if the driver / customer of a rental car with respect to a to be carried out / held recall is notified.
• c) In a required verification process, however, which is not critical in terms of time (only a low / medium hazard potential exists), it is not appropriate, for example, when the vehicle driver / vehicle owner is notified of a call-back action to be taken, if in any case shortly due to a service interval routine customer service is pending ,
• d) In a required verification process, which, however, is not critical in terms of time (only a low / medium hazard potential exists), it is for example not appropriate if the driver is notified, for example, at the beginning of the holiday or midnight or before several upcoming holidays regarding a call to be carried out ,

About the type of communication for notification is not discussed in this application, since the communication and the required "units" (hardware, providers, networks, call centers, ..) and "information" (vehicle code, vehicle position / position determination, Deficiency type, ..), for example in the Scriptures DE 10 2005 057 776 A1 , as well as other writings on this subject area, are explained in detail, or as state of the art applies (in the future by the expansion / market penetration of telematics will be readily available), and thus fully considered to be knowncontained.

The invention will now be described below with reference to an embodiment with the aid of the single 1 explained in more detail. Hereinafter, for functionally identical and / or identical elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

It demonstrate

1 : A representation of a motor vehicle ( 2 ) with motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ), with its basic system components.

• – einem Zentralrechner (1.1) zur Durchführung von Telematik-Applikationen,
• – Geräteeinheiten (1.2, 1.2.1) zum Senden, Empfangen, Erfassen und/oder Verarbeiten von zu den Telematik-Applikationen gehörenden Daten,
• – einer optischen (1.5) und akustischen (1.4) Warnsignalisierung, und optional
• – einer Global-Position-System-Einheit (1.3), oder einer nicht näher gezeigten datentechnischer Anbindung an ein Global-Position-System,

zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. 1 shows a representation of a motor vehicle ( 2 ) with motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ), consisting of the components;

• - a central computer ( 1.1 ) for the implementation of telematics applications,
• - device units ( 1.2 . 1.2.1 ) for sending, receiving, detecting and / or processing of data belonging to the telematics applications,
• - an optical ( 1.5 ) and acoustic ( 1.4 ) Warning, and optional
• - a global position system unit ( 1.3 ), or a not-shown data technology connection to a global position system,

for carrying out the method according to the invention.

The Global Position System Unit ( 1.3 ), or not shown in detail data link to a global position system is in the Motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) (only) optional, since this is not absolutely necessary. This is useful / necessary only for higher value systems insofar as the situation-dependent parameters also take into account the instantaneous distance of the vehicle to the next vehicle brand authorized workshop or the usual customer service value location visited.

For the sake of simplicity, the existing information that is taken for granted in the vehicle, such as the vehicle speed information, the time information, the current mileage performance information, etc., are not shown in more detail since these are the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) via a vehicle bus ( 3 ) (eg CAN bus) are available, or here it is assumed that the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) if necessary to this information via a vehicle bus ( 3 ), provided that such data is available from the vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) are needed.

The term "to be needed under" is understood to mean that, depending on which parameter is concerned, either in the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) or in the case of the "transmitter" (initiator of the recall or software update), which is not illustrated in detail, whether and when the updating of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the vehicle user is carried out during inspection work pending on the vehicle -kilometerlaufleistungabhängige decision, or a vehicle-speed-dependent decision, or a vehicle-location-dependent decision, for example, on-site by means of the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ), whereas a decision taking into account the nature of the hazard potential is preferably performed at the "originator" of the recall or the software update.

If, for example, the hazard potential is very low or only medium, the "initiator" (responsible vehicle manufacturer, or service institution acting on its behalf) may decide that the required verification of the potential vehicle or electronic component vulnerability will be automatic the next time If the potential vulnerability is executable by means of an update from the vehicle diagnostic software via / via a telematics unit, the " Initiator "cause this update at a convenient time, so as not to endanger the vehicle user while driving, the actual execution of the update of the vehicle diagnosis software on-site by means of the vehicle elematic system ( 1 ) is performed as a function of one or more situation-dependent parameters, or the final warning signaling message is sent to the vehicle user with regard to a callback in dependence on one or more situation-dependent parameters.

A hazard during the journey for the vehicle user would be given, for example, if during the journey an update of the vehicle diagnostic software of an airbag control unit (to name just one electronic control unit - representative) would be performed because during the Updated usually the airbag control unit would not be ready to trigger in an accident occurring. Is in the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) the information has been received that an action (update or recall) is required, the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) wait for a convenient moment on site (to inform the vehicle user), to which the vehicle user can easily go to a workshop, or wait until the telemetric update of the diagnostic software is complete (including a combination of several situation-dependent parameters or a matrix-based decision-making is possible, in which the individual situation-dependent parameters under certain circumstances, a weighting is possible, is possible), so that the vehicle user at any time a threat or uncertainty is created.

In the same way, for example, even if there is a high hazard potential, received by the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ), by the motor vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) wait a convenient moment on site to inform the vehicle user within a limited time (eg 7 days) at a favorable (or more favorable time than the current time at which the information was received) time or the vehicle diagnostic software update accordingly so that the vehicle user is never endangered or unsettled.

equal with the provision of information to the vehicle user, with regard to a required callback, It may also be useful to update the vehicle diagnostic software perform only under the same conditions, if for example at the update may not be completely ruled out, and failure of the telemetric update of the vehicle diagnostic software, an inclusive workshop visit is required / will.

Out For this reason, as already stated above, methods according to the invention are proposed. that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notification of vehicle users during inspection work on the vehicle, dependent on one or more situation-dependent parameters.

• – eine von der Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei Fahrzeugstillstand zu veranlassen
• – eine vom Gefährdungspotential abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten bei hohem Gefährdungspotential innerhalb 7 Tagen zu veranlassen
• – eine vom momentanen Standort des Fahrzeugs abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei einer Fahrzeug-Entfernung von kleiner 100 Kilometer zur üblichen aufgesuchten Kundendienstwertstätte, oder nur bei einer Fahrzeug-Entfernung von kleiner 100 Kilometer zur nächsten Vertragswertstätte zu veranlassen
• – eine von der Zeitdauer bis zum nächsten routinemäßigen Kundendiensttermin des Fahrzeugs abhängige Information, die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei einer Zeitdauer von größer 3 Monaten bis zum nächsten routinemäßigen Kundendiensttermin des Fahrzeugs zu veranlassen
• – eine von der Kilometerlaufleistung bis zum nächsten routinemäßigen Kundendiensttermin des Fahrzeugs abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei einer Kilometerlaufleistung von größer 5000 Kilometer bis zum nächsten routinemäßigen Kundendiensttermin des Fahrzeugs zu veranlassen
• – eine von der Zeit, insbesondere Uhrzeit, oder Wochentag, oder Feiertag, abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur an Werktagen, oder nur zu den üblichen Geschäftszeiten einer Kundendienstwertstätte zu veranlassen
• – eine vom momentanen Nutzer des Fahrzeugs abhängige Information um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei der Identifizierung des Fahrzeugeigentümers als momentanen Nutzer des Fahrzeugs zu veranlassen, wobei der Fahrzeugeigentümer von einem Nutzer eines Leihfahrzeuges in einfachstem Fall durch die Art des verwendeten Fahrzeugschlüssels differenzierbar ist
• – eine vom momentanen Auslastungsgrad der Werkstatt, bei dieser das Fahrzeug üblicherweise gewartet wird, abhängige Information, um die Aktualisierung der Fahrzeugdiagnose-Software und/oder die Benachrichtigung der Kfz-Benutzer bei am Fahrzeug anstehenden Inspektionsarbeiten nur bei nicht vollständiger Auslastung der Werkstatt, bei dieser das Fahrzeug üblicherweise gewartet wird, zu veranlassen.

The situation-dependent parameters include, for example, the following factors:

• An information dependent on the vehicle speed, in order to cause the updating of the vehicle diagnosis software and / or the notification of the vehicle user during inspection work pending on the vehicle only when the vehicle is at a standstill
• - Information dependent on the risk potential, in order to arrange the updating of the vehicle diagnosis software and / or the notification of the vehicle user for inspection work on the vehicle with high risk potential within 7 days
• - A dependent on the current location of the vehicle information to the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or notification of the vehicle user for pending on the vehicle inspection work only at a vehicle distance of less than 100 kilometers to the usual customer service facility visited, or only one Vehicle distance of less than 100 kilometers to the next contract value
• - Information dependent on the period until the next routine customer service appointment of the vehicle, the updating of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the vehicle user with vehicle inspection work only for a period of time greater than 3 months until the next routine customer service appointment of the vehicle to induce
• - information dependent on the mileage performance until the next routine vehicle servicing appointment, to update the vehicle diagnostic software and / or notify the vehicle user of any inspection work on the vehicle for a mileage of more than 5000 kilometers until the next routine customer service appointment To induce vehicle
• - information dependent on time, in particular time of day, or day of the week, or public holiday, in order to update the vehicle diagnostic software and / or notify the vehicle user of any inspection work on the vehicle only on working days, or only during normal business hours To arrange customer service
• An information dependent on the current user of the vehicle to cause the updating of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the vehicle user for inspection work pending on the vehicle only when the vehicle owner is identified as the current user of the vehicle, the vehicle owner being a user a rental vehicle in the simplest case by the type of vehicle key used is differentiable
• - A dependent on the current level of utilization of the workshop, in which the vehicle is usually maintained, dependent on the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the vehicle users in pending on the vehicle inspection work only at incomplete utilization of the workshop, this the vehicle is usually serviced to initiate.

As well can, at no time a risk or uncertainty for the motor vehicle user is created, at least during the duration of updating the vehicle diagnostic software and / or Notify the car user when the vehicle is due Inspection work, this the user of the vehicle by means of a optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic warning is signaled, wherein the optical warning preferably by means of a lettering or several lettering is done, which / r preferably is designed as a continuous lettering, or formed as a continuous lettering are.

Of Another is to obtain, so at no time a hazard or An insecurity is created, an advantage that at least while the duration of updating the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the car user in the case of inspection work on the vehicle, the user of the Vehicle, preferably by means of the optical and / or acoustic and / or a haptic warning, stopped is not to move the vehicle, or to keep it at a standstill. In the simplest case, the information to the driver or the update for the electronic component, from the time of initiation by the "initiator", in the vehicle telematics system cached until this one for actual execution Great Time has determined. Alternatively, the vehicle telematics system at a cheaper one Time request the information / update again.

1

Vehicle telematics system

1.1

mainframe

1.2

equipment units for sending, receiving, recording and / or processing of telematics applications belonging dates

1.2.1

vehicle antenna

1.3

Global position system unit (The GPS unit)

1.4

acoustic warning signaling

1.5

optical warning signaling

2

motor vehicle

3

Databus (e.g., CAN bus)

Claims (26)

A method of updating vehicle diagnostic software, and / or notifying vehicle users of vehicle inspection work, via a telematics unit, characterized in that a. Updating the vehicle diagnostic software and / or b. the notification of the motor vehicle user when pending on the vehicle inspection work, depending on one or more situation-dependent parameters. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one of the vehicle speed dependent Information is about. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only when the vehicle is stationary. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one from the risk potential dependent Information is about. Method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle at high risk potential done within 7 days. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one from the current location of the vehicle is dependent information. Method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only at a vehicle distance of less than 100 kilometers to the usual visited customer service facility he follows. Method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only at a vehicle distance of less than 100 kilometers to next Contract value facility he follows. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one of the time to the next routine customer service appointment dependent on the vehicle Information is about. Method according to claim 1 or 9, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only for a period of more than 3 months Until next time routine customer service appointment of the vehicle. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one of mileage until the next routine customer service appointment Vehicle dependent Information is about. Method according to claim 1 or 11, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only at a mileage of more than 5000 kilometers to the next routine customer service appointment of the vehicle. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one of the time, in particular time, or day of the week, or holiday, dependent information is. Method according to claim 1 or 13, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only on working days. A method according to claim 1 or 13, characterized in that the updating of the vehicle diagnosis software and / or the notification of the vehicle user when pending on the vehicle inspection work only to the usual Ge business hours of a customer service facility. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one from the current user of the vehicle is dependent information. Method according to claim 1 or 16, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only in the identification of the vehicle owner as the current user of the Vehicle takes place. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the situation-dependent parameter is one from the Current utilization rate of the workshop, in this the vehicle usually is being serviced, dependent Information is about. Method according to claim 1 or 18, characterized that the update of the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the Notify the car user of any inspection work on the vehicle only with incomplete utilization the workshop where the vehicle is usually serviced, he follows. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that at least during the duration of updating the vehicle diagnostic software and / or Notify the car user when the vehicle is due Inspection work, this the user of the vehicle by means of a optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic warning is signaled. Method according to claim 1 or 20, characterized that the warning signaling by means of a lettering or more logos he follows. Method according to claim 21, characterized that the lettering is formed as a continuous lettering, or the lettering as continuous lettering are formed. A method according to claim 1 or any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that at least during the duration of the update the vehicle diagnostic software and / or the notification of the Motor vehicle user for on-vehicle inspection work, the Users of the vehicle, preferably by means of the optical and / or audible and / or haptic warning signaling, is stopped not to move the vehicle. Vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) with a central computer ( 1.1 ) for the implementation of telematics applications, 1.2 . 1.2.1 ) for transmitting, receiving, detecting and / or processing data belonging to the telematics applications, - an optical ( 1.5 ), and / or acoustic ( 1.4 ), and / or haptic warning signaling, and optionally - a global position system unit ( 1.3 ), or a data link to a global position system, for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Vehicle ( 2 ), in particular passenger cars or trucks, characterized by a vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) according to claim 24. Use of a vehicle telematics system ( 1 ) according to claim 24, for carrying out the method in a vehicle ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 23.