FR3104784A1 - CONSOLIDATION OF A VEHICLE GEOLOCATION INFORMATION - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of consolidating a vehicle's geolocation information (10) is based on measurements which are carried out by at least one sensor located on board the vehicle. The measurements relate to at least part of the vehicle, an environment of the vehicle, or movement of at least part of the vehicle. The sensor can in particular be a temperature sensor (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), an image sensor (3), a light sensor (4) or an accelerometer (5). The method makes it possible to select or adapt vehicle controls based on consolidated geolocation information, to improve an assessment of the vehicle, in particular of the technical condition of said vehicle.

Description

CONSOLIDATION OF VEHICLE GEOLOCATION INFORMATION

The present description relates to a method for consolidating geolocation information of a vehicle. It also relates to a method for checking, maintaining or evaluating the vehicle, in particular for evaluating a technical condition of the vehicle, which uses the result of the consolidation of the geolocation information.

The parking conditions of a vehicle, particularly in the case of long-term parking or storage of the vehicle, partly determine its aging. For example, very long-term exposure to the Sun can cause certain parts of the vehicle to deteriorate, which are made of synthetic materials, commonly called plastics, and very long-term exposure to bad weather in coastal environments can cause certain parts to deteriorate. metallic parts of the vehicle, including the exhaust silencer for example. In order to obtain an accurate assessment of the state of the vehicle, it is necessary to adapt the control points of the latter, or to increase the attention to be given to certain control points, to the parking conditions or to vehicle storage.

These parking or storage conditions can be determined from temperature measurements which are carried out regularly by a sensor of the vehicle designed to measure the outside temperature. But it's easy to fake such measurements to mimic storage inside a building, including using a heating element like a heated sock to heat the part of the vehicle where the outside temperature sensor is located. When the exterior temperature sensor is located at one of the exterior mirrors of the vehicle, it is in fact easy to place a heated sock around the mirror, to artificially increase the measured values of the exterior temperature.

The parking or storage conditions of the vehicle can also be determined from vehicle geolocation data, which indicates where the vehicle was at regular dates since it was put into service. Such data can be processed by a geolocation terminal such as a GPS terminal, for "Global Positioning System", when the vehicle is equipped with such a terminal. They can then be stored on board the vehicle in a memory, or recorded on a mass storage medium, to be read later. However, it is possible to falsify the geolocation data that will be read at the time of the assessment of the condition of the vehicle, so that the condition of the vehicle that will be declared at the end of the assessment is better than the real state.

Technical problem

From this situation, an object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the evaluation of a vehicle, in particular of its technical condition, when this evaluation uses geolocation information of the vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to confirm information that a vehicle has been parked sheltered from bad weather, for example in a garage or a covered or underground car park, rather than having remained exposed to bad weather. .

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a new method for checking, maintaining or evaluating the vehicle, which is more relevant in relation to the real state of the vehicle.

To achieve at least one of these goals or another, a first aspect of the invention proposes a method for consolidating geolocation information of a vehicle, which comprises the following steps:
-collecting the geolocation information of the vehicle, including a temporal datum relating to this geolocation information, the geolocation information designating a place where the vehicle is supposed to have been during a period of time which corresponds to the temporal datum; And
-collecting in addition at least one additional piece of information, which was produced at least one instant during the time period by at least one sensor located on board the vehicle, this additional piece of information being relating to at least one of a characteristic which affects at least part of the vehicle, a characteristic of an environment of the vehicle, and a movement of at least part of the vehicle.

The method further comprises the following additional steps:
-apply a consistency test between the additional information and the geolocation information; And
- validate or not the geolocation information according to a result of the consistency test.

Thus, by using the geolocation information to know whether or not a shelter or garage is located at the place designated by this geolocation information, the additional information makes it possible to confirm this presence of shelter or garage independently of the location. geolocation information. For this reason, the method of the invention makes it possible to evaluate the vehicle with improved reliability, according to parking or storage conditions which have been corroborated by the additional information, in addition to the geolocation information. This improved reliability in determining whether a vehicle has been parked outdoors or indoors is particularly beneficial when the duration of parking in the same location has been long, or when severe weather events have occurred.

In addition, when the geolocation information is collected repeatedly at several successive instants, for example periodically, during a period during which the vehicle has been moved, the successive geolocation data thus collected can be compared with description data geographical and/or physical concerning the places designated by the geolocation data. Thus, a route of the vehicle can be compared with material characteristics of the places which are designated by the successive geolocation data, to verify the likelihood of these geolocation data. For example, successive geolocation data that seem to show a river crossing by the vehicle in an area that has no bridge, can lead to doubts about the veracity of the geolocation information.

The additional information can be obtained in various ways, in various embodiments of the invention which are listed now, without limitation.

In first possible modes of implementation, the additional information may comprise temperature values which have been delivered successively during the time period by at least one temperature sensor located on board the vehicle. Then, the consistency test may include comparing temporal variations that exist between these successive temperature values with meteorological data that relate to the location designated by the geolocation information for the time period concerned. In this case, the temperature values may in particular relate to the ambient air external to the vehicle, the passenger compartment of the vehicle or a tire of the vehicle, being measured by a temperature sensor which is located at the level of a bodywork of the vehicle, in the passenger compartment or in the tire, respectively.

In second possible embodiments for the invention, the additional information may comprise temperature values which have been delivered simultaneously at at least one instant during the time period by at least two temperature sensors, one located at the level of a body of the vehicle to characterize the ambient air external to the vehicle, and the other located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Then, the consistency test may include comparing the differences that exist between the temperature values delivered simultaneously by the two sensors with meteorological data relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for the same period of time. Such a comparison of temperature values may reveal the presence or absence of a shelter at the place which is designated by the geolocation information, and which would be likely to protect the vehicle against bad weather.

In third possible embodiments for the invention, the geolocation information may further comprise an azimuthal orientation of the vehicle which is effective at least one instant during the period of time when the vehicle is supposed to have been at the place designated by the geolocation information. In such a case, the additional information may comprise temperature values which are supplied simultaneously at at least one instant during the time period by at least two temperature sensors located in at least two tires of the vehicle mounted on two opposite lateral sides of the vehicle. Then, the consistency test may comprise comparing the differences between the temperature values which relate to the tires mounted on the two opposite lateral sides with meteorological data, in particular sunshine data, relating to the place designated by the information of geolocation for the period of time considered, taking into account the azimuthal orientation of the vehicle.

In fourth possible modes of implementation for the invention, the geolocation information can further comprise an azimuthal orientation of the vehicle which is effective during the period of time when the vehicle is supposed to have been at the place designated by the information of geolocation. However, the additional information may now comprise a position of at least one shadow zone or one direction of the Sun, detected at at least one instant during the time period by an image sensor which is located on board the vehicle . The consistency test may then include comparing the position of the shadow zone and/or the direction of the Sun as detected with solar data which relates to the place designated by the geolocation information for the same period of time, taking into account the azimuthal orientation of the vehicle.

In fifth possible modes of implementation for the invention, the additional information can comprise values of a luminosity outside the vehicle which have been delivered successively during the time period by at least one sensor of the vehicle, in particular by a rain sensor located at the level of a windshield of the vehicle. Then, the consistency test may comprise comparing the luminosity values, or variations between these luminosity values, with meteorological data, in particular sunshine data, relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for the period of time concerned.

In sixth possible embodiments for the invention, the geolocation information may comprise several geolocation readings of the vehicle which have been carried out successively during the period of time. In this case, the additional information may comprise characteristics of a movement of the vehicle during this period of time, in particular a distance of movement, which have been obtained from at least one accelerometer linked to a chassis of the vehicle. Then, the consistency test may include comparing the characteristics of the movement to the geolocation readings.

Generally for the invention, the additional information can be transmitted by the at least one sensor which is located on board the vehicle to a mobile communication terminal or to an on-board computer of the vehicle, then relayed by this terminal or on-board computer to a remote server via a communication network. For this, the server also has geolocation information and is adapted to apply the consistency test between the additional information and the geolocation information. An advantage of the fact of deporting in this way to a remote server the exploitation and/or the storage of the geolocation information and of the additional information results from the greater difficulty that there is then for a malicious person, to falsify these information and/or the result of the consistency test with respect to data which would be stored in the on-board computer of the vehicle and/or a program for processing this data which would be housed in this on-board computer.

Still generally for the invention, the method may also comprise a step of checking, maintaining or evaluating the vehicle. Then, points of control, maintenance or evaluation of the vehicle can be selected differently depending on whether the geolocation information is validated or not.

Brief description of figures

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the detailed description below of non-limiting examples of implementation, with reference to the following figure:

shows a vehicle which is equipped with at least one sensor, to which the invention can be applied.

Detailed description of the invention

For reasons of clarity, the dimensions of the elements shown in this figure correspond neither to actual dimensions nor to actual ratios of dimensions. Moreover, some of these elements are represented only symbolically.

In accordance with , a vehicle 10, for example a car, can remain parked at a fixed location for any length of time, which may be from a few hours for short-term parking to a few months or more for long-term or very long-term parking, corresponding then to vehicle storage. In a known manner, exposure of the vehicle to bad weather or to certain climatic conditions, such as freezing conditions, a marine atmosphere, hot temperatures, etc., can cause more rapid aging of the vehicle or of certain components thereof. -this. For example, a long time in marine conditions can cause the vehicle's exhaust muffler, commonly known as a tailpipe, to weather more quickly through oxidation. Also, a long period in freezing conditions can cause degradation of the battery or other chemically-operated components. It is then advantageous to know the parking conditions of the vehicle in order to assess its condition reliably. In particular, such knowledge can make it possible to select points for checking and/or servicing the vehicle as a function of known parking conditions.

Commonly, the vehicle 10 is equipped with an on-board computer 11 and a geolocation terminal 12. The terminal 12 can be a GPS terminal, for "Global Positioning System" in English, which determines in real time the position geographical location of the vehicle from radio signals received by the terminal 12, denoted GPS in the figure. Other geolocation systems that are also available can be used alternatively. This geographical position of the vehicle, with a time datum which specifies an instant at which this position was effective, has been called geolocation information in the general part of the present description. Then, a vehicle electronics module 10 can be dedicated to regularly recording on a permanent medium geolocation coordinate values of the vehicle which are determined by the terminal 12, for example latitude and longitude values of the place where the vehicle. Such recording can be continued continuously, for example at the rate of a new geolocation every thirty minutes, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Consultation of such a record, for example at the start of an inspection and/or maintenance visit, then provides indications of the conditions that existed during the periods of parking or storage of the vehicle. However, such geolocation data may be falsified, or be insufficient to characterize the parking or storage conditions of the vehicle. For example, it may be important to know whether the vehicle was inside a garage, under a shelter, or outside at the location designated by the recorded latitude or longitude values. The present invention makes it possible to meet this need.

The following part numbers that are listed in designate the sensors that are listed now:
1a: sensor of the temperature outside the vehicle 10, which can be located at the level of an element of the bodywork or of one of the exterior mirrors of the vehicle,
1b: temperature sensor inside the vehicle 10, that is to say the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, which can be located at the level of the dashboard, for example,
2a, 2b: temperature sensors located in the tires of the vehicle 10, one per tire, the sensors 2a being in the tires on the left side of the vehicle, and the sensors 2b being in the tires on the right side of the vehicle,
3: camera, for example a camera located at the top of the windshield of the vehicle 10, which may be the ADAS camera for “Advanced Driver Assistance System” in English, for example,
4: sensor of the ambient luminosity which exists outside the vehicle 10, for example a rain sensor located on the windshield of the vehicle, and whose signal is analyzed to obtain a luminosity measurement, and
5: accelerometer, for example incorporated in a navigation unit of the vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 can also be equipped with a wireless communication module 13, which is suitable for transmitting radio signals to a remote server 20, and possibly also receiving signals from the server 20. Alternatively, such a communication module 13 which is integrated into the vehicle 10 can be replaced by a mobile communication terminal 14 of a user of the vehicle. This mobile communication terminal 14 can then also be connected to the on-board computer 11 by a short-range communication mode, such as the ^Bluetooth® communication mode for example. In this case, the mobile communication terminal 14 has a transmission relay function between the on-board computer 11 and the server 20. Alternatively, the mobile communication terminal 14 can be directly connected to each sensor of the vehicle 10 which is used according to the invention, for example by a short-range wireless communication mode. The measurement results which are produced by this (these) sensor(s) and/or the images which are captured by the camera(s) of the vehicle 10 are then relayed directly by the mobile communication 14 from the user to the server 20.

A first possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 consists in using temperature values which are produced by one of the sensors 1a, 1b, 2a or 2b. For example, the outside temperature values which are produced by the sensor 1a at times which correspond to those at which the geolocation information is determined, can be stored or recorded in connection with the latter. Compatibility between these temperature values and meteorological data relating to the place indicated by the values of the geolocation coordinates, for the same instants, can then be checked. In particular, high temperature values, corresponding to sunshine conditions, are not compatible with a place for which the meteorological data mentions rain or frost conditions. More generally, successions of cloudy and sunny conditions, such as may be mentioned by local meteorological readings, cause cyclical variations in the outside temperature as measured by the sensor 1a. In the same way, the temperature which is measured by the sensor 1a generally exhibits cycles of variation between the daytime durations and the nighttime durations, which are different depending on whether the vehicle 10 remains parked outside or inside the vehicle. a closed garage. Thus, the comparison of the temperature values which are measured by a sensor on board the vehicle 10, with the meteorological conditions of the place designated by the geolocation coordinates, makes it possible to confirm the geolocation information and to know the conditions of parking or storage of the vehicle 10. Preferably, such a comparison can be performed in real time within the server 20. For this, the communication module 13 can send at regular instants to the server 20, the values of the coordinates of geolocation as determined by the GPS terminal 12, and the temperature values as determined by the sensor 1a. The server 20 then compares the temperature values received with meteorological data deemed to be in force at the place which is designated by the values received from the geolocation coordinates. It then produces a comparison result which can be “positive correspondence” in the case of consistency between the temperature values and the meteorological data, “negative correspondence” in the event of a contradiction, or “inconclusive search for consistency”. Furthermore, the server 20 can search for a correspondence between a series of temperature values received periodically and a history of weather conditions, for example over a period of 24 hours or more, to reveal the parking or storage conditions of the vehicle 10 , and produce a result such as "outdoor parking" or "parking under closed shelter". Such geolocation information consolidation results can be returned by the server 20 to the on-board computer 11 of the vehicle 10, to be stored in a memory or recorded on a mass recording medium of the vehicle, and be accessible during a subsequent query. Alternatively, they can be stored at the level of the server 20 or on any dematerialized medium, commonly referred to as “cloud”, in connection with an identification of the vehicle 10, for example its registration number or its identification number VIN, for “ vehicle identification number” in English.

A second possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 consists in using temperature values which are produced simultaneously by two sensors of the vehicle 10, for example the sensors 1a and 1b. A more reliable consolidation can thus be obtained in certain circumstances. For example, under sunny conditions, the indoor temperature, as measured by sensor 1b, quickly becomes higher than the outdoor temperature, as measured by sensor 1a. Thus, the communication to the server 20 of the measurement results which are produced by the two sensors 1a and 1b can make it possible to obtain a level of reliability which is higher, for the result of the comparison between these measured temperature values and the values of the geolocation coordinates.

A third possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 consists in using temperature values produced simultaneously by two of the sensors 2a and 2b, which are located in tires on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle 10. Indeed, the coordinates of geolocation as determined by the terminal 12 generally also include an azimuthal orientation coordinate of the vehicle 10. The transmission of a value of this azimuthal orientation coordinate to the server 20, with the latitude and longitude values, allows the server 20 to determine which of the left side or the right side of the vehicle 10 is turned in the direction of the Sun S at the instant of the temperature measurements. Indeed, the time of the measurements, also transmitted to the server 20 by the time datum, allows it to know the height and the azimuthal position of the Sun S for the place which is designated by the latitude and longitude values of the vehicle 10. Tables, charts or formulas which determine the apparent position of the Sun S according to the time and the geographical location are freely available and accessible in many ways, in particular via the Internet. Then, when the meteorological conditions are sunshine conditions, and the vehicle 10 is exposed to the Sun S by one of its lateral sides, the temperature values which are measured simultaneously by the sensors 2a and 2b should present a difference , that of the sensor of one of the tires which is exposed to the Sun S must be greater than that of the sensor of one of the tires which is turned away from the Sun S. In addition, if the vehicle 10 remains stationary, this difference can evolve and possibly change sign depending on the apparent movement of the Sun S relative to the vehicle 10. Thus, the communication to the server 20 of the measurement results which are produced by the sensors 2a and 2b can also make it possible, in certain circumstances, to obtain a level of reliability which is higher for the result of the comparison between the measured temperature values and the values of the geolocation coordinates.

A fourth possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 consists in using images which are captured by the camera 3. This fourth possibility can be implemented when the geolocation coordinates of the vehicle 10 still include its azimuthal orientation, and that data is available for the server 20, allowing it to know the position of the Sun S at the instants of operation of the camera 3. The camera 3 captures an image of the scene which is contained in its optical input field. This image is then analyzed to detect therein a limit between a shadow zone ZO and an illuminated zone ZE, if such a limit is contained in the optical input field of the camera 3. Optionally, in the absence of a such limit in the optical input field, the level of luminosity which is recorded can indicate whether the camera 3 is turned towards the Sun S or opposite it. Alternatively or in combination, the image analysis process which is applied to the images captured by the camera 3 can be designed to characterize the direction in which the Sun S is located with respect to the vehicle 10. Such image analysis processing The images, which are especially relevant when the meteorological data indicate sunny conditions, make it possible to corroborate the geolocation information, including the orientation of the vehicle 10, with the presence of a shadow zone in the field of the camera 3, and/or with the apparent direction of the Sun S. These image analysis processing operations can be carried out by software which is embedded in the on-board computer 11 of the vehicle 10, or else by the server 20. In this last case, the images are transmitted by the communication module 13 to the server 20. Thus, it is still possible to obtain a level of reliability which is improved for the values of the geolocation coordinates which are stored for the vehicle 10. The images which are captured by the camera 3 can also be used to determine whether the vehicle 10 is stored outside any building, under a shelter or in a closed room.

A fifth possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 is still based on the level of luminosity which exists outside the vehicle, but such that this level of luminosity is detected by the rain sensor 4. Indeed, in a known manner, the rain sensor 4 comprises an intermittent light source which is directed through the windscreen of the vehicle 10, from the inside towards the outside of the vehicle. It also includes a light detector which is arranged to detect part of the light produced by the source which is reflected by the external face of the windshield. However, the quantity of this reflected light depends on the presence of water on the windshield, thus making it possible to control the triggering of the windshield wipers. The durations during which the source emits light are useful for detecting the presence of water on the windshield, but the additional durations, during which the source is off, can be used to measure the level of exterior luminosity with the detector of the rain sensor 4. This well-known use of the rain sensor to measure the exterior luminosity can be maintained even when no rain condition exists, in particular to control the automatic switching on of the vehicle lights. Then the exterior luminosity values which are thus measured can be compared with the meteorological data relating to the place which is designated by the values of the geolocation coordinates of the vehicle 10. Taking into account the azimuthal orientation of the vehicle 10, as provided in the geolocation coordinates, and of the position of the Sun S relative to the vehicle 10, therefore also makes it possible to increase the level of reliability of the values of the geolocation coordinates. This level of reliability can be further increased based on variations in the level of external brightness as measured, which appear over a sufficiently long period of time, for example a few hours or more than a day. The light levels which are thus measured can also make it possible to determine whether the vehicle 10 is parked or stored outside any building, under a shelter or in a closed room.

The examples of implementation of the invention which have just been described apply most particularly when the vehicle 10 remains stationary. When it moves, its movement can be followed by the values of the geolocation coordinates which are supplied successively by the terminal 12. The preceding examples of implementation of the invention can be transposed directly to the case where the vehicle 10 moves , using each time the last values of the geolocation coordinates which are provided by the terminal 12.

A sixth possibility for consolidating the geolocation information of the vehicle 10 applies particularly when the vehicle is moving. In this case, the measurements that are used to corroborate the values of the geolocation coordinates can relate directly to the movement of the vehicle 10. It can be in particular a trip length as measured by an odometer of the vehicle 10, or as determined by the navigation unit which incorporates the accelerometer.

It is understood that the invention can be reproduced by modifying secondary aspects of the embodiments which have been described in detail above, while retaining at least some of the advantages cited. In particular, although the invention has been described to be implemented in a form integrated with the electronic equipment of the vehicle 10, comprising its on-board computer 11, its geolocation terminal 12 and its wireless communication module 13, it can be implemented independently of this vehicle equipment. For example, the use of this equipment can be replaced by that of the mobile communication terminal 14 of a user of the vehicle 10, in the form of an application to be downloaded onto this terminal 14. In this case, the terminal 14 is present in the vehicle 10 during the periods during which the geolocation data are to be consolidated.

In addition, the successive geolocation information, and the additional information which is produced by at least one of the sensors of the vehicle 10, as well as the results of the consistency tests between this information, can be stored at the level of the server 20 or by a recording dematerialized (“cloud”), by being available on demand, in particular during a check, maintenance or assessment of the vehicle 10.

Finally, it is specified that the invention is not limited to the particular examples of sensors which have been provided, but that it is compatible with any sensor of the vehicle 10.

Claims (10)

Method for consolidating geolocation information of a vehicle (10), comprising the following steps:
- collecting the geolocation information of the vehicle (10), including a temporal datum relating to said geolocation information, the geolocation information designating a place where the vehicle is supposed to have been during a period of time which corresponds to said datum temporal; And
-collecting in addition at least one additional item of information, which was produced at least one instant during said period of time by at least one sensor located on board the vehicle (10), said additional item of information relating to at least one of a characteristic that affects at least part of the vehicle, a characteristic of an environment of the vehicle, and a movement of at least part of the vehicle,
the method being characterized in that it comprises the following additional steps:
-apply a consistency test between the additional information and the geolocation information; And
- validate or not the geolocation information according to a result of the consistency test. Method according to Claim 1, in which the additional information comprises temperature values which have been delivered successively during the period of time by at least one temperature sensor (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) located on board the vehicle (10 ),
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing temporal variations which exist between said temperature values with meteorological data relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for said period of time. Method according to Claim 2, in which the temperature values relate to ambient air external to the vehicle (10), a vehicle interior or a vehicle tire, measured by a temperature sensor (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) which is located at a vehicle body, in the passenger compartment or in the tire, respectively. Method according to Claim 1, in which the additional information comprises temperature values which have been delivered simultaneously at at least one instant during the time period by at least two temperature sensors, one (1a) located at the level of one body of the vehicle (10) to characterize an ambient air external to the vehicle, and the other (1b) located in a passenger compartment of the vehicle,
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing the differences which exist between the temperature values delivered simultaneously by the two sensors (1a, 1b) with meteorological data relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for the said period of time. A method according to claim 1, wherein the geolocation information further includes an azimuthal orientation of the vehicle (10) which is effective at least one instant during the period of time said vehicle is assumed to have been at the location designated by the geolocation information,
and wherein the additional information comprises temperature values which are supplied simultaneously at at least one instant during the time period by at least two temperature sensors (2a, 2b) located in at least two vehicle tires (10) mounted on two opposite lateral sides of said vehicle,
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing differences between the temperature values relating to the tires mounted on the two opposite lateral sides with meteorological data, in particular sunshine data, relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for said period of time, taking into account the azimuthal orientation of the vehicle (10). A method according to claim 1, wherein the geolocation information further comprises an azimuthal orientation of the vehicle (10) which is effective during the period of time said vehicle is assumed to have been at the location designated by the geolocation information,
and the additional information comprises a position of at least one shaded area or one direction of the Sun, detected at least one instant during said period of time by an image sensor (2) located on board the vehicle (10 ),
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing the position of the shadow zone or the direction of the Sun as detected with solar data relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for the said period of time, taking into account the azimuthal orientation of the vehicle (10). Method according to Claim 1, in which the additional information comprises values of a luminosity outside the vehicle (10) which have been delivered successively during the period of time by at least one sensor of the said vehicle, in particular by a rain sensor ( 4) located at the level of a windshield of the vehicle,
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing the luminosity values, or variations between said luminosity values, with meteorological data, in particular sunshine data, relating to the place designated by the geolocation information for said period of time. Method according to Claim 1, in which the geolocation information comprises several geolocation readings of the vehicle (10) which have been carried out successively during the period of time,
and the additional information comprises characteristics of a movement of the vehicle (10) during said period of time, in particular a distance of movement, which have been obtained from at least one accelerometer (5) linked to a chassis of the vehicle ,
and according to which the consistency test comprises comparing the characteristics of the movement to the geolocation readings. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the additional information is transmitted by the at least one sensor located on board the vehicle (10) to a mobile communication terminal (14) or to an on-board computer (11 ) of the vehicle, then relayed by said terminal or on-board computer to a remote server (20) via a communication network, said server also having the geolocation information and being suitable for applying the consistency test between the additional information and the geolocation information. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of checking, servicing or evaluating the vehicle (10), and in which points for checking, servicing or evaluating the vehicle are selected differently depending on whether the geolocation information is validated or not.