AU760059B2

AU760059B2 - System and method for storing data in a motor vehicle and method for using the stored data

Info

Publication number: AU760059B2
Application number: AU43912/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Markus Klausner; Guenter Nobis
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 1999-03-31
Filing date: 2000-03-30
Publication date: 2003-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-30
Also published as: EP1169685B1; DE50009480D1; ES2235858T3; EP1169685A1; CN100550062C; DE19914765A1; WO2000060548A1; AU4391200A; CN1347536A

Description

System and method for storing data in a motor vehicle and method for using the stored data Prior Art The invention relates to a system and method for storing data, and a method for using the stored data.

An arrangement for storing data in a motor vehicle, the data containing static information concerning the vehicle and the user, information concerning malfunction codes on the condition of systems, components and sensors in the vehicle and a card being used as a storage medium, is known, for example, from EP 0 671 631. This document describes the storing of malfunction codes, which are obtained by means of a motor vehicle diagnostic device in the motor vehicle, on a Smartcard, which is used in a corresponding storage unit.

The vehicle position and data on the vehicle and its user is stored on the card together with the malfunction codes. The card can be removed from the recording unit and, as it contains its own intelligence and is provided with special attachments, it can be introduced into a telephone to transfer the data to a mobile repair service, so that this brings the necessary help rapidly where required. The Smartcard described and used here contains data relating to a current malfunction problem, so that by this means historical data on earlier malfunction problems are lost. This known arrangement allows no storing of all malfunction codes obtained in the vehicle over the total working cycle of the vehicle.

A motor vehicle protection system is described in EP 0 456 916 for which an intelligent card is intended, on which repair data and identification data for the vehicle and the user are contained. Here again no storage of operating parameters and other data is possible historically over the entire working cycle of a motor vehicle. A transferral of repair and maintenance data is written by the workshop onto the card. The data read out is then S 30 transmitted by telephone or communication network to the central station.

A device and method for the diagnosis, control, transmission and storage of securityrelevant system condition factors of a vehicle is known from DE 197 00 353. The jedetection of dynamic operating data of a vehicle for the recognition and evaluation of -2security-critical situations is described. Control operations are obtained from the data currently in the memory. From this document it is assumed that data is recorded over a certain time period and is then overwritten by newer data. Here also therefore no historical storage over a longer working cycle of the vehicle is intended or possible.

All the above-named arrangements and methods have this in common, that no storage of historical data is planned, rather only current data as relates to dynamic condition data of the motor vehicle.

It is the object of the present invention to see to it that the storage of relevant data on the vehicle, its performance, the performance of its components and systems and that of the user of the vehicle be possible over the working life of a vehicle. This "historical file" of a motor vehicle should accompany the vehicle throughout its entire life and be available for various purposes.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a system for storing data in a vehicle, the data containing static information concerning the vehicle and a user, information of malfunction codes concerning the condition of systems, components and sensors on board the vehicle, wherein a data storage card with a very large storage capacity is provided as .the storage medium, the data storage card is allocated to the vehicle, a vehicle-side interface is provided for receiving and reading/writing the data storage card, a data bus is provided in the vehicle onto which the interface and other systems, components and S 25 sensors are connected and connectable, at least one malfunction diagnostic device is provided on board the vehicle, which generates corresponding malfunction codes, these malfunction codes together with other relevant data of the various vehicle-side systems, components and sensors and the operating parameters of the vehicle can be continuously stored as permanent load profiles on the data storage card and can be read out from the S: 30 data storage card, and wherein this storage extends over the entire service life of the vehicle or the system.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for S:oring modifiable and non-modifiable data relating to a vehicle and a user and data -3relating to the condition of systems, components and sensors of the vehicle, wherein the permanent storage of this data together with data about operating parameters of the vehicle together with malfunction codes of at least one malfunction diagnostic device as load profiles generated on board over the service life of the vehicle on the vehicle-side data storage card of corresponding storage capacity, the storing taking place in terms of a historical storage without older data being overwritten by new data of the same kind.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using data stored according to the method as described above, wherein, by means of the central evaluation of stored data on board the vehicle of recorded load profiles, malfunction codes and repair information concerning a detailed insight into the field performance of vehicles over a certain period of time and/or the life cycle of the vehicle and/Or preventative repair measures can be determined.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using data, which is stored according to the system as described above, or according to the method for storing modifiable and non-modifiable data as described above, wherein, by means of the central evaluation of stored data, in particular of commonly stored patterns of load profiles, malfunction codes and repair information, findings with respect to product improvements of systems, sub-systems and components can be achieved as well as the early detection of quality problems.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using data, which is stored according to the system as described above, or according to the S 25 method for storing modifiable and non-modifiable data as described above, wherein, by means of the central evaluation of stored data, especially of malfunction codes and repair information determined on board the vehicle, incorrect repair strategies can be recognised and knowledge for the improvement of technical service information can be obtained.

S: 30 Advantages of the Invention The arrangement of the invention for the storage of data in the motor vehicle has, over against prior art, the advantage that it has all data relevant for the motor vehicle, its 3aoperation and its user stored historically on a card allocated to the vehicle. This enables the use of this data in manifold and surprising ways.

In accordance with the arrangement of the invention, a data storage card with a very large storage capacity is planned principally as storage medium, the data storage card is allocated to the motor vehicle, a vehicle-side interface is provided for reading/writing on the data storage card, in the vehicle a data bus is provided on which the interface and other systems, components and sensors are connected and can be connected, at least one malfunction diagnosis device, which generates corresponding malfunction codes is provided in the vehicle. These malfunction codes are constantly stored together with other relevant data of various motor vehicle systems, components and sensors and the operating parameters of the motor vehicle as a permanent load profile on the data storage card and read out by it. It is planned that this storage extend over the entire period of use of the vehicle or the arrangement.

Corresponding to advantageous further developments of the arrangement of the invention, information concerning technical service information can be stored on the data storage card as further data; information concerning one or more electronic operating instructions and/or information concerning specifications and/or technical compulsory tests can be stored on the data storage card.

Of particular advantage in a further design of the invention is the storage of information concerning repairs and servicing of the vehicle.

S 25 According to a further very advantageous design of the arrangement of the invention, it is planned that the data storage card be portable, ie. removable from the interface in the vehicle and insertable into another interface, in particular in an interface of a service or repair workshop, for reading or writing on. This design particularly increases the flexibility.

*o Corresponding to a further advantageous design, the data storage card consists, with respect to the necessary storage volume, of one or more suitable connected storage media, in particular in the form of several multimedia cards, which are combined via a .11WOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 4 common bus and housed in one housing. By this means it is ensured that the necessary memory volume can be made available.

Corresponding to another design of the arrangement of the invention which in particular serves special data security, it is planned that the data stored on the data storage card is mirror-stored in the interface on the motor vehicle side.

By this means a master memory would be made available in the vehicle, which would be of advantage if the data storage card is portable and is taken, from time to time, from the motor vehicle. A synchronising of the contents of the data storage card and the master memory then takes place.

In an advantageous design, the data bus planned for the vehicle is a CAN data bus and therefore subject to a standard.

According to another advantageous design of the arrangement of the invention, it is planned that the data storage card be inserted into the interface on the vehicle during the operation of the vehicle and that this status is periodically checked on the part of the motor vehicle. By this means it is ensured that the data storage card is present during the operation of the vehicle, so that the necessary recording can always be carried out.

According to another advantageous design of the arrangement of the invention, the control of the data communication with the data storage card takes place by means of a microprocessor and/or a computer in a vehicle. The microprocessor has at its disposal a transient and non-transient memory (RAM/ROM).

It is useful and advantageous in another design, that a processing of the data to be stored on the data storage card takes place in the vehicle. This is possible when the required software is present in the vehicle.

4"' According to another important design of the invention, it is planned that for access control and for the actualising every accessing of the data storage card is noted. This serves the integrity of the data and security.

In another design, it is planned that the data is stored, encoded on the data storage card.

This further increases security.

The method of the invention for the storing of non-alterable and alterable data with respect to the vehicle and the user and data with respect to the condition of systems, components and sensors of the motor vehicle is advantageously characterised through the permanent storing of this data together with data on operating parameters of the vehicle together with malfunction codes of at least one error diagnosis device generated in the vehicle relating to load profiles over the working life of the vehicle on a data storage card in the vehicle of a corresponding memory volume, the storage taking place in terms of a historical storage, without the older datum of the same type of earlier data being overwritten.

Advantageous further developments of the method are possible. According to a particularly advantageous design of the method of the invention, data on repair and service work is also stored on the data storage card. In an advantageous design it is planned that the accesses to the motor vehicle data storage card must be protocoled and authorised.

According to a further advantageous design of the method of the invention, the extent of the data to be stored, in particular data relating to operating parameters can be dynamically determined dependent on signal patterns and external control commands, which are S 25 transmitted via mobile data communication or programming in a workshop.

In another advantageous design of the method of the invention, all or any partial amount of the data stored on the data storage card in the vehicle is transmitted within the framework of an authentication authorisation process to a central station. In this way a central **oOO evaluation of the stored data is made possible.

o• S4,j IWOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 6 According to another advantageous design of the method of the invention, any contents of stored data, in particular statistical data on the motor vehicle, technical service information or operating instructions are actualised within the framework of an authorisation process. Thus, the latest data is present in the vehicle's data storage card.

The data stored on the data storage card in accordance with the present invention can be evaluated in various ways. It is therefore possible, according to an advantageous method of the invention, that by means of a central evaluation of stored data, especially from a load profile of commonly stored data, malfunction codes and repair information determined in the vehicle, detailed insights into the field performance of motor vehicles are provided over a certain time period and/or the life cycle of the vehicle and/or preventative repair measures.

According to another advantageous utilisation method, it is planned that, by means of a central evaluation of stored data, in particular of commonly stored patterns of load profiles, malfunction codes and repair information, discoveries with respect to product improvements of systems, sub-systems and components determined in the vehicle are obtained and for early recognition of quality problems.

According to another very advantageous design of the method of the invention, for using the data stored on the data storage card, it is intended that by means of a central evaluation of stored data, in particular of malfunction codes and repair information determined in the vehicle, wrong repair strategies are recognised and discoveries leading to the improvement of technical service information can be made.

Drawing The invention is described in the following description on the basis of an embodiment SRA represented in the drawing. The only Figure shows a data bus provided in the motor *f WOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 7 vehicle, on which various systems, components and sensors as well as the interface in the vehicle are connected to the data storage card of the vehicle.

Description of the embodiments In Figure 1 a data bus 10 provided in a data bus is schematically depicted in a block diagram. To this data bus 10 on the one hand the interface 20 with the vehicle-side data storage card 21 and, on the other, the various parts 30, 31, 32, 33 with the vehicle are connected. These can be individual systems 30, individual components 31 and individual sensors 32 and a malfunction diagnostic device 33. Systems or components can have a ability for self-diagnosis, which, in the case of an error generates a corresponding malfunction code. The connected elements can have differing complexities and communicate with the data bus 10 via a bus controller 11.

The established data and determined data are made available on the data bus 10 of the interface 20 for the data storage card 21 and stored there. The interface 20 contains a microprocessor 22 for controlling the data communication and can contain a further memory 23. The microprocessor has at its disposal, in one embodiment, its own RAM and ROM storage.

The arrangement of the invention for storing data in the vehicle consists essentially in that a storage medium, such as a data storage card, is provided with very great storage volume, which is allocated to the motor vehicle and is used in a vehicle-side interface for reading and writing on. Furthermore, a data bus 10 is provided in the vehicle onto which this interface 20 is connected. Other systems, components and sensors 30-32 are also connected to the data bus as is a malfunction diagnostic device 33 in the vehicle. This generates malfunction codes and constantly stores them together with other relevant data of various vehicle-side systems, components and sensors as well as the operating parameters of the vehicle and in terms of permanent load profiles. The data stored on the data storage card remains there over the entire service life of the vehicle or the arrangement, so that a historical record of the performance of the vehicle is present. This can comprise the entire life cycle of the vehicle when the '%Levice is fitted to the vehicle from the beginning. If the possibility of subsequently PCT/DEOO/00950 WOOO/60548 8 fitting a device in the vehicle and onto the data bus there presents itself, then this history applies from the installation of the device according to the invention.

As further data, information concerning technical service information, information concerning one or more electronic operating instructions and/or information concerning specifications and/or obligatory test inspections as well as information relating to repairs and service work on the vehicle can be stored.

The electronic vehicle-side storage of repair information, technical service information concerning the vehicle, load profiles, user data, static data on the vehicle, specifications and operating instructions as such and in particular in combination with malfunction diagnostic data in the vehicle is of particular value.

By repair information, detailed information concerning repairs and inspections carried out on the vehicle, for example diagnostic problems, exchanged parts with part numbers, type of repair (guarantee or with costs), workshop carrying out the repairs and other information considered necessary, is understood. By the term technical service information, circuit plans, programming instructions, malfunction search instructions and similar are understood. Load profiles are histories of selected operating parameters of the vehicle. Operational data and operational parameters are all measurable factors, which describe the condition of the vehicle, its systems and sub-systems as well as its environment. Examples for operational data and operational parameters are motor burden, braking force, acceleration, speed of the vehicle, coolant temperature, engine temperature, external temperature, weather, brightness, operating time etc. User data is any detailed information concerning the user. Specifications are manufacturer information concerning operating liquid, tyre pressure and similar. Static motor vehicle data is, for example, the motor vehicle registration number, the manufacturer and other data involving the registration.

Information concerning obligatory technical inspections comprises regular safety inspections, which for example are carried out by the Technische Uberwachungsverein and legally prescribed exhaust emission tests.

WOOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 9 A data storage card is planned as the storage medium for all this data, which is portable and which can be taken from the interface located in the vehicle. It can then be used in another interface, in particular in an interface of a service or repair workshop for reading writing on. It is, however, also conceivable that the storage medium be completely contained within the vehicle and remain there, fixed. Access to it can take place outwardly, then, via the malfunction diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle on the vehicle bus, so that the data to be transmitted can be written by the workshop or other places onto the memory and the required data can be read. It is also possible that data stored on the data storage card in the vehicle-side interface be mirror-stored, so that by this means, the function of a master memory can be taken on by means of the interface-side storage. This is important especially with respect to ensuring the data consistency of the data storage card and protection against unauthorised changing of data on the data storage card. By this means the interfaceside storage in the vehicle can assume the function of a master storage which overwrites all historical data and accepts only the final external change. According to a possible embodiment, the reading and writing of the data storage card can also take place by means of the wireless transmission of data, for example by means of mobile telephone or mobile telecommunication. This can take place via the data bus, to which a car telephone is connected as a bus participant. The CAN data bus can be provided as the data bus in the vehicle, CAN standing for Controller Area Network.

The data storage card is allocated to the vehicle and is installed in the vehicle-side interface during operation of the vehicle. This status is periodically tested on the vehicle-side. By this means it is ensured that the vehicle-side storage medium, in which the desired data is stored, is present at all times.

Various aspects of the invention will be described on the basis of the following example: Relevant bus data such as the malfunction codes generated in the vehicle and signals of control devices, components and sensors for the detecting of the working profile are appropriately edited in the vehicle-side interface and periodically stored on the data storage card. When vehicle inspections or repairs are carried out, if it is a portable data storage card, it is taken out of the vehicle and introduced into an external IIWOOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 interface. In order to realise access control and actualisation, in one embodiment an authorisation of the reading and writing access is carried out through a central station by means of electronic data transmission. To this end, each external data storage card interface is registered and provided with a clear identification. This identification is transmitted with the vehicle identification to the central station, for example via the Internet or via mobile telephone communication. All relevant data of the data storage card, for example repairs carried out, load profile, malfunction codes are also transmitted within the framework of the authorisation. As memory-intensive static data such as service information and operating manual are not evaluated, the transmission of the data of the data storage card of interest, for example vehicle identification data with repair history, diagnostic data and load profiles generated in the vehicle is developed in an acceptable time. Whether and which data of the data storage card is of interest for the central station can be established dynamically. Thus the data transmission requirements can be reduced to an absolute minimum. The authorisation through the central station also permits certain information concerning the data storage card to be actualised incrementally, such as technical service information and operating instructions.

The data on the data storage card is advantageously stored encoded. The central station transmits, within the framework of the authorisation process, a key to reading and writing of the data storage card. In order to ensure that each reading access is combined with a writing access, with every reading access, the identification of the external interface is standardly written with a standard LOG entry, such as "undocumented access" on the data storage card, in case no entry is undertaken by the reader. In this way it is ensured that workshops document repairs carried out.

According to another alternative design of the arrangement of the invention, the reading and writing of the data from and onto the data storage card is realised by wireless data communication. In addition messages between the vehicle-side interface and the car telephone or a mobile telecommunication component is exchanged via the data bus. This is especially useful when, in the case of drop-outs in the field, diagnostic data and repair history are to be transmitted to the central station WOOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 11 by means of which the determining of the current condition of the vehicle and the deducing of an optimal repair strategy is enabled.

According to a further alternative design of the arrangement of the invention and the method which is made available according to the invention, all vehicle-side information is stored in the vehicle-side interface. No portable data storage card is necessary for this embodiment variant. Repair information and parameters of obligatory inspections are written by the diagnostic test device over the diagnosis/inspection connection into the vehicle-side interface. The diagnostic/inspection connection also serves to read out the stored data in the vehicleside interface. It is necessary here that the diagnostic/inspection device be networked with the computers in the workshop or service station on which typical workshop programs run, so that data can be transmitted from the applications running on the computers to the diagnostic/inspection device and vice versa. It is necessary that the computers in the workshops and service stations be able to exchange data with a central station, eg. over the Internet or via mobile telecommunication.

According to a further embodiment configuration, certain data can be stored in the vehicle-side interface and certain data can be stored on the data storage card. Here, two separate, non-transient data storage media are used, one the data storage card and the other another memory, eg. the storage indicated with 23 in Figure 1. These further data memories in the vehicle can, but need not necessarily be located in the vehicleside interface.

It is also unnecessary that the vehicle-side interface contain a separate feed component for the data storage card. It is, however, necessary that the vehicle-side data storage be connected to the data bus or have a point-to-point connection to those control devices, components and sensors, which are needed for the detection of diagnostic data and the load profile. The vehicle-side data storage serves to store the diagnostic data or load profiles produced in the vehicle; it can also contain further information. Both data memories contain either the totality of the information to be stored or any amount desired. The contents of both memories can, but must not, be identical. For example, repair information can be stored on the data storage card and I WOOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 12 diagnostic data and load profiles produced in the vehicle can be stored in two data memories. It is thinkable that partial amounts of data be exchanged between both memories. For example repair information can be written from the storage data card onto the vehicle-side storage and, eg. diagnostic data can be written from the vehicleside storage onto the data storage card.

The data stored on the data storage card with the arrangement according to the invention or other storage media can be evaluated in various ways according to the invention. In this way, through the central evaluation in particular of commonly stored data such as detected load profiles, malfunction codes determined on board the vehicle and repair information, a detailed insight into the field performance of vehicles over a certain time period and/or the life cycle of the vehicle can be determined. From it, preventative repair measures can be deduced. Through the central evaluation of this data, it is also possible to obtain insights with respect to product improvement of systems, control units, sub-systems and components, which can also be used for the early recognition of quality problems. Also recognisable through the central evaluation, especially of malfunction codes and repair information produced on board the vehicle, is whether wrong repair strategies have been applied and whether the stored technical service information should not be improved.

The term data storage card should not be understood too narrowly in connection with the present invention, as each storage medium is suited to a corresponding storage volume to fulfil the task and purpose of the present invention. In order to make available a data storage card of the corresponding volume, one such as this can consist of one or more storage media appropriately combined, for example, in the form of several multimedia cards installed in one housing. In the event that corresponding programs are present in the vehicle-side interface, the data to be stored on the data storage card can be processed in such a way that only the result of the data treated by pre-processing is stored on the data storage card.

In conclusion, in the following the essential points of the arrangement of the invention, of the method and of the method of evaluating the stored data will be listed.

These characteristics are to be used individually or in combinations: WOOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 13 A continuous detection and permanent storing of operational data of a motor vehicle, for example engine speed and motor load, vehicle speed, coolant temperature, braking force, transverse acceleration etc. takes place. This storing takes place between the first operation of the vehicle or the installation of the arrangement of the present invention and the scrapping of the vehicle at the end of its life cycle. The detection of operating data in the time course is considered as and called the load profile.

A common detection of the load profiles, diagnostic malfunction codes and repair information over the entire life cycle of the vehicle on a non-transient memory in the vehicle with the object of obtaining a detailed insight into the field performance of the vehicle and to be able to deduce preventative measures takes place.

The storage of technical service information such as circuitry plans, malfunction search instructions drawings and malfunction texts in a non-transient memory in a vehicle takes place.

The storage of the parameters of technical obligatory inspections on a nontransient memory in the vehicle takes place.

The storage medium on the data storage card, which contains all the abovementioned data can be portable and be removed from the vehicle. This is, however, not necessary; a fixed data storage device can also be installed, which fulfils the task.

A pre-preparation of detected data can take place in the vehicle if programs for data processing are contained in the vehicle-side storage medium or in the vehicleside interface, which can then be carried out by means of the vehicle-side interface.

Selective access of memory contents and by means of a reading device and via mobile data communication between the vehicle and a central station is possible.

An encoding of the data in the vehicle-side data storage card takes place.

WOO/60548 PCT/DEOO/00950 14 A registration of each reading and writing access onto the data storage card takes place, the signature of the reader or the writer being stored.

Right of use for storage access is provided, for example the user "Vehicle" can only change dynamic operating data, not, however, repairs. The user "Workshop" may change only repair data, not operating data, however.

The transmission of any partial amounts of the information contained in the data storage card can be undertaken at a central point within the framework of an authentication/authorisation process.

An actualisation of any memory contents, for example static data on the vehicle and technical service information can take place within the framework of an authorisation process; The operating data to be recorded can be dynamically established. This takes place dependent on signal patterns and external control commands, which are transmitted via mobile data communication or are pre-programmed in the workshop.

A periodic checking of the connection of the vehicle-side data storage card on the vehicle-side storage medium with the data bus provided in the vehicle takes place.

The invention with all its characteristic features offers a very feasible basis for evaluating data in various ways. This improves the basis for product improvements with respect to systems, sub-systems, components, serves the early recognition of quality problems, the recognition of false repair strategies and the improvement of technical service information very considerably, to name but a few examples.

Claims

1. A system for storing data in a vehicle, the data containing static information concerning the vehicle and a user, information of malfunction codes concerning the condition of systems, components and sensors on board the vehicle, wherein a data storage card with a very large storage capacity is provided as the storage medium, the data storage card is allocated to the vehicle, a vehicle-side interface is provided for receiving and reading/writing the data storage card, a data bus is provided in the vehicle onto which the interface and other systems, components and sensors are connected and connectable, at least one malfunction diagnostic device is provided on board the vehicle, which generates corresponding malfunction codes, these malfunction codes together with other relevant data of the various vehicle-side systems, components and sensors and the operating parameters of the vehicle can be continuously stored as permanent load profiles on the data storage card and can be read out from the data storage card, and wherein this storage extends over the entire service life of the vehicle or the system.

2. The system according to Claim 1, wherein, as further data, information concerning technical service data can be stored on the data storage card.

3. The system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein as further data, information concerning one or more electronic operating instructions and/or information concerning specifications and/or technical obligatory inspections can be stored on the data storage card. •9 C o499

4. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein, as further data, information concerning repairs and service work on the vehicle can be stored on the data storage card. S 30

5. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the data storage card is portable, ie. can be taken out of the interface in the vehicle and can be inserted into another interface, in particular in an interface of a service or repair workshop Or reading and/or writing. for reading and/or writing. -16-

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data storage card, with respect to the necessary storage capacity, consists of one or more connected storage media, in particular in the form of several multi-media cards, which are combined by a common bus and are housed in a housing.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the data stored on the data storage card is mirrored and stored in the interface.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the data bus provided in the vehicle is a CAN-data bus (Controller Area Network data bus).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the data storage card is inserted in the vehicle-side interface during the operation of the vehicle and this vehicle status is periodically checked on the vehicle-side.

The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the control of the data communication with the data storage card takes place by means of a microprocessor and/or a computer provided on board the vehicle, the microprocessor containing its own RAM/ROM memory.

11. The system according to Claim 10, wherein a processing of the data to be .00 stored in the data storage card takes place in the vehicle. 0 .00:00

12. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein for 25 access monitoring, the actualising of every access to the data storage card is registered.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the data is stored encoded on the data storage card. 09 S 30

14. A method for storing modifiable and non-modifiable data relating to a 00.• vehicle and a user and data relating to the condition of systems, components and sensors of a 00 s the vehicle, wherein the permanent storage of this data together with data about operating parameters of the vehicle together with malfunction codes of at least one malfunction 7 RAZ agnostic device as load profiles generated on board over the service life of the vehicle on -17- the vehicle-side data storage card of corresponding storage capacity, the storing taking place in terms of a historical storage without older data being overwritten by new data of the same kind.

15. The method according to Claim 14, wherein further data about repair and service work is stored on the vehicle-side data storage card.

16. The method according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein access to the vehicle-side data storage card is protocoled and must be authorised.

17. The method according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein the extent of the data to be stored, in particular data relating to operating parameters, can be dynamically parameterised dependent on signal patterns and external control commands which are transmitted over mobile data communication in a workshop.

18. The method according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein all or any partial amount of the data stored on the vehicle-side storage card can be transmitted within the framework of an authentication authorisation process to a central station.

19. The method according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein any of the contents of stored data, in particular static data on the vehicle, technical service S'information or operating instructions can be actualised within the framework of an authorisation process. 25

20. A method for using data stored according to the method of any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein, by means of the central evaluation of stored data on board the vehicle of recorded load profiles, malfunction codes and repair information concerning a detailed insight into the field performance of vehicles over a certain period of time and/or the life cycle of the vehicle and/or preventative repair measures can be determined. oo

21. A method for using data, which is stored according to the system of any one of Claims 1 to 13, or according to the method of any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein, **by means of the central evaluation of stored data, in particular of commonly stored patterns f load profiles, malfunction codes and repair information, findings with respect to product -18- improvements of systems, sub-systems and components can be achieved as well as the early detection of quality problems.

22. A method for using data, which is stored according to the system of any one of Claims 1 to 13, or according to the method of any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein, by means of the central evaluation of stored data, especially of malfunction codes and repair information determined on board the vehicle, incorrect repair strategies can be recognised and knowledge for the improvement of technical service information can be obtained.

23. A system for storing data in a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

24. A method for storing data in a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing. Dated this 19 th day of February, 2003 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH By Their Patent Attorneys CALLINAN LAWRIE .o1O ooeo