DE102010028996A1 - Method for configuration of control unit of vehicle, involves transmitting message comprising vehicle information by control unit, to receiver based on condition indicated by statement received from vehicle manufacturer - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transmitting an appropriate statement (109) from vehicle manufacturer to a vehicle (101). A control unit (102) is configured based on the statement indicating a condition. The message (108) comprising information is transmitted by the control unit to the receiver based on the condition. The information is included with vehicle specification, quality data, error message and/or fault codes. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) control unit of vehicle; and (2) vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a method for configuring a control unit in a vehicle, a corresponding control unit and a vehicle having such a control unit.

It is known vehicle components electronically, for. B. by means of sensors to monitor and to store detected data in control units. The data may be z. These include diagnostic data, operating status information and environmental information. The data can be fed via various transmission paths to processing or further analysis.

• (a) Während eines Werkstattbesuchs werden Daten aus dem Fahrzeug ausgelesen und zentral ausgewertet. Hierzu wird das Fahrzeug mit einem Testgerät der Werkstatt verbunden, das mit einem Firmennetzwerk des Fahrzeugherstellers gekoppelt ist und die Daten auf einer zentralen Datenbank speichert.
• (b) Die Daten werden in einem externen Speichermedium aufgezeichnet. Das Speichermedium wird zur Aufbereitung und Auswertung aus dem Fahrzeug entfernt und die Daten werden über geeignete Schnittstellen auf einem Server abgelegt.
• (c) Die Daten werden in einem mit dem Fahrzeug verbundenen externen Gerät mit integriertem Übertragungsmodul aufgezeichnet und bei Bedarf aus dem Fahrzeug übertragen. Dabei werden Kommunikationsschnittstellen wie GSM oder WLAN verwendet.

The collection of data (also referred to as quality data) from vehicles is done in one of the following ways:

• (a) During a workshop visit, data is read from the vehicle and evaluated centrally. For this purpose, the vehicle is connected to a test device of the workshop, which is coupled with a company network of the vehicle manufacturer and stores the data on a central database.
• (b) The data is recorded in an external storage medium. The storage medium is removed from the vehicle for processing and evaluation, and the data is stored on a server via suitable interfaces.
• (c) The data is recorded in an external device with integrated transmission module connected to the vehicle and, if necessary, transmitted from the vehicle. In doing so, communication interfaces such as GSM or WLAN are used.

Known solutions have the disadvantage that the handling of the data is cumbersome or the data are accessible only according to a fixed scheme or only through the workshop.

The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and in particular to improve a centralized collection of vehicle-specific data.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• – bei dem eine Anweisung an das Fahrzeug übermittelt wird;
• – bei dem abhängig von der Anweisung die Steuereinheit konfiguriert wird, wobei die Anweisung eine Bedingung angibt oder umfasst;
• – bei dem bei Eintritt der Bedingung eine Nachricht umfassend mindestens eine Information von der Steuereinheit an einen Empfänger übermittelt wird.

To achieve the object, a method for the configuration of a control unit of a vehicle is specified,

• - in which an instruction is transmitted to the vehicle;
• In which, depending on the instruction, the control unit is configured, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition;
• - In which, when the condition occurs, a message comprising at least one information is transmitted from the control unit to a receiver.

The at least one piece of information is also referred to here as "data". For example, the message is a Teleservice Report (TSR). The condition can also be multiple (sub) conditions.

Thus, it is possible that flexible conditions (also referred to as trigger conditions or triggers) may be considered to provide data to the receiver. The information contained in the message at least one, so the data can be configured as desired. So can be specified by means of the instruction, which data from the vehicle to which conditions (or times) to be transmitted to the receiver.

In particular, the condition can be set on the basis of the instruction.

The condition can be any trigger condition. If the condition is met, the at least one information, in particular vehicle data can be transmitted to the receiver.

In particular, the receiver is a vehicle manufacturer, e.g. B. a computer network of the vehicle manufacturer. Also, the recipient may be a participant of the Internet. In particular, the receiver via a communication network, comprising, for. As a wired and / or wireless communication network to be connected to the vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer can also be connected to the vehicle, for example, via the Internet (and optionally via a wireless communication network).

• – Fahrzeugdaten und/oder
• – Qualitätsdaten und/oder
• – Fehlermeldungen und/oder
• – Fehlerspeichereinträge.

A further development is that the at least one piece of information comprises:

• - Vehicle data and / or
• - quality data and / or
• - Error messages and / or
• - Error memory entries.

In particular, the information can be any vehicle-specific data that can be evaluated by the recipient. In particular, the at least one information can be determined on the basis of measurements of the vehicle.

The at least one piece of information may also include data that is determined and / or provided externally (ie outside the vehicle).

Another development is that a terminal, in particular a mobile terminal, communicates with the vehicle via the receiver.

In particular, the user can read information from the vehicle via the mobile terminal or configure the control unit by means of instructions.

Optionally, an authorization and / or authentication and / or encryption of the communication between the terminal and the receiver and / or the vehicle is provided. Authorization and / or authentication and / or encryption of the communication between the receiver and the vehicle can also be implemented accordingly.

• – eine vorgegebene erreichte oder zurückgelegte Wegstrecke;
• – eine vorgegebene Zeit oder eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer;
• – einen vorgegebenen Zustand des Fahrzeugs;
• – einen Befehl, z. B. von einem mobilen Endgerät.

It is also a further development that the condition comprises at least one of the following possibilities:

• A predetermined distance traveled or traveled;
• A predetermined time or a predetermined period of time;
• A predetermined state of the vehicle;
• - a command, eg. B. from a mobile device.

The condition may also result in data being sent to the recipient at a given repetition rate by means of the message. In this case, the condition may be formulated as: If the period x has expired, send data y. In addition, such a condition may have a validity interval, i. H. the data is transmitted for the duration of the validity interval. Also, the period x can be controlled flexibly, z. Depending on certain events.

The predetermined state of the vehicle may be a state of an actuator or a measurable size of the vehicle having a predetermined value.

The command may be a remote command instructing the vehicle to transmit a predetermined message comprising the at least one information, in particular vehicle data, to the receiver.

Furthermore, it is a further development that the receiver comprises at least one computer of a vehicle manufacturer.

In the context of an additional development, the vehicle can be connected directly or indirectly to the receiver via a communication interface, in particular a wireless communication connection.

The wireless communication connection is, for example, a mobile radio interface, a Bluetooth interface or a WLAN interface.

Alternatively, a wired communication connection may be provided.

A next development is that instructions are transmitted to several vehicles.

In particular, a so-called campaign can be started, which initiates a query of at least one information from several vehicles. In particular, the instruction can determine which information is provided by the vehicles at which events for which polling period.

One refinement is that instructions are transmitted to a predefined vehicle type, a predefined vehicle series and / or a predetermined selection of vehicles.

An alternative embodiment is that it is determined on the basis of the instructions that the at least one piece of information is determined for a given period of time and transmitted to the receiver.

A next embodiment is that the receiver evaluates the at least one piece of information and possibly performs a predetermined action.

For example, by comparing the incoming information with values stored at the receiver, it can be seen that a given action, e.g. B. a warning to the affected vehicle or to the customer or driver of the vehicle to be transmitted. The alert may be a corresponding message or may include a voice connection setup.

• – bei der eine Anweisung an die Steuereinheit übermittelbar ist;
• – bei der abhängig von der Anweisung die Steuereinheit konfigurierbar ist, wobei die Anweisung eine Bedingung angibt oder umfasst;
• – bei der bei Eintritt der Bedingung eine Nachricht umfassend mindestens eine Information von der Steuereinheit an einen Empfänger übermittelbar ist.

The above object is further achieved by a control unit for a vehicle,

• - in which an instruction can be transmitted to the control unit;
• - wherein the controller is configurable depending on the instruction, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition;
• - In the case of the condition a message comprising at least one information from the control unit to a receiver can be transmitted.

• – bei dem eine Anweisung an die Steuereinheit übermittelbar ist;
• – bei dem abhängig von der Anweisung die Steuereinheit konfigurierbar ist, wobei die Anweisung eine Bedingung angibt oder umfasst;
• – bei dem bei Eintritt der Bedingung eine Nachricht umfassend mindestens eine Information von der Steuereinheit an einen Empfänger übermittelbar ist.

The above object is also achieved by a vehicle having a configurable control unit,

• - In which an instruction is transmitted to the control unit;
• - in which, depending on the instruction, the control unit is configurable, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition;
• - In which the occurrence of the condition a message comprising at least one information from the control unit to a receiver can be transmitted.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawings.

It shows:

1 a schematic block diagram comprising a vehicle, which is connected via a communication network with a computer network.

For example, data (eg quality data) may be transmitted by a vehicle in the form of messages (also referred to as a teleservice report, TSR), in particular to a computer network, eg. B. the vehicle manufacturer.

The computer network may be a computer network or at least one computer, for. With a database. The computer network may be provided by the vehicle manufacturer, by a service provider, or by any network operator. In particular, it is possible that the computer network comprises the Internet or a part of the Internet. The computer network is preferably connectable to the vehicle via a wireless (radio) interface. Examples of wireless interfaces are: A cellular, wireless, or Bluetooth interface. Furthermore, it is possible that the vehicle is connected to the computer network via a wired interface.

The data may in particular be: vehicle-specific data, vehicle quality data, technical vehicle data, error messages, fault memory entries, etc.

For example, predefined data queries can be carried out in the vehicle, which as a result determine, store and / or transmit data to the computer network. On the basis of the computer network provided data z. For example, a statement regarding a condition or quality of a vehicle functionality may be made. The vehicle can be located here with the user or in the workshop or be in operation or parked.

The news can z. B. be divided into a technology-related message and a process-related message. Other classifications are possible accordingly.

1 shows a schematic block diagram comprising a vehicle 101 that via a communication network 105 , z. A wireless connection (eg, a cellular network) or a wired connection to a computer network 106 connected is. At the computer network 106 it can be at least one computer of the vehicle manufacturer or the Internet. For example, the computer network is attacking 106 on at least one database 107 to.

The vehicle 101 includes a control unit 102 that communicate with a communication unit 103 connected is. The communication unit 103 is over the communication network 105 with the computer network 106 connected.

The control unit 102 receives, for example, input variables 104 from the vehicle 101 or ask z. B. from other control units of the vehicle (not in 1 represented) such inputs 104 from. It should be noted that the control unit 102 can be carried out centrally in the vehicle. It is also possible that a plurality of control units is provided, wherein the control units can communicate at least partially with each other. At the control unit 102 It may therefore also be a decentralized system with a plurality of control units of the vehicle. The input variables 104 are then provided to a part (or all) of such controllers.

Furthermore, input variables can also be evaluated via the communication unit 103 , z. B. over the communication network 105 or via another communication interface (not in 1 shown). Also, a mobile terminal (eg, a user's mobile phone) may provide input to the vehicle.

The control unit 102 includes at least one data query from which data can be obtained. These data are in the form of a message 108 from the vehicle 101 to the computer network 105 transmitted. In particular, the control unit may have at least one trigger condition, so that when the Trigger condition, if z. B. an input 104 has a predetermined value or is within a predetermined value range, the message 108 is transmitted.

The control unit 102 , in particular the data query (s) and / or the trigger condition (s) can be flexible from the computer network 106 (in particular from a central service or the vehicle manufacturer) can be configured by a corresponding instruction 109 transmitted to the vehicle and from the control unit 102 is implemented.

1 further shows by way of example a mobile terminal 110 that's over the communications network 105 with the computer network 106 Can exchange data. Thus, it is possible that by means of the mobile terminal 110 the data of the vehicle 101 be read out and / or that appropriate instructions for controlling the vehicle 101 be transmitted. The computer network 106 , z. As a backend of the vehicle manufacturer, in this regard can provide a suitable implementation mechanism, possibly with authorization, authentication and / or encryption.

Technology-related message

• – Wegstrecke, z. B.: ”Das Fahrzeug sendet alle x Kilometer eine Nachricht”;
• – Zeit, z. B.: ”Das Fahrzeug sendet alle x Minuten eine Nachricht”; ”das Fahrzeug sendet um x Uhr eine Nachricht”;
• – Ereignisgesteuert: Bei Erreichen eines vorgegebenen Zustands in dem Fahrzeug wird eine Nachricht gesendet (z. B. bei Unterschreiten einer vorgegebenen, z. B. kritischen, Batteriespannung);
• – Ferngesteuert: Das Fahrzeug kann ferngesteuert dazu veranlasst werden, eine Nachricht zu versenden.

A timing of a transmission of data may be set from a central unit. The message is then transmitted according to the setting. At least one of the following events can be used to trigger the message:

• - Distance, z. For example: "The vehicle sends a message every x kilometers";
• - time, z. For example: "the vehicle sends a message every x minutes";"The vehicle sends a message at x o'clock";
• Event-driven: When a predefined state in the vehicle is reached, a message is sent (for example, if the battery voltage falls below a predetermined, eg critical, level);
• - Remote controlled: The vehicle can be remotely controlled to send a message.

The service of the message transmission can, for. B. from a central unit (the above-mentioned computer network) on or off.

The message may have a predetermined format and content (eg, including pre-set diagnostic data of the vehicle). Such default can be modified by providing appropriate instructions to the vehicle, e.g. From the computer network. For example, it is thus possible to obtain data relating to predetermined diagnostic states from the vehicle in a flexible and timely manner without the user having to bring the vehicle into the workshop. Therefore, the statement can be used to modify or supplement a data query. New data queries can also be transmitted to the vehicle by means of instructions. The instruction is preferably a message in the direction of the vehicle for setting a control unit, via which a transmission of the respective messages is initiated.

Basically, different predetermined data of the vehicle can be queried based on the data query. It is also possible to set triggering conditions that lead to the transmission of the data. Thus, it can be determined via various trigger conditions, which data is transmitted from the vehicle to the computer network. The trigger conditions are z. B. transmitted by means of the instructions from the computer network to the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is possible that the vehicle carries out data queries, possibly depending on triggering conditions, and temporarily stores the received data. For this purpose, suitable storage mechanisms or storage possibilities can be provided. For example, it is possible to store the data after an interruption of a communication connection until the communication connection to the computer network is established again.

The data transmitted to the computer network data z. B. be suitably processed or evaluated by the vehicle manufacturer.

Process-related message

In particular, it is possible to configure messages for a variety of vehicles to ensure flexible quality assurance. Thus, instructions can be created with the aim of receiving messages from vehicles, with the data of the messages and the triggering conditions being flexibly adjustable via the instructions.

Thus, so-called campaigns can be carried out, with a campaign z. B. is initiated by the vehicle manufacturer and is transmitted in the form of at least one instruction to the (participating or selected) vehicles to z. B. for a predetermined period of time to collect data from the vehicles and then evaluate accordingly. The at least one instruction can z. B. transmitted to multiple vehicles in the form of a broadcast statement.

• – eine Anzahl (1 bis n) Fahrzeuge;
• – einen Typ bzw. eine Baureihe von Fahrzeugen;
• – einen Anfangs- und Endzeitpunkt des Zeitraums, in dem die Fahrzeuge Daten übertragen sollen;
• – Ereignisse, bei deren Eintritt die Fahrzeuge Daten übertragen sollen (wie vorstehend ausgeführt, können die Ereignisse, z. B. abhängig von einer Wegstrecke, einer Zeit, ereignisgesteuert oder ferngesteuert eintreten);
• – Zeitlich nachgelagerte Diagnose-Abfragen.

For example, a campaign can include

• - a number (1 to n) vehicles;
• - a type or series of vehicles;
• - a start and end time of the period in which the vehicles are to transmit data;
• Events on which the vehicles are to transmit data (as stated above, the events may occur, for example, depending on a distance, a time, event-driven or remote-controlled);
• - Downstream diagnostic queries.

The process mentioned here or the associated campaign can u. a. be extended so that depending on a timely, especially real-time-based analysis result or the content of the data transmitted from the vehicle, further information processes are started. For example, as a result of the evaluation of the data obtained, a call can be made to a call center, to a breakdown service, to accident research or to the user himself.

Other advantages

With the approach proposed here, it is possible to obtain certain data from vehicles without having to bring the vehicle to the workshop for this purpose.

Furthermore, it is possible to flexibly set how, when and which data should be provided by which vehicles.

Here it is advantageous that required data are available quickly. Furthermore, trigger conditions can be configured; if the trigger condition is met, a message is sent, the data is z. B. evaluable in a central computer network to perform appropriate action depending on such an evaluation. This allows, in particular, an actively controllable provision of data.

An evaluation of the provided data enables a preventive quality assessment, so that errors can be detected early and damage can be avoided. This reduces warranty costs and increases customer satisfaction.

By configuring a plurality of vehicles, it is possible to obtain an overview of a (quality) condition of a vehicle fleet. In particular, problematic vehicles can be identified and analyzed in a targeted manner.

Thus, problems can be detected earlier than previously and solved. As a result, improvements can be incorporated into series production at an early stage. This also enables customer-oriented product development.

Furthermore, it is possible to subsequently program trip conditions by means of flexibly configurable data queries in the vehicle, which may not be known or are not necessary when the vehicle is manufactured. Such trigger conditions provide according to data on the messages described, z. B. a central computer network of the vehicle manufacturer, ready.

In the vehicle data can be cached. In particular, state changes over a (predetermined or predefinable) period of time can be recorded and, if necessary (collected if necessary) transmitted in the form of at least one message to the computer network of the vehicle manufacturer.

For example, an analysis of the data provided by the vehicle manufacturer in a timely manner, in particular in real time, take place. It is then possible to provide results of the analysis to the vehicle or the driver or customer at short notice. Such feedback can z. B. via the vehicle (transmission of a message, eg., SMS, email, presenting information in an integrated multimedia system, setting up a voice connection) or directly via the user, eg. By establishing a call with a (vehicle-independent) telephone number (eg the mobile telephone of the user).

Claims (12)

Method for configuring a control unit of a vehicle, - in which an instruction is transmitted to the vehicle; In which, depending on the instruction, the control unit is configured, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition; - In which, when the condition occurs, a message comprising at least one information is transmitted from the control unit to a receiver. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one information comprises - Vehicle data and / or - quality data and / or - Error messages and / or - Error memory entries. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a terminal, in particular a mobile terminal, communicates with the vehicle via the receiver. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the condition comprises at least one of the following possibilities: A predetermined distance traveled or traveled; A predetermined time or a predetermined period of time; A predetermined state of the vehicle; - a command. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver comprises at least one computer of a vehicle manufacturer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle can be connected to the receiver via a communication interface, in particular a wireless communication connection. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which instructions are transmitted to a plurality of vehicles. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which instructions are transmitted to a predefined vehicle type, a predefined vehicle series and / or a predetermined selection of vehicles. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is determined on the basis of the instructions that the at least one information is determined and transmitted to the receiver for a predetermined period of time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver evaluates the at least one information and optionally performs a predetermined action. Control unit for a vehicle, - in which an instruction can be transmitted to the control unit; - wherein the controller is configurable depending on the instruction, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition; - In the case of the condition a message comprising at least one information from the control unit to a receiver can be transmitted. Vehicle with a configurable control unit, - In which an instruction is transmitted to the control unit; - in which, depending on the instruction, the control unit is configurable, the instruction indicating or comprising a condition; - In which the occurrence of the condition a message comprising at least one information from the control unit to a receiver can be transmitted.

Images