FR3102248A1 - Diagnostic system of a potentially risky situation of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a diagnostic system (2) for a potentially risky situation of a motor vehicle, this system comprising an electronic nose (4) arranged to detect , in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

System for diagnosing a potentially risky situation in a vehicle

The present invention relates to a system for diagnosing a potentially risky situation in a motor vehicle.

Patent application US2019063678 describes a method for determining contamination in a vehicle lubrication system, comprising the following steps: detecting an aroma of a lubricant in the vehicle lubrication system with at least one sensor; generating a signal representative of the aroma; and determining contamination or deterioration of the lubricant based on the signal representative of the aroma.

Also, odors generated in a vehicle can indicate potential malfunctions. These could be generated by the engine or other parts of the vehicle. Most users are unaware of these odors and often think the source is probably inside the cabin or outside. Their potential first reaction is therefore not to relate them to a malfunction in the engine or the maintenance of the car. In addition, in some cases they are not easily identifiable, perceived and / or identified and can become harmful for the vehicle and for the health of the passengers.

The invention aims to improve this type of situation.

The subject of the invention is thus a system for diagnosing a potentially risky situation in a motor vehicle, this system comprising an electronic nose arranged to detect, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance, this system further comprising a processing unit arranged to supply one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, as a function of the odor detected by the electronic nose.

An electronic nose is notably capable of detecting and identifying an odor and/or a flavor. The stages of the recognition process are for example similar to those of human olfaction to allow the identification, comparison and quantification of the odor(s).

Thus the present invention relates in particular to the use of an electronic nose for diagnosing problems in the vehicle. By installing an electronic nose inside the engine bay and/or passenger compartment, the system can identify specific odors and correlate them to a database to suggest and take action. The system with the electronic nose, in particular with its electronic connection equipment and its sensors, is connected to the processing unit, for example a controller of the vehicle, in order in particular to automatically inform the driver of any potential risk in the vehicle and to give him suggestions based on the relevance of the diagnosis. The diagnosis can also lead to more actions, for example direct modification of the configurations and/or the behavior of the car, connection to a maintenance service, alert of the management of the fleet service, enrichment of the database by learning .

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the electronic nose comprises one or more sensors arranged to detect an odor, this or these sensors being placed inside the engine compartment and/or the passenger compartment of the vehicle. For example, one of the sensors is placed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the other sensor in the engine.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the processing unit is on board the vehicle. As a variant, the processing unit is remote from the vehicle, and the vehicle and the processing unit are arranged to communicate with each other by a wireless link, for example by a communication of the 4G or 5G type. As a variant, the processing unit can be partly on-board and partly remote from the vehicle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the processing unit comprises an index of memorized odors, and the odor detected by the electronic nose is compared with this index so as to determine the memorized odor which is associated with odor detected.

• une odeur de plastique brûlé, provenant notamment d’une brûlure d’un isolant ou d’un court-circuit électrique,
• une odeur de soufre provenant notamment d’un problème dans un convertisseur catalytique, d'une détérioration du système de contrôle des émissions ou de niveaux élevés de mélange air / carburant dans le moteur,
• une odeur de résine enflammé provenant notamment d’un embrayage ou de freins surchauffés ou en feu,
• une odeur de liquide de refroidissement provenant notamment d’une fuite dans un radiateur ou une culasse, une admission défectueuse, un joint de collecteur ou un problème avec le radiateur,
• une odeur d’huile brûlée provenant notamment d’un manque d'huile moteur ou du fait que le moteur surchauffe ou qu'il y ait une fuite d'huile dans le bloc-moteur,
• une odeur de moisissure ou d’humidité provenant notamment de moisissure à l'intérieur de l'évaporateur de l’HVAC du véhicule,
• une odeur de freins brûlés provenant par exemple de plaquettes de frein du véhicule surchauffées ou du fait que le frein à main est serré pendant le roulage.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the index of memorized odors comprises a plurality of memorized odors chosen in particular from:

• a smell of burnt plastic, especially from a burnt insulator or an electrical short circuit,
• a sulfur smell, especially from a problem in a catalytic converter, deterioration of the emissions control system, or high levels of air/fuel mixture in the engine,
• a smell of burning resin, particularly from an overheated or on fire clutch or brakes,
• a smell of coolant coming in particular from a leak in a radiator or cylinder head, a faulty intake, a manifold gasket or a problem with the radiator,
• a smell of burnt oil, particularly from a lack of engine oil or from the fact that the engine is overheating or that there is an oil leak in the engine block,
• a musty or damp smell, particularly from mold inside the vehicle's HVAC evaporator,
• a smell of burnt brakes, for example from overheated vehicle brake pads or from the fact that the handbrake is applied while driving.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the processing unit is arranged to determine the diagnostic data or data as a function of this odor of the index which has been retained and, preferably, also as a function of a data related to the environment of the vehicle and/or the passenger(s) and/or the maintenance history of the vehicle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the data related to the environment is chosen from: data related to the current trip of the vehicle, for example a trip to a hospital, data related to weather conditions, data related to a country or town situation in the vicinity of the vehicle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the processing unit is arranged to determine a level of risk, in particular to qualify a potentially dangerous situation of the vehicle and/or of the passenger(s), depending both on the odor of the index which has been attributed to the detected odor, and of the environment datum.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the processing unit is arranged to, on the basis of the stored odors of the index, classify the odors according to their potential risk.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the risk can be classified according to at least three levels: low risk, medium risk and high risk.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, a low-risk malfunction situation is a situation which does not present an immediate risk to the health and safety of the passengers of the vehicle. These situations can also become a stronger risk for the future but do not require immediate intervention. Medium-risk malfunction situations do not present any immediate danger to the passenger, but require the intervention of a mechanic, for example, so as not to harm the vehicle and the users. High-risk situations require the urgent attention of, for example, a mechanic as these situations could endanger the condition of the passengers and the problem must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the system comprises a Man-Machine interface connected to the processing unit and arranged to communicate to the passenger(s) of the vehicle information on the diagnosis carried out by the system, in particular the level of risk of the situation with possibly details on this situation. This interface comprises for example a touch screen.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the information communicated to the passengers on the interface is for example information on the problem identified, a recommendation based on the risk associated with the diagnosis, advice on the prevention of malfunctions, maintenance future engine components and failure.

• détecter électroniquement, dans le véhicule, une odeur, par exemple associée à une substance volatile, notamment à l’aide d’un nez électronique,
• fournir une ou plusieurs données de diagnostic sur la situation potentiellement à risque du véhicule, en fonction de l’odeur détectée électroniquement.

The invention also relates to a method for diagnosing a potentially risky situation of a motor vehicle, this method comprising the following steps:

• electronically detect, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance, in particular using an electronic nose,
• provide one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, depending on the electronically detected odor.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method comprises the step of informing the passenger or passengers of the vehicle with diagnostic information.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method includes the step of acting automatically on the vehicle, in particular on the driving of the vehicle, as a function of diagnostic data thus established.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may comprise the following step: sending, as a function of diagnostic data thus established, direct instructions to the driver, via a Man-Machine interface, an audio system or a telephone portable. For example, these instructions tell the driver how to adjust their driving, such as stopping immediately, driving slowly, taking the next exit, or what to do in the near future, such as ordering new filters for air filtration. passenger compartment, fill the oil tank, confirm an appointment offered with the maintenance service to change the brakes, etc.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may comprise the following step: acting on the vehicle if necessary, for example, by limiting the speed, by activating the air conditioner, by modifying the driving mode from "Sport" to “Eco”, etc.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may comprise the following step: activating, for example via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a maintenance service, for example a service subscribed by the driver or the company if the car belongs to a fleet, or offer independent maintenance services, with an estimate of the price, possibly offer an appointment depending on the driver's agenda and the services, or offer to order a spare part and the deliver to the maintenance department.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may include the following step: notify and send, in particular via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a report to the vehicle fleet manager, if necessary. The interest is, for example, that the company knows which problems have arisen and for what reasons, and with which driver.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may comprise the following step: enriching, in particular via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a diagnostics database, in particular with the aim of improving it by learning automatic, and in particular to update it for all the other systems in circulation of a fleet of vehicles.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method may comprise the following step: after having alerted the driver of a potentially risky situation, continuing to alert the driver and/or another remote service until the potentially risky situation is corrected and/or treated. For example, when the electronic nose detects that the smell is no longer present, it automatically deactivates the alert or warning.

It is understood that all the characteristics and configurations above are in no way limiting. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates different steps of a method according to an example of the invention.

FIG. 1 represents a vehicle 1 equipped with a system 2 for diagnosing a potentially risky situation of the motor vehicle.

This system 2 comprises an electronic nose 4 arranged to detect, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance.

This system 2 further comprises a processing unit 5, for example including an on-board electronic controller, arranged to supply one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, depending on the odor detected by the electronic nose.

The electronic nose here comprises several sensors 10 arranged to detect an odor, these sensors 10 being placed inside the engine compartment 9 and the passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle. Some sensors 10 are placed in the passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle and other sensors in the engine compartment 9.

An HVAC 8, or air conditioning device, is provided to filter the air entering the passenger compartment 3.

The processing unit 5 is on board the vehicle and is arranged to communicate by a wireless communication protocol, of the 4G or 5G type for example, with a remote computer server 7.

The processing unit 5 includes an index of memorized odors, and the odor detected by the electronic nose 4 is compared with this index so as to determine the memorized odor which is associated with the detected odor.

The index of memorized odors includes a plurality of memorized odors chosen in particular from:

a smell of burnt plastic, particularly from a burnt insulator or an electrical short circuit,

a smell of sulfur, especially from a problem in a catalytic converter, a deterioration of the emission control system or high levels of air / fuel mixture in the engine,

a smell of burning resin, particularly from an overheated or on fire clutch or brakes,

a smell of coolant coming from a leak in a radiator or cylinder head, a faulty intake, a manifold gasket or a problem with the radiator,

a smell of burnt oil, particularly from a lack of engine oil or from the fact that the engine is overheating or that there is an oil leak in the engine block,

a musty or damp smell, particularly from mold inside the vehicle's HVAC evaporator,

a smell of burnt brakes, for example from overheated vehicle brake pads or from the fact that the handbrake is applied while driving.

The processing unit 5 is arranged to, on the basis of the stored odors of the index, classify the odors according to their potential risk.

• détecter électroniquement, dans le véhicule, une odeur, par exemple associée à une substance volatile, notamment à l’aide d’un nez électronique (étape 21),
• décider si une odeur est détectée ou non (étape 22).

There is shown in Figure 2 different steps of a diagnostic method implemented by the system 2, this method comprising the following steps:

• electronically detecting, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance, in particular using an electronic nose (step 21),
• deciding whether an odor is detected or not (step 22).

The processing unit 5 is arranged to determine the diagnostic data or data as a function of the smell of the index which has been retained and also as a function of a data item 24 linked to the environment of the vehicle and/or the or passengers (step 23).

The data related to the environment is chosen from: data related to the current trip of the vehicle, for example a trip to a hospital, data related to weather conditions, data related to a country or town situation in the neighborhood of the vehicle.

The processing unit 5 is arranged to determine whether a risk exists (step 25) and, if so, to determine an associated level of risk, in particular to qualify a potentially dangerous situation of the vehicle and/or of the passenger(s), by a function both of the odor of the index which has been assigned to the detected odor, and of the environment datum (step 26).

Risk can be classified according to at least three levels: low risk (step 27), medium risk (step 28) and high risk (step 29).

For example, a low-risk malfunction situation is one that poses no immediate risk to the health and safety of vehicle passengers. These situations can also become a stronger risk for the future but do not require immediate intervention.

Medium-risk malfunction situations do not present any immediate danger to the passenger, but require the intervention of a mechanic, for example, so as not to harm the vehicle and the users.

High-risk situations require the urgent attention of, for example, a mechanic as these situations could endanger the condition of the passengers and the problem must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

The system comprises a Man-Machine interface 12 connected to the processing unit 5 and arranged to communicate to the passenger(s) of the vehicle information on the diagnosis carried out by the system, in particular the level of risk of the situation with any details on this situation. This interface 12 comprises for example a touch screen.

The information communicated to the passengers on the interface 12 is for example information on the problem identified, a recommendation based on the risk associated with the diagnosis, advice on the prevention of malfunctions, the future maintenance of the engine components and a breakdown.

The processing unit 5 orders actions according to the assessed risk and the nature of this risk (step 30).

Odor detection is done on a continuous basis (step 31).

System 2 detects whether odors are still present (step 32).

If not, the alert is terminated (step 33).

Thus the invention makes it possible to provide one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, depending on the odor detected electronically.

The method includes the step of informing the passenger(s) of the vehicle with diagnostic information.

The method includes the step of acting automatically on the vehicle, in particular on the driving of the vehicle, as a function of diagnostic data thus established.

The process may include the following step: sending direct instructions to the driver, via a Man-Machine interface, an audio system or a mobile phone. For example, these instructions tell the driver how to adjust their driving, such as stopping immediately, driving slowly, taking the next exit, or what to do in the near future, such as ordering new filters for air filtration. passenger compartment, fill the oil tank, confirm an appointment offered with the maintenance service to change the brakes, etc.

The process may include the following step: act on the vehicle if necessary, for example, by limiting the speed, by activating the air conditioning, by changing the driving mode from “Sport” to “Eco”, etc.

The method may include the following step: activating, for example via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a maintenance service, for example a service subscribed to by the driver or the company if the car belongs to a fleet, or offering independent maintenance services, with price estimate, possibly offering an appointment based on the driver's agenda and services, or offering to order a spare part and deliver it to the maintenance department.

The process may include the following step: notify and send, in particular via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a report to the vehicle fleet manager, if necessary. The interest is, for example, that the company knows which problems have arisen and for what reasons, and with which driver.

The method may include the following step: enriching, in particular via a remote computer server or Cloud in English, a diagnostics database, in particular with the aim of improving it by automatic learning, and in particular of updating it for all the other systems in circulation of a fleet of vehicles.

The method may include the following step: after having alerted the driver of a potentially risky situation, continuing to alert the driver and/or another remote service until the potentially risky situation is corrected and/or treated . For example, when the electronic nose detects that the smell is no longer present, it automatically deactivates the alert or warning.

Claims (10)

Diagnosis system (2) of a potentially risky situation in a motor vehicle, this system comprising an electronic nose (4) arranged to detect, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance, this system comprising furthermore a processing unit arranged to supply one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, according to the odor detected by the electronic nose. System according to the preceding claim, in which the electronic nose (4) comprises one or more sensors (10) arranged to detect an odor, this or these sensors being placed inside the engine compartment and/or the passenger compartment of the vehicle . System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the processing unit (5) comprises an index of memorized odors, and the odor detected by the electronic nose is compared with this index so as to determine the memorized odor which is associated with the detected odor. A system according to claim 3, wherein the index of stored odors includes a plurality of stored odors selected from:

• a smell of burnt plastic, especially from a burnt insulator or an electrical short circuit,
• a sulfur smell, especially from a problem in a catalytic converter, deterioration of the emissions control system, or high levels of air/fuel mixture in the engine,
• a smell of burning resin, particularly from an overheated or on fire clutch or brakes,
• a smell of coolant coming in particular from a leak in a radiator or cylinder head, a faulty intake, a manifold gasket or a problem with the radiator,
• a smell of burnt oil, particularly from a lack of engine oil or the fact that the engine is overheating or that there is an oil leak in the engine block,
• a musty or damp smell, particularly from mold inside the vehicle's HVAC evaporator,
• a smell of burnt brakes, for example from overheated vehicle brake pads or from the fact that the handbrake is applied while driving.

System according to one of Claims 3 and 4, in which the processing unit (5) is arranged to determine the diagnostic data item(s) as a function of this odor of the index which has been retained and also as a function of data related to the environment of the vehicle and/or of the passenger(s) and/or of the maintenance history of the vehicle. System according to the preceding claim, in which the data linked to the environment is chosen from among: a data linked to the current journey of the vehicle, for example a journey to a hospital, a data linked to the weather conditions, a data linked to a situation countryside or town in the vicinity of the vehicle. System according to one of Claims 5 or 6, in which the processing unit is arranged to determine a level of risk, in particular to qualify a potentially dangerous situation of the vehicle and/or of the passenger or passengers, as a function both of the smell of the index which has been attributed to the detected smell, and of the environment datum. Method for diagnosing a potentially risky situation of a motor vehicle, this method comprising the following steps:

• electronically detect, in the vehicle, an odor, for example associated with a volatile substance, using an electronic nose,
• provide one or more diagnostic data on the potentially risky situation of the vehicle, depending on the electronically detected odor.

Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the step of informing the passenger or passengers of the vehicle with diagnostic information. Method according to one of Claims 8 and 9, comprising the step of acting automatically on the vehicle, in particular on the driving of the vehicle, as a function of diagnostic data thus established, for example by limiting the speed.