GB2366407A

GB2366407A - Remote diagnosis of faults in vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2366407A
Application number: GB0021445A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francois Augnet
Original assignee: TRW Ltd
Current assignee: TRW Ltd
Priority date: 2000-08-31
Filing date: 2000-08-31
Publication date: 2002-03-06
Also published as: GB0021445D0

Abstract

A method and system for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles comprising providing a bidirectional on-line communication effective between a remote diagnostic site and a central data processing device (e.g. a server) which supplies on-line assistance by which fault conditions can be identified and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic site. The diagnostic site calls up the central data processing device, specialising a user profile. Details of vehicle type and the fault condition are entered. The central device sends back probable causes of the fault condition, and/or guidance information as to possible fault identification. The central server has a database of historic data for the specific vehicle to access the fault history, thus "learning" fault diagnosis. The system may provide statistical analysis, on-line tutorials, and may be able to cover parts online. The central server may be accessed via the Web. The central server forms a knowledge base.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> DESCRIPTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOTE DIAGNOSIS OF FAULTS IN VEHICLES The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles.

By the expression "fault condition" we intend to include not only situations where a component or assembly of components is not working at all but also situations where a component or assembly of components is not working as intended, or within acceptable limits of which is intended.

It is known currently for diagnostic equipment to be attached directly to "diagnostic ports" on vehicles for the purposes of extracting electronic information from the vehicle. The conventional practice is for such diagnostic equipment to output one or more fault codes corresponding to possible fault conditions. These codes are then checked manually by a service engineer in a handbook relating to the vehicle in question so as to identify possible causes of the fault condition in question. Such known diagnostic systems have a number of problems and disadvantages associated with them, as follows.

Firstly, the known systems require each service station to have a set of handbooks for all vehicles. This requires a substantial outlay in the provision and continual updating of handbooks at each and every service station.

Service operatives need to be trained and skilled in the use of fault codes and their interpretation.

Servicing can only be carried out at dedicated service stations equipped with the necessary manuals.

One object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic system for vehicles which removes the necessity for on-site handbooks/manuals, and also enables fault diagnosis to be carried out in the field., le. at locations remote from fixed service stations.

In accordance with the present invention in its broadest aspect there is provided a bidirectional on-line communication system effective between a remote diagnostic site and a central data base and which provides an on-line "helpdesk" by which vehicle fault conditions can be identified remotely and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic site.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an interactive system for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles, the system comprising a central data processing device and means enabling bidirectional on-line communication between a plurality of remote diagnostic sites and the central data processing device, the cental data processing device containing a database which can be called upon from the remote diagnostic sites to supply on-line assistance by which fault conditions can be identified and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic sites.

In a preferred embodiment, upon being called up from a remote diagnostic site and upon receiving details from the remote diagnostic site of a user profile, the vehicle system to be diagnosed, details of the vehicle type and a description of the

fault condition, the central data processing device is arranged to provide to the remote diagnostic site a listing of probable causes of the fault condition, a display of tasks to be performed at the remote diagnostic site to seek to isolate the cause of the fault condition and a display of steps to be undertaken at the diagnostic site to seek to remedy the fault condition.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a method for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles provides a bidirectional on-line communication effective between a remote diagnostic site and a central data processing device which supplies on-line assistance by which fault conditions can be identified and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic site.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps for: a) calling up the central data processing device from the diagnostic site; b) specifying a user profile to register with the system; c) entering details of the vehicle system to be diagnosed; d) entering details of the vehicle type; e) entering a description of a fault condition; f) displaying information at the diagnostic site from the central data processing device listing probable causes of the fault condition; g) displaying tasks at the diagnostic site provided by the central data processing device to seek to isolate the cause of the fault condition; and h) displaying steps at the diagnostic site provided by the central data processing device to seek to remedy the fault condition.

Advantageously, the on-line communication is via the world-wide web so that both the diagnostic site and the central data processing device can be located virtually an% where in the world.

Information concerning the vehicle fault condition can be obtained by a suitable vehicle interface from diagnostic equipment built in to the vehicle, However, it may also be generated by a local PC or other computer device disposed permanently or temporarily at the diagnostic site, by a camera, by a microphone or indeed any other appropriate information generating source.

The information can be introduced into the web in any suitable manner, currently via a suitable "Internet Provider", and channelled in accordance with known techniques to an application server at the remote site, normally by way of a suitable firewall.

The application server can include a diagnostic data store which compares fault information received from the remote diagnostic site with stored information and sends back guidance information as to possible fault identification and fault remedies for use at the remote diagnostic site. The application server may also include a store of historic data for the specific vehicle in question so that the fault history of that vehicle may be accessed in the case of future fault diagnosis on that vehicle.

The diagnostic data store at the application server may also be entered by being coupled to one or more further databanks, belonging perhaps to third parties, and acting as suppliers of diagnostic support data.

The central database can "learn" any or all of the following items of information, namely: the location where the diagnosis is performed; the type and model of vehicle which is diagnosed; fault problems and causes that were detected during a diagnosis operation; and the fault histories of specific vehicles.

Furthermore, crosslinks/relations between different internal vehicle systems, such as Engine Management Systems and Braking Systems, can be detected and statistical analysis can be provided. A personalised user profile can be established for future use.

Advantageously, on-line "tutorials" can be provided by the central database for instruction of operatives at the remote diagnostic site.

On-line ordering of parts can be organised via the central database and an inventory established. Provision for regulatory data look-up can be incorporated. Wireless communication between a remote diagnostic site and a web connection may be provided for use, for example, when direct access to the web at the diagnostic site is not available.

Preferably, the system analyses the information input to it at the remote diagnostic station and automatically develops a list of probable causes and presents these to the user. The user may then go through one or more tests to help isolate the specific fault or faults. Step-by-step guidance may be provided by the central database to assist this process. Tests are preferably presented to the user in order of importance, possibly with supporting graphical and/or audio support. The user completes the tests and, if required, may return to the probable causes. Based on the

test results, the system will identify the resolution for the fault and, if requested, provide guidance on implementation. The user can then get verification instructions.

The system can thus provide a menu-driven interface which guides the user through the session. The system can be arranged to provide immediate access to information on many different vehicle types and models. Diagnostic data can be provided on all vehicle applications, the information being provided in many possible formats. Assistance can be provided automatically to the user in connection with the diagnostic process., with step-by-step instructions for manual tests and procedures. Guidance may also be provided in the use of advanced test equipment with which the user may not necessarily be familiar. Technical suppor-t for the user is provided from what is effectively a diagnostic help-desk. If desired, information can be input into the system directly by way of an automated vehicle interface, eg. by way of direct vehicle to PC connection, the system having the ability to tie electronic fault codes from vehicle-mounted interfaces to remedies and implementation guidance.

Furthermore, the system can be arranged to enable easy validation of test values and replacement components, eg. by way of on-line manuals and specifications and the provision of assistance with parts identification and manufacturer parts numbers.

The system can also be arranged to provide on-line "tutorials" to assist users, eg. refresher training for infrequently used procedures. Staff skills levels can thereby be increased.

Provision can be made for on-line access to parts ordering, current availability

and pricing data. Automatic integration with parts inventory systems is possible. The system also enables the establishment of a knowledge bank and historical archives. For example, it can store legal and geographical regulations and licensing data; it can store a complete repair history for each vehicle and vehicle type; and it has the ability to see trends in faults and remedies.

The system can further be arranged to enable automatic software upgrade of the onboard vehicle ECU, each time the vehicle is subjected to fault diagnosis. For example, this can enable the vehicle software to be capable of performing the very latest diagnostic checks on the vehicle.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a simplified flow diagram of part of one embodiment of an interactive on-line vehicle fault diagnosis system in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, this shows the steps, in terms of respective screen nienus, through which a user is guided when using the system 10 - START 12- Enter User ID: The user profile is established from the registration. This also establishes a payment plan and enables the user ID and password 14- Enter details of vehicle system: After logging in, the user identifies which vehicle application and/or system is to be diagnosed, eg. Engine Management System, Braking System etc. For simplification,

drop-down boxes may be provided.

16- Enter details of vehicle type: The user will then identify the vehicle manufacturer, model and option set.

18- Enter description of fault: The user will now describe the problem being experienced with the vehicle. This can be done, inter alia, by free form text input, menu selection or through an automated vehicle interface.

20- Display probably causes: The system develops a list of probable causes and presents them to the user. The user may then go through one or more tests to help isolate the specific fault. Step-by-step guide may also be available.

22- Display tasks to isolate the cause: Tests will be presented in order of importance, with supporting graphical and/or audio support. The user then completes the tests and, if required, may return to the possible causes.

24- Display steps to remedy the fault: Based on test results, the system will identify the probable resolution for the fault and, if requested, provide guidance on implementation. The user will then get verification instructions.

26 - END

Claims

CLAIMS * 1. A method for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles comprising providing a bidirectional on-line communication effective between a remote diagnostic site and a central data processing device which supplies on-line assistance by which fault conditions can be identified and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic site. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, which comprises steps for: a) calling up the central data processing device from the diagnostic site; b) specifying a user profile to register with the system; c) entering details of the vehicle system to be diagnosed; d) entering details of the vehicle type; e) entering a description of a fault condition; f) displaying information at the diagnostic site from the central data processing device listing probable causes of the fault condition; g) displaying tasks at the diagnostic site provided by the central data processing device to seek to isolate the cause of the fault condition; and h) displaying steps at the diagnostic site provided by the central data processing device to seek to remedy the fault condition. I A bidirectional on-line communication system effective between a remote diagnostic site and a central data base and which provides an on-line "helpdesk" by

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which vehicle fault conditions can be identified remotely and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic site. 4. An interactive system for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles, the system comprising a central data processing device and means enabling bidirectional on-line communication between a plurality of remote diagnostic sites and the central data processing device, the central data processing device containing a database which can be called upon from the remote diagnostic sites to supply on- line assistance by which fault conditions can be identified and remedial guidance provided to the diagnostic sites. 5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein, upon being called up from a remote diagnostic site and upon receiving details from the remote diagnostic site of a user profile, the vehicle system to be diagnosed, details of the vehicle type and a description of the fault condition, the central data processing device is arranged to provide to the remote diagnostic site a listing of probable causes of the fault condition, a display of tasks to be performed at the remote diagnostic site to seek to isolate the cause of the fault condition and a display of steps to be undertaken at the diagnostic site to seek to remedy the fault condition. 6. A system as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the on-line communication is via the world-wide web so that both the diagnostic site and the central data processing device can be located virtually anywhere in the world. 7. A system as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein information concerning the vehicle fault condition is obtained by a suitable vehicle interface from diagnostic

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equipment built in to the vehicle. 8. A system as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein information concerning the vehicle fault condition is generated by a local PC or other computer device disposed permanently or temporarily at the diagnostic site, by a camera, by a microphone or other appropriate information generating source. 9. A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the information is introduced into the web via an "Internet Provider", and channelled to an application server at the remote site. 10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the application server includes a diagnostic data store which compares fault information received from the remote diagnostic site with stored information and sends back guidance information as to possible fault identification and fault remedies for use at the remote diagnostic site. 11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the application server includes a store of historic data for the specific vehicle in question so that the fault history of that vehicle may be accessed in the case of future fault diagnosis on that vehicle. 12. A system as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the diagnostic data store at the application server may also be entered by being coupled to one or more further databanks and acting as suppliers of diagnostic support data. 13. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 12, wherein the central database is arranged to "learn" any or all of the following items of information, namely: the location where the diagnosis is performed; the type and model of vehicle which is diagnosed; fault problems and causes that were detected during a diagnosis

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operation; and the fault histories of specific vehicles. 14. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 13, wherein crosslinks/relations between different internal vehicle systems, such as Engine Management Systems and Braking Systems, are arranged to be detected and statistical analysis provided. 15. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 14, having means for establishing a personalised user profile for future use. 16. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15, wherein on-line "tutorials" are provided by the central database for instruction of operatives at the remote diagnostic site. 17. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 16, wherein on-line ordering of parts is organised via the central database and an inventory established. 18. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 17, wherein wireless communication between a remote diagnostic site and a web connection is provided when direct access to the web at the diagnostic site is not available. 19. A method for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawing. 20. An interactive system for the remote diagnosis of fault conditions in vehicles, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.