IT201900007071A1 - SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE FUNCTIONALITIES OF A VEHICLE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of application of the invention

[001] The present invention finds its place in the technical sector of means of transport and in particular relates to a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle.

[002] A further object of the present invention also relates to a method for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle.

State of the art

[003] As is known, motor vehicles, and in particular automobiles, are equipped with a large number of electronic control units designed to control and monitor all the functions of the various mechanical, thermal, hybrid or electrical organs present within them.

[004] In recent decades, the electronic functions associated with vehicles have significantly evolved by integrating particularly complex management systems such as, for example, advanced driver assistance equipment (ADAS), satellite navigation, wireless connectivity with electronic devices external devices (smartphone or similar) and the control of hybrid or fully electric power units.

[005] To control such complex functions in real time it is necessary to prepare a dense network of sensors able to detect a plurality of physical quantities associated with the various systems inside the vehicle (engine, gearbox, brakes, cooling unit, ADAS, etc.) .

[006] The number and complexity of the control units has also increased considerably in recent times as it is necessary to set up an efficient electronic control system capable of correctly managing the large number of information coming from these sensors.

[007] In particular, current vehicles integrate within them at least a dozen electronic control units, each of which is equipped with a processor and / or programmable integrated circuits thanks to which it is possible to monitor the complex network of signals and information in real time generated by the main systems of the vehicle during its operation.

[008] In general it is possible to divide these control units according to the function for which they have been designed: for example a first group of control units is configured to control the operation of the thermal / hybrid / electric engine, a second group monitors the on-board systems of the vehicle, other groups of control units allow you to manage vehicle connectivity, internal instrumentation and driver assistance systems.

[009] The use of control units equipped with intelligent electronic systems (Processors, PLC, programmable logics, etc.) required the consequent development of dedicated software (better identified as firmware) capable of being stored in the memory units installed inside the control unit.

[0010] The function of the firmware is to establish the functions performed by each control unit through the execution of a precise sequence of numerical instructions previously saved in the memory portions of the integrated circuits contained within it.

[0011] These memory portions are generally protected in reading and writing against external sources generally represented by computer platforms on which a software development environment has been installed.

[0012] By protecting the integrated circuits from changes that can come from the outside, it is possible to ensure a high degree of safety of the control units during their operation.

[0013] It is in fact evident that an improper modification of the firmware can lead to the malfunction of the control unit and this, in addition to compromising the operation of the vehicle, can also involve risks for the safety of the driver and any passengers.

[0014] To allow however a lawful reprogramming of the firmware (for example by the manufacturer of the control unit) each programmable circuit inside the control unit is equipped with a particular numerical code, commonly called unlock code or backdoor message, which, if received in input from the circuit, allows an external source to access the data contained in it.

[0015] In other words, the unlock code allows read and / or write access to the intelligent integrated circuits contained in a specific control unit.

[0016] In practice, the unlock codes consist of particular sequences of bits designed to act as access keys for the integrated circuits, allowing them to be set in read / write mode.

[0017] The set of control units contained inside the vehicle are operationally connected to each other by means of the data bus which allows to convey all the numerical and / or analog data exchanged between two or more control units or exchanged between the sensors and at least one control unit.

[0018] The most used electronic architecture in the automotive field is that which involves the use of a CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus; this protocol provides for the addressing of data and therefore all the numerical signals generated by the sensors and / or control units are sequentially conveyed through the bus, while the latter are able to receive only those particular data addressed to them.

[0019] However, this architecture does not provide for the possibility of checking in real time the presence in the bus of numerical data corresponding to the unlock codes of one or more control units.

[0020] In particular, the main drawback of this type of solution consists in the fact that it is not possible to monitor in an automatic and immediate manner the blocking codes forwarded to one or more control units via the data bus.

[0021] The read and write enabling of a given control unit can therefore be monitored only after any access, while it is not possible to predict events of this type in advance by monitoring the data circulating on the bus.

[0022] This drawback is particularly penalizing if an unauthorized external source intends to force the system by inserting one or more unlock codes of the control units into the data bus.

[0023] It is therefore evident that these systems do not allow to prevent or control possible accesses to the control units (operated by introducing the relative unlock code) performed by unauthorized personnel or, in the worst case, by operators intent on carrying out illegal activities on the vehicle such as, for example, tampering with the aim of theft or total control of its operation.

[0024] A further drawback of this solution consists in the fact that it is not possible to monitor the data sent to the control units via the data bus.

[0025] In other words, it is not possible to obtain a complete time register of the data forwarded or exchanged between all the control units of the vehicle through the communication bus. Presentation of the invention

[0026] The present invention intends to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which allows the presence of one or more unlock codes associated with relative control units to be monitored in real time.

[0027] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which allows all the numerical data transmitted through the vehicle data bus to be monitored in real time.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which has a high flexibility of use.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which is of the removable type and compatible with most of the standards and protocols used in the automotive field.

[0030] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which allows to share the numerical data detected on the bus with both local and remote external systems.

[0031] Not least object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.

[0032] These objects, together with others that will be better clarified hereinafter, are achieved by a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which has a high flexibility of use of the type according to claim 1.

[0033] Further objects which will be better described hereinafter are achieved by an arrangement of a system for the functionality of a vehicle which has a high flexibility of use in accordance with the dependent claims.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle is provided in accordance with claim 10.

Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The advantages and characteristics of the present invention will clearly emerge from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting configuration of a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle with particular reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a control unit and data bus system currently used in the automotive field to which a system for monitoring the functionality of the vehicle according to the invention is associated;

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the electronic safety device visible in Figure 1;

[0036] - Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electronic safety device of Figure 2.

Detailed description of the invention

[0037] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle which, in the continuation of the present description, will be globally indicated with the reference number 1.

[0038] The vehicles V used for the transport of people and / or goods are made up of a set of complex apparatuses which interact with each other so as to provide the propulsion necessary to promote the rolling of the wheels on the ground.

[0039] For example, the engine, transmission, steering and braking system form part of these complex apparatuses.

[0040] Some of these complex members are schematized in Figure 1, in particular the blocks indicated respectively with the reference numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 refer to the engine, transmission, steering and brakes.

[0041] Inside the vehicle V are also installed electrical and electronic systems designed to allow the control and monitoring of the mechanical equipment listed above.

[0042] The vehicles V, therefore, comprise a plurality of sensors suitable for detecting respective physical quantities associated with these apparatuses and the adjustment of these physical quantities allows the operating speed of the latter to be kept within the design limits, thus avoiding the onset of breakages or malfunctions.

[0043] Conveniently, inside vehicles V there is also a complex architecture of electrical and electronic devices designed to provide information on the state of the mechanical apparatuses.

[0044] In addition to this, the electronics associated with the vehicle V allows the driver and / or passengers to take advantage of a multitude of on-board services such as, for example, the interface with their mobile devices (smartphones), navigation satellite, use of the Internet etc.

[0045] Current vehicles V, moreover, comprise a multitude of devices suitable for guaranteeing the safety of people. These devices, generally known as ADS systems (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are managed through a plurality of sensors regulated by a plurality of electronic control units.

[0046] This dense architecture of devices and signals requires the installation inside the vehicle V of a plurality of electronic control units intended to interface with the mechanical parts and sensors.

[0047] In Figure 1 with the reference numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9 the electronic control units associated with the engine, transmission, steering and brakes are represented.

[0048] Through the aid of a network of sensors, not visible in the diagram of Figure 1, each of these control units will be able to monitor, for example, the temperature, the fluid and oil levels, the wear of some components etc.

[0049] The reference numbers 10, 11 and 12 indicate the control units used to control and manage the dashboard, the electrical signals inside the vehicle V and the on-board services offered to passengers (the latter also known as infotainment ).

[0050] All the control units 6,…, 12 are powered with a power line connected to the battery and / or to the rectifier unit integrated in the vehicle.

[0051] In the diagram of Figure 1 the power line is indicated with the reference number 13.

[0052] Conveniently, the control units 6, ..., 12, and possibly the sensors, are connected to each other by means of a data bus suitable for allowing the propagation of the numerical data D associated with all the functions of the vehicle V.

[0053] In the diagram of Figure 1 the data bus is indicated with the reference number 14.

[0054] As already anticipated above, in the present description the term ಯ functionality ರ is intended to define the plurality of numerical data D and electrical signals suitable for allowing the correct operation of the internal and external devices of the vehicle, whether mechanical (engine, transmission, steering, brakes, etc.) and electronic (on-board signals, infotainment, connectivity, etc.).

[0055] In particular, it is quite common to install inside the vehicle V two or more distinct data buses 14 suitable for connecting different groups of control units 6, ..., 12, to each other.

[0056] For example, the vehicle V can provide for the installation of a first data bus 14 with a high communication speed and a second data bus 14 with a low communication speed. A group of vital control units for vehicle operation (for example associated with the engine, transmission, etc.) can be connected to the first bus 14, while the control units that manage internal or auxiliary services to the vehicle can be connected to the second bus 14. example locking / unlocking doors etc.).

[0057] Preferably the data bus 14 can be of the CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) type since this standard is one of the most used in the automotive field.

[0058] As known, the CAN-Bus is a serial standard for multicast type field buses particularly suitable for use in environments where a high level of immunity to disturbances is required.

[0059] Furthermore, this standard provides for the addressing of data D and therefore the bus is configured to carry all the numerical data generated by the various devices which, thanks to the addressing, are then correctly received by the control unit 6, ..., 12 a which they are intended for.

[0060] Conveniently, all the control units 6,…, 12 are of the programmable type (through a suitable software called firmware) and integrate within them at least one processor and / or at least one intelligent electronic circuit.

[0061] The firmware stored in the integrated circuits of the various control units 6,…, 12 is commonly protected in reading / writing and this to avoid modifications or alterations by third parties which could compromise the functionality of the vehicle V or the safety of the passengers.

[0062] However, the status of each programmable integrated circuit can be modified by sending it a certain numeric release code BDx (back door message) which, following its reception by the circuit part, allows to activate the reading mode and writing.

[0063] In other words, the receipt of the BDx unlock code by the integrated circuit or processor allows you to share and modify the numerical information associated with the firmware instructions and saved in the latter's memory.

[0064] In particular, the activation of the read / write mode can be carried out by an operator who uses an external device (generally a computer or other similar device) on which, for example, a firmware compiler has been installed.

[0065] The BDx unlock message can be represented by a sequence of bits (for example eleven or nineteen bits) which is recognized by the integrated circuit or processor as an access key.

[0066] By way of example, the release code BD6 of the control unit 6 that manages the engine can be represented by the sequence of bits 10001010101 while the release code BD11 of the control unit 11 that manages the internal signals can be represented by this other sequence of bit 10000000001.

[0067] In the system 1 object of the present invention there is provided an electronic device for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle, globally indicated with the reference number 15 and illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0068] This device 15 comprises memory means 16 suitable for memorizing the block code BD6… BD12 associated with one or more integrated circuits and / or processors enclosed in the control units 6,…, 12.

[0069] In particular, the memory means 16 could be constituted by memory integrated circuits (for example DRAM, EEPROM, FLASH, non-volatile RAM, SRAM or similar) within which the bit sequences have been previously stored (e.g. 10001010101 and 10000000001) corresponding to the unlock codes BD6… BD12 of control units 1… 12.

[0070] The device 15 also comprises processing means 17 operatively connected with the memory means 16.

[0071] The processing means 17 are configured to selectively access the contents of the memory means 16 so as to perform the reading (when required) of the unlocking codes BD6… BD12 contained therein.

[0072] The processing means 17 typically consist of CPUs for industrial use and in particular in the automotive field. For example, the CPU used in the processing means can be of the 32-bit ARM type or similar.

[0073] Interface means 18 are also provided to promote the connection of the processing means 17 to all the data buses 14 present in the vehicle.

[0074] For example, if a vehicle V is equipped with one or more data buses 14 with high communication speed and one or more data buses 14 with reduced communication speed, the interface means 18 will allow the processing means 17 to be connected to the all of these buses 14.

[0075] Conveniently, the interface means 18 may comprise a standardized port suitable for allowing the selective connection of the monitoring device 15 to the data bus 14.

[0076] In particular, in the automotive sector it is common to use connectors of the ODB (On-Board Diagnostics) type for connecting vehicle diagnostic and / or maintenance equipment.

[0077] The ODB ports have sixteen pins (eight upper pins and eight lower pins) and are fully standardized to the CAN-Bus protocol.

[0078] In the configuration of the device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the interface means 18 comprise an ODB connector (or port) with which it is possible to physically connect to the bus 14.

[0079] This ODB port is indicated in Figure 1 and in Figure 3 with the reference number 27.

[0080] Furthermore, the power supply of the processing means 17, of the memory means 16 and of the interface means 18 (if required) can be supplied by the power line 13 (typically at 12V or 24V) which also supplies the control units .

[0081] In an alternative version of the invention, not shown in the Figures, the monitoring device 15 can be of the self-powered type or batteries or other power supply means separate from the vehicle power line and intended to power all the internal circuitry of the device itself.

[0082] The processing means 17 are configured to perform real-time monitoring of the numerical data D present in real time on the data bus 14.

[0083] In particular, the processing means 17 are programmed in such a way as to perform a comparison between all the numerical data D detected at that moment in the data bus 14 and the unlock codes BD6… BD12 previously stored in the memory means 16.

[0084] Advantageously, the processing means 17 are also configured to generate an alarm signal SA when the comparison between the numerical data D detected in the bus 14 and the unlock code BD6 ... BD12 stored in the memory means 16 is positive, i.e. when the data D detected by the device 17 corresponds exactly to one or more release codes BD6… BD12 of the control units 6… 12.

[0085] Returning to the example indicated in paragraph [0064], a positive comparison could occur when the data D present in the bus 14 and monitored by the processing means 17 corresponds to one of the following unlock codes D = 10001010101 and / or D = 10000000001.

[0086] The alarm signal SA may comprise from the numerical numerals DA to which a plurality of information is associated such as, for example, the expression of the block code BDx detected in the data bus 14, the control unit 1 ... 12 (or the control units ) to which it refers, the date and time of the survey etc.

[0087] The monitoring device 15 will make it possible to monitor in real time all the possible read / write accesses carried out on one or more control units 1 ... 12 providing as output a series of numerical data DA that warn a user (or a management system centralized) of the access attempt just occurred.

[0088] Preferably, the device 15 may comprise transmission means operatively connected to the processing means 17.

[0089] In the diagram of Figure 1 the transmission means are indicated with the reference number 19.

[0090] The transmission means 19 are configured to transmit the alarm signal SA generated by the processing means 17 to a communication system C placed outside the device 15.

[0091] Preferably, the transmission means 19 may comprise a GSM / UMTS module 20 intended to promote the connection of the device 15 with the mobile radio network used for voice / data communications associated with cellular phones.

[0092] The mobile radio network C constitutes in this case the communication system external to the device.

[0093] This module 20 comprises a SIM card, indicated by the reference number 21 and which can be activated by a telephone operator, and one or more antennas 22 intended to promote the transmission of the alarm signal SA and the data DA associated with it to a radio base station in accordance with the known communication standards GSM, UMTS, xG, etc.

[0094] Through the transmission module 20 and the mobile radio network C the alarm signal SA can be transmitted to a remote reception system configured to receive the data DA contained therein.

[0095] In the present system 1, remote database 23 can be provided that is operably connected to the device 15 through the external network C.

[0096] The database 23, visible in the diagram of Figure 1, allows to save the data DA associated with the alarm signal SA generated by the processing means 17 of the device 15.

[0097] Therefore, the numerical data DA associated with the unlock code BD6 ... BD12 detected by the device 15 during the monitoring of the bus 14 can be easily consulted by a remote user equipped with an electronic device on which a dedicated application intended for establish a connection to the database 23.

[0098] In practice, the user will be able to consult all this information through the use of a smartphone, tablet or computer on which appropriate apps or software compatible with the database 23 have been previously installed.

[0099] From the operational point of view, the monitoring device 15 can have two distinct modes of operation: a first mode occurs when the vehicle V is stationary and with the engine off while the second mode is obtained when the engine is running (and vehicle generally in motion).

[00100] In the first configuration (engine OFF) all vehicle systems V and the control units 1 ... 12 are substantially off, in this condition there are no numerical data D circulating through the bus 14.

[00101] In this case the processing means 17 of the device 15 are programmed so as to remain active and continuously monitor the data bus 14.

[00102] If an external event is such as to cause a sudden presence of numerical data D in the bus 14, what is obtained as a direct consequence is the reactivation of one or more systems inside the vehicle.

[00103] An event of this type can be represented for example by the unlocking procedure of the vehicle V.

[00104] The reactivation of one or more devices inside the vehicle V can be carried out (lawfully) by the owner of the same or by unauthorized third parties who with this action intend to take possession of the vehicle V.

[00105] For this reason the processing means 17 are configured to automatically generate the alarm signal SA if, with the engine off, they detect data D circulating in the bus 14.

[00106] The alarm signal SA, possibly saved in the database 13 through the transmission means 19, can be subsequently displayed by the owner on his electronic device and appropriately managed according to the circumstances.

[00107] In the second operating mode (motor ON) the detection device 15 is configured to operate according to the mode described in the previous paragraphs, that is to monitor in real time the numerical data D passing through the bus 14 and compare them with the BD6 release codes … BD12 stored in the memory means 16.

[00108] In this operating mode, therefore, the processing means will be able to generate an alarm signal SA only if there is a correspondence between one or more detected data D and the block codes BD6… BD12.

[00109] Conveniently, the processing means 17 contained in the monitoring device 15 can also be programmed to sequentially store in the memory means 16 all (or a part) of the data D circulating within the bus 14.

[00110] In this way in the memory means 16 it will be possible to ಯ record ರ all the data D circulating in the bus 14 so as to promote its subsequent transmission to the communication network C and the subsequent saving in the remote database 23.

[00111] This ಯ recording ರ of the data D performed by the processing means 17 and by the memory means 16 can be carried out continuously, or in real time without interruption, or it can be carried out during a limited and predefined time interval, generally settable by the user.

[00112] In addition, the monitoring device 15 may also comprise geolocation means connected to the processing means 17 and to said memory means 16.

[00113] The geolocation means, indicated in Figure 3 with the reference number 24.

[00114] The geolocation means 24 generally comprise constituted by a GPS module 25 adapted to provide DGPS information relating to the spatial and geographical position assumed by the device 15 at a precise instant of time.

[00115] The GPS DGPS data can also be used in the alarm signal SA to integrate the numerical information DA associated therewith with data relating to the position of the vehicle.

[00116] Furthermore, the monitoring device 15 can also comprise a motion sensor (accelerometer) connected to the processing means and with which it is possible to generate numerical data associated, for example, with a removal of the device 15 from the vehicle to a measurement distance traveled by the vehicle V.

[00117] Also in this case the removal of the device 15 from the vehicle V will promote by the processing means 17 the generation of a consequent alarm (or warning) signal SA which can be subsequently transmitted and stored in the database 23 so as to be searchable by a user.

[00118] According to the configuration of the electronic device illustrated in Figure 2, the device may be of the removable type or may have an external casing 26 suitable for containing the processing means 17, the memory means 16, the interface means 18 and possibly the means of transmission 19 and / or geolocation 24 and / or movement.

[00119] As clearly visible in Figure 2, in this configuration the device 15 will be equipped with a male OBD connector 27 intended to be selectively inserted into a female OBD connector, not shown.

[00120] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for controlling the functionality of a V vehicle is provided.

[00121] This method comprises a step a) preparation of a plurality of electronic control units 6 ... 12 suitable for monitoring the functionality of the vehicle V and a phase b) of determining an unlock code BD6 ... BD12 for each of these control units 6 … 12.

[00122] As previously described, the reception by a control unit 1 ... 12 of the relative unlock code BD6 ... BD12 allows the control unit to be set in such a way as to allow the reading and / or modification of the numerical data previously stored.

[00123] Most of these data refer to the sequence of instructions of the firmware which, as known, allows the processor to perform a plurality of functions suitable for allowing the correct operation of the control unit 1… 12.

[00124] A phase c) is also provided for connecting the control units to a data bus 14, typically a CAN-Bus; and a step d) of setting up an electronic monitoring device 15 comprising processing means 17, memory means 15 and interface means 18 both connected to the processing means 17.

[00125] The interface means 18 are adapted to promote the selective connection of the processing means 17 to the data bus 14.

[00126] In step e) the unlocking codes BD6 ... BD12 associated with each of said plurality of control units 1 ... 12 are saved in the memory means 16, while in step f) the processing means 17 perform monitoring in real time of the numerical data D circulating inside the bus 14.

[00127] Following step f) there is a step g) in which the processing means 17 promote the comparison between the numerical data D detected in the monitoring step f) and the unlock codes BD6 ... BD12 saved in the memory means 16 during said phase e).

[00128] If step g) has given a positive result, i.e. there is correspondence between the data D monitored by the processing means 17 in the bus 14 and an unlock code BD6 ... BD12 stored in the memory means 16, the method provides for a further step h) during the execution of which the processing means 17 generates a corresponding alarm signal SA.

[00129] Conveniently, the method may comprise a step i) of setting up transmission means 19 associated with the electronic device 15 and suitable for transmitting the alarm signal SA to an external communication network C (external to the device itself).

[00130] The communication network C is generally constituted by the mobile radio telecommunications system used for cellular telephony and wireless data exchange.

[00131] Phase i) can also be followed by a phase j) of setting up a remote database 23 operatively connected to the data network C and configured to promote the saving of the numerical information DA associated with the alarm signal SA previously transmitted during the execution of said phase i).

[00132] Conveniently, k) may also be provided for the preparation of a suitable remote application (software or app) that can be installed on an electronic device of the user and able to allow the connection of the same with the remote database 23.

[00133] Through this application the user can view and / or modify the numerical data DA previously saved in the database 23 following the reception of the alarm signal SA previously sent by the transmission means 19 to the external communication network C.

[00134] The present invention is achievable in other variants all falling within the scope of the inventive characteristics claimed and described; these technical characteristics can be replaced by various technically equivalent elements and the materials used; the shapes and dimensions of the invention can be any as long as they are compatible with its use.

[00135] The numbers and reference signs included in the claims and in the description have the sole purpose of increasing the clarity of the text and should not be considered as elements that limit the technical interpretation of the objects or processes identified by them.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A system (1) for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle (V), in which the vehicle (V) comprises a plurality of electronic control units (6 ... 12) connected to each other via one or more data buses (14), and in which at least one of these control units (6 ... 12) is associated with a numeric release code (BD6 ... BD12) suitable for allowing the reading and / or modification of the numeric data stored therein by an external source, the whose system (1) includes an electronic monitoring device (15) equipped with: - memory means (16) suitable for memorizing the unlock code (BD6… BD12) associated with one or more control units (6… 12); - processing means (17) operatively connected to said memory means (16); - interface means (18) suitable for promoting the selective connection of said processing means (17) to the totality of the data buses (14) present in the vehicle (V); in which said processing means (17) are configured to monitor in real time the numerical data (D) present in one or more data buses (14) and compare them with the unlock codes (BD6 ... BD12) stored in said means of memory (16); and in which said processing means (17) are adapted to generate an alarm signal (SA) in the case in which the numerical data (D) monitored in one or more buses (14) corresponds to one of the unlock codes (BD6 … BD12) stored in said memory means (16). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic monitoring device (15) comprises transmission means (19) operatively connected to said processing means (17). System according to claim 2, characterized in that said transmission means (19) are configured to transmit said alarm signal (SA) to a communication network (C) external to said monitoring device (15). 4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a remote database (23) operatively connected to said external communication network (C), said remote database (23) being able to store numerical information (DA) associated with the alarm signal (SA) generated by said processing means (17) and transmitted by said transmission means (19) to the communication network (C). 5. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processing means (17) of said device (15) are configured to promote sequential storage in said memory means (16) of the detected numerical data (D) in real time in one or more buses (14). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said processing means (17) of said device (15) are configured to promote the storage of data (D) in the memory means (16) continuously and / or during a predetermined time interval. 7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monitoring device (15) comprises geolocation means (24) adapted to generate numerical data (DGPS) associated with the geographical position of the device (15), said means of geolocation (24) being operatively connected to said processing means (17) and to said memory means (16). 8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monitoring device (15) is of the removable type and comprises a protective casing (26) adapted to contain at least said processing means (17), said processing means memory (16) and said interface means (18). 9. A method for monitoring the functionality of a vehicle (V), comprising the following steps: a) preparation of a plurality of electronic control units (6… 12) designed to monitor the functionality of the vehicle (V); b) determination of an unlock code (BD6 ... BD12) for each of said plurality of control units (6 ... 12), said release code (BD6 ... BD12) being able to activate the control unit (6 ... 12) in such a way to allow an external source to read and / or modify the numerical data contained therein; c) provision of one or more data buses (14) suitable for connecting said plurality of control units (6… 12) to each other; d) provision of an electronic monitoring device (15) comprising processing means (17), memory means (16) operatively connected to said processing means (17) and interface means (18) connected to said processing means (17) and intended to promote the selective connection of the latter to said one or more data buses (14); e) saving in said memory means (18) of said unlock codes (BD6… BD12) associated with each of said plurality of control units (6… 12); f) monitoring in real time of the numerical data (D) present in said one or more buses (14), said monitoring being carried out by said processing means (17); g) comparison of the numerical data (D) detected in said step f) with the unlock codes (BD6 ... BD12) saved in said memory means (16) during said step e), said comparison being carried out by said processing means ( 17); h) generation of an alarm signal (SA) in the case in which the numerical data (D) monitored in said phase f) corresponds to one of the unlock codes (BD6 ... BD12) saved in said memory means (16) in said step e), said step h) being performed by said processing means (17). 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a step i) of setting up transmission means (19) associated with said monitoring device (15) and able to transmit said alarm signal (SA) to a network external communication (C), and a step j) of setting up a remote database (23) operatively connected to the communication network (C) and configured to promote the saving of the numerical information (DA) associated with the alarm signal (SA) previously transmitted to the communication network (C) in said phase i).