SE1251111A1 - Device and method for diagnosing vehicle functions - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The invention relates to a method for diagnosing vehicle functions, comprising the step of: - determining (s301; s340) at least one suitable opportunity for diagnosing vehicle functions by means of a system (230) included in the vehicle for predicting the conditions of operation of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code (P) for a computer (210; 220) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a device (299) and a motor vehicle (100) equipped with the device (299). Figure 2 for publication

Description

10 15 20 25 30 adaptation of said relevant sensor or component. Adaptation can be performed in different ways, depending on the sensor or component in question.

When diagnosing and possibly adapting sensors and others components of the vehicle, the vehicle may sometimes exceed statutory requirements maximum emission levels or have reduced driveability. At diagnosis and possible adaptation of sensors and other components of the vehicle can sometimes the driving experience is also negatively affected, e.g. by the vehicle engine sounds different during said diagnosis and adaptation. One way to Dealing with these issues can be done through the current engine management system adjusts sensors and actuators to known reference driving conditions.

It is desirable for several reasons to minimize the time that the vehicle exceeds said statutory maximum emission levels or have reduced driveability.

In order to perform a correct diagnosis, it is in many cases desirable to the vehicle is propelled at a certain condition, e.g. including a constant said condition suddenly the engine speed is no longer constant, engine speed. Then it ceases, for example then the diagnosis may be forced terminated prematurely, before a reliable result is obtained. Hereby can be said diagnosis needs to be performed again.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, there is a need to reliably diagnose and possible adaptation of different units of a vehicle, to avoid or reduce the negative effects described above.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and advantageous procedure for diagnosing vehicle functions. 10 15 20 25 30 Another object of the invention is to provide a new and advantageous device and a new and advantageous computer program for diagnosing vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program to reduce or minimize environmental impact at diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program to reduce fuel consumption at diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program to increase the probability of correct performing diagnostics and any necessary adaptation of vehicle functions without undesired interruption.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program for maintaining or increasing the mobility of the vehicle at diagnosis and possible adaptation of vehicle functions.

These purposes procedure for achieved with a diagnosis of vehicle functions according to claim 1.

According to diagnosis of vehicle functions, including the steps of: one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of determine at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; and determine said at least one suitable occasion by means of one of the vehicle included a system for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions.

By using information from said system for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions on how the vehicle is most likely to be 10 15 20 25 30 performed in the future may be unnecessary, for example, for short, diagnoses and adaptations of vehicle functions are avoided. This avoids the same diagnosis and / or adaptation must be performed several times. In this case, one can environmental impact when performing said diagnosis and adaptation minimized. In this case, a drivability of the vehicle can advantageously be maintained at performing said diagnosis and adaptation. provided one diagnosis of vehicle functions, including the steps of: According to one aspect of the invention the method of determine at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; and determine said at least one suitable occasion by means of one of the vehicle included a so-called Look-ahead system.

In this case, one or more suitable future opportunities for diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of one or more selected vehicle functions provided.

Said prediction may include the vehicle's route characteristics. Hereby For example, said suitable occasion can be accurately determined basis of, for example, the slope of a future route.

Said prediction may include external characteristics, for example traffic situations. In doing so, said appropriate opportunity in a careful manner determined on the basis of, for example, a previous standstill vehicle queue.

Said prediction may include the driving style of the vehicle operator, the driver.

In this case, said suitable occasion can be accurately determined on the basis of how the vehicle operator normally drives his vehicle. This may include fast or slow accelerations, heavy or soft decelerations, etc. 10 15 20 25 30 Said prediction may include the vehicle operator's prevailing driving style.

In this case, a prevailing driving style can form the basis for an estimated future driving style. This can include fast or slow accelerations, powerful or soft decelerations, etc.

Said prediction may include the vehicle operator's historical driving style.

In this case, a historical driving style can form the basis for an estimated future driving style. This can include fast or slow accelerations, powerful or soft decelerations, etc.

Said vehicle functions may include at least one function of vehicle functions sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models, actuators, other vehicle hardware and consumables. The inventive the procedure is thus versatile.

Examples of other vehicle hardware may be an oxidation catalyst, SCR catalyst or DPF filter.

Examples of consumables can be vehicle fuel, such as diesel, gasoline or ethanol. Another example of consumables may be one reducing agents for an SCR system, e.g. Adblue. Another example of consumables can be lubricating oil for an engine or transmission at the vehicle.

The procedure may further comprise the step of: determine said suitable occasion based on predicted operating conditions.

In this case, advantageously said diagnosis can be performed at times when it is included fairly high probability can actually succeed. This avoids performing diagnoses on less favorable occasions, when said diagnosis in worst case must be terminated prematurely, resulting in an unreliable or not present results of said diagnosis. 10 15 20 25 30 The procedure may further include the steps of: - determine prevailing operating conditions; and determine said appropriate occasion based on said determined operating conditions. In this case, a substantially optimal diagnosis can be performed.

In this case, a reliable diagnosis can advantageously be performed.

Said operating conditions can be internal or external operating conditions.

Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of substantially uniform engine load, substantially even engine speed, falling engine speed, close imminent change of gear stage of a gearbox.

Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of increasing or decreasing engine load, increasing or decreasing engine speed, towing (where no fuel is injected into the cylinders of the vehicle's engine) and exhaust braking at a predetermined level. Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of even, increasing and / or decreasing exhaust temperature and / or concentration of substance and / or fraction of substance at a predetermined point in the exhaust system. Said internal operating conditions can be at least one of gear selection, even, increasing and / or decreasing charge and / or consumption in energy storage, for example a battery in the vehicle.

Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of even, increasing, and / or reducing the use of the fan and / or cooling system nos the vehicle and increasing, and / or decreasing even, engine temperature, coolant temperature and / or oil temperature.

Said external operating conditions may be at least one of climatic conditions. Said climatic conditions may include ambient temperature, prevailing pressure of ambient air, humidity.

Examples of other external operating conditions can be the slope of a surface for the vehicle or road quality. 10 15 20 25 30 The procedure may further include the steps of: - select a vehicle function; and perform said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion.

The procedure may further include the steps of: - select a vehicle function; and perform said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion, at least one operating condition.

The procedure may further include the steps of: use the results of said diagnosis to, where applicable correct a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

The procedure may further include the steps of: use the results of said diagnosis to, where applicable adapt a vehicle function for an adaptation to said results.

The procedure is easy to implement in existing motor vehicles. Software for diagnostic of vehicle functions according to the invention can be installed in a control unit of the vehicle in the manufacture of the same. A buyer of the vehicle may thus be able to choose the function of the procedure as an option.

Alternatively, software including program code can perform the innovative the procedure for diagnosing vehicle functions is installed in a control unit at the vehicle when upgrading at a service station. In this case, can the software is loaded into a memory in the controller. Implementation of it The innovative procedure is thus cost-effective.

Software that includes program code for diagnosing vehicle functions can be easily updated or replaced. Furthermore, different parts of the software such as includes program code for diagnosing vehicle functions replaced independent of each other. This modular configuration is advantageous from one maintenance perspective. 10 15 20 25 30 According to diagnosis of vehicle functions, including: one aspect of the invention provides a device for means for determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnosis; bodies adapted to perform a prediction of the vehicle conditions of performance, and bodies adapted to determine the said at least one appropriate occasion basis of said conditions of performance.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for diagnosis of vehicle functions, including: a Look-Ahead system included with the vehicle; and bodies adapted to determine at least an appropriate occasion for diagnosis of at least one vehicle function.

According to diagnosis of vehicle functions, including: one aspect of the invention provides a device for means for determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnosis; a Look-Ahead system included with the vehicle; and bodies adapted to determine the said at least one appropriate occasion basis of information established by said Look-Ahead system.

Said Look-Ahead system may include an electronic map including topographic data relating to an oncoming route of the vehicle.

The device may comprise: bodies adapted to determine the route characteristics of the vehicle.

The device may comprise: 10 15 20 25 30 bodies adapted to determine external characteristics, for example traffic situations.

The device may comprise: bodies adapted to determine the driving style of the vehicle operator, driver, driver.

In the device, said vehicle functions may include at least one function of the vehicle functions sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models, actuators, other vehicle hardware and consumables.

The device may further comprise: bodies adapted to determine said appropriate occasion based on predicted operating conditions.

In the device, said operating conditions may be at least one of substantially even engine load, substantially even engine speed, descending engine speed and imminent change of gear ratios of a gearbox.

In the device, said operating conditions can be internal and in this case be at least one of increasing or decreasing engine load, increasing or decreasing engine speed, towing of the vehicle's engine and exhaust braking at a predetermined level. Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of even, increasing and / or decreasing exhaust gas temperature and / or concentration of substance and / or fraction of substance at a predetermined point in the exhaust system. Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of gear selection, even, increasing and / or decreasing charge and / or consumption in battery of the vehicle. Mentioned internal energy storage, for example one operating conditions may be at least one of even, increasing, and / or reduced use of the fan and / or cooling system of the vehicle and even, increasing, and / or decreasing engine temperature, coolant temperature and / or oil temperature. 10 15 20 25 30 10 In the device, said operating conditions may be at least one of climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure in ambient air.

The device may further comprise: - means adapted to select a vehicle function; and means adapted to perform said diagnosis at said at least an appropriate opportunity.

The device may further comprise: - means adapted to select a vehicle function; and means adapted to perform said diagnosis at said at least at an appropriate time, in at least one operating condition.

The device may further comprise: bodies adapted to use the result of said diagnosis to i where applicable, correct a vehicle function for an adaptation to the said results.

The above objects are also achieved with a motor vehicle which includes the device for diagnosing vehicle functions. The motor vehicle can be a truck, bus or car.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program for diagnosis of vehicle functions, wherein said computer program includes program code to cause an electronic controller or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to any of claims 1-11.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program for diagnosis of vehicle functions, wherein said computer program includes program code stored on a computer-readable medium to cause one 10 15 20 25 30 11 electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic the control unit to perform the steps according to any one of claims 1-11.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer software product comprising a program code stored on a computer readable medium for performing the method steps according to any one of claims 1-11, when said computer programs run on an electronic controller or other computer connected to the electronic control unit.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details, as well via the practice of the invention. While the invention is described below, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to those specifically described the details. Those who have access to the teachings herein will recognize and incorporations into others additional applications, modifications areas which are within the scope of the invention. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and further purposes and benefits thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description to be read together with the accompanying drawings there equally reference numerals refer to equal parts in the various figures, and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a device of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3a schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method, according to a embodiment of the invention; Figure 3b schematically illustrates in further detail a flow chart over one method, according to an embodiment of the invention; and 10 15 20 25 30 12 Figure 4 schematically illustrates a computer, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Referring to Figure 1, a side view of a vehicle 100 is shown The exemplary vehicle 100 consists of a tractor 110 and a trailer 112.

The vehicle can be a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. The vehicle can alternatively be a car.

Here, the term "link" refers to a communication link that may be one physical wire, such as an opto-electronic communications wire, or a non-physical wiring, such as a wireless connection, such as a radio or microwave link.

The vehicle 100 comprises a so-called Look-ahead system and a suitable set of sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models, actuators, other vehicle hardware and systems including consumables.

Here, the terms actuator and actuator are used synonymously. Used herein the terms sensor and sensor are synonymous.

Here, the term consumable refers to a fluid in a subsystem of the vehicle. Said consumables may be in gaseous, liquid or fixed consumable. form. Said consumables can also be named Referring to Figure 2, a device 299 of the vehicle 100 is shown.

The device 299 is arranged in the tractor 110.

The device 299 comprises a first control unit 210. Said first control unit 210 is signal connected to a Look-ahead system 230 of the vehicle 100 via a 10 15 20 25 30 13 link L230. Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via said link L230.

Said Look-ahead system 230 can also be called a prediction system of the vehicle's driving conditions. Said Look-ahead system 230 can include a device 400 as described with reference to Figure 4. Said Look-ahead system 230 may include a set of different sensors for to continuously detect appropriate parameters. Said parameters can be parameters associated with in-vehicle quantities. Sagda parameters can be parameters associated with the vehicle texts quantities. Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine different conditions of performance on the basis of said established parameters.

Furthermore, said Look-ahead system 230 may include a number of stored ones calculation models to determine different performance conditions. Sagda Look-ahead system 230 may include an electronic map including information on a topography relevant to the vehicle's route. Said prediction may include information on the vehicle's route characteristics, such as inclination for the vehicle's current and future route.

Said Look-ahead system 230 may include means for communication with an information system (not shown). Said information system is arranged to continuously or intermittently send signals including information about system 230. information systems may be arranged to send said signals to said performance conditions for said Look-ahead Said Look-ahead system 230 via a satellite or by means of a suitable one communication system. Said information system may include at least a stationary device, for example in the form of a stationary traffic camera, and / or at least one mobile platform, such as a helicopter or a vehicles in front. Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to on on the basis of said received signals predict said performance conditions. arranged to determine different Said Look-ahead system 230 is 10 15 20 25 30 14 performance conditions based on said signals. Said prediction can include external characteristics, such as traffic situations, stops in forward traffic, road works, etc.

Said first control unit 210 can according to one embodiment be arranged to determine said conditions of performance on the basis of information provided by said Look-ahead system 230.

Said look-ahead system 230 is according to one embodiment arranged to be determined operating conditions of the vehicle. Said Look-ahead system 230 is according to one execution arranged to determine probable future operating conditions for the vehicle. Said Look-ahead system 230 is according to one embodiment arranged to determine said at least one suitable occasion based on said probable future operating conditions. Said operating conditions can, for example be at least one of substantially even motor load, substantially even engine speed, falling engine speed and imminent change of gearshift of a gearbox. Said operating conditions may be at least one of climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure at ambient air.

According to an alternative embodiment, said first control unit 210 may be arranged to determine said operating conditions.

Said Look-ahead system 230 may be arranged to determine at least an appropriate opportunity to perform said diagnosis.

A sensor configuration 240 is provided for communication with the first the control unit 210 via a link L240. Said link L240 may include a suitable one number of communication links, for example one communication link for each sensor in the sensor configuration 240. Said link L240 may include an internal one network of the vehicle 100. 10 15 20 25 30 15 Said sensor configuration 240 may comprise any suitable number sensors and / or virtual sensors and / or sensor models. Sagda sensors, virtual sensors and sensor models can be named vehicle functions.

Examples of said sensors can be air mass flow sensors, sensors for charge air temperature, sensor for ambient temperature, sensor for ambient pressure, throttle pressure sensor, boost pressure sensor, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensors, cooling water temperature sensors, rail pressure sensors, cylinder pressure sensors, oil level sensor, coolant level sensors, fuel level sensors, oil pressure sensors, exhaust brake sensor, NOX sensor, lambda probe, etc.

Some of the above exemplified sensors, and others not specified sensors, can be replaced or supplemented by a suitable virtual sensor and / or sensor model.

Said sensors, virtual sensors and sensor models can be used individually or in an appropriate combination to determine prevailing values for a given magnitude.

According to one example, the diagnosis of a sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model is performed by, for certain operating conditions, comparing values measured or calculated by two or more other sensors, virtual sensors respective sensor models. In this case, a measure of a deviation can be determined from an expected value of a selected sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model.

According to one example, adaptation of a sensor associated with an error can be virtual sensor or sensor model is performed by compensating for said established deviation.

An actuator configuration 250 is provided for communication with the first the control unit 210 via a link L250. Said link L25O may include a suitable one 10 15 20 25 30 16 number of communication links, for example one communication link for each actuator in actuator configuration 250. Said link L250 may include one internal network of the vehicle 100.

Said actuator configuration 250 may comprise any suitable number actuators. Said actuators can be called vehicle functions.

Examples of said actuators can be a throttle, EGR valve, VTG actuator, HC injector in one reducing agents, exhaust brake actuator, finishing system, dosage unit for, for example, Adblue, in one finishing systems, fuel injectors, etc.

According to one example, diagnostics of an actuator can be performed by, at certain operating conditions, determine the performance of said actuators and compare the result with an expected result. Said diagnosis can be performed at various predetermined conditions of the actuator. In the case said actuator is one dampers, examples of such conditions may be completely open, to a certain extent degree open or closed. In this case, for example, a possible leak determined.

According to an example, adaptation in this case may mean that in a suitable manner compensate for a deviation from desired performance.

A hardware system 260 is presently provided with the vehicle. Sagda hardware system 260 may include a number of hardware devices. These hardware devices are referred to herein as "other hardware" and do not refer to sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models and consumables, according to an aspect of the present invention. Said hardware units 260 can called vehicle functions. 10 15 20 25 30 17 Said hardware system 260 includes hardware units, for which diagnosis and any subsequent adaptation is required, at least with a certain frequency.

Examples of hardware devices, i.e. other hardware, is motor, SCR catalyst, diesel particulate filter, oxidation catalyst, coupling configuration, battery, etc.

Not all hardware units of said hardware system 260 need necessarily be signal connected to the first control unit 210. In this case however, it is illustrated that said hardware system 260 is signal connected to it first control unit 210 via a link L260.

According to one example, diagnostics of other hardware can be performed by, under certain operating conditions, determine the performance of said hardware and compare the result with the expected result. In the case of said hardware, an SCR catalyst, for example, a degradation of functional surfaces of the SCR the catalyst is determined.

According to an example, adaptation in this case may mean that in a suitable manner compensate for a deviation from desired performance.

According to one aspect of the invention, said Look-ahead system 230 is provided to establish at least one suitable opportunity to perform diagnosis of said other hardware. Said diagnosis may aim to establish whether said other hardware meets certain given performance requirements or desired functionality.

According to one aspect of the invention, said first control unit 210 is arranged to perform desirable adaptation of said other hardware. Said adaptation may aim to cause said other hardware to meet said certain performance requirements or functionality. 10 15 20 25 30 18 Said adaptation can be performed in a suitable manner with dedicated equipment or calculation model.

A number of subsystems including various consumables 270 are present arranged in the vehicle 100. Said subsystems may be suitable subsystems containing a fluid. Said fl uid may be at least some of the fuel, reducing agent, heating medium, or lubricants, coolants, detergent. Said fluid is a consumable.

According to one aspect of the invention, said Look-ahead system 230 is provided to establish at least an appropriate opportunity to diagnose said consumables. Said diagnosis may aim to establish whether said consumables are of a quality or composition which corresponds to a desired quality or composition.

Said diagnosis can be performed in a suitable manner with the intended purpose equipment or calculation model.

Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine at least one appropriate opportunity to perform a selected diagnosis and possible adaptation of one or more of said vehicle functions. Said appropriate opportunity can be a certain time. Said appropriate opportunity may be an appropriate one time interval. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval such as defined by the time interval 0-15 seconds. Said appropriate time intervals can be a time interval defined by the time interval 0-30 seconds. Sagda appropriate time intervals may be a time interval defined by the time interval 0-60 seconds. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval such as defined by the time interval 1-5 minutes. Said suitable time intervals may be a time interval longer than 10 minutes. 10 15 20 25 30 19 A second control unit 220 is provided for communication with the first the control unit 210 via a link L220. The second control unit 220 may be detachably connected to the first control unit 210. The second control unit 220 may be a control unit external to the vehicle 100. The second control unit 220 may be arranged to perform the innovative process steps according to the invention. The second controller 220 can be used to charge software for the first controller 210, in particular software for performing the innovative procedure. The second control unit 220 may alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via an internal network in the vehicle. The second control unit 220 may be arranged to perform essentially the same functions as the first control unit 210.

Figure 3a schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for diagnosis of vehicle functions, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method comprises a first method step s301. Step s301 includes the steps to: determine at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; and determine said at least one suitable occasion by means of one of the vehicle included a system for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions. After step s301 terminates the procedure.

Figure 3b schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for diagnosis of vehicle functions, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method includes a first method step s310. Procedure step s310 includes the step of selecting at least one vehicle function to diagnosed and possibly corrected. Said choices may include the choice of more than a type of vehicle function. For example, a sensor 240 and an actuator 250 is selected. Said selection may include selection of more than one vehicle function of one certain category. For example, two different sensors can be selected. Said first control unit 210 may be arranged to automatically select one or more 10 15 20 25 30 20 vehicle functions. After the process step s310, a subsequent is performed procedure step s320.

The process step s320 includes the step of predicting the vehicle conditions of performance. Said Look-ahead system 230 may be arranged to determine probable driving conditions for the vehicle 100.

This can be done on the basis of information from, for example, sensors in the vehicle and / or information received from said information system and / or information stored in a memory of the Look-ahead system 230. Said stored information can at least partly be in the form of an electronic map. After the process step s320, a subsequent process step is performed S330.

The process step s330 includes the step of determining operating conditions. Sagda Look-ahead system 230 may be arranged to determine said operating conditions on the basis of said choice of vehicle function. Each vehicle function may be associated with predetermined operating conditions, at which operating conditions said diagnosis is appropriate. After the procedure step s330, a subsequent process step s340 is performed.

Method step s340 includes the step of determining at least one suitable opportunity for diagnosis by means of a system included in the vehicle 230 for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions. The step s340 can opportunity for diagnosis on the basis of said conditions of performance. The step s340 can opportunity for diagnosis on the basis of said operating conditions. After the procedure step s340, a subsequent procedure step s350 is performed. include the step of determining at least one appropriate include the step of determining at least one appropriate The procedure step s350 includes the step of performing diagnosis. Sagda diagnosis is performed at said fixed at least one occasion. Multiple diagnoses, for the same vehicle function or for different vehicle functions, 10 15 20 25 30 21 can according to one embodiment be performed simultaneously. Said diagnosis can be performed in various appropriate ways, b | .a. depending on the type of vehicle function selected. The step S350 may include the step of generating one, where applicable error code regarding said diagnosis. Said error code may be displayed to a driver of the vehicle by means of suitable equipment. Said error code can be stored in for example, the first controller 210. The step S350 includes the step of determine a result for each successfully performed diagnosis. Sagda results may include an indication of a deviation from a normal and correct behavior, characteristics or quality. After the procedure step S350, one is performed subsequent procedure step S360.

The step step S360 includes the step of performing adaptation. Said adaptation may include actively correcting for said established deviation. Sagda adaptation can be performed in a suitable manner, b | .a. depending on which vehicle function and associated deviation that apply. Step S360 can include the step of generating, where applicable, an error code regarding sagda adaptation. Said error code can be displayed to a driver of the vehicle by means of appropriate equipment. Said error code can be stored in, for example, the first the control unit 210. According to one embodiment, the step S360 may include the step of feedback information about said diagnosis and adaptation to one vehicle operator. This can be done by means of suitable means, for example one display screen. Many adaptations can be performed automatically by means of said first control unit 210. In this case, for example, a misleading sensor value compensated for. Some adaptations require manual intervention, such as to replace a misdiagnosed consumable. After the procedure step S360 the procedure is terminated.

Referring to Figure 4, a diagram of an embodiment of one is shown device 400. The control units 210 and 220 described with reference to Figure 2 may in one embodiment comprise the device 400. The device 400 includes a non-volatile memory 420, a data processing unit 410, and a read / write memory 450. The non-volatile memory 420 has a first memory portion 430 10 15 20 25 30 22 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for control the function of the device 400. Furthermore, the device 400 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, an I / O device, an A / D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 420 also has a second memory part 440.

A computer program P is provided which includes routines for determine at least one suitable opportunity for diagnosis by means of one of the vehicle including that of the vehicle systems for predicting conditions of performance under the innovative procedure.

The computer program P includes routines for determining the appropriate opportunity based on predicted operating conditions. The computer program P includes procedures for determining said appropriate occasion based on prevailing operating conditions.

The computer program P includes routines for: - select a vehicle function; and perform said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion.

The computer program P includes routines for: - select a vehicle function; and perform said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion, at least one operating condition.

The computer program P includes routines for: use the results of said diagnosis to, where applicable correct a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program P which include routines for determining at least one suitable time for 10 15 20 25 30 23 diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of a vehicle function by means of a system included in the vehicle for predicting the vehicle conditions of performance under the innovative procedure.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program P which include routines for determining at least one suitable time for diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of a vehicle function by means of a Look-ahead system 230 included in the vehicle.

The program P can be stored in an executable way or in a compressed way in a memory 460 and / or in a read / write memory 450.

When it is described that the data processing unit 410 performs a certain function it should be understood that the data processing unit 410 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in the memory 460, or a certain part of the program which is stored in the read / write memory 450.

The data processing device 410 can communicate with a data port 499 via a data bus 415. The non-volatile memory 420 is for communication with the data processing unit 410 via a data bus 412. The separate memory 460 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 410 via a data bus 411. the data processing unit 410 via a data bus 414. To the data port 499 can for example the links L220, L230, L240, L250, L260 and L270 are connected (see Figure 2).

The read / write memory 450 is arranged to communicate with When data is received on data port 499, it is temporarily stored in the other memory part 440. When received input is temporarily stored, is the data processing unit 410 prepared to perform code execution on a manner described above. According to one embodiment, signals include received on the data port 599 information determined by the Look-ahead system 230.

According to one embodiment, signals received at the data port 499 include information on at least one suitable opportunity to diagnose a selected person 10 15 20 25 24 vehicle function, for example a sensor configuration 240, an actuator 250, other hardware 260 of the vehicle or consumables 270. They the received signals on the data port 499 can be used by the device 400 to perform said diagnosis in said at least one suitable opportunity. The received signals on data port 499 can be used by the device 400 for performing said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion in at least one operating condition. The received the signals on the data port 499 may be used by the device 400 to use the results of said diagnosis to, where applicable correct a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by the device 400 by means of of the data processing unit 410 running the program stored in the memory 460 or read / write memory 450. When the device 400 runs the program, it is executed procedures described herein.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purpose of illustrating and describing the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or restrictive the invention to the described variants. Obviously many will come modifications and variations to be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments was selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thus enabling professionals to understand the invention for different embodiments and with the different modifications as are suitable for the intended use.

Claims (26)

10 15 20 25 30 25 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A method for diagnosing vehicle functions, comprising the step of: - determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; characterized by the step of: - determining (s301; s340) said at least one suitable occasion by means of a included system (230) operating conditions. of the vehicle for the prediction of the vehicle The method of claim 1, wherein said prediction includes the route characteristics of the vehicle. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said prediction includes external characteristics, for example traffic situations. A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said prediction includes the driving mode of the vehicle operator. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said vehicle functions comprise at least one function of the vehicle functions sensors (240), virtual sensors (240), sensor models (240), actuators (250), other vehicle hardware (260) and consumables (270). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: - determining said suitable time based on predicted operating conditions. A method according to claim 6, wherein said operating conditions are at least one of substantially even engine load, substantially equal engine speed, falling engine speed and imminent change of gear stage of a gearbox. 10 15 20 25 30 26 A method according to claim 6, wherein said operating conditions are at least one of the climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of ambient air. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: - selecting a vehicle function; and - performing said diagnosis at said at least one convenient occasion. A method according to any one of claims 6-8, further comprising the steps of: - selecting a vehicle function; and - performing said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion, at at least one operating condition. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: - using the result of said diagnosis to correct, where applicable, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result. A device (299) for diagnosing vehicle functions, comprising: - means (210; 220; 400; 230) for determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis, characterized by: - means (210; 220; 400; 230) adapted to make a prediction of the driving conditions of the vehicle, and - means (210; 220; 400; 230) adapted to determine the said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of said driving conditions. Device according to claim 12, comprising: - means (210; 220; 400; 230) adapted to determine the route characteristics of the vehicle. 10 15 20 25 30 27 Device according to claim 12 or 13, comprising: - means (210; 220; 400; 230) adapted to determine external characteristics, for example traffic situations. Device according to any one of claims 12-14, comprising: - means (210; 220; 400) adapted to determine the driving mode of the vehicle operator. The device of any of claims 12-15, wherein said vehicle functions include at least one function of the vehicle functions sensors (240), virtual sensors (240), sensor models (240), actuators (250), vehicle hardware (260) and consumables (270). . Other Device according to any one of claims 12-16, further comprising: - means (210; 220; 400, 230) adapted to determine said suitable time based on predicted operating conditions. The device of claim 17, wherein said operating conditions are at least one of substantially even engine load, substantially equal engine speed, falling engine speed and imminent change of gear steps of a gearbox. The device of claim 17, wherein said operating conditions are at least one of the climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of ambient air. The device of any of claims 12-19, further comprising: - means (210; 220; 400) adapted to select a vehicle function; and - means (210; 220; 400) adapted to perform said diagnosis at said at least one convenient occasion. The device of any of claims 17-19, further comprising: - means (210; 220; 400) adapted to select a vehicle function; and means (210; 220; 400) adapted to perform said diagnosis at said at least one convenient time, at at least one operating condition. The device of any of claims 12-21, further comprising: - means (210; 220; 400) adapted to use the result of said diagnosis to correct, where appropriate, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result. Motor vehicle (100; 110) comprising a device according to any one of claims 12-22. A motor vehicle (100; 110) according to claim 23, wherein the motor vehicle is something of a truck, bus or passenger car. A computer program (P) for diagnosing vehicle functions, said computer program (P) comprising program code for causing an electronic control unit (210; 400) or another computer (220; 400) connected to the electronic control unit (210; 400) to performing the steps according to any one of claims 1-11. A computer program product comprising a program code stored on a computer readable medium for performing the method steps of any of claims 1-11, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit (210; 400) or another computer (220; 400) connected to the electronic control unit (210; 400).