SE536717C2 - 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 driving conditions 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

20 25 30 536 717 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 other components of the vehicle, the vehicle can sometimes exceed statutory maximum emission levels or have reduced driveability. When diagnosing and possibly adapting sensors and other components of the vehicle, the driving experience can sometimes also be negatively affected, e.g. in that the vehicle's engine sounds different during said diagnosis and adaptation. One way of dealing with these matters can be done by the current engine control system adjusting sensors and actuators to known reference driving conditions.

For several reasons, it is desirable to minimize the time during which the vehicle exceeds the said statutory maximum emission levels or has reduced driveability.

In order to perform a correct diagnosis, it is in many cases desirable that 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. When it ceases, for example then the diagnosis may be forced to be terminated prematurely, before a reliable result has been obtained. In this case, said diagnosis may need to be performed again.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, there is a need to reliably diagnose and possibly adapt various devices in a vehicle, in order to avoid or reduce the adverse effects described above.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and advantageous method for diagnosing vehicle functions. 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 for reducing or minimizing the environmental impact of 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 for reducing fuel consumption in 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 for increasing the probability of correctly performing diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of vehicle functions without undesired interruption thereof.

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

These objects are a method of achieving a diagnostic function of a vehicle according to claim 1.

According to the diagnosis of vehicle functions, comprising the steps of: providing an aspect of the invention with a method of - determining at least one suitable opportunity for said diagnosis; and - determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of a system included by the vehicle for predicting the conditions of operation of the vehicle.

By using information from said system for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions on how the vehicle is most likely to be driven in the future, unnecessary, for example for short, diagnoses and adaptations of vehicle functions can be avoided. This avoids that the same diagnosis and / or adaptation must be performed several times. In this case, an environmental impact when performing said diagnosis and adaptation can be minimized. In this case, a drivability of the vehicle can advantageously be maintained when performing said diagnosis and adaptation.

According to the diagnosis of vehicle functions, comprising the steps of: providing an aspect of the invention with a method of - determining at least one suitable opportunity for said diagnosis; and - determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of a so-called Look-ahead system included by the vehicle.

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

Said prediction may include the vehicle's route characteristics. In this case, for example, said suitable opportunity can be accurately determined on the basis of, for example, the slope of a future route.

Said prediction may include external characteristics, for example traffic situations. In this case, said suitable occasion can be accurately determined on the basis of, for example, a previously stationary 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. The prediction may include the prevailing driving style of the vehicle operator.

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

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 inventive method 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, petrol or ethanol. Another example of consumables may be a reducing agent for an SCR system, e.g. Adblue. Another example of consumables may be lubricating oil for an engine or transmission of the vehicle.

The method may further comprise the step of: - determining said suitable time based on predicted operating conditions.

In this case, advantageously said diagnosis can be performed at times when it can actually succeed with a fairly high probability. In this case, diagnoses are avoided at less favorable occasions, when said diagnosis in the worst case must be interrupted prematurely, resulting in an unreliable or non-existent result of said diagnosis. The procedure may further comprise the steps of: - determining the prevailing operating conditions; and - determining said suitable 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 even engine load, substantially even engine speed, falling engine speed, 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 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 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 energy storage, for example a battery of the vehicle.

Said internal operating conditions may be at least one of even, increasing, and / or decreasing use of fan and / or cooling system of 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 the climatic conditions. Said climatic conditions may include ambient temperature, prevailing pressure of ambient air, humidity.

Examples of other external operating conditions can be the inclination of a surface for the vehicle or road quality. The method may further comprise the steps of: - selecting a vehicle function; and - performing said diagnosis at said at least one convenient occasion.

The method may further comprise the steps of: - selecting a vehicle function; and - performing said diagnosis at said at least one suitable occasion, at at least one operating condition.

The method may further comprise the steps of: - using the result of said diagnosis to correct, where appropriate, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

The method may further comprise the steps of: - using the result of said diagnosis to adapt, where appropriate, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

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

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

Software that includes software code for diagnosing vehicle functions can be easily updated or replaced. Furthermore, different parts of the software that include program code for diagnosing vehicle functions can be replaced independently of each other. This modular configuration is advantageous from a maintenance perspective. According to the diagnosis of vehicle functions, comprising: an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for - means for determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; bodies adapted to make a prediction of the vehicle's driving conditions, and - bodies adapted to determine the said at least one appropriate occasion on the basis of said driving conditions.

According to the diagnosis of vehicle functions, comprising: an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for - a Look-Ahead system included in the vehicle; and - means adapted to determine at least one suitable time for diagnosing at least one vehicle function.

According to the diagnosis of vehicle functions, comprising: an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for - means for determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; a Look-Ahead system included with the vehicle; and - means adapted to determine said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of information determined by said Look-Ahead system.

Said Look-Ahead system may include an electronic map including topographical data regarding a vehicle's forward route.

The device may include: - means adapted to determine the route characteristics of the vehicle.

The device may comprise: 10 15 20 25 30 536 717 - means adapted to determine external characteristics, for example traffic situations.

The device may include: - means adapted to determine the driving style of the vehicle operator, the 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: - means adapted to determine said suitable 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, falling engine speed and imminent change of gear stages 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 an increasing and / or and / or concentration of substance and / or fraction of substance at a predetermined point in the even, decreasing exhaust temperature of 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. Said internal energy storage, for example an operating condition, may be at least one of even, increasing, and / or decreasing use of fan and / or cooling system of the vehicle and even, increasing, and / or decreasing engine temperature, coolant temperature and / or oil temperature. In the device, said operating conditions may be at least one of the climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of 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 one convenient occasion.

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

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

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 diagnosing vehicle functions, said computer program comprising program code for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic 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 program for diagnosing vehicle functions, said computer program comprising program code stored on a computer readable medium to cause an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic device. 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 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 or another computer connected to the electronic control unit. .

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details, as well as through practice of the invention. While the invention is described below, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described. Those skilled in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize and incorporate into other 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 objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where like reference numerals refer to like parts in the various figures, and in which: 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 an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3b schematically illustrates in further detail a flow chart of a method, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 10 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 which may be a physical line, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical line, such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

The vehicle 100 comprises a so-called Look-ahead systems 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. Here, the terms sensor and sensor are used synonymously.

Here, the term consumable refers to a fluid in a subsystem of the vehicle. Said consumables can be in gaseous form, liquid form or solid consumable. form. Said consumables may also be referred to as Figure 2, showing a device 299 of the vehicle 100.

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

Furthermore, said Look-ahead system 230 may include a number of stored calculation models for determining different performance conditions. Said 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 about the vehicle's route characteristics, for example the slope of the vehicle's current and future route.

Said Look-ahead system 230 may include means for communicating with an information system (not shown). Said information system is arranged to continuously or intermittently send signals including information about system 230. Said information system may be arranged to send said signals to said by means of a communication system. Said information system may comprise at least operating conditions to said Look-ahead Look-ahead system 230 via a satellite or suitably a stationary unit, for example in the form of a stationary traffic camera, and / or a vehicle in front. Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to predict said driving conditions on at least one mobile platform, for example a helicopter base of said received signals.

Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine different driving conditions on the basis of said signals. Said prediction may include external characteristics, such as traffic situations, stops in oncoming traffic, road works, etc.

Said first control unit 210 may according to one embodiment be arranged to determine said on the basis of the provided of said Look-ahead system 230. driving conditions information Said look-ahead system 230 is according to one embodiment arranged to determine operating conditions for the vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 is according to one embodiment arranged to determine probable future operating conditions for the vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 is according to one embodiment arranged to determine the at least one suitable occasion based on said probable future operating conditions. Said operating conditions may be, for example, at least one of substantially even engine load, substantially even engine speed, falling engine speed and imminent change of gear stages of a gearbox. Said operating conditions may be at least one of the climatic conditions, ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of 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 one suitable time to perform said diagnosis.

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

Examples of said sensors may be air mass flow sensors, sensors for charge air temperature, sensor for ambient temperature sensor for the ambient pressure, trotteltryckgivare, laddtryckgivare, camshaft, crankshaft, coolant temperature sensors, rail pressure sensor, cylinder pressure sensor, oil pressure sensor, oljeniväsensor, kylvätskenivägivare, bränslenivägivare, exhaust brake sensor, NOx sensors, oxygen sensors, etc.

Some of the above-mentioned exemplary sensors, and other unspecified sensors, may 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 a suitable combination to determine prevailing values for a given quantity.

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

According to one example, adaptation of a defect associated with an incorrect sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model may. performed by compensating for said An actuator configuration 250 is provided for communication with the first control unit 210 via a link L250. Said link L250 may comprise a suitable number of communication links, for example a communication link for each actuator in the actuator configuration 250. Said link L250 may comprise an internal network of the vehicle 100.

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

Examples of said actuators can be a throttle, EGR valve, VTG actuator, HC injector of a reducing agent, exhaust brake actuator, after-treatment system, dosing unit for eg Adblue, at an after-treatment system, fuel injectors, etc.

According to an example, diagnosis of an actuator can be performed by, under certain operating conditions, determining the performance of said actuator and comparing the result with an expected result. Said diagnosis can be performed at various predetermined conditions of the actuator. In the event that said actuator is a damper, examples of such conditions may be completely open, to some extent open or closed. In this case, for example, a possible leak can be determined.

According to an example, adaptation in this case may involve compensating in an appropriate manner for a deviation from the desired performance.

A hardware system 260 is presently provided with the vehicle. Said 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, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Said core unit 260 can be called vehicle functions. Said hardware system 260 comprises hardware units for which diagnosis and possible subsequent adaptation is required, at least with a certain frequency.

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

All the hardware units of said hardware system 260 do not necessarily have to be signal-connected to the first control unit 210. However, this illustrates that said hardware system 260 is signal-connected to the first control unit 210 via a link L260.

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

According to an example, adaptation in this case may involve compensating in an appropriate manner for a deviation from the desired performance.

According to one aspect of the invention, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine at least one suitable time for performing diagnostics of said other hardware. Said diagnosis may aim to determine whether said other hardware meets certain given performance requirements or desired functionality.

According to one aspect of the invention, said first controller 210 is arranged to perform desirable adaptation of said second hardware. Said adaptation may aim at making said other hardware meet said certain performance requirements or functionality. 17 10 15 20 25 30 536 717 Said adaptation can be carried out in a suitable manner with dedicated equipment or calculation model.

A number of subsystems including various consumables 270 are presently provided in the vehicle 100. Said subsystems may be suitable subsystems containing a fluid. Said fl uid may be at least some of the propellant, reducing agent, heating medium, or lubricant, cooling medium, cleaning agent. Said fluid is a consumable.

According to one aspect of the invention, said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine at least one suitable time for performing diagnosis of said consumables. Said diagnosis may be intended to determine 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 dedicated equipment or calculation model.

Said Look-ahead system 230 is arranged to determine at least one suitable time to perform a selected diagnosis and possible adaptation of one or one fl era of said vehicle functions. Said suitable occasion may be a certain time. Said suitable occasion may be a suitable time interval. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval defined by the time interval 0-15 seconds. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval defined by the time interval 0-30 seconds. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval defined by the time interval 0-60 seconds. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval defined by the time interval 1-5 minutes. Said suitable time interval may be a time interval longer than 10 minutes. A second control unit 220 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via a link L220. The second control unit 220 may be releasably 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 method steps according to the invention. The second controller 220 can be used to upload software to the first controller 210, in particular software to perform the innovative process. 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 substantially the same functions as the first control unit 210.

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

The method comprises a first method step s301. Step s301 includes the steps of: - determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; and - determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of a system included by the vehicle for predicting the conditions of operation of the vehicle. After step s301, the process is terminated.

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

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

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

This can take place on the basis of information from, for example, sensors of 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 may be at least partly in the form of an electronic map. After the process step s320, a subsequent process step S330 is performed.

The process step s330 includes the step of determining operating conditions. Said determine said of vehicle function.

Look-ahead system 230 may be provided that operating conditions based on said choices Each vehicle function may be associated with predetermined operating conditions, at which operating conditions said diagnosis is appropriate. After the process step s330, a subsequent process step s340 is performed.

The method step s340 includes the step of determining at least one suitable time for diagnosis by means of a system 230 included in the vehicle for predicting the driving conditions of the vehicle. Step s340 may include the step of determining at least one suitable time for diagnosis based on said conditions of performance. Step s340 can be used for diagnosis on the basis of said operating conditions. After the process step s340, a subsequent process step s350 is performed. including the step of determining at least one suitable method step s350 includes the step of performing diagnostics. Said diagnosis is performed at said determined at least one occasion. According to one embodiment, several different diagnoses, for the same vehicle function or for different vehicle functions, can be performed simultaneously. Said diagnosis can be performed in various suitable ways, e.g. depending on the type of vehicle function selected. The step s350 may include the step of generating, where applicable, an error code regarding said diagnosis. Said error code can be displayed to a driver of the vehicle by means of suitable equipment. Said error code may be stored in, for example, the first control unit 210. The step s350 includes the step of determining a result for each successfully performed diagnosis. Said results may include information about a deviation from a normal and correct behavior, characteristic or quality. After the process step s350, a subsequent process step s360 is performed.

The step step s360 includes the step of performing adaptation. Said adaptation may involve actively correcting for said established deviation. Said adaptation can be performed in a suitable manner, e.g. depending on the vehicle function and associated deviation that applies. The step s360 may include the step of generating, where applicable, an error code regarding said adaptation. Said error code can be displayed to a driver of the vehicle by means of suitable equipment. Said error code may be stored in, for example, the first control unit 210. According to one embodiment, step s360 may include the step of feedbacking information about said diagnosis and adaptation to a vehicle operator. This can be done by suitable means, for example a 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 can be compensated for. Some adaptations require manual effort, such as replacing a misdiagnosed consumable. After the procedure step s360, the procedure is terminated.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a diagram of an embodiment of a device 400. The controllers 210 and 220 described with reference to Figure 2 may in one embodiment include 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 21 10 15 20 25 30 536 717 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored to control the operation of the device 400. Further, the device 400 includes a bus controller, a serial communication port, I / O means, 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 portion 440.

A computer program P is provided which comprises routines for determining at least one suitable time for diagnosis by means of one of the included operating conditions according to the innovative method. the vehicle system for predicting the vehicle's Computer program P includes routines for determining said suitable time based on predicted operating conditions. The computer program P comprises routines for determining said suitable time based on prevailing operating conditions.

The computer program P includes routines for: - selecting a vehicle function; and - performing said diagnosis at said at least one convenient occasion.

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

The computer program P comprises routines for: - using the result of said diagnosis to correct, if applicable, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program P comprising routines for determining at least one suitable time for diagnosis and any necessary adaptation of a vehicle function by means of a system included in the vehicle for predicting the vehicle's driving conditions according to the innovative procedure.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program P comprising 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 manner or in a compressed manner 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 is to 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 intended 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, e.g. 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 the data port 499, it is temporarily stored in the second memory part 440. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 410 is prepared to perform code execution in a manner described above. According to one embodiment, signals received at the data port 599 include information determined by the Look-ahead system 230.

According to one embodiment, signals received at data port 499 include information about at least one suitable time for diagnosing a selected vehicle function, such as a sensor configuration 240, an actuator 250, other vehicle 260 hardware, or consumables 270. The received signals on the data port 499 may be used by the device 400 to perform said diagnosis at said at least one convenient occasion. The received signals on the data port 499 may be used by the device 400 to perform said diagnosis at said at least one convenient time at at least one operating condition. The received signals on the data port 499 may be used by the device 400 to use the result of said diagnosis to correct, where appropriate, a vehicle function for an adaptation to said result.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by the device 400 using the data processing unit 410 running the program stored in the memory 460 or the read / write memory 450. When the device 400 runs the program, the methods described herein are executed.

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 to limit the invention to the variations described. Obviously, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use. 24

Claims (26)

10 15 20 25 30 536 717 PATENT CLAIMS A method for diagnosing vehicle functions, comprising the step of: - determining at least one suitable time for said diagnosis; characterized by the steps of: - predicting the driving conditions of the vehicle by means of a system (230) included for predicting the driving conditions of the vehicle; determine (s301; s340) said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of said prediction of the vehicle's driving conditions. 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 of the vehicle. 25 10 15 20 25 30 536 717 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. 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 said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of said driving conditions. 26 10 15 20 25 30 536 717 Device according to claim 12, comprising: - means (210; 220; 400; 230) adapted to determine the route characteristics of the vehicle. 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), actuators (250), vehicle hardware (260) and consumables (270). virtual sensors (240), sensor models (240), 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 for the vehicle. 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 time. 27 10 15 20 25 536 717 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 occasion, 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 program code is executed on an electronic control unit (210; 400) or another computer (220; 400) connected to the electronic control unit (210; 400). 28