SE542095C2

SE542095C2 - Method and system for diagnosing a vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE542095C2
Application number: SE1750462A
Authority: SE
Inventors: André Claesson; Jonas Ekerli
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2017-04-20
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2020-02-25
Also published as: WO2018194499A1; BR112019021314A2; EP3612426A1; SE1750462A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: determining (110) an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle; and initiating (120) said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation. The method comprises the steps of: automatically checking (150) one or more vehicle parameters; and based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters automatically determining (160) whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation.The present invention also relates to a system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART When a vehicle, e.g. a bus, is intended to be used for operation, there might be issues resulting in the vehicle not being in a state for the intended operation resulting in the vehicle not being able to be used at the point of time it is intended to be used. Such issues may be caused by certain malfunctions of vehicle parameters such as air leakage e.g. in doors, brake systems, air suspension systems or the like. There may also be malfunctions in vehicle parameters such as batteries, air pressure in tires, leakage of fluids, broken lights etc.

In order to minimize the risk of the above mentioned issues resulting in the vehicle not being able to be used at the point of time it is intended to be used an operator of the vehicle may perform diagnostics of the vehicle prior to the intended use of the vehicle. This is however time consuming and in certain cases difficult to accomplish depending e.g. of the location of the vehicle, e.g. bus.

DE102016004798 discloses automatic diagnosing of a vehicle, where a number of vehicle parameters are checked and presented to a driver in order to avoid manual checks and to facilitate having the vehicle ready to be used.

There is however a need for further improving automatic diagnosing of a vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle which minimizes the risk of the vehicle not being in a state for intended operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle which minimizes the risk of the vehicle not being in a state for intended operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system and a vehicle as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the arrangement are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters; and based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation. The method comprises the steps of: determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; and initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

By thus basing initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation the risk of the vehicle not being in a state for intended operation is minimized. Thus, hereby the point in time for initiation of the automatic diagnosing may be adapted so that the automatic diagnosing of vehicle parameters intended to be automatically checked is started in due time in order to take proper action to see to that the vehicle is in a state for intended operation if a malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters should be discovered.

Said one or more vehicle parameters may comprise any suitable vehicle parameters such as air pressure in tires; function of lights; fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; status of function of toilet where applicable comprising amount of water available, level of waste water tank; function of doors e.g. being pneumatically controlled, level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; battery status; status of generator etc.

The step of determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment the step of extracting stored information regarding point in time for said intended operation. Information regarding expected point in time for said intended operation may be stored in any suitable storage means comprising any suitable internal storage means on board the vehicle such as a server unit, electronic control arrangement or the like and/or any suitable external storage means such as a server unit, a mobile unit such as a smartphone, a tablet or the like.

The step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises activating suitable means for providing energy for facilitating checking said at least one vehicle parameter.

The step of automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters comprises checking function, status and the like depending on parameter to be checked.

The step of automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters may comprise one or more of: checking air pressure in tires; checking function of lights; checking fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; checking, where applicable, status of function of toilet comprising amount of water available, checking level of waste water tank; checking function of doors e.g. being pneumatically controlled, checking level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; checking battery status; checking status of generator etc.

The step of automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters comprises the step of comparing the results of said automatically checked parameters with predetermined values for said checked parameters.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters. By thus considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters the initiation of said automatic diagnosing could be adapted to that result, i.e. learning from previous checks depending on the result.

The step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises the step of analysing the result of said one or more previous automatic checks so as to determine whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks corresponded to normal expected function or diverted from said normal expected function hinting that a malfunction may occur.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises the step of determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters. Hereby the initiation of said automatic could be adapted to that result, i.e. learning from previous checks depending on the result, by thus initiating said automatic diagnosing earlier in order to have the vehicle in a state for intended operation in due time for the intended point of time of operation.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering said external conditions. By thus considering said external conditions the initiation of said automatic diagnosing could be adapted to the external conditions, e.g. if the temperature is very low, the automatic diagnosing could be adapted and e.g. initiated earlier in order to have vehicle is in a state for intended operation in due time for the intended point of time of operation.

External conditions may comprise any relevant external conditions, i.e. any external conditions that may affect said diagnosing of the vehicle, comprising external conditions that may affect vehicle parameters and external conditions that may affect the ability to fix malfunctions of vehicle parameters. The external conditions may comprise weather conditions comprising e.g. temperature conditions, humidity, precipitation such as rain or snow, wind conditions or the like. The external conditions may comprise road conditions such as snow on the road, ice on the road or the like.

The step of determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing comprises utilizing means for determining external conditions. Thus, the method comprises determining external conditions by means of means for determining external conditions. The means for determining external conditions may comprise any suitable sensor unit comprising any suitable sensor.

The means for determining external conditions comprises according to an embodiment any suitable weather sensor for determining weather conditions. Weather conditions may thus be determined by means of weather sensors comprising any suitable rain sensor e.g. arranged in connection to the windshield, any suitable temperature sensor, any suitable wind sensor. Weather conditions may be determined by means of external weather data from any external provider/server with which the vehicle, i.e. a control unit/server unit or the like of the vehicle, may establish contact.

The means for determining external conditions comprises according to an embodiment any suitable means for determining road conditions. Road conditions may thus be determined by means of any suitable detector means comprising any suitable detector unit/detector for detecting the surface of the road along which the vehicle is travelling such as one or more cameras and/or one or more laser scanners and/or one or more radars. Road conditions may be determined by means of external data from any external provider/server with which the vehicle, i.e. a control unit/server unit or the like of the vehicle, may establish contact.

The step of considering said external conditions comprises the step of analysing the result of said external conditions so as to determine whether the determined external conditions may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the location of the vehicle. By thus considering the location of the vehicle, e.g. the geographical condition, distance to workshop, and whether the vehicle, e.g. bus, is located at a ramp where it may be plugged in or at a location where no such possibility to plug in the vehicle exists, the automatic diagnosing could be initiated earlier or later depending on the location in order to have the vehicle in a state for intended operation in due time for the intended point of time of operation.

The method comprises the step of determining the location of the vehicle. The step of determining the location of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, for determining the position of the vehicle. The step of determining the location of the vehicle may comprise extracting map information of the surroundings comprising e.g. workshops or the like in the vicinity. The extracted map information comprises using any suitable map extracting unit. The step of determining the location of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment determining whether the vehicle is located in connection to a ramp and whether it is plugged in to a plug in system for providing electricity to the vehicle.

The step of considering the location of the vehicle comprises the step of analysing the result of said external conditions so as to determine whether the determined location of the vehicle may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked. By thus considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked the automatic diagnosing could be initiated earlier or later depending on the vehicle parameter/parameters to be checked in order to have vehicle is in a state for intended operation in due time for the intended point of time of operation.

The step of considering the chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked comprises the step of analysing which parameters that are intended to be checked and if it may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing and/or if there should be more than one diagnosing due to different vehicle parameters motivating different points in time to be checked in order to have the vehicle in state for intended operation.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle, wherein the step of automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation. By thus performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle so that vehicle parameters requiring motor operation can be checked, a more complete diagnosing is facilitated and thus the risk of the vehicle not being in a state for operation in due time is further minimized.

The motor is according to an embodiment an internal combustion engine. The motor could according to an embodiment be an electric motor.

The step of automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle is according this embodiment part of the initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation. Thus, the initiation of automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle is according to this embodiment based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

Said one or more vehicle parameters requiring motor operation, e.g. internal combustion engine operation, to be checked for said diagnosing of the vehicle may comprise fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; function of doors comprising opening and closing of doors, said doors being pneumatically controlled; level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle which may be checked after the motor, e.g. internal combustion engine, has been turned off; battery status; status of generator etc.

The step of automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters may comprise one or more of the steps of: automatically checking fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; automatically checking function of doors, said doors being pneumatically controlled, automatically checking level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; automatically checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; automatically checking battery status; automatically checking status of generator etc.

The step of automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle comprises activating ignition of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of running said motor during said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle at least until an air compressor of the vehicle has been charged.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining when the compressor of the vehicle has been charged and the step of turning of the motor when the compressor has been charged.

The step of determining when the compressor of the vehicle has been charged may comprise utilizing any suitable means for detecting when the compressor has been charged comprising e.g. any suitable pressure sensor.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of taking action so as to facilitate having the vehicle in a state for intended operation at the expected time for intended operation if it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state for intended operation.

The step of taking action may comprise alerting the operator of the vehicle and/or other person and/or workshop or the like of determined malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

The step of taking action may comprise automatically repairing one or more vehicle parameters determined to malfunction. The step of automatically repairing one or more vehicle parameters determined to malfunction may be a temporary reparation in order for the vehicle to be able to drive to a workshop, or an automatic complete reparation if possible.

Automatic reparation may be related to e.g. the battery of the vehicle, air pressure system of the vehicle or the like.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle, comprising means for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters; and means for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters, characterized by means for determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; and means for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises means for determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

According to an embodiment the system comprises means for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing, wherein the means for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means for considering said external conditions.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means for considering the location of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

According to an embodiment the system further comprises means for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, wherein the means for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

The system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a system according as set out herein.

The vehicle may be driver operated. The vehicle may be remotely operated.

According to an embodiment the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for automatically diagnosing a vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform methods as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as set out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a passenger transport vehicle 1 in the form of a bus 1. The vehicle could be any suitable vehicle such as a truck or a car. The bus 1 could be any suitable bus such as a tourist bus, i.e. a coach, or a city bus. The vehicle 1 comprises a system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.

The system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises means 110 for determining an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle.

The means 110 for determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment means 112 for extracting stored information regarding point in time for said intended operation. Information regarding expected point in time for said intended operation may be stored in any suitable storage means comprising any suitable internal storage means on board the vehicle such as a server unit, electronic control arrangement or the like and/or any suitable external storage means such as a server unit, a mobile unit such as a smartphone, a tablet or the like.

The system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

The means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means 120a for activating suitable means for providing energy for facilitating checking said at least one vehicle parameter.

According to an embodiment of the system I the means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means 122 for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

The means 122 for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises means 122a for analysing the result of said one or more previous automatic checks so as to determine whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks corresponded to normal expected function or diverted from said normal expected function hinting that a malfunction may occur. The means 122a for analysing the result of said one or more previous automatic checks may comprise any suitable processing means such as a computer, processing unit, electronic control unit or the like.

According to an embodiment of the system I the means 122 for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises means 122b for determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

According to an embodiment the system I comprises means 130 for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing.

The means 130 for determining external conditions may comprise any suitable sensor unit comprising any suitable sensor.

The means 130 for determining external conditions comprises according to an embodiment any suitable weather sensor for determining weather conditions. Weather conditions may thus be determined by means of weather sensors comprising any suitable rain sensor e.g. arranged in connection to the windshield, any suitable temperature sensor, any suitable wind sensor. Weather conditions may be determined by means of external weather data from any external provider/server with which the vehicle, i.e. a control unit/server unit or the like of the vehicle, may establish contact.

The means 130 for determining external conditions comprises according to an embodiment any suitable means for determining road conditions. Road conditions may thus be determined by means of any suitable detector means comprising any suitable detector unit/detector for detecting the surface of the road along which the vehicle is travelling such as one or more cameras and/or one or more laser scanners and/or one or more radars. Road conditions may be determined by means of external data from any external provider/server with which the vehicle, i.e. a control unit/server unit or the like of the vehicle, may establish contact.

The means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means 124 for considering said external conditions.

The means 124 for considering said external conditions comprises means 124a for analysing the result of said determined external conditions so as to determine whether the determined external conditions may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing.

The system I comprises means 140 for determining the location of the vehicle. The means 140 for determining the location of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, for determining the position of the vehicle. The means 140 for determining the location of the vehicle may comprise means for extracting map information of the surroundings comprising e.g. workshops or the like in the vicinity. The means for extracting map information comprises any suitable map extracting unit. The means 140 for determining the location of the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment means for determining whether the vehicle is located in connection to a ramp and whether it is plugged in to a plug in system for providing electricity to the vehicle.

The means 140 for considering the location of the vehicle comprises means 140a for of analysing the result of said external conditions so as to determine whether the determined location of the vehicle may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing.

According to an embodiment of the system I the means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means 126 for considering the location of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the system I the means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means 128 for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

The means 128 for considering the chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked comprises means 128a for analysing which parameters that are intended to be checked and if it may require adaptation of point of time for initiating said automatic diagnosing and/or if there should be more than one diagnosing due to different vehicle parameters motivating different points in time to be checked in order to have the vehicle in state for intended operation.

The system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters.

The means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters comprises checking function, status and the like depending on parameter to be checked.

The means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters may comprise one or more of: means for automatically checking air pressure in tires; means for automatically checking function of lights; means for automatically checking fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; means for automatically checking, where applicable, status of function of toilet comprising amount of water available, means for automatically checking level of waste water tank; means for automatically checking function of doors e.g. being pneumatically controlled, means for automatically checking level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; means for automatically checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; means for automatically checking battery status; means for automatically checking status of generator etc.

The system I for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises means 160 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters.

The means 160 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters comprises means 162 for comparing the results of said automatically checked parameters with predetermined values for said checked parameters.

According to an embodiment the system further comprises means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters.

The means 150 for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises means 150a for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

Said one or more vehicle parameters requiring motor operation to be checked for said diagnosing of the vehicle may comprise fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; function of doors comprising opening and closing of doors, said doors being pneumatically controlled; level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle which may be checked after the motor, e.g. internal combustion engine, has been turned off; battery status; status of generator etc.

The means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters may comprise one or more of: means for automatically checking fluid levels such as: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; means for automatically checking function of doors, said doors being pneumatically controlled, means for automatically checking level control of vehicle, e.g. kneeling which may be pneumatically controlled; means for automatically checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; means for automatically checking battery status; means for automatically checking status of generator etc.

According to an embodiment the system comprises means 180 for taking action so as to facilitate having the vehicle in a state for intended operation at the expected time for intended operation if it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state for intended operation.

The means 180 for taking action may comprise alerting the operator of the vehicle and/or other person and/or workshop or the like of determined malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

The means 180 for taking action may comprise automatically repairing one or more vehicle parameters determined to malfunction. The step of automatically repairing one or more vehicle parameters determined to malfunction may be a temporary reparation in order for the vehicle to be able to drive to a workshop, or an automatic complete reparation if possible.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 110 for determining an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle via a link 10. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from said means 110 representing data for expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation via a link 20a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 20a arranged to send a signal to said means 120 representing data for expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters via a link 22. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 22 arranged to receive a signal from said means 122 representing data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on considered results of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 130 for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing via a link 30. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 30 arranged to receive a signal from said means 130 representing data for external conditions comprising weather data for weather conditions and/or data for road conditions.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 124 for considering said external conditions via a link 24. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 24 arranged to receive a signal from said means 124 representing data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on considered external conditions.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 140 for determining the location of the vehicle via a link 40. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 40 arranged to receive a signal from said means 140 representing data for location of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 126 for considering the location of the vehicle via a link 26. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 26 arranged to receive a signal from said means 126 representing data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on considered vehicle location.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 128 for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked via a link 28. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 28 arranged to receive a signal from said means 128 representing data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on considered chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked via a link 20b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 20b arranged to receive a signal from said means 120 representing data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation. Said data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation may comprise data for results of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters and/or data for external conditions and/or data for location of vehicle and/or data for chosen set of parameters to be checked.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters via a link 50a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 50a arranged to send a signal to said means 150 representing data for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters via a link 50b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 50 arranged to receive a signal from said means 50b representing data for result of automatic check of vehicle parameters.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 160 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters via a link 60a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 60a arranged to send a signal to said means 160 representing data for result of automatic check of vehicle parameters.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 160 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters via a link 60b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 60b arranged to receive a signal from said means 160 representing data for state of vehicle comprising data for whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters via a link 70a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 70a arranged to send a signal to said means 170 representing data for state of vehicle comprising data for estimated point in time for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters via a link 70b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 70b arranged to receive a signal from said means 170 representing data for state of vehicle comprising data for activating the motor, e.g. internal combustion engine, of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 180 for taking action so as to facilitate having the vehicle in a state for intended operation at the expected time for intended operation if it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state for intended operation via a link 80a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 80a arranged to send a signal to said means 180 representing data for state of vehicle comprising data for operational state of the vehicle based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to said means 180 for taking action so as to facilitate having the vehicle in a state for intended operation at the expected time for intended operation if it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state for intended operation via a link 80b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 80b arranged to receive a signal from said means 180 representing data for state of vehicle comprising data for taking action so as to facilitate having the vehicle in a state for intended operation at the expected time for intended operation.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment the method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises a step S1. In this step an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle is determined.

According to the embodiment the method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises a step S2. In this step said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle is initiated based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

According to the embodiment the method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises a step S3. In this step one or more vehicle parameters are automatically checked.

According to the embodiment the method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle comprises a step S4. In this step it is automatically determined, based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters, whether the vehicle is in a state for said intended operation.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises the step of determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering said external conditions.

The step of determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing comprises utilizing means for determining external conditions. Thus, the method comprises determining external conditions by means of means for determining external conditions. The means for determining external conditions may comprise any suitable sensor unit comprising any suitable sensor, for example one or more weather sensors and/or one or more sensors for sensing road conditions.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the location of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of, prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle, wherein the step of automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

With reference to figure 4, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 2 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a nonvolatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising for automatically diagnosing a vehicle. The program P comprises routines determining an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle. The program P comprises routines for initiating an automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected time point in for said intended vehicle operation. The program P comprises routines for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters. The program P comprises routines for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters. The routines for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises routines for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters. The routines for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises routines for determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters. The program P comprises routines for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing. The routines for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises routines for considering said external conditions. The routines for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises routines for considering the location of the vehicle. The routines for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises routines for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked. The program P comprises routines for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters. The routines for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises routines for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units 100; 200; 300 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining an expected point in time for an intended operation of the vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for initiating an automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected time point in for said intended vehicle operation. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters. The signals used for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises signals used for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters. The signals used for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises signals used for determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing. The signals used for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises signals used for considering said external conditions. The signals used for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises signals used for considering the location of the vehicle. The signals used for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises signals used for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters. The signals used for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises signals used for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Below some general aspects of the method and system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle according to the present description are listed.

Aspect 1 : A method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle 1 , comprising the steps of: automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters; and based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation, characterized by prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle, wherein the step of automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

Aspect 2: A method according to aspect 1 , wherein the motor is an internal combustion engine.

Aspect 3: A method according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the step of checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation comprises one or more of: automatically checking fluid levels comprising one or more of: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; automatically checking function of pneumatically controlled doors; automatically checking level control of vehicle; automatically checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; automatically checking battery status; automatically checking status of generator.

Aspect 4: A method according to any of aspects 1-3, wherein the step of automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle comprises activating ignition of the vehicle.

Aspect 5: A method according to any of aspects 1 -4, comprising the step of running said motor during said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle at least until an air compressor of the vehicle has been charged.

Aspect 6: A method according to any of aspects 1-5, comprising the steps of: determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; wherein the step of automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle for thus initiating said automatic diagnosing is based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

Aspect 7: A method according to aspect 6, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises one or more of the steps of: considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters; considering extracted determined external conditions; considering the location of the vehicle; considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

Aspect 8: A system for automatically diagnosing a vehicle 1 , comprising means 150 for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters; and means 160 for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters, characterized by means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, wherein the means 150 for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises means 150a for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

Aspect 9: A system according to aspect 8, wherein the motor is an internal combustion engine.

Aspect 10: A system according to aspect 8 or 9, wherein the means 150a for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation comprises one or more of: means for automatically checking fluid levels comprising one or more of: oil level, fuel level, water level, washer fluid; means for automatically checking function of pneumatically controlled doors; means for automatically checking level control of vehicle; means for automatically checking possible leakage in air pressure system of the vehicle; automatically checking battery status; means for automatically checking status of generator..

Aspect 11 : A system according to any of aspects 8-10, wherein the means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle comprises means for activating ignition of the vehicle.

Aspect 12: A system according to any of aspects 8-11, comprising means for running said motor during said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle at least until an air compressor of the vehicle has been charged.

Aspect 13: A system according to any of aspects 8-12, comprising means 110 for determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; wherein the means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle for thus initiating said automatic diagnosing is based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

Aspect 14: A system according to aspect 13, wherein the means 170 for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle for thus initiating said automatic diagnosing based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises one or more of: means 122 for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters; means 124 for considering extracted determined external conditions; means 126 for considering the location of the vehicle; and means 128 for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

Aspect 15: A vehicle 1 comprising a system according to any of aspects 8-14.

Aspect 16: A computer program P for automatically diagnosing a vehicle, said computer program P comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit 100 or another computer 500 connected to the electronic control unit 100, causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to aspect 1 -7.

Aspect 17: A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to anyone of aspect 1-7.

Claims

1. A method for automatically diagnosing a vehicle (1 ), comprising the steps of: automatically checking (S3) one or more vehicle parameters; and based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters automatically determining (S4) whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation, characterized by the steps of: determining (S1) an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; and initiating (S2) said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the step of considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises the step of determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, comprising the step of determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering said external conditions.

5. A method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering the location of the vehicle.

6. A method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the step of initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises the step of considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

7. A method according to any of claims 1-6, comprising the step of, prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle, wherein the step of automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

8. A system (I) for automatically diagnosing a vehicle (1), comprising means (150) for automatically checking one or more vehicle parameters; and means (160) for automatically determining whether the vehicle is in a state for intended operation based on the result of said check of said one or more vehicle parameters, characterized by means (110) for determining an expected point in time for said intended operation of the vehicle; and means (120) for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the means (120) for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means (122) for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the means (122) for considering the result of one or more previous automatic checks of one or more corresponding vehicle parameters comprises means (122a) for determining whether the result of said one or more previous automatic checks calls for a reconsideration regarding initiation of said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle due to determined expected malfunction of one or more vehicle parameters.

11. A system according to any of claims 8-10, comprising means (130) for determining external conditions prior to said diagnosing, wherein the means (120) for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means (124) for considering said external conditions.

12. A system according to any of claims 8-11 , wherein the means (120) for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means (126) for considering the location of the vehicle.

13. A system according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the means (120) for initiating said automatic diagnosing of the vehicle based on said expected point in time for said intended vehicle operation comprises means (128) for considering a chosen set of vehicle parameters to be checked.

14. A system according to any of claims 8-13, comprising means (170) for automatically performing a vehicle start comprising starting up the motor of the vehicle prior to automatically checking said one or more vehicle parameters, wherein the means (150) for automatically checking vehicle parameters comprises means (150a) for checking hardware parameters requiring motor operation.

15. A vehicle (1) comprising a system according to any of claims 8-14.

16. A computer program (P) for automatically diagnosing a vehicle, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1 -7.

17. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to anyone of claim 1-7.