TWI822661B - A diagnostic system for a vehicle and a method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a diagnostic system (150) capable of enabling the user of the vehicle to continuously monitor the health status of the vehicle and determine whenever any particular part of the vehicle malfunctions. The diagnostic system (150) includes a registration module (100) for registering of the user related details, a service booking module (200) to schedule a service as per user desired date and time, a sound recording module (300) to diagnose faulty vehicular parts, a vehicle maintenance module (400) to diagnose and to resolve the problem in the vehicle, a settings module (500) to perform various account settings, and a feedback module (600) facilitating communication between the vehicular service network and the user regarding the service provided by the vehicular service network. The diagnostic system enables real time addressing of the problems occurring in the vehicle as desired by the user.

Description

Diagnostic system for vehicle and method thereof

The present invention relates generally to diagnostic systems, and in particular to a vehicle diagnostic system and method thereof.

Generally speaking, users of vehicles, such as two- or three-wheelers, understand the vehicle's service requirements. For example, any vehicle needs to undergo timed and regular maintenance checks, and especially during the first few years of the vehicle. In most cases, the user or vehicle service network will need to keep a separate track record of the maintenance inspections the vehicle has undergone. In the absence of such a track record, the vehicle maintenance process becomes cumbersome and may often lead to sudden stops or breakdowns without the prior knowledge of the vehicle user. This is even more true because most users are unaware of the condition of various components in their vehicle unless such components are inspected at the vehicle service network.

Additionally, there may be situations where parts of the vehicle may fail under unexpected conditions. During such a failure of a vehicle component, the user may not be aware of the immediate remedy, and most often takes the vehicle to a nearby vehicle service network. In some cases, such sudden failures may also affect user safety.

Therefore, continuous efforts have been made to overcome this situation and ensure complete safety of vehicle users. However, many of these efforts that have been conducted over the past few years have simply added more and more human intervention and several complex mechanisms involving various devices to clarify the faults of vehicle components. barrier. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and effective diagnostic system that enables automatic diagnosis of the vehicle to enhance the utility of the vehicle with optimal downtime.

The present invention provides a diagnostic system that is simple, convenient, reduces human intervention, and is accurate. For example, the diagnostic system of the present invention enables the user of a vehicle to continuously monitor the health of the vehicle and determine whenever any particular component of the vehicle fails. The present invention also enables the diagnostic system to communicate the determined diagnostic status of the vehicle to the user and advise the user on appropriate remedial actions. In one embodiment, the system is capable of resolving vehicle faults by comparing the current fault with previously recorded fixes for similar faults that have occurred in the past. The system is also capable of communicating the successful repair of such a fault to the user through a display device, including any one of a mobile device, an instrument assembly, or any other electronic device such as a smart watch. In one embodiment, the present invention enables a diagnostic system to record and keep track of vehicle service history and infer possible problems that may occur in the future with specific components, which assists the user in maintaining awareness of possible problems that may occur after a specific cycle. Check the list.

In one embodiment, the present invention also enables the diagnostic system to periodically communicate the health of the vehicle to the vehicle service network to ensure that no major failures occur and that any specific maintenance issues requiring human intervention are communicated to Engineer at the Vehicle Service Network Division. In one embodiment, the diagnostic system of the present invention is capable of making automatic service appointments through a nearby or authorized vehicle service network when such a fault is detected.

In one embodiment, the diagnostic system of the present invention includes a sound recording module capable of recording the sounds of various vehicle components, particularly the engine. In one embodiment, the diagnostic system can record sounds periodically to continuously monitor the health of vehicle components, such as the engine. For example, When recording the sound of the engine through the sound recording module, the system can compare the recorded sound with multiple reference sounds accessed from the sound database. The system is also able to detect any deviations of the recorded sound from a reference sound. Upon detecting any deviation, the system is able to communicate the current health status of the engine to the user and/or the vehicle service network. Depending on the complexity of the detected deviation, the system can suggest one or more remedial actions to the user. For example, remedial actions may be provided in the form of a series of simple actions that the user can perform that will enable the user to fix the current problem. In alternative embodiments, the system may provide a warning signal or alarm indication to the user and the vehicle service network, which draws the attention of the vehicle service network for immediate action.

In another embodiment, the diagnostic system is also capable of recording the sounds of various other components of the vehicle, such as movable components in the vehicle other than the engine, the suspension system, the braking system, and other body components, which are usually made of resin. , and noise will inevitably be generated with the actual use of the vehicle. The system is able to compare these recorded sounds with predetermined sounds of vehicle components stored in a sound database to determine deviations from the currently recorded sounds. In the case of any deviations, in addition to providing remedial actions to fix such deviations, the system also communicates the deviations to the user and/or the vehicle service network.

In one embodiment, the diagnostic system of the present invention is capable of receiving one or more fault codes from the vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) whenever a specific vehicle component fails. One or more fault codes may be sent in the form of binary codes to the fault detection module of the diagnostic system, which then interprets and converts these fault codes into user input and communicates it to the user and/or vehicle service network.

In one embodiment, the diagnostic system is integrated into the vehicle's speedometer or instrument cluster and is controlled by the vehicle's ECU. In one embodiment, the diagnostic system uses the vehicle speed The meter's user interface communicates with the user. In alternative embodiments, the diagnostic system may be part of an external electronic device (eg, the user's mobile phone), which allows the user to install the diagnostic system and establish wired/wireless communications with the vehicle. In one embodiment, installation of the diagnostic system on the user's mobile phone involves downloading an application and authenticating the device with a central server and creating an authenticated communication channel with the vehicle.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the diagnostic module in the mobile phone acts as an interface to allow the user to communicate with the vehicle and vehicle service network. Additionally, the Diagnostic Center enables users and vehicles to send feedback to a central server. For example, a central server could be located at the vehicle manufacturer's endpoint, allowing the vehicle manufacturer to record diagnostic history from multiple users and create periodic repairs that ensure continued good health of the vehicle. For example, feedback modules enable manufacturers to fix potential problems in a specific vehicle based on feedback received from another vehicle of the same vehicle lot.

100:Register module

101:Data repository

102~104: Square

105: Client

150: Diagnostic system

160:Vehicle diagnostic methods

170:Vehicle diagnostic methods

200: Service reservation module

201~207: Steps

300: Sound recording module

301:Data repository

302: Get all cities

303: Get the dealer list in the selected city

304: Get service type

305: Square

306:Interface

400:Vehicle maintenance module

401~411: Steps

500: Setup module

501~508: steps

600:Feedback module

601~610: Steps

701~704: Various settings

801~806: Steps

[Embodiment] will be described with reference to the drawings. The same symbols are used throughout the drawings to refer to equivalent features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle diagnostic system for a vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a registration module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the registration module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a service reservation module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the service booking module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the voice recording module of the diagnostic system.

7 illustrates a flowchart describing the functionality of the vehicle maintenance module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a setup module of the diagnostic system.

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the feedback module of the diagnostic system.

These and other advantages of the inventive subject matter will be described in more detail in the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle diagnostic system. A diagnostic system 150 for a vehicle includes one or more modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 to perform various functions, the one or more modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 including A registration module 100 for registering user-related details, a service reservation module 200 for scheduling services according to the user's desired date and time, a voice recording module 300 for diagnosing faulty vehicle components, and a service module 300 for diagnosing and solving problems in the vehicle. A vehicle maintenance module 400, a settings module 500 for performing various account settings, and a feedback module 600 regarding services provided by the vehicle service network to facilitate communication between the vehicle service network and the user.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a registration module of the diagnostic system. The registration module 100 includes a data repository 101 located in a server database, an interface that performs intermediate functions, such as authentication of input fed by a user. For example, inputs fed by the user include vehicle number, vehicle type, vehicle category, chassis number, etc. Authentication of the input fed by the user is authenticated by various authentication blocks, including authentication of vehicle number as indicated by block 102, authentication of vehicle type and vehicle category as indicated by block 103, and authentication of vehicle frame number as indicated by block 104. certification. In addition, the registration module further includes various functions performed at the client 105. The various functions that are important to the user and performed by the registration module include: registration of the user's name, registration of the vehicle identification number, vehicle type and vehicle category, registration of the vehicle's unique frame number, registration of the user's email ID Registration, registration of the user’s phone number, registration of the user’s location/residence, any Registration of other user details and registration of other interests of the user. All details fed by user input at the client end are authenticated through the interface before being registered. Thus, a safe and reliable registration method of user details is achieved according to the proposed invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the registration module of the diagnostic system. The registration module includes a user database containing user and vehicle details, for example, details include user contact name, vehicle registration number, etc. As indicated in step 201, input data is fed by the user. In step 202, the registration number of the vehicle fed by the user is verified. After verifying the registration number, at step 203, the registration number is sent to the client's database through the interface, 204. Finally, as indicated in step 205, the user ID, password, and authentication code are sent to the user from the user database. The user ID and password are used by the user as login credentials before the details of the relevant vehicle are registered. As indicated in step 206, the user enters the received authentication code to enable an authenticated communication channel with the vehicle, and finally, in step 207, the authentication code given by the user is verified by the vehicle's authentication interface. So, in this way, the details of the vehicle and the relevant user are linked through the diagnostic system 150 .

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a service reservation module of the diagnostic system. The service reservation module 200 performs the function of reservation service reservation through the vehicle service network. Block 305 includes all input fed by the user. User input is the details required from the user's interface to achieve the function of executing the action of booking a service with the vehicle service network. Various inputs fed by the user include location, desired dealer in city, type of service, desired date, desired time, and any other remarks. All input fed by users is stored in the data repository 301 at the server database. The intermediate function of reserving services by communicating with the user through a display device (including a mobile device, a dashboard, or any other electronic device (such as a smart watch)) and the vehicle service network is Executed through the interface. Intermediate functions include getting all cities to be communicated to the user 302 , getting a list of dealers in the selected city 303 , and getting the service type 304 . Based on the required inputs given by the user, the interface facilitates booking of the required services agreed upon by the vehicle service network for the user. Therefore, as proposed by the present invention, a simpler and easier service reservation mechanism is achieved.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a vehicle diagnostic method 170 that describes one of the functions of the service reservation module of the diagnostic system 150 . After the user selects the required service input in step 401, the module makes a service reservation for the user. Before making a service reservation, if an automatic service reservation is scheduled as shown in step 402, the check is completed; if an automatic service reservation is scheduled, the fault condition 403 detected in the vehicle is compared with the user data stored in the data repository. The details are sent together to the vehicle service network, as shown in step 404; finally, after receiving the communication about the service appointment and the user details through the vehicle service network, as indicated in step 405, the vehicle service network displays the A device to contact the user to communicate confirmation or unavailability of a service appointment, the display device including any of a mobile device, a meter assembly, or any other electronic device (eg, a smart watch).

If the user has not selected automatic service scheduling, details regarding the user's identity, user's location, registration number, and service type are obtained from the data repository, as indicated in step 406. Furthermore, in step 407, the unavailability of the vehicle service network is communicated to the user; in step 408, a check of the availability of the vehicle service network is performed, and if the vehicle service network is available, as indicated by step 409, depending on Upon the required input given by the user, the interface communicates 410 confirmation of the reservation details to the user, as indicated in step 411 .

Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the voice recording module of the diagnostic system. The sound recording module 300 includes an instrument such as a microphone (shown as 501) for performing The function of recording any sounds of vehicle components and in particular engine sounds (as indicated in step 502); the recorded sounds are further sent to either the client and the vehicle diagnostic module (as indicated in step 503), Sent to the user through a pointing device including any one of a mobile device, instrument cluster, or any other electronic device (such as a smart watch); the comparison function as indicated in step 505 by retrieving the reference as indicated in step 504 The reference sound stored in the library module is executed; after analyzing the sound and after making the comparison, any problems in the vehicle are detected as indicated in step 506. If a problem is detected and service is required as indicated in step 507, then Service is scheduled using the vehicle service network, and if no problem is detected, service is not scheduled as indicated in step 508.

7 illustrates a flowchart describing the functionality of the vehicle maintenance module of the diagnostic system. The vehicle maintenance module 400 starts its function as indicated in step 601, and checks whether there is a problem in the vehicle as indicated in step 602. If a problem exists, various vehicle parameters are communicated to at least one of the user and the vehicle diagnostic module as indicated in step 603; the desired parameters are selected by the user and confirmed by the user as indicated in step 604, and the required parameters are communicated to the user as indicated in step 605. The diagnostic related module is communicated to the user; if the required parameters are not selected by the user, the parameters are communicated to the user until confirmation of the parameter selection is received from the user. After step 605, if a relevant module for diagnosis is found as indicated in step 606, then the communicated steps are followed to resolve the issue as indicated in step 607, otherwise the user continues to check for diagnostic related modules. Once the problem in the vehicle is resolved as indicated in step 608, the functionality of the module is stopped. If the problem cannot be solved, contact the vehicle service network through the interface to schedule an appointment for the user.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle maintenance module 400 starts its function as indicated in step 601, and checks whether there is a problem in the vehicle as indicated in step 602. If a problem exists, various vehicle parameters are communicated to at least one of the user and the vehicle diagnostic module as indicated in step 603, the desired parameters are selected by the user and confirmed by the user as indicated in step 604, and the required parameters are communicated to the user as indicated in step 605. Diagnostic related modules are communicated to the user; however, if the user wishes to interrupt the vehicle maintenance module, the same steps can be performed.

Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a setup module of the diagnostic system. The settings module 500 includes various settings that can be executed by the user to customize the interface. Various settings include, for example, account settings, as indicated at 701 including changing username, changing password, etc. The settings module includes rain alarm settings, which include setting alarm times, turning rain alarms on/off, as indicated at 702. As indicated at 703, SOS settings are further included, including adding emergency numbers, adding gestures for performing specific functions, and so on. As indicated at 704, the settings module further includes SMS (SMS) settings including enabling the addition of important contacts and enabling the editing of received messages.

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart describing the functionality of the feedback module of the diagnostic system. Feedback module 600 includes step 802 , which involves filling in details into a feedback form by user 801 ; the filled-in feedback form is transmitted via interface 803 to the vehicle service network or any recipient as indicated in step 805 . If the communication was not sent through the interface, the feedback form is sent to the user again as indicated in step 806, and the process continues.

Figures 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 illustrate various embodiments of a vehicle diagnostic method. A vehicle diagnostic method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) performs receiving (105, 305) at least one of one or more user inputs and one or more critical vehicle inputs entered by a user, one or more User inputs include location, desired dealer in city, type of service, desired date, desired time, etc., while one or more key vehicle inputs include vehicle number, vehicle type, vehicle class, frame number, etc. Vehicle diagnostic methods (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) Detection of one or more anomalies (506, 602) is further performed based on the one or more user inputs and at least one of the one or more critical vehicles; after detecting the one or more anomalies (506, 602), the vehicle The diagnostic module identifies (605) one or more self-diagnostic measures to enable repair of the one or more detected anomalies (506, 602); additionally, if the one or more detected anomalies (506, 602) are repaired , the identified self-diagnostic measures are communicated to the vehicle diagnostic module or to the user through a display device, including any of a mobile device, an instrument assembly, or any other electronic device (such as a smart watch). Additionally, if one or more of the detected anomalies (506, 602) cannot be repaired, this condition is communicated to the vehicle service network.

Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to some embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It should be understood that the views of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

160‧‧‧Vehicle Diagnosis Method

Steps 201~207‧‧‧

Claims (9)

A vehicle diagnostic method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) for self-diagnosis in a vehicle, the vehicle diagnostic method comprising the steps of receiving (105, 305) one or more user inputs and a or at least one of a plurality of key vehicle inputs, wherein the one or more user inputs include location, desired dealer in city, type of service, desired date, and desired time, and wherein the one or more key The vehicle input includes a vehicle number, vehicle type, vehicle category, and frame number; detecting (506, 602) a or A plurality of anomalies, wherein detecting (506, 602) the one or more anomalies includes the steps of: recording (502) the sound of one or more vehicle components through an instrument (501); forwarding (503) the record to a vehicle diagnostic device the recorded sound; comparing the recorded sound with the reference sound stored in the reference library module (504) (505); and detecting (506) after comparing the recorded sound ) problem in the vehicle; and identifying (605) one or more self-diagnostic measures and corresponding devices or modules for remediation of the one or more anomalies detected (506, 602); repairing the one or more anomalies detected (506, 602) and communicating the identified one or more self-diagnostic measures to at least one of a client and the vehicle diagnostic device; and When the one or more anomalies detected (506, 602) are not repaired, the one or more anomalies detected are communicated (507, 609) to at least one of the vehicle service networks. The vehicle diagnostic method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detecting (506, 602) one or more anomalies includes the following steps: using the instrument (501) Record (502) the sound of the one or more vehicle components; forward (503) the recorded sound to the vehicle diagnostic device; compare the recorded sound with the sound in the reference library module (504) Compare (505) the reference sound stored in ); detect (506) the problem in the vehicle after comparing the recorded sound; schedule (506) the problem after detecting the problem 507) service; and when no problem is detected, the service is not scheduled (508). The vehicle diagnostic method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) according to claim 1, wherein the detecting (506, 602) one or more abnormalities includes the following steps: after passing the instrument (501) After recording the sound of the one or more vehicle components to detect (506, 602) the one or more anomalies, detecting (602) the problem in the vehicle; reporting to the client Conveying (603) various vehicle parameters; through the user terminal to select and confirm (604) required parameters from the various vehicle parameters; communicating (605) diagnostic details to the user terminal; by the user terminal from Select (606) the required diagnostic steps from the diagnostic details; following the required diagnostic steps communicated (607) to resolve the problem detected in the vehicle; and resolving (608) the problem detected in the vehicle. The vehicle diagnosis method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described in claim 1, wherein the receiving (105, 305) includes the following steps: inputting (201) one or more data into a data storage database (101); verify (202) the one or more input data; transmit (203, 204) the verified one or more data to the user terminal through the interface module (306) a database, the database at the client including the data repository (101); providing (205) an authentication code to the client; by inputting the authentication code received by the client, to enable (206) an authenticated communication channel between the client and the vehicle; and to verify (207) the authentication code through a verification interface through the interface module (306). The vehicle diagnosis method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described in claim 1, wherein the communication (507, 609) includes the following steps: the client through the service reservation module (200) to select (401) the required service input; check (402) when the schedule has the automatic service reservation; when the schedule has the automatic service reservation, detect (403) the fault code; combine the detected fault code with User details from the data repository (101) are sent (404) to the vehicle service network; and One of confirmation and unavailability of the service engagement is communicated (405) to the client by the service center. The vehicle diagnosis method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described in claim 1, wherein the communication (507, 609) includes the following steps: the user terminal passes the service reservation module (200) to select (401) the required service input; check (402) the schedule for the automatic service appointment; when the schedule has the automatic service appointment, obtain (406) the user details from the data repository (101); communicating the unavailability of the vehicle service network (407) to the client; communicating the availability of the vehicle service network (408) based on the one or more user inputs (409); and through an interface (306) To convey confirmation of the service engagement (410). The vehicle diagnosis method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described in claim 1, wherein the receiving (105, 305) includes the following steps: editing one or more Account settings (701), including username and password; edit rainfall alert settings (702); edit emergency settings (703); and edit text message settings by enabling the addition or deletion of required contacts (704). The vehicle diagnosis method (160, 170, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described in claim 1, wherein the communication (507, 609) includes the following steps: the user terminal transmits the information through the feedback module (600) Various details input (802) feedback form; Communicate (803) the updated feedback form to the vehicle service network through the interface module (306); and when the updated feedback form is not sent to the vehicle service network through the interface module (306) When the vehicle service network is connected, the updated feedback form is returned (806) to the user terminal, wherein the feedback form facilitates the establishment of the communication between the vehicle service network and the user terminal. The vehicle diagnostic history of the vehicle on the client side is provided, and the vehicle manufacturer of the vehicle is enabled to provide periodic repairs to another vehicle belonging to the same batch number as the vehicle. A vehicle diagnostic system (150) including: one or more devices and modules (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) configured to perform vehicle diagnostics, wherein the one or more devices and At least one of the modules (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes: a registration module (100), which is used to register user-related details; a service reservation module (200), which is used to register user-related details according to the user's request. A date and time are required to schedule service; a sound recording device (300) for detecting (506, 602) one or more anomalies by recording sounds from one or more vehicle components; a vehicle maintenance device (400), a setup module (500) for identifying (605) one or more self-diagnostic measures and enabling remediation of the one or more abnormalities detected (506, 602), and a feedback module (600) for facilitating communication between the vehicle services network and a user regarding services provided by the vehicle services network, wherein at least one of said one or more devices and modules (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) is configured to operate based on at least one of one or more user inputs and one or more critical vehicle inputs to detect (506, 602) the one or more anomalies, wherein the one or more user inputs include a location, a desired dealer in a city, a service type, a desired date, and a desired time, and wherein the one or multiple key vehicle inputs including vehicle number, vehicle type, vehicle class and frame number.

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