DE102017002849A1 - Status detection management in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A system arranged for status detection management for a vehicle comprises: a control system of the vehicle, the control system comprising at least one electronic control unit (ECU) and at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU), the at least one SDECU comprising: at least an interface over which one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems may be connected to the at least one SDECU, wherein the one or more vehicle systems is arranged to respectively provide one or more signals and from the control system the status detection in the vehicle is at least partially independent; and at least one status information unit arranged to provide status information to at least the at least one ECU of the control system based on at least one test signal resulting from at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system arranged for status detection management in a vehicle as defined in the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a method for status detection management in a vehicle as defined in the preamble of claim 14. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product implementing the method according to the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information is a description of the background of the present invention, and thus is not necessarily a description of the prior art.

Modern vehicles include a large number of internal / connected vehicle systems, such as powertrain systems, chassis systems, propulsion system, electrical systems, and a number of other systems needed to provide various vehicle functions. The vehicles also include a control system that includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs). The control system generally controls the internal / connected vehicle systems, for example, by providing control signals to the internal / connected vehicle systems. These control signals control the function of the internal vehicle systems. Also, the internal / connected vehicle systems may provide feedback signals to the control system, such as status information signals.

The internal / connected vehicle systems may sometimes encounter a problem such as a malfunction due to, for example, a burned-out bulb, and / or a potentially hazardous / problematic situation, such as a low engine oil level. These problems can then be detected / indicated by signaling to an ECU of the control system.

The ECU of the control system then determines the status of the system and may also determine one or more error codes based on the problems indicated. The one or more error codes may then be used to alert the driver of the indicated status and / or problems, for example via an indication provided to the driver via a driver interface. The one or more error codes may also be used by a diagnostic system to perform an evaluation and / or to indicate the problems to a technician in, for example, a workshop so that troubleshooting can be faster and more cost effective. Thus, the internal / connected vehicle systems are well provided for status detection management and error code management in modern vehicles.

However, in addition to the aforementioned internal / connected vehicle systems, the vehicles often also include one or more vehicle systems that are at least partially independent of the status and / or fault detection in the vehicles from the control system. These at least partially independent vehicle systems may include at least one system incapable of performing status and / or fault detection, and / or at least one system that is incapable of providing status and / or fault information to an ECU of the vehicle Control system in the vehicle communicate include. These at least partially independent vehicle systems may also include at least one additional system that is at least partially unknown to the control system, such as a body system, a body building system, a third-party system, and / or a stand-alone system. Also, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems may include at least one system that is indirectly coupled to the control system via at least one component, such as a relay / circuit breaker, thereby disabling direct communication with the control system. as described in more detail below.

Also, for some vehicles, different vehicle equipment is available for use, for example, under different conditions and / or in different markets. For example, it may be a vehicle device that is optimized for comfort, for. B. for vehicles that are used in good road conditions, and another vehicle device that is optimized for ruggedness, z. For vehicles used in poor road conditions, such as mining and / or on bad roads in developing countries. In vehicles that are optimized for ruggedness, simpler electronics / logic in vehicles are often used to reduce the complexity and cost of the vehicle. Thus, vehicles that are optimized for ruggedness may include fewer electronic control units (ECUs) than vehicles optimized for comfort. The function of some of these missing ECUs could then interact with other components / systems, such as for example, with discrete components are provided in the vehicle. Thus, some functions may then be performed by components / systems that are not necessarily included in and / or connected to the control system of the vehicle, ie, components / systems that are at least partially independent of the control system.

Thus, a vehicle may include one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems that may include many different systems, such as light / lighting systems, bus sign / bus line display systems, information display systems, ticketing systems, route planning systems, audio and / or video systems, separately generated and / or arranged components and / or components that are incompatible with the ECUs of the control system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the at least partially independent vehicle systems described above, there is no reliable status detection management in the control system in modern vehicles because these systems are at least partially independent of the control system. Therefore, it is very likely that problems associated with these at least partially independent vehicle systems will not be handled properly. There is thus a risk that problems occurring in these at least partially independent vehicle systems are not indicated to a driver by the driver interface, and / or that they are not indicated to a technician in the workshop / repair shop or are unreadable by him. It may also be that the internal / connected vehicle systems and / or ECUs of a control system would need to be informed of these issues in order to possibly adjust their function, e.g. B. to make a reduction of their function due to the problems.

Inability to provide a driver and / or technician with the status / problems for the at least partially independent vehicle systems could result in safety issues, as most vehicle system problems can in some situations create safety hazards. In other words, there may be a safety risk for the at least partially independent vehicle systems, as it is very difficult, if not impossible, for the driver and / or technician to take action against a problem and / or a problematic system, if that Problem the driver was not specified.

Therefore, it is an object to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

• – ein Steuersystem des Fahrzeugs, wobei das Steuersystem mindestens eine elektronische Steuereinheit (ECU) und mindestens eine elektronische Statusdetektionssteuereinheit (SDECU) umfasst, wobei die mindestens eine SDECU Folgendes umfasst: – mindestens eine Schnittstelle, über die ein oder mehrere mindestens teilweise unabhängige Fahrzeugsysteme mit der mindestens einen SDECU verbunden sein kann bzw. können, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Fahrzeugsysteme angeordnet ist bzw. sind, um jeweils ein oder mehrere Signale bereitzustellen, und von dem Steuersystem bezüglich der Statusdetektion in dem Fahrzeug mindestens teilweise unabhängig ist bzw. sind; und – mindestens eine Statusinformationseinheit, die angeordnet ist, um Statusinformationen mindestens der mindestens einen ECU des Steuersystems basierend auf mindestens einem Testsignal bereitzustellen, das sich aus mindestens einem Test ergibt, der an dem einen oder den mehreren mindestens teilweise unabhängigen Fahrzeugsystemen ausgeführt wird.

The object is achieved by the aforementioned system arranged for status detection management for a vehicle according to the characterizing part of claim 1. The system includes:

• A control system of the vehicle, the control system comprising at least one electronic control unit (ECU) and at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU), the at least one SDECU comprising: at least one interface via which one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems communicate with the at least one SDECU may be connected, the one or more vehicle systems arranged to provide one or more signals, respectively, and at least partially independent of the control system for status detection in the vehicle; and at least one status information unit arranged to provide status information of at least the at least one ECU of the control system based on at least one test signal resulting from at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems.

By using the present invention, status detection management is also provided for at least partially independent vehicle systems implemented in the vehicle. In this case, for example, error codes for these at least partially independent vehicle systems can be provided and evaluated, which makes it possible to also indicate a status / a problem to a driver and / or a technician in the workshop / repair workshop.

Thus, the SDECU of the present invention enables connection of the at least partially independent vehicle systems to the control system of the vehicle at least with respect to the status detection. The at least one interface of the SDECU comprises a number of inputs arranged to receive a test signal having many different characteristics. Here, a number of different at least partially independent vehicle systems may be connected to the SDECU, and the SDECU is arranged to handle / receive the test signals from each of these various systems. The SDECU is thus arranged to handle test signals resulting from a number of different testing procedures.

Also, the SDECU is arranged to provide status information to the at least one ECU of the control system based on such signals resulting from these tests. The SDECU is thus arranged to process the test signals into status information useful for the ECUs of the control system, including interpreting, translating, and / or converting. In other words, the SDECU is arranged to receive various test signals via its interface in order to process these test signals to provide status information based on the test signals, the status information being in a format provided by the control system, ie, the ECUs of the tax system, can be processed.

This increases safety for the driver as the risk of undetected safety risks in such at least partially independent vehicle systems is significantly reduced. Also, the risk of unnecessary damage to the vehicle and / or its systems is reduced because a potential risk of such damage can be reported to a driver and / or technician before the damage occurs. When the driver and / or technician is made aware that there is a problem and / or potential problem for an at least partially independent vehicle system, appropriate measures may be taken to prevent the damage, such as stopping the vehicle and / or or driving the vehicle to a repair shop. Thus, the present invention makes fault indication easier and more reliable for a driver and / or technician.

By using the present invention, adding new systems in the vehicle, such as adding at least partially independent vehicle systems, can be made faster, cheaper, and easier because reliable status / fault detection management can be achieved quickly / easily with little additional effort can. The ability to quickly and inexpensively add more or less any vehicle systems to the system, such as full status / fault detection management that encompasses substantially all vehicle systems, both internal / connected and at least partially autonomous systems, enables customer expectations They add systems to their vehicles quickly.

The at least partially independent vehicle system may lack one or more elements of an ECU, fault detection, communication with other systems, information about other vehicle systems that make integration impossible, downsizing strategies, safety strategies, fault detection strategies, ways to add new functions, Hardware limitations that are present in internal / connected vehicle systems and / or higher costs that are caused by the internal / connected vehicle systems. By using the present invention, i. H. however, by using the SDECU according to embodiments of the present invention, although one or more of these features are lacking, the at least partially independent vehicle systems may interfere with the control system in the vehicle, i. H. with the ECUs of the tax system. If a fault in a vehicle system, such as in an at least partially autonomous system, has been detected by the system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the faulty system could be controlled to operate in a restricted / reduced mode and / or could Result of detection partially or completely turned off. This control can then be done by an ECU of the control system.

Overall, the present invention enables the integration of internal / connected vehicle systems and at least partially independent vehicle systems, such as bodywork systems, body-building systems, third-party systems and / or independent systems.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems include at least one system incapable of performing status detection.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems include at least one system that is incapable of communicating the status information to the at least one ECU of the control system.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems include at least one additional system that is at least partially unknown to the control system.

• – mindestens einem Aufbausystem;
• – mindestens einem Karosseriebausystem;
• – mindestens einem Fremdsystem;
• – mindestens einem selbstständigen System;
• – mindestens einem System, das angeordnet ist, um mit einem angeschlossenen Fahrzeugsystem zusammenzuwirken, wobei das angeschlossene Fahrzeugsystem mit einer ECU des Steuersystems bezüglich der Statusdetektion in dem Fahrzeug verbunden ist; und
• – mindestens einem Bauteil, das angeordnet ist, um mit einem angeschlossenen Fahrzeugsystem zusammenzuwirken, wobei das angeschlossene Fahrzeugsystem mit einer ECU des Steuersystems bezüglich der Statusdetektion in dem Fahrzeug verbunden ist.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one additional system comprises one or more elements of the group of:

• - at least one building system;
• - at least one bodywork system;
• - at least one foreign system;
• - at least one independent system;
• At least one system arranged to interact with a connected vehicle system, the connected vehicle system being connected to an ECU of the control system for status detection in the vehicle; and
• At least one component arranged to interact with a connected vehicle system, the connected vehicle system being connected to an ECU of the control system for status detection in the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems include at least one system indirectly coupled to the at least one ECU of the control system via at least one component, thereby directly communicating the status information with the at least one ECU tax system due to indirect coupling is impossible.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control system comprises a plurality of ECUs, including a main ECU, which are coupled together as a network.

• – einem Spannungssignalwert;
• – einem Stromsignalwert;
• – einem Widerstandssignalwert;
• – einem Induktivitätssignalwert;
• – einem Kapazitätssignalwert;
• – einem Frequenzsignalwert;
• – einem Reaktanzsignalwert;
• – einem Impedanzsignalwert;
• – einem digitalen Signalwert; und
• – einem Pulsbreitenmodulations-(PWM)Signalwert.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one interface comprises at least one input / output to which a predefined expected signal value has been assigned from the group of:

• A voltage signal value;
• A current signal value;
• A resistance signal value;
• An inductance signal value;
• A capacity signal value;
• A frequency signal value;
• A reactance signal value;
• An impedance signal value;
• A digital signal value; and
• A pulse width modulation (PWM) signal value.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one SDECU further comprises a diagnostic unit, the diagnostic unit being arranged to perform an evaluation of the status information.

• – Bestimmen eines Typs eines Messverfahrens, das für den mindestens einen Test verwendet wurde;
• – Bestimmen welchem Ein-/Ausgang der Schnittstelle Signale bereitgestellt werden, die sich aus dem bestimmten Messverfahren ergeben;
• – Herstellen einer Verbindung mit dem bestimmten Ein-/Ausgang; und
• – Auswerten der Statusinformationen basierend auf dem verwendeten Messverfahren.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit is arranged to:

• Determining a type of measurement method used for the at least one test;
• Determining which input / output of the interface provides signals resulting from the particular measurement method;
• - establishing a connection with the particular input / output; and
• - Evaluating the status information based on the measurement method used.

• – Auswerten, ob die Statusinformationen einen annehmbaren Wert aufweisen;
• – Bereitstellen von Auswertungsinformationen für das Steuersystem, wobei die Auswertungsinformationen auf der Auswertung, ob die Statusinformationen einen annehmbaren Wert aufweisen, basieren.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit is arranged to:

• - evaluating whether the status information has an acceptable value;
• Providing evaluation information to the control system, wherein the evaluation information is based on the evaluation of whether the status information has an acceptable value.

• – einem Wert, der angibt, dass die Statusinformationen einen annehmbaren Wert aufweisen;
• – einem Wert, der angibt, dass die Statusinformationen einen unannehmbaren Wert aufweisen; und
• – einem Fehlercode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation information comprises one or more of the group of:

• A value indicating that the status information has an acceptable value;
• A value indicating that the status information has an unacceptable value; and
• - an error code.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit is arranged to assign one or more identifiers (IDs) to the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems, wherein the one or more identifiers are useful when the one or more vehicle IDs the plurality of at least partially independent vehicle systems communicate with the control system and / or with other systems in the vehicle for status detection.

• – Verbinden eines oder mehrerer Fahrzeugsysteme mit mindestens einer Schnittstelle mindestens einer elektronischen Statusdetektionssteuereinheit (SDECU), die in einem Steuersystem des Fahrzeugs enthalten ist, wobei das Steuersystem mindestens eine elektronische Steuereinheit (ECU) und die mindestens eine SDECU umfasst, und das eine oder die mehreren Fahrzeugsysteme angeordnet ist bzw. sind, um jeweils ein oder mehrere Signale bereitzustellen, und bezüglich der Statusdetektion in dem Fahrzeug mindestens teilweise von dem Steuersystem unabhängig ist bzw. sind;
• – Ausführen mindestens eines Tests an dem einen oder den mehreren mindestens teilweise unabhängigen Fahrzeugsystemen; und
• – Bereitstellen, durch die Verwendung der mindestens einen SDECU, von Statusinformationen mindestens für die mindestens eine ECU des Steuersystems, basierend auf mindestens einem Testsignal, das sich aus dem mindestens einen Test ergibt, der an dem einen oder den mehreren mindestens teilweise unabhängigen Fahrzeugsystemen ausgeführt wird.

The object is also achieved by the aforementioned method for status detection management according to the characterizing part of claim 14. The method comprises the following steps:

• Connecting one or more vehicle systems to at least one interface of at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU) included in a control system of the vehicle, the control system comprising at least one electronic control unit (ECU) and the at least one SDECU, and the one or more Vehicle systems is arranged to provide each one or more signals, and with respect to the status detection in the vehicle at least partially independent of the tax system;
• - performing at least one test on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems; and
• Providing, by the use of the at least one SDECU, status information for at least the at least one ECU of the control system based on at least one test signal resulting from the at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ,

The object is also achieved by the aforementioned computer program and the computer program product.

Detailed embodiments and advantages of the system and method for status detection management according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict some preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention. Show it:

1 a schematic illustration of an exemplary vehicle,

2a -B are schematic illustrations of some details of a control system and a vehicle system,

3a 1 is a schematic illustration of an example vehicle including a system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

3b a schematic illustration of some embodiments of the present invention,

4 12 is a schematic diagram of an electronic status detection control unit according to some embodiments of the present invention and some exemplary vehicle systems;

5 12 is a schematic diagram of an electronic status detection control unit according to some embodiments of the present invention and an exemplary vehicle system;

6 a flowchart for a method according to the present invention, and

7 a schematic illustration of a processor implementing the method according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 schematically forms a vehicle 100 and a tax system 130 from the prior art contained in the vehicle. The tax system 130 In modern vehicles, one or more of at least one electronic control unit often includes ECU ₁ 101 ; ECU ₂ 102 ; ECU ₃ 103 ; ECU ₄ 104 ; ECU ₅ 105 ; ECU ₆ 106 ; ECU ₇ 107 ; ECU ₈ 108 ; ECU ₉ 109 and a main electronic control unit (main ECU) 110 , The tax system 130 is pictured here as it's nine ecus 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 109 and a main ECU 110 includes. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the control system 130 may include any number of ECUs and main ECUs, depending on the vehicle in which the control system 130 is implemented and the vehicle systems contained in the vehicle.

The one or more ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 109 are often arranged based on the functions contained in each ECU. Internal / connected vehicle systems in 1 generally as two systems 151 . 152 can be connected to the ECUs. As previously mentioned, the vehicle can 100 include a large number of internal / connected vehicle systems needed to provide various vehicle functions and the control system 130 controlled by one or more of the ECUs. Thus, the ECU ₈ 108 in 1 Control signals for the internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 ready. The internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 may in turn provide feedback signals to the control system, ie ECU ₈ 108 , such as status / error information signals. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any number of these internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 may be included in the vehicle and may substantially be with any of the ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 109 be connected.

The main ECU 110 connects the various ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 109 of the control system so that they can communicate with each other. For some control systems 130 has the main ECU 110 a gateway function that allows various ECUs in the control system to communicate with each other. For example, if different ECUs and / or different parts on the control system have different signal busses, such as different ECU networks. (CAN) buses, can use, the main ECU 110 translate between the different signaling methods that are used in the different buses, thereby increasing the communication between the different ECUs and / or the different parts of the control system 130 is possible. Also, the main ECU 110 between the buses of the same and / or corresponding types.

The tax system 130 can be arranged to a wireless connection 140 with a network outside the vehicle, e.g. B. with the Internet, with other vehicles and / or with a communication network of some kind, eg. A mobile communication network, such as a telecommunications network. The wireless connection 140 can be prepared according to a suitable transmission protocol.

The internal / connected vehicle systems can provide status information, e.g. B. error codes, provide for an ECU of the control system. One or more ECUs of the control system, such as the main ECU 110 , then determines or determine the status of the system, and may also determine or determine one or more error codes based on the indicated status (s). The status information may then be used to alert the driver to the detected / determined status / error codes, may also be used by a diagnostic system to perform status evaluation, and / or may be used to indicate status to a technician.

For at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 However, as previously mentioned, it is not possible to have reliable status / error detection management with a control system 130 in the prior art, as these systems are unable to perform status and / or fault detection, or may not be able to communicate status and / or fault information to an ECU of the control system in the vehicle. Thus these systems are 160 , in the 1 by way of example without limitation as systems 161 . 162 . 163 from the tax system 130 regarding the status detection in the vehicle 100 at least partially independent.

The tax system 130 , and thus the main ECU 110 , often do not know which at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 with the tax system 130 get connected. If the tax system 130 is often not yet clear which at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 in the vehicle 100 will be included. Therefore, it is often impossible to know how the inputs and / or outputs for the ECUs of the tax system 130 be interpreted to allow a connection and / or a status control when the control system is developed. It would also be very expensive and possibly impossible to develop the inputs and / or outputs in such a way that all types of vehicle systems are controlled by the control system 130 could be fully supported.

As a non-limiting example, it could be that in the ECU ₈ 108 no output is arranged to an engine of an at least partially independent vehicle system 161 to provide a power supply, as in 2a displayed. To the engine in the at least partially independent vehicle system 161 to provide a power supply, at least one intermediate component 169 such as a relay / circuit breaker 169 , between the ECU ₈ 108 and the at least partially independent vehicle system 161 be coupled, as in 2 B displayed. The intermediate component may then be the at least partially independent vehicle system 161 Provide energy. For example, a relay / circuit breaker in the intermediate member 169 with a suitable, possibly external voltage, eg. B. 24 V, and be coupled to ground and this voltage to the at least partially independent vehicle system 161 when the relay / circuit breaker is closed. This will cause the engine / system 161 provided electrical energy, although the output of the ECU. ₈ 108 is not arranged to provide the energy necessary for that specific engine / system 161 is needed. At the same time, however, is a direct communication with the control system for the engine / system 161 impossible, whereby the status detection management for the engine / system 161 is also impossible.

3a schematically forms a vehicle 100 and a system 300 for status detection management, which is a control system 330 according to various embodiments of the present invention included in the vehicle. The tax system 330 is partly like the one previously associated with 1 described system 130 ,

The tax system 330 thus comprises one or more electronic control units ECU ₁ 101 , ECU ₂ 102 , ECU ₃ 103 , ECU ₄ 104 , ECU ₅ 105 , ECU ₆ 106 , ECU ₇ 107 , ECU ₈ 108 including a main ECU 110 , The tax system 330 further comprises at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU; 120 ). As previously mentioned, the control system 330 Any number of ECUs, main ECUs and SDECUs include, depending on the vehicle in which the control system 330 implemented, and / or the vehicle systems, both internal / connected and at least partially independent, which are included in the vehicle. The ECUs, the SDECU, the internal vehicle systems 151 . 152 and / or the at least partially independent vehicle systems 161 . 162 in 3a may be connected by links / buses, such as a control equipment network (CAN) or the like.

As previously described, the internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 in 3a with the ECUs of the tax system 330 be connected and can control the system 330 Provide feedback signals, such as status / error information signals.

The main ECU 110 connects the various ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 of the control system so that they can communicate with each other, and may also have a gateway / translation function, as previously mentioned.

The tax system 330 According to the present invention, at least one electronic status detection control unit also comprises SDECU 120 with at least one of the ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 connected is. Thus, the control system 330 According to the present invention, several ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 including a main ECU 110 , include, and these multiple ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 can work together and with the SDECU 120 be coupled as a network.

The at least one SDECU 120 includes at least one interface 121 , The one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 , can or can with the at least one SDECU 120 via the at least one interface 121 be connected. As previously mentioned, this is one or more vehicle systems 160 arranged to provide / output one or more signals, respectively, and is from the control system 330 regarding the status detection in the vehicle 100 at least partially independent. The at least one interface 121 however, allows the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 with the at least one SDECU 120 can be connected, and via this connection status information signals for the at least one SDECU 120 can or can provide. The at least one SDECU 120 further comprises at least one status information unit 122 , which is arranged to status information of at least the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the control system based on at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 that is, based on a test signal resulting from these tests. These tests may include measurements of test signals of, for example, currents, voltages, and / or resistances, and thus may result in test signals corresponding to these measurements, as described in greater detail below. The test signals may thus include information about status detections occurring in the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 be executed.

For example, one of the ECUs, such as the ECU ₆ 106 , be designed to provide driver information based on the driver interface. The at least one SDECU 120 then sets the status information of the ECU ₆ 106 ready or send it, which is arranged to alert the driver, for example by activating one or more lights, one or more displays or the like in the driver interface. Also, additional information provided for various categories may be collected from the categories and may be included in a visual message, e.g. A text message, and / or an audio message to be provided to the driver, as described in more detail below.

Thereby, ie by the use of the SDECU according to the present invention, also the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 Status information that z. As error codes, an ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system via the SDECU 120 provide. One or more ECUs of the control system, such as the main ECU 110 , then determine or determine the status of the at least partially independent system 160 , and may also determine or determine one or more error codes based on the indicated status (s). The status information may then be used to alert the driver to the detected status, may be used by a diagnostic system to perform status evaluation, and / or may be used to indicate the status to a technician. Thus, the status information can be used to control the internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 and / or an ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 inform the control system of the status of the function for the at least partially independent vehicle systems.

Thus, the SDECU of the present invention enables the connection of the at least partially independent vehicle systems with the control system of the vehicle, at least with respect to the status detection. Also, the SDECU 120 arranged to provide status information to the at least one ECU of the control system. The SDECU is thus arranged to process the test signals so that status information useful for the ECUs of the control system is provided by the processing. The SDECU 120 is arranged to receive various test signals via its interface, and to process these test signals to provide status information based on the test signals, the status information being in a format processed by the control system, ie, by the ECUs of the control system can be.

Thus, through the use of the present invention, status detection management for the at least partially independent systems 160 exemplified without limitation as systems 161 . 162 . 163 in 3a are achieved. In other words, the connection of the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 with the SDECU 120 to an integration of the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 with the vehicle control system 330 concerning the status / error detection and / or the communication of status / error information.

The tax system 330 can be arranged to a wireless connection 140 with a network outside the vehicle, e.g. B. with the Internet, other vehicles and / or a particular communication network, eg. B. a mobile communication network, such as a telecommunications network to have. The actual transmission over the wireless connection 140 can use a suitable transmission protocol.

As mentioned previously, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems may 160 according to one embodiment, at least one system 162 which is unable to perform a status detection.

The one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 At least one system can and can 161 which is capable of performing a status detection but is unable to provide the status information to the normal ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 tell. For example, such a system 161 a system that is normally of the control system 330 independent and / or not associated with it.

The one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 can or can at least one additional system 163 include that to the tax system 330 at least partially unknown. The at least one additional system may be constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, which are incorporated herein by reference 3b are shown schematically, at least one building system 165 , at least one body shop system 165 , at least one foreign system, at least one independent system, at least one BB and / or BW system interface 166 which is arranged to work with an internal / connected vehicle system 151 . 152 to cooperate with an ECU 108 of the tax system 330 related to the status detection, at least one intermediate system and / or an intermediate component 167 . 168 , and / or at least one component 166 , which is arranged to connect with a connected vehicle system 151 . 152 to cooperate with an ECU 108 of the tax system 330 related to the status detection include.

Thus, an example of such an additional system 163 an ancillary system, which is an independent system compatible with another vehicle system, e.g. B. an internal / connected vehicle system 151 . 152 , is integrated with and does not interfere with the control system during normal operation 330 must communicate and has no implemented status / fault detection with the control system 330 interacts. Another example of such an additional system 163 is a foreign system that is able to get some information with the tax system 330 communicate via a predefined interface, but which has no implemented status / error detection associated with the control system 330 interacts.

3b schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention and possible at least partially independent systems 160 connected to the SDECU. In the 3b pictured SDECU 120 can the in 3a pictured SDECU 120 correspond to the SDECU 120 with the tax system 330 about the ECU8 108 connected, and with the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 (including 161 . 162 . 163 ), as previously for 3a described. The at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 that with the SDECU 120 However, bodywork (BB) systems and / or bodywork (BW) systems can also be used 165 via a BB and / or BW system interface 166 include. The BB and / or BW system interface 166 can be in one or more of the internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 be included and / or interact with it. The BB and / or BW system interface 166 can input / output (I / O) to connect to the BB / BW system 165 and / or an intermediate system and / or intermediate component 167 include. The BB and / or BW system interface 166 Thus, it can communicate with the SDECU via one or more intermediate systems and / or between components 167 also in the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 are included. The BB and / or BW systems 165 can also communicate with the SDECU via one or more intermediate systems and / or intermediate components 168 which are also in the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 are included. Otherwise, the SDECU 120 arranged to be in contact with as before 3a described to work.

Also, the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems may or may not 160 at least one system 161 include, with the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 , in the 3a and 5 as ECU ₈ 108 is shown on at least one component 169 , z. For example, a relay / circuit breaker required to provide a power supply as previously described is not coupled or indirectly coupled. For these systems 161 is not a direct notification of the status information to the normal ECU ₈ 108 of the tax system 330 possible because the systems 161 no direct coupling with the normal ECU ₈ 108 of the tax system 330 exhibit.

For all of this one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems / components 160 For example, the present invention may be used to provide status and / or error detection management. The one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 can comprise at least one component and can or can with the at least one SDECU 120 via the at least one interface 121 as a non-limiting example in 4 displayed. Through this connection, status information signals for the at least one SDECU 120 either directly or through one or more systems, such as an adjunct or third-party system.

As schematically in 4 pictured, the SDECU 120 and their interface 121 be arranged to detect the input status for a component directly to the SDECU 120 connected is. The SDECU 120 and their interface 121 may also be arranged to receive the input status via an input link that is connected to the interface 121 that is, they may be arranged to receive the input status already received from a component and / or a system connected to the SDECU 120 connected, was detected. The input status can also be detected by a component connected to the SDECU 120 is connected via one or more additional systems, whereby the input status in the component and / or in the one or more additional intermediate systems can be detected, and the SDECU is provided via one or more intermediate lines. Thus, the tests may be performed by various components and / or systems that are at least partially independent. Then, the status detection may also be performed by various components and / or systems that are at least partially independent, or may be performed by the SDECU 120 be executed.

It is then the task of the SDECU 120 ie the interface 121 and the status information unit 122 to receive and process the various types of detected input status, including interpreting the received signals based on the tests and translating that input status into status information.

The status information unit 122 the SDECU 120 is arranged to provide status information at least for the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 provide. Thus, by incorporating the SDECU 120 in the tax system 330 according to the present invention also the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 Status information that z. As error codes, for an ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system via the SDECU 120 provide. The status of the at least partially independent systems 160 and / or the possible error codes may be from the status information unit 122 in the SDECU 120 determined and provided, and may be included in the status information. Alternatively, the status of the at least partially independent systems may or may not 160 and / or the possible error codes are determined / evaluated by the one or more ECUs of the control system. A diagnostic server 111 can be used in an ECU, eg. In the main ECU 110 , be included and can be used to provide information / data on status and / or evaluation for the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 and / or for the internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 to raise and coordinate.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one interface comprises 121 the SDECU 120 at least one input / output. These inputs / outputs are defined / pre-set / programmed to provide and / or receive predefined expected signal values. These signal values include a form of a signal, such as an amplitude of a signal, a change in amplitude for a signal, e.g. As a time derivative, a frequency of a signal and / or a pulse shape for a signal. More specifically, the value may be a voltage signal value Current signal value, a resistance signal value, an inductance signal value, a capacitance signal value, a frequency signal value, a reactance value, an impedance value, a digital signal value, and / or a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal value.

The at least one input / output of the at least one interface 121 According to one embodiment, it is arranged to be activated if the provided and / or received signal value exceeds an input / output activation threshold defined for this signal value. Also, the SDECU 120 according to one embodiment, to be activated if the provided and / or received signal value exceeds an SDECU activation threshold.

The SDECU 120 and the at least one interface 121 may be arranged to provide / receive signals at their outputs which have expected signal values. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the SDECU comprises 120 ie the interface 121 the SDECU 120 at least one status information output arranged to provide status information for the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 , z. B. via an intermediate line, such as a CAN bus to provide. This allows status information from such an at least partially independent system 161 also another of these at least partially independent systems 162 . 163 to be provided. Also, status information from the ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the control system to the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 whereby the SDECU includes an output to provide status information from the ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 provide.

Tests performed on the at least partially independent vehicle systems result in signals as inputs to the interface 121 the SDECU 120 to be provided. If the signal is actually from the interface 121 is received, has an expected signal value, a first status information value, which is, for example, a positive status indication of the at least one status information unit 122 the SDECU 120 to be provided. However, if the signal is actually from the interface 121 is received, does not have such an expected signal value, ie, has an unexpected value, a second status information value, which may be, for example, a negative status indication, is the SDECU 120 by the at least one status information unit 122 to be provided. The expected signal values may be defined, for example, by one or more thresholds. The status information becomes the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 including the main ECU 110 , provided. Thus, the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 including the main ECU 110 Provide status information for the at least partially independent vehicle systems.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the status information may also be sent if the received signal has an expected / desired value. For example, status reports may be sent at predetermined time intervals having constant or variable lengths.

5 is a non-limiting example of an SDECU 120 and some of their interface inputs 121 for a coupling that of that for the ECU ₈ 108 corresponds to that in 2 B is shown, wherein the at least partially independent vehicle system 161 doing a light bulb, the at least one intermediate component 169 such as a relay / circuit breaker 169 , and those in 3a pictured SDECU 120 is. The at least partially independent vehicle system 161 can be essentially any type of system, z. As a motor, as for the corresponding circuit in 2a -B pictured. For this example, it is expected that the first input (input 1) always has a signal value that corresponds to a ground potential (GND). It is also expected that the second input (input 2) sometimes has a signal value corresponding to the ground potential (GND), and sometimes when the control signal is the relay 169 enabled, has a signal value equal to 24V. It is further expected that the third input (input 3) sometimes has a signal value corresponding to a ground potential (GND), and sometimes when the control signal is the relay 169 activated, has a control signal value corresponding to 24V. It is also expected that the fourth input (input 4) will always have a signal value equal to 24V. However, not all inputs 1 to 4 must always be used. For some implementations, according to one embodiment, it may be sufficient if one or more of inputs 1 through 4 is read / received / used. For the example in 5 could z. For example, the input 2 may be used alone to detect whether the relay is activated or not.

As mentioned before, the SDECU 120 According to some embodiments, a diagnostic unit 123 arranged to provide an evaluation of the status information that from the SDECU 120 be provided, ie from the at least one status information unit 122 the SDECU 120 to be provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit 123 in the SDECU 120 included, as in 3a displayed. The diagnostic unit 123 However, according to some embodiments, it may also be in an ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 be implemented. The main ECU 110 According to one embodiment, a diagnostic server 111 comprising the evaluation information from one or more diagnostic units 123 managed.

In one embodiment, the diagnostic unit is 123 arranged to determine a type of measurement method used to perform the at least one test on the at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 perform. This allows the diagnostic unit 123 be able to determine what kind of signal is to be expected as a result of the measurement process, e.g. Whether the important characteristic of the signal is a voltage value, a current value or a frequency.

Also, the diagnostic unit 123 arranged to determine which input / output of the interface 121 the SDECU 120 these test signals, ie the signals resulting from the particular measurement process, are provided and to connect to that particular input / output. Thus, the diagnostic unit 123 being able to connect to the specific input / output that may receive these signals through one or more of the ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system and the SDECU 120 receives. The diagnostic unit 123 then also knows the type of measurement method used to provide the signal present at that input / output. This makes it possible for the diagnostic unit 123 evaluates the status information based on the measurement method used, which improves the quality and / or the reliability of the evaluation.

The diagnostic unit 123 the SDECU 120 may be arranged to evaluate whether the status information has an acceptable value or not. The diagnostic unit 123 may further be arranged to provide evaluation information for the control system 330 wherein the evaluation information is determined based on the evaluation of whether the status information has an acceptable value or not.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit ( 123 ) also at least partially in one or more of the one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 be included in the tax system.

According to one embodiment, a diagnostic server 111 in the tax system 330 , z. In the main ECU 110 arranged. The diagnostic server 111 is then arranged to provide evaluation / diagnostic and or status information from the at least one SDECU and / or the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the control system to receive, store, cooperate, and / or provide. The diagnostic server 111 may include an interface having inputs / outputs for links, such as CAN buses.

The evaluation information may have a value indicating that the status information has an acceptable value, i. H. they may be a positive score, or they may have a value indicating that the status information has an unacceptable value, i. H. they can be a negative evaluation. The evaluation information may also include one or more error codes.

The evaluation information may include one or more error codes when it has been detected that one or more of the at least partially independent vehicle systems is faulty, that is, when it has been evaluated that they have negative status information. The one or more error codes may or may not be from the SDECU 120 the at least one of the ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 whereby an ECU, which receives one or more error codes and handles driver interface information, may use the error codes and indicate necessary information via the driver interface.

According to one embodiment, the status and / or evaluation information may be provided by the SDECU 120 a diagnostic unit located in at least one of the ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 is included, and / or a diagnostic server 111 who is in the main ECU 110 may be provided so that the ECUs can provide / service other systems and / or components with the evaluation / diagnostic information.

The diagnostic unit 123 According to one embodiment, it is arranged to assign one or more identifier IDs to the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 assign. These one or more identifier IDs may or may not be used for communication in the system 300 for status detection management be useful, for example, when the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 with the tax system 330 communicate. The one or more identifier IDs may also be used for communication with other systems, ie with systems outside the system 300 for status detection management, in the vehicle 100 be useful in terms of status detection.

The one or more identifier IDs may also be used for informational / descriptive purposes. For example, an ID may be used to design a specific vehicle system 160 to identify / designate in a statement provided to a driver and / or technician via a driver interface or other interface, e.g. Such as identifying / designating a specific vehicle system 160 in a system drawing.

As described above, a system for status detection management is created through the use of the present invention, thereby improving the control system 330 is able to detect status / error codes in at least partially independent systems and / or components, ie by detecting malfunctions of these systems and / or components, or by detecting the status of these systems and / or components to ensure that they work properly.

Each input / output in the interface 121 the SDECU 120 For example, it may be programmed by defining at least two categories, each category having a set of flags and / or boundaries that determines when to provide a negative status indication and / or an error code. Also, various types of information can be defined / programmed for each category, such as visual messages, e.g. As text messages, and / or audio messages to be given to a driver / technician, for. B. if one or more of these limits is or will be exceeded.

Thus, the tags for at least two categories can be defined when the inputs / outputs of the interface 121 be programmed. When a limit is exceeded, resulting in a negative status indication and / or error code activation, information such as descriptive text or the like is retrieved from the defined / programmed categories and may be stored as complete information, e.g. B. be joined together as a complete text. This can provide a complete description of the status / fault for the driver and / or technician.

Such a category may be a definition category that includes definitions of inputs / outputs, system names, part names, measurement methods, thresholds, limits, and / or signal names. Another such category may be a detection configuration category that includes input / output configurations, system names, part names, measurement methods, thresholds, boundaries, and / or signal names. Another such category may be a detection category that includes measuring signals and comparing them to thresholds and determining status information. Another such category may be an evaluation category, which includes the evaluation of the status information and the determination of the evaluation information. Another such category may be a send / provision category that includes sending the status and / or evaluation information to a diagnostic server 111 , to one or more ECUs 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 , to one or more internal / connected vehicle systems 151 . 152 and / or one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 includes.

If an error code is created, the status information will be sent to the ECUs of the control system 330 to be prepared and / or will be changed to a negative if they were positive before the error code was created.

At least two different priorities / permissions may be defined for the status detection management system according to the present invention. Various systems, such as the control system, ancillary systems, and third-party systems, may have different requirements / needs to control status and / or detection. This is also important from a security point of view, as this prohibits lower priority systems, such as third-party systems, from controlling the important / basic functionality for higher priority systems, such as the control system. In other words, an at least partially independent vehicle system performing tasks that are not critical to vehicle safety should be assigned a lower priority / privilege than a safety-critical internal / connected vehicle system of the control system, such that the at least partially independent vehicle system is internal / connected Vehicle system can not control / change / influence.

An internal / connected vehicle system and / or an ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 can however be configured / specified / programmed / be prioritized to disregard the status and / or evaluation information from an at least partially independent vehicle system. As a non-limiting example, the ECU ₄ 104 be programmed to no status and / or evaluation information from the foreign system 163 to recieve.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for status detection management for a vehicle is presented. The procedure is in 6 for the in 3a pictured system pictured.

In a first step 610 of the method will become one or more vehicle systems 160 with at least one interface 121 at least one SDECU 120 connected in a control system 330 of the vehicle as described above. Thus, the control system includes 330 according to the present invention, at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 which is a main ECU 110 and the at least one SDECU 120 includes. The one or more vehicle systems 160 is arranged to provide one or more signals, respectively, and is from the control system 330 regarding the status detection in the vehicle 100 at least partially independent.

In a second step 620 of the method will be at least one test on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 executed as described above.

In a third step 630 The procedure will provide status information at least for the at least one ECU 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 of the tax system 330 provided. The status information is thereby obtained by using the at least one SDECU 120 and based on the one or more test signals resulting from at least one test on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems 160 is executed as described above. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third step 630 include a detection, possibly by the status information unit 122 which includes measuring signals and comparing them to thresholds and determining status information.

• – einer Definition, die möglicherweise durch eine Definitionseinheit ausgeführt wird, von Ein-/Ausgängen, Systemnamen, Bauteilnamen, Messverfahren, Schwellen, Grenzen und/oder Signalnamen; und
• – einer Detektionskonfiguration, die möglicherweise durch eine Konfigurationseinheit ausgeführt wird, von Ein-/Ausgängen, Systemnamen, Bauteilnamen, Messverfahren, Schwellen, Grenzen und/oder Signalnamen.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a further step 615 that may be after the first step 610 and before the second step 620 is performed. The next step 615 can then include one or more of:

• A definition, possibly executed by a definition unit, of inputs / outputs, system names, component names, measurement methods, thresholds, limits and / or signal names; and
• - a detection configuration possibly performed by a configuration unit, of inputs / outputs, system names, part names, measurement methods, thresholds, limits and / or signal names.

As previously described, an evaluation may be performed by the diagnostic unit 123 also be executed after the status information has been determined. The status information is evaluated and the evaluation information is determined.

One skilled in the art will understand that a method for status detection management according to the present invention may also be implemented in a computer program that, when executed in a computer, instructs the computer to perform the method. The computer program usually consists of a computer program product 703 stored on a non-transitory / non-volatile digital storage medium in which the computer program is incorporated into the computer-readable medium of the computer program product. The computer-readable medium consists of a suitable memory such as: a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash memory, an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), a hard disk unit, etc.

7 shows a schematic representation of a control unit 700 , The control unit 700 includes a computing unit 701 , which may be essentially any suitable type of processor or microcomputer, such as a digital signal processing circuit (a digital signal processor, DSP) or a circuit having a predetermined specific function (an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC). The arithmetic unit 701 is with a storage unit 702 connected in the control unit 700 is arranged, wherein the memory unit of the arithmetic unit 701 For example, the stored program code and / or the stored data provides, which the arithmetic unit 701 needed to make calculations. The arithmetic unit 701 is also arranged to provide incomplete or final results of calculations in the storage unit 702 save.

In addition, the control unit 700 with the units 711 . 712 . 713 . 714 provided to receive and send input and output signals. These input and output signals may include waveforms, pulses or other attributes provided by the units 711 . 713 can be detected as information for the reception of input signals and can be converted into signals from the arithmetic unit 701 can be processed. These signals are then the arithmetic unit 701 made available. The units 712 . 714 for sending output signals are arranged to receive signals from the arithmetic unit 701 are received to convert to produce output signals by, for example, modulating the signals that may be sent to other parts and / or systems in the vehicle.

Each of the connections to the units for receiving and transmitting input and output signals may consist of one or more of a cable, a data bus such as a CAN bus (control network bus), a MOST (Media Oriented System Transport Bus) bus, or some other bus configuration, or a wireless connection. The person skilled in the art will understand that the abovementioned computer is from the arithmetic unit 701 can exist, and that the previously specified memory from the memory unit 702 can exist.

Control systems in modern vehicles commonly include communication bus systems that include one or more communication buses for linking a number of electronic control units (ECUs) or controllers and various components that are in the vehicle. Such a control system may include a large number of control units, and responsibility for a specific function may be distributed to more than one control unit. Vehicles of the type shown thus often include significantly more control units than z. In 3a -b, 4 . 5 and 7 which is well known to those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is incorporated in the control unit 700 implemented. However, the invention may also be implemented in whole or in part in one or more other control units already present in the vehicle or in a certain control unit dedicated to the present invention.

Here and in the present document, the units are frequently described as they are arranged to carry out steps of the method according to the invention. This also includes the fact that the units are designed and / or configured to perform these method steps.

The at least one SDECU control unit 120 is z. In 3a -b, 4 and 5 pictured as they are the separately mapped units 121 . 122 . 123 includes. These units 121 . 122 . 123 however, may be logically separated but spatially implemented in the same unit or may be arranged both logically and spatially together. These units 121 . 122 . 123 For example, they may correspond to groups of instructions, which may be in the form of programming code, and may be input to and used by a processor when the units are active and / or used to execute their method step, respectively.

The system according to the present invention may be arranged to carry out all of the above in the claims and in the embodiments described herein. The system is thereby provided with the advantages described above for each respective embodiment.

It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the system described above may be changed according to the various embodiments of the method of the present invention. The present invention also relates to a vehicle 100 such as a truck, bus or car, which includes the status detection management system described herein.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Rather, the present invention is directed to and encompasses all various embodiments that are included within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims (15)

System ( 300 ) arranged for status detection management for a vehicle, characterized by: - a control system ( 330 ) of the vehicle, the control system ( 330 ) at least one electronic control unit (ECU; 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) and at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU; 120 ), wherein the at least one SDECU ( 120 ) Comprises: - at least one interface ( 121 ), through which one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) with the at least one SDECU ( 120 ) connected ( 610 ), where one or more vehicle systems ( 160 ) are arranged to provide one or more signals, respectively, and by the control system ( 330 ) regarding the status detection in the vehicle ( 100 ) is or are at least partially independent; and at least one status information unit ( 122 ), which is arranged to at least the at least one ECU ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) based on at least one test signal resulting from at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) is to provide status information ( 630 ). System ( 300 ) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) at least one system ( 162 ) that is unable to perform status detection. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) at least one system ( 161 ) that is unable to provide the status information of the at least one ECU ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) of the tax system ( 330 ). System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) at least one additional system ( 163 . 165 . 166 . 167 . 168 ), which is subject to the tax system ( 330 ) is at least partially unknown. System ( 300 ) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one additional system comprises one or more of the group of: - at least one building system ( 165 ); - at least one body-building system ( 165 ); - at least one foreign system; - at least one independent system; At least one system and / or one interface ( 166 . 167 . 168 ) which is arranged to communicate with a connected vehicle system ( 151 . 152 ), the connected vehicle system ( 151 . 152 ) with an ECU ( 108 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) is connected with respect to the status detection in the vehicle; and - at least one component ( 166 . 167 . 168 ) arranged to communicate with a connected vehicle system ( 151 . 152 ), the connected vehicle system ( 151 . 152 ) with an ECU ( 108 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) is connected with respect to the status detection in the vehicle. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) at least one system ( 161 ) associated with the at least one ECU ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) via at least one component ( 169 ) is indirectly coupled, whereby a direct communication of the status information to the at least one ECU ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) is impossible due to the indirect coupling. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control system ( 330 ) several ECUs ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ), including a main ECU ( 110 ) coupled together to form a network. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one interface ( 121 ) comprises at least one input / output to which a predefined expected signal value is assigned from the group of: a voltage signal value; A current signal value; A resistance signal value; An inductance signal value; A capacity signal value; A frequency signal value; A reactance signal value; An impedance signal value; A digital signal value; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal value. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one SDECU ( 120 ) a diagnostic unit ( 123 ), wherein the diagnostic unit ( 123 ) is arranged to perform an evaluation of the status information. System ( 300 ) according to claim 9, wherein the diagnostic unit ( 123 ) is arranged to: - determine a type of measurement method used for the at least one test; Determining which input / output of the interface ( 121 ) Signals are provided which result from the particular measuring method; - establishing a connection with the particular input / output; and - evaluating the status information based on the measurement method used. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the diagnostic unit ( 123 ) is arranged to: - evaluate whether the status information has an acceptable value; Providing evaluation information for the control system ( 330 ), wherein the evaluation information is based on the evaluation of whether the status information has an acceptable value. System ( 300 ) according to claim 11, wherein the evaluation information comprises one or more of the group of: - a value indicating that the status information has an acceptable value; A value indicating that the status information has an unacceptable value; and - an error code. System ( 300 ) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the diagnostic unit ( 123 ) is arranged to assign one or more identifiers (IDs) to the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ), wherein the one or more identifiers (IDs) are useful when the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) with the tax system ( 330 ) and / or with other systems in the vehicle ( 100 ) communicate or communicate with respect to the status detection. A method for status detection management for a vehicle, characterized by: - connecting ( 610 ) one or more vehicle systems ( 160 ) with at least one interface ( 121 ) at least one electronic status detection control unit (SDECU; 120 ) in a tax system ( 330 ) of the vehicle, the control system ( 330 ) at least one electronic control unit (ECU; 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) and the at least one SDECU ( 120 ) and the one or more vehicle systems ( 160 ) are arranged to provide one or more signals, respectively, and by the control system ( 330 ) with respect to the status detection in the vehicle ( 100 ) is or are at least partially independent; - To run ( 620 ) at least one test on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ); and - providing ( 630 ) by using the at least one SDECU ( 120 ) of status information at least for the at least one ECU ( 101 . 102 . 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 . 110 ) of the tax system ( 330 ) based on a test signal resulting from the at least one test performed on the one or more at least partially independent vehicle systems ( 160 ) is performed. A computer program characterized by code means which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of claim 14.

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