IN RELATION TO SUCH A MODULE

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a parameter monitoring module for a vehicle, and a method in relation to such a module. In particular the disclosure relates to a module and a method capable of achieving improvements in relation to measured ambient parameter values, e.g. temperature or air pressure, used by various systems of the vehicle. Background

In modern vehicles, e.g. trucks, buses or cars, there are several sensors provided and some of them are used to get measurement values of the ambient environment of the vehicle. The measurements may relate to the temperature, the air pressure, the humidity, and the altitude. The values given by those sensors are used by many vehicle systems, e.g. the internal combustion engine, an electrical machine, and an air conditioning system, to perform its operation.

If incorrect values are submitted to the systems it may cause several problems on the vehicle. For example, an erroneous outside temperature value, e.g. if the outside temperature is erroneously measured to -2 C, but it is instead +30 C, it may have major influence on the air conditioning system.

An illustrating example mentions a field quality case where the outside

temperature sensor generated an incorrect value. This erroneous temperature value was used of up to ten systems of the vehicle. Drivers may for example complain about poor climate system and engine problems due to this problem. The problem can be very inconvenient for the driver who might need to sleep in a hot or cold cab or that needs to drive a vehicle where the engine behaves strangely. It can also be expensive for the driver or haulage contractor since a sensor change requires an extra service stop that will decrease the up-time of the vehicle.

When a sensor generates an incorrect value, the systems that are using this value normally create error codes. For the field quality case described above, the workshop noticed that an engine error code was given, indicating that the reference value given by the temperature sensor did not correspond to the temperature measured at the engine. In another case the driver noticed the incorrect value since the temperature shown in the instrument cluster was wrong (saying +30°C when it was actually -2°C outside).

Within the technical field of vehicles, there are examples of using data from external sources for various functions of a vehicle. In the following some patent documents are briefly discussed that disclose different aspects in that that regard.

US-2009/150036 relates to a GPS-based traction control system and method using data transmitted between vehicles. The method comprises to modify one or more vehicle operating characteristics based on the determined location and on data received from another vehicle.

US-2012/215446 discloses a computer-implemented method of crowdsourced weather data collection for vehicles.

US-2002/198632 relates to a method and arrangement for communicating between vehicles.

US 2013/0073139 describes a system for sharing sensor data values between proximate vehicles.

The object of the present invention is to achieve an improvement regarding measured ambient parameter values used by systems of the vehicle, and in particular to improve the running time of the vehicle, by reducing the risk of unplanned service occasions caused by erroneous sensors.

Summary

The above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention according to the independent claim.

Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect a parameter monitoring module for a vehicle is provided. The module being configured to monitor one or many parameter sensor units of the vehicle which are configured to measure ambient parameter(s) and determine ambient parameter value(s) to be used by various systems of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The parameter monitoring module is configured to determine a predefined deviation with regard to the parameter sensor unit(s). The module comprises a communication unit structured to receive external parameter values. An external parameter value is defined as a parameter value measured by an external sensor separate from the vehicle and being measured at essentially similar conditions as of an ambient parameter value measured in relation to a determined predefined deviation. If a predefined deviation is determined the parameter monitoring module is configured to send a deviation information signal to a central node and to receive a signal comprising a quality assured parameter value that fulfils predetermined parameter value rules, and being based upon at least one of the external parameter values. The determined quality assured parameter value is then applied to one or many of the vehicle system(s) instead of the ambient parameter value related to the predefined deviation. According to a second aspect a method in relation to the parameter monitoring module for a vehicle is provided. The module being configured to monitor one or many parameter sensor units of the vehicle which are configured to measure ambient parameter(s) and determine ambient parameter value(s) to be used by various systems of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The method comprises:

- determining a predefined deviation with regard to said parameter sensor unit(s),

- receiving external parameter values from a central node, wherein an external parameter value is defined as a parameter value measured by an external sensor separate from the vehicle and being measured at essentially similar conditions as of an ambient parameter value measured in relation to a determined predefined deviation,

- determining a corresponding quality assured parameter value based upon at least one of said external parameter values that fulfils predetermined parameter value rules,

- applying said determined quality assured parameter value to one or many of the vehicle system(s) instead of the ambient parameter value related to the

predefined deviation.

By applying the module and method in accordance with the present invention the problem described above may be solved immediately on the road without needing to take the vehicle to the workshop. In one embodiment, the vehicle may use its communication unit to receive the external value of interest from other nearby vehicles which have external sensors that are working. Since every vehicle sends its position via its communication unit it is possible to identify nearby located vehicles. The external parameter value from vehicles which are located within a certain distance and within an altitude range from the current one may be used, since the ambient environment (e.g. temperature or pressure) is essentially the same. The value that is used can for example be the average value of the five closest vehicles or the value from the closest vehicle.

To receive external values for other nearby vehicles is advantageous particularly if the corresponding information not is available in any other way.

In one embodiment a message is sent to the workshop or haulage contractor that the vehicle has a broken sensor and that it should be replaced at the next planned service stop. Thereby, the up-time of the vehicle would be increased which is of great importance to be able to keep the delivery precision. In addition it would give the driver a full viable vehicle until the next schedule service stop.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a vehicle provided with a parameter monitoring module according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a parameter monitoring module according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the method according to the present invention.

Detailed description

Throughout the detailed description the same or similar items will have the same reference signs. Also it is possible to combine different features from different embodiments to meet specific implementation needs.

First with references to the schematic illustration in figure 1 of a vehicle 4 provided with a parameter monitoring module 2.

The module 2 is configured to monitor one or many parameter sensor units 6 of the vehicle 4 which are configured to measure ambient parameter(s) and determine ambient parameter value(s) 8 to be used by various systems 10 of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle.

The ambient parameters may be one or many of the outside temperature, the air pressure, the humidity, and the altitude.

The parameter monitoring module 2 is provided and is generally arranged to handle communication and monitoring of the parameter sensor units of the vehicle and to submit parameter values to the various systems of the vehicle.

Preferably, the parameter monitoring module is an Electrical Control Module (ECM) being connected to other systems of the vehicle e.g. via the Controller Area Network (CAN) -bus or a LIN-bus (Local Interconnect Network). The vehicle conventionally communicates internally between its units, devices, sensors, detectors etc. via the CAN-bus which uses a message based protocol. Examples of other communication protocols that may be used are TTP (Time- Triggered Protocol), Flexray, etc. In that way signals and data described herein may be exchanged between different units, devices, sensors and/or detectors in the vehicle 4. Signals and data may instead be transferred wirelessly between the different units, devices, sensors and/or detectors. Typically, vehicles are normally provided with an ECU that is dedicated to perform communication between the vehicle and external systems, e.g. other vehicles, GPS- or other positional systems, in order to keep track of the location of the vehicle via its GPS and to send and receive different kind of information to/from the vehicle.

With references both to figure 1 , and the schematic block diagram in figure 2, the parameter monitoring module 2 is configured to determine a predefined deviation with regard to the parameter sensor unit(s) 6.

The parameter monitoring module 2 is provided with a communication unit 12 structured to receive external parameter values 14. These values are preferably received via the CAN-bus of the vehicle. An external parameter value 14 is defined as a parameter value measured by an external sensor 16 separate from the vehicle. In addition the parameter value is measured at essentially similar conditions as of an ambient parameter value 8 measured in relation to a determined predefined deviation. Preferably, the communication unit 12 is structured to receive external parameter values 14 from other vehicles.

If a predefined deviation is determined the parameter monitoring module 2 is configured to determine a corresponding quality assured parameter value 1 8 that fulfils predetermined parameter value rules based upon at least one of the external parameter values 14.

The thus determined quality assured parameter value 1 8 is applied to one or many of the vehicle system(s) 10 instead of the ambient parameter value 8 related to the predefined deviation.

The module is in one embodiment configured to continuously receive external parameter values 14 to have relevant parameter values available if the situation occurs that a predefined deviation is determined. As an alternative, the module is configured to send out a request that external parameter values are required provided that a predefined deviation is determined. The quality assured parameter value 18 may be determined by a processing unit 20 by applying the parameter value rules by calculating an average value based upon a predetermined number of external parameter values 14 obtained at similar conditions.

Thus, the quality assured parameter value is determined by evaluating the external parameter values by applying parameter value rules that includes assuring that those values being measured at essentially similar conditions as existed when the erroneous parameter value was measured. The similar conditions are determined with regard to a distance to an external sensor 16, an altitude of an external sensor 16, and a point of time the measurement by the external sensor 16 is performed. The external parameter values are e.g. obtained from vehicles which are located within a certain distance and within an altitude range from the current one, since the ambient environment (temperature or pressure) is close to equally. The value that is used can for example be the average value of e.g. the five closest vehicles or the value from the closest vehicle.

According to one embodiment a predefined deviation comprises a deviation of a function of a parameter sensor unit 6, and/or a deviation of an ambient parameter value 8 sensed by the parameter sensor unit 6.

More particularly, the predefined deviation is considered determined if at least one of the following conditions has occurred:

- An error code has been generated by a parameter sensor unit indicating that an erroneous parameter value has been measured, or indicating that any other error of the unit is present. The error code includes information of the type of sensor, i.e. if it relates to a temperature sensor, etc., and the type of error.

- An ambient parameter value measured by the parameter sensor unit does not fulfil set requirements defined by predefined parameter value rules.

These rules may include comparing a present ambient parameter value to a mean value of earlier parameter values and if the present parameter value differs more than a predetermined amount it is considered that the present ambient parameter value is erroneous. Preferably, if a predefined deviation has occurred the module is configured to generate and send out a deviation information signal 22 to a service centre, e.g. the workshop or haulage contractor, to arrange for replacement or repair of the parameter sensor unit at the next scheduled service stop.

Further, as has been realized, sending a deviation information signal 22 to a service centre or some other central node can provide additional advantages. The central node can be arranged to collect and also to generate data pertinent to different driving conditions. In other words the central node can continuously receive data from different vehicles and potentially also other sensors located at different locations such a temperature sensors or derived temperature values or similar parameter values. When a deviation information signal 22 is received from a vehicle the central node can be adapted to process the signal to assist the vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment the central node can based on data it has collected or otherwise has access to determine a value that the vehicle can use and send back an artificial sensor value signal 25. The value of the artificial sensor value signal 25 can then be used by the vehicle until the sensor is repaired or replaced or otherwise made functional again. In other words the artificial sensor value signal 25 can then represent the determined quality assured parameter value 18.

A response from the central node can also be that the deviation information signal indicates a severe problem that needs to be addressed immediately and that the vehicle needs to be transported to a workshop with as little delay as possible.

By sending the deviation information signal 22 to a central node a number of advantages compared to exchanging data with proximate vehicles are obtained. First, there need not be any inter vehicle communication. This reduces the number of communication lines required to be set-up. Further, if there are no proximate vehicles or no proximate vehicles supporting an inter vehicle communication or no proximate vehicles having access to the requested data, the vehicle can still receive distance support. This is because the central node can collect data that is valid for the time and location where the vehicle is located. For example the central node may have collected relevant data from another vehicle that was present at the same location two minutes ago and that is still determined to be relevant. Such data can then be used to substitute (potentially with some correction value to make up for the temporal difference) the deviating sensor signal as set out above. Third the central node can provide additional diagnosis based on the received deviation signal and thereby provide more service than just provide a substitute value for the deviating signal value.

Further, the data provided via the deviation signal 22 can be registered by the central node 24. The central node can in turn contact a work shop if there is a need to change the sensor. Depending on the urgency to change the sensor a work shop close to the vehicle, in particular the closest work shop, can be contacted. If there less urgency to change the sensor as determined by the central node, the central node can contact the regular work shop of the vehicle. Hereby the work shop can receive information about the problem and inform the vehicle and also the driver about the problem whereby the replacement of a malfunctioning sensor easily can be made since the work shop is informed about the problem and can take steps to prepare for the replacement, for example by having the required spare parts available.

Thereby, the up-time of the vehicle is not influenced, which is of great importance to be able to keep the delivery precision. It would also give the driver a fully viable vehicle until the next service stop.

The present invention also relates to a method in relation to a parameter monitoring module 2 for a vehicle 4. The method will now be described in detail with references to the flow diagram shown in figure 3. Thus, the method is applied by the module 2, which has been described above, and herein it is referred to that description. The module is configured to monitor one or many parameter sensor units 6 of the vehicle 4 which are configured to measure ambient parameter(s) and determine ambient parameter value(s) 8 to be used by various systems 10 of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The ambient parameter is one or many of the outside temperature, air pressure, humidity, and altitude.

The method comprises:

- Determining a predefined deviation with regard to the parameter sensor unit(s). Preferably, the predefined deviation comprises a deviation of a function of a parameter sensor unit, and/or a deviation of an ambient parameter value sensed by said parameter sensor unit.

- Receiving external parameter values from a central node, where an external parameter value is defined as a parameter value measured by an external sensor separate from the vehicle, e.g. from sensors at other vehicles, and being measured at essentially similar conditions as of an ambient parameter value measured in relation to a determined predefined deviation.

- Determining a corresponding quality assured parameter value that fulfils predetermined parameter value rules based upon at least one of said external parameter values.

- Applying the determined quality assured parameter value to one or many of the vehicle system(s) instead of the ambient parameter value related to the predefined deviation.

The method comprises determining the quality assured parameter value 18 by applying the parameter value rules by calculating an average value based upon a predetermined number of external parameter values obtained at similar conditions. This is further outlined above in relation to the description of the module. Similar conditions are preferably determined with regard to a distance to an external sensor, an altitude of an external sensor, and a point of time the measurement by the external sensor is performed.

In one embodiment the predefined deviation is considered determined if at least one of the following conditions has occurred: - an error code has been generated by a parameter sensor unit indicating that an erroneous parameter value has been measured, or indicating that any other error of the unit is present,

- an ambient parameter value measured by the parameter sensor unit does not fulfil set requirements defined by predefined parameter value rules.

As discussed above in relation to the description of the module, it is advantageous to generate and send out a deviation information signal to a service centre that a predefined deviation has occurred in order to prepare for replacement or repair of the parameter sensor unit that caused the predefined deviation.

In one embodiment the method comprises continuously receiving external parameter values to have relevant parameter values available if the situation occurs that a predefined deviation is determined. And, as an alternative, the method comprises sending out a request that external parameter values are required provided that a predefined deviation is determined.

The present invention also comprises a computer program P (see figure 2) wherein the computer program P comprises a computer program code to cause a parameter monitoring module as disclosed above, or a computer connected to the module, to perform the method which also has been disclosed above. In addition a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium to perform the method being disclosed above, when the computer program code is executed by a parameter monitoring module defined above, or by a computer connected to that module.

More particularly, the parameter monitoring module may further include a processing unit and a memory unit. The processing unit may be made up of one or more Central Processing Units (CPU). The memory unit may be made up of one or more memory units. A memory unit may include a volatile and/or a non- volatile memory, such as a flash memory or Random Access Memory (RAM). The memory unit comprises the computer program P including the computer program code to cause the control module, or a computer connected to the control module, to perform any of the method steps described above. As described above, the parameter monitoring module may be an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred

embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appending claims.