TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method for diagnostics of vehicle functions. The invention also concerns a computer program product comprising program code for a computer for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also concerns a device for diagnostics of vehicle functions and a motor vehicle that is equipped with the device.

BACKGROUND

The continuing development of vehicles, such as buses, cars and goods vehicle, is resulting in the installation of more and more sensors and other components therein to determine various states of the vehicle during operation. To be able to control the vehicle in an operationally reliable and environmentally friendly way, it is of the utmost importance that said sensors and other on-vehicle components function in a satisfactory and correct manner. In cases where sensors and other components are not functioning in the intended manner, for example due to operation, wear or other factors, such control of the operation of the vehicle will not always be optimal or occur in a desirable manner. Diagnostics of, for example, sensors in the vehicle are currently performed. Diagnostics are generally performed in order to determine whether said sensors are displaying the correct values. Diagnostics can be performed in different ways, depending on the sensor or component in question. In those cases where a function that is considered to need to be adjusted in, for example, sensors or other components has been determined, it is desirable to perform an adaptation of said relevant sensor or component. Such adaptation can be performed in different ways, depending on the sensor or component in question.

The vehicle can occasionally exceed maximum legal emission levels or sustain degraded drivability during diagnostics or any adaptation of sensor and other vehicle components. The driving experience can also occasionally be affected negatively during diagnostics and any adaptation of sensors and other vehicle components, e.g. because the vehicle engine sounds different during said diagnostics and adaptation. One way of handling such inconveniences can consist in that modern engine control systems adjust sensors and actuators toward known reference driving cases.

It is desirable, for a number of reasons, to minimize the time during which the vehicle exceeds said maximum legal emission levels or has degraded drivability.

To perform correct diagnostics, it is in many cases desirable to drive the vehicle in a given state, e.g. one comprising a constant engine rpm. When said state suddenly ceases, e.g. when the engine rpm is no longer constant, the diagnostics may have to be discontinued early, before a reliable result has been obtained. Said diagnostics may then need to be performed again.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The need thus exists for performing diagnostics and any adaptations of various units in a vehicle in a reliable manner in order to avoid or reduce the negative effects described above.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and advantageous method for diagnostics of vehicle functions. Another object of the invention is to provide a new and advantageous device for diagnostics of vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program for reducing or minimizing the environmental impact associated with diagnostics and any necessary adaptations of vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program for reducing fuel consumption in connection with diagnostics and any necessary adaptations of vehicle functions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program for increasing the likelihood of correct performance of diagnostics and any necessary adaptations of vehicle functions without associated undesired interruptions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and a computer program for maintaining or increasing the drivability of the vehicle in connection with diagnostics and any adaptations of vehicle functions.

These objects are achieved by means of a method for diagnostics of vehicle functions according to claim 1. According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, which method comprises the steps of:

- determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnostics; and

- determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of an on-vehicle system for predicting the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle.

Unnecessary, e.g. overly short, diagnostics and adaptations of vehicle functions can be avoided by utilizing information from said system for predicting the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle in terms of how the vehicle is most likely to be driven in the future. The need to perform the same diagnostics and/or adaptation multiple times is thereby obviated. An environmental impact associated with performing said diagnostics and adaptation can be minimized thereby. The drivability of the vehicle can be advantageously maintained in connection with the performance of said diagnostics and adaptation.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for diagnostics of vehicle functions is provided, which method comprises the steps of:

- determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnostics; and

- determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of an on-vehicle so-called look-ahead system. One or a plurality of suitable future occasions for diagnostics and any necessary adaptations of one or a plurality of selected vehicle functions can be provided thereby.

Said prediction can comprise the characteristics of the roadway of the vehicle. For example, said suitable occasion can be determined thereby in a precise manner on the basis of, for example, the slope of a future roadway.

Said prediction can comprise environmental characteristics, such as traffic situations. Said suitable occasion can be determined thereby in a precise manner on the basis for, for example, the presence of an upcoming line of standing vehicles.

Said prediction can comprise the driving behavior of the vehicle operator, the driver. Said suitable occasion be of determined thereby in a precise manner on the basis of how the vehicle operator normally drives his vehicle. This can comprise fast or slow accelerations, forceful or gentle braking, etc. Said prediction can comprise the prevailing driving behavior of the vehicle operator. A prevailing driving behavior can thus serve as the basis for estimating a future driving behavior. This can comprise fast or slow accelerations, forceful or gentle braking, etc.

Said prediction can comprise the historical driving behavior of the vehicle operator. A historical driving behavior can thus serve as the basis for estimating a future driving behavior. This can comprise fast or slow accelerations, forceful or gentle braking, etc.

Said vehicle functions can comprise at least one function of the vehicle functions comprising sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models, actuators, other vehicle hardware and consumable materials. The method according to the invention is thus versatile.

Examples of other vehicle hardware can include an oxidation catalytic converter, SCR catalytic converter or DPF filter.

Examples of consumable materials can include vehicle fuel, such as diesel, gasoline or ethanol. Another example of consumable materials can include a reducing agent for an SCR system, such as Adblue. Another example of consumable materials can include lubricant for an engine or transmission in the vehicle. The method can further comprise the step of:

- determining said suitable occasion based on predicted operating conditions. Said diagnostics can thus advantageously be performed on occasions when there is a reasonably high likelihood of their success. The performance of diagnostics can thus be avoided on less favorable occasions, when said diagnostics would have to be discontinued early in the worst case, resulting in an unreliable or non-existent result of said diagnostics. The method can further comprise the steps of:

- determining prevailing operating conditions; and

- determining said suitable occasions based on said determined operating conditions. Essentially optimal diagnostics can thus be performed. Reliable diagnostics can thus advantageously be performed.

Said operating conditions can consist of internal or external operating conditions. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of an essentially uniform engine load, essentially uniform engine rpm, decreasing engine rpm, or imminent change in the gear setting of a gearbox.

Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of an increasing or decreasing engine load, increasing or decreasing engine rpm, coasting (when no fuel is being injected into the cylinders of the vehicle engine) and exhaust braking at a predetermined level. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of uniform, increasing and/or decreasing exhaust temperature and/or concentration of a substance and/or fraction of a substance at a predetermined point in the exhaust system. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of a gear selection, uniform, increasing and/or decreasing charging of and/or consumption in an energy storage unit, such as a battery in the vehicle. Said internal operating conditions can consist of one of at least a uniform, increasing and/or decreasing use of a fan and/or cooling system of the vehicle, or uniform, increasing and/or decreasing engine temperature, coolant temperature and/or oil temperature.

Said external operating conditions can consist of at least one climate condition. Said climate conditions can comprise an ambient temperature, prevailing pressure of the surrounding air, or ambient humidity. Examples of other external operating conditions can comprise a slope of a surface underlying the vehicle, or the road quality.

The method can further comprise the steps of:

- selecting a vehicle function; and

- performing said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion.

The method can further comprise the steps of:

- selecting a vehicle function; and

- performing said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion under at least one operating condition.

The method can further comprise the steps of:

- using the results of said diagnostics to correct, in applicable cases, a vehicle function to adapt it to said results.

The method can further comprise the steps of:

- using the results of said diagnostics to adapt, in applicable cases, a vehicle function to adapt it to said results.

The method is easy to implement in existing motor vehicles. Software for diagnostics of vehicle functions according to the invention can be installed in a control unit in the vehicle during its fabrication. A buyer of the vehicle can thus have opportunity to choose the function of the method as an option. Alternatively, software comprising program code for performing the innovative method for diagnostics of vehicle functions can be installed in a control unit in the vehicle in connection with an upgrade at a service station. In this case the software can be loaded into a memory in the control unit. Implementing the innovative method is thus cost-effective.

Software comprising program code for diagnostics of vehicle functions can easily be updated or replaced. Furthermore, different parts of the software comprising program code for diagnostics of vehicle functions can be replaced independent of one another. This modular configuration is advantageous from a maintenance perspective. According to one aspect of the invention, a device is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, which device comprises:

- elements for determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnostics;

- elements adapted so as to make a prediction regarding the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle, and

- elements adapted so as to determine said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of said conditions of forward travel.

According to one aspect of the invention, a device is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, which device comprises:

- an on-vehicle look-ahead system; and

- elements adapted so as to determine at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics of at least one vehicle function.

According to one aspect of the invention, a device is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, which device comprises:

- elements for determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnostics;

- an on-vehicle look-ahead system; and

- elements adapted so as to determine said at least one suitable occasion on the basis of information determined by said look-ahead system.

Said look-ahead system can comprise an electronic map containing topographical data concerning a route lying ahead of the vehicle.

The device can comprise:

- elements adapted so as to determine characteristics of the roadway of the vehicle. The device can comprise:

- elements adapted so as to determine environmental characteristics, such as traffic situations. The device can comprise:

- elements adapted so as to determine the driving behavior of the vehicle operator, the driver.

In the device, said vehicle functions can comprise at least one function of the vehicle functions consisting of sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models, actuators, other vehicle hardware and consumable materials.

The device can further comprise:

- elements adapted so as to determine said suitable occasions based on predicted operating conditions.

In the device, said operating conditions can consist of at least one of essentially uniform engine load, essentially uniform engine rpm, decreasing engine rpm and an imminent change in the gear setting of a gearbox.

In the device, said operating conditions can be internal and thus consist of at least one of an increasing or decreasing engine load, increasing or decreasing engine rpm, coasting of the vehicle engine or exhaust braking at a predetermined level. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of uniform, increasing and/or decreasing exhaust temperature and/or concentration of a substance and/or fraction of a substance at a predetermined point in the exhaust system. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of a gear selection, uniform, increasing and/or decreasing charging of and/or consumption in an energy storage unit, such as a battery in the vehicle. Said internal operating conditions can consist of at least one of a uniform, increasing and/or decreasing use of a fan and/or cooling system in the vehicle and uniform, increasing and/or decreasing engine temperature, coolant temperature and/or oil temperature.

In the device, said operating conditions can consist of at least one of the climate conditions consisting of the ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of the surrounding air.

The device can further comprise:

- elements adapted so as to select a vehicle function; and

- elements adapted so as to perform said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion.

The device can further comprise:

- elements adapted so as to select a vehicle function; and

- elements adapted so as to perform said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion under at least one operating condition.

The device can further comprise:

- elements adapted so as to use the results of said diagnostics in order, in applicable cases, to correct a vehicle function in order to adapt it to said results.

The foregoing objects are also achieved by means of a motor vehicle that contains the device for diagnostics of vehicle functions. The motor vehicle can be a goods vehicle, bus or car.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, wherein said computer program comprises program code for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to any of claims 1-1 1 . According to one aspect of the invention, a computer is provided for diagnostics of vehicle functions, wherein said computer program comprises program code stored on a computer-readable medium for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to any of claims 1 -1 1.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided that comprises a program code stored on a computer-readable medium in order to perform the method steps according to any of claims 1 - 1 when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit.

Additional objects, advantages and new features of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and by practicing the invention. While the invention is described below, it should be apparent that the invention is not limited to the specifically described details. One skilled in the art who has access to the teaching herein will recognize additional applications, modifications and incorporations in other fields, and which fall within the scope of the invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its additional objects and advantages, reference is now made to the following detailed description, which is to be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference designations refer to the same parts in the various figures, and in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a device in the vehicle shown in Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3a schematically illustrates a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3b schematically illustrates, in greater detail, a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES A side view of a vehicle 100 is shown with reference to Figure 1 . The exemplary vehicle 100 consists of a tractor 1 0 and a trailer 1 12. The vehicle can be a heavy vehicle, such as a goods vehicle or a bus. The vehicle can alternatively be a car. The term "link" refers herein to a communications link, which can be a physical line, such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non- physical line, such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link. The vehicle 100 comprises a so-called look-ahead system and a suitable array of sensors, virtual sensors, actuators, other vehicle hardware and systems containing consumable materials.

The term "consumable material" refers herein to a fluid in a subsystem of the vehicle. Said consumable material can be in gas form, liquid form or solid form. Said consumable material can also be referred to as a consumable item.

A device 299 in the vehicle 100 is shown with reference to Figure 2. The device 299 is arranged in the tractor 1 0. The device 299 comprises a first control unit 210. Said first control unit 210 is signal-connected to a look-ahead system 230 in the vehicle 100 via a link L230. Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via said link L230.

Said look-ahead system 230 can also be referred to as a system for predicting the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 can comprise a device 400 that is described with reference to Figure 4. Said look-ahead system 230 can comprise a set of different sensors for continuously detecting suitable parameters. Said parameters can be parameters that are associated with values internal to the vehicle. Said parameters can be parameters that are associated with values external to the vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine different conditions of forward travel on the basis of said determined parameters.

Furthermore, said look-ahead system 230 can comprise a number of stored calculation models for determining various conditions of forward travel. Said look-ahead system 230 can comprise an electronic map containing information concerning topography relevant to the roadway of the vehicle. Said prediction can comprise information about the characteristics of the roadway of the vehicle, e.g. the slope of the prevailing and future roadway of the vehicle.

Said look-ahead system 230 can comprise elements for communication with an information system (not shown). Said information system is arranged so as to continuously or intermittently send signals containing information concerning conditions of forward travel to said look-ahead system 230. Said information system can be arranged so as to send signals to said look-ahead system 230 via a satellite or by means of a suitable communication system. Said information system can comprise at least one stationary unit, e.g. in the form of a stationary traffic camera, and/or at least one mobile platform, e.g. a helicopter or a lead vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to predict said conditions of forward travel on the basis of said received signals. Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine various conditions of forward travel on the basis of said signals. Said prediction can comprise environmental characteristics, such as traffic situations, stoppages in the traffic ahead, roadwork, etc.

According to one embodiment, said first control unit 210 can be arranged so as to determine said conditions of forward travel on the basis of information furnished by said look-ahead system 230.

According to one embodiment, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine operating conditions for the vehicle. According to one embodiment, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine/predict probable future operating conditions for the vehicle. Said probable future operating conditions can be determined/predicted on the basis of said predicted conditions of forward travel. According to one embodiment, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine said at least one suitable occasion based on said probable future operating conditions.

Said operating conditions can, for example, consist of at least one of an essentially uniform engine load, essentially uniform engine rpm, decreasing engine rpm and an imminent change in the gear setting of a gearbox. If the future roadway of the vehicle is predicted to be essentially level over a given time period/stretch, said engine load can be assumed to be essentially uniform/constant over said time period/stretch. If the future roadway of the vehicle is predicted to be essentially level over a given time period/stretch, said engine rpm can be assumed to be essentially uniform/constant over said time period/stretch. If the future roadway of the vehicle is predicted to be steeply sloped uphill over a given time period/stretch, said engine rpm can be assumed to fall/decrease over at least a part of said time period/stretch. If the future roadway of the vehicle is predicted to slope steeply downhill over a given time period/stretch, a change in the gear setting of said gearbox can be predicted to occur at a given time/location during said time period/stretch. Said prediction of a change in the gear setting of said gearbox can be made based on information concerning an existing gear-shifting strategy of an automated manual transmission (AMT). Said prediction of a change in the gear setting of said gearbox can be made based on information concerning upshifting and downshifting points of an automated manual transmission (AMT). Said prediction of a change in the gear setting of said gearbox can be made based on a model of a shifting behavior of a driver who is driving a vehicle with a manual gearbox. Said probable operating conditions can be determined separately based on information from a cruise control function in the vehicle. Said probable operating conditions can be determined based on information from a cruise control function, such as a look-ahead/adaptive cruise control function. Said information from said cruise control function can comprise information about an upcoming velocity/velocity change, engine rpm, engine load, changes in gear settings, etc.

Said operating conditions can consist of at least one of the climate conditions consisting of the ambient temperature and prevailing pressure of the surrounding air. Said operating conditions in the form of, for example, climate conditions, ambient temperature or the prevailing pressure of the surrounding air can be predicted based on a predication of where/in what location the vehicle will be at a certain time. The predicted location of the vehicle at a certain time can thus be linked to predictions obtained, for example, from a weather service, concerning, for example, climate conditions, ambient temperature or the prevailing pressure of the surrounding air at said location and time.

Based on said predicted operating conditions, it is possible to determine/predict, for example, whether a given component, part or compartment in the vehicle will come to acquire a constant temperature over a given time period. Based on said predicted operating conditions, it is possible to determine/predict, for example, whether a given medium in the vehicle (such as air, exhaust, an oil, a fuel or a reducing agent such as urea) will come to acquire a constant temperature over a given time period at a given location. Based on said predicted operating conditions, it is possible to determine/predict, for example, whether a uniformly increasing pressure within an adequate range will be present over a given time period in any medium in the vehicle (for example, in air, exhaust, an oil, a fuel or a reducing agent such as urea). Based on said operating conditions, it is possible to determine/predict, for example, whether a given degree of conversion in a catalytic converter will occur over a given time period. Based on said predicted operating conditions, it is possible to determine/foresee/predict whether a suitable occasion for diagnostics of a given vehicle function will be present at a given time/within a given time period.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said prediction of the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle can be used so as, based on said prediction, to proactively bring about the desired/suitable operating conditions so that a suitable occasion for diagnostics of a given vehicle function will be present at a given time/within a given time period. Based on said prediction of the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle, it is possible, if deemed feasible, to adapt and perform control of the engine, gearbox and/or other applicable systems and components in the vehicle in such a way that, for example, a given suitable engine rpm, a given suitable engine torque and/or a given suitable gear-shifting sequence is achieved so as to thereby proactively bring about a suitable occasion for diagnostics of a given vehicle function.

According to one alternative embodiment, said first control unit 210 can be arranged so as to determine said operating conditions. Said look-ahead system 230 can be arranged so as to determine at least one suitable occasion for performing said diagnostics.

A sensor configuration 240 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via a link L240. Said link L240 can comprise a suitable number of communication links, e.g. a communication link for each sensor in the sensor configuration 240. Said link L240 can comprise an internal network in the vehicle 100. Said sensor configuration 240 can comprise an arbitrary suitable number of sensors and/or virtual sensors and/or sensor models. Said sensors, virtual sensors and sensor models can be designated as vehicle functions.

Examples of said sensors can comprise air mass flow meters, charge air temperature sensors, ambient temperature sensors, ambient pressure sensors, throttle pressure sensors, charge pressure sensors, camshaft sensors, crankshaft sensors, coolant temperature sensors, rail pressure sensors, cylinder pressure sensors, oil level sensors, coolant level sensors, fuel level sensors, oil pressure sensors, exhaust sensors, NO _x sensors, lambda probes, etc.

Some of the above said exemplary sensors and other unspecified sensors can be replaced or supplemented with suitable virtual sensors and/or sensor models.

Said sensors, virtual sensors and sensor models can be used individually or in suitable combinations to determine prevailing values for a given parameter. According to one example, diagnostics of a sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model can be performed by comparing, for certain operating conditions, the values measured or calculated by two or more other sensors, virtual sensors or sensor models. A measure of a deviation from an anticipated value for a selected sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model can thus be obtained.

According to one example, adaptation of a sensor, virtual sensor or sensor model that is associated with an error can be performed by compensating for said deviation.

An actuator configuration 250 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via a link L250. Said link L250 can comprise a suitable number of communication links, e.g. a communication link for each actuator in the actuator configuration 250. Said link L250 can comprise an internal network in the vehicle 100.

Said actuator configuration 250 can comprise an arbitrary suitable number of actuators. Said actuators can be designated as vehicle functions.

Examples of said actuators can comprise a throttle, EGR valve, VTG actuator, exhaust brake actuator, HC injector in an after-treatment system, dosing unit for a reducing agent, such as Adblue, in an after-treatment system, fuel injector, etc.

According to one example, diagnostics of an actuator can be performed by determining, under certain operating conditions, the performance of said actuator and comparing the results to an anticipated result. Said diagnostics can be performed in various predetermined states of the actuator. In the event that said actuator is a damper, examples of such states can comprise fully open, open to some extent, or closed. For example, any leakage can be determined thereby.

According to one example, adaptations can thus involve compensating for a deviation from a desired performance in a suitable manner. A hardware system 260 is pre-existingly arranged in the vehicle. Said hardware system 260 can comprise a number of hardware units. According to one aspect of the invention, these hardware units are designated herein as "other hardware" and do not pertain to sensors, virtual sensors, sensor models or consumable materials. Said hardware units 260 can be designated as vehicle functions.

Said hardware system 260 comprises hardware units for which diagnostics and any subsequent adaptations are necessary, at least at set intervals.

Examples of hardware units, i.e. other hardware, comprise an engine, SCR catalytic converter, diesel particle filter, oxidation catalytic converter, clutch configuration, battery etc.

Not all the hardware units in said hardware system 260 necessarily need to be signal-connected to the first control unit 210. However, the illustration here shows that said hardware system 260 is signal-connected to the first control unit 210 via a link L260.

According to one example, diagnostics of other hardware can be performed by determining, under certain operation conditions, the performance of said hardware and then comparing the results with anticipated results. For example, in the event that said hardware is an SCR catalytic converter, a degradation of the working surfaces in the SCR catalytic converter can be determined.

According to one example, adaptation can involve compensating for a deviation from the desired performance in a suitable manner.

According to one aspect of the invention, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine at least one suitable occasion for performing diagnostics of said other hardware. Said diagnostics can have the purpose of determining whether said other hardware is meeting certain set performance requirements or delivering the desired functionality.

According to one aspect of the invention, said first control unit 210 is arranged so as to perform the desired adaptation of said other hardware. Said adaptation can have the purpose of causing said other hardware to meet/deliver said certain performance requirements or functionality.

Said adaptation can be performed in a suitable manner by means of equipment or calculation models intended for that purpose.

A number of subsystems containing various consumable materials 270 are pre-existingly arranged in the vehicle 100. Said subsystems can be suitable subsystems that contain a fluid. Said fluid can consist of at least any of a fuel, reducing agent, lubricant, coolant, heating medium or cleaning agent. Said fluid is a consumable material.

According to one aspect of the invention, said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine at least one suitable occasion for performing diagnostics of said consumable material. Said diagnostics can have the purpose of determining whether said consumable material is of a grade or composition that is consistent with a desired grade or composition.

Said diagnostics can be performed in a suitable manner by means of equipment or calculation models intended for that purpose.

Said look-ahead system 230 is arranged so as to determine at least one suitable occasion for performing selected diagnostics and any adaptations of one or a plurality of said vehicle functions. Said suitable occasion can be a certain time. Said suitable occasion can be a suitable time interval. Said suitable time interval can be a time interval that is defined by the time interval 0-15 seconds. Said suitable time interval can be a time interval that is defined by the time interval 0-30 seconds. Said suitable time interval can be a time interval that is defined by the time interval 0-60 seconds. Said suitable time interval can be a time interval that is defined by the time interval 1 -5 minutes. Said suitable time interval can be a time interval that is longer than 10 minutes.

A second control unit 220 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 210 via a link L220. The second control unit 220 can be detachably connected to the first control unit 210. The second control unit 220 can be a control unit external to the vehicle 100. The second control unit 220 can be arranged so as to perform the innovative method steps according to the invention. The second control unit 220 can be used to load software to the first control unit 210, particularly software for performing the innovative method. The second control unit 220 can alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit210 via an internal network in the vehicle. The second control unit 220 can be arranged so as to perform essentially the same functions as the first control unit 210.

Figure 3a schematically illustrates a flow diagram of a method for diagnostics of vehicle functions according to one embodiment of the invention. The method comprises a first method step s301 . The step s301 comprises the steps of:

- determining at least one suitable occasion for said diagnostics; and

- determining said at least one suitable occasion by means of an on-vehicle system for predicting the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle. After the step s301 , the method is concluded.

Figure 3b schematically illustrates a flow diagram of a method for diagnostics of vehicle functions according to one embodiment of the invention.

The method comprises a first method step s310. The method step s310 comprises the step of selecting at least one vehicle function that is to be diagnosed and potentially corrected. Said selection can comprise the selection of more than one type of vehicle function. For example, a sensor 240 and an actuator 250 can be selected. Said selection can comprise the selection of more than one vehicle function of a given category. For example, two different sensors can be selected. Said first control unit 210 can be arranged so as to automatically select one or a plurality of vehicle functions. After the method step s310, a subsequent method step s320 is performed.

The method step s320 comprises the step of predicting the conditions of forward travel of the vehicle. Said look-ahead system 230 can thus be arranged so as to determine probable conditions of forward travel for the vehicle 100. This can occur on the basis of information from, e.g. sensors in the vehicle and/or information received from said information system and/or information stored in a memory in the look-ahead system 230. Said stored information can at least partly be present in the form of an electronic map. After the method step s320, a subsequent method step s330 is performed.

The method step s330 comprises the step of determining operating conditions. Said look-ahead system 230 can be arranged so as to determine said operating conditions on the basis of said selection of vehicle function. Each vehicle function can be associated with predetermined operating conditions, under which operating conditions said diagnostics are applicable. After the method step s330, a subsequent method step s340 is performed.

The method step s340 comprises the step of determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics by means of an on-vehicle system 230 for predicting forward travel conditions of the vehicle. The step s340 can comprise the step of determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics on the basis of said conditions of forward travel. The step s340 can comprise the step of determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics on the basis of said operating conditions. After the method step s340, a subsequently method step s350 is performed. The method step s350 comprises the step of performing diagnostics. Said diagnostics are performed on said determined at least one occasion. According to one embodiment, a plurality of different diagnostics can be performed simultaneously for the same vehicle function or for different vehicle functions. Said diagnostics can be performed in a suitable manner, including in dependence upon which type of vehicle function is selected. The step s350 can comprise the step, where applicable, of generating an error code pertaining to said diagnostics. Said error code can be displayed for a driver of the vehicle by means of suitable equipment. Said error code can be stored in, for example, the first control unit 210. The step s350 comprises the step of determining a result for each successfully performed diagnostic. Said result can comprise information about a deviation from a normal and correct behavior, characteristic or grade. After the method step s350, a subsequent method step s360 is performed.

The method step s360 comprises the step of performing an adaptation. Said adaptation can comprise actively correcting for said determined deviation. Said adaptation can be performed in a suitable manner, including in dependence upon the vehicle function and associated deviation in question. The step s360 can comprise the step, where applicable, of generating an error code pertaining to said adaptation. Said error code can be displayed for a driver of the vehicle by means of suitable equipment. Said error code can be stored in, for example, the first control unit 210. According to one embodiment, the step s360 can comprise the step of feeding back information about said diagnostics and adaptation to a vehicle operator. This can occur by means of suitable elements, such as a display screen. Many adaptations can be performed automatically by means of said first control unit 210. For example, a misleading sensor value can be compensated for hereby. Certain adaptations require manual intervention, such as replacing a misdiagnosed consumable material. After the method step s360, the method is concluded. A diagram of an embodiment of a device 400 is shown with reference to Figure 4. In one embodiment, the control units 210 and 220 as described with reference to Figure 2 can comprise the device 400. The device 400 comprises a non-volatile memory 420, a data-processing unit 410 and a read/write memory 450. The non-volatile memory 420 has a first memory section 430 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored in order to control the function of the device 400. The device 400 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O elements, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 420 also has a second memory section 440.

A computer program P is provided that comprises routines for determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics by means of an on-vehicle system for predicting conditions of forward travel of the vehicle according to the innovative method.

The computer program P comprises routines for determining said suitable occasion based on predicted operating conditions. The computer program P comprises routines for determining said suitable occasion based on prevailing operating conditions.

The computer program P comprises routines for:

- selecting a vehicle function; and

- performing said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion.

The computer program P comprises routines for:

- selecting a vehicle function; and

- performing said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion under at least one operating condition.

The computer program P comprises routines for: - using the results of said diagnostics to correct, in applicable cases, a vehicle function in order to adapt it to said results.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program P is provided that comprises routines for determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics and any necessary adaptation of a vehicle function by means of an on-vehicle system for predicting conditions of forward travel of the vehicle according to the innovative method. According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program P is provided that comprises routines for determining at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics and any necessary adaptation of a vehicle function by means of an on-vehicle look-ahead system 230. The computer program P can be stored in an executable manner or in compressed form in a memory 460 and/or a read/write memory 450.

When it is stated that the data-processing unit 410 performs a given function, it is to be understood that the data-processing unit 410 executes a certain part of the program that is stored in the memory 460, or a certain part of the program that is stored in the read/write memory 450.

The data-processing device 410 can communicate with a data port 499 via a data bus 415. The non-volatile memory 420 is intended for communication with the data-processing unit 410 via a data bus 412. The separate memory 460 is intended to communicate with the data-processing unit 410 via a data bus 41 1 . The read/write memory 450 is intended to communicate with the data-processing unit 410 via a data bus 414. For example, the links L220, L230, L240, L250, L260 and L270 can be connected to the data port 499 (see Figure 2). When data are received at the data port 499 they are stored in the second memory section 440. Once received input data have been temporarily stored, the data-processing unit 410 is arranged so as to execute code in a manner as described above. According to one embodiment, signals received at the data port 599 [sic] contain information determined by means of the look- ahead system 230. According to one embodiment, signals received at the data port 499 contain information about at least one suitable occasion for diagnostics of a selected vehicle function, such as a sensor configuration, an actuator 250, other hardware 260 in the vehicle or consumable materials 270. The signals received at the data port 499 can be used by the device 400 to perform said diagnostics on at least one suitable occasion. The signals received at the data port 499 can be used by the device 400 to perform said diagnostics on said at least one suitable occasion under at least one operating condition. The signals received at the data port 499 can be used by the device 400 to use the results of said diagnostics in order to correct, in applicable cases, a vehicle function in order to adapt it to said results.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by the device 400 with the help of the data-processing unit 410, which runs the program stored in the memory 460 or the read/write memory 450. The methods described herein are executed when the device 400 runs the program.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been furnished for the purpose of illustrating and describing the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive, or to limit the invention to the described variants. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best clarify the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and to thereby enable one skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments and with the various modifications that are suitable for its intended use.