Description:METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a diagnostic of vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method of remote diagnostic of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Vehicles have become indispensable for personal transportation, commuting, and logistics. The growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, driven by environmental concerns and fuel efficiency, further underscores their importance.
The increasing use of vehicles necessitates regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability. This creates a demand for effective fault diagnosis techniques to monitor vehicle health and identify potential issues. Traditionally, fault diagnosis relied heavily on the mechanic's expertise and the use of various testing tools, which could be labour-intensive and less accurate.
The introduction of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems revolutionized vehicle diagnostics. By providing standardized, real-time data and error codes, OBD systems significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of fault diagnosis. However, current OBD systems are primarily localized, limiting access to diagnostic data to physical OBD ports.
OBD systems are crucial for modern vehicles, serving several critical functions. They monitor the health of a vehicle's engine and other key components, detect malfunctions and generate Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to assist mechanics, help prevent safety-related failures and alert drivers to potential issues, and facilitate informed maintenance decisions, extending vehicle lifespan and improving reliability.
A major limitation of current OBD systems is their localized nature. This restricts access to diagnostic data to users with physical OBD ports and prevents manufacturers and dealers from accessing the data. There is a growing need for a more comprehensive and accessible approach to vehicle diagnostics that enables secure remote access to OBD data.
Secure access to OBD data would offer numerous benefits. It would enable manufacturers and dealers to remotely diagnose and repair vehicle issues more efficiently, enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, access to OBD data could support vehicle design improvements and emissions compliance. Furthermore, OBD data can be used for warranty claims, recalls, and maintenance planning.
Therefore, there exists an improved mechanism of vehicle diagnostic that overcomes the one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of remote diagnostic of a vehicle.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic in a vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic system comprises a vehicle link device configured to collect at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle, a server arrangement configured to receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle and generate at least one diagnostic information, and a terminal device configured display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle.
The present disclosure provides system for a remote diagnostic of vehicle. Advantageously, the system comprises an alternate channel through OBD port to establish a centralize system for performing remote diagnostics in the vehicle. Furthermore, the centralize system of present disclosure advantageously includes a server in which the vehicle fault diagnostic data is stored. Moreover, the server of remote diagnostics system is beneficial for providing a secured data to user and a manufacturer. Moreover, the centralize system is beneficial for providing a data to the user in structured manner. Advantageously, the remote diagnostics system improves the data integrity. Furthermore, the disclosed centralized system is beneficial for improvement in accuracy of the fault diagnostic of vehicle. Furthermore, the remote diagnostic system is beneficial in terms of regular access to the diagnostic information which helps in proactive maintenance and timely repairs of vehicles. Advantageously, early detection of issues may prevent more severe damage and reduce repair costs of vehicle. Advantageously, the past diagnostic records are stored in the server and available for analysis to identify patterns of vehicle performance which helps for decision making. Advantageously, user receives updates and reports on their vehicle health via app and making it easier for user to stay informed about maintenance needs.
In accordance with second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of remote diagnostic of a vehicle. The method comprises collecting at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle using a vehicle link device, receiving the at least one diagnostic data and generating at least one diagnostic information based on the diagnostic data using a server arrangement, and displaying the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle using a terminal device.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of remote diagnostic of a vehicle, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “electric vehicle”, “EV”, and “EVs” are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including the vehicle capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ‘electric vehicle’ as used herein includes electric two-wheeler, electric three-wheeler, electric four-wheeler, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks and so forth.
As used herein, the term “vehicle link device” refers to passthrough device configured to be connected in an onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle. The vehicle link device is capable of communicating with a server arrangement to send vehicle diagnostic data to a server arrangement.
As used herein, the terms “data processing arrangement” and “processor” are used interchangeably and refer to a computational element that is operable to respond to and processes instructions that drive the system. Optionally, the data processing arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a micro-controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or any other type of processing circuit. Furthermore, the term “processor” may refer to one or more individual processors, processing devices and various elements associated with a processing device that may be shared by other processing devices. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement may comprise ARM Cortex-M series processors, such as the Cortex-M4 or Cortex-M7, or any similar processor designed to handle real-time tasks with high performance and low power consumption. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement may comprise custom and/or proprietary processors.
As used herein, the term “communicably coupled” refers to a bi-directional connection between the various components of the system. The bi-directional connection between the various components of the system enables exchange of data between two or more components of the system. Similarly, bi-directional connection between the system and other elements/modules enables exchange of data between system and the other elements/modules.
As used herein, the term “communication module” relates to an arrangement of interconnected programmable and/or non-programmable components that are configured to facilitate data communication between one or more electronic devices and/or databases, whether available or known at the time of filing or as later developed. Furthermore, the communication module may utilise, but is not limited to, a public network such as the global computer network known as the Internet, a private network, Wi-Fi, a cellular network including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G LTE etc. and any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. Additionally, the communication module utilises wired or wireless communication that can be carried out via any number of known protocols, including, but not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP), Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), Frame Relay, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Moreover, any other suitable protocols using voice, video, data, or combinations thereof, can also be employed. Moreover, although the communication module described herein as being implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the communication module may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, any tunnelling protocol (e.g., IPsec, SSH), or any number of existing or future protocols. It would be appreciated that internal components of the portable device would utilise communication methods including Controller Area Network, Local Interconnect Network, FlexRay, Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profinet and so forth, via the communication module. Similarly, it would be appreciated that the portable device would utilise communication methods including Wi-Fi, cellular network, Bluetooth for communication with external modules/units/components, via the communication module.
As used herein, the term “server arrangement, and “server”” are used interchangeably and refer to a remote computing unit with organization of one or more CPUs, memory, databases, network interfaces etc. to provide required information via network-based communication. The server arrangement may comprise data processing arrangement for various computing tasks and for processing the diagnostic data.
As used herein, the term “user” refers to an owner of the electric vehicle and/or a technician and/or a service personnel and/or a service manager.
As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to a handheld computing unit comprising processing, networking and storage capabilities. The terminal device may include a smartphone, a tablet, a handheld terminal and so forth. The terminal device may be associated with owner of the electric vehicle and/or a technician and/or a service personnel and/or a service manager.
As used herein, the term “user input” refers to an input of the information provided by the user.
As used herein, the term “display unit”, and “display” are used interchangeably and refers to a digital display capable of displaying various information. Furthermore, the display unit may be a combination of displays.
As used herein, the term “digital security module” refers to a combination of processing unit and memory unit capable of encrypting the communication originating from the communication module. The digital security module ensures the security of communication and data transmission, and may store encryption keys, security certificates, or other authentication information. Furthermore, the digital security module safeguards sensitive information and protect against unauthorized access or tampering in a digital manner. Furthermore, the digital security module ensures cybersecurity of the portable device against hacking attempts.
As used herein, the term “diagnostic data” refers to data collected from a vehicle's onboard systems that can be used to assess the health and performance of various components. This data is primarily gathered through sensors, electronic control units (ECUs), and other diagnostic tools within the vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic data may comprise fault codes, system status, performance parameter and so on.
As used herein, the term “diagnostic information” refers to a user readable information indicating status of the vehicle and the faults.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a vehicle diagnostic system 100 configured to perform remote diagnostic in a vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic system 100 comprises a vehicle link device 102 configured to collect at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle, a server arrangement 104 configured to receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle and generate at least one diagnostic information, and a terminal device 106 configured display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle.
The system 100 as disclosed by the present disclosure, beneficially establishes an alternate channel through OBD port to establish a centralize system for performing remote diagnostics in the vehicle. Furthermore, the system 100 of present disclosure advantageously includes a server arrangement 104 in which the at least one diagnostic data is stored. Moreover, the server arrangement 104 of remote diagnostics system 100 is beneficial for providing a secured data to user and a vehicle manufacturer. Moreover, the system 100 is beneficial for providing a data to the user in structured manner. Advantageously, the remote diagnostics system 100 improves the data integrity. Furthermore, the disclosed system 100 is beneficial for improvement in accuracy of the fault diagnostic of vehicle. Furthermore, the remote diagnostic system 100 is beneficial in terms of regular access to the diagnostic information which helps in proactive maintenance and timely repairs of vehicles. Advantageously, early detection of issues may prevent more severe damage and reduce repair costs of vehicle. Advantageously, the past diagnostic records are stored in the server and available for analysis to identify patterns of vehicle performance which helps for decision making. Advantageously, user receives updates and reports on their vehicle health via app and making it easier for user to stay informed about maintenance needs.
In an embodiment, the vehicle link device 102 comprises a communication module 108 configured to communicably couple the vehicle link device 102 with the server arrangement 104. Beneficially, the vehicle link device 102 securely communicates with the server arrangement 104 to transfer information therebetween. Furthermore, the vehicle link device 102 comprises a digital security module to secure the communication with the server arrangement.
In an embodiment, the vehicle link device 102 is connected to an onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle. Beneficially, the onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle provides diagnostic data to the vehicle link device 102 for further processing of the diagnostic data.
In an embodiment, the vehicle link device 102 is a passthrough device. Beneficially, the passthrough device securely transmit the diagnostic data from the onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle to the server arrangement 104.
In an embodiment, the server arrangement 104 is configured to query the vehicle via the vehicle link device 102 to collect and receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle. Beneficially, the server arrangement 104 is capable of performing diagnostic tests on the vehicle to receive the at least one diagnostic data.
In an embodiment, the server arrangement 104 is configured to process the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle to generate the at least one diagnostic information. Beneficially, the server arrangement 104 processes the at least one diagnostic data to generate user readable at least one diagnostic information.
In an embodiment, the terminal device 106 is communicably coupled to the server arrangement 104 to receive the at least one diagnostic information. Beneficially, the terminal device 106 securely communicates with the server arrangement.
In an embodiment, the terminal device 106 comprises a user interface 110 configured to display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle. Beneficially, the terminal device 106 displays the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle to the user.
In an embodiment, the terminal device 106 is configured to receive at least one user input via the user interface 110 and communicate the received user input to the server arrangement 104. Beneficially, the at least one user input communicated to the server arrangement 104 enables secondary actions and further diagnostic of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the vehicle diagnostic system 100 comprises the vehicle link device 102 configured to collect the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle, the server arrangement 104 configured to receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle and generate the at least one diagnostic information, and the terminal device 106 configured display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle link device 102 comprises the communication module 108 configured to communicably couple the vehicle link device 102 with the server arrangement 104. Furthermore, the vehicle link device 102 is connected to the onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle link device 102 is the passthrough device. Furthermore, the server arrangement 104 is configured to query the vehicle via the vehicle link device 102 to collect and receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle. Furthermore, the server arrangement 104 is configured to process the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle to generate the at least one diagnostic information. Furthermore, the terminal device 106 is communicably coupled to the server arrangement 104 to receive the at least one diagnostic information. Furthermore, the terminal device 106 comprises the user interface 110 configured to display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle. Furthermore, the terminal device 106 is configured to receive the at least one user input via the user interface 110 and communicate the received user input to the server arrangement 104.
Figure 2, describes a method 200 of remote diagnostic of a vehicle. The method 200 starts at step 202 and completes at step 206. At step 202, the method 200 comprises collecting at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle using a vehicle link device 102. At step 204, the method 200 comprises receiving the at least one diagnostic data and generating at least one diagnostic information based on the diagnostic data using a server arrangement 104. At step 206, the method 200 comprises displaying the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle using a terminal device 106.
It would be appreciated that all the explanations and embodiments of the portable device 100 also applies mutatis-mutandis to the method 200.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle diagnostic system (100) configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle diagnostic system (100) comprises:
- a vehicle link device (102) configured to collect at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle;
- a server arrangement (104) configured to receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle and generate at least one diagnostic information based on the diagnostic data; and
- a terminal device (106) configured display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle.
2. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle link device (102) comprises a communication module (108) configured to communicably couple the vehicle link device (102) with the server arrangement (104).
3. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vehicle link device (102) is connected to an onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle.
4. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vehicle link device (102) is a passthrough device.
5. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server arrangement (104) is configured to query the vehicle via the vehicle link device (102) to collect and receive the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle.
6. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server arrangement (104) is configured to process the at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle to generate the at least one diagnostic information.
7. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal device (106) is communicably coupled to the server arrangement (104) to receive the at least one diagnostic information.
8. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal device (106) comprises a user interface (110) configured to display the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle.
9. The vehicle diagnostic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal device (106) is configured to receive at least one user input via the user interface (110) and communicate the received user input to the server arrangement (104).
10. A method (200) of remote diagnostic of a vehicle, wherein the method (200) comprises:
- collecting at least one diagnostic data of the vehicle using a vehicle link device (102);
- receiving the at least one diagnostic data and generating at least one diagnostic information based on the diagnostic data using a server arrangement (104); and
- displaying the at least one diagnostic information of the vehicle using a terminal device (106).