DESC:METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FAULT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421079818 filed on 21/10/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system(s) and method(s) for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Nowadays, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining prominence as a sustainable alternative to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, offering reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency. Advanced VIC systems play a pivotal role in both the operation and the user experience of electric vehicles (EVs). These systems are responsible for monitoring, managing, and controlling a range of vehicle functions, including battery management, propulsion, charging, energy distribution, and in-vehicle infotainment. By integrating multiple sensors, controllers, and human-machine interfaces, VIC systems provide real-time information to the driver and facilitate seamless interaction between the vehicle and its occupants.
Generally, with the continuous advancement of automotive electronics technology, the vehicle-mounted display systems such as VICs are evolving towards larger screen sizes and higher resolutions. Traditionally, integrated display systems, wherein the host and the display are combined into a single unit, have been widely used. However, there is a growing trend toward split display systems, in which the host and the display are installed separately and interconnected via dedicated video communication interfaces, such as FPD_LINK or GSML. Further, the vehicle-mounted display screens serve as a critical component of the in-vehicle audio-visual entertainment system and act as a primary interface for human-machine interaction. As such, the reliability and diagnosability of these displays have become increasingly important. Furthermore, the efficient recording, storage, and retrieval of display fault data are essential to ensure timely maintenance and uninterrupted operation. Currently, there are two main approaches for handling faults in vehicle-mounted display systems: firstly, displaying fault information by superimposing text on the video output, and secondly, indicating fault status through the output of specific video images. However, both approaches are limited, as they rely on the fault being continuously present and actively occurring. Furthermore, the transient or instantaneous faults, which may appear briefly and then return to normal operation, cannot be reliably detected or recorded using these methods. Moreover, these existing methods primarily assist human operators in troubleshooting through direct interaction with the display system and do not enable comprehensive, automated analysis of display faults.
Therefore, there exists a need for a system and method for fault diagnostics of a VIC that overcomes one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC).
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric vehicle. The system comprising at least one sensing module and a processor. The at least one sensing module is configured to monitor a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and a sensor components associated with the VIC, and the processor is configured to determine abnormality in the monitored functional parameters, detect faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components, initiate diagnosis of the sensor components and implement safety measures based on the detected faults.
The present disclosure provides the system for fault diagnostics of the VIC. The system as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing a comprehensive fault diagnostic of the VIC in electric vehicles. Beneficially, the system is capable of identifying abnormalities across a wide range of functional parameters, including, but not limited to, communication, sensor performance, and display or touchscreen operation. Beneficially, the system may detect both transient and sustained faults, ensuring early identification of issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Further, the system reduces reliance on manual inspection and enhances accuracy in fault localization. Furthermore, the system improves vehicle safety and reliability by initiating corrective actions. Moreover, the ability of the system to log and store diagnostic data, and supports long-term analysis and predictive maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and improving overall user experience.
In accordance with second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC). The method comprising monitoring a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and sensor components associated with the VIC, determining abnormality in the monitored functional parameters, detecting faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components, initiating diagnosis of the sensor components and implementing safety measures based on the detected faults.
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 system for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a steps involved in a method for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC), in accordance with another embodiment 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 system and method for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) of an electric 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.
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 “fault diagnostics” refers to a process of detecting, identifying, and classifying abnormal conditions, malfunctions, or failures in a system or the components by monitoring one or more operational parameters, comparing the monitored parameters with predefined thresholds or reference values, and analyzing deviations to determine the nature, location, and severity of the fault. The fault diagnostics may include both real-time monitoring for immediate response and post-event analysis for preventive maintenance, and may be applied to electrical, electronic, mechanical, or software subsystems.
As used herein, the terms “Vehicle Interface Controller” and “VIC” are used interchangeably and refer to an electronic control unit integrated within an electric vehicle that serves as a central interface for monitoring, managing, and coordinating various vehicle subsystems. The VIC is configured to facilitate communication between vehicle sensors, communication modules, display units, and other functional components through wired or wireless communication protocols. The VIC further provides human-machine interaction functions by processing and transmitting information related to vehicle operation, infotainment, diagnostics, and control. In addition, the VIC enables fault detection, data logging, and implementation of safety measures to ensure reliable and efficient vehicle operation.
As used herein, the terms “at least one sensing module” and “sensing module” are used interchangeably and refer to one or more hardware and/or software-based units configured to monitor, detect, or measure functional parameters associated with the VIC. The sensing module may comprise individual sensors, a group of sensors, or integrated sensor circuits, and may be configured to collect data such as communication parameters, sensor performance metrics, display and touchscreen status, environmental conditions, or system health indicators. The sensing module may include, but not limited to, sensors such as GPS, GNSS, IMU, compass, ambient light sensor (ALS), temperature sensors, watchdog timers, and connectivity status monitors (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, E-SIM, USB). The sensing module may be implemented as a standalone component, embedded within the VIC, or operatively connected through wired or wireless communication interfaces.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of functional parameters”, “monitored functional parameters”, and “functional parameters” are used interchangeably and refer to a set of operational characteristics, performance indicators, and status values associated with the functions and components of the VIC. The functional parameters are monitored to evaluate the health, connectivity, accuracy, and responsiveness of the VIC and its associated subsystems. The plurality of functional parameters may include, but not limited to, communication parameters, a sensor parameter, and a display and touchscreen parameters.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of functions” and “functions” are used interchangeably and refer to set of operational features, tasks, or activities executed, monitored, or controlled by the VIC in the electric vehicle. The plurality of functions may include, but not limited to, communication management (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, E-SIM, USB connectivity), sensor data acquisition and processing (e.g., GPS, GNSS, IMU, temperature sensors, ambient light sensors, watchdog timers), and human-machine interface operations (e.g., display rendering, touchscreen responsiveness, and pixel state monitoring).
As used herein, the term “sensor component(s)” refers to electronic modules or devices associated with the VIC that are configured to detect, measure, or monitor physical, environmental, positional, or operational parameters of the vehicle and provide corresponding data signals to the VIC for processing. The sensor components may include, but not limited to, positioning sensors (e.g., GPS, GNSS), motion and orientation sensors (e.g., IMU, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass), environmental sensors (e.g., ambient light sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor), system health sensors (e.g., watchdog timer, voltage/current monitors), and other diagnostic or functional sensors integrated within or communicably coupled to the VIC.
As used herein, the terms “processor”, “processing unit”, “control unit”, and “controller” are used interchangeably and refer to any suitable computational unit or electronic circuitry configured to execute instructions, process data, and perform logic-based operations. The processor may include, but is not limited to, a microcontroller, microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processor may be configured to operate independently or in conjunction with other hardware or software components, and may include associated memory, communication interfaces, and input/output modules as required for executing specific control, diagnostic, or computational tasks within the system.
As used herein, the term “safety measures” refers to any action, control, or countermeasure initiated by the system to mitigate risks, protect vehicle components, or ensure safe operation of the electric vehicle in response to a detected fault or abnormality. Such safety measures may be preventive, corrective, or fail-safe in nature, and may be implemented at the hardware, software, or system level.
As used herein, the term “detected faults” refers to deviations, errors, or malfunctions identified by the system based on abnormalities in the monitored functional parameters of the VIC and the associated components. The detected faults include, but not limited to, communication-related failures, such as loss of Bluetooth, degraded Wi-Fi quality, interruption of mobile network service, or malfunction of USB connectivity; sensor-related errors, such as inaccurate GPS/GNSS readings, IMU malfunction, compass miscalibration, abnormal temperature sensor values, incorrect ambient light sensor outputs, or watchdog timer anomalies; and display and touchscreen-related issues, such as pixel response failure, degraded screen quality, or unresponsive touch input.
As used herein, the term “communication parameters” refers to the set of operational characteristics, status indicators, and performance metrics associated with wired and wireless communication interfaces of the VIC. The communication parameters are indicative of the connectivity health, data transfer quality, and overall communication reliability of the VIC with external networks, peripheral devices, and onboard systems. The communication parameters may include, but not limited to, Bluetooth connection status, E-SIM activation and network registration status, Wi-Fi connectivity and signal strength, mobile network performance indicators such as latency, bandwidth, and packet loss, USB connection status, uplink and downlink communication quality, and other protocol-specific diagnostic information.
As used herein, the term “sensor parameters” refers to measurable characteristics, performance indicators, or operational conditions associated with one or more sensors integrated within or connected to the VIC of the electric vehicle. The sensor parameters include, but not limited to, positional accuracy, orientation, responsiveness, calibration status, signal integrity, environmental readings, and system health metrics. Examples of sensor parameters include Global Positioning System (GPS) accuracy, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) accuracy, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) health, compass calibration status, readings from temperature sensors, ambient light sensor (ALS) outputs, and watchdog timer responses.
As used herein, the terms “display and touchscreen parameters”, “display parameters”, and “touchscreen parameters” are used interchangeably and refer to a set of measurable characteristics, attributes, or performance indicators of a vehicle-mounted display and the associated touch-sensitive interface that enable evaluation of proper functionality, responsiveness, and visual integrity. The display and touchscreen parameters may include, but not limited to, screen Pixel Response, touch input responsiveness, touch accuracy and calibration, display communication status, screen refresh and rendering performance, backlight and ABS integration, fault or error detection.
As used herein, the terms “Bluetooth connection status” and “Bluetooth status” are used interchangeably and refer to an indication of the operational state and connectivity of a Bluetooth communication interface associated with the VIC. The Bluetooth connection status provides information regarding whether the Bluetooth module is powered on, initialized, and actively paired with one or more external devices, such as mobile phones, audio devices, or other vehicle peripherals. The Bluetooth status may further indicate the quality or strength of the established connection, data transmission success or failure, signal integrity, and the presence of any interruptions or disconnections.
As used herein, the terms “E-SIM connection status” and “E-SIM status” are used interchangeably and refer to the operational condition and connectivity state of an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (E-SIM) within the VIC, which enables cellular network access without requiring a physical SIM card. The E-SIM connection status includes, but not limited to, detection of E-SIM availability, registration with a mobile network operator, network signal strength, data session establishment, roaming status, and any connectivity errors or disruptions.
As used herein, the terms “Wi-Fi connection quality” and “Wi-Fi quality” are used interchangeably and refer to a measure of the reliability, stability, and performance of a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection between the VIC and an external Wi-Fi network. The connection quality may be determined based on one or more of the following parameters: signal strength (e.g., received signal strength indicator, RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), link stability over time, data transmission rate, packet loss, latency, and frequency of connection drops.
As used herein, the term “mobile network performance” refers to one or more measurable characteristics that define the quality, reliability, and efficiency of a vehicle’s cellular network connectivity. The mobile network includes, but not limited to, signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, data transmission rate (uplink and downlink throughput), network latency, packet loss, connection stability, and handover performance between network cells. The mobile network performance may be monitored continuously or periodically by the VIC to detect anomalies, and support diagnostic and corrective actions when the network performance falls below predetermined thresholds.
As used herein, the term “uplink status” refers to the operational condition and quality of data transmission from the VIC or vehicle-mounted device to an external network or remote server. The uplink status encompasses parameters such as data transmission success rate, latency, signal strength, error rate, and connectivity integrity, and indicates whether data from the VIC is being reliably communicated to the intended recipient for purposes of monitoring, diagnostics, or control. Monitoring the uplink status enables detection of communication faults, network interruptions, or degraded performance, and facilitates corrective actions to maintain continuous and reliable data exchange.
As used herein, the term “USB connectivity” refers to the capability of the VIC to establish, maintain, and manage communication with external devices or peripherals via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The USB connectivity includes detecting the presence of connected USB devices, exchanging data with such devices, monitoring the integrity and quality of the USB communication link, and responding to errors or interruptions in the connection. The USB connectivity may support various USB standards (e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C) and may be used for purposes such as data transfer, firmware updates, device charging, or interfacing with in-vehicle or external systems.
As used herein, the term “GPS accuracy” refers to the degree of correctness and precision with which the VIC may determine the geographical position using signals received from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The GPS accuracy is quantified in terms of the deviation between the actual location of the vehicle and the location calculated by the VIC. The accuracy may be influenced by factors such as satellite signal strength, signal obstruction, multipath effects, atmospheric conditions, and the performance of the VIC’s GPS receiver. Monitoring GPS accuracy allows the system to detect anomalies or degradation in the GPS module, thereby supporting reliable navigation, sensor fusion, and other location-dependent functionalities of the electric vehicle.
As used herein, the term “GNSS accuracy” refers to the degree of precision with which the VIC or associated sensor module may determine the geographic position using signals received from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The accuracy may be influenced by factors including the number of visible satellites, signal multipath effects, atmospheric conditions, receiver quality, and the processing algorithms employed. The GNSS accuracy can be quantified as the deviation between the measured position and the true position, expressed in terms of horizontal and vertical errors, and may be used by the system to assess the reliability of location-dependent functions and trigger fault diagnostics when the determined position falls outside predefined tolerance thresholds.
As used herein, the term “IMU health” refers to the operational status and functional integrity of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) associated with the VIC. The IMU health encompasses the ability of the IMU to accurately measure and report motion-related parameters, including acceleration, angular velocity, and orientation of the vehicle, without degradation or error. The assessment of the IMU health includes monitoring sensor output consistency, detecting sensor faults or drifts, verifying calibration status, evaluating signal response time, and confirming that the IMU is providing reliable data within specified performance thresholds. IMU health can be used by the processor to diagnose faults, trigger alerts, or initiate corrective actions to maintain accurate vehicle navigation and control functions.
As used herein, the term “compass calibration status” refers to a parameter indicating the accuracy and readiness of a digital or electronic compass integrated within the VIC or associated navigation system. The compass calibration status reflects whether the compass has been properly calibrated to compensate for magnetic interference, sensor drift, or environmental variations, thereby providing reliable heading information. The compass calibration status may include indicators of calibration completion, degree of alignment with a known reference direction, detection of magnetic anomalies, and any requirement for recalibration to ensure accurate directional readings for navigation and orientation functions.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of temperature sensor readings” and “temperature sensor readings” are used interchangeably and refer to a set of temperature measurements obtained from two or more temperature sensors disposed at different locations within the vehicle or the VIC. Each temperature sensor is configured to detect thermal conditions associated with specific components or zones, such as the VIC circuitry, display modules, battery interfaces, or surrounding ambient areas. The collected readings provide real-time thermal information, enabling the processor to monitor temperature variations, identify abnormal thermal events, and initiate appropriate corrective actions to ensure safe and reliable operation of the VIC and associated vehicle systems.
As used herein, the terms “ALS sensors readings” and “Ambient Light Sensor readings” are used interchangeably and refer to the measurements obtained from one or more ambient light sensors integrated within the vehicle. The ALS sensors detect the intensity and characteristics of surrounding light in the vehicle’s environment, including natural daylight, artificial lighting, and variations in brightness. The ALS readings are used to adjust display brightness, touchscreen sensitivity, dashboard illumination, and other vehicle functions that depend on ambient light conditions. In the context of the claimed system, ALS readings are monitored by the processor to detect anomalies, calibrate the display system, and ensure proper functioning of human-machine interfaces.
As used herein, the term “watchdog timer response” refers to refers to the periodic signalling or acknowledgment generated by a watchdog timer mechanism embedded within the VIC or its associated control module. The watchdog timer is a monitoring tool that detects system anomalies, such as software freezes, unexpected delays, or unresponsive operations, by requiring periodic “heartbeat” signals from the processor or monitored components. A correct and timely response from the watchdog timer indicates that the monitored system or component is operating normally, whereas a delayed, missing, or abnormal response triggers fault detection and initiates corrective actions, including system reset, component isolation, or alerting the vehicle operator.
As used herein, the term “screen pixel response change” refers to any deviation or alteration in the normal behavior or output characteristics of individual pixels or groups of pixels on a vehicle-mounted display. Such changes may include variations in brightness, colour accuracy, contrast, response time, or refresh rate relative to expected or calibrated values. The detection of screen pixel response changes enables the identification of display faults, including stuck pixels, dead pixels, ghosting, flickering, or delayed pixel activation, which may affect the visual performance and reliability of the display system.
As used herein, the term “touch input responsiveness” refers to the capability of a touchscreen interface of a vehicle-mounted display to detect, register, and respond to user touch inputs within a specified time threshold and with consistent accuracy. The touch input responsiveness encompasses parameters such as the detection latency between the user’s touch and the corresponding system response, the accuracy of touch location recognition, the ability to recognize single-touch and multi-touch gestures, and the reliability of the touch response under varying environmental conditions, including changes in temperature, vibration, and illumination. The reduced touch input responsiveness, including delays, missed touches, or erroneous responses, is considered indicative of a potential fault in the touchscreen or its associated control circuitry, which may trigger diagnostic routines or safety measures within the vehicle interface system.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a system 100 for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) 102 of an electric vehicle. The system 100 comprising at least one sensing module 104 and a processor 106. The at least one sensing module 104 is configured to monitor a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and a sensor components associated with the VIC 102, and the processor 106 is configured to determine abnormality in the monitored functional parameters, detect faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components, initiate diagnosis of the sensor components and implement safety measures based on the detected faults.
In an embodiment, the plurality of functional parameters may comprise a communication parameter, sensor parameters, and a display and touchscreen parameters. Further, the processor 106 may be configured to diagnose the communication parameters comprising a Bluetooth connection status, an E-SIM connection status, a Wi-Fi connection quality, a mobile network performance, an uplink status, and a USB connectivity. The processor 106 continuously evaluates the communication parameters to detect anomalies such as connection failures, signal degradation, or intermittent link drops. Furthermore, upon detecting the abnormality, the processor 106 may initiate a diagnostic routine to isolate the faulty communication module, log the fault event, and, if necessary, trigger safety measures, such as alerting the driver or switching to an alternative communication channel. Beneficially, by assessing both the status and performance of key communication interfaces, the system 100 detects both persistent and transient faults, thereby improving fault coverage and diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the early identification and isolation of communication faults enhance the overall reliability and safety of the VIC 102, thereby reduces the downtime, and facilitate predictive maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted operation of vehicle infotainment and control functions.
In an embodiment, the processor 106 may be configured to diagnose sensor parameters comprising a GPS accuracy, a GNSS accuracy, an IMU health, a compass calibration status, a plurality of temperature sensor readings, an ALS (Ambient Light Sensor) sensor reading, and a watchdog timer response. The processor 106 monitors the sensor parameters in real time to detect deviations from predetermined thresholds, abnormal variations, or response failures. Further, upon identifying such irregularities, the processor 106 initiates diagnostic routines to determine the source of the abnormality, whether attributable to sensor malfunction, communication error, or environmental interference. Beneficially, the system 100 enables comprehensive and automated monitoring of multiple critical sensors that directly impact the functioning of the VIC and overall vehicle operation with the help of sensor parameters. Further, by diagnosing parameters such as GPS/GNSS accuracy and IMU health, the system 100 ensures reliable navigation and localization functions. Furthermore, the monitoring compass calibration status and ALS readings enhances precision in orientation and adaptive display brightness, improving user interaction and driving safety. Additionally, continuous monitoring of temperature sensors safeguards against overheating conditions, while watchdog timer responses ensure reliability of the processor 106 and stability of the system 100. Collectively, the diagnostic capabilities facilitate early detection of sensor degradation or malfunction, thereby improving system 100 reliability, enabling predictive maintenance, and enhancing the safety and usability of electric vehicles.
In an embodiment, the processor 106 may be configured to diagnose display and touchscreen parameter by inspecting screen pixels response changes, and touch input responsiveness. The processor 106 performs diagnostic operations by inspecting screen pixel response changes, which may include, but not limited to, detecting dead pixels, stuck pixels, or abnormal refresh behavior of the display. Additionally, the processor 106 evaluates touch input responsiveness by monitoring the latency, accuracy, and consistency of responses to user touch interactions on the touchscreen interface. For example, the processor 106 may execute predefined test patterns or simulated touch commands to verify that the touchscreen registers inputs correctly and responds within an acceptable time threshold. Beneficially, the inspection for screen pixels response changes, and touch input responsiveness ensures that both visual display integrity and human-machine interaction reliability are continuously monitored. Further, by inspecting the screen pixel response, the system 100 may identify degradation or failures in the display hardware, thereby preventing user misinterpretation of information due to faulty visuals. Simultaneously, diagnosing touch input responsiveness enables early detection of input delays, missed gestures, or erroneous responses, which may compromise safe vehicle operation and user experience. Furthermore, the combined diagnostic approach enhances system reliability, facilitates predictive maintenance, and ensures that the vehicle operator has access to accurate and responsive display interactions under diverse operating conditions.
In an embodiment, the processor 106 is configured to implement safety measures comprising one or more of: disabling the affected VIC component, alerting the vehicle operator, switching to a backup display mode, and logging the fault condition. The processor 106 is configured to implement safety measures upon detection of a fault in the VIC 102. The safety measures include disabling the affected VIC component to prevent malfunction propagation, alerting the vehicle operator through visual or auditory notifications, switching to the backup display mode to ensure continuity of critical information display, and logging the fault condition for subsequent diagnostics and maintenance analysis. Further, the processor 106 may execute predefined safety algorithms stored in memory, thereby ensuring that any abnormality detected in communication, sensor performance, or display/touchscreen parameters triggers an appropriate response in real time. Beneficially, by automatically disabling malfunctioning components, the system 100 prevents further damage and avoids cascading failures. Furthermore, the operator alerts ensure that the driver is immediately informed of system health, thereby supporting safe driving decisions. Moreover, the switching to the backup display mode maintains uninterrupted access to critical vehicle information, even in the event of display or interface faults, thereby improving user experience and operational reliability. Subsequently, logging the fault condition enables root cause analysis and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving the overall lifecycle performance of the systems 100.
The present disclosure provides the system 100 for fault diagnostic of the VIC 102 of electric vehicle. The system 100 as disclosed by present discourse is advantageous for incorporating the dedicated at least one sensing module 104 and the processor 106 configured for multi-level monitoring, thereby the system 100 enables comprehensive supervision of functional parameters related to communication, sensors, and display modules. Further, unlike conventional diagnostic approaches that primarily rely on persistent fault conditions, the system 100 is capable of detecting abnormalities, including transient or intermittent faults, ensuring that even short-lived issues are recorded and analyzed. The capability of detecting abnormalities improve the accuracy and completeness of diagnostics. Furthermore, the system 100 provides granular fault detection by separately monitoring communication links such as (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and USB connectivity), sensor health (including GPS, GNSS, IMU, and temperature sensors), and display/touchscreen responsiveness. Such categorization allows for precise localization of faults, reducing troubleshooting time and improving maintainability. Moreover, by diagnosing both hardware components and functional parameters, the system 100 enhances reliability and minimizes the risk of undetected failures that may compromise safety or performance. Another key advantage lies in the integration of automated safety measures, upon detection of faults, the system 100 may be proactively disable the malfunctioning VIC components, switch to backup operating modes, or alert the operator, thereby maintaining operational continuity and ensuring vehicle safety. Moreover, the ability to log fault conditions enables historical analysis, supporting predictive maintenance and reducing long-term service costs.
In an embodiment, the system 100 for fault diagnostics of the Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) 102 of the electric vehicle. The system 100 comprising the at least one sensing module 104 and the processor 106. The at least one sensing module 104 is configured to monitor the plurality of functional parameters corresponding to the plurality of functions and the sensor components associated with the VIC 102, and the processor 106 is configured to determine abnormality in the monitored functional parameters, detect faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components, initiate diagnosis of the sensor components and implement safety measures based on the detected faults. Further, the plurality of functional parameters comprises the communication parameter, the sensor parameters, and the display and touchscreen parameters. Furthermore, the processor 106 is configured to diagnose the communication parameters comprising the Bluetooth connection status, the E-SIM connection status, the Wi-Fi connection quality, the mobile network performance, the uplink status, and the USB connectivity. Moreover, the processor 106 is configured to diagnose sensor parameters comprising the GPS accuracy, the GNSS accuracy, the IMU health, the compass calibration status, the plurality of temperature sensor readings, the ALS (Ambient Light Sensor) sensor reading, and the watchdog timer response. Moreover, the processor 106 is configured to diagnose display and touchscreen parameter by inspecting screen pixels response changes, and touch input responsiveness. Moreover, the processor 106 is configured to implement safety measures comprising one or more of: disabling the affected VIC component, alerting the vehicle operator, switching to a backup display mode, and logging the fault condition.
Figure 2, describes a method 200 for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) 102. The method 200 starts at step 202 and completes at 210. At step 202, the method 200 comprises monitoring a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and sensor components associated with the VIC 102. At step 204, the method 200 comprises determining abnormality in the monitored functional parameters. At step 206, the method 200 comprises detecting faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components. At step 208, the method 200 comprises initiating diagnosis of the sensor components. At step 210, the method 200 comprises implementing safety measures based on the detected faults.
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.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A system (100) for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) (102) of an electric vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
- at least one sensing module (104) configured to monitor a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and a sensor component associated with the VIC (102); and
- a processor (106) configured to:
- determine abnormality in the monitored functional parameters;
- detect faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components;
- initiate diagnosis of the sensor components; and
- implement safety measures based on the detected faults.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of functional parameters comprises a communication parameter, a sensor parameters, and a display and touchscreen parameters.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (106) is configured to diagnose the communication parameters comprising a Bluetooth connection status, an E-SIM connection status, a Wi-Fi connection quality, a mobile network performance, an uplink status, and an USB connectivity.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (106) is configured to diagnose sensor parameter comprising a GPS accuracy, a GNSS accuracy, an IMU health, a compass calibration status, a plurality of temperature sensor readings, an ALS (Ambient Light Sensor) sensor reading, and a watchdog timer response.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (106) is configured to diagnose display and touchscreen parameter by inspecting screen pixels response changes, and touch input responsiveness.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (106) is configured to implement safety measures comprising one or more of: disabling the affected VIC component, alerting the vehicle operator, switching to a backup display mode, and logging the fault condition.
7. A method (200) for fault diagnostics of a Vehicle Interface Controller (VIC) (102), the method (200) comprising:
- monitoring a plurality of functional parameters corresponding to a plurality of functions and sensor components associated with the VIC (102);
- determining abnormality in the monitored functional parameters;
- detecting faults corresponding to the determined abnormality of monitored functions and sensor components;
- initiating diagnosis of the sensor components; and
- implementing safety measures based on the detected faults.