Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automobile units. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for diagnosing the health of an automobile unit and accordingly, operating the automobile unit.
BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, automobile units such as two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) have gained widespread popularity due to heightened environmental concerns and increased cost competitiveness with conventional fuel-based vehicles. Further, due to the widespread popularity of the EVs, the EVs have been technologically developed to cater to the needs of a customer. Particularly, the EVs include a plurality of components including, electronic components, an on-board charger, etc., adapted to perform different functions, for example, infotainment, a battery charging, etc., to cater to the needs of the customer.
[0003] However, the plurality of components is susceptible to failure because of different factors, for example, software failure, operating system updates, etc. The failure of the plurality of components also increases the possibility of stranding of the EVs. For instance, an EV may be stranded on a road due to failure of at least one of the plurality of components due to a software glitch in the at least one of the plurality of components, or any other associated reasons, for example, low battery charging. In that case, the stranded EV has to wait for a towing vehicle to tow the stranded EV. Further, the towing vehicle, depending on the traffic and location of the stranded EV, may take time to reach the stranded vehicle. This configuration increases the servicing and repairing time of the stranded EV. Further, this configuration increases the need for trained human resources at a large scale to repair the stranded EV. Further, this configuration also increases the need for additional components to repair the stranded EV. Thus, this configuration is not an economical solution for the customer and also increases discomfort for the customer.
[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a system and a method that can diagnose the health of an automobile unit and accordingly, operate the automobile unit while reducing one or more above-mentioned problems associated with the existing art.
SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a system and a method to diagnose the health of an automobile unit and accordingly, operate the automobile unit.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed herein. The system includes a plurality of control units communicatively coupled to a first automobile unit and a second automobile unit. The plurality of control units is configured to be communicatively coupled with each other. At least one control unit amongst the plurality of control units is configured to receive an input signal indicative of one or more operational status of the second automobile unit, from another control unit from the plurality of control units. The at least one control unit receives the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status, after the plurality of control units is communicatively coupled with each other. The at least one control unit is configured to process the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status. The at least one control unit is configured to identify a compromised state of the second automobile unit, based on the processed input signal. The at least one control unit is further configured to identify one or more modes of the first automobile unit, based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit. The at least one control unit is further configured to operate to activate the one or more modes of the first automobile unit, based on the identification.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, by at least one control unit from a plurality of control units, an input signal indicative of one or more operational status of a second automobile unit, from another control unit from a plurality of control units, after the plurality of control units is communicatively coupled with each other. The method includes processing, by the at least one control unit, the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status. The method includes identifying, by the at least one control unit, a compromised state of the second automobile unit, based on the processed input signal. The method further includes identifying, by the at least one control unit, one or more modes of the first automobile unit, based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit. The method further includes operating the at least one control unit, to activate the one or more modes of the first automobile unit, based on the identification.
[0009] The present disclosure provides a configuration for diagnosing the health of the second automobile unit with the at least one control unit. The at least one control unit detects the compromised state of the second automobile unit. Further, the at least one control unit identifies and activates the one or more modes and accordingly, transmits the one or more operational parameters from the first automobile unit to the second automobile unit. The second automobile unit receives the operational parameters and operates accordingly. Thus, this configuration eliminates the requirement to wait for a towing vehicle to tow the vehicle. Further, this configuration also reduces the servicing and repairing time of the second automobile unit, consequently ensuring comfort to the customer.
[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an environment of a system having a plurality of control units communicatively coupled to a first automobile unit and a second automobile unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a first control unit and a second control unit from the plurality of control units, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figures 3A-3C illustrate a flowchart depicting a transmission of one or more operational parameters from the first control unit to the second control unit from the plurality of control units, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figures 4A-4B illustrate a flowchart depicting an exemplary implementation of the system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for diagnosing the health of the second automobile unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0019] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0020] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[0021] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0022] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0023] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[0024] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an environment of a system 100 having a plurality of control units 108, 110 communicatively coupled to a first automobile unit 104 and a second automobile unit 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] In an embodiment, the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be a vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The EV or the battery powered vehicle includes, in non-limiting examples, two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from a plurality of batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the EV may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the EV over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0028] In construction, the EV typically comprises hardware components such as a battery or battery module enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger, a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor and an electric transmission system.
[0029] In addition to the hardware components/elements, the EV may be supported with software modules comprising intelligent features including and not limited to navigation assistance, hill assistance, cloud connectivity, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, adaptive display techniques and so on.
[0030] The firmware of the EV may also comprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) driven modules which enable the prediction of a plurality of parameters such as and not limited to driver/rider behaviour, road condition, charging infrastructures/charging grids in the vicinity and so on. The data pertaining to the intelligent features may be displayed through a display device present in the dashboard of the EV. In one embodiment, the display device may contain a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of a predefined dimension. In another embodiment, the display device may contain a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen of a predefined dimension. The display device may be a water-resistant display supporting one or more User-Interface (UI) designs. Further, the display unit may be communicatively coupled to a plurality of control units of the vehicle through various means, for example, CAN network, UART protocol. Particularly, input from the plurality of control units is converted via the gateway (the UART protocol) and transmitted to the display device, where the display device may be able to read the converted input. Additionally, inputs from the display device may be transferred to the plurality of control units through the CAN network such that the plurality of control units may be able to read the inputs from the display device. The EV may support multiple frequency bands such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and so on. Additionally, the EV may also be equipped with wireless infrastructure such as, and not limited to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and so on to facilitate wireless communication with other EVs or the cloud.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be a charging system and other of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be the vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0032] In an embodiment, each of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be equipped with the system 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the system 100 may be implemented on a cloud-based server in communication with each of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The system 100 ensures the exchanging of diagnostic signals and control signals between each of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106.
[0033] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to diagnose the health of the at least one of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106, and accordingly, operate the at least one of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106.
[0034] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include, but is not limited to, the plurality of control units 108, 110 as will be explained in detail further below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] The constructional and operational aspects of the system 100 having the plurality of control units 108, 110 may be explained with reference to Figures 2-3C in conjunction with Figure 1.
[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a first control unit 108 and a second control unit 110 from the plurality of control units 108, 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3A-3C illustrate a flowchart depicting transmission of one or more operational parameters from the first control unit 108 to the second control unit 110, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A illustrates a flowchart depicting the transmission of the one or more operational parameters from the first control unit 108 to the second control unit 110 through a wired network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B illustrates a flowchart depicting the transmission of the one or more operational parameters from the first control unit 108 to the second control unit 110 through a wireless network, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3C illustrates a flowchart depicting the transmission of the one or more operational parameters from the first control unit 108 to the second control unit 110 through a cloud-based server 320, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] In an embodiment, the plurality of control units 108, 110 may be communicatively coupled to the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106. Further, the plurality of control units 108, 110 may be configured to be communicatively coupled with each other. In an embodiment, at least one control unit from the plurality of control units 108, 110 may be configured to operate to diagnose the health of the at least one of the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106. Further, in the illustrative embodiment, the at least one control unit may be configured to diagnose the health of the second automobile unit 106. In another embodiment, the at least one control unit may be configured to diagnose the health of the first automobile unit 104, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one control unit may be the first control unit 108, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, another control unit may be the second control unit 110, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such embodiment, the first control unit 108 may have a master configuration and the second control unit 110 may have a slave configuration, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one control unit may be the second control unit 110, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the another control unit may be the first control unit 108, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such embodiment, the second control unit 110 may have the master configuration, and the first control unit 108 may have the slave configuration, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the first control unit 108 and the second control unit 110 may be communicatively coupled with each other with a wired network or a wireless network, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0039] In an embodiment, the first control unit 108 may be communicatively coupled to the first automobile unit 104. Further, the second control unit 110 may be communicatively coupled to the second automobile unit 106.
[0040] Further, in an embodiment, the first control unit 108 may have the master configuration and be configured to operate to diagnose the health of the second automobile unit 106 which is explained in subsequent paragraphs. In another embodiment, the second control unit 110 may have the master configuration and be configured to operate in a similar manner as the first control unit 108 to diagnose the health of the first automobile unit 104. Thus, the same is not explained for the sake of brevity. Further, the operational and constructional details of the first control unit 108 having the master configuration and the second control unit 110 having the slave configuration are explained in subsequent paragraphs.
[0041] In an embodiment, the key elements of the first control unit 108 typically include (i) a microcontroller core (or processor) 226; (ii) memory 228; (iii) module(s) 202, and (iv) communication protocols including, but not limited to a CAN protocol, Serial Communication Interface (SCI) protocol and so on. The sequence of programmed instructions and data associated therewith can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 228 or a storage device which may be any suitable memory apparatus such as, but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive, and the like. In one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be embodied with a sequence of programmed instructions for monitoring and controlling the operation of different components of the electric vehicle.
[0042] The processor 226 may include any computing system which includes, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). In an embodiment, the processor 226 can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 226 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0043] Among other capabilities, the processor 226 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The instructions can be compiled from source code instructions provided in accordance with a programming language such as Java, C++, C#.net, or the like. The instructions can also comprise code and data objects provided in accordance with, for example, the Visual Basic™ language, LabVIEW, or another structured or object-oriented programming language. The one or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning algorithms which include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.
[0044] Furthermore, the modules 202, processes, systems, and devices can be implemented as a single processor or as a distributed processor. Also, the processes, modules 202, and sub-modules described in the various figures of and for embodiments herein may be distributed across multiple computers or systems or may be co-located in a single processor or system. Further, the module 202 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by the processor 226, or by a combination thereof. A processing unit can comprise a computer, the processor 226, such as the processor 226, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions.
[0045] The processor 226 can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 202 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by the processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. In an embodiment, the modules 202 may include a receiving module 204, a processing module 206, an identifying module 208, an operating module 210, and a transmitting module 212. The data serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by the modules 202.
[0046] Further, the key elements of the second control unit 110 the typically include (i) a microcontroller core (or processor (s)) 222; (ii) memory 224; (iii) module(s) 216, and (iv) communication protocols including, but not limited to a CAN protocol, Serial Communication Interface (SCI) protocol and so on. The configuration of the processor 222, the memory 224, and the communication protocols are same as that of the first control unit 108. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same is omitted herein for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure. Further, the modules 216 may include a receiving module 218 and a communicating module 220.
[0047] In the illustrative embodiment, the processor 226, in conjunction with the receiving module 204, the processing module 206, the identifying module 208, the operating module 210, and the transmitting module 212 along with the processor 222 in conjunction with the receiving module 218 and the communicating module 220 are configured to perform the specific operations to diagnose the health of the second automobile unit 106 and operate the second automobile unit 106 accordingly. Further, the specific operations to diagnose the health of the second automobile unit 106 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0048] In the illustrative embodiment, the receiving module 204 may be configured to receive an input signal indicative of one or more operational status of the second automobile unit 106, from the second control unit 110. In an embodiment, the receiving module 204 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status, when the second automobile unit 106 may be in a charged state. Further, when the second automobile unit 106 may be in a discharged state, the first control unit 108 may be configured to communicate to the first automobile unit 104 to charge the second automobile unit 106, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0049] Further, the receiving module 204 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status, after the first control unit 108 and the second control unit 110 may be communicatively coupled with each other. In such embodiment, the receiving module 204 receives the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status from the second control unit 110 by at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, a transmission of the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status from the second control unit 110 to the first control unit 108 through the at least one of the wired network and wireless network is explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0050] In the illustrative embodiment, for the wired network, the first automobile unit 104 may include a charging element 302. The charging element 302 may be communicatively coupled with the first control unit 108 and the second automobile unit 106. Further, the second automobile unit 106 may include a charging member 310 configured to be communicatively coupled with the charging element 302 through various communication means, for example, a charging cable 318. The charging member 310 receives the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status from the communicating module 220 through various receiving means, for example, CAN network, i.e., C1 CAN message. Further, the charging member 310 may be configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status to the charging element 302 through the charging cable 318. Further, the charging element 302 may be configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status to the receiving module 204 through various transmission means, for example, CAN network, i.e., C1 CAN message.
[0051] Further, the first automobile unit 104 may include a human machine interface (HMI) 308. Further, the second automobile unit 106 may include a human machine interface 316 configured to be communicatively coupled with the human machine interface 308 through wireless network. Further, the human machine interface 316 may be configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status to the human machine interface 308 through the wireless network.
[0052] Furthermore, the second control unit 110 may be configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status to the first control unit 108 through the cloud-based server 320, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0053] In an embodiment, the one or more operational status include, but are not limited to, a throttle status of the second automobile unit 106, an engine status of the second automobile unit 106, a battery status of the second automobile unit 106, a steering status/a handlebar status of the second automobile unit 106, a transmission status of the second automobile unit 106, status of a motor of the second automobile unit 106, status of an operating system of the second automobile unit 106, status from a firmware of the second automobile unit 106, status from a software of the second automobile unit 106, status from a vehicle controller 314 of the second automobile unit 106, status from a master control unit of the second automobile unit 106.
[0054] In an embodiment, after receiving the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status, the processing module 206 may be configured to process the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status. In an embodiment, the identifying module 208 may be configured to identify a compromised state of the second automobile unit 106 based on the processed input signal. Further, the identifying module 208 may be configured to identify one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104, based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106. In an embodiment, the operating module 210 may be configured to operate to activate the one or more modes of the first automobile unit 104, based on the identification. In such an embodiment, the receiving module 204 may be configured to receive an input to activate the one or more modes of the first automobile unit 104 and then the operating module 210 may be configured to operate to activate the one or more modes. In an embodiment, the input may be a user input, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the input may be based on a detection of the second automobile unit 106 in the proximity of the first automobile unit 104. Further, in an embodiment, the one or more modes include, but are not limited to, a towing mode, a charging mode, a control mode, a guiding mode, and a debugging mode, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0055] In an embodiment, based on the activation of the one or more modes, the transmitting module 212 may be configured to transmit an input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the second control unit 110. Further, a process of receiving the input by the receiving module 204 and the transmitting of the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters by the transmitting module 212 is explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0056] In the illustrative embodiment, the first automobile unit 104 may be adapted to include the human machine interface (HMI) 308, a vehicle controller 306, and an analog to digital converter 304. The HMI 308 may be configured to receive the input to activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104. Further, the vehicle controller 306 may be configured to be in communication with the HMI 308, to receive the input. Further, the vehicle controller 306 may be configured to transmit the received input to the first control unit 108 and simultaneously, transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the receiving module 204. Further, the ADC 304 may be configured to communicate the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the receiving module 204. Further, the transmitting module 212, after receiving the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, transmits the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the second control unit 110. The transmitting module 212 transmits the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, based on the activation of the one or more modes. The transmitting module 212 transmits the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters through at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the transmission of the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters through the at least one of the wired network and the wireless network is explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0057] In the illustrative embodiment, in the wired network, the charging element 302 receives the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the transmitting module 212 through the various receiving means, for example, CAN network, i.e., C1 CAN message. Further, the charging element 302 transmits the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the charging member 310 through various communication means, for example, the charging cable 318. Further, the charging member 310 may be configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the receiving module 218 through various transmitting means, for example, CAN network, i.e., C1 CAN message.
[0058] In the illustrative embodiment, the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters may be transmitted from the HMI 308 to the HMI 316 through the wireless network.
[0059] In the illustrative embodiment, the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters may be transmitted from the first control unit 108 to the second control unit 110 through the cloud-based server 320, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0060] In an embodiment, once the transmitting module 212 transmits the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, the receiving module 218 of the second control unit 110 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters. The receiving module 218 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, based on the communicative coupling of the second control unit 110 with the first control unit 108. Further, the communicating module 220 may be configured to communicate with the second automobile unit 106 to perform one or more actions/operations based on the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters. Further, a process of communicating the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters by the communicating module 220 is explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0061] In the illustrative embodiment, the second automobile unit 106 may include an analog to digital converter (ADC ) 312, a vehicle controller 314, and the HMI 316. Further, in such an embodiment, the ADC 312 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the communicating module 218. Further, the vehicle controller 314 may be configured to be in communication with the second control unit 110 and receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters. The vehicle controller 314 may be configured to transmit the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters. In an embodiment, the HMI 316 may be configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the vehicle controller 314. Further, the HMI 316 may be configured to transmit an acknowledgement signal in response to receiving the input signal indicative of one or more operational parameters. Thus, the second automobile unit 106 may be configured to perform the one or more actions based on the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters.
[0062] In an embodiment, the one or more operational parameters may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a location of a destination, speed of the first automobile unit 104, acceleration of the first automobile unit 104, movement of a steering of the first automobile unit 104, movement of a plurality of wheels of the first automobile unit 104, charging of a battery of the second automobile unit 106, torque of the first automobile unit 104, value of sensors, signals to control sensors, parameters to control software of the second automobile unit 106, updating parameters of operating system of the second automobile unit 106, control signal for controlling firmware or software of the second automobile unit 106. In such an embodiment, the first control unit 108 may communicate with the first automobile unit 104 to charge the battery of the second automobile unit 106 through at least one of the wired network and the wireless network, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0063] Figures 4A-4B illustrate a flowchart depicting an exemplary implementation of the system 100, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0064] Referring to Figure 4A, the first control unit 108 may be communicatively coupled to the first automobile unit 104. At step 402, the first control unit 108 may be configured to operate the first automobile unit 104. At step 404, the first control unit 108 may communicate with the first automobile unit 104 to charge the second automobile unit 106, if the second automobile unit 106 is in the discharged state. Further, at step 406, the second automobile unit 106 may wake up/activate, after the second automobile unit 106 is charged. The first control unit 108 receives the input indicative of the one or more operational status of the second automobile unit 106 from the second control unit 110. In another embodiment, if the second automobile 106 may be charged, then, the first control unit 108 receives the input indicative of the one or more operational status of the second automobile unit 106 from the second control unit 110. Further, the first control unit 108 processes the input indicative of the one or more operational status of the second automobile unit 106.
[0065] Further, at step 408, the first control unit 108 may be configured to identify the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106 based on the processed input indicative of the one or more operational status. Further, at step 410, the first control unit 108 may be configured to identify and activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104, based on the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106. The one or more modes may be the towing mode. Further, at step 412, the first control unit 108 may be configured to transmit the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. The one or more operational parameters may include, but is not limited to, the speed of the first automobile 104, the location to be reached, the movement of a handlebar/steering, etc. Further, the second control unit 110 receives the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. At step 414, the second control unit 110 may be configured to communicate with the second automobile unit 106 to perform the one or more actions based on the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. The second automobile unit 106 may be configured to perform the one or more actions by forming a closed loop till the second automobile unit 106 reaches the location as shared by the first automobile unit 104. Once the second automobile unit 106 reaches the location, at step 416, the connection of the first control unit 108 stops/end with the second control unit 110.
[0066] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 4B, at step 418, the first control unit 108 may be configured to operate the first automobile unit 104. At step 420, the charging member 310 of the second automobile unit 106 may be connected with the charging element 302 of the first automobile unit 104. Further, at step 428, the second automobile unit 106 may be in the compromised state. At step 430, the first control unit 108 may determine whether the first control unit 108 may be communicatively coupled with the second control unit 110. If the first control unit 108 may be communicatively coupled with the second control unit 110, the first control unit 108 identifies the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106. Further, at step 422, the first control unit 108 determines whether the second automobile unit 106 may require charging only. If the second automobile unit 106 may require the charging only, the first control unit 108 may communicate the first automobile unit 104 to charge the second automobile unit 106. The first automobile unit 104 may charge the second automobile unit 106 with the charging cable 318. Alternatively, at step 424, the first automobile unit 104 may charge the second automobile unit 106 with a wireless charging process. Further, at step 426, the charging from the charging cable 318 or the wireless charging process disengages, when the second automobile unit 106 may be completely charged or finishes performing the one or more actions.
[0067] Further, at step 432, if the second control unit 110 may be in the compromised state and requires further assistance, then at step 434, the first control unit 108 may be configured to identify and activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104. The one or more modes may be the towing mode. Further, the first control unit 108 may be configured to transmit the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. The one or more operational parameters may be, but are not limited to, the speed of the first automobile 104, the location to be reached, the movement of a handle-bar/steering, etc. Further, the second control unit 110 receives the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. Further, the second control unit 110 may be configured to communicate the second automobile unit 106 to perform the one or more actions based on the input indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the towing mode. The second automobile unit 106 may be configured to perform the one or more actions by forming the closed loop till the second automobile unit 106 reaches the location as shared by the first automobile unit 104. Further, at step 436, the distance between the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be maintained by ADAS mechanism. Further, the speed between the first automobile unit 104 and the second automobile unit 106 may be also maintained by the ADAS mechanism. Now, once the second automobile unit 106 reaches the location, at step 438, the connection of the first control unit 108 stops/end with the second control unit 110.
[0068] In yet another embodiment, if the second automobile unit 106 is in a LIMP mode, the first control unit 108 may be configured to communicate with the first automobile unit 104 to guide and recover the second automobile unit 106.
[0069] In yet another embodiment, if the second automobile unit 106 is in the compromised state, where updation of the second control unit 110 is required, then the first control unit 108 may be configured to update the second control unit 110 and recover the second automobile unit 106.
[0070] In yet another embodiment, if the second automobile unit 106 is in the compromised state, where over-the-air (OTA) update is required, the first control unit 108 may be configured to provide the OTA updated and recover the second automobile unit 106.
[0071] The present disclosure also relates to a method 500 for diagnosing the health of the second automobile unit 106 and accordingly, operating the second automobile unit 106 as shown in Figure 5. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from the method, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0072] The method 500 may be performed by plurality of control units 108, 110, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0073] The method 500 begins at step 502 where the method 500 includes receiving, by the at least one control unit, the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status of the second automobile unit 106, from the another control unit, after the plurality of control units 108, 110 may be communicatively coupled with each other.
[0074] At step 504, the method 500 includes processing, by the at least one control unit, the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status.
[0075] At step 506, the method 500 includes identifying, by the at least one control unit, the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106, based on the processed input signal.
[0076] At step 508, the method 500 includes identifying, by the at least one control unit, the one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104, based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106.
[0077] At step 510, the method 500 includes operating the at least one control unit, to activate one or more modes on the first automobile unit 104, based on the identification. Further, the method 500 includes communicating, by the at least one control unit, the first automobile unit 104 to charge the second automobile unit 106, when the second automobile unit 106 is in the discharged state.
[0078] As would be gathered, the present disclosure provides a configuration of diagnosing the health of the second automobile unit 106 with the at least one control unit. The at least one control unit detects the compromised state of the second automobile unit 106. Further, the at least one control unit identifies and activates the one or more modes and accordingly, transmits one or more operational parameters from the first automobile unit 104 to the second automobile unit 106. The second automobile unit 106 receives the operational parameters and operates accordingly. Thus, this configuration minimizes intervention by a manual resource when the second automobile unit 106 is in the compromised state. Further, the at least one control unit may be able to help the second automobile unit 106. For example, if the second automobile unit 106 is in the discharged state, the at least one control unit may communicate the first automobile unit 104 to charge the second automobile unit 106.
[0079] Further, if the further assistance is required, the second automobile unit 106 may be configured to perform the one or more actions depending on the one or more modes activated by the at least one control unit, such that the at least one control unit may guide the second automobile unit 106 to a service centre or a desired location. This configuration ensures efficient diagnostic of the health of the second automobile unit 106 and prevents blanket flashing in the second automobile unit 106. This configuration eliminates the requirement to book and wait for a towing vehicle to tow the compromised second automobile unit 106. Further, this configuration also reduces the servicing and repairing time of the second automobile unit 106, thus, ensuring comfort to the customer unlike as existing art. Further, this configuration also reduces manpower and additional components at a large scale which results in a cost-effective solution. Additionally, this configuration also improves the charging infrastructure of the second automobile unit 106.
[0080] It will be appreciated that the modules, processes, systems, and devices described above can be implemented in hardware, hardware programmed by software, software instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or a combination of the above. Embodiments of the methods, processes, modules, devices, and systems (or their sub-components or modules), may be implemented on a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic circuit such as a programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL) device, or the like. In general, any process capable of implementing the functions or steps described herein can be used to implement embodiments of the methods, systems, or computer program products (software program stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium).
[0081] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[0082] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
, Claims:1. A system (100) comprising:
a plurality of control units (108, 110) communicatively coupled to a first automobile unit (104) and a second automobile unit (106);
wherein:
the plurality of control units (108, 110) is configured to be communicatively coupled with each other, wherein at least one control unit amongst the plurality of control units (108, 110) is configured to:
receive an input signal indicative of one or more operational status of the second automobile unit (106), from another control unit from the plurality of control units (108, 110), after the plurality of control units (108, 110) is communicatively coupled with each other;
process the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status;
identify a compromised state of the second automobile unit (106), based on the processed input signal;
identify one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104), based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit (106); and
operate to activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104), based on the identification.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit is configured to:
communicate the first automobile unit (104) to charge the second automobile unit (106) when the second automobile unit (106) is in a discharged state.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit is configured to:
receive an input to activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104); and
transmit an input signal indicative of one or more operational parameters to the another control unit, based on the activation of the one or more modes.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the another control unit is configured to:
receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the at least one control unit, based on the communicative coupling with the at least one control unit; and
communicate to the second automobile unit (106) to perform one or more actions based on the input signal indicative of one or more operational parameters.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first automobile unit (104) comprises:
a human machine interface (HMI) (308) configured to receive the input to activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104);
a vehicle controller (306) configured to be in communication with the HMI (308) to receive the input, wherein the vehicle controller (306) is configured to transmit the received input to the at least one control unit and simultaneously transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters to the at least one control unit; and
an analog to digital converter (ADC) (304) configured to communicate the input signal indicative of one or more operational parameters to the at least one control unit,
wherein:
the at least one control unit is configured to transmit the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, based on the activation of the one or more modes, to the another control unit.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first automobile unit (104) comprises a charging element (302) configured to be communicatively coupled with the at least one control unit and the second automobile unit (106).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second automobile unit (106) comprises a charging member (310) configured to be communicatively coupled with the charging element (302) and adapted to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second automobile unit (106) comprises:
an ADC (312) configured to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the another control unit;
a vehicle controller (314) configured to be in communication with the another control unit to receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters, wherein the vehicle controller (314) is configured to transmit the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters; and
a human to machine interface (HMI) (316) configured to be in communication with the vehicle controller (314), wherein the HMI (316) is configured to:
receive the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters from the vehicle controller (314); and
transmit, to the at least one control unit, an acknowledgement signal in response to receiving the input signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit receives the input signal indicative of the one or more operational status from the another control unit through at least one of a wired network and a wireless network.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first automobile unit (104) and the second automobile unit (106) is a vehicle.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first automobile unit (104) and the second automobile unit (106) is a charging assembly.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more operational status comprises one or more of a throttle status of the second automobile unit (106), an engine status of the second automobile unit (106), a battery status of the second automobile unit (106), a steering status of the second automobile unit (106), a transmission status of the second automobile unit (106), status of a motor of the second automobile unit (106), status of an operating system of the second automobile unit (106), status from a firmware of the second automobile unit (106), status from a software of the second automobile unit (106), status from a vehicle controller (314) of the second automobile unit (106), status from a master control unit of the second automobile unit (106).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more modes comprises at least one of a towing mode, a charging mode, a control mode, a guiding mode, and a debugging mode.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more operational parameters comprises at least one of a location of a destination, speed of the first automobile unit (104), acceleration of the first automobile unit (104), movement of a steering of the first automobile unit (104), movement of a plurality of wheels of the first automobile unit (104), charging of a battery of second automobile unit (106), torque of the first automobile unit (104), value of sensors, signals to control sensors, parameters to control software of the second automobile unit (106), updating parameters of operating system of the second automobile unit (106), control signal for controlling firmware or software of the second automobile unit 106.

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one control unit communicates the first automobile unit (104) to charge the battery of the second automobile unit (106) through at least one of the wired network and the wireless network.

16. A method (500) comprising:
receiving (502), by at least one control unit from a plurality of control units (108, 110), an input signal indicative of one or more operational status of a second automobile unit (106), from another control unit from a plurality of control units (108, 110), after the plurality of control units (108, 110) communicatively coupled with each other;
processing (504), by the at least one control unit, the received input signal indicative of the one or more operational status;
identifying (506), by the at least one control unit, a compromised state of the second automobile unit (106), based on the processed input signal;
identifying (508), by the at least one control unit, one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104), based on the identification of the compromised state of the second automobile unit (106); and
operating (510), the at least one control unit, to activate the one or more modes on the first automobile unit (104), based on the identification.

17. The method (500) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method comprising:
communicating, by the at least one control unit, the first automobile unit (104) to charge the second automobile unit (106) when the second automobile unit (106) is in a discharged state.