Description:Field of Invention
[001] The invention relates to automotive testing equipment used for fine tuning engine operation. It more particularly relates to automotive testing equipment that can combine inputs from multiple sources to generate a single comprehensive report on engine performance in a given test condition.
Background of the Invention
[002] In a typical automotive internal combustion engine testing cycle, data from multiple data sources such as conventional multiple engine management systems and test beds are required to be manually processed and then integrated using different systems. This process is time consuming and does not guarantee unquestionable accuracy as these systems do not necessarily work at the same frequency and as per the same calibration. Therefore, most of the time data from each such system has to be manually transferred and then compared with allowance for deviations that may occure due difference in frequency or time of operation.
[003] The acquisition and synchronisation of engine data per this pre-existing process takes time and requires manual transfer of data across multiple systems and manual intervention to generate accurate results that enable effective fine tuning of a vehicle’s Internal Combustion Engine. This also adds to the cost of conducting this exercise, without guaranteeing data accuracy, a good uptime for testing equipment, and efficiency, while also requiring execution of multiple steps and manual intervention in the process. The conventional system and methods can also introduce mismatches between different platforms that are being for engine testing.
[004] The system and methods also lack scalability as new test beds require additional integration efforts, thereby making the current system and methods less scalable and adaptable. Even with integration efforts there exists possibility of data gaps and inconsistencies that may reduce accuracy of the engine test results. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a platform and a method of its operation that allows easy acquisition and synchronisation of engine test data from multiple platform to generate a single accurate test report.
[005] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a platform and method of its operation that reduces the number computers required for performance of the engine tests.
[006] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a platform and method of its operation that reduces the manual efforts required for transferring data across multiple computers.
[007] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a platform and method of its operation that reduces and eliminates the possibility of data mismatch and inconsistencies between different sources of data on engine testing.
Summary of the Invention
[008] An embodiment of the invention achieving the stated objective, that is enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform and method of operation thereof, comprises of Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition, test bed with its sensors for data acquisition, emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition, a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, an Engine Control Unit, a boom box, a data processing unit with automation software, a display screen, a data storage, and a device for plotting and generating reports. In the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform, the data sources namely the Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition connected with Engine Control Unit, test bed with its sensors for data acquisition connected with a boom box, emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition, a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer, and a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, are respectively electrically connected with the data processing unit with automation software; and the data processing unit with automation software is further electrically connected with a display, a storage device, and a device for plotting and generating reports.
Brief Description of Drawings
[009] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings that contain references numerals for indicating its various parts. The description of the present invention would therefore be better understood with reference to accompanying diagrams, wherein
[0010] Figure 1 discloses the schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 2 discloses the workflow chart of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 3 discloses an integrated block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 4 discloses a chart indicating typical output provided by the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0014] Referring to the set of figures 1, and 3, the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform and method of operation thereof, comprises Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition, a test bed with its sensors for data acquisition, emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition, a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, an Engine Control Unit, a boom box, a data processing unit with automation software, a display screen, a data storage, and a device for plotting and generating reports. The present invention is as shown in the diagrams and as described herein.
[0015] Referring to Figs 1 and 3, it is stated that, the data sources namely the Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition connected with Engine Control Unit, test bed with its sensors for data acquisition connected with a boom box, emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition, a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer, and a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, are respectively electrically connected with the data processing unit with automation software. The data processing unit with automation software is further electrically connected with a display, a storage device, and a device for plotting and generating reports.
[0016] Referring to figure 2, it is stated that, Engine Management System data taken from Engine Management System computer(s) is considered along with data from test bed. The data processing unit with automation software considers this data, applies an enhanced engine interface logic to cause the Engine Management System (EMS) A2L file to be added to the Engine Management System variables. The data processing unit with automation software then considers the user defined frequency for Engine Management System data and the test bed data, and causes the display screen to project both the Engine Management Data and the Test Bed Data together.
[0017] Again referring to figure 2, it is stated that after the user defined frequency for Engine Management System data and the Test bed data has been considered for the input, i.e. the Engine Management System (EMS) A2L file added to Engine Management System variables, the data is processed, synchronized to allow validation, and added to the data storage. The data so processed and synchronized for validation is forwarded to the device for plotting and generation of report for generating the utilisable engine testing report.
[0018] Referring to Figure 3, it is stated that, input sources considered include Engine Management System (EMS) data, which captures parameters such as engine speed, torque, sensor data on pressure and temperature; and test bed data that comprises of engine speed, torque, oil pressure, coolant pressure and temperature data from the test bed. These inputs serve as the primary inputs for real-time engine performance monitoring.
[0019] Again, referring to Figure 3, it is stated that, during input processing, the Engine Management System (EMS) data are transmitted to an Enhanced Engine Interface (EEI) Module that is embedded in the data processing unit with automation software. This Enhanced Engine Interface Module captures data in real-time from these sources, while also ensuring accurate logging with a synchronized frequency.
[0020] Again, referring to Figure 3, it is stated that, during display and monitoring, the display unit presents Engine Management System and test bed data in real-time for monitoring by engineers and operators. During integration with automation software, the Enhanced Engine Interface module connected with the automation software helps process and synchronize the data acquired from the input sources i.e. Engine Management Systems and test bed.
[0021] Again, referring to Figure 3, it is stated that, during data processing, synchronization and validation, the captured data from Engine Management System and test bed undergo processing and synchronization to maintain their consistency and reliability. This step ensures that the data aligns with the expected engine performance parameters and is accurately validated with a synchronized frequency.
[0022] Again, referring to Figure 3, it is stated that, during output storage and report generation, the processed data is stored in a data storage for output data to enable further analysis. The stored data is then used for data plotting and report generation, allowing for evaluation and decision-making by the engineers. A sample of the output can be observed in Figure 4. The figure 4, depicts plots including data on test bed and enhanced engine module speed, and torque, plotted with respect to time. Such synchronized data from multiple sources allows engineers to become accurately aware of engine statistics therefore allowing them to fine tune the engine after test results have been studied.
[0023] Referring to figure 3 it is stated that, data input sources include, EMS data that is collected from the engine management system (EMS computers first, second and third) via an IP address. This includes parameters like engine speed, torque, sensor readings, pressure and temperature. During the Enhanced Engine Interface (EEI) module logic processing, at the data processing unit with automation software, the Enhanced Engine Interface (EEI) Module at the data processing unit logs the EMS and test bed data for integration. The EMS A2L files are linked and assigned Engine Management System (EMS) variables to ensure that dataset created as a result is well structured. This step ensures that real-time engine performance data form these sources is synchronized before additional processing.
[0024] Again, referring to figure 3 it is stated that, during an automation software integration, at the data processing unit with automation software, the processed and synchronised data is fed into the automation software that enables computation of engine performance parameters, error detection and diagnosis, and real-time test deb data analysis. During the display and monitoring of data, at the display unit, the system provides real-time visualization of Engine Management System(EMS) and test bed data to ensure immediate feedback for testing and calibration of the engine. The synchronized data allows engineers to monitor the engine behaviour and emission parameters efficiently.
[0025] Again, referring to figure 3, it is stated that, during final processing and report generation, the validated and synchronized data from different sources is stored and forwarded for further analysis. The final report, that is generated at the device for plotting and generating report, includes performance trends, emission data and test results, ensuring accurate and automated documentation of engine test trials.
[0026] Referring to figure 1, it is stated that, Engine Management System (EMS) sensor data that is captured includes data on engine speed, torque, fuel injection timing, rail pressure, air-fuel ratio, exhaust temperature and others. These parameters are captured to provide real-time insights into engine performance and emission characteristics. The test bed data, as captured includes data on, coolant pressure & temperature, fuel flow rate, and pressure, oil parameters: temperature, pressure, and viscosity, boost pressure: intake manifold and turbocharger pressure data, and temperature readings: cylinder head temperature, exhaust gas temperature, etc. This data is captured with for the reason that, these parameters help in monitoring engine conditions under various test scenarios.
[0027] Again, referring to figure 1, it is stated that, emission analysed data, as captured includes, NOx Crucial for emission compliance, PM Indicates soot emissions, and CO, CO₂, HC, O₂ Levels: Determines combustion efficiency and emission standards compliance. This data is captured to ensure that the engine meets regulatory emission limits. The data collected from first Engine Management System computer, as captured, includes EMS sensor data Pressure & Temperature, Fuel & urea consumption data, Engine performance data. This data is captured to allow for logging and analysis of EMS-related parameters.
[0028] The data collected from the second Engine Management System computer, as captured, ECU calibration parameters, and Engine performance under different calibration strategies. This data is captured because it helps in real-time calibration and performance optimization for the engine. The data collected form the third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, as captured, includes EMS sensor data similar to that provided by the second Engine Management System computer, and real-time engine diagnostics and fault analysis. This is captured as it provides additional ECU and diagnostic capabilities.
[0029] The invention so described here follow process flow and final report generation process as described herein after. First step is data acquisition, where various input sources (EMS, test bed sensors, and emission analysers) send data in real-time, and data is collected from multiple platforms (first EMS computer, second EMS computer, and third EMS computer).
[0030] Second step is data collection by the automation software, automation software aggregates all the received data into a unified system, this synchronization occurs in real time, ensuring that all data sources operate on the same frequency. Third step is data synchronization and EEI unit implementation, the EEI unit (as provided on the data processing unit with automation software) ensures seamless integration of different data streams into a single platform. Data is aligned without time lags, improving accuracy. The output parameter of the disclosed invention include, generation of a final report. The present invention processes synchronized data and automatically generates test reports. Reports include engine performance graphs, emission compliance results, and calibration validations.
[0031] Technical advantages offered by the invention i.e., enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform and method of operation thereof are-
- It allows easy acquisition and synchronisation of engine test data from multiple platform to generate a single accurate test report.
- It reduces the number computers required for performance of the engine tests.
- It reduces the manual efforts required for transferring data across multiple computers.
- It reduces and eliminates the possibility of data mismatch and inconsistencies between different sources of data on engine testing.
[0032] The disclosed invention i.e. the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform and method of operation thereof achieves all the set-out objectives.
[0033] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the present invention has been herein described in terms of its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, can be practiced with modifications within the scope of the invention herein described.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. An enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform comprises of,
• Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition,
• test bed with its sensors for data acquisition,
• emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition,
• a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer,
• a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer,
• a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer,
• an Engine Control Unit,
• a boom box,
• a data processing unit with automation software,
• a display screen, a data storage, and
• a device for plotting and generating reports.
wherein,
- the data sources namely the Engine Management System (EMS) sensors for engine data acquisition connected with Engine Control Unit, test bed with its sensors for data acquisition connected with a boom box, emission analyser with its sensors for data acquisition, a first Engine Management System (EMS) computer, a second Engine Management System (EMS) computer, and a third Engine Management System (EMS) computer, are respectively electrically connected with the data processing unit with automation software; and
- the data processing unit with automation software is further electrically connected with a display, a storage device, and a device for plotting and generating reports.
2. The method of operation for the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein, as first step, Engine Management System data taken from Engine Management System computer(s) is considered along with data from test bed.
3. The method of operation for the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein, as a second step, the data processing unit with automation software considers the data, applies an enhanced engine interface logic to cause the Engine Management System (EMS) A2L file to be added to the Engine Management System variables.
4. The method of operation for the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 3, wherein, as a third step, the data processing unit with automation software then considers the user defined frequency for Engine Management System data and the test bed data, and causes the display screen to project both the Engine Management Data and the Test Bed Data together.
5. The method of operation for the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 4, wherein, as a fourth step, after the user defined frequency for Engine Management System data and the Test bed data has been considered for the input, i.e. the Engine Management System (EMS) A2L file added to Engine Management System variables, the data is processed, synchronized to allow validation, and added to the data storage.
6. The method of operation for the enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 4, wherein, as a fifth step, the data so processed and synchronized for validation is forwarded to the device for plotting and generation of report for generating the utilisable engine testing report.
7. The enhanced engine interface - integrated automation platform as claimed in claim 1, follows the process flow and final report generation process wherein,
- First step is data acquisition, where various input sources (EMS, test bed sensors, and emission analysers) send data in real-time, and data is collected from multiple platforms (first EMS computer, second EMS computer, and third EMS computer);
- Second step is data collection by the automation software, automation software aggregates all the received data into a unified system, this synchronization occurs in real time, ensuring that all data sources operate on the same frequency;
- Third step is data synchronization and EEI unit implementation, the EEI unit (as provided on the data processing unit with automation software) ensures seamless integration of different data streams into a single platform; fata is aligned without time lags, improving accuracy; the output parameter of the disclosed invention include, generation of a final report; the platform processes synchronized data and automatically generates test reports; and reports include engine performance graphs, emission compliance results, and calibration validations.

Dated 19th day of February 2025

VIDIT CHOUBEY
(IN P/A 5566)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office, at Mumbai