Claims:We claim:
1. A system (100) to monitor emission compliance of a vehicle (!22), said system (100) comprises:
a server (102), said server (102) storing reference data sets for emission control devices (110) of said vehicle (122), and
said server (102) comprising a control unit (104), said control unit (104) adapted to:
receive values of actual data sets of emission control devices (110) through a communication module (106),
compare said values of actual data sets with reference data sets, and
detect compliance deviation based on a result of said comparison.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reference data sets comprises empirically derived range of operational values of said emission control devices (110) at different operating conditions, wherein said emission control devices (110) are selected from a group comprising a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), an Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGR) (112), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), a reducing agent and a Secondary Air Injection (SAI).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when a deviation from emission compliance is detected, said control unit (104) sends a signal to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (120) of said vehicle (122) for activation of inducement, said inducement restricts operation of said vehicle (122) in manner to comply within emission standards.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (104) reports said deviation to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a component supplier and an owner of said vehicle (122) through a communication device (124).

5. A device (300) to estimate CO2 emission from a vehicle (122), said device (300) comprises a controller (302) adapted to
receive plurality of parameters (304) of said vehicle (122);
compute said parameter (304) through a model stored in a memory element, and estimate said CO2, said plurality of parameters (304) are selected from a group comprising type of Fuel, air intake quantity, exhaust temperature, intake temperature and engine Speed.

6. The device (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said parameters (304) further comprises engine swept volume, exothermic temperatures of DOC (108), fuel Temperature, turbo boost, injection timing and pilot and post injection quantities.

7. A method for monitoring emission compliance of a vehicle (122), said method comprising:
storing reference data set for emission control devices (110) of said vehicle (122) in a server (102);
receiving actual data sets of emission control devices (110) of said vehicle (122), through a communication module (106);
comparing, by a control unit (104) of said server (102), said actual data sets with said reference data sets stored in said server (102), and
detecting deviation in compliance based on said comparison.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said data sets comprises empirically derived range of operational values of said emission control devices (110) at different operating conditions, wherein said emission control devices (110) are selected from a group comprising a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), an Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGR) (112), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), a reducing agent and a Secondary Air Injection (SAI).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprises sending a signal to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (120) of said vehicle (122) for activation of inducement when the deviation in emission is detected by said control unit (104), said inducement controls operation of said vehicle (122) in manner to comply within emission standards.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprises reporting said deviation to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a supplier of exhaust related component and an owner of said vehicle (122) on a communication device (124).
, Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring emission compliance of a vehicle.

Background of the invention:
[0002] Auxiliary Emission Control Devices (AECD) are and will be integral part of modern mobility solutions. The emission regulation of various countries and regions such as Europe, USA, India, etc. mandates monitoring of AECD and to maintain a transparent warning systems with clear indication (message) according to directives. There is a need for monitoring the AECD on a real time basis which will act as a precursor warning mechanism to avoid breakdowns and inducement which may be triggered by AECD failure. There is also a need for Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) /Exhaust Gas Treatment (EGT) malfunction or inducement level display module especially for the mobility segment which operates in remote locations and seldom accessible to service network.

[0003] An instrument cluster is rigid to a vehicle and can be seen by the driver or operator. However, for a Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) such as Tractors, Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV), Marine vehicles, Railways, Genset and commercial vehicles (CV), owners or stakeholders are away and unaware of the conditions. The driver ignores error codes or any preventive maintenance warnings, results huge impact for the owner. Further, there is no user friendly and simple mobile interface available that fascinate user experience. The driver or end user does not know how to read error messages and reason for error messages. This affects driving behavior of the driver. Also, service and periodic maintenance are the biggest challenges in terms of money spent. Though rapid advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automotive sensors are foreseen, there is a need for a competent user friendly and economical mobile Internet of Things (IOT) solution to fascinate end user to save time, money and result optimum productivity.

[0004] According to a prior art US2017/0316622 an on-road vehicle service handling method is disclosed. A computerized, on-road, vehicle service handling method involves, while a user is driving a vehicle between first and second locations, receiving a fault condition signal from an on-board diagnostic system; automatically transmitting information to multiple vehicle service locations ahead of the vehicle, including vehicle and fault information and an individual estimated time of arrival (ETA) based upon current location and speed; receiving individual service responses including at least a parts and labor cost estimate, and at least one appointment time after the ETA; receiving a selection by the user of at least two of the provided vehicle service locations and an order of preference thereof; sending payment information to the first vehicle service location; receiving a communication either accepting or rejecting, and, if accepted, automatically directing the user to the first vehicle service location, but if rejected, sending the payment information to a next preferred vehicle service location.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:
[0005] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a system to monitor emission compliance of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring emission compliance of the vehicle, according to the present invention, and
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a device to estimate CO2 from a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:
[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a system to monitor emission compliance of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a cloud/ server 102, the server 102 storing reference data sets for emission control devices 110 of the vehicle 122. The server 102 comprises a control unit 104 and memory element (not shown) which stores the reference data sets. The control unit 104 is adapted to, receive values of actual data sets of the emission control devices 110 through a communication module 106, compare the values of the actual data sets with the reference data sets, and detect compliance deviation based on a result of the comparison. The communication module 106 is gateway which connects the vehicle 122 with the server 102 through known wireless means. Further, the communication module 106 may also be established through a communication device 124 of a driver through connection with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and then using the cellular network of the communication device 124 to connect with the server 102.

[0010] The reference data sets comprises empirically derived range of operational values at different operating conditions for the emission control devices 110. The emission control devices 110 are selected from a group comprising, a fuel injector, an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) 108, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) 116, an Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGR) 112, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) 118, a reducing agent, a Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and the like. Within the vehicle 122, the emission control devices 110 are connected to the ECU 120 and to the communication module 106 through Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus. The communication is performed with CAN protocol.

[0011] In an embodiment, either values of the emission control devices 110 is modified or adjusted by changing set of instructions stored in an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 120 of the vehicle 122 or a separate electronic control unit with different values is interfaced with the ECU 120.

[0012] When a deviation from emission compliance is detected, the control unit 104 sends a signal to the ECU 120 of the vehicle 122 for activation of inducement. The inducement restricts or controls the operation of the vehicle 122 in manner to comply within emission standards. In an embodiment, the ECU 120 transmits only the emission related data sets to the server 102 for monitoring any deviation.

[0013] The control unit 104 reports the deviation to at least one of a vehicle manufacturer, a component supplier and an owner of the vehicle 122 through a communication device 124. The communication device 124 is either a client server or client device such as smartphone, computer, smart devices or wearable devices of the owner or the vehicle manufacturer or the component supplier, commonly called as stakeholders.

[0014] According to the present invention, a method of implementation of the system 100 is explained. Considering the emission control devices 110 as the SCR 118, a driver who is not an owner of the vehicle 122 refills reducing agent in a corresponding tank (not shown). The tank is installed with quantity and quality sensor. The quality of reducing agent is detected and sent to the server 102 through the communication module 106 after necessary encryption. The control unit 104 of the server 102 compares the measured quality with corresponding stored reference data set. Now, when the actual quality is detected to be less than the reference quality, then the control unit 104 sends a signal to the ECU 120 through the communication module 106. The ECU 120 starts the inducement, which leads to restricted operation of the engine, such as limit the maximum torque, speed and the like such as complete halt unless the reducing agent is replaced. Further, a notification/report of the deviation is transmitted to the respective stakeholders such as the owner of the vehicle 122, the vehicle manufacturer, the reducing agent supplier, and the like. In another case of the reducing agent, if the quantity of the reducing agent is reduced, then the control unit 104 based on the received level information, sends a command signal to the ECU 120 to control the engine as per the first level of inducement, along with displaying the estimated time to empty and distance which can be travelled.

[0015] In another example, the emission control device 110 is selected to be the DPF 116. Considering based on the driving time and necessity, a regeneration of DPF 116 is needed within specific time, then the status of the same is sent to the server 102 by the ECU 120. The control unit 104 compares the time period with the reference time and the possible deviation in the emission. The control unit 104 sends a signal to the ECU 120 to initiate the regeneration of the DPF 116 with inducement. The information of the inducement is notified to the stakeholders on the respective communication devices 124. Also, when regeneration DPF 116 is running, at background the driver hears some odd noises. The driver switches OFF the ignition as caution without realizing the regeneration process is in progress. Therefore, the reason for odd noise and related background activities is notified in advance to owner and driver. The signal also displays number of restarts allowed as per legislation of a country, such as two in Europe. The signal also provides and displays the percentage of torque reduction due to inducement and level of inducement, along with the estimated time for regeneration of the DPF 116.

[0016] In yet another example, the emission control device 110 is considered to be EGR 112. Assuming, the functioning of the EGR 112 is modified by a service station by the driver to gain mileage. Now, when the vehicle 122 is switched ON, the modified operational values are sent to the server 102 through the communication module 106. The control unit 104 of the server 102 compares the received data sets with the corresponding data sets and detects deviation in few of the data sets. The report of the same is notified to the stakeholders and inducement is initiated to curb the emission violation. In another case, if a valve of the EGR system 112 is malfunctioning, then the corresponding state is sent to the server 102. The control unit 104 compares with the reference data set, and sends a signal to the ECU 120 to control the engine of the vehicle 122 accordingly.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring emission compliance of the vehicle, according to the present invention. The method comprising the steps of a step 202, which comprises storing the reference data set for the emission control devices 110 of the vehicle 122 in the memory element of the server 102. A step 204 comprises receiving actual data sets of emission control devices 110 of the vehicle 122, through a communication module 106. A step 206 comprises comparing, by the control unit 104 of the server 102, the actual data sets with the reference data sets stored in the server 102. A step 208 comprises detecting deviation in compliance based on the comparison.

[0018] The data sets comprises empirically derived range of operational values of the emission control devices 110 at different operating conditions. The emission control devices 110 are selected form a group comprising fuel injectors, electronic throttle body, (ETB), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) (108), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (116), Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGR) (112), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) (118), reducing agent, Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and the like.

[0019] After the step 208, a step 210 comprises sending a signal to the ECU 120 of the vehicle 122 for activation of inducement when the deviation in emission is detected by the control unit 104. The inducement restricts or controls the operation of the vehicle 122 in manner to comply within emission standards. The inducement may be torque limitation, speed limitation, and the like. A step 212 comprises reporting the deviation to at least one of the vehicle manufacturer, the supplier of exhaust related component and the owner of the vehicle 122 on a communication device 124.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the report sent by the server 102 comprises information in easy understand manner for the stakeholders. The communication device 124 may use a browser based information display or an application based information display. The interface is designed to display time available for next inducement with available reducing agent/reagent, an estimated cost for filling reducing agent, tampering maintenance cost and real time data based on market survey in particular locality and service reviews, based on current location of the vehicle 122. The interface also shows nearest service station and suggests best service stations.

[0021] The visual interface gives out priority information regarding the status of reducing agents in the Exhaust Gas Treatment (EGT) system. The information is displayed on the cluster of the vehicle 122 as well. With respect to the reducing agent, the system 100 provides loads of data with regard to availability of reducing agents, approximate quantity/price/place of availability, etc. Also, a recommendation of the nearest/best place to refill the reducing agent is provided along with its approximate price (indirectly an idea of the feedback about a particular filling station is provided). A trend on prices of spares regarding EGR (112) or SCR components 118, related sensors, installation cost and time, preferred/recommended brands and their reliability/durability based on real time data is delivered. This also assists in fleet management. On the whole, the system 100 works like a one-point source with all data regarding all the after treatment components, their lifetime, approximate prices and availability of the same.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates a device to estimate CO2 from a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 300 comprises a controller 302 adapted to receive plurality of parameters 304 of the vehicle 122, and compute/process the parameters 304 through a model stored in a memory element. The controller 302 then estimates the CO2 through the model as the output 306. The plurality of parameters 304 are selected from a group comprising type of fuel, air intake quantity, exhaust temperature, intake temperature and engine speed. Further parameters 304 which are usable are selected from at least one of parameters 304 further comprises engine swept volume, exothermic temperatures of DOC 108, fuel temperature, turbo boost, injection timing and pilot and post injection quantities. The plurality of parameters 304 are measured by on-board sensors of the vehicle 122 or models stored in the ECU 120.

[0023] In an embodiment, the controller 302 is either the ECU 120 itself or separately interfaced to the ECU 120.

[0024] The controller 302 is able to monitor emission compliance of the vehicle 122 in terms of CO2. If the CO2 emission is more than the threshold value, then an intimation is sent to the stakeholders. The stakeholders are then informed about the fine or penalty associated per vehicle 122. The stakeholders also takes necessary actions to prevent further increase in the CO2 emission.

[0025] Similarly, a method of estimating the CO2 emission is provided. The method comprises measuring various parameters 304 from the on-board sensors of the vehicle 122. A next step comprises computing the parameters 304 through a model stored in a memory element of the controller 302. The controller 302 then estimates the CO2 through the model. The various parameters 304 are selected from a group comprising type of fuel, air intake quantity, exhaust temperature, intake temperature and engine speed. Further parameters 304 which are usable are selected from at least one of parameters 304 further comprises engine swept volume, exothermic temperatures of DOC 108, fuel temperature, turbo boost, injection timing and pilot and post injection quantities.

[0026] In alternative, the system 100 as described in Fig. 1, is able to monitor emission compliance of the vehicle 122 in terms of CO2. The control unit 104 receives the values obtained from the controller 302 through the communication module 106 and compares with the reference values. If there is a deviation, then the information is communicated to the involved stakeholders, such as vehicle owner, vehicle manufacturer, component supplier, government entities, etc. The server 102 also performs sorting of the deviations according to vehicle manufacturer and vehicle segments. Thus, real time data acquisition is done and analyzed for CO2 emission estimation in the server 102. Further, the reference data sets and the CO2 level is taken based on the country and the respective regulations in force.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 enables transparent vehicle 122 operation for the owner, and also prevents misuse/abuse or vehicle 122 being operated in unintended conditions. With periodic maintenance as well as proactive corrections, performance and lifetime of the vehicle 122 is kept at optimum level. The system 100 also reduces probability of breakdowns/severe inducements. The system 100 also enables connected mobility. In simple words, the idea boosts connected mobility and also removes the communication barriers between man and vehicle 122. Further, the system 100 provides reducing agent quality and quantity monitoring, estimated cost of a servicing, estimated time of servicing at different service stations and reviews of same, a routing to nearest service station in emergencies, auto dialing to owner of fleet, display of time available for next inducement and related reasons, suggestions to avoid same and torque inducement percentage.

[0028] Further, the present invention provides an intelligent connectivity platform which brings the vehicle 122, the owner and the operator under one roof for diagnostics. The engine of the vehicle 122 remains emission complaint throughout its operating tenure. The engine, the vehicle 122 and the driver safety is ensured to a great extent. Any inconsistencies at system level of the vehicle 122 is continuously monitored, failing which, action is initiated against owner/operator/vehicle manufacturer (nullify effect of defeat device installation). Thus, compliance monitoring of the emission control devices 110 or Auxiliary Emission Control Device (AECD) is achieved as any deviation causes a trigger in notification to the stakeholders for addressing same.

[0029] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.