United StatesPatent [19]
`Baumann et al.
`
`[54] MICRO-COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR
`CONTROL AND DIAGNOSIS OF MOTOR
`VEHICLE FUNCTIONS
`[75] Inventors: Heinrich Baumann,
`Schwieberdingen; Giinther Schmidt,
`Ludwigsburg, both of Fed. Rep. of
`Germany
`Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Fed.
`Rep. of Germany
`[21] Appl. No.: 42,359
`[22] Filed:
`May 25, 1979
`[30]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Jun. 2, 1978 [DE] Fed. Rep. of Germany ..... .. 2824190
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`[51] Int. Cl.3 .................... .. G06F 15/20; G05B 15/02;
`1
`F02D 5/02
`[52] US. Cl. .................................. .. 364/431; 364/424;
`73/116; 123/417; 324/379
`[58]‘ Field of Search ............. .. 364/424, 425, 551, 200,
`364/900, 431; 324/ 378-380; 73/ 116, 117.2,
`117.3; 340/151, 52 F, 53; 123/117 D, 32 BA, 32
`EB
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,882,305
`3,906,205
`3,906,207
`
`5/1975 Johnstone .......................... .. 364/200
`9/1975 Yoshida et al. ..
`364/431
`9/1975
`Rivere et al. ...................... .. 364/425
`
`[11]
`‘[45]
`
`4,267,569
`May 12, 1981
`
`4,061,025 12/1977
`
`Willenbecher et al. ............. .. 73/116
`
`4,072,850
`
`2/1978 McGlynn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . .. 340/53
`
`123/117 D
`4/1978 Mayer .......... ..
`4,082,069
`.... .. 73/ll7.2
`4,125,894 ll/1978
`Cashel et al. .
`73/ll7.3
`4,128,005 l2/1978
`Arnston et al.
`4,205,377
`5/1980 Oyama et al. ...................... .. 364/431
`Primaty Examiner—Charles E. Atkinson
`Assistant Examiner-Gary Chin
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-'~Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman &
`Woodward
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`In order to permit diagnosis of operation and function
`parameters in a motor vehicle which is equipped with
`an electronic microprocessor control system without
`the necessity of providing in the diagnostic equipment
`substantial additional memory capability, the control
`system includes a sub-program for diagnosis. A ?rst
`Subprogram executed by the control system in. response
`to a command from the diagnostic equipment gives the
`appropriate actual operational data to the diagnostic
`equipment. A second subprogram simulates nominal
`values for speci?c vehicle data under various operating
`conditions and compares these with the actual values.
`The resulting information is given to an operator by a
`display and can additionally include various instruc
`tions, e.g. repair instructions or a trouble shooting se
`quence based on the diagnosis.
`
`9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures
`
`SUPPLY
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`DIAGNUSHE
`PROGRAMS
`
`IPR2013-00417 - Ex. 1020
`Toyota Motor Corp., Petitioner
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent May 12, 1981
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`U.S. Patent May 12, 1981
`
`Sheet 2 of2
`
`4,267,569
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`62
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`A
`DIAGNUSIS
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`5
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`25
`
`BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
`Micro-processor controls for automobiles and other
`motor vehicles are known and are described, for exam
`ple, in the following technical literature: “Electronics”,
`Jan. 20, 1977, page 102 ff; “Electronic Design”, No. 1,
`Jan. 4, 1977, p. 34 ff; SAE-paper No. 750432, “Applica
`tion of Microprocessors to the Automobile”, p. 65 ff;
`“Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift”, vol. 28, 1976, No. 15,
`p. 496 ff; “Computer”, August 1974, page 33 ff.
`In addition, hard-wired calculators for controlling
`the functions in a motor vehicle or in a combustion
`engine are known, e.g. from the U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,069
`(corresponding to U.S. application Ser. No. 660,858,
`?led Feb. 24, 1976), MAYER et al.
`Diagnostic equipment for connection to sensors in
`motor vehicles is known. Such diagnostic equipment is
`connected by means of an intermediate plug which can
`be plugged into a matching socket in the vehicle. The
`sensors deliver their signals directly to the diagnostic
`equipment. There, after being converted, shaped and
`processed, if necessary, these signals are displayed or
`processed further. Such diagnostic equipment often is
`complex and costly and is generally suited only for
`checking relatively few operational parameters or sen
`sors in the powered vehicle.
`
`illustrating a preferred embodiment,
`
`4,267,569
`2
`The apparatus in accordance with the invention has
`the advantage that motor vehicles which are equipped
`with a microcomputer system can be checked relatively
`simple. The subprogram in the main program permits
`interrogation or checking of various sensing locations
`and the corresponding values can then be displayed or
`further processed.
`The diagnostic subprogram thereby requires only a
`limited number of storage places in the already present
`memories of the micro-computer system.
`The number of storage places needed in the micro
`computer system of the vehicle can be substantially
`reduced by using diagnostic equipment in combination
`with a control device with a micro-processor and a
`memory connected thereto since the required diagnos
`tic program can in large part also be put into these
`memories.
`Drawings,
`wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a simpli?ed block circuit diagram of a mi
`cro-computer system for a motor vehicle with diagnos
`tic equipment connected to an input/output unit;
`FIG. 2 is a simplified block circuit diagram of a mi
`cro-computer system with diagnostic equipment con
`nected thereto which has output units capable of work
`ing from a diagnosis program.
`In the micro-computer system illustrated in FIG. 1, a
`microprocessor 10 is connected through a data bus 14
`and an address bus 15 to a working memory (RAM) 11,
`a ?xed value memory (ROM, PROM or EPROM) l2,
`and an input/output unit 13. Depending upon the con
`tent of the information to be transmitted, or upon the
`number of addresses which can be selected, the data bus
`14 can consist of, e.g. 8 individual lines and the address
`bus 15 can consist of, e.g. 16 individual lines. A read
`command line 16 which connects the component ele
`ments 10 to 12 is connected by a terminal 17 with the
`input/output unit 13 and serves to read-out applied or
`stored information. A write-command line 18 connect
`ing the component elements 10, 11 is likewise connected
`by a terminal 19 to the input/output unit 13 and serves
`to read-in information into the memory 11. A program
`interrupt-command line 20 leads from the input/output
`unit 13 over a terminal 21 to the microprocessor 10.
`This line serves to interrupt a program just running in
`the microprocessor upon presence of previously prede
`termined information. A clear-command line 22 leads
`from the microprocessor over a terminal 23 to the input
`/output unit 13. It serves to provide certain initial con
`ditions, e.g. for the beginning of a program. A fre
`quency generator 24 is connected with the micro
`processor 10 via a terminal 25 to provide this compo
`nent with a basic time or clock frequency. A frequency,
`preferably derived from the clock by division, is con
`nected from processor 10 preferably via a terminal 25 to
`the input/output unit 13. A terminal 26 leading to a
`supply voltage is connected to a stabilizing circuit 27.’
`The stabilized output voltage of this circuit is led to a
`terminal 28, as well as to various component elements
`which have electronic circuit equipment.
`An input circuit 29 has eight inputs 30 to 36 and 59
`which are connected to external signal sources. The
`input 59 can thus be connected, e.g. with a simple
`switch which gives a diagnosis command to the micro
`computer system. The instantantaneous condition, e.g.
`of an internal combustion engine, is reported to the
`computer system by means of the signal source. A trans
`ducer arrangement 37 is connected with the inputs 30,
`
`1
`
`MICRO-COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR CONTROL
`AND DIAGNOSIS OF MOTOR VEHICLE
`FUNCTIONS
`
`The present invention relates to a motor vehicle con
`trol apparatus which has a micro-processor to control
`operating functions, and more particularly to apparatus
`which can be used for diagnosis of the functions of the
`vehicle.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`THE INVENTION
`It is an object to provide an apparatus for controlling
`motor vehicle functions which are dependent on opera
`tional parameters and are repeated, especially those
`serving to determine the ignition, the injection of fuel,
`and possibly other functions, and monitoring the effec
`tiveness of the controller.
`Brie?y, a micro-computer system of the vehicle and
`installed thereon has an on-board microprocessor con
`nected by a data bus and an addressing bus to each of at
`least a ?xed-value memory (Read-only memory—-
`ROM, programmable read-only memory—PROM;
`eraseable PROM-EPROM), a working memory (Ran
`dom Access Memory—RAM), and an input-output unit
`to which there are connected control elements to con
`trol operation of vehicle functional elements, the inter
`nal or external signal sources to provide signals to the
`microprocessor, and preparation circuits for signals
`dependent on operational parameters. All these ele
`ments are part of the operational, functional, and con
`trol components of the motor vehicle itself. The input
`/output unit, including a process-channel mechanism of
`60
`the micro-computer system is connected to diagnostic
`equipment through which it can be given a diagnosis
`command, so that speci?c vehicle data in accordance
`with a diagnostic program can be given to the diagnos
`tic equipment. The system includes apparatus to furnish
`a subprogram which can take data stored in the memory
`against which actual operations are checked to thereby
`derive diagnostic data.
`
`65
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`4
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`

`4,267,569
`3
`31. Transducer 37 has a star-wheel 370 which is coupled
`to the crankshaft of a combustion engine B; it has a
`plurality of teeth or projections 371 arranged on its
`periphery. These teeth are sensed by a ?rst pickup 372.
`Each ferromagnetic tooth generates a ?ux change in the
`inductive pickup 372 which results in a voltage signal.
`The resulting signal, which is dependent upon the speed
`of rotation, is fed to the input 30. A reference marker
`373 is provided on the wheel 370. The reference marker
`373 is sensed by a second pickup 374 and the reference
`mark or crankshaft position signal is fed to the input 31.
`Further information from the combustion engine or the
`vehicle with which it is used is applied to the inputs 32
`to 36. Input 32 provides a supply voltage U signal; Input
`33 a temperature T signal; input 34 intake air volume
`(per unit_time) L signal; input 35 throttle plate setting
`signal, e.g. by a switch 38, and input 39 a signal repre
`sentative of position of the starting switch of the engine.
`The extent of the operational conditions of the engine
`can be expanded as desired and is not limited to the
`information presented above, e.g. may include exhaust
`gas data.
`The presented input function signals at the inputs 30
`to 36 are processed, noise limited, or ?ltered, and digita
`lized in the input circuit as necessary. At the output side
`this information is led via the terminals 40 to 46 and 60
`to the input/ output unit 13. To the extent that the infor
`mation is presented in analog form at the input circuit
`29, it is converted into digital signals by means of one or
`more analog-digital converters in the input circuit 29.
`Signal wave shaping can also be carried out, e.g. by
`Schmitt triggers. Two end stage outputs of the input
`/output unit are connected via terminals 47, 48 with
`switching end stages 49, 50 which are designed as igni
`tion output stages. Such ignition output stages include,
`in a known manner, a semiconductor switch in the pri
`mary circuit of an ignition coil system. At least one
`ignition path 51, 52 or one spark plug is connected in the
`secondary current circuit of the ignition system. A fur
`ther output switching stage 54 for controlling fuel injec
`tion through injection valves 55 to 58 (four are illus
`trated) is likewise connected to the input/output unit
`13. Further functions of the motor vehicle can also be
`controlled or regulated by the input/output unit 13, for
`example an electronic transmission control, a vehicle
`brake, or a level control, or other controlled functions.
`
`40
`
`4
`illustration of FIG. 1, but can be expanded as desired,
`independently of the information to be processed, the
`scopeof the program, and the scope of the stored data.
`The number is, of course, dependent on the type of
`components used in each case, or on their operational
`and memory capabilities.
`In accordance with the invention, a diagnostic ar
`rangement is connected to the input/output unit 13
`which features, for example, a known type of visual
`data display device, a picture tube, and/ or an indicating
`device for the operational instructions, and/or a con
`nection for a printer. When a diagnosis command, for
`example derived externally from an operator-controlled
`switch, periodically during operation of the vehicle
`based on time or distance travelled, or generated by the
`diagnostic program itself, is given to the input/output
`unit via the input 59 and the terminal 60, then a diagno
`sis of operation of engine and/or the vehicle is carried
`out with a subprogram stored a section 12a of the read
`only memory 12. With this diagnosis program, the in
`formation of interest is given serially to the diagnostic
`equipment 61 through the input/output unit 13.
`i
`The data and test values speci?c to the motor vehicle
`can include, for instance, actual test or go/no-go limit
`values according to a ?rst diagnostic subprogram, e. g.
`the rotational speed, the battery voltage, the transmis
`sion rotational speed (by an input to stage 29, which is
`not shown), or the like. The test values can be obtained,
`for example, by means of a test value source connected
`at 59 to the input circuit 29. By means of a second diag
`nosis subprogram, which is stored in section 12b of the
`read-only memory, the computed values of, e. g. the
`ignition advance angle, the dwell angle, the fuel injec
`tion time, or the like, can be individually read and trans
`mitted through the input/output unit 13 to the diagnos
`tic equipment 61. Limit values can be stored in memory
`
`Certain operating conditions of the combustion en
`gine which are particularly suited for diagnostic pur
`poses, such as for example idling, can be simulated in
`accordance with the diagnosis subprogram by genera
`tion of certain input signals. The thus presented values
`and the then computed operational data by the mi—
`crocomputer system can likewise be picked up and
`applied to the diagnostic equipment 61 through the
`input/output unit 13.
`'
`,
`In accordance with the data in the subprogram stored
`in the read-only memory 12, command and actual value
`comparisons can also be carried out with the help of the
`microcomputer system. An error indication derived
`therefrom can be applied to the display of diagnostic
`equipment 61 through the input/output unit 13. In such
`command or nominal-actual comparisons, the nominal
`or command or desired vehicle speci?cation and opera
`tion data is stored in the read-only memory 12.
`For diagnosis of this type, with which the motor
`vehicle or the electrical equipment of the motor vehicle
`can be tested for proper functioning, there is required
`only simple and known diagnostic equipment which can
`be connected with the microcomputer system with only
`two additional lines. By means of the described equip
`ment, there is possible a simple diagnosis which is inde
`pendent of the then pertaining use of the vehicle, since
`all the testing conditions can be automatically entered in
`accordance with a particular diagnosis program. The
`unit 61 functions essentially as a comparator for the
`diagnostic program data with actual function dependent
`vehicle data, or derived, computed data, applied thereto
`
`20
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`25
`
`30
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`35
`
`45
`
`OPERATION
`The general mode of operation of a microprocessor
`system such as that presented here is readily apparent to
`those skilled in the art. Reference is made to DE-OS
`No. 2732781 (corresponding to US. application Ser.
`No. 916,827, ?led June 19, 1978, now US. Pat. No.
`4,204,256, May 20, 1980 Klotzner assigned to the as
`signee of this application).
`Information applied externally to the input/output
`unit 13 is processed together with ?xed memory infor
`mation by the microprocessor 10, within the scope of a
`program stored in the ?xed memory 12. The computed
`results which here are the signals for controlling the
`ignition and for fuel injection, are transferred to the
`output switching stages 49, 50, 54 and used for carrying
`out the desired switching commands. Final and interme
`diate values are in part stored in the working memory
`11 and then retrieved and processed as necessary by the
`65
`microprocessor, as known.
`The number of microprocessors, ?xed value memo
`ries, and working memories used is not limited by the
`
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`20
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`4,267,569
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`5
`pervision and permits practically automatic trouble
`by the respective buses 14, 15. The nominal-actual value
`shooting.
`comparison for computed output data takes place in the
`Complete and careful checking of operation of a
`microcomputer system, i.e. the diagnosis is no longer
`motor vehicle or the electrical equipment thereof is thus
`speci?c to a speci?c engine or a speci?c motor vehicle.
`made possible at relatively small expense.
`Instruction and use tables for the diagnostic equipment
`In an illustrative embodiment, the following elements
`can set forth to the operator, in addition to engine data,
`were used:
`information regarding defects which may have ap
`input/output unit 13: RCA 87665 A
`peared, and which repairs should be made and/or
`microprocessor 10: RCA 87085 A
`which parts ordered replaced. Such tables can also be
`working memory RAM 11: RCA 88088
`stored in memory 12, at the cost of expanded storage
`capability.
`?xed memory ROM 12/: RCA 88027 . . . 30
`data input/output device 61: teletype, data terminal
`FIG. 2 shows the microcomputer system of FIG. 1 as
`(monitor) or any other device with RS 232 C signal
`a single block 62. Microcomputer system 62 includes
`levels or a 20 mA current loop interface. Unit 61 is a
`the input/output unit 13, the microprocessor 10, and the
`standard data input/output device with eg a RS 232 C
`memories 11 and 12. Various sensors are connected to
`interface.
`the microcomputer system 62 by means of a plug board
`We claim:
`63, a diagnosis adapter plug 64, and a plug connector 65.
`1. In a motor vehicle, the combination of
`Commands, such as to the ignition stages 49 and 50, as
`apparatus forming part of the motor vehicle for elec- '
`well as to the injection equipment 54, can be given over
`tronically controlling functional elements of the
`the same components. Diagnostic equipment 61' has a
`vehicle and their operating functions including at
`diagnostic apparatus 66, connected over a buffer 66a
`least one of: ignition ?ring; fuel injection,
`with the data input/output device 67, and is also con
`wherein the apparatus includes
`7
`nected over buffer 66a and bus 64’ with the diagnosis
`an on-board microcomputer system (62) comprising a
`connection adapter plug 64. The diagnostic equipment
`microprocessor unit (10), at least one ?xed value
`itself also has a control apparatus similar in principle to
`memory unit (l2-ROM, PROM, EPROM) storing
`the system 62, that is, the system of FIG. 1, with its own
`operating and function data of the vehicle, a work
`microprocessor 68 and its own memories 69 and 70
`ing memory unit (ll-RAM), an input/output unit
`corresponding to memories 11, 12. The diagnostic pro
`(13), a data bus (14) and an address bus (15), said
`gram can be stored in large part in the memories 69 and
`buses interconnecting said units;
`70, so that only a small number of additional storage
`at least one signal source (U, T, L, 30-39) coupled to
`places need be added to the microprocessor system 62
`a functional element of the motor vehicle and a
`of the vehicle. This system permits control of elements
`signal processing circuit (29) connected to the re
`49, 50, 54 by the diagnostic apparatus and enhances
`spective signal source and providing one or more
`reliability, while providing for extensive trouble shoot
`vehicle function parameter-dependent signals to
`ing data upon failure or malfunction of a unit in the
`the input/output unit (13);
`microcomputer system ‘62.
`and at least one output element (47-58) connected to
`Testing of the various ‘functions of the operational
`and controlled by said input/output unit, coupled
`parameters of the motor vehicle is carried out basically
`to a functional element of the motor vehicle and
`similarly to the operation of the arrangement in accor
`controlling an operating function of the vehicle;
`dance with FIG. 1. There is additionally offered, how
`with
`ever, the possibility of testing or monitoring and check
`a monitoring and supervisory apparatus connectable
`ing, and indicating various parameters, and the opera
`to receive at least one vehicle function parameter
`tion of the micro-computer system 62 of the motor
`dependent signal derived from at least one of said
`vehicle regarding its processing of the respective data,
`signal sources, including
`45
`and operating signals. The data supplied to the motor
`a diagnostic equipment unit (61) connected to the
`vehicle sensors are edited, e.g. suitably wave-shaped,
`input/output unit (13) and having a comparison
`?ltered, digitized and the like, and processed for use in
`diagnostic unit (61);
`the diagnostic equipment 66 for a diagnosis program
`means (12a, 12b) forming part of said ?xed value
`running therein. The signals representing these data
`memory unit (12) of the on-board microcomputer
`generate data which are compared with those of the
`system (62) for storing data representative of a
`diagnostic program including data representative
`microcomputer system 62. Defective sources can be
`of predetermined operating functions and diagnosis
`quickly located even when the microprocessor system
`62 itself is defective. The input/output apparatus 67,
`test command data, and connection means (14,15)
`for selectively connecting (a) data representative of
`connected with the diagnostic equipment 66, can store
`the diagnostic program into said microcomputer
`and read out a wide range of instructions or information
`to the testing operator which may require extensive
`. system (62) for processing in accordance with the
`diagnosis test command data; and (b) data represen
`memory storage. For example, a diagram for a trouble
`tative of predetermined operating functions to said
`shooting search, a replacement parts list, or a service
`input/output unit (13) and connection of at least
`instruction for the vehicle can be stored and then read
`one output element to the diagnostic equipment
`out, or displayed.
`unit (66) to permit control of the respective output
`The electronic apparatus of the motor vehicle, and
`element from the stored data representative of said
`consequent operation thereof, can easily be monitored.
`Besides the existing microcomputer systems, there are
`functions upon failure or malfunction of or in said
`microcomputer system (62) or in one of said signal
`required only additional memory locations for a diag
`nostic program and only an indicating or output appara
`sources.
`2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said con
`tus, of any suitable known type; providing an additional
`nection means to furnish the diagnostic program in
`microprocessor 68 great expands the capability of su
`
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`‘4,267,569
`7
`cludes said buses (14, 15) and the diagnostic program is
`furnished to the microprocessor unit (10).
`3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the con
`nection means (14, 15) connect the vehicle function
`parameter-dependent signals to the diagnostic equip
`ment unit (61) for comparison therein with said prede
`termined operating function data stored in the‘diagnos
`tic program.
`_
`4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stor
`age means include a storage section (12b) storing a diag
`nosis Subprogram providing data representative of de
`sired function parameter-dependent signals,
`and said connection means (14, 15) provide said data
`representative of desired function parameter
`dependentv signals and data computed by said mi
`croprocessor unit (10) to said diagnostic unit for
`comparison therein and to enable checking of the
`output of the microprocessor unit (10) against said
`desired data.
`5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stor
`age means (l2a, 12b) stores data representative of simu
`lated vehicle function-parameter dependent conditions
`of the vehicle, and said connection means (14, 15) ap
`plies said simulated data to the comparison diagnostic
`unit (61).
`6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ?xed
`value memory unit (12) stores command data represen
`tative of function parameter-dependent values;
`and said diagnostic comparison unit (61) compares
`said command value with values determined in
`accordance with said stored diagnostic program to
`provide diagnostic output data based on the com
`parison of actual function parameter-dependent
`data with respect to desired or commanded data.
`7. In a motor vehicle, the combination of
`apparatus forming part of the motor vehicle for elec
`tronically controlling functional elements of the
`vehicle and their operating functions including at
`. least one of: ignition ?ring; fuel injection,
`wherein the apparatus includes
`an on-board microcomputer system (62) comprising a
`~ microprocessor unit (10), at least one ?xed value
`memory unit (l2-ROM, PROM, EPROM) storing
`operating and function data of the vehicle, a work
`ing memory unit (llaRAM), an input/output unit
`(13), a data bus (14) and an address bus (15), said
`buses interconnecting said units;
`at least one signal source (U, T, L, 30-39) coupled to
`a functional element of the motor vehicle and a
`signal processing circuit (29) connected to the re
`spective signal source and providing one or more
`vehicle function parameter-dependent signals to
`the input/output unit (13);
`and at least one output element (47-58) connected to
`and controlled by said input/output unit, coupled
`
`8
`to a functional element of the motor vehicle and
`controlling an operating function of the vehicle;
`with
`a monitoring and supervisory apparatus connectable
`to receive at least one vehicle function parameter
`depending signal derived from at least one of said
`signal sources within said apparatus forming part of
`the motor vehicle, including
`a diagnostic equipment unit (66) connected to the
`input/output unit (13) and having a comparison
`diagnostic unit (68);
`means (69, 70) storing data representative of a diag
`nostic program including data representative of
`predetermined operating functions and diagnosis
`test command data;
`connection means (63,‘ 64, 65, 64') connecting said
`diagnostic equipment unit to receive one or more
`vehicle function parameter-dependent signals;
`said connection means further (a) selectively connect
`ing the diagnostic program into said microcom
`puter system (62) for processing in accordance
`with the diagnosis test command data and provid
`ing respective vehicle function parameter-depend
`ent signals to the input/output unit (13) to affect a
`respective functional element of the motor vehicle,
`said connection means establishing communication
`with the respective functional element to permit
`supervision of the response of the respective func
`tional element in accordance with the processed
`diagnosis test command data whereby the opera
`tion of the microcomputer system (62) as well as at
`least one signal source forming part of the motor
`vehicle and the respective functional element form
`ing part of the motor vehicle can be checked and
`' possible malfunction diagnosed; and (b) selectively
`providing connection of said input/output unit (13)
`of the microcomputer system (62) to the diagnostic
`equipment unit (66) and connection of at ieast one
`output element to the diagnostic equipment unit
`(66) to permit control of the respective output
`element from the stored data representative of said
`functions upon failure or malfunction of or in said
`microcomputer system (62) or in one of said signal
`sources.
`8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the diag
`nostic equipment unit (66) includes a data output device
`(67) providing human operator-legible output data rep
`resentative of the diagnostic comparison effected in said
`diagnostic microprocessor unit (68).
`9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the stor
`age means (70) include stored data providing remedial
`information based on the nature of the comparison in
`said diagnostic microprocessor unit (68) if said compari
`son indicates deviation of the actual data from the
`stored diagnostic data requiring remedial action.
`* *3
`1k
`4!
`i?
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`
`
`
`7
`
`