Automated vehicle technical condition diagnostics system

Abstract

The automated vehicle diagnostic system provides an advanced approach to vehicle maintenance by facilitating efficient, precise, and cost-effective diagnostics. This system utilizes a terminal equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) connector, enabling it to interface with a wide range of vehicle models. An integrated display on the terminal provides comprehensive instructions to guide users through the vehicle connection process, system scan initiation, and understanding of results. The terminal's built-in diagnostic software performs an exhaustive scan of essential vehicle systems, diligently identifying potential errors or malfunctions. Collected data is instantly transmitted through an embedded GSM antenna to a dedicated server. This server processes the data, generating a detailed diagnostic report outlining the vehicle's condition. This actionable information offers considerable benefits for personal users, businesses with vehicle fleets, and the used-vehicle market by providing an accurate health assessment of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATED VEHICLE TECHNICAL CONDITION DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to an automated vehicle technical diagnostics system.

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0005] In the modern era, automobiles are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, with advanced mechanical and computerized systems contributing to their functionality. This increased complexity, while improving the vehicle's performance and offering additional features, also brings about challenges when it comes to diagnosing the vehicle's condition and detecting any issues. For a vehicle owner, understanding the state of their vehicle is paramount for many reasons: ensuring safety, maintaining optimal vehicle performance, preventing costly repairs, and extending the vehicle's lifespan. However, due to the intricacy of modern automobiles, diagnosing a vehicle's technical condition can be a complex task requiring professional knowledge and skills. Traditionally, diagnosing the technical condition of vehicles has been a job for professional mechanics at service centers or garages. However, these visits can be time-consuming and often expensive. Moreover, not all issues are immediately apparent or severe enough to warrant a trip to the mechanic, leading to minor issues often being overlooked until they escalate into more significant problems, leading to more costly repairs or even safety risks.

[0006] On the other hand, personal diagnostic tools available on the market can be quite expensive and often require a level of technical knowledge that the average vehicle owner may not possess. This creates a barrier for many vehicle owners, making regular and comprehensive vehicle diagnostics a less feasible option. Furthermore, the issue is compounded by the inconvenience associated with vehicle diagnostics. Vehicle owners have to carve out time from their busy schedules to visit service centers, which may not always be feasible or practical. Additionally, these service centers may not always be readily accessible, especially for those residing in rural or remote areas. In summary, there is a significant problem of accessibility, cost, and convenience associated with the current means of diagnosing a vehicle's technical condition. The process is often costly, requires specialized knowledge or professional assistance, can be time-consuming, and inconvenient. As a result, vehicle owners often lack regular, comprehensive diagnostic information about their vehicle, which can lead to overlooked issues, more significant problems down the line, expensive repairs, and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

[0007] There is, therefore, a pressing need for a solution that addresses these problems, providing an accessible, user-friendly, cost-effective, and comprehensive vehicle diagnostics tool that allows vehicle owners to regularly monitor and maintain the condition of their vehicles.

[0008] The patent document WO2018139683A1 (published on 2 August 2018) provides a vehicle status monitoring system and method that utilizes On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and If This Then That (IFTTT) technology. It allows for easy management and real-time monitoring of vehicles by receiving vehicle condition information through a communication unit, storing user-defined interworking service conditions and operations in a storage unit, determining if the conditions are met using a discrimination unit, and executing the specified operation if they are. The system can connect to the OBD device in the vehicle, receive real-time information via Bluetooth, and utilize the IFTTT platform for defining interworking service parameters. It provides a seamless integration with user services, eliminating the need for additional checks or procedures. The OBD / IFTTT system primarily relies on a user's understanding and definition of the interworking service conditions, which could pose a problem for those unfamiliar with vehicle diagnostics or the specific parameters that should be monitored. This places the burden of knowledge on the vehicle owner, potentially resulting in significant issues going unnoticed if the owner does not have the necessary technical expertise to define the appropriate conditions or interpret the results correctly.

[0009] Patent document nr. KR101951372B1 (published on 22 February 2019), presents an invention is an loT-based vehicle safety diagnostic system that uses data from a vehicle's On- Board Diagnostic (OBD) system to provide real-time or historical information about the vehicle's operation, particularly for vehicles used in delivery or transportation services. It generates a safety evaluation index using data such as speed, brake operation, and driving distance, and can also detect speed violations using surveillance camera data. The system also links a mobile device's phone number within the vehicle to the operation information, enabling the user to contact the driver directly in case of irregularities, thereby enhancing user convenience and safety. The problem is that the loT-based system continually collects and transmits data, potentially raising privacy concerns. Users might not be comfortable with their driving habits and routes being monitored and stored.

[0010] In EP3252719A1 (published on 6 December 2017) the invention provides a vehicle diagnostic system that conducts specific diagnostic tests on a vehicle to yield error indications representing faults. The innovation lies in its ability to use these error indications to access a data structure containing information about the vehicle's spare parts. This allows for a faster determination of necessary repairs and the specific parts needed. The system uses a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to identify the vehicle and its associated set of tests and connects to a remote server housing databases of vehicle and spare part information. The aim is to streamline the fault detection and repair process, reducing the time spent identifying the required spare parts and potential repairs. But there is a drawback - complexity and training. The system appears to be quite complex and might require significant training for the mechanics to use effectively, increasing the cost and time for implementation.

[0011] A technique of diagnosing vehicle technical condition has been discussed and investigated in patent document Nr. US2022383672A1 (published on 1 December 2022). This invention introduces a new diagnostic system for a vehicle's electrical system, which includes multiple intercommunicating controllers. The system uses "system diagnostic software" that runs on one of the vehicle's controllers. This software assigns a unique address to the entire multi-controller system, enabling it to perform comprehensive diagnostics, including reading values, controlling actuators, and reprogramming. The software can process different types of diagnostic inquiries from an external unit, identify the targeted controllers, and communicate with them. The software also creates expanded diagnostic information from normal communication within the vehicle system. This approach simplifies diagnostics by reducing complexity, merging information from multiple controllers, and facilitating expanded diagnostics and customer adaptation. The system identifies targeted controllers based on the content of the diagnostic message rather than their individual diagnostic addresses, distinguishing it from traditional "diagnostic gateway" approaches. But there is a drawback. The device incorporates a scattered particle group as a particle damper, which may introduce additional unwanted scattering or interference to optical signals, affecting the performance of the optical system. Unfortunately, the proposed system requires a visit to a specialized service center or a garage if the user does not possess the required technical knowledge.

[0012] Accordingly, it is desired to provide an automated vehicle technical condition diagnosing system.

[0013] This description provides a system that is designed to facilitate the assessment of a vehicle's technical condition in an automated, comprehensive, and user-friendly manner, with the procedure being as simple as connecting the vehicle into the system. The diagnostic information generated by the system provides a valuable guide to vehicle owners regarding their vehicle's condition, enabling them to take proactive steps in addressing potential issues. This system is conveniently located at common areas like gas stations or public parking lots, thereby providing easy and immediate access to vehicle owners, and enhancing the ease of vehicle maintenance without the need for professional service centers or high-cost diagnostic tools. This makes it both time-saving and cost-effective, thereby increasing its accessibility and usability to the general public. The system further introduces an advanced solution that innovates upon the conventional approach to vehicle maintenance by offering expedient, straightforward, and economically efficient access to comprehensive vehicle diagnostics. As a result, this solution contributes substantially to the enhancement of vehicle safety, performance, and longevity.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The automated vehicle technical condition diagnostic system is an inventive tool designed for the facilitation of vehicle maintenance. Providing accurate, efficient, and cost- effective diagnostics, this system is a valuable resource for individuals and businesses. It equips users with an insightful comprehension of their vehicle's condition, which is instrumental in preserving its maintenance and longevity, and aids in the enhancement of road safety through the prompt detection and correction of potential issues.

[0016] The terminal, a key component of the system, offering wide-ranging compatibility with any vehicle equipped with an OBD port. The terminal features an integrated display, which serves as an accessible interface that navigates users through the diagnostic process by presenting instructions and relevant information.

[0017] Housed within the terminal is vehicle diagnostic software that can scan various vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, exhaust, brakes, and other vital components. The software is regularly updated to accommodate the latest vehicle models. A GSM antenna is integrated into the terminal, enabling real-time data transmission to a server, which is essential for the system's ability to deliver rapid and accurate diagnostics. Upon connecting their vehicle to the terminal, the vehicle diagnostic software commences operation, gathering valuable data which is immediately sent to the server. The server processes this data to create a detailed report on the vehicle's condition, which is then relayed back to the user.

[0018] This inventive system is a new approach to vehicle maintenance, providing easily accessible, user-friendly, and comprehensive vehicle diagnostics. Strategically located in locations like gas stations and public parking lots, it delivers essential vehicle health data to vehicle owners without requiring a trip to a professional service center or the use of expensive diagnostic tools. The combination of convenience, affordability, and thoroughness contribute to enhancements in vehicle safety, performance, and lifespan.

[0019] BRIEF DESRCIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 : Flowchart illustrating a method of diagnosing vehicle technical condition.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The system for automated diagnosis of a vehicle's technical condition substantially improves vehicle maintenance by enabling precise, expedient, and cost-efficient diagnostics. In a society where transportation is of central importance to both personal and business spheres, this invention holds considerable value. It equips users with the ability to comfortably monitor and comprehend the health of their vehicle, thereby not only contributing to the vehicle's upkeep and lifespan but also enhancing road safety. Prompt identification and rectification of potential vehicle problems mitigate the chance of sudden breakdowns and accidents.

[0023] Apart from personal advantages, this system also offers a distinct benefit for businesses that depend on vehicle fleets. The ease and swiftness at which these businesses can monitor the condition of their vehicles results in superior fleet management, reducing downtime and amplifying productivity. Furthermore, the potential of this invention in the pre-owned vehicle market is noteworthy. By offering a trustworthy and accurate diagnostic report, it can instill confidence in buyers regarding their purchase and ensure fair pricing based on the condition of the vehicle.

[0024] The terminal serves as an integral part of the system for automated diagnosis of a vehicle's technical condition. OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) connector allows for a direct connection with nearly any vehicle equipped with an OBD port. This wide-ranging compatibility implies that the system can perform a comprehensive and precise diagnosis regardless of the vehicle's make or model.

[0025] The terminal is furnished with an integrated display, which acts as a communication medium between the user and the system. This screen delivers clear and succinct instructions to users, guiding them through the process of attaching their vehicle to the system, initiating the scan, and comprehending the subsequent results. In addition to instructions, the display also communicates any relevant details or warnings during the scanning process, ensuring that users remain informed at all stages.

[0026] The terminal contains in-built vehicle diagnostic software. This advanced software is designed to scan various vehicle systems, encompassing the engine, transmission, exhaust, brakes, and other crucial components. Its primary function is to pinpoint any errors or failures, and it is constantly updated to ensure it can identify problems in even the most recent vehicle models.

[0027] A GSM antenna incorporated in the terminal plays an essential part in transmitting the data gathered from the vehicle to the server. This capability for wireless communication allows for instantaneous data transfer, ensuring that the server receives the diagnostic data without delay. This feature is pivotal in maintaining the system's capacity to deliver rapid and accurate results to users.

[0028] The sequence of operations executed by this system commences with the user linking their vehicle to the terminal using the OBD connector (1). Once connected, the vehicle diagnostic software scans the vehicle's systems (2), accumulating a wide array of data, which is then dispatched to the remote server via the GSM antenna (3) or to a local device integrated within the terminal. The server processes the data (4), forming an extensive analysis and producing a comprehensive report on the vehicle's condition (5). This report is then transferred to the user interface (6), supplying the user with a thorough, comprehensible, and actionable summary of their vehicle's health.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of performing automated vehicle condition diagnostics, characterized in that it comprises: connecting a vehicle to a terminal using an OBD connector; initiating a scan of the vehicle's systems using diagnostic software within the terminal; transmitting the collected data to a remote server via a GSM antenna or to a local device integrated within the terminal; processing and analyzing the transmitted data at the server to generate a diagnostic report; presenting the diagnostic report to the UI.

2. A system for automated vehicle technical condition diagnostics, characterized in that it comprises: a terminal configured to interface with a vehicle using an OBD connector; an integrated display on the terminal for user interaction and vehicle configuration; a diagnostic software within the terminal configured to scan vehicle systems and identify potential errors or malfunctions; a GSM antenna integrated within the terminal to facilitate wireless data transmission; a server configured to receive, process, and analyze the data transmitted from the terminal and generate a diagnostic report.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the terminal is universally compatible with any vehicle that contains an OBD port.

4. The system of claim 2, where the server is capable of generating an in-depth analysis of the vehicle's condition, providing a comprehensive report on the vehicle's health.

5. The system of claim 2, where the GSM antenna enables real-time data transfer to the server.

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