Asset Message Decoding With Dynamic Signal Definitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems struggle to decode proprietary and non-standardized data messages from assets, particularly vehicles, due to the increasing use of proprietary CAN messages and lack of published decoding protocols, leading to inefficiencies in identifying asset types and collecting relevant data.
Innovation Solution
An asset tracking system that includes an asset interface to receive data messages, a network interface to communicate with an asset data analysis system, and processors to request an asset type fingerprint and generate signal definitions for decoding data messages using a local set of signal definitions, supplemented by an asset data analysis system that generates new signal definitions and asset type fingerprints based on unique criteria in the data messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses pre-loaded standardized protocols for decoding CAN messages, then decoding reliability for standard vehicles is improved, but adaptability to proprietary and non-standard protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting raw CAN messages and storing them locally before needing to decode them. When a message cannot be decoded with existing protocols, the system has already prepared the raw message data for later analysis by the backend server, enabling adaptive decoding without compromising initial system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backend server as an intermediary between the asset tracking system and proprietary protocols. The backend server receives raw messages that local protocols cannot decode, performs the decoding operation remotely, and returns the decoded data to the tracking system, thus bridging the gap between standardized local decoding and proprietary protocol requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system includes comprehensive protocol libraries for all vehicle types, then adaptability to different vehicle protocols is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the protocol decoding functionality into two parts: a lightweight local component that handles standardized protocols and basic message collection, and a remote backend server that handles proprietary and non-standard protocols. This segmentation reduces local device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protocol coverage through the backend server
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the complex protocol library from the local device dimension to the remote server dimension. By transitioning from a single-device architecture to a distributed client-server architecture, the system achieves comprehensive protocol support without increasing local device complexity, as the backend server operates in a different computational dimension with unlimited resources
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system requests and downloads new signal definitions for unknown asset types, then adaptability to new vehicle types is improved, but loss of time due to network requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by collecting and storing raw CAN messages locally as soon as they are received, even before knowing the asset type or having the appropriate decoding protocols. This pre-collection of data eliminates waiting time, as the messages are already prepared for decoding when the backend server provides the necessary signal definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the backend server analyzes undecoded messages, identifies the asset type, and returns appropriate signal definitions to the local system. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation to new asset types without manual configuration, reducing setup time by eliminating the need for pre-programming support for every possible vehicle type
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for by an asset tracking system is provided. An example method includes receiving data messages from an asset coupled to the asset tracking system and attempting to obtain asset information from data messages with reference to a local set of signal definitions indicating how data messages received from the asset are to be decoded into asset information. Upon failing to obtain the asset information the asset tracking system requests from an asset data analysis system the generation of a generated signal definition indicating how the data message of the outstanding type is to be obtained from the asset. The asset tracking system provides access to at least one undecoded data message of the outstanding data type to the asset data analysis system, receives the generated signal definition from the asset data analysis system, and adds the generated signal definition to the local set of signal definitions.