Electronic Logbook Position Switching in Dead Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating electronic vehicle logbooks struggle with accurately recording the start and end times of journeys in areas with no connectivity, leading to measurement errors and manual corrections, particularly in underground parking garages where GPS signals are unavailable, affecting tax calculations.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing an automatic parking garage system with sensors to detect the start and end of journeys, generating control signals for an electronic logbook, and integrating with a backend system to store precise start-stop data even in areas without satellite connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If satellite-based position determination systems are used for recording journey data, then position data can be obtained in open areas, but the system fails to provide accurate position data in dead zones such as underground parking garages where satellite signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition data recording reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to dead zones
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate position determination system that acts as a mediator between the satellite-based system and the environment. When satellite signals are unavailable (in dead zones), the system automatically switches to alternative position determination methods such as inertial sensors, wheel encoders, or map-matching algorithms that can determine position without satellite connectivity, thus bridging the gap between satellite-based navigation and dead zone operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different position determination systems based on signal availability. The system continuously monitors the quality and availability of satellite signals and dynamically transitions between satellite-based positioning and alternative positioning methods, ensuring continuous and reliable position data recording regardless of the operating environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If manual logbook updates are required to ensure accuracy, then measurement errors can be corrected, but the complexity and time required for logbook maintenance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogbook data accuracyVSAvoidlogbook maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated electronic logbook system that self-updates using data from the position determination system and vehicle sensors. The system automatically records journey start and end times, calculates mileage, and stores this data without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the need for manual logbook updates while maintaining high data accuracy through automated data capture from multiple vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors position data quality and automatically detects when data recording becomes unreliable (such as when entering dead zones). Upon detection, the system triggers alternative positioning methods and automatically adjusts the logbook recording parameters to maintain accuracy, providing continuous feedback-driven optimization without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the system waits for signal timeout to complete journey recording in dead zones, then data completeness can be ensured, but the time delay for logbook availability increases by one to two minutes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejourney data completenessVSAvoidlogbook data availability time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by continuously pre-calculating and buffering position data and journey parameters during periods when satellite signals are available. When entering a dead zone, the system already has buffered data ready for immediate recording, eliminating the need to wait for signal timeout. The system can immediately log journey data using the last known position and continue recording using alternative positioning methods, making the logbook available without delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4290487B1Method for providing driving data for an electronic driving book of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP4290487B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing driving data characterizing a journey of a motor vehicle (10) for an electronic logbook of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the driving data includes a start time and/or an end time of the journey and position data which are acquired by a first position determination system (14) and/or a second position determination system (14), and wherein an automatic parking garage (12) is detected in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (10), in which a change in the acquisition of position data from the first position determination system (14) to the second position determination system takes place, and a parking process in the automatic parking garage (12) is initiated or terminated via a control signal, and a start-stop signal is generated by the control signal and/or by the change from the parking process to a driving mode or from the driving mode to the parking process.in which the start time and/or the end time are stored.