Mobile App Vehicle Diagnostics via Intermediary Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle owners face challenges in accessing comprehensive and personalized diagnostic information across various service providers, leading to difficulties for service providers in maintaining a thorough understanding of vehicle conditions and histories, and for owners in managing their diagnostic data conveniently.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application-based system that aggregates vehicle diagnostic data from disparate sources, allowing users to access and analyze their vehicle condition information independently, directing them to nearby diagnostic service providers for data retrieval and upload, and providing recommendations for repairs and services based on the collected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service providers use proprietary databases with customer diagnostic data from scan tools, then they can maintain vehicle condition reports for subscribed customers, but the average consumer is unlikely to purchase the expensive scan tool required to build such a database
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the vehicle's diagnostic system and the service provider's database. The mobile device communicates with the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port and transmits data to the service provider, eliminating the need for customers to purchase expensive proprietary scan tools while still enabling comprehensive vehicle condition reporting
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables universal access to vehicle diagnostics through commonly owned mobile devices that can perform multiple functions including communicating with various vehicle makes and models, storing diagnostic data, and interfacing with different service providers through a standardized platform
2Adaptability or versatility
If service providers encourage customers to purchase scan tools for DIY diagnostics, then they can build a proprietary database of vehicle condition reports, but this excludes the majority of customers who are unwilling or unable to buy such devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an accessible intermediary that bridges the gap between service providers and the broader customer base. It captures diagnostic information from vehicles and transmits it to service providers, enabling data collection from customers who would otherwise be excluded due to the cost barrier of proprietary scan tools
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to perform DIY diagnostics using their own mobile devices without needing to invest in expensive specialized equipment. Customers can independently retrieve and transmit their vehicle's diagnostic data, maintaining data availability while expanding service provider reach
3Ease of operation
If vehicle owners use dongles or data acquisition devices for diagnostics, then they can retrieve vehicle data, but these devices drain the vehicle battery if left plugged in and require frequent plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces permanent or long-term connected data acquisition devices with a temporary, on-demand diagnostic approach using mobile devices. The mobile device connects only when diagnostic information is needed, retrieves the necessary data quickly, and disconnects, eliminating continuous battery drain while maintaining ease of operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If service providers offer targeted assistance through mobile applications, then they can provide personalized service recommendations, but existing applications either require connection to vehicle ECU using a dongle or offer only generic information
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that enables personalized service recommendations through a mobile application without requiring a separate dongle. The application communicates with the vehicle's diagnostic system through the mobile device's interface, gathering specific vehicle data to provide tailored service advice while eliminating additional hardware requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mobile application-based vehicle diagnostics comprises establishing a user profile associated with a user of a mobile communication device, the profile including a vehicle identification number (VIN) associated with a vehicle operated by the user, receiving an instruction to obtain vehicle condition information, determining a geolocation of the device, in response to the instruction, directing the user to a nearby diagnostic service provider having a capability to retrieve diagnostic data including the VIN from the registered vehicle and upload the retrieved diagnostic data to a server or other data processor associated with a diagnostic database for deriving vehicle condition information from retrieved diagnostic data, receiving the vehicle condition information from the server, the vehicle condition information having been derived from the diagnostic data uploaded by the diagnostic service provider and associated with the user based on the VIN included in the diagnostic data, and displaying the received vehicle condition information on the device.