Multi-Protocol Vehicle Diagnostic Interface with Automatic Protocol Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnostic interface devices are limited in their ability to support multiple protocols and require manual selection and configuration, making them less user-friendly and less effective for accessing a broad range of vehicle operational data.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol vehicle diagnostic interface device and method that automatically detects the correct protocol, allows user-selected filter setups, and employs a unified output structure for multiple protocols, utilizing a processor, memory, communication module, and protocol bus modules to read and output vehicle operational data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol bus modules are implemented to support different vehicle diagnostic protocols, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements multiple protocol bus modules (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet) within a single diagnostic interface device, allowing it to universally support different vehicle diagnostic protocols. The processor is configured to selectively activate appropriate protocol modules based on the detected vehicle type, making the device multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that manages communication between multiple protocol bus modules and the external diagnostic device. It detects the vehicle protocol type and routes communications through the appropriate protocol module, mediating between the user's external device and the vehicle's specific protocol requirements
2Ease of operation
If automatic protocol detection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic protocol detection without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically detects the vehicle's diagnostic protocol type when connected and configures the appropriate protocol bus module, allowing the device to serve itself in identifying and adapting to the correct communication protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs protocol detection and configuration actions before the user begins diagnostic operations. The processor detects the protocol type and pre-configures the communication parameters, so that when the user starts using the device, everything is already set up and ready for immediate use
3Ease of operation
If user-selected filter setups are implemented for parameter selection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-configures filter setups for common diagnostic parameters and vehicle systems. Users can select from pre-defined filter options that are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex filter parameters from scratch while still allowing customization when needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If a unified output structure is employed for multiple protocols, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a unified output structure that standardizes data presentation across all supported protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet). The processor formats diagnostic data from different protocol sources into a consistent structure, allowing external diagnostic devices to receive and process data uniformly regardless of the vehicle's native protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that translates and formats data from various protocol-specific formats into a unified output structure. It mediates between the protocol-specific data formats received from different vehicle systems and the standardized format required by external diagnostic devices, ensuring compatibility while maintaining data integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device includes a processor, a memory communicating with the processor and containing indicators of vehicle operational parameters from which a user may select to set up filters, a communication module communicating with the processor, and a plurality of protocol bus modules supporting different multiple vehicle diagnostic protocols and have multiple filters for set up in correspondence with the indicators of user-selected parameters. The processor is configured to control the memory and modules to cooperate with one another to find the correct protocol out of multiple supported protocols, define the indicators of user-selected parameters by saving user-initiated filter setups, read data regarding user-selected parameters from a vehicle diagnostic communication port according to the filter setups, and output messages regarding the user-selected parameters.