OBD-II Audio Tester Script Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive audio system diagnostic methods often lead to unnecessary removal of components due to inaccurate diagnostic information, resulting in high maintenance costs and unjustified repairs.

Innovation Solution

A smart plug and play automatic OBD-II tester with an embedded controller and user display that runs pre-programmed test scripts to identify faults in vehicle electronics systems, including audio systems, using a communication bus and sensors like microphones and temperature sensors, to accurately determine failed components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current diagnostic methods using basic OBD-II interfaces are used, then diagnostic procedures are simple to perform, but diagnostic accuracy is low leading to unnecessary component removals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtester complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is divided into multiple specialized test scripts, each targeting specific audio system functions (amplifier testing, speaker testing, microphone testing, temperature sensor testing). This segmentation allows comprehensive diagnostic coverage while keeping individual test modules manageable and organized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary testing device that connects between the user and the vehicle's audio system via the OBD-II interface. This intermediary automatically executes test scripts and interprets results, bridging the gap between simple interface connection and complex diagnostic analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive test scripts are implemented to accurately identify faults, then component removal justification is improved, but testing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair justification accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated testing of all audio system components before any repair decisions are made. Test scripts are pre-programmed to systematically check each function, so the actual diagnostic time at the repair shop is minimized while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device autonomously executes test scripts, collects data from multiple sensors, analyzes results, and generates diagnostic reports without requiring expert intervention. The system serves itself by automatically interpreting test outcomes and providing clear guidance on component failure status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If automated test scripts with multiple sensors are used, then fault identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidtester structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device is designed as a universal platform that can test multiple audio system functions (amplifier, speakers, microphones, temperature sensors) through a single integrated unit. The same hardware interface (OBD-II connector) and controller are used across different vehicle models and audio system types, reducing overall system complexity despite comprehensive testing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses software-based test scripts that can be copied and executed repeatedly without additional hardware. Test procedures are stored as digital instructions that can be replicated across different testing sessions and vehicles, eliminating the need for physical copies of testing equipment for each diagnostic scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9781527B2Smart plug and play automatic OBD-II system tester
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AMERICA LLC
  • US9781527B2 patent drawing
  • US9781527B2 patent drawing
  • US9781527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An audio system testing arrangement includes a controller coupled to a communication. bus of a motor vehicle. The controller runs test scripts via the communication bus. The test scripts are for testing features of an audio system within the vehicle. A fault of the audio system is determined dependent upon results of the test scripts, a display and/or speaker annunciates the determined fault of the audio system.