Integrated Oscilloscope Cable for Vehicle Tampering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive diagnostic tools lack the capability to perform advanced measurements and detect tampering with vehicle electronic systems, particularly emissions systems, due to limited functionality in existing vehicle communication interface devices.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communication interface cable with an integrated oscilloscope that connects to a vehicle's diagnostic port, allowing for voltage waveform and resistance measurements, which are then processed and displayed by the vehicle communication interface device to detect faults and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle communication interface device is connected to a vehicle via a cable for diagnostic operations, then the device can communicate with electronic control units, but the device lacks the capability to perform advanced measurements and detect tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a standard vehicle communication interface cable with an integrated oscilloscope unit into a single device. The oscilloscope is embedded within the cable housing, allowing the cable to simultaneously perform communication functions and advanced electrical measurements (voltage, current, resistance, waveform analysis). This merging resolves the contradiction by providing both basic diagnostic communication and advanced measurement capabilities in one tool.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate diagnostic tools are used to achieve advanced measurements and communication, then measurement capabilities are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple diagnostic functions (communication interface, oscilloscope, measurement capabilities) into a single unified device. Instead of requiring separate tools for communication and measurement, the integrated cable eliminates the need for multiple devices, reducing complexity while maintaining full measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a communication interface for protocol-based diagnostics and as an oscilloscope for electrical signal analysis. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized tools.
3Ease of operation
If traditional diagnostic cables are used for communication, then ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to detect faults and tampering in emissions systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple, familiar cable connection interface with advanced oscilloscope functionality. The device maintains the ease of plugging and unplugging like a traditional cable while incorporating measurement circuits that can detect voltage anomalies, waveform irregularities, and electrical tampering that would indicate emissions system fraud.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated oscilloscope acts as an intermediary between the communication protocol layer and the physical electrical signals. It monitors the electrical characteristics of the communication lines and connected components, providing an additional layer of detection for tampering that goes beyond standard protocol-based diagnostics.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle communication interface cable includes a vehicle connector having a connector body configured to connect to a diagnostic port of a vehicle, and includes a vehicle communication interface connector having a connector body configured to connect to a vehicle communication interface, and a cable portion extending between the vehicle connector and vehicle communication interface connector, with the cable portion enabling communication from the vehicle connector to the vehicle communication interface connector. An oscilloscope circuit is integrated with the cable portion and is operatively connected with the vehicle connector to obtain measurements from the diagnostic port when connected thereto, with the oscilloscope circuit being operatively connected with the vehicle communication interface connector to provide measurements from the diagnostic port to the vehicle communication interface when the vehicle communication interface connector is connected to the vehicle communication interface.