Remote Activity-State Control for Accurate Vehicle Driving Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle operation management systems may fail to accurately collect driving data due to the driver's inadvertent failure to set activity states, such as start and shutdown operations, as these settings are typically configured by operating a button on an on-vehicle device.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle operation management system that includes an on-vehicle device, a server, and a terminal device, where the terminal device allows remote operation to set activity states, enabling the driver to initiate start, rest, and shutdown operations before or after boarding or leaving the vehicle, thereby preventing data collection failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driver operates a button on the on-vehicle device to set activity states, then the system can collect driving data, but the driver may forget to operate the button causing inaccurate data collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of driving data collectionVSAvoiddriver operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and sets activity states based on vehicle status signals (ignition on/off, door open/close) without requiring driver intervention. The on-vehicle device monitors vehicle parameters and autonomously determines activity state transitions, eliminating the need for manual button operation while ensuring accurate data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical button operation is replaced with an automated electronic detection system. The on-vehicle device uses sensors and signal processing to automatically recognize driver actions and vehicle status changes, converting a manual mechanical interaction into an automated electronic system that reliably sets activity states without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the driver must be present in the vehicle to set activity states, then the on-vehicle device can be operated, but the driver may leave the vehicle without setting the state causing data collection failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of activity state settingVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vehicle status parameters (ignition state, door status, engine operation) and automatically sets activity states based on detected changes. This self-service approach ensures that activity states are properly set regardless of driver presence or awareness, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual button operation is used for setting activity states, then the system structure remains simple, but the risk of inadvertent failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation interfaceVSAvoidactivity state setting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple mechanical button interface with an automated electronic detection and control system. The on-vehicle device incorporates sensors, signal processing circuits, and control logic that automatically monitor vehicle status and set activity states, substituting manual mechanical operation with an automated electronic system that reduces failure risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the on-vehicle device continuously monitors vehicle status signals and compares them against expected patterns for activity state transitions. This feedback loop ensures accurate detection of driver intentions and vehicle status changes, automatically adjusting activity states to match actual operating conditions and preventing inadvertent failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2937845B1Vehicle operation management system
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP2937845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2937845B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle operation management system for managing an operation of a vehicle includes: an on-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, the on-vehicle device being configured to collect driving data of the vehicle and enable a driver to perform an operation for setting an activity state of the vehicle; a server installed outside the vehicle, the server being configured to communicate with the on-vehicle device and store the driving data of the vehicle; and a terminal device configured to communicate with the server, the terminal device being capable of bringing outside the vehicle. An operation signal output from the terminal device in response to an operation by the driver is transmitted to the server. The on-vehicle device is configured to set the activity state on the basis of the operation signal the server has received from the terminal device.