Remote Automotive Embedded Device Testing via Virtual Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing systems for automotive embedded devices are limited by their inability to facilitate remote testing across multiple global locations, making it impractical to provide necessary components, testing structures, and test vehicles for comprehensive testing in actual driving environments.

Innovation Solution

A remote testing system that utilizes a processor-based central computing device and a remote computing device connected over a network, allowing a remote user to control and observe the testing of automotive embedded devices as if physically present at a central location, using a plurality of tools to simulate conditions and gather results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional testing system is used with physical tools and computing apparatus at a single testing location, then the user can directly manipulate tools and observe testing results, but the system cannot support remote testing across multiple global locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote testing capabilityVSAvoidphysical manipulation of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical testing environment through software. The testing structure, tools, and computing apparatus are replicated as virtual entities that can be accessed and manipulated remotely over a network, allowing users at different locations to interact with the testing system as if they were physically present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network as an intermediary between the physical testing location and remote users. This intermediary enables communication and data transfer, allowing users to control tools and observe results without being physically present at the testing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple global remote test sites are equipped with complete testing structures and test vehicles, then comprehensive testing can be performed at each location, but the cost and complexity of providing required components, testing structures, and test vehicles becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting location distributionVSAvoidtesting system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of physically replicating complete testing structures at multiple locations, the patent creates virtual copies of the testing environment through software. A single physical testing structure can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously through network connections, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware at each remote site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the testing system universal by allowing any user with network access to operate the testing tools and computing apparatus. The same testing structure serves multiple users across different locations and time periods, maximizing utilization without requiring separate dedicated systems at each site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If testing is performed using physical tools at a central testing location, then comprehensive testing can be conducted, but geographical constraints prevent engineers from accessing and performing testing operations remotely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidremote access capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at the testing location with electronic communication over a network. Users interact with the testing system through software interfaces transmitted via network connections, substituting the need for physical tool manipulation with digital control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250005971A1Development environment facilitating remote testing of automotive embedded device

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICA INC

AI summary

A system for testing an embedded device in an automotive component includes a central computing device, plurality of tools, a testing structure, and a remote computing device. The plurality of tools supplements the testing of the embedded device. The testing structure holds and connects the central computing device, the embedded device, the automotive component, and the plurality of tools. The remote computing device is physically separate from the testing structure. The remote computing device controls the central computing device (i) to cause the embedded device to function and (ii) to perform the testing of the embedded device. The remote computing device further controls the central computing device to cause the plurality of tools to provide (i) varying physical conditions under which the embedded device is tested and (ii) a plurality of mechanisms that observe and obtain testing results.