Remote Vehicle Diagnostic System via Internet Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive repair garages face challenges with complex and expensive computer-based diagnostic systems that require significant learning and investment, and existing remote diagnostic services are not cost-effective for technicians due to upfront equipment costs and technical shortcomings.
Innovation Solution
A remote vehicle diagnostic system where a hardware kit is leased to mechanics, pre-configured with special software, allowing a remote technician to perform diagnostic functions exclusively, with the local mechanic having limited or no access to the diagnostic process, and enabling updates and billing through a connected Internet interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a local mechanic uses a traditional diagnostic system, then the mechanic can perform diagnostics independently, but the system becomes expensive and complex requiring significant learning and investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote technician as an intermediary who performs diagnostics remotely via internet connection. The local mechanic simply connects the diagnostic tool to the vehicle, and the remote technician performs all diagnostic operations through a secure remote interface, eliminating the need for the local mechanic to learn complex diagnostic procedures while maintaining full diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical presence of a skilled diagnostic technician with a remote electronic system. The diagnostic functions are transferred from local mechanical operation to remote electronic control through internet connectivity, allowing complex diagnostics to be performed without local expertise while reducing system complexity for the end user
2Adaptability or versatility
If a local mechanic purchases a diagnostic system, then the mechanic can perform diagnostics, but the upfront cost is very expensive sometimes out of reach for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The remote technician acts as an intermediary service that eliminates the need for local equipment purchase. The diagnostic capability is delivered as a service through internet connectivity rather than requiring local ownership of expensive diagnostic equipment, making the service accessible to mechanics regardless of their financial capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system is designed to work with multiple vehicle types and manufacturers through a universal interface. The same remote diagnostic service can diagnose different vehicle makes and models, providing versatile diagnostic capability without requiring separate equipment for each vehicle type, thereby reducing overall investment needs
3Extent of automation
If a remote diagnostic service is implemented with existing solutions, then remote diagnostics can be performed, but the solutions are not cost effective due to requiring upfront purchase of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for local diagnostic equipment with a remote electronic system accessed through internet connectivity. The diagnostic functions are delivered remotely without requiring physical equipment at the local site, eliminating upfront equipment costs while maintaining full remote diagnostic automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages diagnostic sessions, data transmission, and billing through the remote interface. The local mechanic simply initiates the connection, and the system automatically handles all diagnostic operations, data processing, and service billing without requiring local equipment or manual intervention, making the service cost-effective
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle diagnostic system and method of performing vehicle diagnostics includes a local system that is adapted to connect with a vehicle and a remote system that is adapted to connect with the local system via an Internet. The local system has a vehicle interface and a local computer system operatively connected with the vehicle interface. The local computer system operates a diagnostic program specific to the vehicle under test. The remote system has a remote diagnostic control program. The remote diagnostic control program interfaces with the local computer system for performing a diagnostic evaluation of a vehicle under test. The remote system controls the local system to perform the diagnostic evaluation of the vehicle under test exclusive of the local system operator.