Remote Vehicle Diagnostics via Unified Web Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Independent automotive repair shops and DIY mechanics face challenges in accessing vehicle-specific diagnostic devices and software due to high costs and restricted access, leading to difficulties in servicing a wide range of modern vehicles, and remote diagnostics lack effective communication methods for displaying results to local technicians.
Innovation Solution
A local vehicle service system is operatively coupled to a remote vehicle service system via a network connection, enabling bi-directional communication through a graphical user interface or video-conference functionality, allowing remote specialists to guide local technicians and convey diagnostic results visually, verbally, or in writing, and facilitating vehicle-specific service actions and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle-specific diagnostic devices or scan tools are used to access advanced functionality of onboard computer systems, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device cost and access restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary that hosts vehicle-specific diagnostic software applications. Instead of requiring expensive local diagnostic devices, the system uses a web browser on a standard PC to access diagnostic tools remotely through the server, eliminating the need for costly specialized hardware while maintaining full diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the diagnostic environment by hosting software applications on a remote server that can be accessed through standard web browsers. This allows independent shops to access manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools without purchasing expensive proprietary hardware, effectively copying the functionality of specialized devices through software-based remote access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple downloadable software applications are installed on a local PC to service different vehicle makes and models, then service versatility is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to conflicts and crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic software environment by hosting each vehicle-specific application on the remote server as a separate, isolated instance. Each diagnostic tool runs in its own virtual environment on the server, preventing conflicts between different software applications while allowing unlimited versatility in servicing various vehicle makes and models.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server acts as an intermediary that isolates different diagnostic software applications from each other. By running all diagnostic tools on the server rather than locally on the technician's PC, the system eliminates software conflicts and stability issues while maintaining access to multiple vehicle-specific applications through a unified web interface.
3Device complexity
If remote vehicle diagnostics are implemented without integrated communication display, then equipment cost is reduced, but communication efficiency between local technicians and remote specialists deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the web browser a multi-functional tool that serves both as the interface for accessing diagnostic tools and as the display for video conferencing and graphical guidance. The same browser window that displays diagnostic data also displays video feeds and graphical instructions from remote specialists, eliminating the need for separate communication equipment while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges diagnostic display functionality with video conferencing and graphical guidance capabilities into a single unified web browser interface. By combining these functions that were traditionally required separate equipment, the system maintains excellent communication efficiency between local technicians and remote specialists while significantly reducing equipment costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for vehicle technician communication utilizing a local vehicle service system operatively coupled to a remote vehicle service system via a network connection. The system enables bi-directional communication between the local service technician and a service specialist associated with the remote vehicle service system by configuring the local vehicle service system with software instructions and hardware to provide a communication interface, such as a software app, graphical user interface, or teleconference functionality. Using the communication interface, the service specialist can: (1) guide the local technician through the initial process of establishing a connection between the vehicle undergoing service or inspection and the remote vehicle service system; (2) direct necessary actions during a diagnostic analysis of the vehicle, such as turning on the vehicle's engine, turning a steering wheel, etc.; and (3) convey results of the vehicle diagnostic analysis in verbal, written, or visual form.