Vehicle Scan Tool Graph Indicators for PID Threshold Breaches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle scan tools lack the ability to efficiently display and manage multiple vehicle data parameters (VDPs) corresponding to different parameter identifiers (PIDs), making it difficult for technicians to diagnose and repair vehicles effectively by switching between various displayable parameters and performing relevant tests.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle scan tool (VST) capable of receiving parameters from a vehicle, determining thresholds for associated PIDs, and displaying indicators on a graph, allowing users to select and perform actions such as functional or component tests based on breached thresholds, with options presented in a popup box or graphical representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple vehicle data parameters are displayed simultaneously, then the information completeness is improved, but the display complexity and difficulty of managing parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display interface into multiple functional areas: a graph display area showing visual representations of parameter relationships, a parameter list area showing detailed parameter values, and a popup box area for additional options. This segmentation allows comprehensive parameter information to be displayed without overwhelming the user, as each segment serves a specific purpose and can be independently managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimensional parameter lists to a multi-dimensional display approach by incorporating graphical representations that show relationships between parameters visually. The graph area provides spatial visualization of parameter interconnections, while the popup box adds a temporal dimension by providing on-demand additional information without permanently cluttering the main display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameter options are provided for selection, then the functionality and versatility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing parameter options into logical groups and categories within the popup box. When a user interacts with the graph display, the system proactively presents relevant parameter options and test selections that are already filtered and organized, eliminating the need for users to manually search through all available parameters. This reduces the cognitive load and makes the interface more intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The popup box serves as an intermediary element between the graph display and the full parameter configuration options. It provides a simplified, context-relevant subset of options that mediates between the user's initial interaction and the comprehensive system capabilities, making the interface more manageable while preserving access to full functionality when needed.
3Reliability
If threshold monitoring for multiple PIDs is implemented, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges threshold monitoring for multiple PIDs into a unified graphical display system. Instead of separately monitoring and displaying each parameter threshold, the system combines them into a single graph visualization where relationships between parameters and their threshold breaches are shown collectively. This merging reduces processing complexity by consolidating multiple monitoring tasks into a single integrated display operation while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators such as color changes in the graph display to represent threshold breaches and parameter states. This visual encoding allows the system to monitor multiple PIDs simultaneously without proportionally increasing processing complexity, as the visual representation efficiently communicates the state of multiple parameters through standardized graphical elements rather than requiring separate processing and display routines for each parameter.
4Measurement precision
If interactive popup boxes with multiple options are displayed, then the user control and precision are improved, but the display time and response speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by displaying only the most relevant parameter options and test selections in the popup box based on the current graph interaction context. Rather than presenting all possible options simultaneously, the system provides a curated subset of options that are most likely to be useful for the current diagnostic scenario. This reduces the time required to display and process options while maintaining sufficient user control precision for effective vehicle diagnostics.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving, at a computing system, parameters from a vehicle, wherein the parameters correspond to a set of associated parameter identifiers (PIDs), and determining, by the computing system, one or more thresholds for one or more PIDs of the set of associated PIDs. The example method additionally includes determining, by the computing system, one or more indicators displayable on a first graph of parameters corresponding to a first PID of the set of associated PIDs. For instance, at least one indicator of the one or more indicators represents a parameter corresponding to a second PID of the set of associated PIDs breaching a threshold associated with the second PID. The example method further includes displaying, by the computing system on a graphical user interface, the first graph of parameters corresponding to the first PID and the one or more indicators on the first graph.