Smartphone VIN Decoder for Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers often face challenges in diagnosing vehicle issues, especially in remote locations, as they lack access to diagnostic equipment, and may rely on mechanic opinions that can be misleading regarding the problem and its cost.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based system that collects symptomatic data from users through vehicle-specific questions generated based on vehicle identification information, matching it with a diagnostic database to provide probable diagnoses and repair solutions, including the use of a vehicle decoder to determine vehicle characteristics and a defect predictor to identify potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diagnostic scan tools are used to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device accessibility deteriorates because drivers do not have access to such equipment when vehicles break down in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable copy of diagnostic functionality by implementing a diagnostic database and symptom analysis system on a smartphone platform. Instead of requiring drivers to carry or have access to expensive professional diagnostic scan tools, the system copies essential diagnostic capabilities into a widely accessible smartphone application, allowing drivers to perform diagnostics using their existing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical diagnostic scan tool with an electronic software-based system running on a smartphone. The physical connection interface and specialized hardware are substituted with mobile computing platforms, sensors, and software algorithms that can perform diagnostic functions through the vehicle's existing communication interfaces and sensor data
2Loss of time
If drivers rely on mechanic opinions for diagnosis, then diagnostic speed is improved, but information reliability deteriorates because mechanic opinions can be misleading regarding the problem and its cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables drivers to perform preliminary diagnostic actions before visiting a mechanic by using the smartphone application to analyze symptoms, retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, and identify potential problems. This preliminary diagnosis provides drivers with objective information about their vehicle's condition, allowing them to make informed decisions about whether professional service is needed and what specific issues to discuss with the mechanic
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where diagnostic results, repair outcomes, and cost information are captured and stored in the database. This feedback mechanism continuously improves the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic recommendations by learning from real-world repair outcomes, creating a self-improving system that becomes more reliable over time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of diagnosing a vehicle using a smart phone to collect symptomatic data from the user/driver. The symptomatic data is received by the user in response to symptomatic questions displayed on the user's smart phone. The symptomatic questions are generated in response to deriving vehicle characteristic information (i.e., year, make, model, engine) from vehicle identification information (i.e., the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate information). In this regard, vehicle-specific symptomatic questions may be presented to the user so as to ask pertinent questions based on a history of diagnoses of vehicles sharing similar vehicle characteristics.