Tachograph Data Card Reading Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing data cards in tachographs, particularly in multi-driver operations, are inefficient due to the need to read and add supplementary data sequentially, leading to a time-consuming process flow.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for the rapid reading of a data card's first partial data set into a tachograph, followed by the addition of supplementary data, and then checks for the presence of a second data card, enabling simultaneous processing of both data cards by reading and adding supplementary data sets in a streamlined manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the tachograph reads the first partial data set and adds supplementary data sequentially before reading the second data set, then data processing is performed in a straightforward manner, but the overall processing time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidtime required for reading and adding supplementary data
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tachograph performs preliminary actions by checking for the presence of a second data card immediately after adding supplementary data to the first data card, rather than waiting until the first complete processing cycle is finished. This allows the system to prepare for and initiate processing of the second data card in advance, overlapping processing operations and reducing total wait time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the tachograph checks for the second data card only after completing all processing of the first data card, then the processing sequence is simple and straightforward, but the overall process duration is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing sequence simplicityVSAvoidmulti-driver operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tachograph maintains continuous useful action by initiating the check for the second data card as soon as supplementary data is added to the first data card, without idle waiting periods. This continuous checking and preparedness ensures that when the second data card is present, processing can begin immediately, maximizing system utilization and efficiency in multi-driver operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3462419B1Method for reading two tachograph data cards
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3462419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462419B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for reading a data card containing two partial data sets, arranged in a data card receiving device 2 of a tachograph 1 of a motor vehicle, wherein a first partial data set of the data card is read into the tachograph 1, and wherein supplementary data is subsequently added to the first partial data set of the data card. For a faster process, it is proposed that, during the addition of the supplementary data to the data card and/or after completion of the addition of the supplementary data to the data card, the tachograph 1 checks whether a second data card is arranged in a second data card receiving device 4 of the tachograph 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tachograph 1, in particular a tachograph for carrying out the aforementioned method.