Tachograph Data Visualization on Continuous Print Medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tachograph data output methods are inefficient for rapid vehicle checks, especially in low-light conditions, as they require additional devices and are not easily readable for large volumes of data.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for printing tachograph data on continuous paper, using a graphical representation with bar heights encoding driver activities and digital states, allowing for easy visual inspection without additional tools, with features like moving averages and auxiliary lines for clarity and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is output in traditional text form on continuous paper, then the output medium requirements are met, but the readability and inspection efficiency for large volumes of data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata inspection efficiencyVSAvoidadditional peripheral devices required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional text-based data presentation with graphical representations (bars, lines, symbols) that can be quickly visually processed. This substitution transforms numerical and textual data into visual forms that human eyes can scan and interpret much faster, eliminating the need for additional electronic devices or software to enhance readability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different colors, shading patterns, and visual intensities in the graphical representations to encode different data meanings and states. This allows control personnel to rapidly distinguish between various driver activities, vehicle states, and data categories at a glance, significantly improving inspection efficiency without requiring complex additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If detailed text data is printed on continuous paper, then complete data information is preserved, but the space required and time for manual checking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata information completenessVSAvoidchecking time for large data volumes
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms one-dimensional text data into two-dimensional graphical representations with multiple encoding dimensions (height, color, pattern, position). This dimensional transformation allows much more information to be compressed into a smaller visual space while maintaining readability, enabling complete data representation in a compact format that can be scanned quickly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the continuous data stream into discrete graphical elements (individual bars, symbols, and time segments) that can be independently processed and understood. This segmentation allows control personnel to systematically review data in manageable units while maintaining the completeness of the overall information set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If graphical representations are used to compress data space, then space efficiency improves, but the precision and accuracy of data representation may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprintout space utilizationVSAvoiddata representation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the parameters of graphical representations (bar heights, line positions, symbol sizes) to maintain precise correspondence with the underlying data values. By establishing clear scaling relationships and consistent visual encodings, the graphical format preserves measurement precision while achieving space compression through efficient visual packing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2195786B1Method and device for dispensing data from a tachograph
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2195786B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2195786B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2195786B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a device for dispensing data from a tachograph to an endless printing medium, wherein a first division is plotted in the longitudinal direction of the printing medium, and wherein a second division is plotted transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the printing medium, wherein the first division represents a predetermined unit of time, in particular a day in generalized time coordinates, and the second division represents at least one variable recorded by the tachograph during the unit of time, and the at least one variable is depicted by at least one graph.