Automated Tachograph Data Transmission via GSM Control Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transmitting data from tachographs to data processing systems are cumbersome, requiring manual intervention and authentication with company cards, which complicates fleet management and increases costs, especially for large vehicle fleets.

Innovation Solution

A communication control unit with GSM or UMTS modules and wireless data transmission capabilities automates data transfer between tachographs and data processing systems, eliminating the need for manual steps and allowing standardized protocols for authentication, thereby simplifying the process and reducing power and memory consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data download with company card authentication is used, then data security is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated data transmission where the tachograph independently initiates and completes data downloads to remote servers without requiring manual authentication by operators. The communication control unit automatically establishes connections, transmits data, and manages the entire process, eliminating the need for company cards and manual intervention while maintaining security through automated authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A communication control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the tachograph and remote servers. This unit handles all authentication and data transmission processes automatically, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct manual authentication with company cards while ensuring secure data transfer through controlled communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual data collection and transfer is performed, then data accuracy is ensured, but productivity and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous automated data transmission from tachographs to remote servers without interruption or manual intervention. Data is continuously downloaded and archived in real-time or near-real-time, eliminating the discontinuous manual collection process while maintaining data accuracy through automated verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of inserting company cards and downloading data is replaced with an automated electronic communication system. The communication control unit uses electronic protocols to automatically transmit data over communication networks, substituting the manual mechanical authentication process with automated digital communication while maintaining data integrity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If company cards are used for authentication, then authorized access is controlled, but device complexity and operational steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidauthentication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is automated where the communication control unit independently performs all authentication steps with remote servers using stored credentials or cryptographic keys. The system self-manages access control without requiring physical company cards or manual authentication steps, simplifying the process while maintaining secure authorized access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2225733B1System for transmissing data over a transmission path between a tachograph and a data processing device and a method for performing a transmission of data
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2225733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2225733B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2225733B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

The object of the invention is a communication control unit for performing a method for transmitting data via a transmission pathway between a tachograph and a data processing facility, wherein said transmission pathway contains at least one partial section for a wireless transmission. To this end, it is essential that the communication control unit comprises a GSM module and/or a module for wireless data transmission with the data processing device. The invention also comprises a system, which additionally contains a tachograph and a data processing facility, wherein said tachograph and a communication control unit associated therewith are disposed in a vehicle and said data processing facility is disposed outside said vehicle. Using the communication control unit, a method for transmitting data via a transmission pathway between a tachograph and a data processing facility is also disclosed.