Tachograph Service Identifier Mapping for Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tachograph systems face compatibility issues when using connection devices from different manufacturers, leading to difficulties in configuring and testing, especially with unforeseen technological changes and varying functions.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows flexible adaptation of tachographs to different connection devices by using a hierarchical structure of service identifiers, where main and ancillary service identifiers are assigned and stored, enabling flexible data transmission without affecting the connected car area network's functionality, and allowing for partial configuration and correction of assignments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tachograph uses fixed service identifiers according to standards, then operational stability is maintained, but compatibility with different connection devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different connection devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary component that translates between fixed internal service identifiers and variable external service identifiers. This mapping table acts as a mediator layer between the standardized tachograph interface and different connection devices, allowing the system to maintain stable internal operations while adapting to external variations without changing the core service identifier assignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tachograph interface is configured individually for different connection devices, then compatibility is improved, but complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different connection devicesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service identifier system into two independent parts: fixed internal service identifiers that maintain operational stability, and variable external service identifiers that provide adaptability. The mapping table further segments the adaptation logic, separating it from the core tachograph functions. This segmentation allows compatibility customization without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If service identifiers are mapped and stored in memory, then flexibility is achieved, but storage space and computing time are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in service identifier assignmentVSAvoidstorage space and computing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial mapping by only storing in the mapping table those service identifiers that actually differ between internal and external interfaces. If internal and external service identifiers match, no mapping entry is created. This partial action approach minimizes storage space consumption and reduces computing time for mapping operations while still achieving the necessary flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP1880365B1Method for exchanging data
Publication Date: 2010.09.08 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP1880365B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for exchanging data between a tachograph (DTCO) and a terminal device (CALTEST). The data transmission protocol provides for the terminal device (CALTEST) to cause the tachograph (DTCO) to perform a service by indicating at least one service identification (SID). The aim of the invention is to further develop a method for transmitting data in such a way that a flexible compatibility of the tachograph is obtained. Said aim is achieved by the fact that the tachograph (DTCO) encompasses an allocation of internal service identifications (IIDS) to external service identifications (EIDS), said external service identifications (EIDS) are used during data exchange with the terminal device (CALTEST), and external service identifications (EIDS) of incoming data are exchanged with matching internal service identifications (IIDS) according to the allocation (mapping list MAP) by means of a communication module (COMM).