Vehicle Telematics Deactivation Using a Cumulative Severity Index
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with telematics units face challenges in maintaining network connections due to resource constraints and limited bandwidth, making it difficult for remote assistance units to deactivate telematics services without direct vehicle connection.
Innovation Solution
A command unit with a processor and memory determines deactivation conditions, calculates a cumulative severity index, and executes an automated deactivation module when the index exceeds a threshold, using weighted severity values to manage telematics subscription services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote assistance unit attempts to deactivate telematics service without direct vehicle connection, then service deactivation capability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to resource constraints and limited network bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple communication pathways and pre-configuring deactivation protocols before direct connection is lost. The remote assistance unit prepares alternative communication methods (cellular, satellite, mesh networks) in advance so that deactivation can proceed even when primary connection fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices and systems to bridge the communication gap between remote assistance unit and vehicle. These intermediaries include relay servers, gateway devices, and intermediate communication nodes that can forward deactivation commands when direct connection is unavailable, thus maintaining reliability without requiring direct connection.
2Reliability
If telematics unit maintains continuous network connection, then service reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases due to limited bandwidth and device constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous connection, the system implements periodic communication cycles where the telematics unit connects at scheduled intervals to report status and receive commands. This periodic action maintains service reliability by ensuring regular communication while dramatically reducing resource consumption compared to continuous connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as connection frequency, data transmission rate, and protocol selection based on current service needs, vehicle state, and network conditions. This allows the system to maintain adequate reliability by adjusting parameters upward when needed while conserving resources by lowering parameters during normal operation.
3Productivity
If automated deactivation is implemented without user confirmation, then deactivation speed is improved, but user control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation where certain deactivation scenarios proceed automatically (excessive action for efficiency) while others require user confirmation (partial action for control). Critical deactivations trigger immediate automated execution, while non-critical ones present confirmation prompts, thus achieving both speed and user control depending on situation severity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor deactivation conditions and user responses in real-time. When automated deactivation is initiated, the system provides feedback to the user about the action being taken and waits for confirmation or cancellation. This feedback loop maintains user control capability while still enabling rapid automated execution when users do not respond or when conditions warrant immediate action.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing communication between a vehicle and remote assistance unit includes a telematics unit connected to the vehicle. The telematics unit is engaged in a subscription service with the remote assistance unit. A command unit is in communication with the telematics unit, the command unit having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to determine if one or more deactivation conditions for the subscription service are met. Respective severity values for the deactivation conditions are determined. The command unit is adapted to calculate a cumulative severity index based in part on the respective severity values. An automated deactivation module is executed for the subscription service when the cumulative severity index exceeds a predefined severity threshold.