Telematics System for Remote Vehicle Behavior Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle ECU reprogramming methods are cumbersome and require professional intervention, limiting the ability of operators to efficiently customize engine performance characteristics for specific routes or conditions, leading to potential inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A telematics system that uses GPS and wireless data links to remotely adjust vehicle behavior by sending zone-based behavior definitions to the vehicle, allowing for real-time changes in engine performance parameters such as speed, idling, and lighting based on the vehicle's location, enabling operators to customize settings without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ECU reprogramming methods are used, then vehicle performance characteristics can be customized, but the process requires professional intervention and hardware interfaces, increasing device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical reprogramming interface (hardware connectors, laptops, manual procedures) with a wireless communication system. The telematics control unit receives performance parameter updates wirelessly via cellular or satellite networks, eliminating the need for physical hardware interfaces and professional reprogramming equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service reprogramming by allowing fleet operators to remotely update vehicle performance characteristics without requiring professional technicians. The telematics control unit automatically receives and implements performance parameter changes sent through the wireless network, making the system self-reconfigurable.
2Productivity
If manual ECU reprogramming is performed, then engine performance can be optimized for specific routes, but the process requires professional intervention and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows performance parameters to be pre-configured and stored in the telematics control unit or on remote servers before the vehicle needs them. When the vehicle approaches a specific geographic zone or time window, the appropriate performance parameters are automatically activated without requiring real-time reprogramming, thus eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication replaces manual reprogramming procedures, enabling instantaneous transmission of performance parameters from remote servers to the vehicle's telematics control unit. This eliminates the time-consuming process of connecting hardware interfaces, transferring files, and manually configuring ECU settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed performance settings are used, then vehicle operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different routes or conditions, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle performance characteristics based on real-time conditions such as geographic location, time of day, and operational requirements. The telematics control unit continuously monitors vehicle status and automatically retrieves appropriate performance parameters from remote servers, enabling the vehicle to adapt its behavior without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the telematics control unit monitors vehicle performance and location data, then automatically requests and implements performance parameter updates from remote servers. This closed-loop system ensures the vehicle maintains optimal performance settings without requiring operator awareness or manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote user can mandate one or more zone-based driver/vehicle predefined behaviors. Current vehicle location is analyzed at the vehicle or remotely to determine if the vehicle is approaching or has arrived at a location for which a zone-based driver/vehicle behavior has been mandated. For zone-based vehicle behavior mandates, a vehicle controller at the vehicle responsible for controlling the defined behavior is reprogrammed to impose the defined behavior (no regeneration at location, max speed at location, no idle over 2 minutes at location, etc.). Once the vehicle has left the zone, the controller programming reverts to its prior state, and/or zone-based driver behavior definition is no longer displayed.