Vehicle Telematics Voltage Event Capture for Cranking Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telematics systems face challenges in accurately determining the type of vehicle (electric vehicle, internal combustion engine vehicle, or unknown) and capturing relevant voltage-based events, particularly in efficiently managing power consumption and distinguishing between cranking and charging events.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a telematics system with a comparator, digital-to-analog converter, and analog-to-digital converter to determine vehicle type by comparing battery voltage with thresholds, query the vehicle for type information, and capture cranking voltage values, employing a dual-controller configuration for power-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the telematics device continuously monitors battery voltage to detect cranking and charging events, then the reliability of event detection is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telematics device uses periodic voltage sampling instead of continuous monitoring. The auxiliary controller wakes up at predetermined intervals to sample the battery voltage through the comparator circuit, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic action maintains reliable event detection while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electronic monitoring with a passive comparator circuit that automatically triggers interrupts when voltage thresholds are crossed. The comparator continuously compares battery voltage against reference thresholds without consuming significant power, substituting active polling with a threshold-based trigger mechanism that is both reliable and power-efficient.
2Measurement precision
If the telematics device queries the vehicle to determine vehicle type, then the accuracy of vehicle type identification is improved, but the time required for initialization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs voltage threshold comparison and vehicle type determination during the initialization phase before normal operation begins. The auxiliary controller samples voltage and queries the vehicle controller during startup to establish the vehicle type, so that this time-consuming operation is completed beforehand rather than during ongoing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses voltage characteristics as a proxy or copy indicator for vehicle type identification. By analyzing the battery voltage response patterns during cranking versus charging events, the system can infer vehicle type without requiring extensive communication protocols, thus reducing initialization time while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the telematics device uses a single controller for all functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power consumption during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telematics device is segmented into two distinct controllers: a main controller that handles high-power functions like data transmission and processing, and an auxiliary controller that handles low-power functions like voltage monitoring and event detection. This segmentation allows the main controller to remain in sleep mode during voltage monitoring, dramatically reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary controller acts as an intermediary between the battery voltage monitoring circuit and the main controller. It samples voltage through the comparator, determines when events occur, and only wakes the main controller when necessary. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain simple overall architecture while achieving power efficiency through coordinated controller operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate vehicle type identification and efficient power management by distinguishing between cranking and charging events, reducing battery drain and improving data capture accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
comparing by a comparator a battery voltage of the battery with a charging threshold
Implementation Method 2
outputting by a processing unit a digital signal corresponding to the charging threshold to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting the digital signal to an analog signal corresponding to the charging threshold
Implementation Method 3
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having an input couplable to a voltage monitor output and having an output coupled to the CPU
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in a telematics device capable of detecting and capturing both cranking and operating events is provided. The method configures the telematics device to use the same components to detect operating voltage for either electric or combustion vehicles, and to detect and facilitate capturing cranking events.