Universal TPMS Reading Bench with Optical License Plate Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) require manual intervention for sensor type identification and communication protocol adaptation, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities across different vehicle brands and models, necessitating specific readers and operator expertise.

Innovation Solution

A reading bench equipped with an optical sensor for vehicle identification, a radio communication unit, and an electronic module that automatically detects and adapts to the communication protocol of TPMS sensors by analyzing the vehicle's license plate and database information, allowing for automatic detection and adaptation of communication parameters such as transmission power and protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual readers are used for TPMS sensor reading, then operator control and sensor type identification are possible, but operation time increases and compatibility across different vehicle brands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility across different vehicle brandsVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reading bench automatically identifies the vehicle brand, model, and sensor type through optical character recognition of the license plate and database lookup, eliminating the need for manual sensor type identification by the operator. The system self-configures the appropriate communication protocol and reading parameters based on the identified vehicle characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary identification of the vehicle and sensor type before the actual reading process begins. By recognizing the license plate and querying the database in advance, the reading bench pre-configures all necessary communication parameters and protocols, so that when the reading process starts, no manual intervention or time-consuming configuration is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manual readers are equipped for different manufacturers, then compatibility with various vehicle types is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various vehicle typesVSAvoidnumber of readers required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reading bench is designed as a universal system that can read TPMS sensors from any vehicle brand and model. Instead of requiring separate dedicated readers for different manufacturers, this single device automatically adapts to different vehicle types by recognizing the license plate, querying the database for vehicle-specific parameters, and configuring the appropriate communication protocol dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reading bench dynamically adjusts its operation mode, communication protocol, and reading parameters based on the identified vehicle characteristics. The system transitions from a static, manufacturer-specific configuration to a dynamic, vehicle-adaptive configuration, allowing one device to perform the functions of multiple dedicated readers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual positioning and communication configuration is used, then precise sensor reading is possible, but ease of operation decreases and operator expertise is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sensor readingVSAvoidsensor reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal reading position, communication protocol, and parameters by analyzing the vehicle type and sensor characteristics through database lookup. This eliminates the need for operators to manually configure complex communication settings or precisely position equipment, while the system maintains accurate sensor readings through automated parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If radio transmission power is increased for reliable communication, then communication reliability improves, but energy consumption and electromagnetic pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption and electromagnetic pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The reading bench dynamically adjusts the radio transmission power parameter based on the specific sensor type, vehicle characteristics, and communication conditions identified through the database lookup. Instead of using a fixed high power setting, the system optimizes the transmission power to the minimum level required for reliable communication with each specific sensor, thereby reducing energy consumption and electromagnetic pollution while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid and efficient reading of TPMS data from various sensors and vehicles without the need for manual intervention, improving compatibility and reducing energy consumption and electromagnetic pollution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical sensor configured to acquire at least one image of at least one part of said at least one vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

at least one radio communication unit comprising at least one antenna device capable of communicating with said at least one monitoring sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3507110B1System for reading sensors for monitoring automotive vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 NORAUTO FRANCE
  • EP3507110B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reading bench (100) for reading at least one monitoring datum, which bench is configured to accommodate at least one vehicle (200) including at least one wheel (210) comprising at least one tyre (220) and at least one monitoring sensor (230) being configured to transmit said at least one monitoring datum by means of radio waves, said reading bench (100) comprising: - at least one optical sensor (120); - at least one radio communication unit (140) including at least one radio antenna (150); - at least one electronic module (110) that is in communication with at least one database (130), with said at least one optical sensor (120), and with said at least one radio communication unit (140).