Transport System Usage Detection via Multi-Condition Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport systems lack a flexible and reliable method for billing users based on the utilization of transport means, which is essential for transparent and accurate charging.

Innovation Solution

A method that records the period of use by detecting at least two conditions: a communication link between the user's assistance device and the transport system, a change in load capacity, and movement or operation of the transport means, ensuring reliable and flexible billing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a communication link detection method is used to determine usage start, then billing transparency is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential false positives when communication occurs without actual transport usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling transparencyVSAvoidusage detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three different detection methods (communication link detection, load capacity detection, and movement detection) into a unified usage determination system. By merging these independent detection channels, the system cross-validates usage events, ensuring that billing is triggered only when multiple indicators confirm actual transport usage, thereby eliminating false positives while maintaining transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each detection method (communication, load, movement) provides information to a central evaluation unit. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously monitor and cross-check signals, adjusting usage determination based on the consistency of multiple indicators, thus improving reliability while maintaining transparent billing records.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple detection conditions are required for usage confirmation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to the need for multiple sensors and detection systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the transport system with multi-functional components that serve multiple detection purposes. For example, the communication interface not only establishes connectivity but also detects communication events; the load sensing system serves both operational control and usage detection; the movement sensors serve navigation and usage verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection devices, thereby limiting complexity growth.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is segmented into independent functional modules (communication detection module, load capacity detection module, movement detection module), each responsible for a specific detection task. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the complex multi-condition detection system more manageable and maintainable without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If usage detection is based on communication link establishment, then billing flexibility is improved, but accuracy is worsened due to inability to distinguish between actual usage and mere communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling flexibilityVSAvoidusage detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges communication link detection with load capacity and movement detection to create a composite usage determination. This combination allows the system to maintain billing flexibility (by detecting various usage scenarios) while improving accuracy (by requiring multiple indicators to confirm actual transport usage rather than just communication).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts usage determination based on the combination of detected conditions. Rather than relying on a static single-criterion approach, the system evaluates the dynamic interplay between communication events, load changes, and movement patterns to accurately distinguish between actual usage and mere communication, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving billing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10901411B2Method for operating a transport system having at least one transport means and corresponding transport system
Publication Date: 2021.01.26 AUDI AG
  • US10901411B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a transport system having at least one transport means. In this case, it is provided that a period of use of the transport by a user or at least a beginning of the period of use is recorded by detecting a use of the transport means if at least two of the following conditions are met: A communication link of an assistance device of the user to the transport system exists or is being created; a load capacity of the transport means or a change in the load capacity is detected; and a movement of the transport means and/or an operation of a drive device of the transport means exists or exist or is or are being initiated.