Universal Host Interface for Vehicle Data Recorder Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanics face difficulties in diagnosing intermittent vehicle problems, such as loss of power, as these issues often do not occur when the vehicle is at a service station, leading to frustration for owners and potential safety risks, due to the need for specific software to interact with different Vehicle Data Recorders (VDRs).
Innovation Solution
A software solution that allows a host workstation to communicate with various VDRs using the CAN communication protocol, enabling selection of the vehicle type, proper connection instructions, detection of the attached VDR, and configuration for recording events, including automatic detection and error signaling for incorrect connections, allowing data recording based on user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific software packages are used for different VDR types, then compatibility with specific VDR models is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to needing to load different software
Solution Approach 1:
The host computer uses a single universal software package that can communicate with multiple types of VDR devices through a standardized interface. The software includes a device identification module that automatically detects the VDR type and configures appropriate communication protocols, eliminating the need to load different software packages for different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized communication interface acts as an intermediary between the host computer and various VDR types. This interface layer handles device-specific protocols and translations, allowing the main software to interact with all VDR models through a common API without needing device-specific software versions.
2Reliability
If manual software selection is required for different VDR types, then communication accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to stopping to load correct software
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary device identification and compatibility checking automatically when a VDR is connected. The software pre-configures communication parameters and protocols based on the detected device type, so no manual software loading or configuration is needed during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The host computer automatically detects the VDR type and configures the appropriate communication settings without user intervention. The system self-adapts to the connected device, eliminating the time loss associated with manual software selection and loading.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized interface is implemented for all VDRs, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to generic communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is dynamic and adaptable. While it presents a standardized API to the user, it automatically adjusts communication protocols, data formats, and sampling rates based on the specific VDR model detected, ensuring optimal precision for each device type while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as baud rate, data format, and protocol type based on the detected VDR model. This allows the standardized interface to maintain high measurement precision by optimizing parameters for each specific device while keeping the user interface simple and uniform.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided that allows a host workstation to communicate with all types of VDR available to a user to record events in a vehicle type selected by the user. The host workstation can also alert the user when the incorrect VDR is connected based upon the vehicle selection by the user. Once connected, the host workstation can configure the VDR for the desired recording parameters.