Interactive Vehicle Circuit Display for Faster Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle diagnostic systems lack an efficient and interactive way for technicians to access detailed information about vehicle components, such as wiring harnesses, during servicing, which hinders accurate and timely diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A client computing system receives a download containing images, symbol data, and supplemental information about vehicle components, allowing technicians to interactively view and select specific information through a user interface, enabling seamless access to detailed diagnostics without requiring additional downloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional non-interactive diagnostic tools are used, then device complexity is reduced, but diagnostic efficiency and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical diagnostic tools with an electronic computing device that displays circuit diagrams and component information on a screen. The system uses electronic displays, processors, and digital data transmission to substitute for manual, non-interactive diagnostic methods, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device acts as an intermediary between the technician and the vehicle's diagnostic data. It receives data from the vehicle's electronic systems, processes it, and presents it in an interactive visual format through displayed images and symbols. This intermediary layer enables efficient data retrieval and analysis without requiring the technician to directly interpret complex raw data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed component data is displayed continuously, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but information overload and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic information is segmented into discrete, selectable components represented by symbols on displayed images. Instead of presenting all data at once, the system divides information into manageable units (circuit diagrams, component symbols, data fields) that the technician can selectively examine by interacting with specific symbols, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is dynamic and responsive to user interaction. The computing device updates the displayed information based on technician selections, showing detailed data only when relevant components are selected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide comprehensive diagnostic information when needed while maintaining a clean, simple interface during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If real-time data retrieval is implemented, then diagnostic speed is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic timeVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication channels with the vehicle's electronic systems and pre-loading relevant diagnostic data structures. When a technician selects a component symbol, the data retrieval is expedited because the system is already prepared to access and display the information, reducing diagnostic time while managing processing complexity through advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where technician selections immediately trigger data retrieval and display updates. The computing device continuously monitors user interactions and responds by fetching and displaying relevant component data without delay. This feedback mechanism enables rapid iterative diagnosis, reducing overall diagnostic time while processing data in manageable real-time increments rather than overwhelming batches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3523705B1System and method for providing an interactive vehicle diagnostic display
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SNAP ON INC
  • EP3523705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3523705B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3523705B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A client computing system (CCS) receives a download Including, (i) m image representative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least one circuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signal within the vehicle, and (ft) symbol data associated with at least one symbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the at least one symbol. The CCS then receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then •respectively receives, from the vehicle, data representing valuers) of the first signal The CCS then determines a first display-location at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the first signal While the image and die at least one symbol are displayed the CCS then displays, at the first display-location, the data representing the value(s) of the first signal..