Vehicle Component Overlay via Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular telematics systems lack an efficient method for users to access and interact with vehicle information, particularly for identifying and obtaining details about specific vehicle components using mobile devices, limiting user understanding and diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes image capture devices to identify vehicle components, requests information from a telematics unit and an operations control center, and overlays this information onto the captured image, enabling users to learn about component usage and status through a mobile device interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional telematics systems are used without image capture integration, then system complexity remains low, but user ability to identify and access information about specific vehicle components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image capture device as an intermediary between the user and the telematics system. The device captures images of vehicle components, which are then processed by the telematics unit to identify components and retrieve information. This intermediary enables intuitive component identification through visual capture while the backend handling remains automated, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual component identification and information retrieval processes with automated image processing and data retrieval systems. Instead of users physically inspecting components or manually searching through system data, the system uses image capture devices to automatically identify components and fetches information through automated communication with remote servers, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated digital processes.
2Ease of operation
If comprehensive vehicle component information is provided through traditional interfaces, then information completeness is high, but user understanding and engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing information specifically targeted to the component the user is interested in, rather than presenting all vehicle information uniformly. The system identifies the specific component through image analysis and delivers customized information about that component's status, diagnostics, and operational details. This localized information delivery enhances user understanding and engagement while maintaining information completeness for the relevant component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional text-based or menu-driven information interfaces to a two-dimensional visual interface where information is overlaid on captured images. This dimensional change allows users to see component information in the context of its visual representation, improving comprehension and engagement while delivering comprehensive diagnostic and operational data.
3Productivity
If real-time diagnostic information is provided for all vehicle components, then diagnostic capability is high, but information processing load and response time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing diagnostic information only for the specific component that the user has captured in the image, rather than processing and displaying information for all vehicle components simultaneously. The system identifies the targeted component through image analysis and retrieves diagnostic data only for that component, reducing information processing load and response time while maintaining high diagnostic capability for the relevant component.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention contemplate utilizing the communicative connections between a telematics service provider (TSP), a communication device, and a telematics unit in a vehicle to interactively provide information pertaining to various components of a vehicle. Implementations contemplate that an image capture device is communicatively connected to the telematics unit in a vehicle and an operations control center of the TSP. Image data pertaining to an image captured by the image capture device is analyzed and vehicle components included in the image are identified. Once vehicle components in the image have been identified, information pertaining to the identified components is presented as an overlay of the originally captured image.