Vehicle Control Verification Using Emissions Calibration Fingerprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle emissions testing protocols often require optimal emissions reduction and fuel economy calibration, but aging components or faulty software updates can lead to higher emissions than legally permitted, as existing systems may not be calibrated for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-embedded computer device (VECD) monitors control system data and generates a 'fingerprint' during emissions testing, which is compared to real-time operation data during use, alerting regulators or manufacturers if discrepancies occur, allowing for software updates to be rolled back to ensure compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the EMS controls the fuel injection system and spark system to pass emissions tests, then emissions reduction is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors control system data from the EMS and compares it against expected values to detect deviations. When deviations are detected indicating potential emissions non-compliance, the system provides feedback by alerting the user, enabling corrective action to restore proper emissions control calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicle owners to self-monitor and self-diagnose emissions control system performance without requiring professional equipment. By providing accessible alerts and notifications about calibration deviations, the system allows owners to take proactive measures to maintain compliance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the EMS is calibrated for optimal emissions reduction, then emissions are reduced, but the system complexity increases due to monitoring and verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing vehicle electronic control units and sensors to perform multiple functions: normal engine control, emissions monitoring, and compliance verification. By reusing existing hardware resources, the system avoids adding significant complexity while achieving comprehensive emissions verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary layer between the EMS and the user, translating complex control system data into simple, actionable alerts. This intermediary function simplifies the user interface and reduces perceived complexity while maintaining robust monitoring capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are applied to the EMS, then system functionality is improved, but emissions compliance may deteriorate due to calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by continuously monitoring control system data before emissions non-compliance occurs. By detecting calibration deviations early, the system enables preventive action to correct issues before they result in failed emissions tests or legal violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about the state of emissions control calibration, allowing users to understand the impact of software updates in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables informed decisions about whether to retain or revert software updates based on their effect on emissions compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and computer-readable media for verifying operations of vehicle control systems are disclosed. During a test cycle, a processor may monitor control modules and/or sensors embedded in a vehicle for control system data, may generate and report fingerprint based on a combination of the control system data, and may report the fingerprint to a remote computing device. During deployment, the processor may monitor the control modules/sensors for control system data, may generate and performance results based on a combination of the control system data, and may report the performance results to the processor. The process may verify whether the control systems of the vehicle are operating as desired based on a comparison of the performance results with the fingerprint. The remote computing device may generate and send an alert or flag to a remote device if the control systems of the vehicle are not operating as desired.