Vehicle Data Object Mapping Using 3D Grid Associations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tree-like data structures for defining data objects in vehicles are rigid, leading to large and complex data files that grow exponentially, and are not well-suited for non-standard vehicles, making it difficult to easily query and associate vehicle components and their relationships.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional grid structure is used to define the position of vehicle components, allowing for automatic association of components in the same grid location and enabling flexible representation of various vehicle types, including non-standard vehicles, through a mechanism that assigns coordinates and defines explicit associations between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If tree-like data structures are used to define data objects in vehicles, then data objects can be organized hierarchically, but the data files become large and complex with exponential growth based on associations between data objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehierarchical organizationVSAvoiddata file complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional hierarchical tree structure to a two-dimensional grid structure where data objects are positioned by coordinates (row, column). This dimensional change allows multiple data objects to share the same location without creating exponential associations, thereby reducing data file complexity while maintaining organizational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If tree-like data structures are used to define data objects in vehicles, then data objects can be organized hierarchically, but the data files become large and difficult to create

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehierarchical organizationVSAvoiddata file creation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing a grid-based coordinate system instead of hierarchical trees, the patent simplifies data object definition. Data objects are assigned coordinates rather than navigating complex parent-child relationships, making data files easier to create and modify while preserving systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If tree-like data structures are used to define data objects in vehicles, then data objects can be organized hierarchically, but the structure is rigid and not well-suited for non-standard vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructured organizationVSAvoidvehicle type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grid structure with coordinate-based positioning provides flexibility for different vehicle configurations. Non-standard vehicles can be represented by assigning appropriate coordinates to data objects without being constrained by rigid hierarchical relationships, enabling the system to adapt to various vehicle types including non-standard ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If tree-like data structures are used to define data objects in vehicles, then data objects can be organized hierarchically, but querying and associating vehicle components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystematic organizationVSAvoidquerying ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-dimensional grid where data objects are located by coordinates. This enables efficient querying through direct coordinate access and simplifies association operations by comparing coordinate positions. The grid structure allows for straightforward spatial relationships and reduces the complexity of querying and associating vehicle components compared to tree traversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4266221B1Method and system for data object identification in vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
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AI summary

A method at a computing device for finding an association between data objects in a structure, the method including selecting a coordinate location from a grid, the grid defining locations within the structure; finding whether a data object having a data object type is located at the coordinate location; when the data object is located at the coordinate location, associating the data object with other data objects at the coordinate location; and when the data object is not located at the coordinate location: determining through an explicit association that the data object at a second location services the first location; and associating the data object with the coordinate location.