Vehicle Data Format Conversion for Open Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle diagnostic data is typically stored in a closed format by manufacturers, limiting access to third-party devices and applications, as only proprietary software can interpret this data, thereby restricting the ability of a broader community to analyze and innovate with this data.

Innovation Solution

Converting vehicle diagnostic data from a manufacturer-specified format into an open format, such as XML, allowing it to be viewed by standard applications and transmitted to remote devices, thereby providing greater accessibility and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle diagnostic data is stored in a closed manufacturer-specified format, then manufacturer control and proprietary software sales are improved, but data accessibility and third-party analysis capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidproprietary software requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data format into two layers: a standardized open format layer for general accessibility and a proprietary layer for manufacturer-specific features. This allows the core diagnostic data to be accessible to third parties while maintaining compatibility with manufacturer tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates between manufacturer-specified formats and open standard formats. This intermediary layer enables data to be shared across different platforms without requiring proprietary software, while still preserving the original data structure and meaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If proprietary software is required to view vehicle diagnostic data, then manufacturer revenue from additional products and services is improved, but ease of operation and user accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata viewing capabilityVSAvoidadditional products and services required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal open data format that can be viewed and analyzed by any standard application, eliminating the need for proprietary software. The format is designed to be platform-independent and compatible with various tools, allowing technicians to use existing software investments rather than requiring additional manufacturer products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If vehicle diagnostic data is kept in closed format, then manufacturer incentive for increased sales is improved, but innovation and collaboration by broader community deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinnovation capabilityVSAvoiddata sharing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the format parameter from proprietary to open standard while maintaining the essential diagnostic information. This parameter change enables broader community access and innovation while preserving the technical integrity of the vehicle diagnostic data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8918245B2Methods and systems for providing open access to vehicle data

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 SNAP ON INC

AI summary

A method for providing open access to vehicle data is disclosed. From a vehicle under service, the method receives vehicle-diagnostic data in a manufacturer-specified format at a vehicle-service tool, and converts the vehicle data in the manufacturer-specified format into vehicle data in an open format.