Vehicle Diagnosis Text Container for Unit Conversion Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional diagnostic systems for motor vehicles face challenges in managing data units and units conversions, leading to loss of original value integrity and unclear sensor or component origins, especially when dealing with multi-unit and multi-format data across different regions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encapsulating data in a 'text container' within the diagnostic system, allowing for the storage of original values and units, with an authoring system configuring conversions to new units or formats as needed, using XML files for centralized management of conversion rules and language settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data is converted to country-specific units in the diagnostic system, then the display is adapted to local preferences, but the original value integrity is lost and multiple uses in different units become impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay adaptation to local unitsVSAvoidoriginal value integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data representation by separating the original measured value from its unit designation. The diagnostic system stores the raw value and source unit independently, then allows dynamic assignment of target units at different processing levels without altering the original data. This segmentation enables the same original value to be displayed in multiple unit systems simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional layer to data handling by introducing the concept of multiple processing levels (determination level, professional use level, display level). At each level, different target units can be assigned to the same original value, creating a multi-dimensional data structure where the original value coexists with multiple potential unit representations.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If data is converted to different units at different processing levels, then local preferences are accommodated, but it becomes unclear which sensor or component the value originates from

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-unit supportVSAvoidvalue origin tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing the source unit information at the moment of data acquisition in the determination level. The source unit is permanently linked to the original value and remains unchanged throughout subsequent processing, ensuring that the origin of the value is always traceable regardless of how many target units are assigned later at professional use or display levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of the text container that holds both the original value with its source unit and allows assignment of multiple target units. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for multi-unit adaptability and the need for origin tracking, maintaining a clear chain of data provenance while supporting flexible unit conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conversion calculations are performed repeatedly to restore original values, then unit flexibility is maintained, but rounding errors and loss of precision occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunit conversion flexibilityVSAvoidvalue accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the conversion action in reverse at the determination level by storing the original measured value and source unit before any target unit assignment occurs. This preliminary preservation of the unconverted original value eliminates the need for repeated conversion calculations to restore accuracy, as the original precise value is already captured and preserved throughout the processing chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2278424B1Method for operating a diagnosis system for a motor vehicle and diagnosis system for implementing the method
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2278424B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves transferring diagnosis-relevant data from an on-board information system into a diagnosis system (DS). The diagnosis system is configured through an authoring system (AS). A value (W) of a parameter of the diagnosis-relevant data of a motor vehicle (KFZ) is stored after the transfer in the diagnosis system together with a corresponding source unit (QE) and a reference in a text container (TC). A defined target unit is added to the text by the container authoring system. The original value and the source unit remain in the text container.